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    Red Bull make shock Sergio Perez decision days after F1 star suffered horror crash at Monaco Grand Prix

    RED BULL have made a stunning U-turn by agreeing a new contract with Sergio Perez.The Mexican driver, 34, had an uncertain future at the Bulls due to his relative under performance to three-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen.Sergio Perez has signed a new Red Bull deal until 2026Credit: RexHowever, just one week after suffering a horror crash at the Monaco Grand Prix that cost the team “two or three million”, Perez – also known as Checo – has signed a new deal with the team to keep his seat until 2026.A statement on the team’s website said: “Oracle Red Bull Racing is pleased to announce that Checo has committed his future to the Team with a two-year extension to his existing contract.”The likes of Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz had been linked with taking the seat to partner Verstappen from 2025.But it seems Red Bull team bosses wanted a steady pair of hands as they navigate new waters from the 2026 regulation change.READ MORE IN F1Perez has won five races with the team and has 29 podium finishes with three pole positions, including the first by a Mexican F1 driver, and currently sits fifth in the driver standings this year.Team Principal and Red Bull CEO Christian Horner said on the move: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo. “Continuity and stability are important for the Team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the Team in the Championship last year. “Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see. “Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line up and with the Team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close fought Championship this year.”Sergio Pérez thanks fans as he looks forward to Montreal race Perez added: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. “I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years. “Being part of the Team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole Team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it. “I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track. Why do F1 cars come apart so dramatically in a crash?F1 safety has come a long way in it’s 74 year history.
    Indeed, a massive tell of this is the safety features of the cars in the modern era.
    One feature of this is the way the cars break apart in a high-speed crash much like crumple zones seen in road cars.
    F1 cars now break apart during severe collisions as a means of dissipating the kinetic energy away from the driver taken during the incident.
    The cars themselves are built around a monocoque – also known as a “survival cell” – with 2018 seeing the introduction of the halo prominently on top around the drivers head to boost this further.
    This safety cell is made from 6millimetre of exceedingly strong carbon fibre composite with a layer of kevlar, which is penetration resistant and can absorb a huge amount of energy in a crash.
    Meanwhile, the halo was a large reason as to why Romain Grosjean survived his horror crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020.

    “I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more Championships to win together.”Checo’s new deal means half of the available seats for the 2025 season have now been filled.While there were no driver changes between this season and last season, next year has already threw up a number of major driver transfers.Lewis Hamilton stunned the world of motorsport by announcing he was leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari and partner Monaco race winner Charles Leclerc next year.Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg announced he was leaving Haas last week to join Sauber, which may pave the way for Brit teen Ollie Bearman to come into F1.Asides from Red Bull, McLaren are the only team to have already confirmed they are sticking with the same driver line up in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Hamilton is replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, and the Spaniard has been linked with a number of vacant seats on the grid, including Williams.Meanwhile, a separate incident at the Monaco GP saw Esteban Ocon lambasted by bosses at Alpine and has since led to the announcement that he will not carry on with the team next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeorge Russell (Mercedes), Alex Albon (Williams) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) are the only other drivers to have confirmed seats in F1 for 2025.The next race for F1 will get underway in Montreal, Canada – where Hamilton celebrated the first of his record-breaking 103 F1 race wins 17 years ago – on June 9.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
    Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
    Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
    Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
    McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
    Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBC
    Williams: Alex Albon and TBC
    Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
    Alpine: TBC x2
    RB: TBC x2
    Haas: TBC x2 More

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    Esteban Ocon will LEAVE Alpine at end of F1 season after he was attacked over controversial crash with team-mate

    ALPINE have announced that driver Esteban Ocon will leave the team.The Frenchman is set to depart at the end of the 2024 F1 season.Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine at the end of the seasonCredit: RexThe announcement comes days after he crashed with team-mate Pierre GaslyOcon, 27, sees his his contract expire with his spot on the grid next year in jeopardy. He became an Alpine driver four years ago and made history as their first driver to ever win a race.His shock victory came at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.Ocon also earned podium finishes at the Bahrain GP in 2020 and at the 2023 Monaco GP.READ MORE IN F1His departure comes soon after he crashed into team-mate Pierre Gasly during this year’s race around the Principality.Ocon was given a five-place grid penalty at the upcoming Montreal GP for the first round collision.He has since received abuse online, which left him “saddened”. On his departure, Ocon said: “It’s been a significant period of my life to be racing at this team in Formula One. Most read in Motorsport”While I’ve been here for five years as a full-time racing driver, my professional career started at Enstone back when I was a teenager, so it will always be a special place for me.”We have had some great moments together, some tough moments as well, and I am certainly grateful to everyone at the team for these memorable times. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSF1 drivers on the move
    Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari

    The seven-time world champ is set to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in a £100million mega deal 

    Carlos Sainz – Unknown

    Sainz’s spot at Ferrari will be taken by Hamilton. He is expected to be snapped up by another team Nico Hulkenberg

    Nico Hulkenberg – Sauber

    German is leaving Haas and joining Sauber in 2025

    Sergio Perez – ?

    He is yet to sign a new deal at Red Bull with his contract up. Hopeful to agree an extension

    “I will announce my plans very soon but, in the meantime, my full focus is on delivering on track for this team and having a successful remainder of the season.”Team Principal Bruno Famin said: “We would like to firstly thank Esteban for his commitment to the team for the past five years. The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”During his time, we have celebrated some fantastic moments together, the best of which coming at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win.“We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue to work tirelessly as a team to push for the best on-track results. “We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes.”Gasly and Ocon have endured a strained relationship at AlpineCredit: Getty More

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    F1 star Lewis Hamilton reveals he peed himself MID-RACE during Singapore GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed he once peed himself during a race.The Formula One veteran, 39, has taken part in 340 races but only ever peed himself once – during the Singapore Grand Prix a few years ago.Lewis Hamilton revealed he once peed himself during a raceCredit: YouTube/First We FeastDrivers are often forced to relieve themselves during races after taking on plenty of fluid ahead of the race.But Hamilton revealed he is often unable to pee himself, even if he feels discomfort from having a full bladder.During an appearance on Hot Ones, the seven-time world champion said: “I just can’t bring myself to pee myself.”I have once. It was Singapore, oh god. It was two or three years ago. The safety car came out and I was behind the safety car and I was like ‘I’m dying’.READ MORE ON F1″And honestly when your bladder is full, with the G-force you’re pulling it’s the most uncomfortable, it’s really, really uncomfortable you just can’t focus on your job.”I remember trying to go and I really had to force it. It’s really hard, but luckily I haven’t had to do it – only once.”Hamilton said he often loses up to 500ml of fluid during a race – but still does not use his water bottle inside the car.Other F1 drivers have admitted they have also peed themselves mid-race, including Red Bull star Sergio Perez.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis team-mate Max Verstappen once said he came close, while Fernando Alonso has found himself in a similar position to Hamilton – wanting to pee but being unable to.Hamilton once revealed Michael Schumacher regularly peed himself, saying: “The driver that used to drive for the team, was Michael Schumacher, I don’t know if anyone’s heard of him, but legend racing driver, but my mechanics told me he peed every single time he was in the car.”Lewis Hamilton forced to apologise live on TV for huge blunder after causing mayhem at Miami Grand PrixInside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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    World’s sexiest tennis star ‘sings Lewis Hamilton a sad pop song’ as she stuns in elegant outfit after F1 Monaco GP

    MARIA SHARAPOVA stunned in an elegant outfit while she “sang a sad pop song” with Lewis Hamilton.The world’s sexiest tennis ace and the F1 star were pictured together speaking on a panel at the Monaco GP.Maria Sharapova joked that she had been pictured ‘singing Lewis Hamilton a sad pop song’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mariasharapova/Sharapova was in Monaco for the iconic Grand PrixCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mariasharapova/She was dubbed the world’s sexiest tennis player throughout her careerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mariasharapova/Sharapova, 37, shared the picture on her Instagram account along with a few more snaps of her trip.In the pictures she was wearing an stunning red dress made by Stella McCartney.On the snap of the two of them together, she joked that it looked like they were signing a “sad pop song”.She captioned the post: “A few more from Monaco…🏁READ MORE F1 NEWS”Just singing a sad pop song with Lewis Hamilton.”And a hot red @stellamccartney number.”Sharapova is a huge F1 fan and has been a long-time friend of the future Ferrari driver.Her 4.6million followers loved the snaps as they flooded the comment section.Most read in MotorsportOne posted: “Gorgeous in red.”A second commented: “Meeting of the GOATs of their respective sports.”Lewis Hamilton grimaces as he ‘eats a dog biscuit’ in NFL schedule release video for team F1 star part ownsA third wrote: “So much talent in this picture!”A fourth said: “Queen. I would love to hear you sing, though.”Another added: “Maria is definitely singing a Kylie Minogue ballad to Lewis.”The 37-year-old retired in 2020 after claiming over £30million in career prize money.She had even been dubbed the “world’s sexiest tennis star” during her career.Sharapova has since regularly shown off her bold outfit choices on social media to the delight of her 4.6million Instagram followers.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wowed fans earlier this month with a “fairy tale” dress at the Met Gala in New York.Meanwhile, Sharapova also rocked another bold outfit on a recent awards show red carpet as she turned heads at the event.Sharapova is a big F1 fanCredit: SplashAnd she loves to spend time on the catwalkCredit: RexShe has built up a huge online followingCredit: SplashThe tennis star has 4.6million followers on InstagramCredit: Rex🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Three ways F1 can fix major Monaco GP problem after Sunday’s dreadful procession… including SMALLER CARS

    FORMULA ONE has a sizable problem and it’s called the Monaco Grand Prix.While MotoGP basked in yet another epic race and the Indy 500 sprint to the line was heart-in-the-mouth stuff, Sunday’s F1 procession in Monte Carlo was dreadful.The Monte Carlo Grand Prix was a processionCredit: GettyI always say that you know it has been a decent race when you hear people in public talking about the weekend’s action.As I queued for my flight home at Nice Airport, the discussion among fellow passengers is usually all about where people watched the race, but yesterday all I heard were moans and groans.Take nothing away from Charles Leclerc and his maiden win in his home race, but F1 has a problem when the leading driver is told to “slow down” to save his tyres.It was also the first time in F1 history that the top 10 cars all finished in the same order they started.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIn total there were two overtakes. TWO.Yes, you can argue this was a result of the first-lap accident involving Sergio Perez that saw the race stopped and all the leading drivers change on to the hard tyre, however, when the world’s eyes are on it, the sport simply cannot afford to have a situation where it is made to look so silly.So what can be done? There are a number of options.The preferred choice would be to have smaller cars.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe current models are too wide and heavy that overtaking is not possible on such a narrow circuit.But given Monaco is unique, perhaps another element would be a bespoke set of tyre compounds which force teams to make more frequent pitstops.Monaco Grand Prix narrowly avoids catastrophe after devastating F2 near miss leaves Oliver Bearman stunnedIt would certainly liven up the strategy side of things, but that all feels someone manufactured and a case of simply papering over the cracks.Another option is to change the circuit.This was suggested by Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who pointed out that the Principality is reclaiming land from the sea and should consider ways of expanding the track.He said: “It’s something that we should collectively have a look at. It’s not racing as such when you’re just driving around three or four seconds off the pace because the other car hasn’t got any chance of overtaking.”Monaco is such a great place to come racing. But the cars are so big now that we just need to look at ‘can we do something that introduces an overtaking area’ or at least the potential of an overtake.”Monaco keeps reclaiming land! It’s such a great place, so much history here, but everything evolves.”The cars are so big now, if you compare them to cars of ten years ago they’re almost twice the size.”And finally, the other option of smaller cars, alternative tyres and an improved track aren’t viable – then let’s bin it altogether.There are no shortages of venues queuing up to host F1 races and, judging by the comments of my fellow passengers, there is a feeling that Monaco is no longer fit for purpose.Pizza was the secret for the victorious Charles LeclercCredit: RexCHARLES LECLERC said he treated himself to a pizza on the eve of breaking his Monaco duck, so perhaps he should stick to it more often.After his victory, he said: “I ate like crazy on Saturday night. I actually got in late at home and it was too late to couldn’t cook, so I ordered my favourite pizza.”It’s not the best preparation to race normally, but I was like, ‘OK, maybe mentally it will help me to take the pressure off a little bit’. And yeah, that’s it. I slept really well.”When asked what pizza he went for, he added: “Pizza Margherita with prosciutto crudo. Never pineapple.”Bagnaia made up for an earlier error to win in BarcelonaCredit: RexRED BULL will total up the cost of Sergio Perez’s huge crash in Monaco, which miraculously saw him escape with just a grazed arm.The first lap shunt sent F1 photographers scrambling for cover, as the wreckage was flung in their direction.Fortunately nobody was seriously hurt, although one casualty is the gearbox on Perez’s car, which was competing in its final GP before being replaced and had been christened ‘Donna’ by the team’s mechanics.Perez’s car, and gearbox, is no moreCredit: RexFRANCESCO BAGNAIA won a thrilling Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya at Barcelona. The MotoGP world champion made an error during the Saturday sprint race but made amends on Sunday. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez continued to enjoy his revival by taking third place, despite starting P14 on the grid. The Gresini Racing rider now has three podiums in a row.READ MORE SUN STORIESNewgarden won a thrilling Indy 500Credit: GettyJOSEF NEWGARDEN won the Indy 500 with a last lap overtake on McLaren’s Pato O’Ward.Newgarden is the first back-to-back winner of the Indy 500 since Helio Castroneves 22 years ago and gave Roger Penske a 20th win in the famous race.SUNSPORT’S TRANSFER NEWS LIVESTAY in the know this summer with The Sun’s transfer experts.
    Bayern Munich line up sensational transfer for Jack Grealish to team up with Harry Kane under ex-Man City star Vincent Kompany
    Aston Villa are reportedly close to resigning Ross Barkley on a permandent basis.
    Arsenal ‘want to sign a new striker BEFORE their pre-season tour’.
    Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives. More

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    Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko reveals staggering cost to repair Sergio Perez’s car after Monaco smash and slams stewards

    THE eye-watering cost of Sergio Perez’s horror crash at the Monaco Grand Prix has been revealed.Perez started down in 16th for the race after a poor qualifying session, but was then involved in a terrifying 160mph three-car pile up on lap one of he race.Sergio Perez’s car was left in a mess after a horror Monaco Grand Prix crashCredit: GettyHelmut Marko has revealed how much the damage has cost the teamCredit: AlamyOn the way up the Beau Rivage to turn two, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen tagged Perez’s rear-right wheel as he was squeezed against the wall and left with no room to escape.This saw Perez, 34, spin violently into the wall and collect Magnussen, before he collided with a barrier with the momentum of the crash spinning his car around before he clipped Nico Hulkenberg as well.The incident left debris scattered both on and off the track, with the flying debris catching one photographer and sending them to the hospital.Stewards deemed the crash to be a racing incident and did not apply punishment to anyone.READ MORE IN F1Perez’s car was also left in a state, with the violent crash seeing his car tear in half, with only the monocoque – or “survival cell” – where the Mexican was seated remaining intact.And Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has now revealed the financial cost of the crash to the team.Speaking to Sky Germany, the 81-year-old said: “Am I surprised Magnussen wasn’t penalised?”I’m actually surprised by how quickly the stewards managed to put the incident behind them.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But first of all, it was very dangerous. And second of all, the damage to the RB20 is two or three million. This is a big handicap for us with the budget cap.”Perez echoed the critical sentiment of Marko when asked about the crash.F1 photographer rushed to hospital after being struck by flying debris following shocking first-lap crash at Monaco GP He said: “This was more dangerous driving, just to keep it flat out knowing that there was going to come contact at some point.”I think that was some dangerous driving. Why do F1 cars come apart so dramatically in a crash?F1 safety has come a long way in it’s 74 year history.
    Indeed, a massive tell of this is the safety features of the cars in the modern era.
    One feature of this is the way the cars break apart in a high-speed crash much like crumple zones seen in road cars.
    F1 cars now break apart during severe collisions as a means of dissipating the kinetic energy away from the driver taken during the incident.
    The cars themselves are built around a monocoque – also known as a “survival cell” – with 2018 seeing the introduction of the halo prominently on top around the drivers head to boost this further.
    This safety cell is made from 6millimetre of exceedingly strong carbon fibre composite with a layer of kevlar, which is penetration resistant and can absorb a huge amount of energy in a crash.
    Meanwhile, the halo was a large reason as to why Romain Grosjean survived his horror crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020.

    “We need to ask for a reason why it’s not been investigated because without an investigation we don’t get a reason why it wasn’t a penalty. I’m really surprised.”Magnussen is two penalty points off of receiving a race ban, though he insisted Perez should have given him more room before the collision.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    F1 photographer rushed to hospital after being struck by flying debris following shocking first-lap crash at Monaco GP

    A PHOTOGRAPHER was rushed to hospital after being hit by flying debris following the horror crash at the Monaco Grand Prix.During Sunday’s Formula One race in Monte Carlo, three cars were involved in a shocking first-lap pile up.Sergio Perez was involved in a multi-car pile up on lap one of the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: GettyPerez’s car was left as a wreck following the crashCredit: RexThe safety barriers showed the violence of the crashCredit: GettyDebris had been flung over the top of the barriers as a resultCredit: AlamyA f1 photographer was seen laying on the floor with debris littered around themCredit: FacebookLook how everyone near the fence gets hit by debris from the crash between Checo and Magnussen. That was super dangerous and I’m just glad no one got hurt. IG: alexandraborchio#MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/WcrurBmdvI— Marie🌸LET’S GO CHECO! (@ma_fe79) May 26, 2024

    Red Bull driver Sergio Perez was tagged by Haas driver Kevin Magnussen on the inside of the track when heading up the Beau Rivage on the way to turn two.The shocking 160mph crash saw Perez’s rear right wheel clipped by Magnussen before he violently spun to the right and into the wall before the momentum took him further up the track.Fellow Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg was then caught up in the madness as Perez’s car caught him and sent him spinning around.The track was left covered in debris in the aftermath, while Perez’s car was left without any of it’s wheels and only the monocoque left intact.READ MORE IN F1It’s magnitude was so potent that debris spilled over the top of the safety barriers, leading to a lengthy delay as the barriers were repaired.The drivers miraculously escaped with no injuries, but one F1 photographer was caught by debris.Why do F1 cars come apart so dramatically in a crash?F1 safety has come a long way in it’s 74 year history.
    Indeed, a massive tell of this is the safety features of the cars in the modern era.
    One feature of this is the way the cars break apart in a high-speed crash much like crumple zones seen in road cars.
    F1 cars now break apart during severe collisions as a means of dissipating the kinetic energy away from the driver taken during the incident.
    The cars themselves are built around a monocoque – also known as a “survival cell” – with 2018 seeing the introduction of the halo prominently on top around the drivers head to boost this further.
    This safety cell is made from 6millimetre of exceedingly strong carbon fibre composite with a layer of kevlar, which is penetration resistant and can absorb a huge amount of energy in a crash.
    Meanwhile, the halo was a large reason as to why Romain Grosjean survived his horror crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020.

    A picture after the crash showed one person in a hunch on the floor by the track with debris littered around them. One Italian photographer was taken to hospital over fears of a possible injury.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFortunately, they were later released with the FIA confirming the photographer had not suffered any “open wounds”.The photographer then returned to the circuit and was able to resume his duties.Inside Conor Murray’s VIP experience at glamorous Monaco F1 Grand Prix alongside fellow Ireland legendStewards deemed there to be no investigation necessary for the crash, judging it to be a racing incident which ensured no driver received a punishment for their involvement.Charles Leclerc eventually took first place in his home race, ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz.However, the race was slammed for being a procession, with even Max Verstappen, who came sixth, joking that he has “wished he’d brought his pillow”.Footage showed how debris flung over the barrier and came down on trackside photographersCredit: Instagram / @alexandraborchioOne photographer was taken to hospital following the incident over fear of injuryCredit: Instagram / @alexandraborchioThe FIA later confirmed they were okayCredit: Instagram / @alexandraborchio🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Charles Leclerc wins dull Monaco Grand Prix after red flag as even Verstappen fumes ‘I should have brought my pillow’

    CHARLES LECLERC ended his Monaco jinx with a victory in his home race.But in truth this was a massively dull race with ZERO overtaking in the top 10, and the cars placed from first to 10th finished in exactly the same order they started.Charles Leclerc won the Monaco Grand Prix on SundayCredit: ReutersA dull race saw zero overtaking in the top 10Credit: GettyPerhaps the biggest shock was seeing Ferrari not stuff it up for once, as Monte-Carlo born Leclerc took the chequered flag.The procession through the streets would not dampen his mood or that of his Italian team.But it again raises the question whether this race should remain on the F1 calendar at all.The cars are too big, the circuit is too narrow.READ MORE IN F1And at the halfway point while leading Leclerc was told to “slow down a bit” by his team as it became a game of driving so slowly to save tyre life.It is simply incredible that a premier racing class should feature such instructions but here we are.At one point, Max Verstappen, who started and finished in sixth, radioed his team and said: “F*** me! This is really boring, I should have bought my pillow.”The on track “action” boiled down to a first lap crash that saw the race stopped when Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez made contact at 150mph.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs the two cars tangled at speed the wreckage also collected Nico Hulkenberg to cause a three-car pile up.The incident was not initially caught by the TV director as pictures showed Carlos Sainz locking up from third place, temporarily promoting Lando Norris to third.Monaco Grand Prix narrowly avoids catastrophe after devastating F2 near miss leaves Oliver Bearman stunnedThe most dramatic incident came in a first-lap crashCredit: Sky SportsSergio Perez’s car was a complete wreckCredit: GettyThe narrow course made it difficult for overtakingCredit: GettyHowever, the stewards threw the stop flag as soon as they became aware of the wreckage caused by Perez’s smash.Incredibly, and somewhat perplexingly, there was no further action from the stewards, who deemed the first lap smash a racing incident.There was also contact between the two Alpine drivers at turn eight as they banged wheels sending Esteban Ocon into the air.”What did he do? Why did he try to attack me! Oh my gosh,” said Gasly over the radio. “The whole car is damaged now!”PSG star Kylian Mbappe waved the chequered flagCredit: GettyLeclerc was delighted as he sealed victoryCredit: GettyFerrari are hoping to challenge for the title this termCredit: GettyOcon retired from the race and was subsequently hit with a five-place penalty for the next race in Canada.He later apologised on social media, saying: “Today’s incident was my fault, the gap was too small in the end and I apologise to the team on this.”Sainz was given third on the grid for the restart, as Norris bumped back down to fourth.In the following one hour and 44 minutes nothing happened for the drivers driving at reduced capacity of their brilliant machines.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeclerc took the win as Oscar Piastri finished second while Sainz was third.Norris was in fourth ahead of George Russell and Verstappen while Lewis Hamilton was seventh.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More