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    ‘Worse than showed on TV’ – Christian Horner brutally BOOED at F1 launch event in London a year on from sext scandal

    CHRISTIAN HORNER was brutally booed at the F1 75 launch event at the O2 Arena in London.Fans filled the arena to watch all ten Formula One teams reveal car liveries and driver racesuits for the upcoming season.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was booed by the O2 Arena crowd at the F1 75 launch eventCredit: GettyIt came a year on from when he was embroiled in a sexting scandalCredit: SplashThe event saw a number of speeches from team principals as they looked to the season ahead.But when Red Bull boss Horner took to the stage he was greeted by a chorus of boos.Horner, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Horner, is a divisive figure among F1 fans due to his controversial way of handling team issues both internally and with rivals.The 51-year-old has previously been dubbed a “Karen” due to his incessant complaining against other teams when Red Bull have not been dominant.READ MORE IN F1Meanwhile, his handling of Sergio Perez last year did not win anyone over to his side either.Clips of the crowd reaction were shared on social media, with one fan remarking: “Oh my god the booing for Christian Horner was even worse than they showed on TV.”A second viewer said: “He’s genuinely disliked.”A third said: “Not loud enough.”Most read in MotorsportAnother said: “Love this.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast year, Horner was involved in a stunning power struggle at Red Bull after he was embroiled in a sexting scandal in which an employee accused him of making suggestive remarks.The former member of staff launched an appeal after a judge cleared Horner of wrongdoing in March – with the appeal also being thrown out.Gordon Ramsay has his mic muted after making X-rated outburst at F1 75 Live launch event In a statement last August, his team said: “The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. “All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld.”The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.” More

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    ‘He’s about to get fined’ – Gordon Ramsay has his mic muted after making X-rated outburst at F1 75 Live launch event

    GORDON RAMSAY was hilariously CENSORED at the F1 75 launch event as he gave his thoughts on the FIA’s controversial crackdown on swearing.The celebrity, well-known for his potty mouth, is also a huge Formula One fan and is often seen in attendance at races.Gordon Ramsay was muted as he swore when discussing the FIA’s new rulesCredit: TwitterNew rules championed by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will see drivers hit with heavy fines for foul languageCredit: GettyAnd Ramsay, 58, was a special guest during the new F1’s season’s special launch event at the O2 Arena in London, which paid homage to the motorsport’s milestone 75th anniversary.The night saw the liveries of the ten teams revealed, also giving fans a chance to see the drivers in their new racesuits including Lewis Hamilton, who was in Ferrari colours for the first time.One of the big talking points ahead of the new F1 season is a further crackdown on swearing by the FIA, the sport’s governing body.Asked for his opinion on the rules by comedian-turned-presenter Jack Whitehall, Ramsay said: “Come on Jack you’re going to get me into trouble.READ MORE IN F1″I think it’s an industry language, the fact that these athletes are pushing themselves to the extreme and sometimes it comes out, let them be real. Let it go.”They’re risking their life everytime, they’re travelling at over 200mph so if the s*** hits the fan.”But Ramsay’s microphone was cut-out as soon as he began to say the word “s***”.Whitehall joked: “Gordon please. You’re not getting invited back next year.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe incident was clearly pre-planned but fans loved it on social media.One fan said: “Gordon Ramsay about to get fined.”Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleAnother said: “Gordon Ramsay about to get fined.”While a third said: “Just when I couldn’t love Gordon Ramsay anymore. He absolutely cooked.”The perceived over-policing of the rules last season led to clashes between F1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, and the FIA after drivers were fined for swearing during media activities.However, new rules announced in January are set to see an even heavier punishments.A continued offence for swearing could see drivers hit with a €120,000 (£101.5k) fine, a one-month ban and an unspecified number of championship points.The first such case under these rules happened last weekend when World Rally Car driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 (£8,300) for using inappropriate language during a live post-stage interview.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis included an additional suspended fine of €20,000 (£16,600).During a press conference at the launch event, Verstappen was asked about the new rules, to which he went full Jose Mourinho by saying he prefers not to speak. More

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    I’m one sentence away from ending my career at all times – it’s car crash TV and I’m terrified, admits F1 legend

    FORMULA 1 legend Martin Brundle has branded his famous grid walk interviews “car crash TV” and admits he’s walking a career tightrope.The racing driver-turned-broadcaster, 65, prowls the racing grids in the moments before each race looking for superstar VIPs to interview.Martin Brundle pictured at F1 75 Live in LondonCredit: GettyMartin had a tough time getting answers from Cara Delevingne at SilverstoneCredit: Sky Sports F1Over the years, many have gone viral – from Ozzy Osbourne rambling at him incoherently to a very awkward exchange with Machine Gun Kelly about his music career.Sometimes celebs refuse to engage altogether like when Cara Delevingne controversially shunned him at the 2023 British GP, and he’s even been bundled from the race track by security.The chaotic, unscripted nature of his interviews has left him terrified it could all come crashing down on him live on air.In an exclusive interview with The Sun at F1 75 Live at London’s O2 Arena, he said: “I’m one sentence away from the end of my career at all times, or being cancelled.READ MORE ON MARTIN BRUNDLE”I’m terrified of the whole thing, because it’s live and it’s just pure car crash television. “Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Thee Stallion, I don’t know, getting knocked about by security guards. They’re the ones that people like.”And then I meet some really lovely, fascinating, world-class people, politicians and royalty and movie stars, and I’m very privileged with the people I meet on the grid.”Often celebrity guests admit to knowing nothing about the sport, something that drives die-hard fans who could only dream of being amongst the drivers on race day up the wall.Most read in Motorsport”I understand that,” said Brundle. “Because we watch Formula 1 year in, year out, racing ourselves, and they’re on the grid and they actually don’t know anything about it, and quite clearly don’t really want to be there.”They’re just selling a movie or something. I get that, but for Formula 1, they are A-listers.” ‘I’m in charge round here’ – F1 reporter Martin Brundle brushes off security to get to Mbappe for live TV interviewThe racing veteran, who spent 12 years as an F1 driver from 1984 to 1996, said that there are occasions when many lucky enough to be on the guest list don’t even turn up, with the new Las Vegas track a particular victim of no shows. He said: “I get a list through on it, race morning, with 70 people on it. Half of them don’t turn up, but you get through and you’re like, ‘I’ve not heard of many of those’. Oh, 65 million followers on Instagram. Oh, 140 million followers on Instagram.”How did I not hear of these people? Clearly somebody has. I think it’s all part of the incoming tide, all the boats float higher. That’s part of why something like this works today, and it hasn’t happened in the past.”Last night’s celebration of the sport’s 75th anniversary saw all 10 F1 teams unveil their 2025 liveries ahead of the new season.A spectacular production gave each team their moment in the spotlight to show off their driver partnerships and new look cars.Host Jack Whitehall brought the laughs, while the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Kane Brown and Take That provided music.He met his match when he tried interviewing Megan Thee StallionCredit: Sky SportOzzy Osbourne made little sense when Martin interview him in 2003Credit: ITVThe most anticipated moment of the night was the chance to see Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red for the first time.He certainly looked the part and Martin believes the move from Mercedes will reinvigorate the seven-time world champion.He said: “I think Lewis will be energised completely. He’s faster. Think back to Silverstone last year, think back to Las Vegas last year.”Lewis was fast as, and I think he’ll want to show everybody he’s made yet another good decision. “He’s got his hands full because Charles Leclerc is very fast. All the youngsters there, they’re barely half his age, some of them, and they’re fast and they’re fearless.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think he’s got a lot of hard work ahead, but I would never write Lewis out of my mind.”Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton will be re-energised this year, according to MartinCredit: PA More

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    Max Verstappen goes full Jose Mourinho in controversial press conference just weeks before start of new F1 season

    MAX VERSTAPPEN channelled his inner Jose Mourinho during his press conference last night.The reigning world champion was appearing at Formula 1’s 2025 season launch event at the 02 Arena.Max Verstappen appeared at a press conference at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyVerstappen, 27, was at Formula 1’s season launch eventCredit: GettyDuring his presser, Verstappen was quizzed about the FIA’s controversial new swearing rules.As part of its International Sporting Code, motorsport’s governing body has outlawed “any words, deeds, or writing that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally interest of motorsport on the values defender by the FIA.”Drivers will be slapped with a €10,000 (£7,900) fine for a first offence.A second penalty will be met with a $20,000 (£15,800) fine and a one-month suspended ban.READ MORE IN SPORTIf they breach rules for a third time, they will receive a one-month suspension, $30,000 (£23,700) fine AND a championship points deduction.Last year, Verstappen was made to complete community service in Rwanda after swearing in his Singapore Grand Prix press conference.Asked about the new rules on swearing last night, he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”The moment was reminiscent of Mourinho’s famous “if I speak I’m in big trouble” post-match interview.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMourinho delivered his famous line after a defeat to Aston VillaHe said the famous line after a 1-0 Chelsea defeat to Aston Villa in March 2014.Verstappen went on to add: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, I think that says enough.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style”I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.”Verstappen’s rival George Russell took a different stance.He said: “As an individual it’s going quite far with everything.”As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this [press conference].”The season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16. More

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    We won’t go back to being best mates’ – George Russell no longer speaking to Max Verstappen after F1 feud

    GEORGE RUSSELL has “no intention” of burying the hatchet with Max Verstappen following their explosive row last season.The pair went to war in last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, with the British 27-year-old claiming Verstappen threatened to put his “f***ing head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix.George Russell says he didn’t speak to Max Verstappen over the winterCredit: AlamyRussell and Verstappen fell out after clashing at the Qatar GPCredit: GettyFour-time world champ Verstappen was branded a “bully” by Russell — with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling the Brit a “backstabber” and “loser” after he won the race, with his Mercedes rival trailing in fourth.Russell — speaking at Tuesday night’s  F1 75 event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary at London’s O2 Arena — said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest.“That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.READ MORE IN F1“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Most read in MotorsportThe situation between the pair is set to remain frostyCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Verstappen admitted he will put the issue to one side. He said: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Meanwhile, the Dutchman laid into the FIA for their new extreme swearing rules for the upcoming campaign, urging them to focus on more important issues.F1 star Ollie Bearman gets suited up ready for the 2025 season driving for Haas F1 Team Fines will range from  £34,000 to £152k, while Championship points can be docked and race bans  handed out for repeat offenders.In Singapore last year,  Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to complete community work after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.The 27-year-old said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of Formula One cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”Lando Norris revealed he expects McLaren to bounce backCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, British McLaren driver Lando Norris says his team have “no excuses” if they are not  competing at the front of the grid right from the off this season.McLaren won their first constructors’ championship since 1998 last year but Norris was runner-up to  Verstappen, 63 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.Red Bull had dominated the first five races which ultimately  left Norris with a mountain to climb.With the countdown to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 underway, he said: “After last year  we have no excuses, I guess.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past we’ve had our fair share but honest and true excuses.“This year we  don’t  have any, we have nothing to hide behind.“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything  it takes to fight at the top and be  the best.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton arrives in style on red carpet at glamorous F1 02 car launch as he prepares for new season with Ferrari

    LEWIS HAMILTON hit the red carpet in style at Formula One’s 75th anniversary event.All ten teams and 20 drivers descended on London’s O2 Arena tonight for a glamorous ceremony.Lewis Hamilton looked dapper alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic VasseurCredit: GettyHamilton wore a red tie in a nod to his new team FerrariCredit: AFPThe Ferrari team arrived in a luxury Ferrari PurosangueCredit: GettyDespite leaving Mercedes, Hamilton was all smiles with Toto Wolff and George RussellCredit: GettyRed Bull chief Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell were dressed to impressCredit: AFPPresenter Naomi Schiff looked glamorous in a dressCredit: ReutersHamilton, who has signed a £100million two-year deal with Ferrari, arrived in stunning fashion.The seven-time world champion, new team-mate Charles Leclerc and principal Frederic Vasseur pulled up to the red carpet in a Ferrari Purosangue car worth around £313,000.Hamilton was dressed to impress, wearing a stylish black coat, a red tie in a nod to his new team and cool sunglasses.Despite switching Mercedes for Ferrari, Hamilton was seen having a friendly conversation with Toto Wolff and George Russell.READ MORE IN F1The new Mercedes line-up featuring Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and reserve driver Valteri Bottas posed together.Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso all arrived in supercars and looked dapper in suits.Away from the drivers, Red Bull chief Christian Horner and Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell also caught the eye.Motorsport presenter Naomi Schiff stunned in a low-cut dress.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSchiff posed with singer Sam RyderCredit: GettyThe Ramsay family were also at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyThe event was hosted by comic Jack WhitehallCredit: APHorner and his Spice Girl wife were seen alongside Whitehall on the red carpetCredit: GettyMax Verstappen arrived with new team-mate Liam LawsonCredit: GettyFormer drivers Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell were having a great nightCredit: EPAOther celebs like Gordon Ramsay, his wife Tara and daughter Holly, reality star Maura Higgins, rapper Giggs, singer Sam Ryder and Olympian Dina Asher-Smith were all in attendance.The F1 75 event saw all teams unveil their liveries ahead of the 2025 season that begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall and there were performances from Take That, Kane Brown, MGK and Brian Tyler.Maura Higgins wore a bold outfit at the eventCredit: RexLando Norris pulled up in an eye-catching McLarenCredit: GettyFernando Alonso is set for another season with Aston MartinCredit: AFPSprinter Dina Asher-Smith stunned in a colourful dressCredit: GettyGiggs looked stylish in a luxury suitCredit: AFPTeam Haas of Esteban Ocon, Ayao Komatsu and Oliver Bearman attended in a Rolls-RoyceCredit: Getty More

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    F1 star Ollie Bearman, 19, reveals how he FAILED his driving test as he gears up for first full season on grid

    HAAS rookie Ollie Bearman FAILED his driving test on the first attempt – despite being an F2 racer at the time.The 19-year-old burst onto the Formula One scene last year when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Oliver Bearman has revealed how he failed his driving testCredit: GettySainz was forced to withdraw from the event after being diagnosed with appendicitis and undergoing surgery.In replacing the Spaniard, Bearman became the youngest-ever driver to compete for Ferrari.He qualified in 11th but managed to earn points in the race by finishing seventh.Just four months after his F1 debut, the teenager earned a permanent seat with Haas and signed a multi-year contract.Read More in FootballHe is now gearing up for his first full season on the grid.Ahead of the 2025 launch event at the 02 Arena in London, Bearman was questioned about his driving test.Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft – also known as Crofty – asked him if he had passed.The Haas star responded: “Luckily I passed it a few years ago since you can pass at 17 here, not 18, like in Italy, I did pass second time.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCrofty then went on to ask why he failed, to which Bearman replied: “I didn’t stop at a stop sign.”But I didn’t blow it. I slowed down, but you know, like I was crawling, but you’re meant to stop.”F1 season to launch with never-before-seen event in London Bearman will partner Esteban Ocon for Haas this season.Both will be in attendance at F1’s launch event on Tuesday evening. More

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    F1 stars’ dizzying 2025 salaries revealed with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton earning nearly DOUBLE nearest rival

    MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lewis Hamilton top the list of Formula One’s highest earners – as they prepare for another Championship battle. Seven-time world champion Hamilton is preparing to make his Ferrari debut after a shock switch from Mercedes.Max Verstappen remains F1’s top dog – both on the track and earningsCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton has made the switch to Ferrari for the upcoming seasonCredit: SplashIt leaves George Russell as Mercedes’ top driver – and he has the salary to prove itCredit: GettyHamilton will be behind the wheel for the first time at the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.And it sees him earning a staggering £48million ($60m) as he targets an eighth world crown.Reigning champion Verstappen will pocket the most cash in 2025 – just as he did last year. READ MORE ON F1The Dutchman is given £52m-a-year ($65m) by Red Bull, with his current deal running for a further three seasons.In sharp contrast, Verstappen’s new teammate Liam Lawson, 23, will pocket just £800,000 ($1m)Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc bags £27m ($34m), over £20m less than new team-mate Hamilton.While George Russell, now the top dog at Mercedes, will earn a cool £12m ($15m).Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLando Norris had a season to remember in 2024 with four wins and a second-placed overall finish. His lucrative deal with McLaren runs until next year – and he currently bags £16m ($20m) in annual salary.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia At the other end of the spectrum, both Jack Doohan of Alpine and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar will take home £700,000 ($850k) this year.And Lance Stroll’s open contract with Aston Martin sees the 26-year-old earn £2.3m ($3m) each season.Verstappen’s dominance of the sport in recent years has seen him win four consecutive titles. He won nine races last year – the least of any of the last four seasons. Verstappen admitted: “Last year has been challenging at times.”Of course, we had a lot of good moments, of course, also some tough moments.”I hope that we can be, let’s say, a little bit more stable and a little bit more all-round throughout the season.”Ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone recently gave his opinion on whether Hamilton could challenge Verstappen in his Ferrari.And the 94-year-old pulled no punches with his response.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “Hamilton won’t last [two years].F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon”Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing.”I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Verstappen and Hamilton will join the rest of the F1 drivers for a special event on February 18. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams are coming together to unveil their new liveries.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2025 F1 1 season begins with a double-header, starting with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.Just a week later, Shanghai will host the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23. More