F1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 100 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who is Michael Schumacher’s former bodyguard Markus Fritsche?

      by

      MARKUS Fritsche is a former security officer who worked for Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. But in a sickening turn of events, Fritsche is facing legal proceedings over an alleged blackmail plot.Markus Fritsche is the former security guard for the Schumachers who allegedly plotted to blackmail the familyCredit: facebookBouncer Yilmaz Tozturkan was also accused of being involved in the schemeIn December 2013, Michale Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the exclusive French resort of MeribelCredit: AFPWho is Markus Fritsche?Markus Fritsch was employed by the Schumacher family for eight years, including the period after Schumacher’s tragic skiing accident in December 2013.During his time working for the Schumacher family, the 53 year old had access to private and confidential information, including medical records, photographs and videos.The relationship drastically declined as Corinna was forced to let Markus go due to changes to her husband’s care plan.This allegedly turned him bitter as he started to hatch a plan to extort the Schumacher family, MailOnline reports.more on Michael SchumacherIn a shocking turn of events, Fritsche is now facing serious legal troubles.He is accused of stealing approximately 1,500 photographs and 200 videos from the Schumacher family’s home in Switzerland.Prosecutors allege that Fritsche took four USB sticks and two hard drives containing this sensitive information.Blackmail plotFritsche supposedly didn’t act alone in this alleged crime.Most read in MotorsportHe is accused of conspiring with two others: Yilmaz Tozturkan, a 53-year-old nightclub bouncer whom Fritsche has known for over 20 years, and Tozturkan’s 30-year-old son Daniel Lins.The trio allegedly hatched a plan to blackmail the Schumacher family for £12million.Their scheme involved threatening to release the stolen information on the dark web if their demands were not met.Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyerThe blackmail attempt began on June 3, 2024, when Tozturkan allegedly made a phone call to the Schumacher family using a withheld number.When asked for proof, the conspirators sent an email a week later containing four images and their ransom demands.Arrest and legal proceedingsInstead of complying with the blackmailers’ demands, the Schumacher family contacted Swiss police.Authorities were able to trace the call, leading to the arrest of Fritsche, Tozturkan and Lins on June 19, 2024.I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I’m sorryMarkus FritscheCourt statementThe trial of the three men started on December 10, 2024 in Wuppertal, Germany.While addressing the lawyer for Schumacher’s wife Corinna during the trial, Fritsche reportedly said: “I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I’m sorry.”Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Tozturkan said he had done nothing wrong and that it was all to help out a poor nurse.His son Daniel has accepted his role in the affair but is claiming he had no knowledge of the content being sent as part of the plot.Michael’s wife Corinna has protected protected the F1 great’s privacy sing the horrific accidentCredit: AFPFritsche and Tozturkan are charged with extortion, while Lins is accused of aiding and abetting extortion.Prosecutors are seeking at least four years in jail for the accused, though the large sum involved could result in longer sentences if they are found guilty.Privacy concernsThis case highlights the ongoing struggle the Schumacher family faces in maintaining their privacy.Since Michael’s skiing accident in 2013, the family has kept details about his condition extremely private.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis blackmail attempt is not the first time they have faced such threats — in 2017, another individual was given a suspended sentence for threatening harm to Michael’s son Mick.The stolen files allegedly include photographs, videos and medication lists, as well as Michael’s complete medical history. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 legend Eddie Jordan, 76, reveals he is battling ‘aggressive’ cancer as he urges ‘go and get tested’

      by

      EDDIE JORDAN has opened up on his battle with cancer after being diagnosed earlier this year.The Formula 1 legend has prostate and bladder cancer, which has spread aggressively in the past few months.Eddie Jordan spoke about his battle with cancerCredit: SplashThe former driver competed in F2 and F3Credit: GettyJordan owned an F1 team for 14 years and gave Michael Schumacher his debutCredit: GettyJordan, 76, revealed he went through some “dark days” as the cancer spread to different parts of his body.He urged people to go out and get tested and spoke about the importance of looking after one’s body.In an appearance on his Formula For Success podcast, which he hosts alongside David Coulthard, Jordan said: “We’ve kind of alluded to it David, over the shows. Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer.”And then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive. And we’ve all heard about our wonderful friend Sir Chris Hoy, who is an absolute megastar, and he [was] coming out and talking about illness such as like what I’ve got, but he’s a far younger man.READ MORE IN F1″But this is a little message for all the anchors and everybody listening to this: don’t wait or put it off. “Go and get tested, because in life you’ve got chances and there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it.”Don’t be stupid, don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing – look after your body, guys.“We’ll move on, but yes, some very dark days in there – but we pulled out of it, thankfully.”Most read in MotorsportHe has worked as a pundit in F1 since 2009Credit: GettyJordan also spoke Chris Hoy’s diagnosisCredit: GettyHoy, 48, opened up on his cancer diagnosis by revealing doctors have given him just four years to live.Like Hoy, Jordan is also a legend in his field and although he never drove in F1, he did race in F2, F3 and Formula Atlantic, as well as 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981.Ten years later he did finally make it to F1 with his Jordan Grand Prix team, and gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut in 1991.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPJordan Grand Prix raced in F1 until 2005, and achieved its best ever result in 1998 when Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished first and second at the Belgian Grand Prix.The team was sold in 2005 and rebranded as MF1 Racing a year later before becoming Force India and later Racing Point and now Aston Martin.Jordan returned to F1 in 2009 as a pundit for BBC Sport’s Grand Prix and later joined Channel 4 in 2016.He’s also been a regular pundit on Sky Sports over the years.He was awarded an honorary OBE by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his services to charity and motor racing in 2012.In 2016 he joined the cast of presenters on Top Gear, who at the time included Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.The signs of bladder cancer you should knowThere are around 10,500 new bladder cancer cases in the UK every year, according to Cancer Research.That’s 29 every day, making it the 11th most common form of cancer in the UK.Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer, causing 45 per cent of cases in the UK.But exposure to other chemicals, including industrial, is also known to be a cause. Sometimes the cause of bladder cancer is not known.Around six in 10 cases are in people aged 75 or over, with a steep rise in risk from age 50.The signs of bladder cancerBlood in urine: This is the most common sign. It might not be obvious and may come and go. It might look like streaks of blood, or brown urine.A need to urinate moreA burning sensation when passing urinePelvic painBone painUnintentional weight lossSwelling of the legs What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:needing to pee more frequently, often during the nightneeding to rush to the toiletdifficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)straining or taking a long time while peeingweak flowfeeling that your bladder has not emptied fullyblood in urine or blood in semenSource: NHSSpeaking in mid-October about his health, the multi-millionaire revealed that he underwent tests as part of taking part in a cycling event in South Africa earlier in the year.He said: “At 76 I did the Argus [Cape Town Cycle Tour], and then you get a bit of a bang, and then you suddenly feel that you’re not 100 per cent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You go to the doctor, and then you get this illness. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I urge everybody to be able to stand the fight, because it’s worth it.“I’m coming out the other side, everyone else should come out the other side. The prognosis is absolutely fantastic. The medical awareness of what’s going on at the moment is quite simply mind-boggling – and so there should be every opportunity to avail of that medical help.” More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Andrew Cushin once played Non-League football now he’s working with Noel Gallagher and Aston Martin

      by

      ANDREW CUSHIN was once playing Non-League football for Newcastle Benfield – now he’s sharing the studio with Noel Gallagher. The 24-year-old Geordie, who wanted to be a PE teacher, has also now teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million base. Andrew Cushin and Noel Gallagher worked on a track called ‘Where’s my family gone’Credit: TwitterThe 24-year-old Geordie has teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million baseCushin was once playing youth Non League football for Newcastle BenfieldCushin once supported One Direction’s Louis Thomlinson at a gigCredit: GettyCushin has been championed by both Oasis star Gallagher and Pete Doherty, and has also played as the support act for One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. His career cranked up another gear after teaming up with Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin to perform at the team’s Soundcheck Concert at their Silverstone HQ last week. Ex-England manager Steve McLaren was in the crowd watching Cushin, who is a die-hard Newcastle fan. Cushin said: “I’m quite new to F1 but learning about the sport. I’ve never performed in front of an F1 car before so that was pretty cool. “It’s great to see Aston Martin Aramco getting behind music and showing support for artists. “I’ve always felt that music and sport belong together so I’m really proud to begin collaborating with a brand that values creativity and inclusivity. “Music always brings people together and these events will bring amazing energy to inspire the team and its fans.“I’m a big Fernando Alonso fan now!”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCushin started out playing his songs around the pubs of Newcastle and within three weeks he had secured a manager with links to Gallagher. Cushin’s manager worked for British Airways in Heathrow and Oasis came through the terminal. Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truckCanadian businessman Lawrence Stroll owns the £200million Silverstone baseThe Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played onGallagher’s guitar had gone missing on a flight which the manager found and sent first class to the Oasis singer. The two stayed in touch ever since through text, and Cushin’s manager, who is also a friend from his coaching days, came to his second-ever gig.  He took a video of Waiting For the Rain, a song that Cushin wrote, he sent it to Gallagher who got in touch and gave his seal of approval. Cushin produced demos and sent them to Gallagher, who put him in touch with a record label – and the rest is history. Cushin said: “Noel was interested to do a song with me. We got the ball rolling with it. He is a top bloke, he has given me the opportunity to change my life which I’m forever grateful for. Gallagher produced, sang backing vocals and played guitar on Cushin’s 2020 track “Where’s My Family Gone”. Cushin added: “The best bit of advice Noel gave us was told us to graft.“He just said keep your head down, work hard and write, write, write.”The Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played on. There is also a spin studio, running track, gym and restaurant at their revamped base. It is a lot different to the muddy pitches which Cushin used to perform on for his goalkeeping days in youth Non League football. He said: “Unfortunately I can’t play football anymore. It wasn’t an easy decision hanging the gloves up.“My goalkeeping hero was Shay Given back when he was at the Toon. I had the pleasure of meeting him as a youngster once or twice, top bloke.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAston Martin are going to bring Cushin to perform on the F1 paddock next year for media, fans and guests. His second album is due to be launched in spring next year and he also has tours planned for UK, USA and Europe throughout 2025. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyer after saying ‘extortion plot’ was a ‘sales pitch’

      by

      THIS is the shocking moment the son of one of Michael Schumacher’s alleged blackmailers is dragged away by an outraged lawyer after giving a blundering interview.Footage shows the son of accused Yilmaz T, 53, clumsily call the alleged extortion plot a “sales pitch” before being pulled and shoved down a hallway.Bouncer Yilmaz T was also hired to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedYilmaz’s youngest son, named in German media as Noah L, was dragged away by the family’s lawyerCredit: WeltA lawyer is seen shoving Noah L away from reportersCredit: WELTFormer security guard Markus F allegedly wanted “revenge” after he was let go by Schumacher’s wife Corinna earlier this year from his job role.He took with him 1,500 images, 200 videos as well as extensive medical notes with him of the racer driver who hasn’t been seen since suffering a life-changing ski crash in 2013.Markus is accused of stealing the information and then recruiting long-term pal and local bouncer Yilmaz T, say German authorities.Yilmaz then allegedly used his son Daniel L to help him make contact with the Schumacher family before trying to extort them.read more on schumacherGerman cops have been leading investigations with the three suspects appearing at Wuppertal District Court near Dortmund this week.Yilmaz – who had known Markus for over 20 years – was allegedly promised a small commission in return for his help.During an interview outside the courtroom, Yilmaz’s youngest son and the brother of Daniel, named in German media as Noah L, was dragged away by Daniel’s lawyer.Noah was in the midst of saying various clumsy remarks on the case, telling the German broadcaster Welt: “Blackmail is when I threaten someone with violence. Most read in Motorsport”But if I go to you now and say, ‘I have something here, do you want to buy it,’ that is not blackmail.The alleged mastermind of the Michael Schumacher blackmail plot threatened to leak ‘intimate’ photos of the stricken starCredit: AFP”In my opinion it was a sales pitch – agreed with lawyers and contracts. “In my opinion it was not blackmail.”Just as he wraps up his blundering rant, he adds that the pre-trial detention of his father was “a bit excessive” before Daniel’s lawyer Hartmut Moyzio drags Noah out of frame.The outraged lawyer is then captured pulling and pushing the son down a hallway as cameras continue to follow them.The unbelievable interview came as a member of the Schumacher staff took to the stand, telling the court she has seen emails between Markus and the family revealing he wanted cash in return for the intimate photos staying private.Heike P claimed the men had images of Michael in his wheelchair and threatened to post them on the dark web.She told the court: “Emails were written in which he said if he didn’t get his pay he would go after the Schumacher family.”The staff member for the Schumachers also said she couldn’t remember the amount of money asked for in the messages.She did believe it was less than three months worth of wages the former security guard would have been on at the time.Markus has refused to say a word in court so far other than to confirm his name and address.The former security guard for the Schumacher family Markus F allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookMichael’s family are trying to keep secrets about his health private during the caseCredit: GettySchumacher poses in Madonna di Campiglio with his wife Corinna in 2003Credit: AFPThe intimate images are said to be a part of a 1,500 cache of secret files believed to have been stolen from the Schumacher family home.This sensitive material was uploaded onto four USB sticks and two hard drives in the days prior to Markus being let go, prosecutors say.The content included photos, videos, medication lists and even Schumacher’s patient file, BILD reported back in July.German cops plan quickly managed to thwart the plot soon after contact was first made with the Schumacher family.When the men were first hauled into court Markus’ lawyer claimed he had been asked by Corinna to digitalise copies of photos taken of her husband.This included the intimate images.However, a shocking revelation reportedly now claims that one of the hard drives which may still hold data on the F1 legend has gone missing.Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.On July 4, officers arrested Markus in his apartment in Wülfrath. They also detained Yilmaz and his son Daniel L soon after for their roles in the alleged blackmail plot.All three men were charged and are now in court for the hearing.Prosecutors are asking for the men to spend at least four years behind bars if found guilty.Schuey Blackmail Plot Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Yilmaz T said he had done nothing wrong and that it was all to help out a poor nurse.His son Daniel has accepted his role in the affair but is claiming he had no knowledge of the content being sent as part of the plot.The 30-year-old is being charged for having supplied his father with an untraceable Gmail address.He is also accused of forwarding the illicit pictures on his dad’s behalf.Daniel said: “I didn’t see the content. My dad just said that it was a legal, normal affair, whereby there was a layer involved, and that was it for me, so I didn’t ask any more questions.“I didn’t think there was anything bad about it. He said he had photos of a person and wanted to sell them.“I didn’t ask my father what it was all about. Its my father. So I just thought, yeah, okay, and that was it.”Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, has already filed a motion to protect her husband during the trial.She is asking to exclude the public from the trial if the seven-time world champion’s current state of health is ever discussed.READ MORE SUN STORIESCorinna has spent over a decade crafting a close knit inner circle of people who are allowed to know about Michael’s health ever since his horrific ski accident.The F1 star hasn’t been seen or heard from since after with very little being released about his current status.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread over 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash.The F1 legend was left with horrific brain injuries and placed into a coma for 250 days.He was given the best possible treatment as he underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Michael with his wife CorinnaCredit: EPASchumacher attends the drivers official portrait sessionCredit: Getty – Contributor More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher plot ‘mastermind’ threatened to leak ‘intimate’ photos of stricken star to ‘get REVENGE on family’

      by

      THE mastermind of the Michael Schumacher blackmail plot threatened to leak “intimate” photos of the stricken star, a German court has been told.A former security guard for the Schumacher family allegedly wanted “revenge” after he was let go by wife Corinna earlier this year.The alleged mastermind of the Michael Schumacher blackmail plot threatened to leak ‘intimate’ photos of the stricken starCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former security guard for the Schumacher family Markus F allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookBouncer Yilmaz T was also hired to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedMarkus F, 53, reportedly turned bitter following the decision and hatched a plan alongside two other men to extort the wealthy family out of millions, it has been alleged. German cops have been leading investigations with the three suspects appearing at Wuppertal District Court near Dortmund this week.A member of the Schumacher staff took to the stand as she told the court she has seen emails between Markus and the family revealing he wanted cash in return for the intimate photos staying private.Heike P claimed the men had images of Michael in his wheelchair and threatened to post them on the dark web.read more in blackmail plotShe told the court: “Emails were written in which he said if he didn’t get his pay he would go after the Schumacher family.”The staff member for the Schumachers also said she couldn’t remember the amount of money asked for in the messages.She did believe it was less than three months worth of wages the former security guard would have been on at the time.Markus has refused to say a word in court so far other than to confirm his name and address.Most read in MotorsportThe intimate images are said to be a part of a 1,500 cache of secret files believed to have been stolen from the Schumacher family home.This sensitive material was uploaded onto four USB sticks and two hard drives in the days prior to Markus being let go, prosecutors say.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe content included photos, videos, medication lists and even Schumacher’s patient file, BILD reported back in July.Markus is accused of stealing the information and then recruiting long-term pal and local bouncer Yilmaz T, 53, say German authorities.Yilmaz then allegedly used his son Daniel L to help him make contact with the Schumacher family before trying to extort them.Police say the total figure the trio wanted was around £12million.Yilmaz – who had known Markus for over 20 years – was allegedly promised a small commission in return for his help.German cops plan quickly managed to thwart the plot soon after contact was first made with the Schumacher family.When the men were first hauled into court Markus’ lawyer claimed he had been asked by Corinna to digitalise copies of photos taken of her husband.This included the intimate images.Michael’s family are trying to keep secrets about his health private during the caseCredit: GettyHowever, a shocking revelation reportedly now claims that one of the hard drives which may still hold data on the F1 legend has gone missing.Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.On July 4, officers arrested Markus in his apartment in Wülfrath. They also detained Yilmaz and his son Daniel L soon after for their roles in the alleged blackmail plot.All three men were charged and are now in court for the hearing.Prosecutors are asking for the men to spend at least four years behind bars if found guilty.Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Yilmaz T said he had done nothing wrong and that it was all to help out a poor nurse.I didn’t think there was anything bad about it. He said he had photos of a person and wanted to sell themDaniel LsuspectHis son Daniel has accepted his role in the affair but is claiming he had no knowledge of the content being sent as part of the plot. The 30-year-old is being charged for having supplied his father with an untraceable Gmail address.He is also accused of forwarding the illicit pictures on his dad’s behalf.Daniel said: “I didn’t see the content. My dad just said that it was a legal, normal affair, whereby there was a layer involved, and that was it for me, so I didn’t ask any more questions.“I didn’t think there was anything bad about it. He said he had photos of a person and wanted to sell them. “I didn’t ask my father what it was all about. Its my father. So I just thought, yeah, okay, and that was it.”Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, has already filed a motion to protect her husband during the trial.She is asking to exclude the public from the trial if the seven-time world champion’s current state of health is ever discussed.Corinna has spent over a decade crafting a close knit inner circle of people who are allowed to know about Michael’s health ever since his horrific ski accident. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe F1 star hasn’t been seen or heard from since after with very little being released about his current status. What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread over 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash.The F1 legend was left with horrific brain injuries and placed into a coma for 250 days.He was given the best possible treatment as he underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Michael with his wife CorinnaCredit: EPA More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ultimate Formula 1 drivers rich list as Max Verstappen pulls clear of Lewis Hamilton with record-breaking salary

      by

      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world, so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast eye-watering salaries.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris certainly enjoy a life in the fast line – with supercar collections, huge mansions and beautiful women.Max Verstappen was crowned a four-time world champ in Las Vegas last monthGeorge Russell with stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtSunday saw the end of the 2024 season and Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes as he heads to childhood heroes Ferrari in the New Year.But all the drama has come away from the track, with Verstappen and Russell at war over an incident at the penultimate race of the campaign in Qatar on December 1.The Red Bull driver accused Russell of being “two-faced” with the stewards, while the Brit threw out “bullying” accusations back.Ahead of the off-season, we reveal the drivers at the top of the rich list – as the top 10 earners collected an estimated £248m combined.READ MORE F1 NEWS10) PIERRE GASLY £9MPierre comes from a family heavily involved in motorsportsPierre, 28, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.His salary was bumped up to £8m this season, with £1m in bonuses as he signed a contract extension in June to keep him with team until 2026. Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming.He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.Most read in Motorsport9) CARLOS SAINZ £15MSainz has been replaced by Hamilton after a great final season with FerrariF1 Bianca BustamanteThe Spanish ace was paid a reported £8m a year by Ferrari, who he joined in 2021 after successful stints with Renault and McLaren.And he is promised £9m in performance related bonuses, which he surely wrapped up with 27 podium finishes in 2024.But the 30-year-old has joined Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.Endorsements include Playstation, lager brand Estrella and German helmet manufacturer Schuberth.Away from the track he still feels the need for speed and his luxury car collection includes a McLaren 720S worth £800k and a £750K Ferrari 812.Time is of the essence too – with a high end watch collection worth millions, including a Roger Dubuis timepiece worth USD £205,000 and a Franck Muller watch worth £200,000.8) SERGIO PEREZ £15.3MSergio’s future at Red Bull is under threatSergio, 34, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £9.4million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.The Mexican signed a two-year contract extension in June, but he was nowhere near competitive for the rest of the season, slipping to eighth in the standings just a year after he finished as the runner-up to team-mate Verstappen. This has left his Red Bull future under threat.Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: 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 TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon7) OSCAR PIASTRI £17MOscar Piastri has backed up his rookie season this yearThe 23-year-old is one the babies on the track, having come through the Renault Sports Academy and started his F1 career in 2021.As such, he actually earns LESS than the aforementioned drivers in salary (£5m) – but his staggering £13m in bonuses sees him climb the list.After a strong rookie season in 2023, Piastri was even better this year, claiming the first two Grand Prix victories of his career in Hungary and Azerbaijan and finishing fourth in the driver standings. He is set to race at least two more years for McLaren after signing a contract extension in September 2023, just days before he secured his first podium finish.The future is bright to the Aussie as he helped McLaren clinch their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.6) GEORGE RUSSELL £18MGeorge Russel’s has shot up through the ranks in recent yearsRussell is now the No1 driver at Mercedes after Hamilton’s exit – but he’s internal dominance this year had proved that anyway – as he signed an extension in August 2023.He now bags £11.7million a year from Mercedes, with a reported £7million in bonuses.Teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, will step into Hamilton’s iconic shoes.Russell finished sixth in the standings and won two races, missing a third victory only because of a disqualification at Spa.5) CHARLES LECLERC £21MThe Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary at Ferrari as he welcomes HamiltonCredit: GettyLeclerc, who finished third in the driver standings this year, will welcome Hamilton to Ferrari next season.The Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary and his bonuses almost match that at £10m.He was part of another memorable tandem at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 27-year-old took part in Friday’s practice session alongside his 24-year-old brother, Arthur—a Ferrari development driver—making them the first siblings ever to drive in F1 as teammates.4) FERNANDO ALONSO £21.5MThe 42-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandTwo-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 42, signed a new deal with Aston Martin in 2023 after finishing fourth in the standings.The Spanish star earns £18million in salary, while performance add-ons amount to around £3million. Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 and some have even been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain.The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.3) LANDO NORRIS £27MAfter claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi, Norris declared: ‘Next year is my year’Norris wasn’t quite able to overtake Verstappen for the drivers’ title, but achieved 13 podium finishes this year.He did, however, take home a reported £9.4million in wages, and surely earned his whopping £18m in bonuses, as McLaren landed an unexpected constructors’ championship.Lando was born into wealth through dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca, from Belgium.After claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Norris declared: “Next year is my year”.2) LEWIS HAMILTON £45MLewis Hamilton used to earn the most on the gridAfter years of dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in F1 – his contract with netted him £43million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9million.That figure is set to soar far higher, too, after it was revealed he will join the Scuderia in 2025 in a shock deal worth £100million.But the wage gulf between Hamilton and Verstappen has expanded after the changing of the guard moment in 2021.The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.Hertfordshire-born Lewis, 39, is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.He also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.1) MAX VERSTAPPEN £59MVerstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the trackUnderstandably, for the third straight year, Verstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the track.With estimated 2024 earnings of £59million, including a series-record £47million in salary to go with £12million in performance bonuses.The Dutchman had to wait until the season’s third-to-last Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, to lock up the championship, four races later than when he clinched in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs he’s only 27, industry experts predict his estimated £165million fortune will increase in the coming years.Last week, the Red Bull No.1 announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson Piquet.The F1 driver announced the happy news with this picture on social media More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher hard drive feared to contain leaked ‘intimate’ photos & files is MISSING, blackmail trial hears

      by

      A HARD drive feared to be filled with Michael Schumacher’s “intimate” pictures and medical files has gone missing, a German court heard.Three suspects who allegedly orchestrated a £12m blackmail plot against Schumacher appeared at Wuppertal District Court near Dortmund.Details around seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s blackmail plot have been revealedCredit: AlamyThe former security guard for the Schumacher family Markus F allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookBouncer Yilmaz T was also hired to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedMichael Schumacher and his wife Corinna before his accident in 2013Credit: AlamyThe extortionists have been accused of threatening the Ferrari star’s family and conspiring to leak private pictures of him on the dark web. The photos were part of a cache of 1500 computer files including personal videos, medication lists and the contents of Schumacher’s patient file.They were allegedly stolen by a former security guard who worked for the Schumacher family.All the data was reportedly transferred to two hard drives and four USB sticks. more on the f1 legend However, one of the hard drives which may still hold data on the F1 legend has gone missing.All three accused face prison sentences if convicted. Yilmaz T, 53, a former bouncer at the large Grey nightclub in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, is believed to have had the hard drive.He is thought to have initiated the extortion, by calling the Schumacher family and claiming to act as a middleman for other parties.Most read in MotorsportYilmaz T revealed he had two hard drives filled with the sporting legend’s medical records and private pictures.He is alleged to have threatened to leak them on the dark net. Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’He claimed that he hid the hard drive with family members and friends.But while cops were able to recover the four USB sticks and one of the hard drives, the second one was not found.The former bouncer claimed to have received all the data from Markus F, 53, who is said to be the mastermind of the sickening plot.Markus F worked for Schumacher’s family as a security guard for years. He allegedly stole the data and passed it on to Yilmaz T. Markus F has been charged with aiding and abetting extortion and violating personal privacy.He has two prior convictions, including fraud in 127 cases, and in this case, he is charged with If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.PLOT’S ‘MASTERMIND’Yilmaz T’s son, Daniel L, 30, is also accused of supporting him in threatening the family by setting up an encrypted Gmail account and transmitting files.Yilmaz T claims he joined the plot to help a nurse – who has not yet been named – who also worked for the Schumachers. He told the court: “Completely honestly I didn’t see it the way it all came out. “Ok, it went badly, but…I was also given some pressure myself. “For example, the nurse became unemployed, so she wasn’t in a good financial situation. “And I was supposed to sort out money to help her out.”Markus F – who is accused of being the plot’s mastermind – worked as a security expert for Michael Schumacher for nine years.He is thought to have provided the original computer files which he wrongfully obtained during his work for Schumacher’s family to the ex-bouncer.Markus F also worked for the German Honorary Consultate in Egypt.In court, he refused to say a word other than to confirm his name and address. But in a statement read by his lawyer, he claimed that he had been asked by Corinna to digitalise copies of photos taken of her husband.Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, has filed a motion to protect her husband, which will allow her to exclude the public from the trial if the seven-time world champion’s current state of health is discussed.The F1 star, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.The seven-time world champion’s family have kept his health a guarded secret for years.Markus F was allowed inside the famous Schumacher inner circle for upwards of eight years as Michael’s wife Corinna felt he was a trusted aide.Earlier this year, the relationship drastically declined as Corinna was forced to sack him due to changes to her husband’s care plan.This allegedly turned him bitter as he started to hatch a plan to extort the Schumacher family. What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from the hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Schumacher’s family contacted the Swiss authorities to file a report about the alleged blackmail plot, with Swiss police then working alongside German cops to investigate the case.Cops arrested Markus F, along with Yilmaz T and Daniel L. for the alleged blackmail plot earlier this year.Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.Senior public prosecutor Wolf-Tilman Baumert, spokesman for the Wuppertal public prosecutor’s office, said: “After the advanced investigations, we currently assume that the accused son may have acted more as an accomplice.”Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Yilmaz T said he had done nothing wrong – it was all to help out a poor nurse.He told the court: “I contacted the family. I told them that I could get the data and that I would then call back in 3 days and see if they were interested.”READ MORE SUN STORIESYilmaz T disclosed that the nurse, who has not yet been named, had also worked for the Schumacher family.However, Yilmaz T later confessed that he had never even met the nurse and that he had only been shown a picture of her by Markus F. More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Fans convinced Eminem ended Abu Dhabi F1 show with gesture to Cristiano Ronaldo

      by

      F1 fans are convinced Eminem gave a non-verbal shoutout to Cristiano Ronaldo before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The rap superstar put personal tragedy aside to perform at the pre-race concert at Etihad Park on Saturday.Eminem closed out his gig at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix show in styleCredit: INSTAGRAM@VISITABUDHABIHe ended the show by shouting “Abu Dhabi” before spinning in a circle and jumping in the airCredit: INSTAGRAM@VISITABUDHABISome viewers of the gig are convinced the rapper was doing his impression of Cristiano Ronaldo’s siu celebrationCredit: GETTYJust days after the death of his mother, Debbie Nelson, the American performed in front of a crowd of 40,000 spectators.Eminem – real name Marshall Mathers – belted out several of his hits to the adoring crowd.And he signed off his show by shouting “Abu Dhabi” as he spun in a circle and jumped in the air.And watchers of the show are convinced the 52-year-old was doing his best impression of Ronaldo’s famous “siu” celebration.READ MORE ON RONALDOOne wrote on Instagram: “Eminem knows who is the GOAT.”Another said: “How amazing man CR7 all over the world.”And another said: “Funniest siuuu I have ever seen.”One remarked: “GOAT recognises GOAT.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “End of debate.”Several Eminem, however, were quick to point out the supposed “siu” has been a staple of the closing moments of rapper’s shows for several years.Former Premier League star Van der Vaart reveals why he never saw ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo naked One said: “As a Ronaldo fan, Eminem has been doing this for so long. This ain’t siuu.”Another said: “This wasn’t the siu, let’s be honest here.”And another said: “Eminem has been doing this in performances for a long time before Cristiano started doing it…. history lessons for y’all kids.”One remarked: “Ronaldo fans always make anything Eminem always does that on his tour.”Another chimed in: “Eminem has been doing this since 2010, Cristiano’s first siu was in 2013.” More