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      ‘That’s f***ing dangerous’ say F1 fans as Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel FALLS OFF as he approaches corner in Bahrain

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      FERNANDO ALONSO had a dangerous incident during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix after his steering wheel FELL OFF mid lap.The bizarre moment came during the second practice session on Friday.Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel came off during the Bahrain GPCredit: F1The team ended up replacing the whole steering columnCredit: F1Just two laps into the session, the Spaniard’s steering wheel display went blank and moments later, detached from the steering column it had been attached to.Stunned by the malfunction, Alonso said over the team radio: “Change the steering wheel. There’s a problem with the steering wheel; it’s switching off.”Alonso had slowed down when seeing the issue as he approached the end of the lap, but after his wheel detached he ended up running wide into the ran-off area while frantically trying to reconnect it.He was fortunately able to do so and return to the pits unscathed, before his team took the car in to figure out what the problem was.READ MORE IN F1As it turned out, the problem was far more serious than the steering wheel itself, with the team taking 15 minutes to completely change the steering column before sending Alonso back out.The issue prompted an unexpected visit from FIA technical delegate, Jo Bauer, though no further explanation of the visit has been given thus far.Fans were also shocked at the incident, with one saying on social media: “Oh hell nah, this is everyone nightmares.”A second said: “Big yikes.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA third added: “That’s f***ing dangerous.”Speaking after the session, two-time F1 World Champion, said: “Yeah, the car [was] not working, and I could not shift gears at one point, so yeah, I had a dash off.’A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty”So, I could not communicate with the team either, and yeah, in the last corner the wheel was off. “So yeah, we realised that maybe the steering column of the wheel or something had a problem. The mechanics quickly changed the parts and everything was fine.”So yeah, a moment there, but thanks to everyone in the garage to fix it quite fast.”Alonso ended up coming 15th in the session, paving the way for what looks set to be another tough weekend for the Aston Martin.The ex-McLaren, Renault and Ferrari driver said: “I think it’s going to be a tough weekend, unfortunately, we seem not to have the pace before coming here.”The characteristics of Bahrain was a little bit of a concern for us, for our package, and yeah, probably we confirm today that we are not competitive. “It’s going to be a tough weekend, but we will try to learn. We will try to push, and we are not giving up.” Read More on The SunAlonso is one of five drivers – Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto – yet to score points this year, while team-mate Lance Stroll has bagged 10 points.Elsewhere, FP2 was topped by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, leading from team-mate Lando Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell. More

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      ‘A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty

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      CARLOS SAINZ risks a £34,500 fine for swearing as he protested his £17,000 penalty for having a POO!The Williams F1 driver panned FIA chiefs after he was punished for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem in Japan following a toilet dash.Carlos Sainz explained he had a medical reason for being lateCredit: RexGeorge Russell reckons Sainz was unlucky to be fined so muchCredit: RexEx-Ferrari driver Sainz was also upset at his hefty £17,000 Poogate fine at Suzuka – half of which has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not reoffend.But the Spaniard, 30, now faces an even bigger one after turning the air blue in yesterday’s press conference.Ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain GP, Sainz moaned at the FIA: “I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman – especially for a national anthem, with all the authorities there.“So I was the first to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry’.READ MORE IN SPORT“At the same time, I was five seconds late. And to be five seconds late and have to pay  10,000 euros. It’s out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.“I hope someone tells me where this 10,000 euros goes.”Britain’s seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton has also suffered  reprimands for tattoos and body piercings.And Mercedes driver George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, panned Sainz’s toilet punishment.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Brit said: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people think for us to be there on time.“We’re often running to the toilet and  sometimes there are none available between the time you jump out of the car and go to the anthem.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant “It’s a pretty expensive poo!”The FIA accepted Sainz was given medication for the problem which delayed his appearance.That meant his fine was cut from £51k (€60,000) to £17k, with £8.5k suspended.But in a lengthy statement the FIA added: “Notwithstanding the above, displaying respect for the National Anthem is a high priority and all parties need to consider every eventuality in planning to be in position for the Anthem by the required time.” More

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      ‘Unstable’ – F1 hit by shock resignation as FIA chief quits with blunt statement and George Russell slams leadership

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      GEORGE RUSSELL slammed the FIA’s “unstable” leadership as the sport was thrown into turmoil yesterday.FIA executive Robert Reid resigned yesterday over what he described as a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards”.George Russell wants more trust placed in the teams to work with the FIACredit: EPACarlos Sainz was also scathing in his assessmentCredit: EPAScottish executive Reid was appointed in 2021 when current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was elected, but the pair have fallen out in recent years.When Mercedes ace Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, was asked about Reid’s resignation, he said: “Unfortunately, I think every time we hear some news from that side of the sport, it’s not a big surprise.”As we keep saying, it’s like, what’s next? It’s a shame to see, and hopefully we get more stability sooner rather than later.”It’s getting to a point now where these things are happening so often, and as drivers we’re trying to get involved, in the past, we didn’t really make much headway.RED MORE IN SPORT“Things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction.“I’ve got to be honest, we’re getting to a point now where our actions are having little impact with those guys, and we’ve got to trust in the teams and Formula 1 to work with the FIA to come to a common ground.“If we can help, we want to be there, but often it just seems like things are going in their own direction.”Reid’s departure is the latest in a string of high-profile resignations at the FIA over the last 18 months.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBen Sulayem has been under fire in the last few years, following various controversies including the FIA’s swearing rules earlier this year.Reid said in his resignation letter: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to serve power.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold.“Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.”My resignation is not about personalities. It is about principles.“Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”On the grid at Suzuka, Sainz reported to the FIA medical team with a stomach issue. After receiving treatment and using the toilet, the Williams driver was late to the national anthem ceremony – something all drivers must attend or risk a fine.The FIA punished Sainz with a €20,000 fine, half of which is suspended for 12 months providing he does not repeat the rules breach, while the fine is usually €60,000.He said: “I was five seconds late, and to be five seconds late and have to pay 10,000, it’s for me, out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.”“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.”It is not yet known if Sainz will be fined for the swearing incident, with the ex-Ferrari driver in talks with the FIA over whether it will be referred to the stewards.Drivers like Lewis Hamilton have also come under fire for tattoos and piercings in recent years and Russell believes Sainz’s toilet punishment was over the top.He added: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people may think for us to be there on time. Read More on The Sun“We’re often running to the toilet, and there’s sometimes no toilets available between the time you jump out of the car and go into the anthem, and you’ve got people on the grid, or people asking for a quick interview.”He added: “It’s a pretty expensive poo!” More

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      Lewis Hamilton arrives in Bahrain with natural-curled new hairstyle as F1 fans say ‘can we take a moment’

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      FORMULA ONE fans said “can we take a moment” after Lewis Hamilton arrived in Bahrain with a new naturally-curled hairstyle.The Ferrari ace gave off true rockstar vibes as he sauntered into the paddock with his luscious long hair.Lewis Hamilton showed off a new hairstyle for the Bahrain GPCredit: GettyThe ace revealed his new naturally-curly barnetCredit: GettyHamilton showed off his luscious long hair in the paddockCredit: AlamyThe ace gave rockstar vibes as he relaxed with his Ferrari teamCredit: AFPHamilton is yet to win a race since making the move to his new Italian F1 side.Indeed, the former Mercedes ace is yet to get on a podium this season.And the fresh barnet could finally give Hamilton the power he needs to get the better of British rivals Lando Norris and George Russell – as well as old foe Max Verstappen.Fans were certainly impressed with his brilliant new hair-do as Hamilton then rode around the paddock on a scooter.READ MORE IN F1One said: “Can we take a moment for Lewis Hamilton’s hair?”Another declared: “He looks cool.”One noted: “Love his hair.”Another added: “Really so amazing.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHamilton will be hoping for some good fortune this weekend when he races at Bahrain.He finished 10th in last month’s season opener in Australia.Lewis Hamilton has perfect response to dismal Ferrari debut as he achieves feat not seen for 35 years Hamilton later had a ride around the paddock on a scooterCredit: GettyHe is sure to have felt the wind in his hairCredit: GettyHamilton sported a different look at the China GP last monthCredit: GettyAnd Hamilton followed that up with a sixth-place finish at the Grand Prix in China.Last weekend saw him finish seventh in Japan, leaving him eighth in the overall standings.But Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is confident Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc can climb up the rankings.He said: “I’m used [to it] because the last two years we started like this. For sure it is not ideal and I would prefer to win the first one. “But we don’t need to change the approach from last year as we are almost in the same situation, perhaps a bit worse in terms of pace, and the reaction of the team was very, very strong.”We worked as a team, made small step by small step and we have to keep exactly the same approach, but for sure it is not ideal.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton to get new team-mate for a day at Bahrain Grand Prix due to little known F1 rule

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will drive with a new team-mate at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it has been revealed.Ferrari are one of six teams who are using the next Formula One race to fulfil a little-known rule.Lewis Hamilton will have a new team-mate during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekendCredit: RexDino Beganovic will drive in FP1 for Ferrari in Bahrain alongside HamiltonCredit: AlamyMax Verstappen will also not run the session after winning the Japanese GPCredit: RexHe is being replaced by F2 star Ayuma IwasaCredit: RexInstead of Charles Leclerc, 40-year-old Hamilton will instead partner 21-year-old Swedish driver Dino Beganovic for Free Practice One.Likewise, Red Bull will also bring a new driver to their lineup for the Friday session.Fresh off of his win at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will give way to Japanese F2 star Ayumu Iwasa for the session.It means Yuki Tsunoda, who had a tough first race with Red Bull after swapping with Liam Lawson, will have his third team-mate of the season – even though this is only for one session.READ MORE IN F1Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas and Williams have also announced they will be running a rookie driver, with George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz respectively all stepping down.Russell is giving up his seat for Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, while former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is replacing Alonso. Bearman, only a rookie this season himself, is giving up his seat to Ryo Hirakawa and Sainz will cede his seat to British racer Luke Browning.The sweeping changes come as part of a requirement for all F1 teams to run rookies – drivers with fewer than two Grand Prix to their name – at least twice in each of their cars in practice sessions this season.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTeams have had to run a rookie in at least once in each of their cars in FP1 since 2022, with this season seeing the requirement doubled.Alpine already completed one of these mandatory runs last weekend when Ryo Hirakawa ran in place of Jack Doohan – a contributing factor to Doohan’s 185mph crash in FP2.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire The reason for Bahrain being such a popular choice for rookie running is due to the known quantities of it.Teams already have lots of data from the track after pre-season testing was completed at the Sakhir circuit.The Middle East race also represents the first race weekend of the season where UK fans will not have to be out of bed early on Sunday morning.Instead, the Bahrain race will take place at 4pm UK time, with qualifying on Saturday running from 5pm.McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the World Drivers Championship from Verstappen by a single point after the Dutchman’s imperious win at last weekend’s Japan GP.Bahrain GP FP1 rookiesRookies participating in FP1 in Bahrain this weekend:Dino Beganovic, Ferrari – for Charles LeclercAyuma Iwasa, Red Bull – for Max VerstappenFrederik Vesti, Mercedes – for George RussellFelipe Drugovich, Aston Martin – for Fernando AlonsoRyo Hirakawa, Haas – for Ollie BearmanLuke Browning, Williams – for Carlos Sainz More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s F1 replacement handed keys to £165k Mercedes – but he’s BANNED from driving it for three years

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      KIMI ANTONELLI enjoyed a record-breaking Formula One Japanese Grand Prix after being given the keys for a stunning new car.However, he is not allowed to drive it on home soil for THREE years thanks to a new law which came into effect last December.Kimi Antonelli picked up the keys to his stunning new Mercedes before the Japanese GPThe Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is worth £165,000Credit: GettyBut Italian road laws mean he is banned from driving itCredit: GettyAntonelli, 18, is quietly having an impressive debut season with Mercedes after scoring points in each of his first three races with the Silver Arrows since replacing Lewis Hamilton.Before his sixth-place finish at Suzuka last Sunday, the Italian was given the keys to a striking dark blue Mercedes AMG GT 63 S, worth £165,000.He was seen posing alongside the motor – which can go from 0 to 62mph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 199mph – in pictures released by Gazzetta dello Sport.But Antonelli, who passed his driving test in January, will not be able to drive it back home due to strict Italian road laws.READ MORE IN F1Italian law prevents new drivers from operating internal combustion cars with a power limit over 75kW during their first three years on the road, with his new drive having a limit of up to 600kW.Despite this, Antonelli does not have to wait long to get back behind the wheel and find the thrill of speed with the Bahrain Grand Prix coming up next weekend.At 18 years and 224 days, Antonelli’s ten-lap stint leading the Japanese GP saw him become the youngest race leader in F1 history, overtaking Max Verstappen by four days.After pitting onto hard tyres the Mercedes driver later clocked the fastest lap to also beat Verstappen’s title for the youngest driver to achieve a fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking after the race, won by Verstappen ahead of McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, he said: “I am much happier, it was much better than China, and we showed some good pace and consistency, but the first 15 laps were a bit of a struggle, but once I got in free air, the pace improved.”Qualifying was a big click because I was more able to feel the car and push it, and today was another step forward.F1 suspended after fire at Japanese Grand Prix as three red flags cause chaos during practice “I am really looking forward to exploring even more in the next few weekends, because now I have the feeling that I can play with the car, which is something I couldn’t really do in the previous weekends because I was definitely tense whilst driving. “I’m getting more experience with the tyres and the car itself, so I am able to feel it more. “The plan was different, it was to stop earlier, but as the pace was improving lap-by-lap, we decided to stay out because we had not threat from behind and just tried something different. “I’m not going to lie, at one point on the mediums, it started drizzling and I was hoping for some rain, but it didn’t come. But at the same time, I cannot complain because it was a good experience.”Antonelli has so far collected P4, P8 and P6 finishes in F1 feature races, placing him fifth in the World Drivers Championship standings with 30 points, 15 behind team-mate George Russell and 10 more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.He is one of six rookies on the grid this season, including Isack Hadjar, who left Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics after describing an injury he had in a “sensitive area” and Ollie Bearman. More

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      ‘I leave in tears’ – F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart heartbreakingly recalls moment his wife forgot who he was

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      FORMULA ONE legend Sir Jackie Stewart has bravely recalled the moment his wife forgot who he was.Helen Stewart, 84, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014 after losing control of her car.Sir Jackie Stewart has opened up about his wife’s dementia battleCredit: sirjackiestewart/InstagramStewart revealed that Helen recently forgot who he wasCredit: BBCSir Jackie founded Race Against Dementia after his wife’s diagnosis in 2014Credit: Tom FarmerNobody was injured in the accident but it made her and the F1 icon realise that something was wrong.In the years following her diagnosis, Helen experienced behaviour and language changes.She is now also no longer able to walk.And recently, Helen was unable to recognise her husband.READ MORE IN F1Sir Jackie, 85, opened up about the moment during an interview with the BBC.He said: “Just the other day it was time for dinner, she’s getting up and I’m sitting close by, and she says, ‘Where’s Jackie?'”That’s the first time that’s happened and that’s only a few weeks ago.”A bad feeling came over me.”Most read in MotorsportStewart then described Helen’s mind as being “in a new world” as her condition worsens.He continued: “I know that Helen doesn’t mean it when she suddenly goes round and hits me, or the [specialist dementia] nurses.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”She can hit somebody quite often, she uses language that she’s never ever said in her life and it comes like that [clicks his fingers] and I say ‘darling, darling, don’t say that’.”She says ‘Why?’ And she’ll give me a row for doing that. That’s usually after 17:00.”Stewart has created an accessible home in Switzerland for Helen without steps or obstacles.He also employs nurses and specialist neurosurgeons.Following his wife’s dementia diagnosis, Sir Jackie founded Race Against Dementia – a charity that aims to accelerate global research in a bid to find a cure for the condition.Sir Jackie and Helen have been married since 1962Credit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Inside plans for new F1 track around World Cup stadium as sport eyes return to country for first time in 32 years

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      PLANS for Formula One to return to South Africa for the first time in more than three decades are nearing a decisive decision.F1 fans have long wanted the motorsport to return to Africa, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton one of the most vocal supporters of the move.Cape Town F1 race bidders have released their latest plans for a new street trackCredit: TILKEThe new plans will see it run along the waterfront and past a World Cup StadiumThe track will run next to Cape Town stadium, which hosted a World Cup semi-final in 2010Credit: The TimesAlternatively, the F1 will return to the Kyalami which hosted the last African race in 1993Credit: GettyTalks over a return have been ongoing for years, but the South African government are now close to making a major decision on how they will make plans a reality.One popular idea is to use the refurbished Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit located just north of Johannesberg, which hosted the country’s last F1 race back in 1993.The other proposal would see the construction of a street race circuit running along Cape Town’s waterfront and past a 2010 World Cup semi-final stadium, known as Green Point Stadium.Organisers for the Cape Town bid have detailed their latest changes to the Tilke-designed 5.7km circuit.READ MORE IN F1They hope the central, urban location of the track which will snake around the Green Point harbour and use facilities around the 64,000 capacity Cape Town stadium, will help to edge it across the line.Cape Town GP CEO Igshaan Amlay highlighted the potential capacity of 250,000 visitors – the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone had a record 480,000 visitors – and the natural beauty around the circuit.Amlay, who has been working on a project to bring F1 to Cape Town for over two decades, told Autosport: “The latest design has all the bells and whistles.”It’s partly on the waterfront and it also uses the facilities that have been used for the football World Cup.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We meet all the requirements, with the airport 15 to 20 minutes away from the circuit; we’ve got a top hospital on site and plenty of hotels within walking distance. “What also plays a big role is the natural backdrops of Robben Island, the waterfront and Table Mountain. Cape Town has a lot to offer as our top holiday destination.Ex-F1 track which hosts 125,000 fans left under METRE of water after torrential rain as home straight turns into a river”We’re up against Kyalami, which has a rich F1 history, so it’s a street race versus a purpose-built circuit. “We’ll be waiting to see what the decision will be. Here we could easily accommodate 250,000 people, so it makes it more accessible to more people.”A decision one way or another is set to be made at the end of April, though work still needs to be done to convince F1 bosses that a being given a spot on the calendar from 2028 would be worthwhile.Bids from a number of other nations have also been heavily lobbied to F1 chiefs, with CEO Stefano Domenicali visiting Thailand over a proposed race there last month.Previous proposals had seen the track run through the Cape Town Stadium.But the latest plans will instead have it run next to ground, with the venue used as a paddock, media centre and hospitality centre.Amlay added: “The purpose of running through the stadium was that it can take a capacity of up to 70,000 people and our intention was to make it accessible to people that can never afford to go to a F1 race.”After speaking to the circuit’s designers, there are a few obstacles and it would be better to actually run along the circuit. DHL Stadium will be used for the paddocks and the media centre. “Everything that was set up for the football World Cup will be reactivated, and it’s already existent within the stadium, so we will make full use of it. “We will still run through the original Green Point athletics stadium, which has a rich legacy.”He continued: “We’ve never shied away from any criticism. Whenever people criticised us, we looked at it seriously and made a few changes.”When we pitched the idea in 2016, we had interest from various sponsors and investors. The big problem we had was we didn’t get the government’s backing. “But now there is a big push, and we have a huge following from the younger generation, who have been following Formula 1 and have been supportive of it.”We’ve come a long way since first envisaging the concept back in 1999, but we’ve always believed in it. If you believe in something and you persevere, then it will happen.”Read More on The SunThe Cape Town stadium the track will run past hosted England during a World Cup group game against Algeria, before playing host to the semi-finals between Uruguay and the Netherlands.South Africa’s last F1 race was won by four-time world champion Alain Prost after the Frenchman also took pole, with icon Ayrton Senna and Brit Mark Blundell completing the podium. More