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      Max Verstappen may have BREACHED his F1 contract as Red Bull chief admits ‘I’ve told you too much’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could have breached the terms of his Red Bull contract – by going skiing.The F1 world champion spent time on the slopes between the Australian GP, where he was forced to retire with a brake problem, and this week’s Japanese GP.Max Verstappen may have breached his Red Bull contract ahead of the Japan GPCredit: AlamyRed Bull revealed Verstappen had been skiing in Japan before saying he had said ‘too much’Credit: GettyThe three-time world champion was forced to end his race early in Melbourne due to a brake failure, allowing Carlos Sainz – who had already passed him on track – to claim the eventual race win.With no race last weekend, Verstappen has had time to relax – but may have landed himself in hot water after his winter sports trip.The 26-year-old has a dangerous sports clause inserted in his £43m a year deal at Red Bull to prevent him from the risk of getting injured.And that is understood to include skiing – although that did not stop him according to Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko.READ MORE IN F1Speaking about Verstappen’s DNF in Melbourne, Marko landed the F1 star in it by telling Austrian media: “Unfortunately, such a defect happens sometimes.”In the meantime, Max was skiing in Japan in the most wonderful, best deep snow in the world.”When quizzed if Verstappen should indeed be skiing in the first place, Marko added: “I’ve already told you too much…”.In the past Verstappen has explained how he was prevented from doing dangerous sports by having a clause in his contract with the F1 team.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “There is a risk in everything. I haven’t skied in five years because of the risk of breaking or twisting something with all the consequences that entails.”And of course also in the knowledge that there are still years to come in which I have a great chance of becoming champion again and winning races.Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext row”If you think about that, you automatically take fewer risks.”Verstappen, who has been linked with a move from Red Bull following a public spat between his boss Christian Horner and his father Jos Verstappen.However, ahead of the Japanese GP, Verstappen said: “It all depends on if I want to also drive next year or not.I’ve already told you too much…Helmut Marko”But from my side, no, I’m very happy where I’m at. And, yeah, we want to keep it that way.”During the winter off-season Mercedes’ George Russell was seen at ski slopes in Austria alongside team principal Toto Wolff, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso also enjoyed some of his own skiing fun.Russell himself also admitted some drivers break a strict no-drinking rule on F1 weekends, but did not name any culprits.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Lewis Hamilton names F1 star he would ‘love’ to replace him at Mercedes when he leaves for Ferrari

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has backed Sebastian Vettel to replace him at Mercedes when he quits for Ferrari next season.The seven time world champion has decided to jump ship to get the best chance of winning a record eighth world title.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: RexHamilton has backed Sebastian Vettel to succeed him at MercedesCredit: GettyAnd that leaves a spot at Mercedes, where Vettel has emerged as a shock candidate to drive alongside George Russell.Vettel, 36, retired at the end of the 2022 season, but is considering a comeback and has spoken with Merc boss Toto Wolff, with Hamilton thinking it is a great idea.Speaking ahead of this week’s Japanese GP, Hamilton said: “I would love for Seb to come back. I think it would be an amazing option for the team.”German driver, multiple world championship-winning driver and someone who has got amazing values to help take this team forward.”READ MORE IN F1However, Hamilton – who said he had given “zero” thought as to his replacement, reckons Mercedes should opt for a younger driver.He added: “The only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and that is aligned with the team and where the team’s going.”Someone compassionate that’s able to work with great people and continues to lift them up. There’s so many great people in this team.”And as drivers, there are some that are more selfish than others, there are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within the team environment.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t know because I’ve not been in with all of them. But I hope they find someone great.”They’ve already got George and he’s perfect so finding a good option alongside him I’m sure they’ve got so many good options.Formula One legend Sebastian Vettel says it would ‘depend on the package’ and ‘the car’ for him get behind the wheel again “They’ve got so many options. I do think it’s always great to give an opportunity to up and coming drivers so the idea of a youngster coming in for me is exciting.”Russell was also quizzed about Vettel’s return and added: “His personality is missed on the grid and I think it’s important we have the best 20 drivers in the world competing for race wins and championships.”I’m really open and happy to have anyone as my teammate, whether it’s a world champion or a rookie.”Meanwhile, Hamilton, who by his own admission has made his worst start to a season, says he will soon start negotiating with Ferrari about their plans for 2025.First though he has to clear it with Merc boss Wolff and until then says he is committed to helping turn the team around.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He said: “At some stage I will have to start the conversation with Toto. I’ve never been in this position at this time of the year.”When I was leaving McLaren it was towards the end of the season. I had my first seat fit [at Mercedes] after the season was done.”I’m not quite sure how to navigate it but right now I want to finish on a high here so all my energy is going into this. Of course there’s excitement for the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Right now we’re going through a difficult phase, that’s my challenge and where all my energy is going to try and figure out how we can get ourselves back to the top.”I’m a competitor first and foremost so I want to win. Thinking about next year is not going to help me do that.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton. More

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      Sebastian Vettel reveals shock talks with Toto Wolff as F1 legend hints at retirement U-turn

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has refused to rule out a sensational return to F1 as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes.Hamilton will join Ferrari next season leaving Mercedes with a vacant seat alongside George Russell.Sebastian Vettel said ‘you never know’ when quizzed on his potential return to F1Credit: GettyVettel says he has been speaking with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who has made it clear he would also love to sign Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.Wolff could also opt for highly-rated 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli, but when asked if he was in the running, Vettel did not rule out a return.He said: “Well, potentially I am because I haven’t got a drive, but the question is, am I looking for one?”I think it depends on the package. I retired from Formula One not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”Obviously, there’s things that I miss, which is mostly the competition. And things that I don’t miss, so that hasn’t changed.”Obviously, life is very different if you’re not involved and I do enjoy that still. You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn’t.”I’ve had conversations with Wolff,” Vettel added. “Not really about the seat.”We did speak about the whole situation in short as well. But I did speak to others as well because I’m still keeping in touch every now and then.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I have some projects and ideas together with F1. We’ll see if they will turn out or not.”So I am staying in touch. I don’t know. It has to be a couple more phone calls and conversations, I guess, to really find out a little bit more. But for sure it’s one of the best seats on the grid.”Performance-wise, Mercedes has a great track record, struggling a little bit in the last years, but then struggle and you’re still second and third in the constructors’ championship, it’s not like you’re racing in no man’s land.”Vettel also waded into Red Bull Racing’s off-track problems and called for “more transparency”.Inside UK football stadium with race track behind goal where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learned to be F1 starsThe German driver, who won his four F1 titles with the team, says there is “still room for improvement” in relation to how many women are working in F1.Earlier this year Red Bull boss Christian Horner was investigated by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria following a complaint from a member of staff.The grievance has since been dismissed but rival teams have called for a clearer understanding into Red Bull’s own processes.Vettel added: “Obviously there’s been a lot of talk since the beginning of the year. I think with these things, it’s always difficult to know everything.”It would be nice if there was simply more transparency so that you could have more of an opinion.”I think it’s always difficult if you read one thing, then another thing and then the opposite.”Vettel left Red Bull to drive for Ferrari and then Aston Martin before calling time on his F1 career at the end of 2022.When quizzed how women were treated in the sport during his career as a driver, he said: “F1 is as an old-fashioned business in many ways.”So first of all, there weren’t many women employed within the sport you know, the numbers were going up.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So between when I started and when I left, there were a lot more women in the paddock and a lot more women not just following the sport, but also working in the sport.”So I think that’s a positive change. But I think really, like everywhere else, there’s still room for improvement.” More

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      Inside UK football stadium with race track behind goal where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learned to be F1 stars

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      WOMBWELL TOWN hope they are in the fast lane up the football pyramid. The South Yorkshire club were founded as recently as 2018 after the previous team of the same name folded at the turn of the century.Wombwell Town’s pitch sits next to a race trackF1 stars have whizzed around the famous circuitWombwell have gained three promotions in recent years and currently play in the ninth tier Northern Counties East League.And their stadium is perhaps one of the most unique in Britain.Their ground sits directly next to the famous Wombwell Karting track.It is one of the most unique and oldest circuits in the country, with records going as far back as 1959.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe track is 865m long and is known in the go-karting world for being extremely challenging due to the demanding turns three and four.Former Formula One stars Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Justin Wilson have all raced at the circuit.They have a combined 131 F1 race victories and eight world titles.Wombwell Town’s Recreation Ground first opened in 1964 and there is an athletics track around the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was recently refurbished when the club was re-born and a new stand has been built with 184 seats.The team’s comeback was started by ex-Barnsley players Karl Rose and Doug O’Connor.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersLewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have raced at the trackCredit: Splash News More

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      ‘I had promised not to tell anyone’, says George Russell as Brit reveals F1 stars break F1 boozing rules

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has revealed that his Williams contract contained a strict clause banning him from drinking on F1 race weekends.But the Brit also added that he vowed not to expose the F1 culprits who routinely broke this golden rule.George Russell said some drivers have broken rules around not drinking alcoholCredit: ReutersRussell and Lando Norris appeared in a scene together in Drive to SurviveCredit: GettyA fresh clip from the newest series of Netflix’s Drive to Survive has exposed the strict demands placed on drivers during the F1 season.During the third episode, Russell and McLaren driver Lando Norris sit together in a private plane and joke about whether they want to party that night.Russell, 26, answered in passing that he had a clause in his Williams contract that prevented him from drinking alcohol on race weekends.He said: “I don’t want to name any names, but there were definitely people who still drank.”READ MORE SPORT NEWSTo which Norris responded: “Do you think so?”Russell added: “I know it! I saw it during race weekends. But I promised not to tell anyone.”Whether he meant a teammate or rival is not revealed in the series.Fellow Brit Norris, 24, looked questioningly into the camera and grinned.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRussell’s revelation is the latest in a series of unusual contract clauses to be unearthed by F1 racers.In January, world champion Max Verstappen disclosed that his Red Bull contracts forbids him “dangerous sports” like skiing.The sport’s governing body – the FIA – also have rules around political statements.In December 2022, the FIA updated its International Sporting Code with a clause requiring prior written permission for drivers to make or display “political, religious and personal statements or comments.”Inside UK football stadium with race track behind goal where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learned to be F1 starsLewis Hamilton, Alex Albon and Norris were among those who criticised this clampdown.The FIA later clarified that drivers are free to express themselves in their own time, but not at press conferences, track activities or during pre-race procedures. Meanwhile, Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, after excelling over the course of his three seasons with Williams.He was involved in a frightening 100mph crash at the Australian Grand Prix last month and remains seventh in the drivers standings. More

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      Lewis Hamilton only appeared in video game Fortnite after the makers of the game agreed to his bizarre request

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was happy to appear in Fortnite – but only if the creators included his bulldog Roscoe.The 39-year-old shocked the sporting world before the start of the season by announcing that he would leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025.Hamilton first joined Fortnite’s Icon Series in NovemberCredit: ForniteHamilton’s bulldog Roscoe is a regular guest on the F1 paddockCredit: GettyFortnite is an online gaming platform released by Epic Games in 2017 and is now worth a whopping £31.5billion. Within a year, the virtual world had captured the imaginations of millions worldwide, including Hamilton himself who first picked up the console in 2018.When organisers learned about his interest in playing the game, they collaborated to bring the racer into the virtual world of Fortnite in November 2023.Notably, the skins are devoid of any Mercedes branding and instead embrace another element the seven-time world champion is known for – his style.READ MORE F1 NEWSOne of the two skins features the F1 star in a black suit that is accented with bright yellow and pink strips.Accessories on this skin include a beaded necklace, sunglasses, a single earring, a ring and a watch — with plenty of exposed tattoos.Also making his gaming debut was Hamilton’s bulldog Roscoe, who is present in two of the give items in the bundle. Roscoe, who currently has 961K Instagram followers, features as dangly back bling, and also makes an appearance perched on the front of the Hamilton’s surfboard-like glider.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn the GQ video, a question that came up was, “Lewis Hamilton is in Fortnite?” Hamilton replied: “Yep. I got the opportunity to be in Fortnite. It’s a game that I played for a long time, but I said only if Roscoe could be in it.Lewis Hamilton’s first ever F1 world title thrown into question as Felipe Massa files damning lawsuit”They were like, ‘No problem.’ So Roscoe is in my jet pack hovering behind me as he’s my psychic.”There is no doubt about how fond the Mercedes driver is of his bulldog.Hamilton joined a steadily growing number of noted sports stars and celebrities to be turned into Fortnite skins as part of the Icons series.These include, England captain Harry Kane, tennis star Naomi Osaka, LeBron James, and Neymar Jr, Marco Reus and three-time super-bowl winner Patrick Mahomes.Hamilton’s interview with the fashion mag also saw him talk about the controversial conclusion to the otherwise thrilling 2021 F1 title fight.WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton. More

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      F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2024: UK start time, FULL schedule, TV channel, live stream as Suzuka hosts fourth race of season

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      SUZUKA will host the fourth race of the 2024 F1 season this weekend as the Japanese Grand Prix takes centre stage.Ferrari will be hoping they can keep up the pressure on Red Bull following Carlos Sainz’s triumph at the Australian Grand Prix last time out.Carlos Sainz and Ferrari were victorious in Australia last time outCredit: GETTYMax Verstappen failed to make it 10 consecutive race wins Down Under after a brake issue forced him to retire after just four laps.However, the Dutchman is still at the top of the F1 driver standings following wins at the opening two races of the 2024 season.Verstappen was victorious in Suzuka last year, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third respectively.Lewis Hamilton is seeking his first Podium finish of the season in Japan after an underwhelming start for the British racing legend.READ MORE IN F1When is the Japanese Grand Prix?
      The Japanese Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 7.
      Lights Out is expected to be at 6am BST.
      The Suzuka International Racing Course will host.
      What TV channel is the Japanese Grand Prix on and can it be live streamed?
      The Japanese Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Coverage is set to begin at 5am BST.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the race via the NOW app/website.
      Japanese Grand Prix schedule (All times BST)Friday, April 5Most read in Motorsport
      First practice: 3.30am – 4.30am
      Second practice: 7am – 8am
      Saturday, April 6
      Third practice: 3.30am – 4.30am
      Qualifying: 7am – 8am
      Sunday, April 7
      Race – 6am
      Current F1 Driver StandingsHere are the current F1 Driver Standings ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix:
      Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 51
      Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 47
      Sergio Perez, Red Bull – 46
      Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 40
      Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 28
      Lando Norris, McLaren – 27
      George Russell, Mercedes – 18
      Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 16
      Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 9
      Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes – 8
      Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 6
      Oliver Bearman, Ferrari – 6
      Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 3
      Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 1
      Alex Albon, Williams – 0
      Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber – 0 
      Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 0
      Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 0 
      Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 0
      Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber – 0
      Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0
      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Owners of F1 buy new sport for £3.6bn but fans say ‘RIP’ and say it’ll be ‘ruined’ with major change predicted

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      FORMULA 1’s owners have horrified many MotoGP fans with a £3.6billion takeover of two-wheeled sport’s main series.Some bike lovers even said “RIP” to the global competition after Liberty Media stepped in – as they fear changes making it “boring” like F1.MotoGP fans appear to fear their sport becoming more predictable like F1Credit: RexOne motorbike-racing enthusiast is worried overtaking might be greatly reduced if MotoGP faced any changes similar to F1Credit: ReutersThe US conglomerate promised to “grow” MotoGP – but their statement also worried fans with its regular mention of financial advantages.”Ruining another series,” posted one observer, and “RIP. Just look at F1,” said another.A third fan pleaded: “Please stay far away. Don’t want a boring MotoGP like Formula 1 is.”And a fourth enthusiast of motorbike racing claimed: “More overtaking in one MotoGP lap than an entire F1 season.”READ MORE TOP STORIESMany fans offered “deepest condolences” to their favourite sport.However, a few blamed what they see as F1’s predictable racing on its rulers the FIA rather than its owners Liberty Media.The company has bought MotoGP from Dorna Sports, who have owned it since 1992.Liberty are expected to complete  a deal for about 86 per cent of Dorna by the end of 2024, with the Spanish firm’s management keeping the remaining 14 per cent.Most read in MotorsportThe new owners’ president Greg Maffei said: “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile.”The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyDorna chief executive officer Carmelo Ezpeleta noted Liberty’s “incredible track record in developing sports assets”. More