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    F1 ace Lando Norris mugged for £40k watch at Wembley as fans ran riot

    BRIT F1 ace Lando Norris, 21, had his £40,000 watch nicked at Wembley as fans ran riot.Wembley descended into a warzone at the Euro final — when 2,500 ticketless, drunken thugs stormed the stadium.
    Lando Norris at the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco 2021 in Monte CarloCredit: Alpha Press
    A Richard Mille RM 11-03 watch costing £40,000
    Terrified families called security for the showpiece event a shambles, with fights breaking out around the ground.
    Britain’s F1 ace Lando Norris was also mugged for his £40,000 watch after the game with Italy — England’s biggest since 1966.
    Players’ families were caught up in skirmishes, children were    left in tears, a female security guard was trampled and a disabled entrance stormed.
    Last night, there were calls for the FA, which owns Wembley ­stadium, to step up security, amid fears any bids to host future World Cups would be harmed.
    Moments before kick-off on Sunday night, drunk hooligans surged through cordons, sparking chaos.
    Fans who paid £900 and more for tickets then found yobs in their seats refusing to budge. 
    Friends and families of stars including captain Harry Kane, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire also saw trouble unfold as dozens barged into their section.
    A source said: “All the players had their kids in there. It was ­terrifying. The wives, girlfriends and children were all crying. There were a couple of fights.
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    “None of the relatives or friends had seen anything like this before. They arrived to find seats taken by fans without tickets. And they were rude and really aggressive.
    “It got really nasty and was very upsetting. There were not enough stewards and no police in sight.”
    Rugby star Mike Tindall, 42, and his royal wife Zara, 40, saw two men fighting near their seats — so the burly World Cup winner stepped in. One fan suffered a ­broken nose, with Princess Anne’s daughter Zara mopping up blood from her seat with a hankie.
    A source said: “At least one of the fans didn’t have a ticket. Mike was trying to break up the fight.”
    After the game, motor racing ace Lando was ambushed by yobs as he got into his £165,000 McLaren GT supercar. He was then grabbed by one while another tore off his prototype Richard Mille watch.
    An eyewitness told The Sun: “Lando was held and another ­robber pulled off his watch in a split second. Lando looked pretty shaken up. Security had been a nightmare all night.”
    He had earlier posted a photo of himself at the game for his 3.4million online followers. A spokesman for his McLaren team said he was “understandably shaken”.
    Lando Norris was mugged at the wheel of his McLaren supercar at Wembley’s car park
    Stewards replace barricades after they were knocked over outside Wembley at the Euro finalCredit: AP
    England fans inside Wembley help to ‘eject’ people storming the gates
    Security sources estimate thousands broke in without tickets. 
    One said: “Analysis of video footage shows around 2,500 ticketless yobs storming in. But, the fact is, the stadium is not policed because Wembley won’t pay the bill for it. Security is left to poorly paid stewards to deal with and they were totally overrun. Serious questions need to be asked.” 
    Thugs circulated pictures of match tickets and Covid-negative test barcodes before the kick-off to trick and overwhelm staff.
    Once past Covid screens, they gathered in large groups and charged over barriers, knocking aside anyone in their path.
    One video shows scores clambering through and sprinting to the entrance as a female steward falls screaming to the floor. 
    Another obtained by the Sun shows disabled access doors being breached by dozens of male and female gatecrashers. 
    A man was also seen being repeatedly kicked in the head and body after falling to the ground.
    At one point, a frustrated fan turns on stewards standing by and shouts: “Do your f***ing job!” 
    Ex-footballer Lee Ebden, 37, now a consultant, took his 66-year-old dad John to the game, paying more than £800 each.
    But they were shocked to see mobs storming a disabled entrance then found groups of ticketless fans all around them.
    Lee, of Macclesfield, said: “I’ve never felt so scared or ashamed as I was at Wembley at what should have been a great night. The ­stewards and police completely lost control — to call it an horrendous shambles is a complete understatement. As I went through the turnstile, a bloke in an England shirt tried to squeeze in with me. They were all doing it.”
    Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke warned of repercussions for future tournaments. He said: “Fifa will be watching these scenes carefully and taking a very dim view. I hope those who instigated it are met with the full force of the law.”

    The Met Police reported at least 86 arrests in London, including 53 at Wembley, for ABH, drunk and disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. A total of 19 officers were also injured, with Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh calling the scenes a “national disgrace”.
    Boris Johnson’s spokesman said: “Those scenes were unacceptable and we condemn violence, anti- social behaviour and abuse in the strongest possible terms.”
    The FA said it would carry out a full review and apologised to law-abiding fans for the “unprecedented level of public disorder”. The Met promised to “actively pursue and investigate offenders”.    
    Final was a dangerous experienceENGLAND has a new generation of supporters — drunk on lager, crazed on cocaine and set on unleashing maximum violence.
    What I witnessed on Wembley Way was like a trip back to the thuggery which dogged English teams in tournaments in the ’80s.
    The launching of bottles and cans. Jumping on top of vans and stalls, trying to smash in roofs. 
    Then, finally and shamefully, the storming of the gates of the stadium — putting thousands of decent ticket-holding fans at risk.
    Having attended hundreds of games at home and abroad, this was one of the most dangerous experiences I’ve had in football.
    By 1pm, seven hours before kick-off, those on Wembley Way were putting their safety at risk. 
    The crossroads by the BoxPark was the first danger zone. Thousands were crammed in there, and nearly all thought it funny to send missiles of bottles and half-full lager cans through the air, seeing if they could take some unsuspecting soul down.
    How they laughed, those idiots, climbing lampposts, lighting and throwing flares.
    By 3pm, I witnessed thugs sniffing cocaine. Scores of bottles and cans fizzed through the air. Fights broke out down side roads. Families cowered and hurried by.
    Up by the stadium, thousands were drinking, throwing and celebrating when others were hit.
    The gates opened and all hell broke out. The disabled section inside the stadium suddenly filled with aggressive idiots. Punters were shoved out of their seats.
    My memories of the biggest day in England’s football history for 55 years? Six hours outside full of menace, broken glass, bloodied bodies, fear among fans. Four hours inside of embattled stewards and frightened families.
    And a relief that a real tragedy had not befallen us.

    By Duncan Wright, Senior football reporter

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals he’s been in tears during fight against racism in F1 as he explains why he couldn’t stay quiet

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed he has broken down in tears during his fight against racism in Formula 1.The seven-time world champion has been at the centre of the #WeRaceAsOne message the sport have promoted since the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.
    Hamilton has led Formula One’s fight against racismCredit: AFP
    He has also been integral in promoting the taking of the kneeCredit: Reuters
    But it has been an incredibly challenging role for Hamilton, who admits one of the most difficult moments came when F1 – who control the broadcasting of their events – cut away from some of the drivers taking the knee at the Styrian Grand Prix to show Red Bull skydivers.
    Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “This wrath of emotions came up and I couldn’t contain myself. I was in tears.
    “And this stuff came up that I’d suppressed over all these years. And it was so powerful and sad and also releasing. 
    “And I thought, ‘I can’t stay quiet. I need to speak out because there are people experiencing what I’m experiencing, or 10 times worse. Or 100 times worse. And they need me right now.’
    “And so when I did speak out, that was me letting the Black community know: ‘I hear you and I stand with you.'”
    He then went on to add: “I don’t see it as a burden. It was definitely liberating to be able to be open and speak about things.
    “For people to know that there’s much more to me than perhaps they realised from watching me on TV. 
    “I feel like I was built for this. There’s a reason it was suppressed over all that time.
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    “And if it happened any sooner I wouldn’t be ready, wouldn’t be strong enough to handle it. I wouldn’t be able to do my job as well and do both things at the same time. 
    “But now I’m equipped with the tools to do so. I look at my niece and nephew. I look at my little cousins and I think ‘How can I make things better for you guys and your friends?'”
    Hamilton’s inspirational determination to stand up for what he believes in also led to Mercedes changing the colour of their cars for the 2020 season to black.
    They have carried this design on into the 2021 season.
    Meanwhile, Hamilton is currently bidding to eclipse Michael Schumacher by winning a record eighth Formula 1 world title.
    However, the Brit has his work cut out as he trails rival Max Verstappen by 32 points after nine of 23 races.
    Next up for the drivers is Hamilton’s home circuit of Silverstone on July 18.
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    Lewis Hamilton won’t retire until he’s in 40s and latest Mercedes contract will not be last in F1, predicts Toto Wolff

    LEWIS HAMILTON will race on until his 40s, says his Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.The seven-time Formula One champ signed a new contract last week that will see him race for another two years with Mercedes.
    Lewis Hamilton will race on into his 40s, according to Mercedes team boss Toto WolffCredit: PA
    But Wolff doesn’t think that will be the moment the Brit retires, instead predicting more years of success for the motorsport legend.
    This is despite the man himself saying that he ‘doesn’t plan to be here until I’m 40’ after the Austrian Grand Prix.
    Wolff told F1: “I’m pretty sure it’s not his last contract.
    “I think he always flirts with the thought that this may be the last contract and in a way, it keeps the options open for the last.
    “But no, it’s not going to be his last.”
    There were rumours that Hamilton was ready to call it quits after this season.
    He currently trails Red Bull rival Max Verstappen by 32 points at the top of the standings.
    But Wolff has since confirmed he was never in doubt that Hamilton would stay.

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    The 49-year-old Austrian told Sky Sports F1: “It was very easy.
    “We didn’t want to make the mistake that we did last time, when we dragged it on over the whole year simply because we were busy racing.
    “This time we thought it’s a more difficult championship and we want to have stability in the team.
    “Lewis and I were pretty clear early on that this would be continued.”

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    Australian Grand Prix CANCELLED due to Covid restrictions as F1 bosses expected to add new race to calendar in its place

    AUSTRALIAN GP bosses have cancelled this year’s race due to Covid-19 restrictions.The race in Melbourne was originally scheduled to kick off the season back in March but was shifted back to November.
    The Australian GP has been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictionsCredit: AFP
    However, with the country still having strict immigration rules, it will not be possible for the sport to travel to Down Under.
    Nevertheless, F1 chiefs are confident they can still plug the gap and deliver a record-breaking 23 race calendar.
    A statement from F1 said: “While it is disappointing we won’t be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23 race season in 2021.
    “And we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix.
    “We will be working through the details of those options in the coming weeks and will provide further updates once those discussions are concluded.”
    The Australian leg of the MotoGP season has also been scrapped for the same reason.
    Another race is expected to be added to the 2021 F1 calendar in place of Australia.
    The location is yet to be confirmed but the most likely option seems to be two races in Austin, Texas.

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    Portimao, Portugal has also been mentioned but with the Brazilian GP also in doubt, both venues could be utilised.
    Australian F1 legend Mark Webber said: “I’m shattered that we can’t hold a Formula 1 event in Australia for another year.
    “It’s a real shame as we’re world class at pulling these types of events off as an organisation.”
    Webber’s fellow Aussie – McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo said: “It’s a huge disappointment for all of the drivers that we won’t be coming down to Australia in November, but we understand the reasons.
    “For me personally, I can’t wait to have the chance to race at home again, and it’ll be even sweeter when we do because it’s been so long.
    “Fingers crossed things can change for 2022 and we get to see the awesome fans at Albert Park again and put on a good show for them.”
    We regret to announce that the 2021 #AusGP has been cancelled due to restrictions & logistical challenges relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.#F1 https://t.co/aDmCA8s6nx— F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgrandprix) July 6, 2021

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    Full crowds WILL return to UK sports from July 19 without vaccine passports, Boris Johnson confirms

    UK SPORTS will welcome back full crowds this summer WITHOUT the need for vaccine passports, Boris Johnson has confirmed.The Prime Minister officially confirmed the end of lockdown restrictions from July 19 in his press conference earlier this evening.
    Sports stadiums in the UK will be able to welcome full crowds after July 19Credit: Reuters
    The lifting of restrictions on attendance figures has been announced by Boris JohnsonCredit: AP
    From later this month, capacity crowds inside stadiums will be allowed.
    But unlike in recent pilot events, spectators will NOT need to show evidence of a double Covid-19 vaccination – unless venues demand it or the pandemic problems significantly worsen.
    The British Grand Prix, on July 18, has already been confirmed as another test so will have 140,000 people at Silverstone on race day.
    But other fixtures such as the Goodwood races at the end of July and England’s Test cricket series against India which starts on August 4 should see full stands.
    And football clubs across the pyramid, including in the Premier League and EFL, will follow suit when the new 2021-22 season gets underway next month.
    However, should England win Euro 2020, a public celebration or parade would not take place until after July 19.
    Either a double jab or a negative rapid flow test has been a mandatory requirement for fans attending recent test events such as at Wimbledon and the Euros.
    It has only taken on average 20-30 seconds to check these per person.

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    Wimbledon has been used as one of the test events as lockdown restrictions easeCredit: AFP
    Fans attending sporting events this year have had to prove they are double vaccinated or tested negativeCredit: Getty

    And even though stadiums and events will not need to demand the passport, some businesses and organisers may choose to still make it a necessity for admission should they wish to.
    That could see fans needing to show proof of their two vaccinations or a recent negative test result via the NHS app.
    For fans travelling to matches overseas, they will be subject entirely on the rules in that country.
    One sports leader told The Times: “Given the relaxations due to be announced and the numbers at Wimbledon and the Euros it is hard to imagine that there will be any restrictions of numbers attending matches a sports events.”

    Various test events have been staged in recent months including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals with limited numbers inside Wembley and the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible.
    From the 58,000 people who attended the staged events, including one at a nightclub, 28 coronavirus cases were identified.
    Wimbledon confirmed Centre Court and No1 Court will be full for the quarter-finals at the All England Club this week – with Centre also welcoming the full 15,000 in for the semis and final.
    That will be the first time since before the pandemic began that a UK sporting fixture will welcome a 100 per cent capacity.
    Across London at Wembley for the Euros semi-finals and final this week, 60,000 spectators will be allowed in – two-thirds of the 90,000 national stadium.
    Virtually the whole of the 2020-21 season was played behind closed doorsCredit: Getty
    A full 140,000 crowd will be admitted into Silverstone for the British Grand Prix on July 18Credit: EPA
    Wembley will welcome 60,000 fans into the ground for the last three Euros gamesCredit: AP
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    Lewis Hamilton in desperate plea to Mercedes team after Max Verstappen wins Austria GP and admits ‘We’re miles behind’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted that Mercedes are ‘miles off’ Red Bull after seeing Max Verstappen win his third race on the bounce at the Austrian GP.With Sergio Perez having won in Azerbaijan, and Verstappen triumphing in Monaco, Red Bull have now won FIVE Grands Prix in a row.
    Lewis Hamilton slipped to fourth at the Austrian GPCredit: AFP
    Max Verstappen sealed Red Bull’s fifth win in a rowCredit: AFP
    Hamilton, who last won at the Spanish GP on May 9, signed a new two-year contract yesterday.
    But the Brit is desperate for his team to make serious adjustments.
    After his disappointment at the Austrian GP, in which he came fourth, the seven-time champion said: “We are miles away from [Red Bull].
    “We need all hands on deck.
    “They have brought a lot of upgrades over the last few races – and we haven’t brought any.”
    Hamilton, 36, started the race in fourth, but managed to reel in both Red Bull star Sergio Perez, and Lando Norris early on.
    But he slipped back to where he started during Lap 54, where he would go on to finish.
    Verstappen, meanwhile, cruised to victory – never being troubled and opening up a huge lead as the race went on, while being cheered on by a packed orange wall of travelling Dutch supporters.
    Verstappen was roared on by the passionate Orange ArmyCredit: Getty
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    The result saw the 23-year-old open up a 32 point lead in the Drivers’ Championship heading into the British GP at Silverstone next weekend.
    After the race, victorious Verstappen said: “Today was incredible to be honest, the car was on rails!
    “It was really enjoyable to drive. You go into the weekend as the favourite, but it’s never easy to do.
    “It was insane to see all the fans and so much orange!”
    The win marked the 50th podium of his young career.
    Red Bull have now opened up a huge 46 point lead in the Constructers’ Championship, despite Valtteri Bottas managing to grab second place for Mercedes.

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    F1 Austrian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen wins again with Norris third and Hamilton fourth – latest reaction

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has picked up another win in Austria and labelled the car’s performance even “better than last week”.In front of thousands of adoring Dutch fans, the Red Bull driver extended his world championship lead to 32 points.
    But Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez had a very different afternoon as he was handed two five-second penalties for forcing other drivers off the track, leaving him down in sixth.
    Meanwhile Lewis Hamilton was dogged by tyre problems and finished in fourth.
    But another Brit had a brilliant afternoon as Lando Norris finished in third behind Valtteri Bottas.

    Verstappen
    Bottas
    Norris
    Hamilton
    Sainz
    Perez
    Ricciardo
    Leclerc
    Gasly
    Alonso
    Russell
    Tsunoda
    Stroll
    Giovinazzi
    Latifi
    Raikkonen
    Vettel
    Schumacher
    MazepinOcon DNF

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below… 
    SIMPLY VER BEST
    Max Verstappen romped to victory in this afternoon’s Austrian Grand Prix.
    The Red Bull star, 23, began the race on pole – and never looked in danger as he cruised to his third consecutive victory.
    Lewis Hamilton started proceedings in fourth, but quickly managed to leapfrog Sergio Perez and then Lando Norris into second – with the latter being slapped with a five second penalty.
    But the Brit was reeled in by team-mate Valtteri Bottas during lap 54, with Norris also overtaking him as he fell back to fourth.
    The seven-time champion, 36, will now head into the British Grand Prix next time around still trailing Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
    After the race, victorious Verstappen said: “Today was incredible to be honest, the car was on rails!
    “It was really enjoyable to drive. You go into the weekend as the favourite, but it’s never easy to do.
    “It was insane to see all the fans and so much orange!”
    Read the full report here.

    INCIDENT ON THE FINAL LAP
    Raikkonen and Vettel collide on the final lap.

    MEGA JOB FROM NORRIS
    The Brit was brilliant.

    MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE AUSTRIAN GP
    A hat-trick of consecutive wins for the Dutchman, who increases his lead in the championship.
    Bottas is second. Norris is third. Hamilton fourth. Sainz is fifth.
    LAP 68
    Alonso finally gets past Russell, he is now out of the points. Gutted for the Williams man.
    FIVE LAPS TO GO
    Verstappen leads Bottas, then Norris, then Hamilton.
    RUSSELL IS IN 10th
    That would be a crucial point for Williams in their battle with Haas. He is holding off Alonso.

    LAP 60
    Verstappen stops for a second set of tyres. He has a clean stop and has a fresh set of rubber for the final 10 laps.
    Red Bull taking no chances.

    SOME DRIVE FROM NORRIS
    What a star this McLaren man is becoming!

    LAP 54 – NORRIS GETS PAST HAMILTON
    The Brit, who let’s remember has served a five second time penalty, passes Hamilton and goes into third.

    LAP 53
    Bottas has been allowed to pass Hamilton. The Finn goes into P2 and Hamilton is in third and will come under pressure from Norris.

    PEREZ GETS ANOTHER PENALTY
    The Mexican has another five-second penalty for forcing Leclerc off the track.
    LAP 52- ALL CHANGE AT MERCEDES
    Bottas now given the all clear to race against his teammate.
    BOTTAS TOLD NOT TO OVERTAKE HAMILTON
    Wow. That is a big statement from Mercedes. The Finn will be furious with that instruction.
    LAP 47 LECLERC IS FURIOUS
    Leclerc v Perez again, the Ferrari man goes wide again under pressure from Perez, who could again be risking another time penalty.
    Leclerc is forced into the gravel who shouts expletives over the radio.
    LAP 45
    Verstappen is well ahead.
    Hamilton is trying to hold on to second.
    Bottas is catching his teammate.
    Norris could be in with a shout of making the podium.
    PEREZ GETS A PENALTY
    He has a five second penalty for forcing a driver off the track – same penalty Norris received.
    LAP 42
    Perez v Leclerc will now be decided by the stewards. Let’s see the outcome on that.
    LAP 35
    Verstappen has a 13.8 second lead over Hamilton. He is controlling this race perfectly.
    Hamilton, Bottas, Norris, Sainz is the top five.
    LAP 33
    Verstappen stops from the lead and has a perfect pit stop. He is back on track and back in p1.
    That was a beautiful stop from Red Bull. No fuss.

    LAP 32
    Hamilton stops for tyres. It is a 2.2 second stop and he returns to the track in second place.
    LAP 31 PITSTOPS
    Norris stops and serves his five second time penalty. Bottas also stops and gets the jump on the McLaren man in the pitlane.
    It is Perez, Hamilton, Bottas, Norris.
    NORRIS UNHAPPY WITH THE PENALTY
    Engineer: “We have a 5-second penalty, but don’t worry, it’s alright.” Norris: “For what!?” Engineer: “Don’t worry about that.” Norris: “Whatever! If it’s for Lap 1…. what did the guy expect, going around the outside?”
    DOUBLE BLOW FOR NORRIS
    He has been hit with a five second penalty for forcing a driver off the track.
    And now Hamilton has got past and in to second place.

    LAP 19
    Hamilton is behind Norris and you can see he just does not have the pace to keep up with the McLaren on the straights.
    Load more entries… More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s F1 championship hopes suffer blow as Max Verstappen cruises to third consecutive victory at Austrian GP

    MAX VERSTAPPEN romped to victory in this afternoon’s Austrian Grand Prix.The Red Bull star, 23, began the race on pole – and never looked in danger as he cruised to his third consecutive victory.
    Max Verstappen cruised ahead of the rest of the fieldCredit: AFP
    Verstappen waves to the fans after romping to victoryCredit: Reuters
    Raucous fans let off flares to celebrate Verstappen’s winCredit: Rex
    The Dutchman was cheered to victory by his travelling compatriotsCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton started proceedings in fourth, but quickly managed to leapfrog Sergio Perez and then Lando Norris into second – with the latter being slapped with a five second penalty.
    But the Brit was reeled in by team-mate Valtteri Bottas during lap 54, with Norris also overtaking him as he fell back to fourth.
    The seven-time champion, 36, will now head into the British Grand Prix next time around still trailing Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
    After the race, victorious Verstappen said: “Today was incredible to be honest, the car was on rails!
    “It was really enjoyable to drive. You go into the weekend as the favourite, but it’s never easy to do.
    “It was insane to see all the fans and so much orange!”
    The win marked the 50th podium of Verstappen’s career.
    Meanwhile, Hamilton admitted that Mercedes are ‘miles off’ Red Bull at the moment.
    He said: “We are miles away from [Red Bull].
    “We need all hands on deck. They have brought a lot of upgrades over the last few races – and we haven’t brought any.”
    MORE FOLLOWS…

    The stands were packed with passionate Verstappen fansCredit: The Mega Agency
    Max Verstappen began the race on pole ahead of Lando Norris and Sergio PerezCredit: AFP
    Lewis Hamilton started the race fourth on the gridCredit: EPA More