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      ‘I remember him as he was – not lying in a bed’: Michael Schumacher’s F1 boss gives tragic insight into star’s health

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s former boss has given rare insight into the F1 legend’s condition – 12 years after his life-changing skiing accident.While the German racing icon, now 56, hasn’t been seen in public since 2013, his ex-manager at Benetton Flavio Briatore says he speaks often with Schumacher’s family.Flavio Briatore (right) has revealed insight into the health of F1 icon Michael Schumacher (left)Credit: Press AssociationSchumacher pictured on the shoulders of Briatore and race director Tom Walkinshaw after his 1994 World Championship victoryCredit: AlamyHis wife Corinna gave an update on his health in a rare 2021 documentaryCredit: AlamyBriatore, 75, appeared to confirm to an Italian newspaper that Schumacher is bed-bound, amid scarce details of his condition due to his wife Corinna’s commitment to privacy.”If I close my eyes,” he told Corriere della Sera, “I see him smiling after a victory.”I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though.”Briatore’s update follows a claim by his ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, who said: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.Read more sport news”Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”Claims that Schumacher can no longer speak were echoed by his son Mick in a 2021 Netflix documentary about his father’s life.The 26-year-old driver said: “I think dad and me, we would understand each other now in a different way now.”In the 2021 documentary, Corinna gave a rare update, revealing Schumacher is still undergoing rehabilitation and is “different, but here” following his life-changing injuries.Most read in MotorsportIn April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet with help from Corinna.Emotional moment Michael Schumacher’s son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.Johnny Herbert, Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995, described the signature as an “emotional” moment.He told FastSlots: “It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.”We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign. “Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It’s been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we’ll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.”Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, winning world titles in 1994, 1995 and five consecutive years from 2000 to 2004. He also racked up 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums during his racing career.Read More on The SunWhen asked who the greatest driver of all time is, Briatore told Corriere de Sera: “I don’t know who the greatest is, because we’ve had Schumacher, Senna, Alonso.”Now, the number one is definitely (Max) Verstappen. I have two cars at Alpine, so I would like to have two Verstappens.”What do we know about Schumacher since his accident?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend.December 29, 2013 – The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.January 2014 – Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as “critical but stable”. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world’s F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital.June 2014 – Schumacher brought out of his coma: After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.September 2014 – Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together.May 2017 – German magazine sued by Schumacher’s family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher’s right to privacy.September 2019 – Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed.December 2019 – Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health.September 2021 – Netflix documentary “Schumacher” released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength.”December 2023 – 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as “full of affection”.September 2024 – Daughter Gina’s wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it “A1 fake news”. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks.December 2024 – Schumacher to become a grandfather: Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.”Schumacher’s initials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom part of the helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie StewartCredit: Matt Wardle and Bell RacingSchumacher kisses Briatore in 2000Credit: Reuters More

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      ‘What do you want me to say?’ – Lewis Hamilton looks close to tears in live TV interview after ‘terrible’ race

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      LEWIS HAMILTON looked as though he might burst into tears as he gave blunt answers in his post-race interview in Barcelona.The seven-time world champion tugged on heartstrings as he blamed himself for a “terrible” performance at the Spanish Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton was damming in his post-race interview after the Spanish GPHamilton finished the race outside the podium in P6Credit: AlamyThe seven-time world champion has endured a bedding in period at the Italian team in his debut seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThings were looking up for Hamilton after qualifying on Saturday, where he secured fifth – his joint best result.But soon into the race his teammate Charles Leclerc was snapping at his heels and he was told to give his place up to the Monegasque driver after just nine laps.It was a suckerpunch moment for the Brit who finished in sixth after Max Verstappen’s 10-second time penalty.He had been overtaken by his old Mercedes teammate George Russell and, to rub more salt in the wounds, Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.READ MORE IN F1He said after the race: “Well what do you want me to say? I’ve had a really bad day and have nothing to say. It was a difficult day,“There’s nothing else to add to it. It was terrible. There’s no point explaining it. It’s not your fault. I just don’t know what to say.”When told whether the team can find some answers, he added: “I’m sure they won’t – it was probably just me.”Hamilton’s former teammate Nico Rosberg said: “it’s hard to watch” the Ferrari driver struggle.Most read in MotorsportHe added: “Sunday was a horrible day for him because he was just slow out there, which is very unusual,”Yes, sometimes he’s off in qualifying but in races he’s usually really awesome and the race was shockingly bad.”He doesn’t have answers either. Was there damage on the floor? These floors are so sensitive and there can always be a bit there and you lose a lot of time.”When you don’t have any answers, it’s really tough as a driver then you see your team-mate race on their way to third place on the podium. In light of the whole season he’s had so far, it’s a very dark situation.” More

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      Max Verstappen says George Russell ram ‘was not right’ as F1 star releases statement after Spanish GP controversy

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has broken his silence after being accused of a “deliberate” crash at the Spanish Grand Prix. The Dutchman collided with George Russell just three laps away from the chequered flag on Sunday. Max Verstappen has opened up about an incident late in the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: GettyThe Dutchman collided with George Russell on Turn Five with just 3 laps to goCredit: Sky SportsRussell later accused Verstappen of ‘deliberately’ crashing into himCredit: Sky SportsVerstappen had been told to let Russell and his Mercedes through by Red Bull bosses. But the pair made contact at Turn Five after a safety car delay, with the four-time world champion given a ten-second penalty. The penalty dropped Verstappen back from P5 to P10 when he crossed the finish line.A fuming Russell said after the race: “Ultimately, we came home in P4 and he came home in P10. READ MORE ON F1″I don’t really know what was going through his mind. “It felt deliberate in the moment, so it felt surprising.”Verstappen has now addressed the incident in a post on Instagram, claiming emotions were “running high”.The Dutchman wrote: “We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Our tyre choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fuelled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn’t have happened. “I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high. 10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailer”You win some together, you lose some together. “See you in Montreal.”F1’s governing body decided that Verstappen’s actions warranted three points on his Super Licence, declaring the collision was “undoubtedly caused” by him.The sport’s penalty points system works on a 12-month rolling basis.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARVerstappen currently sits on 11 penalty points out of the maximum of 12.Earning one more before the points rest on June 30 would see him banned for a race.Sky Sports pundit and former F1 star Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen was lucky to avoid a black flag.Rosberg said: “It looked like a very intentional retaliation. “Wait for the opponent, go ramming into him, just like you felt the other guy rammed into you at Turn 1.”That’s something which is extremely unacceptable and I think the rules would be a black flag, yes. “If you wait for your opponent to bang into him, that’s a black flag.”Read More on The SunVerstappen is now 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.The McLarens dominated in Barcelona, with Piastri winning off pole and team-mate Lando Norris finishing second. More

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      Max Verstappen facing BAN from F1 race as stewards make punishment decision over George Russell Crash

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is on the verge of a Formula One race ban after race stewards made a decision over his collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix.The Red Bull driver lost his head at the end of the race following a safety car restart which culminated in him “undoubtedly” crashing into Russell and initially earning a 10-second time penalty.Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty for “undoubtedly” causing his collision with George RussellVerstappen appeared to deliberately drive into the Brit at Turn 5 of the Spanish GPCredit: Sky SportsThe FIA later hit the Dutchman with three penalty points, leaving him one off of a race banCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThat punishment dropped him from P5 when he crossed the line to P10, which opened a massive 49-point gap between himself and championship leader Oscar Piastri.A further investigation from the FIA after the race saw the 27-year-old avoid disqualification, despite calls from Nico Rosberg on Sky Sports commentary.However, F1’s governing body decided that Verstappen’s actions also warranted three points on his Super Licence, declaring the collision was “undoubtedly caused” by him.And this has placed him on the verge of a ban for an F1 race later this season.READ MORE IN F1With the three points added from his exploits in Barcelona, Verstappen is now just one penalty point away from a race ban.F1’s penalty points system works on a 12-month rolling basis, and Verstappen currently sits on 11 penalty points out of the maximum of 12 before a ban.But the next time the four-time world champion will see any of his penalty points expire will be on June 30.That means Verstappen will need to be on his best behaviour at both the Canada Grand Prix on June 15 and then Red Bull’s home race at the Austrian Grand Prix on June 29.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPicking up another penalty point in Montreal would mean a ban for Verstappen at the Red Bull Ring, while a point in the second race would mean he is banned from the British Grand Prix on July 6.Verstappen will become the first-ever reigning world champion to be hit by a ban if he picks up another point in either of those races.One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him foreverHowever, if he stays clean across the next two race weekends then Verstappen will see two points expire from his licence and move down to nine.After that he will need to avoid further incident going all the way to October 27th.The chaos in Spain began after a safety car restart caused by Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli veering into the gravel. Verstappen nearly spun and Charles Leclerc overtook him before Russell, 27, nearly went into the back of him, with the Dutchman going off track onto the escape road.He was then told by his team to give the place back to the Brit, believing he had gained an unfair advantage by leaving the track.Fuming Verstappen swore down the radio at the decision before slowing up.What are Verstappen’s penalty points and when do they expire?Two points: Expire 30th June 2025. These were awarded for causing a collision with Lando Norris at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.Two points: Expire 27th October 2025. These were awarded for forcing Lando Norris off track during the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix.One point: Expires 1st November 2025. This point was awarded for being under the minimum VSC delta time during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint.One point: Expires 1st December 2025. This point was awarded for driving unnecessarily slowly on a cooldown lap during qualifying for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.Two points: Expire 8th December 2025.These were awarded for causing a collision with Oscar Piastri during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The Mercedes man thought he was letting him through at Turn 5 but his rival then appeared to intentionally ram into the side of him, which landed Verstappen in hot water.Speaking after the race, Russell said: “I’m too close to give my opinion on behalf of the drivers. It’s like in Austin last year, some of the best moves ever then you go to Mexico and he lets himself down a bit.”You go to Imola with one of the best moves of all-time, then this happens. It cost him and his team a lot of points. Charles and I actually dropped off like a stone on those last two laps.”He probably could have come back to fight for the podium, so I won’t lose any sleep [over it]. We have our own problems and that’s making our car go faster.”Verstappen himself said: “I don’t need to say anything about it because it doesn’t matter anyway.”I had a big moment there in the last corner. Unfortunately the hard tyres had very low grip so that was quite painful. Basically, we just ran out of tyres. Read More on The Sun”In hindsight, was it better to stay out? Maybe, I don’t know. It’s always easy to say afterwards. Because of those hard tyres, you get into those situations.“I think [the strategy] was good, I think it worked for us. It was the best way forward. It was racy and I liked it. Unfortunately we didn’t get the benefits at the end.” More

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      Lando Norris’s girlfriend Margarida Corceiro looks concerned watching Spanish Grand Prix after confirming relationship

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      LANDO NORRIS’ girlfriend Margarida Corceiro looked concerned as she watched the McLaren star in action at the Spanish Grand Prix.Norris, 25, was first linked with the Portuguese model in 2023.Margarida Corceiro looked concerned during today’s raceCredit: Formula 1Margarida, 25, was in Barcelona supporting her manCredit: GettyLando Norris finished as runner-up in today’s Grand PrixCredit: PAThey were spotted together at tennis’ Monte-Carlo Masters the following year, but were then understood to have split last August.Their relationship appears to be back on, with Margarida having cheered Norris on in Monaco last week.The 22-year-old was back in the paddock once again this weekend, watching her man from the McLaren garage.As Norris trailed team-mate Oscar Piastri in Barcelona, live TV footage showed Margarida looking concerned. READ MORE IN SPORTThe Bristol-born F1 star went into this weekend trailing his Aussie colleague by just three points.But a runner-up finish to Piastri this week has seen Norris’ deficit increase back to 10.Speaking after the race, Norris took his defeat with grace.He said: “Oscar drove a very good race today. I didn’t quite have the pace to match him but we gave it our best shot.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMargarida was in Monaco supporting Norris last weekCredit: SplashThe couple have previously been spotted together at the tennisCredit: Sky Sports”It was a good fun race and to finish one-two is even better!” Margarida previously dated footballer Joao Felix between 2019 and 2023.Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashesThe pair reportedly got together when she was 17 and he was 20.Norris, meanwhile, dated Margarida’s fellow Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira.The former couple announced their split in September 2022.Margarida works as a model and has a huge followingCredit: Instagram / @magui_corceiro More

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      Calls for Verstappen to be DISQUALIFIED after ramming Russell in ‘Mario Kart move’ as Piastri wins Spanish Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN reignited his old feud with George Russell as he appeared to RAM into the Mercedes driver late on.Former world champion Nico Rosberg called for the black flag to be brought out and disqualification for Verstappen after the stunning incident on lap 64. Oscar Piastri took the race win at the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Lando NorrisCredit: PABut late on Max Verstappen appeared to RAM his car into George Russell after being told to let him passCredit: Sky SportsVerstappen was told to let the Brit pass him on track before smashing into himCredit: Sky SportsFormer world champion Nico Rosberg called for the Dutchman to be disqualifiedCredit: GettyVerstappen was hit with a ten second time penalty in the end after colliding with Russell as he was told to let the Brit driver through. Watching in the cool-down room after the race, runner-up Lando Norris compared it to something he has done before in “Mario Kart”.The chaos began after the restart from the safety car which was prompted by Kimi Anontelli veering into the gravel. Verstappen nearly spun and Charles Leclerc overtook and then Russell nearly went into the back of the Dutchman who had to veer off track onto the escape road and was told by his team to give the place back to the Brit. READ MORE IN F1The Mercedes man thought he was doing so but the Dutchman appeared to intentionally ram into the side of him. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri pulled off a blinder to win the race ahead of his teammate Lando Norris who is hot on his tails in the push towards the driver’s title. The time penalty for Verstappen meant Leclerc finished third ahead of fourth-place Russell, but it was misery for Lewis Hamilton who was overtaken by Nico Hulkenburg for fifth. At the start, Australian driver Piastri got off perfectly while Verstappen picked out Norris for second. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRussell produced a horrific start which left him for dust by both Ferraris as Hamilton went into fourth and Lecerc into fifth. Flustered Russell was fuming saying: “These ***** are moving under braking today. What is going one!?”One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him foreverToto Wolff hit back with: “George, concentrate.”Ferrari’s swap conundrum was back again on lap 9 with Leclerc right up Hamilton’s jacksie as the seven-time world champion struggled with his grip on the car. He was finally told “swap positions with Leclerc” and he waved his teammate past. Norris was all over Verstappen and the McLaren one-two was restored on lap 13 as the Brit eased past the Red Bull driver who didn’t even bother to defend. Now the race was on between Norris and Piastri as they went toe-to-toe on lap times. Verstappen took the lead in his Red Bull on lap 23 after the two McLaren’s had pitted after his own stop. But the Dutchman was struggling and pitted again on lap 30 and the two Papaya cars shimmied into the lead. Just over half-way and Norris was closing in on Piastri with blistering lap times and was the quickest driver on the track. Red Bull were still in the mix though and Christian Horner came on the blower to Verstappen to say: “McLaren are receiving the threat. They realise they have to push on. It’s a long way to go from there.” Piastri played Norris like a fiddle though, allowing him to get close before charging clear of his teammate with the gap over five seconds with 20 laps to go. Norris and Verstappen got caught up in a fierce battle between Ollie Bearman and Liam Lawson. The four-time world champion slammed the “f****** idiots!” on his team radio as he angrily waved at Bearman when he passed him. Drama erupted when the safety car came out after Anontelli’s Mercedes veered into the gravel while England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham watched on from the garage. Read More on The SunThere was chaos on the restart for Verstappen which took the attention away from Piastri eventually soaring over the line with another perfect performance.The dramatic events saw Piastri move ten points ahead of Norris at the top of the World Drivers Championship, with Verstappen tumbling 49 points behind the leader.Kimi Antonelli’s caused the late safety car to spark the chaosCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton finished P6 after being passed at the end by Nico Hulkenberg and then bumped up one spot by the Verstappen penaltyCredit: Alamy More

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      F1 Spanish GP LIVE RESULT: Piastri edges Norris to win in Barcelona as McLaren secure 1-2 finish, Verstappen DEMOTED

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      MCLAREN’S dominance has continued in Barcelona as Oscar Piastri is victorious!The Aussie extended his lead at the top of the driver standings with his Spanish Grand Prix win, while Lando Norris finished second and falls 10 points behind his teammate. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third to complete the podium as drama surrounded Max Verstappen at the end after the Red Bull driver was handed a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision, which demoted him to 10th.Podium: 1 Oscar Piastri, 2 Lando Norris, 3 Charles LeclercBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…Frustrating weekend for MaxAfter such an impressive start to the race this afternoon, it all ended in disappointment for Max Verstappen.After Leclerc overtook him, a coming together with Russell forced him off the track, which did not impress the Red Bull driver.When his team then told him to let the Mercedes through, the red mist descended, as he purposely blocked the overtake in a moment of frustration.It certainly cost him, as he was hit with a 10 second penalty which dropped him down to tenth spot.Copy linkCopiedMcLaren dominate podium in SpainOscar Piastri and Lando Norris were joined by Charles Leclerc as they celebrated an impressive day.It has become a regular sight since changes to the car made McLaren the team to beat in F1.That said, they will never tire of sharing success with one another.Copy linkCopiedLando celebrates with familyAfter getting second place on the podium, Lando Norris enjoyed his performance with his parents.Nothing better than seeing how proud they are of you after such a gruelling weekend.It could have gone better for the Brit but they both know what a superstar there son is in the sport and how hard he has worked to get there.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedProving they are the team to beatAnother impressive display from McLaren saw them scoop first and second place in the Spanish Grand Prix.As they celebrated their result, it seems the pair really work well as a team with a definite bond between them.It will take something special from the other drivers to prevent them taking the top spots in the driver’s championship, that is for sure.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMcLaren show class in SpainAs Oscar Piastri took the chequered flag, it was a pleasing weekend in Spain for his team.Lando Norris finished in second spot but all eyes will be on his Australian teammate.Especially after the curveball of that safety car so late on in the race.Credit: APCredit: PACopy linkCopiedPerfect weekend for McLarenBritish driver Lando Norris spoke with Sky Sports after the Spanish Grand Prix:Oscar drove a very good race today, I didn’t really have the pace to match him. It was a good fun race and for us to finish one/two as a team is even better.Lando NorrisMcLarenCopy linkCopiedVerstappen receives action for incidentAfter race stewards investigated the coming together between Verstappen and Russell, the Red Bull driver was hit with a 10 second penalty.As a result, everyone moves up a spot as Verstappen finishes in tenth place in the Spanish Grand Prix.There is no doubt that Verstappen was not happy having to let the Mercedes through after he felt he hit him moments earlier.Copy linkCopiedSpanish Grand Prix resultsHere is how we finished in this exciting race:Oscar Piastri (McLaren)Lando Norris (McLaren)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)George Russell (Mercedes)Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)Isack Hadjar (Racing Bull)Pierre Gasly (Alpine)Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)Max Verstappen (Red Bull)Copy linkCopiedOscar Piastri wins the Spanish Grand PrixCopy linkCopiedLap 65/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondLeclerc has a 3 second lead over the Red Bull now.Meanwhile in front of him, Norris is just 1.5 seconds behind Piastri.Russell is still hot on the heels of Verstappen and his team advise for him to let the Mercedes through, which he is not happy to hear.As the Mercedes looks to overtake, Verstappen is having none of it and blocks him off.Copy linkCopiedLap 63/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondLeclerc takes Verstappen and Russell tries to follow suit.The Red Bull is forced off the track but manages to stay ahead of the Mercedes.Verstappen is complaining on the team radio that Leclerc rammed into him and it should result in a penalty.Looking at the replay it seems like Max actually went into Leclerc but the stewards are checking Russell’s actions in the melee.Copy linkCopiedLap 61/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondWe have solved the mystery of Verstappen’s tyre change, they were the only ones Red Bull had available.It offers a big chance for Leclerc to put pressure on him as the Ferrari will have far more grip.This is going to take all of Verstappen’s skills to hold off the cars behind him for the remainder of the race.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLap 59/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondLooking at the replay, Antonelli’s car just completely died on him there.It means he has his third DNF of the season.Everyone is out on soft tyres apart from Verstappen now.Copy linkCopiedLap 57/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondThere is a yellow flag out as Antonelli goes off the tack.This could change the whole race as the safety car is out.Red Bull are waiting for Verstappen to use the carnage to pit and keep his spot.He comes back out on hard tyres which surprises everyone, including the driver, who asks the question ‘why the **** are we on hard tyres?’Copy linkCopiedLap 55/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondAlmost some massive drama as Bearman and Lawson battle it out, not knowing that Norris and Verstappen were coming up on them.It causes Norris to lose half a second as a result and Verstappen almost goes into the back of the McLaren.Piastri is the real winner of that drama for sure.Copy linkCopiedLap 53/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondPiastri heads into the pits and comes back out 3.4 seconds ahead of Norris in second spot.Verstappen clocks another fastest lap and is hot on the heels of the McLaren in front of him.This could be an interesting end to the race in Spain between the front three.However, the Red Bull driver gets on the team radio and reports ‘this car is completely broken’.’Okay Max’ is the reply from his team.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLap 51/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondAs Verstappen comes back onto the track, his teammate Tsunoda causes him to lose some time, poor communication there.Norris headed into the pits and comes back out ahead of the Red Bull with both cars on the soft tyres.Piastri has a 28 second gap on his McLaren teammate in second but will come into the pits imminently.Copy linkCopiedLap 49/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondRussell has come out of the pits on a brand new set of soft tyres.Hamilton is given the ‘box, box’ order from his team.He returns to the track in seventh, ahead of Hadjar, but a long way behind Russell.That stop did not work at all for Ferrari.Copy linkCopiedLap 47/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondVerstappen logs the fastest lap of the day.He is now four seconds behind Norris in second spot.Piastri has an identical gap on his teammate.Copy linkCopiedLap 45/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondHadjar is having another good drive for Racing Bull.He is amongst the points and is a real rising star in F1.Hulkenberg is behind him in ninth place but there is a massive 10.2 seconds between the pair.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedLap 43/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondLeclerc heads into the pits, going onto a brand new set of medium tyres.That could be pivotal with all the other cars going onto used medium compounds.However, he seems to far back at this stage to put pressure on the front runners.Copy linkCopiedLap 41/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondIt seems impossible for Verstappen to manage these tyres for the rest of the race considering how hard he is pushing it.If he has a third stop, a McLaren one/two seems inevitable.Leclerc is in fourth, with Hamilton in fifth spot.Copy linkCopiedLap 39/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondNorris is right on the tail of Piastri now.He also has a five second lead on Verstappen in third place.Both of the McLaren’s will have to do one more stop, whether they let him through remains to be seen.That is gambling on the premise that Red Bull are going to stop again.Copy linkCopiedLap 37/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondRed Bull need to make some decisions right now.If they are planning a two-stop strategy, Verstappen needs to stop going so hard.He overtakes Leclerc to move into third, Norris can no doubt see him in his rear view mirror.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedLap 35/66 – Piastri leads, Norris secondVerstappen is looking to take it to Leclerc as he registers the quickest lap of the day so far.He reports some issues with the clutch when shifting on the team radio.The Red Bull is now out on mediums, hoping to eliminate the need for another stop in this race.Copy linkCopied More

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      England stars enjoy day at F1 Spanish Grand Prix as Thomas Tuchel takes squad on team-bonding trip

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has taken his England stars to a team bonding session at the Formula One Spanish Grand PrixThe Three Lions manager, the players and backroom staff arrived in Barcelona on Sunday morning before heading straight to the F1.Thomas Tuchel took the England team for a day out at the Spanish F1 GPCredit: GettyThe team posed for a photo alongside F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, middleCredit: GettyThe likes of Harry Kane were seen touring the Red Bull garageCredit: GettyStars were given special access to be in the paddock for the tripCredit: PACole Palmer still seemed too cold as he wore a jumper in the Spanish sunCredit: PAEngland will remain in a training camp in Spain after the raceCredit: GettyArsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly were also seen on the gridwalkCredit: PAThe vast majority of the 26-man squad have not been to the F1 before, and after the race, they will go to nearby Girona for a training camp.As they arrived many of the stars were seen posing for pictures with fans.Most stars wore shades and loose-fitting shirts for the occasion, although Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer seemed to still be too cold in the Spanish sun as he took the paddock wearing a jumper.Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly joined their team-mate with zipper jackets, though the teenager later removed it.READ MORE IN F1Meanwhile, Tuchel was all-smiles seen as he was pictured at the track wearing a cap.The squad posed for a picture alongside F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali as he welcomed the footballers into the mad world of motorsport.Many of them were also invited into team garage’s before the race.Skipper Harry Kane was among the stars seen being given a tour of Red Bull’s garage as he posed for snaps alongside team mechanics, while the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Burn and Ollie Watkins posed for a picture next to the car.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKChelsea’s Conference League winning trio Reece James, Noni Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah were seen at the Mercedes garage, while James was also part of a group including Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze who took in some hospitality with McLaren.The Papaya constructor later shared a post of Kane taking a selfie with their car, which they no doubt hope will give them some more good luck after drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris scored P1 and P2 in Saturday qualifying.Fernando Alonso overheard taking sarcastic swipe at old rival Lewis Hamilton after blunder ahead of Spanish Grand PrixEngland will remain in Girona until next Saturday when they return to Espanyol’s ground in Barcelona for a World Cup qualifier against Andorra.Tuchel, who has handed a first senior call-up to Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, decided to avoid St George Park’s next week and instead, spend the whole time in Spain. This is to get used to the heat ahead of next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The temperature in Barcelona and Girona is expected to be around 26C, although that is still not as warm as many of the World Cup host cities at this time of year.Next weekend’s game was supposed to be in Andorra but the tiny nation’s new stadium is not yet ready.After the match, new boss Tuchel and the squad will fly to the midlands to prepare for a friendly with Senegal at Villa Park in Birmingham on June 10.Under Tuchel, England won their first two qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. More