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      Generous Lewis Hamilton splashes out on incredible custom gift for 3,000 ex-Mercedes colleagues after Ferrari switch

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      LEWIS HAMILTON gifted his former Mercedes colleagues a custom piece of artwork as a show of gratitude after leaving the Formula One giants at the end of last season.The 40-year-old called time on his 11-year stint with Mercedes in December after signing a huge contract with Ferrari.Lewis Hamilton started at Ferrari last monthCredit: AlamyHamilton gifted his ex-colleagues a special piece of artwork after leaving Mercedes at the end of 2024Credit: EPADuring his time with the German team he won six world championship titles among other individual accolades.And to show his gratitude for the support his colleagues gave him over the decade, Hamilton commissioned a unique piece of artwork from renowned motorsport artist Paul Oz.The piece depicts the seven-time world champion’s car at the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix.Each of his 3,000 former colleagues received a print of the artwork, with the original painting taking pride of place at the team’s Brackley headquarters.Read More in FootballIn a recent Instagram post which has now been deleted, Oz said: “Now that it’s public knowledge and all 3,000 Mercedes GP employees have received their prints of this, I can talk about it.”Commissioned by Lewis himself as a departing present for everybody at Mercedes… class act!”My only remit was that I should focus on the car rather than Lewis, and so I chose to paint an image from Monaco 2019, just a few days after Niki Lauda passed and the team ran a red halo to remember Niki. Lewis stuck it on pole then dominated the race.”Oz is a renowned motorsport portrait artist and sculptor who also created the busts of Bruce McLaren, Ayrton Senna, James Hunt and Niki Lauda at McLaren’s base in Woking. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton is currently taking part in pre-season testing with his new team in Barcelona.The 2025 F1 season kicks off next month in Australia.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia More

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      ‘Looks like he’s about to hit a 9-darter’ – Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue

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      FANS have noticed a “hideous” issue with Ferrari’s new gear after it was modelled by Lewis Hamilton.The British F1 star will be racing for the Italian team this year after his move from Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton has modelled the new Ferrari polo shirtFans spotted a ‘hideous’ issue with the topHamilton, 40, has worn the team’s new polo shirt for a photoshoot ahead of the new season.The fans were not keen on the shirt and the logos splattered all over it.Some had a particular issue with the HP logo that appeared to be larger than the Ferrari one.They flooded social media with their reactions to Hamilton’s new gear.READ MORE ON SPORTOne posted: “Looks like he’s about to hit a nine-darter.”A second commented: “The HP logo bigger than the Ferrari logo.”A third wrote: “Those logos make the kit look hideous.”A fourth said: “The HP logo is bigger than anything else there. It stands out and not in a good way.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Sorry, Ferrari, this isn’t it.”Hamilton has already been behind the wheel of a Ferrari but crashed during his second test run at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia But it could be a good omen as he has won titles at his two previous teams after crashing in pre-season testing.Elsewhere, fans have been left convinced that Hamilton rival Max Verstappen will quit F1.The speculation has come after Ford announced it would be returning to the World Endurance Championship.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s close pal Jean Todt gives rare health update after ‘regular’ visits to see stricken F1 star

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s close pal and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt has opened up about his “regular” visits to the stricken Formula One legend.The seven-time world champion, now 56, has not been seen in public since his horror skiing accident in 2013.Michael Schumacher’s close friend and former boss Jean Todt, left, has given the latest update on the stricken starCredit: AP:Associated PressTodt revealed that he visits Schumacher ‘regularly and with affection’Credit: AFPThe ex-Ferrari and FIA boss previously said Schumacher is ‘no longer the Michael we knew’Credit: AFPHis family has remained fiercely private about his condition, with only a select few given access to the German ace.Todt, who led Ferrari during Schumacher’s dominant era, remains one of the family’s closest confidants.Speaking to La Repubblica, the former FIA president revealed he still visits Schumacher frequently and cherishes their friendship despite the tragic turn of events.“The family has decided not to answer the question (on his condition). A choice that I respect,” Todt said. Read more on Schumacher“I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. “Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1.”BEHIND CLOSED DOORSTodt’s words offer a rare glimpse into Schumacher’s life behind closed doors.He has previously acknowledged that his old friend “is no longer the Michael we knew”, but has remained steadfast in his support.Most read in MotorsportThe Frenchman is one of the very few people allowed to visit Schumacher, joining a tight circle that includes his former teammate Luca Badoer, longtime manager Sabine Kehm, and ex-Ferrari ace Felipe Massa.It is believed that Schumacher and Todt still share their love for racing, with reports suggesting they watch Formula One together whenever possible.Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyerGRANDDAD SCHUEYThe F1 legend is now set to become a grandfather for the first time after his daughter Gina announced her pregnancy just three months after her wedding.The 27-year-old shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.”She accompanied the message with a picture of a foal standing next to pink balloons.Gina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyMichael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexGina married longtime partner Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa last September, with initial reports claiming Schumacher was present.Guests were reportedly forced to hand over their phones to prevent any leaks.But Schumacher’s former F1 teammate Johnny Herbert later dismissed the speculation as “A1 fake news”.“It will always be a closed shop,” Herbert told Flashscore. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding.”Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.”Michael Schumacher’s years-long recovery from cruel ski accidentMCIHAEL 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 fiercely protected his privacy, while only a select few remain in contact with the stricken 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. Airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, 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 – Awakening from coma: Schumacher is brought out of his coma after nearly six months. 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 on the shores of Lake Geneva. His wife Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Years of silence: 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.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.” More

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      ‘Major potential to blow up’ – F1 team ‘worried about drivers’ with ability of British star predicted to cause ‘trouble’

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      ONE Formula One team is reportedly fearing a “blow up” this season after a host of driver changes across the grid.Only McLaren and Aston Martin have retained the same driver line-up from the 2024 grid to this season.Ollie Bearman could be part of an F1 team that ‘blows up’ this seasonCredit: PAOne journalist believes Esteban Ocon could be a disruptive presenceCredit: RexBut according to F1 journalist Ben Anderson, Haas in particular could be facing a rocky road ahead.That is because he believes Esteban Ocon, who moved to the team from Alpine, could clash with British rookie Ollie Bearman – and it’s an issue he claims the team are already fearing.Bearman, 19, raced in three F1 races last season, replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari and later Kevin Magnussen in two races at Haas.However, it is believed that Ocon’s less-than glittering record in getting on with team-mates could cause an “explosion” at the team.READ MORE IN F1Speaking on The Race F1 Extra podcast, he said: “Bearman and Ocon, definitely has major potential I think to blow up.”Pretty much because of Ocon’s long history of not getting on that well with his team-mates.”I think Bearman is a really exciting talent, someone who probably will end up replacing Lewis [Hamilton] at Ferrari in the future, has some edge to him and I suspect will be quick enough to give Ocon some serious trouble.”And I think at that point it becomes all about how Ocon reacts and history suggests that he won’t react that well to being given trouble by his team-mate.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconHe went on to say Haas already have concerns, adding: “And I think already Haas are kind of a bit worried about that aspect so I imagine Ayao Komatsu will be big on rules of engagement for his drivers going into this season.”Ocon, 28, previously had bad blood with Pierre Gasly, but seemed to have put any issues under the bridge while the pair were at Alpine.Moment Apline team-mates Ocon and Gasly crash at Monaco Grand PrixThe Frenchman had also not seen eye-to-eye with Fernando Alonso when they publicly fell out when he was his team-mate prior to Gasly.Following the move in 2023, Ocon said: “I was disappointed by Fernando [Alonso]’s comments that came out in the press and internally.”We didn’t really have a discussion, within the team, about all that. I think it’s good that he’s leaving [for Aston Martin] and that we do our part as we should.”Alonso later called Ocon “immature” after their collision at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix.The 2025 season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in March. More

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      Legendary Mercedes driven by five-time F1 champion sold for £42.7MILLION – more than double previous record

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      AN ICONIC Mercedes Formula One car has made history by doubling the record for the most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold.The striking silver Mercedes W196 R Stromlinienwage, chassis number 00009/54, was sold for a staggering £42.7million (€52.92m) by an unnamed buyer.The Mercedes W196 R has been sold for £42.7m at an auction in GermanyCredit: PAThe car was driven in 1955 by F1 icons Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling MossCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe striking silver car doubled the record for most expensive grand prix car soldCredit: PAIt is one of only four complete designs builtCredit: PAOne of only four complete versions ever built, it is only one of the most famous racing cars ever made having been driven by five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio and British icon Sir Stirling Moss.Boasting a top speed of 186mph, the remarkable machine that typifies the “Silver Arrows” nickname claimed victory on its debut in 1955 at the Buenos Aires Grand Prix, but with a cigar shaped open-wheel design.It won five more races that season to win both the driver’s and constructors’ championship.The car was sold by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.READ MORE IN F1The previous record for the most expensive grand prix car sold also belongs to a Fangio-driven Mercedes, the 1954 Mercedes W196 which sold at Goodwood, England for £19.6m ($29.6m) in 2013.However, it pales in comparison to the most expensive sports car ever sold.That title belongs to 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which was sold in May 2022 for £113m ($140m).The W196 R was donated to the IMS by Mercedes in 1965, and was held for almost 60 years before being auctioned off to raise funds for the museum’s restoration efforts.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIMS curator, Jason Vansickle, said: “It’s a beautiful car, it’s a very historic car, it’s just a little bit outside our scope window.”We’ve been fortunate to be stewards of this vehicle for nearly 60 years and it has been a great piece in the museum but with this auction and the proceeds raised, it really will allow us… to be better in the future.”Mercedes launch sleek new PureSpeed racer with NO windscreen & 195mph top speedMercedes withdrew from the motorsport in 1955 following a Le Mans 24 Hours disaster which tragically killed 84 people.They eventually returned in 2010, where they have since won eight constructors titles and seven drivers titles – six with Lewis Hamilton and one with Nico Rosberg. More

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      F1 star banned from releasing NUDE calendar as team chief says X-rated pictures are ‘not on’

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      FORMULA ONE star Valtteri Bottas is set to be banned from releasing nude photos. The 35-year-old has re-joined Mercedes ahead of the new season as a reserve driver.Valtteri Bottas will have to ditch his nude calendarsThe Mercedes reserve driver is no stranger to stripping offCredit: @valtteribottasBottas’ calendar was called ‘Botass 2024’Credit: SplashToto Wolff wants to keep him ‘authentic’Credit: RexBottas is no stranger to stripping off, having shown off his bum in ‘cracking’ Netflix documentary Drive to Survive and he has posted snaps of himself swimming naked in a river online.The Finnish icon also released a nude calendar last year, hilariously titling it “Botass 2024”.All cash made was donated to Prostate Cancer Research and he reportedly raised £121,000 for the good cause.But Bottas now needs to keep his kit on as Mercedes chief Toto Wolff suggested it is time for him to reign it in.READ MORE IN F1He told R365: “We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore.“So we have said that, but we need to keep him authentic.”Wolff added with a smile: “If he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should.”Bottas’ Mercedes return is a homecoming for the veteran, who twice came second in the standings to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 2019 and 2020.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has spent the last three seasons with Alfa Romeo and Sauber respectively, going from wearing nothing to scoring nothing across the whole of last term.George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are on the grid for Mercedes.Valtteri Bottas hits the tattoo parlour to get inked The Italian is set to debut at the Australian Grand Prix and become the third-youngest driver in Formula One history at 18 years and 203 days oldF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘Something he’s longed to do’ – Fans convinced Max Verstappen will QUIT F1 after huge update from iconic motorsport team

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      FANS are convinced Max Verstappen will make a stunning career switch after an iconic motorsport team announced a major update.On Friday morning it was revealed Ford would be returning to the field in the World Endurance Championship.Ford have announced they are returning to Endurance racing with the aim of winning Le Mans in 2027Credit: ReutersFans are convinced the move could see Max Verstappen switch motorsport disciplinesCredit: GettyVerstappen has admitted he wants to try other racing disciplinesCredit: GettyThe statement revealed Ford would be joining the Hyperclass type of cars in 2027.Ford have already revealed they will begin their new technical partnership with Red Bull in 2026, when they will develop a next-gen Formula One power unit for Red Bull Racing and sister team VCARB.Ford’s return to F1 followed a 20-year hiatus, while Ford’s latest move into Endurance Racing will see them compete in races such as Le Mans for the first time in 60 years.The company dominated Le Mans in the late 1960s in a fierce rivalry with Ferrari, who have won the last two events and are the third-most successful team overall behind Porsche and Audi.READ MORE IN F1Fans are convinced this move will ultimately facilitate an incredible change of career for four-time F1 world champion Verstappen.Speculating on social media, one fan said: “I wonder if this move of Ford’s to return to #WEC will be Red Bull-backed and that gives Max Verstappen an exit strategy which keeps affiliated with both brands whilst also doing something he’s longed to do?”If they can’t have him in #F1, at least have him in endurance.”A second said: “Red Bull will have a Ford partnership in 2027. Just saying, Max Verstappen is out there.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third added: “Hoooo boy. Imagine if Ford got Verstappen to drive for them (Ford and RB engine connect) and [Lewis] Hamilton drives for Ferrari WEC program.”It would be a real fever dream for fans to see the two most successful F1 drivers of the last decade facing off once again on the back of one of motorsport’s most well-known rivalries in one of its most famous races.Max Verstappen buys £12million super yacht called ‘Unleash the Lion’ that’s 108-foot long and boasts own beach club Verstappen has openly flirted with the prospect of switching motorsport disciplines, suggesting he was eager to race at the Daytona International Speedway one day.Speaking last November, he said: “I know that I want to do it in the future anyway, but it’s just about finding the time.”With such a busy F1 schedule, it’s almost impossible because we finish so late in the season and then to properly prepare where you have to run Daytona or whatever, is pretty impossible.”I know that when I want to do it, I want to go there and try to win it, be really competitive. “The only way to do so is by doing some proper testing and get really well prepared, which is not possible at the moment.”But, who knows? Maybe in a few years’ time. I’ll still be young-ish and I’ll be able to drive the cars.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconVerstappen has raced in the virtual series of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and revealed he had been contacted by “certain people” about racing in it in real life as well.He said: “Of course, you get contacted by certain people, but it has to come at the right time and in the right way.”I don’t want to rush into a decision either. With those new cars, I think it will take at least another one or two years before it’s all better understood because at the end of the day, it is still a Balance of Performance story and that makes it difficult.”The last driver to compete in both Le Mans and F1 in the same season was Nico Hulkenberg in 2015.In 2023 Verstappen also courted the idea of moving over to motorbikes, saying: “I will race longer, but not in Grand Prix races.”It would be nice to do it like Valentino Rossi, I like to see his races in GT, a category I have an interest in because we have our own car entered.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He did everything he could in MotoGP, with a crazy career, and now he’s having fun, while still working hard and wanting to win again. I think I will look for something similar in the future.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      F1 legend David Coulthard, 53, proposes to stunning model partner Sigrid Silversand – 23 YEARS his junior – in Mauritius

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      DAVID COULTHARD has proposed to his stunning model girlfriend who is 24 years his junior, it has been revealed.The Formula One icon is said to have been enjoying some time in Mauritius with his significant other, Sigrid Silversand, when he popped the question.David Coulthard has proposed to girlfriend Sigrid SilversandCredit: GettyCoulthard is said to have been a ‘proper gentlemen’ before popping the questionSilversand is a Swedish modelSilversand was first seen with Coulthard in 2023Credit: InstagramShe is said to have previously given the F1 icon a ‘glowing report’Credit: InstagramCoulthard was first seen with the 29-year-old Swedish beauty in 2023.The news only came to light after former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan let it slip during an interview earlier this week.In his article on Boat international.com, Jordan said Coulthard, 53, popped the question during a romantic getaway.He wrote: “I’ve got to send a very special congratulations to my old mate David Coulthard, who’s just run off to Mauritius and got engaged to a Swedish model 23 years his junior! READ MORE IN F1″She’s taller than him, which I like to remind him about as often as I can.”According to the Daily Mail, 13-time F1 Grand Prix winner Coulthard “wasn’t nervous proposing” after four years together.He is said to have acted as a “proper gentleman” when going about his preparation for the proposal.Sigrid said: “It was a surprise as David is really good at hiding. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”He kept it a secret and asked my parents for permission to marry me. “He’s a proper gentleman and there are only a few of them left.”Inside F1 legend David Coulthard’s former Monte Carlo hotel The Columbus Coulthard split from Karen Minier after nine years of marriage in 2022.A year later he was spotted hand-in-hand with his new flame Sigrid.Last year Coulthard declared that doctors had named him in the top one per cent of males for sex drive.However, elevated readings of testosterone in Coulthard can be put down to adrenaline levels from his motorsport career.He also claimed to have been given a “glowing report” from his now-fiancee.Coulthard said on the Formula For Success podcast: “I got a glowing report there and also a medical report.”I had my testosterone checked and I am in the top one per cent of males apparently.”One of the thoughts is that because of high levels of adrenaline through a sporting career then that sort of super charges the testosterone in the body. So no issues there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCoulthard lives in Monaco following retirement from professional racing in 2008.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More