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    F1 legend, 36, breaks silence on shock retirement U-turn rumours and replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL has broken his silence on rumours about his Formula One retirement U-turn and replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.The 36-year-old took his gas off the pedal and left the race track at the end of the 2022 season.Sebastian Vettel has broken his silence on the retirement U-turn rumoursCredit: GettyThere has been speculation Vettel will replace Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: GettyThe four-time world champion wanted to call it quits on his career at Aston Martin to spend more time with his family. But fast forward to today, the German superstar is still open to getting back on the track.When his career ended Vettel said that “You should never say never” to a comeback.And recently the ex-Ferrari driver has been linked to a cockpit return for the 2025 season.READ MORE ON F1After Hamilton announced in February he would be leaving the Silver Arrows at the end of the year for Ferrari there was speculation Vettel would replace him.But Vettel has confirmed he does not intend to join Mercedes.Vettel told BILD: “I’m still interested and follow the races. There’s a lot going on at the moment – on and off the track.”But for me, Formula 1 is not an issue at the moment.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”When I left the sport at the time, I said that you never know if you might make a comeback. “But the intention wasn’t for me to stop and then start again.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsOn Monday Vettel was spotted behind the wheel again as he took part in a test for Porsche’s endurance team in Aragon, Spain.He continued: “It was quite funny. I was just curious to see how such a car works and it was exciting to see. “Of course, it was a bit of an adjustment to a Formula 1 car and after a year and a half I was maybe a little rusty.”But for now Vettel will remain retired until the right opportunity comes calling for him. More

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    Inside Carlos Sainz’s whirlwind fortnight from major surgery to third GP win as F1 star shares behind-the-scenes pics

    CARLOS SAINZ has provided a behind-the-scenes look at his whirlwind fortnight.The Spanish F1 driver capped off a remarkable two weeks with his third race win at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.Carlos Sainz has provided a behind-the-scenes look at his whirlwind fortnightCredit: Instagram / @carlossainz55Sainz claimed his third F1 race win at the Australian Grand Prix on SundayCredit: SplashSainz returned to the track in Melbourne after being forced out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 9 with appendicitis.Teenager Oliver Bearman replaced him in Jeddah as Sainz underwent surgery in hospital.In an Instagram post, he has now shared two pictures of himself in a hospital bed during his time away.Sainz also attached a snap of himself smiling as he put on his race overalls, with the bandages from his surgery still visible on his stomach.READ MORE F1 NEWSAnother shot showed him laid down with tubes connected to his face whilst watching his phone through a screen.He added a celebratory post-race snap from Australia as well before ending the post with a clip of himself stretching with a coach during his recovery.Sainz captioned the post: “My road to recovery and a little tribute to the people that made this weekend happen.”Now time to get back training, in good shape and prepare for the next few races. THANK YOU!”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSainz returned to the track after missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitisCredit: Instagram / @carlossainz55The Spaniard shared a series of snaps from his time in hospitalCredit: Instagram / @carlossainz55He put his health issues behind him by taking the chequered flag in MelbourneCredit: Instagram / @carlossainz55He had previously dubbed his return to action “a rollercoaster” after victory at the weekend.The win was the first non-Red Bull race victory of the season after Max Verstappen was forced to retire with a brake issue.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramMeanwhile, Sainz finished ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc to complete a Ferrari one-two.He will now be hoping for more success at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on April 7.His win at this season’s third race leaves the 29-year-old fourth in the Drivers’ Championship behind Verstappen, Leclerc and Sergio Perez.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Meet UK’s hottest F1 star! Rebecca Donaldson dated Kardashian ex before Carlos Sainz… and he’s already talked marriage

    CARLOS Sainz pulled off an epic comeback at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend – and no one looked prouder than his glamorous girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson.The stunning Scot, 28, cheered on the Spaniard, 29, as he cruised his Ferrari to victory in Melbourne – just two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix.Rebecca Donaldson was trackside to cheer on boyfriend Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix this weekendCredit: AlamyStunning Rebecca hails from ScotlandCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadRebecca and Carlos went public with their romance last yearCredit: AlamyThe loved-up couple shared a kiss following Carlos’ win yesterday, and were spotted by fans leaving a hotel hand-in-hand this morning.Model Rebecca is becoming a regular trackside since she and Carlos began dating last summer, having been spotted at races in Japan, Austin, Singapore, Las Vegas and Bahrain.Born in Scone, Perthshire, she burst onto the modelling scene as a teenager.She won her first beauty pageant aged 17 in 2011, which saw her entered into the Top Model UK competition.READ MORE F1 FEATURESAnd she has her mum to thank; she said at the time: “My mum entered me and I was really surprised when I found out.“We had to go to rehearsals to practise catwalk type dances before going in front of four judges at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee.”The prize saw her win, among other things, a designer outfit from Debenhams – but Rebecca has since gone on to model for major agencies and grace the covers of Vogue and Marie Claire.She also starred in a glitzy Ferrari TV advert in May last year, which could be where she met Carlos, as the couple were first spotted together in Milan in June.Most read in MotorsportIt’s thought they then enjoyed luxurious holidays together in Sardinia in August and the Bahamas in November, with both sharing separate Instagram posts.The couple were spotted hugging and kissing ahead of the Mexican GP in October.Rebecca Donaldson stars in glitzy Ferrari adAnd Carlos appeared to confirm their relationship during an interview ahead of the Las Vegas GP three weeks later – with talk even turning to marriage!When grilled by teammate Charles Leclerc over who he’d marry in Vegas, Carlos replied: “That’s a trick question. My current girlfriend.”Famous exRebecca previously dated Kardashians star Scott DisickCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe model was spotted planting a kiss on Carlos at the Mexican GP in OctoberCredit: GettyCarlos and Rebecca at the Las Vegas GPCredit: GettyCarlos was previously in a long-term relationship with Spanish journalist Isa Hernáez from 2017 until they broke up last summer.While little is known about Rebecca’s dating history, she did have a brief two-month fling with Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick, after meeting him on a night out.She was spotted with the American reality TV star, who featured in every season of hit series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, at the premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians in Los Angeles in April 2022.They held hands as they posed together on the red carpet, with Rebecca looking stunning in a green tight-fitting one-shoulder gown.Scott was reportedly “smitten”, but by June they’d split, with a source telling E! News the couple parted ways “amicably”.”Although they had a short-lived romance, it was definitely serious,” the source said. “He enjoyed his time with her but realised he is not in a place to seriously date right now.”Launched business ‘from her bed’Rebecca Donaldson as a young modelCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun GlasgowRebecca regularly shares sizzling snaps to InstagramCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadAs well as her modelling career, Rebecca is an entrepreneur, having set up her own fashion brand during the Covid-19 lockdown.She launched MUSE Activewear, which sells gym wear for women, in October 2020 and has seen her firm grow in the years since.Explaining how she came to launch the brand, she explained: “I was spending many days and hours during lockdown feeling a little purposeless. So, I decided to pursue my dream of starting a clothing brand. “I knew I wanted to create something that not only I would wear and be proud of putting my name against, but also something that was missing from the market – affordable, good quality products that are also very wearable day-to-day, as I found I struggled to find items that covered all these aspects.”I started working with my laptop in bed, but before long, I found myself feeling very lethargic as I relate my bed to sleep. “So to keep focused and productivity levels high whilst working remotely, I recommend finding a place in your home and making it a dedicated work zone.”Rebecca, who has 209K followers on Instagram, has previously admitted she’d never had a 9-5 job.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt seems she’s won over Carlos’ family, as his sisters Ana and Blanca and mum Reyes were reportedly in the crowd when Rebecca walked the runway during Madrid Fashion Week in February.And she’s certainly proving a lucky charm for Carlos, who’ll be looking to replicate his winning form in Japan in two weeks’ time.Rebecca walks the runway at the Lola Casademunt by Maite fashion show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week MadridCredit: GettyCarlos spent time with Rebecca while resting after undergoing his recent appendix operationCredit: BackGridGlamorous Rebecca has modelled for the likes of Vogue and Marie ClaireCredit: RexRebecca appears to be a lucky charm for CarlosCredit: instagram/iamrebeccad🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    George Russell begs F1 chiefs for red flag after 100mph crash at Australian GP as full audio of team radio plea revealed

    GEORGE RUSSELL begged for a red flag immediately after his 100mph crash at the Australian Grand Prix.The British star, 26, was involved in a frightening smash between turns six and seven as he battled with Fernando Alonso.George Russell went hurtling into the barrier during the final lapCredit: AFPThe Brit’s car was left balancing on its sideCredit: AFPRussell, 26, endured a tough weekendCredit: AlamyRussell’s Mercedes was left balancing on its side after hitting the barriers with force.With his car in the middle of the track, the Silver Arrows star was desperate for proceedings to be halted so that he wouldn’t be hit.Straight after coming to a stop, Russell worriedly bellowed down his team radio: “Red flag, red flag, I’m in the middle of the track, red flag, red flag. Red, red, red, red, red.”I’m in the middle. Red. F***. Why so long?”READ MORE F1He then thankfully added: “I’m okay, I am in the middle of the track half upside down.”I just completely lost it, sorry guys.”The race subsequently finished behind a virtual safety car.In the media pen after the fact, Russell explained: “I really don’t know what happened, to be honest.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I was half a second behind Fernando on the entry of the corner and then suddenly, before the apex, I was right on his gearbox and lost the car, ran wide.”Unfortunately the wall was… well, I ran wide, hit the wall and then it was obviously a dramatic few seconds after that.The chase for glory: Inside the world of F1 reserve drivers”It’s a disappointing end to a difficult race.”Alonso, 42, initially finished sixth in the race.But he was subsequently slapped with a 20-second time penalty, dropping him to eighth.Russell’s Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton was also forced to retire from the race, after suffering an engine failure during lap 18.After the race, Hamilton said: “This is the worst start to a season. It’s worse than 2009 I think.”Following Mercedes’ double-DNF, team principal Toto Wolff added: “Tough to take, super tough.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would be lying if I said at any moment I felt positive about the situation and optimistic.”You just need to overcome the negative thoughts and say, ‘we will turn this around’. Today it feels very, very brutal.”Lewis Hamilton has endured a tough start to the seasonCredit: Splash More

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    Eagle-eyed fans fear for Carlos Sainz after spotting Ferrari star after winning Australian GP on return from surgery

    FORMULA ONE fans are fearing for Carlos Sainz’s health after he was seen struggling to get out of his car following his Australian Grand Prix triumph.The Spaniard, 29, missed the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after being ruled out with appendicitis.Carlos Sainz struggled as he clambered out of his FerrariCredit: Sky SportsHe gingerly put his feet down as he was clearly still feeling the effects of his appendix surgeryCredit: Sky SportsSainz claimed his third Grand Prix victory just weeks after going under the knifeCredit: GettyAfter undergoing appendix surgery he returned to race for Ferrari in Melbourne – replacing British teenager Oliver Bearman who earned seventh place in the Middle East.And it was a memorable weekend for Sainz as he capitalised on Max Verstappen’s early retirement to win his third Grand Prix.Yet the effects of his appendix surgery could still be seen as he climbed out of the car after his victory.Sainz awkwardly clambered up onto the side of his Ferrari before he gingerly put his feet on the floor and walked over to receive his congratulations.READ MORE IN F1Reacting to the clip, one said: “Class act is Carlos…. Red Bull next year..”While another added: “He did an incredible job even though he wasn’t feeling 100% 🤍🤍🤍.”Following his whirlwind win, Sainz said: “Life sometimes is crazy.”What happened at the beginning of the year (not being renewed at Ferrari), then the appendix and the comeback and the win – a rollercoaster, but I love it.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also opened up about struggling hugely with his abdominal muscles before flying to Australia.Sainz added: “When I was about to catch my flight to Australia, I was still in bed and could barely use my abdominal muscles.TikTok stars forced to apologise after filming F1 star George Russell using URINAL and making series of crude jokes”I was like ‘this isn’t going to happen’. But I took the flight and suddenly when I landed in Australia, the feeling was a lot better.” More

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    Sky Sports F1 legend Ted Kravitz covered in cake as Ferrari engineer tries to KISS him live on TV during Australian GP

    TED KRAVITZ dodged a kiss after being left covered in cake at the Australian Grand Prix.The Sky Sports F1 legend celebrated his 50th birthday in the paddock on Sunday.Ted Kravitz was covered in cake in the paddock at the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Sky SportsFerrari sporting director Diego Loverno also leaned in to kiss Kravitz after the raceCredit: Sky SportsHe was joined by commentator David Croft and Ferrari sporting director Diego Loverno after Carlos Sainz’s victory in Melbourne.Loverno presented Kravitz with a birthday cake live on TV as both he and Croft called for someone to push his face into it.Kravitz agreed, explaining: “Normally people’s heads end up in cakes. Am I wrong? In tradition, when it is somebody’s birthday, do you not just want to put a little bit in my face?”With the cake smeared all over his face, he turned to Loverno and said: “In the greatest honour of Formula One birthdays, you have to put a bit on my face.”READ MORE IN SPORTHowever, Loverno appeared to misunderstand as he responded: “I may kiss you.”As he leaned in towards Kravitz, he pulled away, telling Loverno: “No, no, no! But congratulations and thank you for the cake.”Spirits were high for Ferrari in the paddock after Sainz victory in Australia.The Spaniard took the chequered flag on his return to the track after being forced to miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis win was the first non-Red Bull victory of the season, with Max Verstappen retiring early due to a brake issue.Sainz’s team-mate completed a Ferrari one-two as he finished second.Carlos Sainz celebrates winning the Australian Grand PrixLando Norris was also on the podium for McLaren thanks to a third-place finish at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. More

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    TikTok stars forced to apologise after filming F1 star George Russell using URINAL and making series of crude jokes

    TIKTOK stars have been forced to apologise after filming George Russell using a urinal at the Australian Grand Prix.Brothers Archie and Miles Shepherd, who go by the online moniker “Shepmates”, are known for their lip-synching commentary videos on social media.The ‘Shepmates’ filmed George Russel while he was using a urinalArchie, left, and Miles Shepherd have apologised for their indiscretionRussell crashed out of the Australian Grand PrixCredit: RexBut they got themselves into hot water after attending the Australian GP after bumping into Russell in the toilets.The brothers filmed the bizarre interaction and posted the clip on TikTok alongside the caption: “POV: When you meet George Russell at the urinals.”In the now-deleted video, one of the brothers says: “I just took a p*** next to George Russell. I know what you’re thinking, how big is it? That stays between me and George. There’s confidentiality in the men’s urinal.“What I can say is he looks really relaxed, confident stream. We were there for a while so he’s obviously really hydrated and prepared for the race. He really opened the floodgates.”READ MORE IN F1The pair were slammed for their behaviour with some critics calling for their credentials to be denied at future ratings.The Shepmates responded to the backlash by releasing a statement expressing their regret.It read: “Our aim is to celebrate sporting heroes and commentators whilst bringing some light hearted fun to sports fans.“On this occasion our content has unintentionally offended our audience and sporting fan from around the globe and is unacceptable.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“We acknowledge our absolute lapse of judgement and apologise wholeheartedly. We have reached out to George personally to apologise.”Mercedes or Russell are yet to publicly comment on the video.TikTok stars forced to apologise after filming F1 star George Russell using URINAL and making series of crude jokesThe Brit crashed out of the Australian GP in after being brake-tested by Fernando Alonso, who was given a 20-second penalty and demoted to eighth place.Russell’s team-mate Sir Lewis Hamilton also failed to finish because of engine failure, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz picking up his first Formula One win of the season following Max Verstappen’s DNF. More

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    Carlos Sainz breaks little-known F1 rule straight after winning Australian GP as star brushes off race official

    CARLOS SAINZ broke a little-known F1 rule after winning the Australian Grand Prix.The Spanish driver took the chequered flag on his return to the track in Melbourne on Sunday.Carlos Sainz broke a little-known F1 rule after winning the Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyAfter the race, Sainz celebrated by throwing his gloves into the paddock as he jumped into his Ferrari crew.He also appeared to brush off a race official attempting to direct him towards the weigh-in station.F1 rules require drivers to weigh in with their gear on before and after races to insure they do not breach the minimum weight threshold of 80kg.The rule is in place for safety and fairness reasons.READ MORE IN SPORTHowever, Sainz was not punished for throwing away his gloves.Martin Brundle noticed the rule breach on Sky Sports as he questioned whether it was within FIA regulations.Lead commentator David Croft said: “I’m not technically sure that is allowed but who cares.”Brundle added: “You’re not really supposed to go near your team unless (sic) somebody slips a spanner in your pocket or something, a bit of extra weight.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSainz claimed victory in Melbourne ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, with Lando Norris finishing third.His win is the first non-Red Bull victory of 2024 after Max Verstappen was forced to retire with a brake issue.The chase for glory: Inside the world of F1 reserve driversSainz returned to the grid after being forced out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitis.He had been replaced on the grid by 18-year-old Oliver Bearman whilst he underwent surgery. More