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      Christian Horner makes first Instagram post since sext leak storm & hails ‘perfect start to season’ after Bahrain GP win

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      CHRISTIAN Horner has taken to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Red Bull Racing team.He hailed the “perfect start to the season” after his team won at the Bahrain Grand Prix today.Christian Horner hugged Max Verstappen after his win todayCredit: Instagram/@christianhornerHorner posted on Instagram for the first time since his scandalCredit: Instagram/@christianhornerSpice Girl Geri was seen in Bahrain supporting her husbandCredit: PABoss Horner congratulated driver Max Verstappen following his win.The victory was secured despite the build up to the race being dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.In a post on Saturday night, Horner thanked his “hard working team” and their support.He wrote: “What a weekend. The perfect start to the season.read more on horner”A big thank you to all the hard working team back in Milton Keynes for all their work over the winter to produce another great and very competitive car.”To our stakeholders, illustrious partners and everyone here in Bahrain, thank you for your unending support and commitment to get us off to the best possible start.”The post comes after Horner was pictured on his own today walking into the paddock ahead of the race.Geri Halliwell, 51, was later seen standing by her husband despite the shock bombshell leak. Most read in MotorsportThe trove of texts sent anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets confirmed Horner did send inappropriate messages behind his wife Geri Halliwell’s back, despite being cleared in a Red Bull probe.The team boss refused to comment on the leaked WhatsApp sexts.Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winSome of the grubby messages were reported, including a request for a “Santa PJ selfie”.He also regularly joked about Spanx, telling the woman she looks “attractive” in them.In another, Horner starts by asking if he can make a “confession”.He then describes a trip on a private jet to Dubai where he claims that the woman got him “out of control”.It was reported that the Red Bull chief – who has won 13 world titles since heading the team as a 31-year-old in 2005 – had been hauled in for crisis talks with F1 bosses.The tension was palpable down in the paddock, with Red Bull team members avoiding mentioning the simmering scandal, other than the odd whisper.Horner was also seen holding hands with his wife after the race.An emotional Horner had said: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everybody within that team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And my focus is going racing, winning racing and doing the best I can.”It was a day about starting the season in the best possible way. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and racing.” More

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      Two F1 chiefs ‘QUIT’ as team part-owned by Hollywood duo suffer nightmare start to the season at Bahrain Grand Prix

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      TWO chiefs at Alpine have quit as the team suffered a horror start to the new F1 season.Both technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have resigned.Technical director Matt Harman has quit Alpine as the team made a horror start to the F1 seasonCredit: AFPThis year’s first race took place in Bahrain today as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen cruised to victory. He lapped both Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.The French duo finished 17th and 18th in the Bahrain GP.It is understood Harman and De Beer resigned prior to the opening race weekend of the season due to the “uncompetitive” testing of the car.READ MORE IN F1It remains unclear when they will leave as they work out their notice periods.They are the latest chiefs to leave after principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane quit halfway through last year’s Belgian GP.Experienced engineer Pat Fry left for rivals Williams and CEO Laurent Rossi also departed last season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlpine are part-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Most read in MotorsportThey joined with Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners to take a 24 per cent share of the team that used to be known as Renault.Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper deliver beer to Alpine F1 Racing Team headquarters after Esteban Ocon achieved a podium positionTheir latest business move after buying football club Wrexham supposedly cost them £170million.NFL star Travis Kelce, boyfriend of pop sensation Taylor Swift, also owns a small portion of Alpine.Alpine have declined to comment on Harman and De Beer’s resignations. More

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      Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word answer when quizzed about future amid sext leak storm after Bahrain GP win

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER gave a defiant response to questions over his Red Bull future following a dominant win at the Bahrain GP.The team principal is caught up in an alleged “sexting” scandal after being cleared of misconduct by an internal probe.Max Verstappen’s win put a smile on Christian Horner’s faceCredit: APHorner shared a kiss with wife GeriCredit: PAThe 50-year-old was allowed to lead Red Bull into the new F1 season that begun today. Max Verstappen cruised to victory as he continued his dominance from last year, with team-mate Sergio Perez second.Afterwards, Horner was asked: “Are you confident you have the full backing of everybody above you and you’ll be leading this team in Jeddah next weekend?”He replied: “Yeah, absolutely – I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”READ MORE IN F1Horner also added: “You don’t achieve this kind of result by not being united.”He continued: “Testimony to the hard work behind-the-scenes – maximum points today. “It’s an aggressive evolution. The design team has done a wonderful job, they’ve pushed hard, you can see there’s innovative ideas. It’s a strong evolution. “It’s a great start, it’s not a one off.Most read in Motorsport”We’re going to have to see four or five races before we see a true pattern. “You can’t base too much on this one race. Inside Christian Horner’s 4-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on “It was a great performance by Max and the perfect start to the season. “He’s got to keep performing like he did today. “He made a couple good passes and drove a strong race. A one-two finish is the optimal.”We have got a tremendous support, tremendous partners and great shareholders behind us as well.”The win put a smile on Horner’s face after a week of intense scrutiny.He appeared in Bahrain alongside his wife Geri Halliwell and they shared a kiss in the paddock.Prior to the race, Horner was also seen pacing around the paddock and hospitality area at the circuit, stopping to check his phone and sign autographs for children.Meanwhile, Geri has been left “heartbroken and humiliated” after sexts sent by her hubby to a female employee were leaked.The Spice Girl, 51, touched down in Bahrain on Thursday night just as the bombshell messages began to spread around the globe.Geri reportedly refused to see her husband after his sext leak but was talked into it by his family.Some of the messages were reported, including a request for a “Santa PJ selfie”.He also regularly joked about Spanx, telling the woman she looks “attractive” in them.In another, Horner starts by asking if he can make a “confession”.He then describes a trip on a private jet to Dubai where he claims that the woman got him “out of control”.The Sun learned that Geri knew of the female employee at the centre of the texting scandal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA Red Bull insider said she even approved of the woman working in Horner’s team.It comes after a mole close to the Red Bull Racing camp allegedly detonated the Christian Horner sexting scandal in a bid to oust the F1 team boss, The Sun revealed. More

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      Elle Brooke strips to racy lingerie and leather boots to show off her F1 team colours as fans say ‘smoking hot’

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      ELLE Brooke has given fans a clue to who she will be following as the Formula One season gets underway.Max Verstappen and Co took to the race track in Bahrain for the opening race of the calendar on Saturday.Elle Brooke gave fans a clue to who she will be following in Formula OneCredit: InstagramIn a racy photoshoot, Brooke revealed she was a Ferrari fanCredit: RexSCROLL DOWN FOR MORE ELLE BROOKE PICSAnd the OnlyFans model has made it very clear who she is backing in a glam photoshoot.Brooke shared a snap on Instagram to her near one million followers wearing sexy red lingerie.If that wasn’t a big enough hint, a baseball cap she wore totally gave the game away.The red baseball cap featured the famous Ferrari emblem on the front, making it clear that’s what her F1 colours are.Brooke captioned the racy photo: “Forza Ferrari let’s goooo 🔥”And it drew plenty of reaction from her fans online.One wrote: “Smoking hot.”A second posted: “Wow wow.”Most read in BoxingA third shared: “Man City and Ferrari? Damn, marry me?”While a fourth added: “Gimme gimme.”Elle Brooke almost pops out of ‘too small’ bikini and says her boobs are ‘bigger than I thought’Brooke has made no secret of her love of Ferrari in the past.In fact, in an interview with Piers Morgan last year she alluded to the fact that it was her dream car.When the talk show host quizzed her about her she would explain her career to any children she have, Brooke gave a cheeky response.She shocked the journalist saying: “I don’t really want kids right now… They can cry in a Ferrari.”More glam photos of Elle belowBlonde bombshell Brooke has made a name for herself on OnlyFansCredit: @ellebrookeukAway from social media, Brooke has enjoyed boxing fame through Misfits BoxingCredit: GettyBrooke is also a football fan and supports Manchester CityCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke shows off her amazing figure in sexy lingerieCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongOn social media Brooke isn’t afraid to shock her followersCredit: TikTok/@iamellebrookeBrooke has revealed in the past her dream car is a FerrariCredit: twitter @ellebrookUKElle Brooke bikini try onCredit: instagram @thedumbledongElle Brooke sizzles in outrageous see-through lingerie as OnlyFans star and boxer shows off her curves,Credit: Instagram More

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      Max Verstappen easily wins Bahrain Grand Prix as Red Bull 1-2 gives under-fire Christian Horner something to smile about

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN started his F1 title defence with a crushing victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.The 26-year-old crossed the line with a whopping 22 seconds lead over his team-mate Sergio Perez.The new season got underway in BahrainCredit: RexMax Verstappen carried his dominance into the new seasonCredit: GettyThe win gave Chistian Horner something to smile aboutCredit: APHe was congratulated by his Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who beamed for the first time in a while after being dogged by controversy.The build up to this race had been dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.But he was given the green light to continue in his role after the grievance was dismissed by an independent report only to be plunged into a meltdown when an anonymous email claimed to have leaked contents of WhatsApp exchanges.Horner, who had denied the allegations, would only comment to say that he would not respond to “anonymous speculation”.READ MORE IN F1There had also been more tension with rumours of a simmering feud with Verstappen’s father Jos, potentially driving a wedge between his star driver and Horner.But there was a clear show of support for Horner, who had arrived at the track in Bahrain early.He had remained in his office in the Red Bull hospitality unit until going to the paddock gates to greet his wife Geri Halliwell around 4:15pm.She was wearing an elegant cream dress and they strode through the paddock holding hands as the snappers got their shots before sharing a kiss.Most read in MotorsportThis was a message that shouted loud and clear that their relationship had not been damaged by the anonymous leak.They chatted with Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, the Dutch billionaire businesswoman who owns 25 per cent of the second-largest brewer in the world bearing her surname, making her the richest person in the Netherlands.Inside Christian Horner’s 4-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on Heineken are just one of the many team partners but perhaps the most significant level of business support came from Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai co-owner of Red Bull.He has been in Horner’s corner for a number of years and owns the controlling 51 per cent of the energy drink firm founded by his father.The remaining 49 per cent once owned by Austrian tycoon Dietrich Mateschitz now belongs to his son, Mark.Yoovidhya and his wife had a photo in front of Verstappen’s car on the grid and stood either side of Horner.Before the race, there was still some trepidation that a second salvo of WhatsApp files would drop in yet another anonymous email.The previous day, there had been rumours of the same but they never materialised.Once the grid cleared and we finally got the 2024 season underway it quickly became apparent that Verstappen remained in a class of his own.He thundered away from the lights at a rate that was nearly a second a lap quicker than his rivals.By the 10th lap, he’d stretched his advantage to eight seconds and by the time he made his pitstop on lap 18 it was a terrifying lead of 30.4 seconds.He stopped for tyres and started making his lead back up again. It was impressive and demoralising in equal measure.Last year, Verstappen had been unstoppable, winning 19 of 22 races.There had been some hope based on pre-season testing that Ferrari and even Mercedes, would offer him more of a fight.But on this evidence, it looks all too easy as he coasted to victory ahead of his Perez in second place.As the TV camera cut to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, his gloomy face told a familiar story now for the Silver Arrows.George Russell, who started in third place, finished in fifth. Lewis Hamilton meanwhile was seventh with McLaren’s British driver Lando Norris ahead of him.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe rest of the grid have their work cut out if they are to stop the Dutchman from making it four titles on the spin.It was a one-two finish for Red Bull and Verstappen, who had started on pole, also set the fastest lap to earn himself a bonus point.Horner and wife Geri shared a kissCredit: PA More

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      F1 fans fume as Man Utd legend walks out on live TV grid interview with Martin Brundle to chat to Neymar

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      FORMULA ONE fans were left fuming after Patrice Evra walked out on a live TV grid interview with Martin Brundle so he could chat with Neymar.Supporters gathered round the box on Saturday afternoon for the opening race of the new season in Bahrain.Fans fumed as Patrice Evra walked out of his interview with Martin BrundleEvra ditched the F1 broadcaster to greet Neymar at the Bahrain GPMax Verstappen qualified in pole position yesterday, with Lewis Hamilton starting in ninth.And before the action kicked off, broadcaster Brundle made his usual way around the paddock to see if there were any celebrities available for interview.As luck would have it, he stumbled upon none other than Manchester United legend Evra.The Frenchman was hard to miss in a dazzling pink suit.READ MORE IN F1And he was more than happy to talk as Brundle engaged him over the stunning choice of clothing.Brundle said: “That’s a wicked suit, I’m impressed with that.”Evra responded: “Thanks, my wife hated it but I love it!”Brundle quipped: “You’ve got to try and stand out on this incredible grid.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Evra abruptly pulled the plug on the interview when he spotted Brazil icon Neymar strutting by.Apologising to Brundle, he darted away from the camera to embrace the injured Al-Hilal forward.Man Utd legends Patrice Evra and Park Ji-sung reunite… but at the ground of Premier League rivalsEvra said: “It’s Bahrain and I love the race! Oh it’s my brother, hold on!”This saw a bemused Brundle comment: “It’s Neymar, they’re having a football love-in there.”But some fans were not happy with Evra’s behaviour, claiming it was disrespectful towards Brundle.One said: “Not happy with Evra ditching Brundle for Neymar.”Another declared: “No way Evra just left Brundle like that.”One noted: “How dare Evra big time Brundle for Neymar on his grid walk.”Another added: “Bro just showed up and stole Evra from Brundle.”Some supporters felt it was fair game though.One said: “It’s two former players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother boomed: “Love that, he’s my brother.”One added: “Imagine bumping into Neymar AND Evra on the grid walk.” More

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      ‘Emotional’ Geri Halliwell on ‘denial mission’ as she ‘puts on PR performance’ alongside ‘awkward’ Christian Horner

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      GERI Halliwell is on a “denial mission” and today put on a PR performance, a body language expert claims.The Spice Girl, 51, was seen for the first time this afternoon – walking hand-in-hand with husband Christian Horner at the Bahrain Grand Pix.Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner put on a ‘PR performance’ today, a body language expert claimsCredit: GettyExpert Judi James says the couple were trying to show a ‘bond’Credit: PAThe Spice Girl was said to be forcing a ‘carefree smile’Credit: GettyWhile Christian appeared ‘awkward’, an expert saysCredit: APThe expert said the couple appeared to be on a ‘denial mission’Credit: GettyHer presence came as a surprise after ‘sexts’ allegedly sent by Horner were leaked while she was jetting to the Middle East to stand by his side. But with Horner’s hand on her back, Geri beamed as she greeted the mob of photographers awaiting her arrival. She could be seen smiling up at her husband, before apparently candidly chatting to him at the trackside. But the couple’s apparent solidarity was not sincere, a body language expert claims. Read more on motorsportJudi James said Horner appeared “awkward”, while Geri was wearing a smile that looked forced – in an attempt to seem carefree. Yesterday afternoon the content of WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by the Red Bull Racing boss were leaked. In one, Horner allegedly asked a woman for a “Santa PJ selfie” and regularly joked about Spanx – telling the woman she looks “attractive” in them.The body language expert said Geri and Horner today were trying to send “a message of denial and bonded resilience”. Most read in MotorsportShe said the ex-Spice Girl was wearing a smile as though she was “posing for a cataloge shoot”. Judi told The Sun: “That in turn suggests she’s putting in some emotional effort to try to look carefree and natural.Motor racing world in ‘disbelief’ at Christian Horner alleged leaked messages”Her smile looks performed and that outward flick of her right hand and lower arm hint at inner tension causing rigidity.” The expert said their body language, with their hands pulled closer to Geri’s body, suggested this was a PR performance of “loyalty and togetherness”. “The way she grasps Christian’s hand suggests she’s being the decisive one here,” Judi added. “It looks as though she has taken over control here and decided to show a message of togetherness to the world.” It comes asShe said this made it appear as though Geri was on a “denial mission”. Judi added that Horner looked “awkward” with one hand in his pocket, suggesting a “desire to hide”. She continued: “He doesn’t meet Geri’s eye contact when she throws a pinging beam at him as though trying to prompt him to return a loving smile.” The Spice Girl went for her signature white outfit, which she is known for wearing at F1 races.It comes after Geri was said to have “felt like a fool” for trusting her “prince charming” husband after he played down sexting claims.A source close to the pop star, who was on a Bahrain-bound private jet when the messages emerged, told The Sun Horner tried to play down the scandal.Geri is heartbroken and feels utterly humiliated.They said: “Geri is heartbroken and feels utterly humiliated. She trusted him when he tried to play down the scandal.“He always told her he’d done nothing wrong. This will really hurt Geri, who has put everything into their marriage. “She worked hard for all of this, she jumped through hoops to get him, so will she dump him?”READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier today, a smiling Horner appeared to have shrugged off his sext scandal as he arrived alone at the Bahrain Grand Prix.The racing chief previously refused to comment on the leaked WhatsApp sexts, which were sent anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets on Thursday.Geri was seen for the first time since messages allegedly sent by her husband were leakedCredit: PAThe couple walked hand-in-hand in front of the camerasCredit: PA More

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      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen LEADS from pole amid chief Horner’s sext scandal – latest updates

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      THE Formula 1 season is kicking off with the Bahrain Grand Prix today.Defending champion Max Verstappen is starting from pole after topping qualifying for an opener which has been marred by Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s alleged sext scandal which has rocked the sport.The team principal has again denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague after being cleared following an internal investigation on Wednesday before messages claiming to be from him were leaked.
      Start time: 3pm GMT
      TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event
      Lap 17/57 – Verstappen leads, Perez second
      Everyone has pitted now apart from Verstappen who now leads the race by 31.3 seconds.
      Russell is in third, Leclerc in fourth place just ahead of his teammate in fifth.
      Norris sits in sixth ahead of Piastri in seventh.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 15/57 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
      Sergio Perez is on fire today.
      Another great move as he takes George Russell to move into sixth place.
      The Red Bull driver has Albon in his sights now.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedLap 13/57 – Verstappen leads, Sainz second
      As ever, pit stops change the complexion of the race.
      Verstappen now has a 11.9 second lead over Sainz in second.
      Alonso is now in third, with Tsunoda in fourth.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 11/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      Verstappen now has a 7.2 second lead in the race.
      Alonso was struggling to hold off the Mercedes of Hamilton and drops to ninth place.
      It looks like Logan Sargeant may be our first retirement of the race.
      He surprises all as he returns to the track which will prevent the need for any safety cards.
      The two Ferraris almost have a coming together as Sainz moves up into fourth spot.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 9/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      This is not a good start to the race for Charles Leclerc.
      Sergio Perez is the next driver to take the Ferrari.
      Leclerc is now in fourth place with Perez in third.
      The Ferrari driver has locked-up three times already in the race, on this occasion giving the Red Bull the chance to capitalise.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 7/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      It is business as usual for the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
      He has opened up a 4.6 second lead over the Mercedes of Russell.
      Norris is now in sixth, closely followed by teammate Piastri.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 5/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      Russell is 2.1 seconds behind Verstappen in first place.
      His main concern at the moment is holding of the Ferrari of Leclerc.
      The stewards had a look at that earlier incident between Stroll and Hulkenberg and have cleared it.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedLap 3/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      Hulkenberg heads into the pits and had a chancge of tyres.
      All 20 drivers started this race on soft tyres today.
      The front of the grid looks, as we started, with the exception of Hulkenberg who is at the back of the field now.
      That is all change as the Mercedes of Russell makes a move to take the Ferrari at the corner.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 1/57 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Max Verstappen makes a great start to the Grand Prix.
      Charles Leclerc had to back off a bit at the first turn.
      Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg had some contact at the first corner and the latter seems to have some front wing damage.
      Copy linkCopiedLights out in Bahrain Grand Prix
      Copy linkCopiedFormation lap begins
      Copy linkCopiedReminder of F1 grid for race
      Here is how the drivers will line-up this afternoon in Bahrain.
      Credit: @F1
      Copy linkCopiedBahrain Grand Prix race odds
      As you would imagine, Max Verstappen remains the heavy favourite for every race he enters.
      Max Verstappen – 2/13
      Charles Leclerc – 9/1
      Sergio Perez, George Russell – 20/1
      Carlos Sainz – 25/1
      Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton – 40/1
      Lando Norris – 50/1
      Oscar Piastri – 66/1
      All race odds brought to you by Grosvenor Sport.
      Copy linkCopiedChanges for 2024 race season
      DRS is s huge part of Formula One nowadays but there will be a change for this season.
      Drivers will first be able to access it – provided they are within one second of the car in front at the respective detection point – on the second lap of the race instead of the third as before. 
      What sort of impact that will have, only time will tell.
      Copy linkCopiedContracts up for grabs this year
      As we head into the new race season, we have quite a strange situation when it comes to the drivers.
      More than half of this year’s grid, 13 drivers, have not yet confirmed contracts for next season.
      It will make for an intriguing campaign, with some big announcements expected as drivers edge towards the end of their existing contracts.
      Copy linkCopiedExciting F1 season lies ahead
      Not that anticipation for the new campaign needs much more hype but we will also see the return of the Chinese Grand Prix this year.
      It will be the first time since 2019 that the Shanghai International Circuit will feature in the race season.
      Prior to the concerns due to the pandemic, it had been a regular feature in the calendar for fifteen consecutive years from 2004-2019.
      Copy linkCopiedSight of things to come
      As the drivers ponder tactics prior to the race, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc share some thoughts.
      With this being Hamilton’s last season with Mercedes, the pair will soon be teammates at Ferrari.
      Mercedes will hope that he can go out on a high for them this campaign, which would be the perfect swansong for their partnership.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedSo close to perfect start in qualifying
      Ferrari almost made the perfect start to the season as Charles Leclerc seemed tohave pipped Max Verstappen to pole position.
      However, opting to go onto soft tyres for Q3 cost them as the defending world champion put in a performance to seal the front place on the grid.
      Ferrari’s drivers sit in second and fourth on the grid and will be looking to make a positive start to the season.

      Copy linkCopiedMercedes hoping to challenge this season
      George Russell has spoke about his team’s plans for the season.
      “Everyone at the factory have done an amazing job to give Lewis and I a car we feel much happier with and a base we can build upon.
      “Obviously Max is right out there in front, we’ve still got some catching up to do but when we look at our qualifying performance over the last two years and our race pace, starting P3 in Bahrain is a great place.”
      Copy linkCopiedStars head to F1 opener in Bahrain
      Yuki Tsunoda meets Neymar in the pits as preparation continues.
      There is no other sport like F1 to attract the world’s biggest star to the track.
      The anticipation is building as we head towards lights out in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedPutting on a brave front
      Amid all the media attention, Geri Halliwell is treating everything as ‘business as usual’ in Bahrain.
      A regular attender at the races, the former Spice Girl is showing support for her man this weekend.
      Red Bull will be hoping for another dominant season this term, expecting more from Sergio Perez in support of Max Verstappen.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedAlpine struggling with change in qualifying
      After finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship last season, Alpine made changes to their car to try and bridge the gap.
      Sadly, it seems these changes have had the adverse effect in qualifying.
      Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly up line up 19th and 20th respectively for the season-opener.
      Copy linkCopiedHow the drivers line-up in season opener
      Here is today’s grid positions for the Bahrain Grand Prix:
      Credit: @F1
      Copy linkCopiedMax focussed on driving not scandal
      The reigning world champion has spoken about the revelations about Christian Horner have affected the team:
      From my side, and I think what I can see also from the mechanics and the engineers, we are fully focused on the car and the performance here during the weekend. And that’s how it should be, I think, and that’s what we continue to do, because it’s not our business. We’re not particularly involved in that. And we are here, we are paid to do our job, and that’s what we are doing and that’s also what we love doing. So that’s what we focus on.Max VerstappenRed Bull
      Copy linkCopiedSeason start could not come sooner
      One thing is for sure that Red Bull will be glad to see the start of the season.
      With the spotlight directly on the constructor with the bombshells about Christian Horner, they will be hoping that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez can divert attentions this afternoon.
      While Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing, the text messages have been leaked into the public arena with his partner Geri Halliwell said to be ‘devastated’ by the nature of the content.

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