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    Controversial supermodel-loving Flavio Briatore was given lifetime ban for Crashgate but has returned to top of F1

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    FLAVIO BRIATORE is back in charge of a Formula One team, 16 years after he was handed a “lifetime ban” from one of the motorsport’s most infamous scandals.The Italian has taken the reins as team principal at F1 outfit Alpine after Oliver Oakes resigned from his position just six races into the season.Flavio Briatore is back in F1 as a team principalCredit: RexHe is infamous for his part in Crashgate which saw Nelson Piquet Jr crash his car so Fernando Alonso could win the raceCredit: Formula OneThe controversial figure dated supermodel Naomi CampbellCredit: GettyHis first move since returning as Alpine boss was to axe Jack DoohanCredit: PAThat decision appears to have come due to Briatore pushing for Jack Doohan to be replaced by Franco Colapinto, a decision that was confirmed the morning after his appointment.Briatore was brought back into the F1 fold by Renault chief Luca de Meo after more than a decade on the sidelines following 2009’s Crashgate scandal.The incident, regarded as one of F1’s biggest controversies, had seen Renault order then driver Nelson Piquet Jr to crash his car at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to help Fernando Alonso win the race – a decision which had huge ramifications for the maiden title won by Lewis Hamilton.Alonso was cleared of any wrongdoing in the aftermath, while Renault were charged by the motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, with Briatore being ousted from his then role as team principal and managing director.READ MORE IN F1Briatore was then slapped with a lifetime ban by the FIA for his part in the incident before he saw it overturned in 2010 following an ugly court battle, though he added at the time he did not think he would ever return to F1.But fast forward 12 years, he initially rejoined the sport as an ambassador in 2022 before being appointed as special advisor to Renault last year, and it seems he has ultimately been calling the shots since then.Fraud convictions and fugitive statusControversy has followed Briatore both in and out of F1.In the 1980s he was convicted on multiple counts of fraud and received two prison sentences in Italy.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth convictions were reduced on appeal and Briatore never actually went to jail as he lived as a fugitive on the Virgin Islands.He returned to Europe when his convictions were extinguished by amnesty, but had maintained close relations with one Luciano Benetton, who would eventually found an F1 team.Flavio Briatore’s £18m yacht bought for bargain £6.6m by Ex-F1 boss Bernie EcclestonePoaching Schumacher and Renault world championsBriatore poached Michael Schumacher from Eddie Jordan in 1991Credit: AlamySchumacher won two driver’s titles at Benetton with the team winning the 1995 Constructors’ ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe later unearthed Fernando Alonso, right, and won two more driver’s title with himCredit: AFPBriatore became the team manager of the Benetton F1 team, formerly Toleman, in 1990, after firing the previous team management in his role of commercial director.As team manager he then managed to poach Michael Schumacher from the grasp of the late Eddie Jordan after his first F1 race, before the German went on to win F1 titles in 1994 and 1995 while Benetton won the Constructors’ Championship in 1995.In 1994 the team was accused of using multiple forms of cheating, including unproven alleged use of illegal software and discarding a regulation fuel filter to speed up pit stops, only escaping punishment for the latter after pointing out multiple rivals had done the same.The team slipped into the midfield when a number of key technical staff and Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996 before Renault took over the Benetton team in 2000.There he found and nurtured a young Alonso and fired Jenson Button to hand the Spaniard a seat before he went on to win the Drivers Championship in 2005 and 2006 and end Schumacher’s dominance.Supermodel feverBriatore dated supermodel Heidi KlumCredit: GettyHe later married Elisabetta Gregoraci before they got divorced in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe glitz and glamour of the F1 lifestyle spilled over into Briatore’s personal life.In 1998 he got engaged to supermodel Naomi Campbell, but they never married with the pair being involved in an on and off relationship before they split in 2003.In March of that year he then started dating supermodel Heidi Klum, with Klum announcing her pregnancy in December before the pair split. Klum gave birth to daughter Leni, but said Briatore was not involved in her life before, in 2009, she was officially adopted by Klum’s partner, Seal, and had her name changed.Briatore briefly dated English actress and model Emma Heming Willis in 2004, with later flings coming with German catwalk pro Nadine Smith and actress Annemarie Warnkross – and it’s even been speculated he romanced Polish model Marzena Cieslik.He eventually married “Wonderbra” model and TV presenter Elisabetta Gregoraci in 2008, with the pair getting wed in Rome and Alonso driving the newlyweds to their lavish reception at the Castello di Torcrescenza.She gave birth to son Falco in 2010, but in 2018 the pair divorced, with Briatore being seen dating Benedetta Bosi – 49 years his junior – in 2019.However, last year it was reported in Italy that Briatore had rekindled his romance with Gregoraci.Crashgate falloutsBernie Ecclestone claimed he kept Crashgate under wraps to avoid scandalCredit: AFPFelipe Massa subsequently launched legal action into the 2008 World ChampionshipCredit: GettyNelson Piquet Jr claimed he had his F1 career threatened by Briatore over CrashgateCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CplSDxMAk1w/Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone claimed in 2023 that he and former FIA president Max Mosley had kept the “Crashgate” plot hidden initially to avoid scandal.Ecclestone said: “We decided not to do anything for now. We wanted to protect the sport and save it from a huge scandal. That’s why I used angelic tongues to persuade my former driver Nelson Piquet to keep calm for the time being.”Back then, there was a rule that a world championship classification after the FIA awards ceremony at the end of the year was untouchable.”So Hamilton was presented with the trophy and everything was fine. We had enough information in time to investigate the matter. According to the statutes, we should have cancelled the race in Singapore under these conditions.”That means it would never have happened for the championship standings. And then Felipe Massa would have become world champion and not Lewis Hamilton.”Those comments sparked a legal case from 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa, who believes he missed out on the title that season through no fault of his own, while Piquet Jr claimed he had his F1 career threatened by Briatore if he did not follow orders.Piquet Jr told On the Tracks Podcast: “The race came to Singapore and they put me psychologically up against the wall, I had no escape.”A lot of people still ask me, ‘Would you do it again?’ My answer is always, ‘No, obviously not.'”At that age and under so much pressure… “There was no one with me, except that grotesque Briatore, who was always bullying and was always complaining, pressuring me and warning me: ‘This is your last chance’.”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 FARF1 returnBefore his return Briatore – a former ski instructor and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers – underwent heart surgery.But since returning to the F1 grid, Briatore has not exactly been subtle.The latest season of the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive features Briatore playing up to a role of villain as he told Aussie rookie Doohan “I control you every millimetre” in one scene.Alpine sit P9 in the Constructors Championship with just seven points from six races.Read More on The SunAnd his first move as the official team boss was to axe Doohan – who he is also manager of- for Colapinto.Now the controversial F1 manager is back in place. And fireworks are sure to follow. More

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      Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-up

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has refused to apologise to his Ferrari bosses after his heated outburst on the team radio during the Formula One Miami Grand Prix.Hamilton enjoyed an impressive Saturday by claiming a podium in the Sprint Race with a superb strategy call to change tyres.Lewis Hamilton refused to apologise for his heated rant down the Ferrari team radioCredit: RexHe was frustrated at being told not to pass team-mate Charles Leclerc despite running on a faster tyreCredit: RexBut Sunday saw him finish P8 in another frustrating feature race.The Brit is yet to finish above P5 for the Scuderia in a Sunday race, and was barely able to hold back his anger over the team radio as he blasted the team tactics during the race.The 40-year-old lost his rag after being told to hold position behind Charles Leclerc despite running on the quicker medium compound tyre as he wanted to catch Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.He blasted down the team radio to engineer Riccardo Adami: “You want me to sit here the whole race?” with Adami then replying: “I’ll come back to you. Wanna keep the DRS to Charles.”READ MORE IN F1Hamilton added: “This is not good team work, that’s all I’m going to say…”In China I got out of the way when you were on a different strategy… Have a tea break while you’re at it! Come on.”Hamilton failed to catch Antonelli on his quicker but less durable tyres and was asked to swap back with Leclerc towards the end of the race as his pace faded away.After swapping positions he was then informed Williams’ driver Carlos Sainz – who he replaced at Ferrari this season – was just 1.5 seconds behind, to which Hamilton sarcastically replied: “You want me to let him past as well?”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSainz attempted a late lunge on Hamilton at the end of the final lap, seeing the two drivers bang wheels into the penultimate corner before Hamilton was able to hang on to his spot.Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Hamilton revealed he had already spoke to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur about the situation, but said he would not apologise for “being a fighter”.Awkward moment Lewis Hamilton appears to snub FIA president’s hug as drivers left at war with F1 governing body He said: “Fred came to my room. I just put my hand on his shoulder and said – ‘Dude, calm down. Don’t be so sensitive. I could have said way worse things on the radio.'”You hear some of the things other people have said in the past. Some of it was sarcasm. You’ve got to understand, we’re under a huge amount of pressure in the cars.“You’re never going to get the most peaceful messages come through in the heat of battle. “I don’t know what you’re going to write, or whether I was disrespectful of whatever. I honestly don’t feel I was. I was just like – ‘Come on guys, I want to win.’ I’ve still got that fire in my belly.“I could feel a bit of it coming out there. And I’m not going to apologise for being a fighter. I’m not going to apologise for still wanting it.”Ferrari are currently running as the fourth-quickest team in F1, an objective failure considering their supremely talented driver line-up.They missed out on the Constructors Championship title last season to McLaren by just 14 points, but already sit 152 points behind them this year.Instead, McLaren’s closest rivals are Mercedes, who have been remarkably consistent with George Russell – who scored his fourth podium of the season – and Antonelli. The Italian team are also running behind Red Bull, where new dad Max Verstappen has picked up 99 of the teams 105 points this season.Read More on The SunOscar Piastri became the first McLaren driver since Mika Hakkinen in 1998 to win three races in a row as team-mate Lando Norris finished second in Miami.The next F1 weekend will commence at the iconic Imola circuit on May 18 to kick-start the second triple-header of the season. More

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      Ferrari F1 car made of 400,000 Lego pieces goes on display ahead of Miami Grand Prix

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      FERRARI F1 boffins examine the latest in engine blocks as they come face-to-face with a lifesize model of their car — constructed entirely of Lego.The unusual replica was made of almost 400,000 pieces to imitate the scarlet machine that the drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will race at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend.A Ferrari F1 car made entirely of Lego has gone on display ahead of Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexThe unusual replica was made of almost 400,000 piecesCredit: EPALego said in response to a video of the car’s unveiling on F1’s Instagram account that it was “just a little something we put together”.Seven-time champion Sir Lewis, 40, will hope it can inspire him to his first grand prix win with the team in tomorrow’s race.Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher has said he believes Hamilton will retire before his Ferrari contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.He told Sky Germany’s F1 podcast: “He just can’t cope with the car. read more on F1″We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it’s almost worse with him. You can see that he’s really slumped over.”If you’re standing there at some point and have no more resources and are permanently slower, then you lose everything. “I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it’s no fun anymore.”Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.”Most read in MotorsportLewis Hamilton will compete at the Miami Grand PrixCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘I know from my own experience’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped to retire and quit F1 BEFORE Ferrari contract expires

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been tipped to retire from Formula One due to his performance issues at Ferrari.Hamilton, 40, has struggled to get to grips with his machinery since joining Ferrari in the winter to end an 11-year long partnership with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to RETIRE from F1 before his Ferrari contract expiresCredit: AlamyHamilton has struggled to get to grips with his Ferrari machineryCredit: RexRalf Schumacher believes the Brit will be considering his options, based on his own experienceCredit: GettyHe has celebrated a Sprint Race victory in China in rare burst of speed.But on Sunday race days, the Brit has managed a top five finish just once.His contract with the Italian manufacturer expires at the end of the 2026 season.However, the Brit has been tipped to hang up his racing gloves BEFORE then by Ralf Schumacher.READ MORE IN F1Schumacher, a six-time F1 Grand Prix winner, referenced his own end of career struggles in the motorsport to explain his argument.He told Sky Germany’s F1 podcast: “He just can’t cope with the car. We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it’s almost worse with him. You can see that he’s really slumped over.”If you’re standing there at some point and have no more resources and are permanently slower, then you lose everything. I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it’s no fun anymore. “Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.’Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“If it goes on like this, there’s a risk that at some point he’ll say: ‘Look, I don’t want this anymore. I want to live my life now, I’m 40 years old. I’m so rich, I’m not doing this to myself anymore. Obviously it’s not working out for some reason.’“It’s a huge project that Ferrari and Hamilton had in mind, but at the moment he’s a long way away from Charles Leclerc. I wouldn’t have thought it would be so extreme.Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “However, China also showed that as soon as he gets into the car and the track and the car suit him, he delivers. There’s still something to come.”Despite this assessment, Schumacher, 49, believes Hamilton is capable of performing with for the Scuderia.The German added: “The expectations are very high, and Ferrari wants value for money. That means he has to make sure he performs. He probably will, because China was no accident.“It’s not that he can’t do it. He just has to find the conditions and the car that suits him, and there are definitely circuits coming up that suit him.Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.’Ralf Schumacher“If he gives up now, it would be very early. I can hardly believe that, but if he does, then of course the team will be fully focused on Charles Leclerc, and developing the car more in his direction. “You can’t develop two cars in one team, it doesn’t work. The course is then clear.”Read More on The SunHamilton will have the chance to replicate his stunning China GP Sprint victory in Miami this weekend as the second Sprint Race of the season comes on to the calendar.With team-mate Charles Leclerc also slowly showing improved pace, Hamilton will be hoping results start to click into gear.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 FAR More

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      ‘Like pineapple on pizza’, moan Ferrari fans as Lewis Hamilton ditches red to debut ‘wrong’ new look for F1 Miami GP

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      FERRARI will ditch their iconic red racing suits for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix – and fans are absolutely FUMING.Scuderia drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will wear blue and white for a one-off design at the Miami International Autodrome.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will sport blue suits designed for the team’s brand partner HPF1-75 car will also get a blue and white refresh, with new details on the wingsBut the Prancing Horse are gearing up to debut a new look in the paddock in Florida on Friday, courtesy of their sponsors HP. The red livery won’t be gone forever though with the change just a one-off in celebration of the milestone.Ferrari inked a deal with software company HP a year ago and the blue colours are set to honour the anniversary of that partnership.Fans got a first glimpse of Hamilton and Leclerc suiting up in white and blue for the first American race of the season. READ MORE F1 NEWSThe F1-75 will remain predominantly red, but will feature white and blue accents on the read and front wings, as well as on the wheels. And fans have been left raging with the bold move.One comment on Ferrari’s social media post said: “This is the equivalent of putting pineapple on a pizza.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “Ferrari is morphing into Williams right before our eyes. This just needs to stop!”Most read in MotorsportA third said: “This could be the worst livery ever created”, before another added: “We are red. Not blue! 😡” Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘masterclass’ sprint victory before Ferrari star immediately takes aim at ‘yapping’ criticsMotorheads are fearing the worst after pointing out that the SF-24 went blue in Miami last season too.It was also described as a “one-off” in Florida last year, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari making their mark in North America.Leclerc and then-team-mate Carlos Sainz wore light blue racing suits to nod to the Azzuro La Plata worn by Ferrari legend Alberto Ascari. Scuderia’s first F1 world champion wore blue as he claimed the titles in 1952 and 1953.While other team drivers including, John Surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti did the same in the 1960s.Meanwhile, Hamilton and Leclerc will hope the change in colour palette gets the Ferrari back on the podium.The Frenchman finished third in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago, whle Hamilton has only placed as high as fifth after a troubling start to the season at his new team. Read More on The SunFerrari aren’t the only team to change their colours ahead of the big sprint weekend in Miami.Racing Bulls unveiled an all-pink affair during a party in Miami Beach on Wednesday evening. More

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      ‘He’s going to leave’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped for shock Ferrari exit after saying he expected ‘painful’ season ahead

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been tipped to shockingly quit Ferrari.The seven-time world champion is still waiting for his first podium finish this season amid a tough start to life at his new team.Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to leave FerrariCredit: RexJaime Alguersuari [left] has slammed Ferrari as ‘not a winning team’Credit: GettyBut despite being just five races into his two-year deal, Red Bull’s former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari reckons Hamilton will quit Ferrari.Alguersuari, who featured in 46 F1 races between 2009 and 2011, told the After Lap Podcast: “I have the feeling that Hamilton, he’s going to leave.”I don’t know why I’m taking a risk by saying this.”But I have the feeling that he’s like, his time has passed, that he’s already won a lot, that he’s already won everything and that he’s saying: ‘OK, I’ve gone to Ferrari to try and see what happens in 2026.'”READ MORE IN SPORTFerrari last won a constructors’ title 17 years ago and Alguersuari seemed to suggest joining them was a poor move for Hamilton if he wants to surpass Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles.He added: “Ferrari is not a winning team. A team is a team that wins races, but it is not a winning team. They have not won since 2008.”They may have a competitive car, they may have a competitive team, but they don’t have a winning team. There is a difference.”Alguersuari’s comments come as Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after finishing seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last Sunday.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Brit revealed he did “not have an answer” as to why things are going wrong at the moment.He claimed there were “zero” positives and that the race was “horrible” and “not enjoyable”.Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixHamilton went on to say: “At the moment, there’s no fix. This is how it’s going to be for the rest of the year. It’s just going to be painful.” More

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      Ferrari boss blasts ‘f****** bull***’ Lewis Hamilton claim as F1 star predicts ‘painful’ first year with team

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      FERRARI boss Fred Vasseur blasted the “f***ing bull****” claims that Lewis Hamilton’s form has fallen off a cliff.Seven-time world champion Hamilton had another weekend to forget at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after his slow start to the season continued with a seventh-place finish.Lewis Hamilton had another weekend to forgot in the Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: RexHamilton finished 30 seconds behind team-mate Charles LeclercCredit: RexHamilton sits seventh in the drivers’ championshipCredit: RexButFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur defended Hamilton’s form in a X-rated interviewCredit: GettyThe Brit, 40, described his performance in Jeddah as “horrible” and predicted a “painful” first year with Ferrari — even just five races in.He finished a massive 30 seconds behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who provided a glimmer of hope for the Italian team with their first podium of the season.Hamilton won last month’s sprint race in China but has since been out-qualified by Leclerc in Japan, Bahrain and Saudi.Asked why Hamilton’s form has dropped dramatically in the last month, Vasseur said: “Dramatically?! We did five races so far.READ MORE F1 NEWS“I know you want a big headline saying Fred said this but this is f***ing bull****.“We are in a competition. You have ups and downs. When we are up, we are not world champions and when we are down, we are not nowhere.”Hamilton is desperately looking for answers on how to turn things around in his first year since joining from Mercedes.He sits seventh in the drivers’ championship, with his best result of the season fifth place in Bahrain just over a week ago.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo make matters worse, Leclerc drove exceptionally in Jeddah, looking at ease in the car and overtaking Hamilton’s former team-mate George Russell to claim third.Vasseur added on Hamilton: “I will be 2,000 per cent behind him and  give him support here. We’ll start to find solutions.Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand Prix“I am not worried. Look at what he did in China or  in the race in Bahrain last week or even in the first part of the session this weekend, the potential is there.”The Frenchman added: “For sure he is down because when you finish in seventh and your team-mate is on the podium.“I take it as a positive  Lewis is down because if he was happy with this, it wouldn’t be normal.“He’s a racer and a competitor. He wants to get the best from what he has and he is disappointed.“Now we have to work together  and it will be the only way to move forward.”Oscar Piastri claimed consecutive Grand Prix wins, while Max Verstappen finished second, after being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Both Russell and Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes Kimi Antonelli are above the legendary Brit in the standings.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 FAR More

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      ‘F***ing dangerous’ – Lewis Hamilton SLAMMED by F1 rival after incident at Saudi GP with Ferrari star investigated

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was labelled  “f***ing dangerous” by an F1 rival as controversy flared over tight corners at the Saudi GP.Race chiefs investigated the near miss in practice after Williams’ Alex Albon took evasive action to avoid hitting Ferrari’s seven-time world champ.Lewis Hamilton faced a stewards’ probe over the scary momentCredit: RexAlex Albon had to veer right to avoid hitting Hamilton’s red FerrariCredit: Sky Sports F1Albon was heard berating the 40-year-old legend on his team radio on the tricky track in Jeddah.Some of the circuit’s corners were called “so blind” by commentators.And the most frightening moment came on the approach to turn nine.Albon roared round the bend and suddenly saw Hamilton’s much-slower car in front of him on the inside.READ MORE IN F1The 29-year-old had to lurch his steering wheel to the right to avoid hitting the Brit.”F***ing dangerous” was just part of Albon’s instant assessment of the situation. Stewards looked at the incident but decided Hamilton should not be punished.And in a statement they implied Albon had also changed his verdict.Most read in MotorsportAlbon was suddenly confronted by Hamilton’s car in front of himCredit: Sky Sports F1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKStewards ruled Hamilton had got in his fellow racer’s way, but not created a hazard.The statement said: “As agreed with the teams, unless the impeding during free practice was such that it could be regarded as dangerous, there will be no penalty for such impeding.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari base’During the hearing, the driver of Car 23 (Albon) felt that he had the car under control at all times and while he was impeded, he did not consider the situation to be dangerous. “He had seen Car 44 (Hamilton) in front of him during the corner before.”He did not expect Car 44 to be in the position on track he was in and that shocked the driver of Car 23 as he approached Turn 17 and had to take evasive action.”While his immediate reaction when the incident occurred was to say that it was dangerous, having looked at it subsequently, he agreed that it was not. We accordingly took no further action.”Williams team principal James Vowles is worried more cars could be blocked in similar fashion over the weekend.But he accepted the issue caused by Hamilton was not “intentional”.Vowles told Sky Sports F1: “There’s certain portions of the track, it’s mainly between Turn 5 all the way to Turn 8, where you’re blind, you’re fully loaded on the car, and there’s not a lot you can do any more”You can lift off, that’s about as much as you can do. You certainly can’t brake. And that’s really what caused it. Read More on The Sun”It’s not intentional from Ferrari, but let’s try and be stronger on it because we don’t want an accident.”The saga came as Hamilton finished a disappointing second practice 13th.Albon was initially furious over the incidentCredit: Rex More

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      Mario Balotelli sold fleet of supercars including Ferrari and Lamborghini after crashes and losing passion

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      MARIO BALOTELLI loved getting into trouble in his fancy Italian Ferrari – before falling out of love with his £1million car collection. The former Manchester City bad-boy became known for his love of supercars before several high profile crashes.Mario Balotelli is playing for Genoa in ItalyCredit: GettyMario Balotelli’s famous camouflage BentleyCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunMario Balotelli hops into a Maserati back in the dayCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunThe striker in another Maserati a few years backCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former Man City striker shows off his white BentleyCredit: XposureThe notorious striker – currently playing in his native Italy for Genoa – had enough of his collection and cleaned his garage out.He told Blick in 2023: “In my garage I still have an RSQ8, 500 Abarth and GTR Nismo Nissan with 1400 hp. But I’m also selling the Abarth now.”Balotelli, 34, is no stranger to controversy on and off the pitch but he has also got into bother on the road.He was lucky to escape serious injury after crashing his £100,000 Audi Q8 into a wall in his hometown of Brescia, Italy in November 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBalotelli has had his car impounded a staggering 27 times, and was involved in a number of accidents during his time on our Isles.While with City in 2012, he crashed his Bentley in Manchester city centre, which reportedly saw his female passenger sent to hospital.That came two years after colliding with another car while driving his Audi A8 in Chester Road, Hulme.Balotelli also famously crashed his late agent Mino Raiola’s car after reversing into a lamppost while with Nice in France.Most read in FootballThe ex-Liverpool ace lost control of his Audi Q8 and smashed it into a wallCredit: AlamyMario Balotelli avoided serious injury in the car crashCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Italian forward’s bad luck on the road continued in 2020 when he was involved in a car accident at 6am on New Year’s Day.This time, Balotelli was on the passenger side of the silver Fiat 500 Abarth that banged into the gate of a bakery in northern Brescia.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Balotelli shows off his white BentleyCredit: XposureThe 35-year-old striker driving off in a FerrariCredit: Eamon and James ClarkeHe said: “I had two or three accidents in England. I crashed into one once because someone in front of me braked out of nowhere. “And one drove into me and then they said I caused the accident.”Balotelli joined Serie A side Genoa last October after spells in Turkey and Switzerland.But he has reportedly entered a fresh spat with new manager Patrick Vieira.The forward – who has missed the majority of the last two months nursing a broken hand – has threatened to become a “rebel” after feeling frozen out of the squad by Arsenal legend Vieira.He took to Instagram last week to seemingly voice his frustration with a cryptic post.Standing shirtless in the Genoa dressing room, Balotelli wrote: “Around here they deserve the rebellious 16-year-old Mario.”Maybe that way they would understand what it means to truly lack respect.”The Italian striker has hit out on Instagram after struggling for game timeCredit: InstagramBalotelli was renowned for his hell-raising antics early in his career.He infamously let off fireworks in his flat while playing for City.And memorably unearthed a “Why Always Me” T-shirt in his old club’s 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United in the derby in 2011.The wild child also fought with teammates and threw darts at a youth team star.Read More on The SunVarious City managers felt they could tame the talented Italian forward.But since leaving the North West in 2013, the former Italy international has rocked up at nine different clubs.Balotelli wore a special T-shirt after setting off fireworks in his bathroom before the Manchester derby More