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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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    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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    I’m a record-breaking F1 star but my parents nearly bought a carpet instead of my first-ever go-kart

    FORMULA ONE’S newest sensation could be doing something very different if his parents had bought a new carpet instead of a go-kart.The 18-year-old Oliver Bearman produced a brilliant performance to finish seventh in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend.Oliver Bearman made history with his exploits for Ferrari in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyHe might never have got that moment if his parents bought a carpet instead of a go-kartCredit: SplashBearman’s abilities were evident from a young age as Ferrari snapped him up to their academyCredit: AlamyHis parents opted to buy him a go-kart in 2011 over getting a new carpetCredit: AlamyRecord-breaking Bearman’s moment in the spotlight came after he got the call to be a replacement for Carlos Sainz in Saudi as the star underwent surgery for appendicitis.The Ferrari prodigy became the youngest Brit to ever race in F1 and is the third youngest driver ever.Bearman managed to place in front of compatriots Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris as well as Nico Hulkenberg – who he was involved in an awkward moment with afterwards.Bearman’s passion for motors came from his father, David, who had raced at club level and quickly became a “nerd” and able to identify every make and model of car on the road at a young age.READ MORE ON F1The boy racer’s dad told The Times: “I’d have been able to name every single car on the road.“I was a bit of a nerd with that. At home, I had a bunch of model cars. A lot of kids have their thing, mine was model cars.“I had a Bentley, a Ferrari, a jeep. I had my own little world there. Once I’d got my first kart, I just couldn’t wait to go racing.”However, things could have turned out very differently had David and mum Terri opted for a new carpet instead of getting their lad a go-kart at Christmas in 2011.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHis father explained: “We had some old lino that I absolutely hated.“We were either getting the carpet for Christmas or the go-kart.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi Arabia“We scraped together the £1,500 for the go-kart and knew it was worth it the first time he jumped in; he just had a beaming smile all over his face.”The long hours of travelling and racing at weekends for the Bearmans paid off when he joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16 and quit school against his mother’s wishes and moved to Modena — close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.In 2023, he came sixth in the Formula Two championship.Bearman has since been tipped as a future star after he was snapped up as part of Ferrari’s young driver scheme.His road to the top began in 2021 as he won the F4 series in both Italy and Germany and then, after moving up to F3, the teen sensation finished in third and was promoted to F2 in 2023 with Prema Racing.He featured in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi practice sessions with Haas during the 2023 season before his big moment last weekend.Sainz is expected to return to his seat for the Australian Grand Prix later this month but Bearman remains on standby in case he is needed to fill in again.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Ollie Bearman, 18, suffers horror return to F2 as Ferrari reserve hit with two penalty points on F1 superlicence

    OLLIE BEARMAN suffered a nightmare return to Formula 2 as he was slapped with a points penalty. The Ferrari reserve driver was promoted to the F1 earlier in March to deputise for Carlos Sainz. Ollie Bearman was docked points after the F2 sprint race in AustraliaCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old Essex star performed superbly, crossing the line in seventh to secure six points on his debut. However, he headed back to racing for Prema in F2 this weekend with Sainz recovered from appendicitis surgery. Bearman put in an impressive drive in the Australian sprint race, rising from starting 16th to cross the line in eighth. However, after the race, the teenager was docked with a brutal ten-second penalty.READ MORE ON SPORTThat is because Bearman forced rival Joshua Durksen off the track at turn four, sending the Paraguayan-German driver into the gravel. And that saw the Brit plummet down to 14th, wiping out Bearman’s first F2 point of the season as he remains on zero – alongside three other of the 22 drivers – as he eyes a seat in F1 for 2025. He was also hit with two penalty points on his super licence. Sprint race winner and Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar was also slapped with bad news after the chequered flag. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHadjar finished first but dropped to sixth after being judged to have caused a crash at the start. There was more drama at Albert Park on Saturday as former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Dokic needed medical treatment from a paramedic.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi ArabiaThe ex-tennis star was watching the F1 Grand Prix qualifying when Fernando Alonso went into the gravel.That sent debris flying into the crowd and catching Dokic in the eye in a freak injury. Max Verstappen secured pole for Sunday’s race with Sainz joining him on the front row.Lewis Hamilton struggled, though, and will begin from 11th on the grid.Bearman crossed the line in eighth but was knocked down to 14thCredit: AlamyJelena Dokic needed medical assistance after debris flew into her eyeCredit: Instagram / @dokic_jelena More

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    Mercedes ‘open talks with F1 legend, 42, to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton for 2025 season’ in shock deal

    MERCEDES are pursuing Fernando Alonso to replace Lewis Hamilton, according to reports.The Silver Arrows are set to have huge shoes to fill, with seven-time world champion Hamilton, 39, joining Ferrari next season.Fernando Alonso is set to be a free agent at the end of the seasonCredit: RexToto Wolff is on the hunt for a Lewis Hamilton replacementCredit: GettyTeam principal Toto Wolff has admitted that he would love to have Max Verstappen onboard.He said of the Red Bull star: “There is no team that wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.”With Verstappen under contract until 2028, however, Wolff is likely to have to look elsewhere.Prior to the season, the 52-year-old admitted that he will have a big decision to make whether to go with youth or experience when replacing Hamilton.READ MORE IN SPORTAccording to Bild, Mercedes could go with the latter, with Alonso in their sights.They claim that the Spaniard, 42, has a “good chance” of ending up with Mercedes, and that the Silver Arrows are already “dealing with” Alonso.The two-time world champion’s deal with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of the season.Last month, he said on his future: “If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I trust this project and that will be my first priority. But if we cannot reach an agreement I know that I am attractive to other teams.”I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let’s see what the options are.”Watch Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hilariously mock Fernando Alonso after Spaniard almost crashed into Lewis HamiltonAlonso has not managed to secure a podium in his Aston Martin so far this season.He came ninth in the Bahrain opener, before finishing fifth in Saudi Arabia.Should Mercedes opt to go for youth, they could swoop for 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli.The wonderkid is competing in Formula 2 this season for Prema Racing.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Rollercoaster life of F1 rookies like Oliver Bearman who must find MILLIONS to race – only to wait tormented in wings

    THEY’RE the young adrenaline junkies set to take over the world of Formula One – if they can hold their nerve.After impressing on his debut in Saudi Arabia, where he filled in for teammate Carlos Sainz while he underwent surgery for appendicitis, Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman is now tipped to receive a first-team call-up for rival Haas, where he’s also a reserve driver.Oliver Bearman is considered one of the ‘hottest’ young stars in F1Credit: GettyHe placed seventh during his first F1 race, while filling in for Carlos SainzCredit: GettyThe F2 driver from Chelmsford beat seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to finish seventh in Jeddah, and has now been tipped as one of the sport’s hottest young drivers.Oliver, who is dating glamorous TiKTok star Estelle Ogilvy, is reportedly already a millionaire at the age of 18, and can look forward to lapping up the spoils enjoyed by F1 stars if he makes the grid. But while his career appears to have gone from zero to 100mph in no time, it follows years of hard graft and sacrifice as a reserve driver. Contrary to what you might expect, the life of F2 stars is far from the glitz and glamour of a Formula 1 driver, says The Sun’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt.READ MORE SPORT FEATURES“What they do a lot of the time is the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do,” he explains.“Where the F1 drivers will go home to Monaco after a race, the reserve driver will go to the factory and in the simulator and try to ascertain what went right and wrong to make changes and progress.“It’s a thankless task doing all the preparation and making the car better. “You’re not driving, so it can be dispiriting. You’re not getting the chance to show what you can do.Most read in Motorsport”It’s not necessarily a glamorous life.”Here we take a deeper dive into life behind the scenes of a budding F1 star – and the pitfalls that can derail their careers.British wonderkid Oliver Bearman, 16, joins Ferrari young driver academy Cheering him the Ferrari reserve driver on is glamorous girlfriend Estelle, who’s a law studentCredit: Instagram’£9million gamble’The majority of F1 reserve drivers race in the F2 Championship and are part of a team’s young driver programme. Ben explains that they are scouted from the age of 11 – sometimes younger – from go-kart tracks. But go-karting is an expensive hobby, with costs running into tens of thousands, which is why so few racers come from working-class families.Ben says: “We’re seeing less and less stories of people from humble beginnings, like Lewis Hamilton, getting into F1.“That’s because it costs thousands and thousands to race each year, and then hundreds of thousands to do it internationally, with all the flights and accommodation.”Ben estimates it would cost a driver £9million to get into F1, which rules out most budding racers who don’t have wealthy families.But that money can come from a variety of sources. Ferrari Academy driver Oliver during his go-karting career in 2014Credit: AlamyNico Hulkenberg was reportedly paid up to $500,000 a year as a reserve driverCredit: RexBen says: “That can be made up of their parents’ money, sponsorship money, or funds from the young driver programme, which covers most of the costs.“There is also private funding through companies where a business may be asked for £2million in return for a sum from a racer’s future earnings, which could get them many more millions – but that is a gamble for the business.”Working their way up to the F1 championship is a costly endeavour, too, with junior drivers in F2 reportedly needing to stump up around £1.5million to race in competitions. This, for the majority, is covered by the owners of the racing teams.Yahoo reported F2 drivers can make between £180 and £400 per day of work. Other sites have reported they can earn tens of thousands through sponsorship. Costly endeavourAlexander Rossi, who raced for Manor Marussia in 2015Credit: AP:Associated PressIf an aspiring youngster has what it takes they may be called up to serve as an F1 reserve, where they become salaried employees, though they could take home just shy of £20,000 a year. Should an F1 team’s regular driver be forced to pull out – due to injury or sickness – they are compensated, but the sums vary depending on the team. You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with youAlexander RossiUnlike their first-team racing counterparts, few reserve drivers live in glamorous locations like tax haven Monaco, instead settling in the country where their F1 team is based. Alexander Rossi, a test driver for two years until 2014 at Caterham F1 and then a F1 reserve driver for Manor Marussia in 2015, admitted it is an awkward waiting game.“You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with you,” he told The Athletic.  He added it was “a necessary role” as it gives hopeful racers their “first foot in the door” and a taste of what being a first-team driver is like.Who are the 2024 Formula One reserve drivers?RESERVE drivers are the budding F1 stars waiting in the wings for a chance to show what they can do on the race track.
    Often they are already front-runners in the F2 Championship and, alongside racing, carry out testing and simulation work to improve the cars for racing teams.
    Here are the 2024 F1 reserve drivers:

    Red Bull – Liam Lawson
    Ferrari – Oliver Bearman, Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman
    McLaren – Ryo Hirakawa and Pato O’Ward
    Mercedes – Mick Schumacher and Frederik Vesti
    Aston Martin – Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne
    Haas – Pietro Fittipaldi and Oliver Bearman
    Williams – TBC (Development driver: Jamie Chadwick)
    Kick Sauber – Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney
    RB – Liam Lawson
    Alpine – Jack Doohan

    Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan using the simulator to help improve the team’s F1 carCredit: InstagramThe F1 hopeful alongside girlfriend Ebony GoldCredit: GettyHaas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer palsCredit: Getty Images – GettyRossi explained they go into the weekend preparing and participating as if they are going to race the car – despite rarely receiving a call-up.Speaking of the other responsibilities, he added: “You go to all of the same briefings, you go to all the same meetings, you do the track walks, you train with the same physio, you eat the same food, you’re on the same schedule.“You just don’t get to drive. So while the guys were doing the cool things and driving, you’re sitting either in hospitality or on the pit stand, drinking your cappuccinos, playing Candy Crush.”McLaren reserve Pato O’Ward joked he was a “benchwarmer”, adding that the gig offers few thrills. “You get to jump into an F1 car from time to time, which is never a bad thing,” he said. “The rest of it is, it’s probably the worst part of the job.They can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. They really do have to be at the top of their gameBen Hunt, The Sun’s F1 correspondent“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s a lot of sitting down and just listening to experiences that, well, you truly aren’t experiencing. “You’re just hearing what someone else is kind of feeling.”Haas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer pals. “It’s for sure, strange,” he admitted. “You never want to wish anything bad on anybody, and then when something does happen, it’s like, you’re happy that there’s the opportunity, but at the end, you’re friends with the race driver.”He made his F1 debut in 2020, after his teammate Romain Grosjean cheated death in a horror crash at Bahrain.The Frenchman suffered burns on his hands and ankle when he was trapped in his burning car for 28 seconds after hitting a barrier at 120mph which ripped it in two before it burst into flames.’Absolute professionals’Reserve drivers like Mick Schumacher do ‘the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do’Credit: Mick SchumacherThe reserve drivers have to be in ‘peak physical condition’The 24-year-old with his model girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: InstagramAs they could be called on to race at any moment, the reserve drivers need to remain in peak physical condition and train up to four hours a day during pre-season. Ben says: “Reserve drivers are ready-to-go professionals, so they need to be eating the right things, training a few times a week, and in peak physical condition.“That’s part of their role, so they can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. “They really have to be at the top of their game and are absolute professional athletes at that stage.”When it’s their time, they need to do really well. It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them againBen HuntWhen they hit the gym, F1 reserves aren’t looking to ‘get ripped’.Instead they need to hone a lean frame capable of withstanding the brutal conditions inside a cramped F1 car. The muscles that get the toughest workout are in their necks, which need to keep the racer’s head and helmet upright through the twists and turns on a track.Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s neck is reportedly so strong he can crack a walnut with it. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz are said to have spent time lying horizontally with weights strapped to their head to strengthen their necks for races.These exercises are coupled with plenty of running, cycling and swimming to keep them fit and lithe.Liam Lawson with Daniel Riccardo in MelbourneCredit: RexWhen they are not hard at work, some F1 reserve drivers like Liam Lawson share snaps from enviable F1 race locationsCredit: Liam LawsonThe Red Bull reserve driver with his student girlfriend Charlotte MillerCredit: Liam LawsonBen adds: “The key is really being as light as possible but they also need to be strong. “Drivers are subjected to huge G-force in the cockpit that even the best drivers ache and have sore necks.” The reserves also follow strict diet plans from nutritionists – some include eating five to six small meals a day, that are full of greens and protein with minimal carbohydrates. It can come as quite an adjustment for some future F1 stars – before reigning world champion Verstappen hit the big time, the Dutch driver would scoff McDonald’s once or twice a week while racing in F3. ‘Next best thing’Ben explains that the biggest challenge for reserves is staying focused and up to speed on all systems and processes while waiting for their chance to shine. “Reserves can be thrown in at any minute,” he explains. “Driving in F2 is very different to F1, you’re competing in a slower car, so it’s very different.”He adds: “When it’s their time, reserve drivers need to do really well.”It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them again. Mick Schumacher had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slimBen Hunt“With Oliver, he came in with a good attitude, made good qualifying times and had a good race, which led to people saying he deserved to be in F1. “The key is to take the opportunity and not to stuff it up – and if you can do that, like Oliver, you will be called ‘the next best thing’.” Ben says the Ferrari reserve is likely to expand upon his £1m fortune at the end of the season.He adds: “I think he could join Haas, it will be interesting to see what he can do. On the track, he proved he was ready for F1.”Wasted opportunityIt doesn’t always work out for all reserve racers – ultimately, results are key, as Mick Schumacher found out the hard way. The son of legendary driver Michael was dropped by Haas in 2022 after failing to impress, and is now back to being a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Ben says: “Mick had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver, and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slim.” Others become frustrated by constantly waiting in the wings and move on to other disciplines.Former F1 reserve driver Sam Bird decided to make the jump to Formula E – the motorsport championship for electric cars.Ben says: “Sometimes F1 reserve drivers don’t make it. Sam Bird was a good driver and had good F2 form, but never got an opportunity. “He moved to Formula E and has won lots of races. He’s become a success in his own right. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He never got the chance to fulfill his F1 dream because Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were both in the Mercedes team at the time.” While Sainz looks set to return to F1 for the Australian GP this weekend, Oliver will be ready and willing to jump in his seat should his teammate back out last minute…🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Lewis Hamilton admits he’s struggling with his Mercedes and says has been upstaged by his teammate George Russell

    LEWIS HAMILTON admits he is struggling to wring the most out of his Mercedes and claims he has been upstaged by his teammate George Russell.Hamilton, 39, has decided to quit Mercedes at the end of this season to join Ferrari in a bid to help him win an eighth world championship.Lewis Hamilton admitted he is struggling with his Mercedes carCredit: GettyHamilton claims he is being upstaged by Mercedes team-mate George RussellCredit: GettyThe British legend is without a win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP and could only qualify in 11th for the Australian GP while Russell was quick enough for seventh.It is the third race in a row where Russell has been the fastest of the two teammates and Hamilton said: “I don’t know if I’m dealing with it that great. I mean, [I am] less consistent than George.”George is doing a better job with our car, three qualifyings in a row that he’s out-qualified me. He just seems to get on a lot better than I do.”I’m just trying to keep my head above water and just continue to realise how it could be way worse.Read More on F1″It felt great in P3. It was strange because we were right there with these guys and we didn’t really understand why.”But then going into qualifying just the inconsistency within the car really messes with the mind.”But George did a good job today. It is what it is. I just have to try and do a better job tomorrow.”In the afternoon here, the wind picks up. It’s the same as P2: P1 was a bit better and then when the wind picks up, the car becomes a lot more unstable.Most read in Motorsport”This morning was nice with the calmer wind and then as soon as the wind picks up it gets a little bit stable.”But the others seem to be able to pick their pace up in qualifying.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I’m not sure why it didn’t feel the same in qualifying, even though we had a lighter fuel [load], it felt better in P3.”So it’s not a great feeling for everyone on the team, but we’ll just keep working away.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Max Verstappen took pole position while his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was third.Carlos Sainz, who had appendicitis and missed the last race in Saudi Arabia, qualified in second place in his Ferrari.Verstappen said: “I think both of those laps felt really, really nice and that was very enjoyable.”It was a bit of a tricky weekend so far but we managed to get there in the end, so I’m very happy with that.”Ferrari seem very quick also in the long runs, so a bit of a question mark for tomorrow, but I guess that makes it very exciting, so we’ll find out tomorrow.” More