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    F1 fans fume ‘destroy it’ as teen sensation Ollie Bearman spotted testing out possible new feature

    TEEN Formula One star Oliver Bearman was seen driving a Ferrari ahead of his return to the grid next week.However, fans were not impressed with a prototype Bearman was helping to test.Ollie Bearman was seen driving a Ferrari ahead of his return to the F1 grid in a week’s timeCredit: GettyBearman impressed on his F1 debut earlier this seasonCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports F1Bearman was helping to test a new prototype F1 featureCredit: GettyBearman, who turned 19 yesterday, was parachuted in as a last-minute substitute for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as the Spaniard underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis.The fresh-faced Brit impressed on his F1 debut as he beat Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris – who won his first F1 race in Miami last weekend – to finish P7. Since then he has been driving back in F2 but will return to the F1 grid with Haas in Free Practice One of the Imola Grand Prix in Italy – the first of six opportunities he will get this season.But before that, Bearman and fellow Ferrari academy driver Arthur Leclerc – brother of Charles Leclerc – were seen driving around the Scuderia’s private Fiorano Circuit. READ MORE IN F1It was not simply a casual drive, however, with Ferrari being asked to test a prototype new spray guard feature on F1 tyres in collaboration with the FIA.F1 races with rain have been dogged by a massive spray back problem where the water on the wet surface is sent shooting high up into the air as cars drive over it, making it difficult for drivers behind to see. In an effort to curb this and allow for more extreme wet weather racing, motorsport bosses have been trying to design an antidote since 2022, with Mercedes performing a test of their own last year.One possible solution are so-called backsplashes, which were trialled on Leclerc’s F1-75 – Ferrari’s 2022 F1 car – around the artificially wet track, while Bearman drove the SF-24 – the team’s car for this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, pictures of these flaps sitting over the tyres did not go down well with fans online.One said: “Oh dear.”Meet Oliver Bearman the Brit F1 star making debut with Ferrari who speaks with Italian twang and has famous brother A second shared a reaction gif with the caption: “Destroy it.”A third said: “Horrendous.”Some fans were willing to give them a chance if they work.One fan argued: “If it works, it has to look better when it’s implemented because my GOD that is disgusting.”A second added: “It looks terrible but if it works and we can race in torrential rain then it should be introduced.”A third said: “Doesn’t look nice, but the result is more important than the looks.”A second test is set to be carried out at the track tomorrow with a new wet weather package, according to Formu1a Uno.Elsewhere, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed what Bearman needs to do to get a seat in F1 next season after current Haas star Nico Hulkenberg confirmed his exit to Sauber for 2025.He said: “It is a combination; he needs to perform in F2, for sure.”But when we work with him directly, you understand all the ins and outs, all the environment or the reasoning for certain things happening.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So yeah, I’d put probably more weight on what we do with him, how he performs in our environment. But of course he needs to perform in F2. That’s clear…”We’ve got six [FP1] sessions lined up for him, so we will see the first of that in Imola. We are really looking forward to see how we can develop him and how well we can work together.
    “I’ve said it many times before, he is very impressive… I have nothing to complain [about]. It’s a very good package [Haas and Bearman].” 
    A second test is set to be carried out tomorrowCredit: GettyBut fans were not impressed by the look of the prototypeCredit: GettyHaas boss Ayao Komatsu has told Bearman how he can earn an F1 seat next seasonCredit: AFP🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Watch Lewis Hamilton ‘arrive like a BULL’ and ‘ruin’ F1 rivals’ race as he immediately causes chaos at Miami GP

    FERNANDO ALONSO has blasted Lewis Hamilton – saying the Brit escaped a penalty in Saturday’s sprint race “because he is not Spanish”.Alonso said Hamilton “arrived like a bull” and then “ruined” other drivers’ races after they collided at the opening corner during the short sprint race at the Miami GP.Lewis Hamilton divebombed his car up the inside of turn oneCredit: SplashUnable to stop his momentum, the move saw Hamilton collide with Fernando AlonsoAlonso then ended up hitting Lance Stroll and then Lando Norris, ending their racesCredit: SplashHamilton escaped a penalty for the incidentAlonso picked up a puncture in his Aston Martin while his teammate Lance Stroll suffered damage and McLaren’s Lando Norris was punted out of the race completely after Hamilton’s aggressive start caused chaos.The stewards noted the incident but Hamilton escaped without punishment, although he finished eighth and later demoted to 16th due to a post-race penalty for speeding in the pitlane.Alonso, who had a bust-up with Hamilton when they were teammates at McLaren in 2008, said: “Lewis was on the inside, a little bit out of control, but I guess they won’t decide anything, because he is not Spanish.”But he ruined the race for a few people, especially Norris, who had a very fast car and he was out in that incident.”READ MORE IN F1Hamilton went on to have a ding-dong battle with Kevin Magnussen before being hit with a drive-through penalty for going too fast in the pitlane, triggering a sanction of 20 seconds that was bolted on to his time.Hamilton was in the wars after fighting with the Haas’ driver, who admitted to using “silly tactics” to keep Hamilton behind him.But his own error in the pitlane – when all the cars were told to drive through the pitlane due to a first lap incident – cost him and he was demoted from eighth to 16th.Hamilton said: “I feel OK. It’s obviously tough battling out there. Of course turn one wasn’t intentional, to be touching with anyone, but everyone’s pushing as much as possible.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe turn one collision left Alonso fumingCredit: RexLater Hamilton was in the wars trying to get past Kevin MagnussenCredit: Getty”I went for a gap but I think those guys went wide and then came back across, so that’s kind of where we connected.”And then after that was just fighting, trying to get past those Haas cars.Lewis Hamilton reveals why he turned down Top Gun 2 role despite begging Tom Cruise for a part in movie “It was really tough battling, but I just enjoyed that I was racing. I wasn’t going backwards at least!”But the penalty, definitely it sucks, but it was only worth one point.”Magnussen racked up a whopping 35 seconds in penalties and will get a ticking off from the stewards as a result.He said: “All the penalties were well deserved – no doubt about it. But I had to play the game again.”I was protecting well from Lewis because I had the DRS from Nico [Hulkenberg] and I had good pace.”I started using these stupid tactics which I don’t like doing, but the end of the day I did my job as a team player and Nico scored his points because I got that gap for him so Lewis and [Yuki] Tsunoda couldn’t catch him.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
    “Not the way I like to go racing at all but it was what I had to do today.”Meanwhile, Max Verstappen won the sprint race and will start on pole position for today’s (SUN) Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen has now taken all six pole positions this season and has a 27 point lead in the championship.He said: “It definitely feels a little bit more under control, which I was looking for. Hopefully that helps us out tomorrow.”We know what we, and I, did wrong at the start [in the Sprint]. I’m sure if I do my things correctly, then it should be alright.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCharles Leclerc will line up in second while Carlos Sainz will start third for the Ferrari team. Sergio Perez qualified in fourth ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.Hamilton again was out-qualified by his Mercedes teammate George Russell with the Merc duo in seventh and eighth place respectively.”I think that’s pretty honest of him and I think that’s pretty cool.” 🤝Lewis Hamilton on Kevin Magnussen’s aggressive defensive driving and admission he had to do it for the good of his Haas team’s result. pic.twitter.com/ba7uyDxA17— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 4, 2024

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    Why Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hunting for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement

    MANCHESTER UNITED minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joined the search for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement.Seven-time Formula One world champion Hamilton is leaving the team to join Ferrari next season.Man Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is helping Mercedes hunt for their Lewis Hamilton replacementCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: GettyMercedes have struggled to produce a car capable of winning races in the last two seasons, with their struggles this year making it look like it could be a third year on the bounce that Hamilton is unable to take a win.However, the Silver Arrows are looking to take advantage of the chaos surrounding Red Bull by poaching star driver Max Verstappen.SunSport reported earlier this week that the team were preparing to hold a meeting with Verstappen’s team; father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen after the Miami Grand Prix.That meeting will include team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Man Utd shareholder, Ratcliffe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe’s Ineos became a one-third shareholder in the F1 team back in 2020 while retaining its position as the teams principal partner.Verstappen’s camp are assessing their options following a fallout with Red Bull boss Christian Horner, with Jos warning Horner’s leadership was tearing the team apart.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
    The three-time world champion has a contract until 2028 on £40million-a-year.It means Mercedes could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHorner’s position at the team has grown more precarious after Ferrari-linked Adrian Newey announced he was leaving the team earlier this week.Mercedes look set to offer the Dutchman a whopping £128MILLION-a-year deal to convince him of the switch.Lewis Hamilton races around Tokyo in £260k supercar in incredible video as fans say F1 legend ‘dropped another classic’At Man Utd, Ineos have a 27.7 per cent share of the club but have almost complete control over the sporting operations of the team.This has led to some major changes already, with Omar Berrada starting as CEO in July, Dan Ashworth coming in as football director and Jason Wilcox already starting a role as technical director.WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
    Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
    Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
    Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
    Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
    Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
    Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

    Last November, Wolff revealed he had held talks with Ratcliffe about joining his bid investing into Man Utd.The Hamilton replacement hunt comes with a huge summer ahead for Man Utd as well, with all-bar a few select players said to be up for sale.A decision will also need to be made on Erik ten Hag’s future as manager of the men’s senior team.But more recently he has made no secret of Mercedes’ desire to land Verstappen as their Hamilton replacement.Verstappen won the weekend’s Sprint Race and is aiming for his fourth full race win of the season on Sunday.Ratcliffe will have a number of big decisions to approve at Man Utd this summerCredit: ReutersMax Verstappen’s team will hold a meeting with Ratcliffe and other Mercedes chiefs after the Miami GPCredit: RexPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

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    Lewis Hamilton tells Adrian Newey to join him at Ferrari as he rubs salt in the wounds of F1 rival Verstappen & Red Bull

    LEWIS HAMILTON says he would “very much” like to have Adrian Newey join him at Ferrari.Newey, F1’s most successful designer, announced he was leaving Red Bull Racing on Wednesday.Lewis Hamilton said it would be a privilege to work with Adrian Newey at FerrariCredit: RexNewey announced his Red Bull departure yesterday and has been heavily linked with FerrariCredit: PAThe 65-year-old has negotiated an early exit from this deal with the world champions that would allow him to move early next year.It would free him up to join Hamilton at Ferrari for next season in preparation for a major new rule change in F1 in 2026.Hamilton was quizzed ahead of this weekend’s Miami GP about working with Newey and said: “Adrian has such a great history and track record.”He’s done an amazing job through his career, engaging with teams and the knowledge he has. I think he would be an amazing addition.READ MORE IN F1″I think they [Ferrari] already have a great team, making huge strides forward and progress. Their car is quicker this year. But it would be a privilege to work with him.”Hamilton was grilled if an attempt to sign Newey was part of his wishlist when he started negotiating with Ferrari.He added: “This is all private conversation stuff. If I was to do a list of people I would love to work with, he would absolutely be at the top of it.”When I joined McLaren I think it was an evolution of his car. I got there just after he left, so that car would have evolved from a concept that he had worked on.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I felt privileged that I had the chance to touch something that he had worked on.”Racing against the team that he’s been so heavily a part of has been a massive challenge but I think we have to remember there are a lot of people in the background.Formula One’s Highest Earners”It’s not one person, it’s a whole team of people who do the job. You can imagine all the amazing experience that he brings to the team, but the people that he works with will continue to do an amazing job.”I don’t anticipate Red Bull not continuing to build great cars moving forward. But any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.”Max Verstappen, who has been the main beneficiary of Newey’s designs in recent seasons, insisted the designer’s exit will not force him to quit Red Bull despite being linked with a move to Mercedes.He said: “All of these things, a couple of years ago, would have been a bit unexpected but I think it is always very important to remain calm and focused on your job, know who you’re working with, feel comfortable.Max Verstappen also opened up on his Red Bull future following Newey’s exitCredit: Reuters”At the end of the day, we need to have the fastest car, that’s what I always demanded, that’s what we finally got for a couple of years now.”And we have a very strong technical team that are part of the team still for a long time. It goes on like it was going before.”Of course Adrian from when he started at Red Bull, he was incredibly important for the success that they had.”Over time, his role has changed a bit and a lot of people don’t understand what he was actually doing.Who is Adrian Newey?
    Adrian Newey was the design chief at Red Bull Racing.
    The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
    Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
    After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
    Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
    He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

    “I don’t say he wasn’t doing anything but his role has evolved. A lot of good people came into the team that have strengthened that whole department.”Of course I would have preferred him to stay, for sure, because you can always rely on his experience and just as a person he is a great guy to chat to and relate to.”Because he is very bright, very smart but he would also talk to the driver and interpret that into the car, in terms of he would try to imagine himself driving.”But I also really trust that the technical team we have outside of Adrian is very, very strong. They have basically shown that with the last few years with how competitive the car is.But any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.Lewis Hamilton”From the outside, it looks very dramatic. But I think if you know what is happening inside the team it is not as dramatic as it seems.”When asked again if he would consider his position in Red Bull, Verstappen again denied that he would be seeking a move.He added: “I think people are making up a lot of things at the moment because they don’t understand how the roles were in the team.”But of course, I cannot deny I would have preferred him to stay, just for how he is as a person, his knowledge and what he will potentially bring to another team if he wants to join.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
    “If someone really wants to leave they should leave. That’s also what I wrote to him. We talk, it’s not like suddenly we don’t talk.”If you think that is the right decision for yourself and family, or you seek a different challenge or whatever, you have to do it.”Meanwhile, Sergio Perez says Red Bull will cope without Newey, but says he will be an asset to any team he joins.He said: “Everyone is fully committed to the season and the future looks bright.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is normal for some movement, but the organisation looks strong and I don’t expect more changes.”Adrian is much more than a designer, he can influence set-up and strategies and a strong guy who will make an immediate impact wherever he goes.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Ferrari to DITCH iconic red livery for their F1 cars at Miami GP for ‘fresh and unexpected colours’

    FERRARI will embrace a new look and ditch their iconic red for the Miami Grand Prix next month in favour of some “fresh and unexpected colours”.The Prancing Horse cars will instead be adorned with the colour blue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari making their mark in North America.Ferrari will ditch their red livery for the Miami Grand Prix in MayCredit: RexThe red livery won’t be gone forever though with the change just a one-off in celebration of the milestone.The design change will see two different shades of blue used on the vehicles with Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino taking the place of the traditional Rosso Corsa that can be found on the cars.The Scuderia have carefully picked the two colours to represent their history with meaning behind the specific shades.Azzuro La Plata is a lighter blue which is said to hark back to the colour worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his 1952 and 1953 world Formula One titles for Ferrari.READ MORE IN F1While Azzurro Dino is a darker blue which is said to be a nod to the colours first worn by Ferrari in 1974 when five-time Grand Prix winner Clay Rega donned the shade before the team returned to their iconic red.The dual colour livery will be plastered all over the SF-24 car when Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz take to the track in Miami on May 5.While the pair, currently third and fourth in the driver’s standings, will also wear light blue racing suits as they lap round the Miami International Autodrome.There is yet to be an official announcement of a launch date for the car’s unveiling but it is set to be revealed in the build-up to the Florida race.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFerrari have also teased a collection of merchandise to go with the shake up in an Instagram post featuring both Leclerc and Sainz sporting the colours.The Scuderia switched things up with a red and white livery at the Las Vegas GP last season too.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsBut this will be the first time they have ditched the red altogether since 1964, when it was replaced by a white and blue livery for the final two rounds of the championship.Ferrari have previously used blue on their carsCredit: Getty🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

    FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

    “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Max Verstappen wins Chinese Grand Prix to make if four victories out of opening five races

    MAX VERSTAPPEN won again after overcoming two safety restarts to open up a 25 point lead in the championship.The Red Bull man was otherwise untroubled as he cruised to his 58th victory while his team-mate Sergio Perez was beaten by Lando Norris.Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the Chinese GPCredit: AFPVerstappen, 26, hoists the trophy in ShanghaiCredit: AFPThe McLaren man, who is still searching for his first win in F1, was the best of the rest as he split the Red Bulls.Charles Leclerc was fourth and Carlos Sainz was fifth as the Ferrari duo failed to trouble the top three.Verstappen crossed the line nearly 14 seconds clear of Norris, a whopping margin given there were two safety cars to bunch up the pack of drivers.Verstappen, who also won the sprint race the previous day, said: “It felt amazing. The whole weekend we were incredibly quick.READ MORE IN SPORT”We survived the restarts well and the car was basically on rails and I could do whatever I wanted with it.”Those kinds of weekends are amazing to feel and to achieve what we did this weekend is fantastic.”Norris’ was crowned as the Driver of the Days in the fans’ vote, took his 15th podium in F1 as he squeezed past the Ferraris and Perez, who is second in the championship.He said: “[I am] surprised, so I’m very happy. I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It was not the race I was expecting to have, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday.”And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. I am so very happy.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I was surprised by many things: the lack of pace from Ferrari, our good pace, and I guess us comparing to the Red Bull which was so surprising.”I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium, so it’s a pleasant surprise.”But it shows the team have done a good job, have worked hard and it’s paying off.”I made a bet how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today. I thought 35 seconds – and I was very wrong by that.”So, I am happy to be wrong with myself, and my own bets, but a good day for everyone.”We were definitely lacking some paceSergio PerezPerez, who was upset he could not finish second, added: “Unfortunately we got the Safety Car and lost two places.”We did most of the lap on the hard and fighting like that in the early laps, the life of the tyre goes off dramatically but at least we got onto the podium. But it would have been good to be one and two.”We were definitely lacking some pace, especially on the medium compound, we struggled a bit with the balance.”We changed a lot from yesterday to today, so we didn’t read the conditions as perfectly as we could.”But overall it was a strong weekend and we understand the reasons today why the race pace was a little down.”Chinese GP results in full

    Max Verstappen
    Lando Norris
    Sergio Perez
    Charles Leclerc
    Carlos Sainz
    George Russell
    Fernando Alonso
    Oscar Piastri
    Lewis Hamilton
    Nico Hulkenberg
    Esteban Ocon
    Alex Albon
    Pierre Gasly
    Zhou Guanyu
    Lance Stroll
    Kevin Magnussen
    Logan Sargeant

    DNF Daniel Ricciardo
    DNF Yuki Tsunoda
    DNF Valtteri Bottas

    George Russell was sixth in his Mercedes while Lewis Hamilton battled back from 18th on the grid to finish in ninth place.Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu finished 14th and race bosses allowed him to park on the grid after the chequered flag.And the Sauber driver waved to his fans before bursting into tears after an emotional weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Verstappen was untroubled, there were plenty of battles behind with some excellent racing, albeit for the lower positions.There were safety cars first when Valtteri Bottas’s car stopped and then when Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda tangled, sending debris across the track.Lewis Hamilton received a great reception from the Chinese fansCredit: EPA More

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    ‘That’s not nice to say’ – Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg ‘disrespected’ live on TV during Chinese GP qualifying

    FORMER Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg was left red faced after a sly dig was aimed at him live on TV.During Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix, Rosberg was asked to analyse what the driver dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could be like in 2025.Nico Rosberg was taken aback by a comment made by Sky Sports F1’s Karun ChandhokCredit: Sky SportsIt was announced before the season that the seven-time world champion would be transferring to Ferrari from Mercedes in a move which rocked the world of F1.Kicking of his analysis, Rosberg said: “Of course we’re all looking forward to that dynamic again.”Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team-mate.”This prompted Sky’s F1 expert Karun Chandhok to joke: “Like you?”READ MORE IN F1Rosberg seemed to stumble over his sentence slightly before sheepishly replying back: “Oh come on. That’s not nice to say.”This came in reference to the German’s time as Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes between 2014 and 2016, when the duo butted heads when vying for the title.A friend of Hamilton, 39, from their karting days, Rosberg, 38, linked up with the former McLaren star at Mercedes between 2014 and 2015.But as they both went for F1 titles their relationship broke down, coming to a head in 2016 with a number of high profile incidents such as heated exchanges and crashes throughout the season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the clip, one fan said: “Karun ATE.”A second said: “It’s savage… he still can’t help it lol.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsA third added: “You can tell from Nico’s response how deeply sensitive and emotional he feels about his conflict with Lewis, even now.”Another said: “You can tell that Nico was p****d off there.”A fifth accused Chandhok of not showing Rosberg “respect”.While a sixth said: “Got him!!! 😂”Rosberg dramatically retired from F1 at the end of the 2016 season, admitting afterwards that the pressure of racing against Hamilton that season took its toll on him.On their heated rivalry, Rosberg previously said: “It [the friendship breakdown] happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Championship, not before.Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton came into conflict during the 2016 F1 seasonCredit: GettyThe pair turned from friends to enemies but Rosberg has since insisted they have ‘repaired’ their bondCredit: Getty”But that’s always the case: When you’re fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn’t work anymore.”It was a build-up from one race to the next. If you want to decide the world championship for yourself, you can’t play ‘love, peace and harmony’.”You have to test limits and go into grey areas to win, especially when two drivers are at such a high level. Then it often gets tight.”Despite the fractured relationship, Rosberg insists they have since “repaired our friendship” and revealed Hamilton sends a “huge box full of gifts” to her.Hamilton has since gone on to rack up a record-equalling seven world titles, but has not won a race for two years following a change in regulations that has seen Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate.The Brit thought he had claimed sprint pole during sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lando Norris’ lap time – originally removed from the timings – was reinstated and placed the McLaren ace on pole for the sprint race instead. That came as a fire broke out on the GRASS by the track, causing two delays – one in free practice and one in SQ1.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More