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    ‘Dream since I was a kid’ – Liam Lawson breaks silence on Red Bull axe with emotional statement and posts childhood pics

    LIAM LAWSON has broken his silence after being dropped by Red Bull.The 23-year-old has had a nightmare start to the Formula One season after failing to score any points in the first two weekends.Liam Lawson has broken his silence after being axed by Red BullCredit: APLawson said it was always his dream to be an F1 driver and shared childhood photosLawson shared a drawing he did as a young boy, predicting he would be an F1 driverRed Bull chiefs confirmed this morning they would be swapping the Kiwi driver for Racing Bulls star Yuki Tsunoda, with Lawson heading back to the team he had driven 11 races before across two stints in 2023 and 2024.Much has been said of the move, with Max Verstappen appearing to not be too happy about the situation after liking a social media post comparing it to “bullying”.Lawson was the latest in a line of drivers dating back to Pierre Gasly in 2019 – followed by Alex Albon and Sergio Perez – who have struggled to emulate Verstappen in taming the mechanical beast created by the Red Bull engineers.However, following his demotion to the sister team, Lawson has addressed the situation with a heartfelt social media post.READ MORE IN F1Taking to Instagram hours after the news was confirmed, Lawson posted a photo of himself as a kid in school with an old drawing he did outlining his dream of becoming an F1 driver.Lawson captioned his post: “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. “It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. “To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”Tsunoda, 24, had said he would welcome a team switch if offered because the Red Bull car was faster.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire Lawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PAChristian Horner believes Red Bull made the right decision in replacing Lawson with TsunodaCredit: GETTYLiam Lawson recently gloated about getting the better of Yuki Tsunoda in F3Credit: GETTYHowever, Lawson seemed to not take the comments too well, saying after the Chinese Grand Prix: “He can say whatever he wants. I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our careers, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him. In Euroformula I was team-mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no. He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”The pair were team-mates in the motorsport last season, with the Japanese driver out-qualifying Lawson 6-0 and going 4-2 in their head-to-head race finishes.On the decision, team boss Christian Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.”We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.”We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. “We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”The Japanese Grand Prix is the next race on the calendar on April 6. More

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    Newcastle star Dan Burn sings along to Luke Littler’s walk-on as he risks wrath of Premier League Darts star

    NEWCASTLE hero Dan Burn danced to a surprising new Toon as he helped whip fans into a frenzy at Premier League Darts Night 8.The Carabao Cup winner and new England star sung along to LUKE LITTLER’S walk-on tune – and also videoed the world champion.Dan Burn acted like any other darts fan at Newcastle’s Utilita ArenaLuke Littler took booing from the crowd in his strideGeorgie Chris Dobey seemed awed by his reception as he walked out to to a new tune – an entrance song by his beloved NewcastleManchester United supporter Littler was booed by by the crowd as he strode out to the oche at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.One reason might be that local lad Chris Dobey, one of the eight Prem competitors, is a big darts favourite on Tyneside.And Bedlington ace Dobey was boosted beforehand after hearing Newcastle players would be there to roar him on – just like he did for the Toon against Liverpool at Wembley as they ended their trophy drought. But Burn showed he appreciates class and charisma wherever it comes from.READ MORE IN DARTSThe 32-year-old, who is himself from Northumberland, had fun getting behind the Nuke in the opening match of the night.The towering defender was a distinctive sight as he jigged away as the 18-year-old came out.And Burn looked just like any other excited darts fan as he smiled broadly while appearing to take a video of the scene on his phone.Littler went on to destroy Stephen Bunting 6-0 – averaging 110 and in fact finishing it all off with a checkout of the same score.Most read in DartsFans gave Dobey incredible backing, with Newcastle’s black and white colours everywhere to be seenHome favourite Dobey battled well but lost 6-3 to Luke HumphriesBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat put the Prem winner into the semi-finals on the night.Meanwhile, Geordie hopeful Dobey was on a high simply to compete on ‘home’ turf.Luke Littler brutally BOOED at Premier League Darts in Newcastle but has perfect responseHe went into his clash with World No 1 Luke Humphries saying: “I’m delighted to get this opportunity again.”Not many people can say they can play in front of a home crowd, and this will be the third time I’ve done so.”So yeah, it’s a massive occasion, and yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”Dobey even walked out to a different tune of his own – albeit a Magpies song.But although he performed pretty well, Humphries was too strong – clinching a 6-3 victory. More

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    Max Verstappen likes bombshell Instagram post comparing Christian Horner’s Liam Lawson axing to ‘bullying’

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Liam Lawson. It came after Lawson was dropped to Racing Bulls in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, who has been promoted to race alongside team-mate Verstappen.Max Verstappen liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of ‘bullying’ axed Liam LawsonLiam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red BullCredit: APLawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PAVerstappen, the four-time world champion, is understood to be unhappy about the team’s decision to axe Lawson so fast.Many believe Lawson, 23, should have been given more than two races to prove himself and get used to the RB21.The Dutchman’s actions raise further questions about his relationship with the Milton Keynes-based team.Tensions grew last year after allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female employee aimed at team principal Christian Horner.READ MORE IN F1Horner has since been cleared of those allegations by two separate internal investigations, but Verstappen’s future with the team has been questioned.Red Bull confirmed on Thursday morning that Lawson and sister team driver Tsunoda would switch roles for the Japanese Grand Prix.The New Zealander will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.In a statement, Red Bull said Lawson was pulled out of the firing line after his “difficult” start to the campaign.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the rain-swept Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.A week later, the Kiwi again qualified last in both the sprint and race for the Shanghai GP – despite sitting in the second-best car in F1 last season.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix The RB21 might be tailored for Verstappen, but mustering a P15 finish in Shanghai was too much for Horner.Meanwhile, Tsunoda – who earns nearly double Lawson’s £800,000 salary – qualified fifth in Australia and ninth in China but finished outside of the top 10 for both races due to strategy calls.The ruthless call has drawn criticism from the F1 world.Former Dutch F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde – who drove for Caterham in 2013 – was one who has been particularly critical of the shock move.Van der Garde took to Instagram to share his disgust, writing: ” Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. “But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements. “They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit.”Don’t forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now.”I remember my own blood, sweat and tears – and that was to reach F1. Let alone driving for an absolute top team. “Yes, he underperformed the first two races – but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself.”Former F1 star Giedo van der Garde has launched a scathing defence of LawsonCredit: GettyVerstappen, interestingly, liked the post but it seems he has since un-liked it.Lawson was promoted to Red Bull in the off-season, succeeding Mexican driver Sergio Perez.Tsunoda is expected to become Verstappen’s sixth different partner at Red Bull since he made the step up in 2016.That is after Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.Red Bull said they were making use of their unique position as the only team on the grid with four race seats, arguing it was a kindness to Lawson.Team principal Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start.“It makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”Horner is hoping 24-year-old Tsunoda’s experience will help with the team’s developing of the RB21.The decision will surely make things awkward between rivals Lawson and Tsunoda, who have shared fiery words in recent days.Tsunoda was more than pleased when quizzed about a potential swap before the news was announced on Thursday.The Japanese star said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. The car is faster, I’m sure.”But a fuming Lawson hit back, saying: “He can say whatever he wants.”I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our careers, I was team mates with him in F3 and I beat him.“In Euroformula I was team mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.”He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Lawson and Tsunoda have been team-mates in junior and senior teams More

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    Inside axed F1 star Liam Lawson’s glamorous life with stunning model Wag as he’s set to be brutally replaced by Red Bull

    LIAM LAWSON has had nothing short of a nightmare start to life at Red Bull this year.After a strong debut replacing Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB in 2023 and then again in 2024, the 23-year-old started out his first race with the team by failing to finish the Australian Grand Prix. Liam Lawson is set to be axed by Red Bull after a horror start to his F1 career thereCredit: AFPBut Lawson leads a glamorous life off the track with girlfriend Hannah St. JohnCredit: INSTAGRAMShe is often seen accompanying him to race weekends around the paddockCredit: INSTAGRAMThe couple have been dating for two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAMThey happily share loved-up snaps togetherCredit: INSTAGRAMHannah graduated from Arizona State University after studying biological and biomedical sciencesCredit: INSTAGRAMHe then followed this up with an even more embarrassing weekend in China as he qualified dead last in both Sprint and normal qualifying while failing to score any points for his team.But for Lawson, who revealed his parents had to sell their house to fund his Formula One dream, his Red Bull nightmare is set to come to a close before the next race at the Japanese Grand Prix.The New Zealander is on the verge of being swapped to sister team Racing Bulls in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, who was the main rival for the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen before Lawson landed it.However, despite his F1 career starting out in horror fashion, Lawson can be thankful for a glamorous lifestyle away from the circuit with stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John.READ MORE IN F1The pair have been dating one another for two years and are often seen sharing loved-up images with one another on Instagram.Hannah typically splits her time between her home city of California and London while also studying at Arizona State University.While there she studied biological and biomedical sciences, graduating back in December, but has carved out a fledgling career as a social media influencer and model.The beauty has already amassed over 40,000 followers on Instagram.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShe treats her fans to her epic lifestyle, which included being back stage at Luke Combs’ Nashville concert last January.Hannah also shares plenty of bikini snaps online, showing off her enviable figure.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire To top it off, she enjoys travelling – most recently, she went on a glam ski strip to Deer Valley in Utah.She has also been a constant presence in the F1 paddock whenever Lawson, who started out his career in the motorsport with a string of substitute appearances, is there.With one million followers of his own on Instagram, Lawson is no stranger to the buzz of social media and often posts snaps from day-to-day life.Whether that is his time at the track or jetting around on holiday with Hannah or even hitting the gym.One pic shows him hanging out with stars from the Los Angeles Rams NFL team, a second shows him driving a more than £100,000 Shelby while another features him on the front cover of GQ Magazine.Despite the lavish lifestyle, Lawson has a relatively modest salary compared to his rivals.He earns £800,000 a year, though that value could decrease once his demotion to Racing Bulls is complete, with Tsunoda in turn getting a pay rise.Tsunoda, 24, said he would happily swap seats for his home race.However, Lawson bit back by saying: “He can say whatever he wants. I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our career, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him. In Euro Formula, I was team-mates with him in New Zealand, and I beat him there.”And then in F1 last season, I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no. He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Despite Lawson’s claim, he was out-qualified by Tsunoda 7-2 when the pair were team-mates during the closing stages of last season. It was also 4-2 in the Japanese driver’s favour for the five races Lawson subbed in for Ricciardo during the 2023 season.The driver swap decision has reportedly left main man Verstappen frustrated, with the four-time world champion having previously sang Lawson’s praises.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That Racing Bulls car is easier to drive than ours. I notice that when I talk to Liam. Last year the difference between him and Yuki wasn’t that big, I thought.”Otherwise the team wouldn’t have made the choice to put Liam in at Red Bull.” More

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    I’m a chef who gave up my restaurant to work with Prem ace – here’s secret ingredient that has helped him win 9 trophies

    PREMIER LEAGUE footballers often have strict diets but one superstar uses a special ingredient to get ahead.Broth – for soup, to use in rice or even to DRINK.Diogo Prego is a personal chef to a Manchester City starCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_Diogo quit his own restaurant and prefers life as a personal chefCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_His client’s favourite meal is a cod fish from PortugalCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_That is the ingredient one Manchester City star eats every day, often multiple times.His personal chef Diogo Prego is a big believer in the ingredient due to its health benefits, as he makes sure his client maintains a healthy diet.Diogo told SunSport: “It is always in the freezer and I use it for soup, to cook rice and even to drink. Beef broth is very healthy and full of collagen.”We use natural food like steaks, spinach, broccoli – all this healthy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He does not eat sugar, we follow a healthy diet with lots of broth – broth that I prepare for him.”No sugar means thinking outside the box when making snacks and cookies.Diogo does his grocery shopping every day in Manchester’s Northern Quarter to ensure the City star always eats the freshest ingredients.The player he works for is a big fan of Poke bowls and Pad thai pre and post-match but his favourite is a cod dish from back home called Bacalhau à Brás – a mix of salt cod, potatoes, onions and eggs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe City defender is also a fan of poke bowlsCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_Diogo always uses fresh ingredients to ensure a healthy dietCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_Diogo is proud he has opened up the Prem winner to new dishes although he still likes his cheat meals – burgers and pizzas.He continued: “Pre-match and post-match we need to do slow-absortion carbs, nice protein and fruits.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival Anfield”Barley, homemade pasta. Post-match normally it is a poke bowl, it is full of omega three, carbs. It is great for recovery.”I prepare all the time homemade protein bars, homemade cookies without sugar. Immunity boosts which I batch cook.”Diogo was trained as a chef in Portugal and he quit a restaurant he owned for five years before getting to work with the City star.He is happy to have the hard work and long hours of restaurant life behind him and has become friends with his client, even going to concerts with him.However life working for a Prem star is not without its challenges.Diogo added: “The only thing that makes me cook a little more than I was expecting is Beef Wellington. It’s a pain in the a**.”I have lots of things to prepare – snacks, broth, dinner – and I have to keep the kitchen and cupboard organised.READ MORE SUN STORIES”One of the hardest parts of my job is trying to do new things every week.”Trying to balance a nice menu is quite hard. Cooking every day different dishes it is hard to read a lot and watch a lot of food programmes. But he is not fussy so it is easy.”Sweet treats for the defender contain no sugarCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_ More

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    Emma Louise Jones launches ‘helpline for DM deviants’ as BBC presenter reads out inappropriate messages from fans

    EMMA LOUISE JONES had fun making a serious point – by launching an Instagram helpline group for “DM deviants”.The popular sports presenter mocked fans who sent inappropriate messages – but offered advice on how they can improve their behaviour.Emma Louise Jones delivered a powerful messageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en-gbThe broadcaster blended mockery with a more earnest noteCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en-gbThe social media star revealed some of the shocking stuff she has to deal with online, particularly in direct messages (DMs).And she won praise from her followers for the innovative way she has chosen to deal with it.With an office for her support group in the background, Jones posted a jokey video which she rounded off with words of wisdom.And some DMs she shared showed why she treats the matter gravely.READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe Leeds supporter, best known for her BBC and Raceday TV work, did end up admitting her new helpline was fake and just for fun.But she equally confirmed that her point was important, especially by sharing some DM examples.Jones opened the video by saying: “Very first DM helpline help group.”She then added the caption: “Introducing you all to the DM Helpline Help group.Most read in FootballShe’s previously also shared some of her rare wardrobe problemsCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”A weekly session for all our DM deviants. Dave, Ian, Simon…See you next week. *This is not a real help group.”Next came a selection of the unwanted messages she gets.BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in low cut dress as she shows off ‘new talent’ to adoring fansOne read: “Can I lick ur m****”.Jones commented light-heartedly on the punctuation by saying: “It isn’t the lack of a question mark that is the issue.”She also joked that using m**** rather than vagina didn’t stop the message “still being inappropriate”.But after teasing the authors of those messages, Jones was then deadly earnest.She said: “Because we don’t send vulgar messages like this to women on the internet, you wouldn’t say it in real life.”And she finished the video with some advice.She added: “Next week we’re going to discuss why women don’t want to see your penis in their DMs.”In the meantime, get yourselves outside, touch some grass and stay off your phones.”Jones’ online fans believe she hit the right note with her presentation.One wrote: “Love this, you are a superstar Jones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “You’ve got a great way of doing this.”And a third wrote: “Well done Emma for putting your point across using wit and intelligence.”She wore this impressive outfit to horse racing at YorkCredit: INSTAGRAM @eljonesuk More

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    ‘Pants down’ – Lamine Yamal savages former Tottenham star pundit after being called out about his shorts

    BARCELONA star Lamine Yamal clapped back at Tottenham hero Rafael van der Vaart’s swipe… about his shorts.Yamal, 17, helped Spain beat the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties after an exciting 3-3 draw in the Nations League quarter-finals on Sunday at the Mestalla.Yamal’s shorts were particularly low as he celebrated scoring against HollandCredit: RexVan der Vaart criticised Yamal for wearing his shorts ‘too low’Credit: GettyVan der Vaart at the first leg of the Spain vs Holland clashCredit: RexAlthough the winger missed his spot-kick, he still scored a goal during extra-time and played a big role in the European champions qualifying for the semi-finals.And the Barcelona wonderkid trolled Van der Vaart, 42, at full-time on social media.The Netherlands legend criticised the teenage sensation before the match with a bizarre comment.The ex-Real Madrid star complained about Yamal’s shorts being “too low”.Read More on FootballVan der Vaart said last Monday: “I noticed some things about Lamine Yamal that started to annoy me. “His shorts were too low, he didn’t try too hard, he had some superficial gestures… I didn’t like this.”And Yamal decided to hit back by lowering his shorts after the match in a clear nod to Van der Vaart’s statement.The forward then took to Instagram where he rubbed even more salt in the former playmaker’s wounds following the Netherlands’ elimination.Most read in FootballYamal posted on Instagram: “Pants down, a goal, missed penalty AND IN THE SEMIFINALS HEHEHEHE GO SPAIN!”Spain are now set to take on France in the Nations League semi-finals in June.Lamine Yamal watches WWE Smackdown in crowd after rubbing shoulders with starsThe winner will go on to face either Germany or Portugal in the final that same month. More

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    ‘Can’t wait to spend forever together’ – Jake Paul announces engagement to speedskater Jutta Leerdam in emotional post

    JAKE PAUL announced he is engaged to Jutta Leerdam in an emotional social media post. The multimillionaire YouTuber-turned-boxer revealed the news with a series of romantic pictures. Jake Paul announced he is engaged to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe couple shared the news onlineCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe newly-engaged couple share a romantic kissCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThey both matched in all whiteCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulJutta showing off her ringCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulHe wrote: “We’re engaged we can’t wait to spend forever together.”Paul got down on one knee – matching his new fiancee in all white – and popped the question behind a stunning scenic backdrop. Jutta – a world champion on the ice – jumped for joy and showed off her sparkly engagement ring. The couple were showered with well-wishes in the comment sections of Paul’s Instagram – which has 28.6MILLION followers. READ MORE ON JAKE PAULEx-opponent Tyron Woodley wrote: “Congrats!!!!!!!” Former world champion boxer Lawrence Okolie posted: “Massive congratulations!”Older brother Logan shared the post and wrote: “LIL BRO GOT ENGAGED!!!” Logan himself proposed to Danish supermodel Nina Agdal in July 2023 in Lake Como in Italy. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast September they welcomed baby daughter Esme into the world. Younger brother Jake – who has been with Jutta since April 2023 – plans to have babies too after the 2026 Winter Olympics. Jake Paul blasts Anthony Joshua and vows to KO heavyweight superstarThe couple met after Paul invited Jutta onto his podcast – hitting it off via Instagram messages. And they went public with their relationship two months after Paul, 28, was beaten by Tommy Fury, 25, his only loss in the ring. The American is now 11-1 as a boxer and most recently beat 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a fight marred in controversy amid the age gap. But a huge 100 MILLION people tuned in to watch Paul’s eight round points win on Netflix. The social media sensation then entered shock talks to face Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez, 34, in Las Vegas on May 3. But Canelo pulled out of the deal at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. And Paul recently called out Anthony Joshua, 35, with the two later sharing a phone call while teasing a stunning bout in 2026. Jutta also celebrated a gold medal at the World Speed Skating Championships in the trios event alongside Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 26-year-old features in episodes of Paul’s new reality TV show airing on HBO’s Max this month. Paul American also stars Logan, his fiancee Nina and parents Greg and Pam. Jutta is a world champion speedskaterCredit: RexShe went public with Jake Paul in April 2023Credit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamThe couple first hit it off on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamJake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: Getty More