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    F1 steward SUSPENDED from Canadian GP over ‘unauthorised media comments’ after remarks about Hamilton and Verstappen

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    F1 star ROBBED ahead of Canada GP with ‘passports, computer and everything’ stolen from car by opportunistic thieves

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    Lewis Hamilton responds to retirement question after Mercedes struggles and ‘worst F1 race he’d ever experienced’

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    ‘He’s going to call it a day’ – Ex-Red Bull mechanic claims Max Verstappen will quit F1 THIS YEAR

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has been sensationally tipped to QUIT Red Bull at the end of the season by a former team mechanic.The Dutchman has won four drivers’ titles in a row and is hunting for a fifth this year – which would see him match a feat only achieved by Michael Schumacher in Formula One history.Max Verstappen has been tipped to win a fifth F1 title and then call it quitsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe call comes from ex-Red Bull mechanic Calum NicholasCredit: GettyHowever, Verstappen has fallen 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri amid huge performance struggles with the Red Bull machinery this season.Verstappen has continued winning races despite the issues and even the power struggle which hit the team last year.He has been linked with an exit from the Racing Bulls, with a team transfer to the likes of Mercedes or Aston Martin.But ex-Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas believes Verstappen – who became a dad for the first time last month – could QUIT F1 entirely, if he wins a fifth World Drivers Championship.READ MORE IN F1Speaking on Lucas Stewart’s YouTube channel as he played a round of golf, Nicholas was asked how many titles Verstappen would win in his career. He gave his answer before revealing what he thought lay ahead for the 27-year-old.Nicolas said: “Five. I think Max is going to win the Drivers’ this year, and then I think he’s going to call it a day.”Despite his answer, the mechanic insisted he didn’t “know anything” extra about Verstappen’s career plans.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNicholas added: “To not back Max is just like lunacy, I think. The guy is just really really good.”Not in terms of just his technical skill and his talent, but I’ve watched Max grow into this guy that can do everything. Lewis Hamilton hit with grid penalty at Monaco Grand Prix after blunder saw him forced to apologise to Verstappen”He does everything well now.”Verstappen’s last race win this season came at the Imola Grand Prix on May 18.He finished fourth at the Monaco Grand Prix a week later before inexplicably ramming his car into George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix.That earned him a 10-second penalty – demoting him from P5 to P10 – and three penalty points on his licence to put him on the brink of a race ban.Verstappen has 11 out of 12 points needed to earn a race ban across the 12-month rolling system for the penalty points.He will need to be on his best behaviour at the Canadian and Austrian Grand Prix to avoid a ban in the following race before he sees two penalty points expire on June 30. Read More on The SunSunSport looked at five potential replacements for Verstappen if he is banned from competing for one weekend.Names include impressive F1 rookie Isack Hadjar, Red Bull flop Liam Lawson and F2 prodigy Arvid Lindblad, who recently raced against Leeds United stars on the Elland Road pitch. More

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    ‘It’s not nice to see’ – Lewis Hamilton warned he’s suffering from same issue as Michael Schumacher after Ferrari switch

    LEWIS HAMILTON is “lost” and suffering the same problem that fellow Formula One icon Michael Schumacher did.Hamilton, 40, has struggled to extract top performance from his Ferrari machinery since joining the team over the winter.Lewis Hamilton has been warned he is suffering the same issue as Michael Schumacher isCredit: GettyMichael Schumacher won seven world titles like Hamilton, but had a break and never won a race againCredit: GettyThe Brit has achieved one Sprint Race win in China but has otherwise failed to achieve a podium for the Scuderia.Former F1 star and Sky Sports F1 pundit Johnny Herbert believes Hamilton is suffering the same issues as Schumacher, 56, did when he came back to the motorsport after a break.That being the “raw pace just isn’t there anymore”, a thought which Herbert says is “not nice to see”.Schumacher – whose ex-F1 boss gave an insight into his health battle – retired from F1 in 2006 before returning with Mercedes in 2010, but only achieved one podium in three seasons with the Silver Arrows.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to InstantWithdrawalBettingSites, Herbert, 60, said: “It just looks like Lewis Hamilton is lost, really lost. “I don’t know if the raw pace that he’s always had throughout his career is there anymore. “I thought, with the pure racing skill Hamilton had, he’d be able to drive around any problems with the car but he seems stuck in a hole. It’s not nice to see. “It’s not the first time we’ve seen it in the sport, though. Nigel Mansell won his championship in 1992, went to America in 1993, came back in 1994 and it didn’t work anymore for him.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It happened with Michael Schumacher too, when he had his break and came back, then he wasn’t the same Schumacher as before.”You’re always going to have your peak and an end of your peak. It’s not nice to see.”F1 stars’ pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc’s yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton’s dog Roscoe with own car Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc has raised his own complaints about the car and race engineers, but has managed to eke out better results with three podium finishes, including back-to-back in Monaco and Spain.Herbert added: “I know Charles Leclerc is not happy with the car either, but at least he’s getting podium finishes consistently. “There have been a couple of poor decisions in Ferrari’s strategy and poor communication over the radio, Hamilton doesn’t have the synergy with his engineer that he needs. “He hasn’t found his comfort zone since the sprint win in China.”Sometimes you don’t realise when it’s not as easy as it was before, but when you look across the garage and your team-mate is outperforming you, then it may click. “The greats of the sport, at their peak, get the best out of their car. Max Verstappen is doing it right now. Hamilton just can’t seem to get the extra he needs anymore. “He won’t understand why he can’t, because he’ll feel like he should be able to. But, Leclerc is outperforming you in the same car. Leclerc is only going to grow and is in control of Ferrari’s future. “He’s the guy they can rely on, Ferrari can’t rely on Lewis Hamilton at this point. It’s horrible to say but it’s the truth.”Former Mercedes and McLaren star Hamilton appeared close to tears following the Spanish Grand Prix where he finished P6, even after a penalty for old rival Max Verstappen bumped him up the order. Johnny Herbert suggested Ferrari ‘can’t rely on’ HamiltonCredit: GettyHamilton later apologised to Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes after his blunt response to a question, where he snapped: “Well what do you want me to say? I had a really bad day and I’ve got nothing to say.“It was a difficult day, I’ve got nothing else to add to it. There’s no point explaining it.”Hamilton will now have next weekend off to help him collect his thoughts before getting back behind the wheel for the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15.McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lead the World Drivers Championship, with the Aussie leading by 10 points after claiming victory in Barcelona last weekend.He has opened up a huge 49-point gap to reigning four-time world champion Verstappen after the Dutchman lost his head and crashed into Mercedes’ George Russell when asked to yield his position.Despite calls to be disqualified, the incident saw the Red Bull driver being given a 10-second time penalty, dropping him from P5 to P10, and slapped with three penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.That decision has placed him on the brink of a race ban after collecting 11 out of a maximum of 12 penalty points.The system works on a 12-month rolling timer, but the next time the 27-year-old will see any points taken off his record will be June 30.Races are due to commence in Montreal and Spielberg before that date, meaning he will have to be on his best behaviour to avoid a ban.Read More on The SunPicking up another point in Canada will mean a ban for his team’s home race at the Red Bull Ring, meanwhile, a point in Austria would see him banned for the British Grand Prix on July 6.Hamilton himself sits P6 in the standings, while his team have squeezed their way into P2. 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    ‘What do you want me to say?’ – Lewis Hamilton looks close to tears in live TV interview after ‘terrible’ race

    LEWIS HAMILTON looked as though he might burst into tears as he gave blunt answers in his post-race interview in Barcelona.The seven-time world champion tugged on heartstrings as he blamed himself for a “terrible” performance at the Spanish Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton was damming in his post-race interview after the Spanish GPHamilton finished the race outside the podium in P6Credit: AlamyThe seven-time world champion has endured a bedding in period at the Italian team in his debut seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThings were looking up for Hamilton after qualifying on Saturday, where he secured fifth – his joint best result.But soon into the race his teammate Charles Leclerc was snapping at his heels and he was told to give his place up to the Monegasque driver after just nine laps.It was a suckerpunch moment for the Brit who finished in sixth after Max Verstappen’s 10-second time penalty.He had been overtaken by his old Mercedes teammate George Russell and, to rub more salt in the wounds, Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.READ MORE IN F1He said after the race: “Well what do you want me to say? I’ve had a really bad day and have nothing to say. It was a difficult day,“There’s nothing else to add to it. It was terrible. There’s no point explaining it. It’s not your fault. I just don’t know what to say.”When told whether the team can find some answers, he added: “I’m sure they won’t – it was probably just me.”Hamilton’s former teammate Nico Rosberg said: “it’s hard to watch” the Ferrari driver struggle.Most read in MotorsportHe added: “Sunday was a horrible day for him because he was just slow out there, which is very unusual,”Yes, sometimes he’s off in qualifying but in races he’s usually really awesome and the race was shockingly bad.”He doesn’t have answers either. Was there damage on the floor? These floors are so sensitive and there can always be a bit there and you lose a lot of time.”When you don’t have any answers, it’s really tough as a driver then you see your team-mate race on their way to third place on the podium. In light of the whole season he’s had so far, it’s a very dark situation.” More

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    Max Verstappen facing BAN from F1 race as stewards make punishment decision over George Russell Crash

    MAX VERSTAPPEN is on the verge of a Formula One race ban after race stewards made a decision over his collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix.The Red Bull driver lost his head at the end of the race following a safety car restart which culminated in him “undoubtedly” crashing into Russell and initially earning a 10-second time penalty.Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty for “undoubtedly” causing his collision with George RussellVerstappen appeared to deliberately drive into the Brit at Turn 5 of the Spanish GPCredit: Sky SportsThe FIA later hit the Dutchman with three penalty points, leaving him one off of a race banCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThat punishment dropped him from P5 when he crossed the line to P10, which opened a massive 49-point gap between himself and championship leader Oscar Piastri.A further investigation from the FIA after the race saw the 27-year-old avoid disqualification, despite calls from Nico Rosberg on Sky Sports commentary.However, F1’s governing body decided that Verstappen’s actions also warranted three points on his Super Licence, declaring the collision was “undoubtedly caused” by him.And this has placed him on the verge of a ban for an F1 race later this season.READ MORE IN F1With the three points added from his exploits in Barcelona, Verstappen is now just one penalty point away from a race ban.F1’s penalty points system works on a 12-month rolling basis, and Verstappen currently sits on 11 penalty points out of the maximum of 12 before a ban.But the next time the four-time world champion will see any of his penalty points expire will be on June 30.That means Verstappen will need to be on his best behaviour at both the Canada Grand Prix on June 15 and then Red Bull’s home race at the Austrian Grand Prix on June 29.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPicking up another penalty point in Montreal would mean a ban for Verstappen at the Red Bull Ring, while a point in the second race would mean he is banned from the British Grand Prix on July 6.Verstappen will become the first-ever reigning world champion to be hit by a ban if he picks up another point in either of those races.One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him foreverHowever, if he stays clean across the next two race weekends then Verstappen will see two points expire from his licence and move down to nine.After that he will need to avoid further incident going all the way to October 27th.The chaos in Spain began after a safety car restart caused by Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli veering into the gravel. Verstappen nearly spun and Charles Leclerc overtook him before Russell, 27, nearly went into the back of him, with the Dutchman going off track onto the escape road.He was then told by his team to give the place back to the Brit, believing he had gained an unfair advantage by leaving the track.Fuming Verstappen swore down the radio at the decision before slowing up.What are Verstappen’s penalty points and when do they expire?Two points: Expire 30th June 2025. These were awarded for causing a collision with Lando Norris at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.Two points: Expire 27th October 2025. These were awarded for forcing Lando Norris off track during the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix.One point: Expires 1st November 2025. This point was awarded for being under the minimum VSC delta time during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint.One point: Expires 1st December 2025. This point was awarded for driving unnecessarily slowly on a cooldown lap during qualifying for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.Two points: Expire 8th December 2025.These were awarded for causing a collision with Oscar Piastri during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The Mercedes man thought he was letting him through at Turn 5 but his rival then appeared to intentionally ram into the side of him, which landed Verstappen in hot water.Speaking after the race, Russell said: “I’m too close to give my opinion on behalf of the drivers. It’s like in Austin last year, some of the best moves ever then you go to Mexico and he lets himself down a bit.”You go to Imola with one of the best moves of all-time, then this happens. It cost him and his team a lot of points. Charles and I actually dropped off like a stone on those last two laps.”He probably could have come back to fight for the podium, so I won’t lose any sleep [over it]. We have our own problems and that’s making our car go faster.”Verstappen himself said: “I don’t need to say anything about it because it doesn’t matter anyway.”I had a big moment there in the last corner. Unfortunately the hard tyres had very low grip so that was quite painful. Basically, we just ran out of tyres. Read More on The Sun”In hindsight, was it better to stay out? Maybe, I don’t know. It’s always easy to say afterwards. Because of those hard tyres, you get into those situations.“I think [the strategy] was good, I think it worked for us. It was the best way forward. It was racy and I liked it. Unfortunately we didn’t get the benefits at the end.” More

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    Calls for Verstappen to be DISQUALIFIED after ramming Russell in ‘Mario Kart move’ as Piastri wins Spanish Grand Prix

    MAX VERSTAPPEN reignited his old feud with George Russell as he appeared to RAM into the Mercedes driver late on.Former world champion Nico Rosberg called for the black flag to be brought out and disqualification for Verstappen after the stunning incident on lap 64. Oscar Piastri took the race win at the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Lando NorrisCredit: PABut late on Max Verstappen appeared to RAM his car into George Russell after being told to let him passCredit: Sky SportsVerstappen was told to let the Brit pass him on track before smashing into himCredit: Sky SportsFormer world champion Nico Rosberg called for the Dutchman to be disqualifiedCredit: GettyVerstappen was hit with a ten second time penalty in the end after colliding with Russell as he was told to let the Brit driver through. Watching in the cool-down room after the race, runner-up Lando Norris compared it to something he has done before in “Mario Kart”.The chaos began after the restart from the safety car which was prompted by Kimi Anontelli veering into the gravel. Verstappen nearly spun and Charles Leclerc overtook and then Russell nearly went into the back of the Dutchman who had to veer off track onto the escape road and was told by his team to give the place back to the Brit. READ MORE IN F1The Mercedes man thought he was doing so but the Dutchman appeared to intentionally ram into the side of him. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri pulled off a blinder to win the race ahead of his teammate Lando Norris who is hot on his tails in the push towards the driver’s title. The time penalty for Verstappen meant Leclerc finished third ahead of fourth-place Russell, but it was misery for Lewis Hamilton who was overtaken by Nico Hulkenburg for fifth. At the start, Australian driver Piastri got off perfectly while Verstappen picked out Norris for second. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRussell produced a horrific start which left him for dust by both Ferraris as Hamilton went into fourth and Lecerc into fifth. Flustered Russell was fuming saying: “These ***** are moving under braking today. What is going one!?”One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him foreverToto Wolff hit back with: “George, concentrate.”Ferrari’s swap conundrum was back again on lap 9 with Leclerc right up Hamilton’s jacksie as the seven-time world champion struggled with his grip on the car. He was finally told “swap positions with Leclerc” and he waved his teammate past. Norris was all over Verstappen and the McLaren one-two was restored on lap 13 as the Brit eased past the Red Bull driver who didn’t even bother to defend. Now the race was on between Norris and Piastri as they went toe-to-toe on lap times. Verstappen took the lead in his Red Bull on lap 23 after the two McLaren’s had pitted after his own stop. But the Dutchman was struggling and pitted again on lap 30 and the two Papaya cars shimmied into the lead. Just over half-way and Norris was closing in on Piastri with blistering lap times and was the quickest driver on the track. Red Bull were still in the mix though and Christian Horner came on the blower to Verstappen to say: “McLaren are receiving the threat. They realise they have to push on. It’s a long way to go from there.” Piastri played Norris like a fiddle though, allowing him to get close before charging clear of his teammate with the gap over five seconds with 20 laps to go. Norris and Verstappen got caught up in a fierce battle between Ollie Bearman and Liam Lawson. The four-time world champion slammed the “f****** idiots!” on his team radio as he angrily waved at Bearman when he passed him. Drama erupted when the safety car came out after Anontelli’s Mercedes veered into the gravel while England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham watched on from the garage. Read More on The SunThere was chaos on the restart for Verstappen which took the attention away from Piastri eventually soaring over the line with another perfect performance.The dramatic events saw Piastri move ten points ahead of Norris at the top of the World Drivers Championship, with Verstappen tumbling 49 points behind the leader.Kimi Antonelli’s caused the late safety car to spark the chaosCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton finished P6 after being passed at the end by Nico Hulkenberg and then bumped up one spot by the Verstappen penaltyCredit: Alamy More