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      Max Verstappen’s dad reignites Christian Horner feud as he makes shock ‘sabotage’ claims against Red Bull F1 chief

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER and Jos Verstappen reignited their bitter feud yesterday.Red Bull’s boss and the dad of Max Verstappen, 26, were at war again over Jos claiming Horner sabotaged his plans to drive in this weekend’s Legends Parade.Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s row with Jos Verstappen shows no sign of endingCredit: GettyLivid Jos slammed “childish” Horner saying he is “completely done” with him as he attended his first race since Monaco over a month ago.Horner claimed he did NOT block the plans, with Jos due to drive the RB8 in a show lap of several historic cars at the Red Bull ring tomorrow.The duo first locked horns in a fiery season opener in Bahrain after a female colleague of Horner made a complaint against him of inappropriate behaviour.But 50-year-old Horner, who denied the accusations, was cleared of the allegations after a private independent investigation.READ MORE F1 NEWSIn Bahrain, Jos said the team would “explode” if he remained in charge and could be “torn apart”. And it seems yesterday’s drama was the last straw.He said: “Over the past few days I have heard from several quarters that Horner has done everything he can to make sure I don’t drive.“And to make sure that nothing would be filmed. I think, ‘say it to my face’. This way it doesn’t have to be for me, I find it very disappointing.“How childish can you be? There was going to be filming, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here.“I would have been allowed to drive in the end but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner but I think it says something about him.”The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThe woman who made accusations about Horner’s behaviour was suspended and is set to appeal against Red Bull’s decision to dismiss her complaint.In March, Horner said it was “time to draw a line under” the controversy.Yesterday, he said: “The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side. I’m sure the Legends will be in action later.“The relationship with Max has always been very strong. He’s a key part of our team. He’s our driver, he’s the one that is important to have a strong relationship with.“I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. Whatever Jos’ issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”Tensions have been bubbling since Thursday after Verstappen confirmed for the first time with a “yes” that he would be driving for Red Bull next year.Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028, has been linked with Mercedes given Lewis Hamilton sealed a shock move to Ferrari next year.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 After Verstappen’s comments, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “I don’t think he clearly said yes.”Horner fired back at Wolff yesterday and said: “I thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference. He’s always been absolutely consistent in that with the team.“With Toto I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. If he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available!”And Horner took further aim at Mercedes and Hamilton by saying: “The driver who has created all the movement in the market [Hamilton] had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulation, and chose to leave Mercedes.”Verstappen blocked out the noise to take pole in the sprint qualifying at the Austrian GP.READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner added: “Despite the distractions, we’ve won 70 per cent of races, including two sprints and seven poles and lead both world championships.“I can’t control relationships with drivers’ fathers. But my focus is on our drivers and team.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and TBCMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBCWilliams: Alex Albon and TBCSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: TBC x2RB: TBC x2Haas: TBC x2 More

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      Lewis Hamilton squirms awkwardly as George Russell makes ‘Spanish girlfriends’ joke at his expense in F1 fan zone

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      GEORGE RUSSELL joked that Lewis Hamilton has “Spanish girlfriends” during a fan event at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.The Mercedes pair appeared on stage in front of fans in Barcelona.George Russell made a quip at Lewis Hamilton’s expense on stageCredit: XHamilton, 39, is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the yearCredit: RexRussell, 26, has been dating Carmen Montero Mundt since 2020Credit: GettyDuring the conversation with their host, Russell admitted that he enjoys Spanish food.The Brit, 26, then claimed that this is largely down to his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundit, who he has been dating since 2020.When this was pointed out, Hamilton, 39, said: “I don’t have a Spanish girlfriend so I don’t really know a lot of Spanish foods.”Russell then left him stunned by joking: “You don’t have a Spanish girlfriend, you have Spanish girlfriends.”READ MORE F1 NEWSWhen the delighted crowd cheered, Hamilton wore a stunned smile before shrugging and saying: “Okay.”Hamilton then swiftly moved as Russell laughed, continuing: “I don’t know a lot of… couscous?”The crowd then laughed awkwardly as it was suggested to Hamilton: “Paella?”Fans then chuckled more, with some even jeering, as the seven-time world champion responded: “I don’t… what is that?”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHamilton went on to claim that he may not have heard of it as it contains meat, and he is a vegan.But his host then vowed to pass on a vegan recipe.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramHaving quipped on stage last weekend, Hamilton and Russell are set to compete on the track for different teams next year.Russell will be Mercedes’ main man, while Hamilton will join up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.The Mercedes has again struggled to compete for wins and podiums this season.Russell is currently seventh in the driver’s standings on 81 points, with Hamilton a place back on 70.Last weekend the veteran secured his first podium of the season, coming third in Barcelona only behind Lando Norris and race winner Max Verstappen.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Mercedes hire private investigators to identify source of mystery emails claiming team are ‘SABOTAGING’ Lewis Hamilton

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      MERCEDES have reportedly hired private investigators to detect the source of anonymous messages that claimed Lewis Hamilton is being ‘sabotaged’.The 39-year-old is leaving the Silver Arrows at the end of the season after having confirmed he’d sign a two-year deal with F1 rivals Ferrari.Mercedes have hired private investigators to identify source of emails claiming team are sabotaging Lewis HamiltonCredit: RexIn a statement released today, meanwhile, Northamptonshire Police said no crime has been committed.But Mercedes have outsourced the matter to a firm that specialises in these kinds of private investigations, according to The Mail.A spokesperson told The Mail: “It is being dealt with externally.”This development comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated last week that he would ‘go full force’ over the accusations.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe messages and email were sent to members of the Formula One community and Mercedes staff.And the email purported to be from a Mercedes team member.It was titled: ‘A potential death warrant for Lewis,’ and argued that the seven-time world champion was being endangered by being given cold tyres.This allegation was then repeated in the phone messages.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe correspondence claimed that a ‘scorned’ Wolff was favouring his other driver George Russell after Hamilton announced his decision to switch to Ferrari.Ahead of last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished third, a place ahead of Russell, Wolff admitted he was unhappy with the allegations.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himWolf said: “It is not from a member of the team. But it is upsetting, particularly when someone is talking about death.”I don’t know what some of the conspiracy theorists, lunatics, think out there.”A police spokesman said: ‘Northamptonshire Police received a report on June 12 regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 team.”No criminal offences were found to have been committed. However, advice was given regarding any further emails the team may receive.”A Mercedes spokesman told The Mail that the team believe the email was sent by a random Hamilton fan.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Major F1 rule change announced that provides huge hint over Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement

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      ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI’S hopes of being promoted to Mercedes’ Formula 1 driver line-up have been handed a major boost.The FIA announced today that it has reduced the minimum age restriction to 17-years-old.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: GettyWonderkid Andrea Kimi Antonelli could take his seat at MercedesCredit: GettyThe governing body will allow teens of that age to race in Formula One if they have “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.”Antonelli has long been expected to take the vacant Mercedes seat for 2025 to partner George Russell at the team.There is a space on the grid available as Lewis Hamilton is departing for Ferrari.The seven-time world champion has signed a mega £100m two-year deal.READ MORE IN F1The Bologna-born Antonelli turns 18 on August 25 this year and could theoretically make his FP1 debut, or even race, prior to F1’s summer break.It was reported that an enquiry earlier this year had been made to the FIA about granting the teenager a superlicence despite him not yet being 18.Antonelli has been supported by Mercedes since he raced in karts and chief Toto Wolff recently dropped a major hint that he would be driving in F1 next season.At the Canada Grand Prix last week, Wolff said: “Carlos Sainz deserves a top seat. He’s done a fantastic job.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “But for us, we’ve embarked on a route now. “We want to reinvent ourselves a little bit going forward and Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      George Russell apologises and fights back tears after blowing F1 pole as Max Verstappen wins wet Canadian Grand Prix

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      GEORGE RUSSELL apologised to his Mercedes team for an “ugly race” as he scuppered pole position to Max Verstappen.It was a tough day in the office for the British 26-year-old who fought back tears after the race as he had to settle for third place.George Russell fought back tears after blowing pole positionCredit: GettyIt was a wet race in CanadaCredit: GettyMeanwhile Verstappen overcame chaos and rain to toast his third consecutive win in Canada ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris in second.Russell, who claimed his first podium of the year. said: “It was an ugly race on my behalf. Sorry for that. I’m very sorry for that.”It felt like a missed opportunity. We were really quick on the inters at the beginning, then Lando came through.”Then we jumped back on the slicks. I made a couple of mistakes out there, pushing the limits and paid the price for it.READ MORE ON F1″Nevertheless, first podium of the year. We truly had a fast car this weekend and to be in the mix fighting for victory was really fun.”The race was jam-packed with action fresh off the back of Monaco which Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton slammed for being a snooze fest after there had been no overtakes from the top ten drivers.Verstappen said: “It was a pretty crazy race. I love it. That was a lot of fun. Those kinds of races, you need those once in a while.”Russell crawled off the line in his Mercedes at the start but just stayed in front of Max Verstappen by a whisker.Most read in MotorsportVerstappen praised the ‘crazy race’Credit: RexEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSDrama erupted from lap 17 when Verstappen was thrown into the clutches of Norris after running wide at Turn One to hand Russell some valuable breathing space.The McLaren driver had set his sights on overtaking the Red Bull on the long straight and breezed past him to nab P2.Cost of an F1 carBut Norris wasn’t done there as he overtook Russell on the straight before Max Verstappen swiped the Mercedes driver’s place, leaving him in third.On lap 25 the first safety car was called into action as Logan Sargeant spun into the barrier on his way out of Turn Four in his Williams.24-year-old Norris stayed out while everyone else pitted, leaving him trailing behind Verstappen and Russell in third.Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase aimed a sly dig at Norris’ Miami Grand Prix win in a nod to the safety car incident by saying “What goes around comes around. That’s Miami back”.Verstappen, Norris and Russell continued to squabble for first, second and third throughout.More drama erupted as Sergio Perez wrapped up a dismal weekend by spinning out at Turn Six into the barrier and out of the race.Cue the safety car again as more chaos saw Alex Albon come off worse with a tussle with Carlos Sainz – leaving both drivers out of the race.It was a miserable afternoon for Ferrari in general who had earlier retired his car after suffering problems with the engine.Piastri and Russell tussled on lap 63 at Turn 10, making contact before the British driver lost his spot to his teammate Lewis Hamilton.Hamilton sniffed the podium and used his DRS to ease past Piastri, onto the tail of Norris but Russell edged back into third with one lap to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris said: “It was chaos. It was eventful. To be honest, I felt like I drove a good race the whole time from start to finish. The first two stints were very strong.“I had amazing pace. But then the Safety Car had me over, just like it helped me in Miami, it’s now had me back over.” More

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      F1 teen Ollie Bearman to join Haas in 2025 after epic breakthrough – but will earn pittance compared to Lewis Hamilton

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      BRITISH wonderkid Ollie Bearman will reportedly join Haas in 2025 but will earn a smidgen of Lewis Hamilton’s wages.Bearman, 19, stole the show in his F1 debut in the Saudi Grand Prix after finishing a respectable seventh on a difficult course.Oliver Bearman will join Haas next seasonCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports F1After impressing for Ferrari in the Saudi Grand Prix two months agoCredit: AFPThe then 18-year-old caught the public’s imagination after stepping in for Ferrari driver Carlos Saniz, who needed surgery for appendicitis in March.And now Bearman will become the fourth British driver on the grid, alongside Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris, according to The Mail.However he will earn significantly less than his compatriots. While Hamilton is paid £50million-plus by Mercedes, Bearman is expected to sign for between £250,000 and £300,000 at Haas.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBearman currently competes in the FIA Formula Two and is a Formula One reserve and test driver for Ferrari and Haas.The Ferrari Driver Academy is paid nothing for competing in Formula Two, though the Italian team cover the cost of competition.His promotion to a full-time F1 seat was helped by his brilliant performance in Saudi Arabia, and departure of Nico Hulkenberg for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.Bearman showed a solid display in qualifying, narrowly missing out on a place in Q3 to Hamilton as he earned 11th on the grid.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBearman, however, would more crucially get the better of Hamilton in one race day in Jeddah.He managed to hold off the charge of two of Britain’s biggest stars in Norris and Hamilton in the closing stages to finish seventh in his maiden F1 race.Sergio Pérez thanks fans as he looks forward to Montreal race After the race, former world champion Damon Hill said: “A star is born.”Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who was alerted to Bearman’s quality by his performance in Saudi, has given the Chelmsford-born star eight practice sessions in their car this season.Bearman became the youngest British F1 driver in history and the third youngest overall.Three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who also earns £50m a year, is the youngest driver to ever start a race at just 17 years and 165 days.Lance Stroll is the second youngest driver to receive a call up at just 18 years and four months old, when he started for Williams in 2017. More

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      Red Bull make shock Sergio Perez decision days after F1 star suffered horror crash at Monaco Grand Prix

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      RED BULL have made a stunning U-turn by agreeing a new contract with Sergio Perez.The Mexican driver, 34, had an uncertain future at the Bulls due to his relative under performance to three-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen.Sergio Perez has signed a new Red Bull deal until 2026Credit: RexHowever, just one week after suffering a horror crash at the Monaco Grand Prix that cost the team “two or three million”, Perez – also known as Checo – has signed a new deal with the team to keep his seat until 2026.A statement on the team’s website said: “Oracle Red Bull Racing is pleased to announce that Checo has committed his future to the Team with a two-year extension to his existing contract.”The likes of Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz had been linked with taking the seat to partner Verstappen from 2025.But it seems Red Bull team bosses wanted a steady pair of hands as they navigate new waters from the 2026 regulation change.READ MORE IN F1Perez has won five races with the team and has 29 podium finishes with three pole positions, including the first by a Mexican F1 driver, and currently sits fifth in the driver standings this year.Team Principal and Red Bull CEO Christian Horner said on the move: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo. “Continuity and stability are important for the Team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the Team in the Championship last year. “Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see. “Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line up and with the Team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close fought Championship this year.”Sergio Pérez thanks fans as he looks forward to Montreal race Perez added: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. “I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years. “Being part of the Team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole Team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it. “I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track. Why do F1 cars come apart so dramatically in a crash?F1 safety has come a long way in it’s 74 year history.
      Indeed, a massive tell of this is the safety features of the cars in the modern era.
      One feature of this is the way the cars break apart in a high-speed crash much like crumple zones seen in road cars.
      F1 cars now break apart during severe collisions as a means of dissipating the kinetic energy away from the driver taken during the incident.
      The cars themselves are built around a monocoque – also known as a “survival cell” – with 2018 seeing the introduction of the halo prominently on top around the drivers head to boost this further.
      This safety cell is made from 6millimetre of exceedingly strong carbon fibre composite with a layer of kevlar, which is penetration resistant and can absorb a huge amount of energy in a crash.
      Meanwhile, the halo was a large reason as to why Romain Grosjean survived his horror crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020.

      “I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more Championships to win together.”Checo’s new deal means half of the available seats for the 2025 season have now been filled.While there were no driver changes between this season and last season, next year has already threw up a number of major driver transfers.Lewis Hamilton stunned the world of motorsport by announcing he was leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari and partner Monaco race winner Charles Leclerc next year.Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg announced he was leaving Haas last week to join Sauber, which may pave the way for Brit teen Ollie Bearman to come into F1.Asides from Red Bull, McLaren are the only team to have already confirmed they are sticking with the same driver line up in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Hamilton is replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, and the Spaniard has been linked with a number of vacant seats on the grid, including Williams.Meanwhile, a separate incident at the Monaco GP saw Esteban Ocon lambasted by bosses at Alpine and has since led to the announcement that he will not carry on with the team next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeorge Russell (Mercedes), Alex Albon (Williams) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) are the only other drivers to have confirmed seats in F1 for 2025.The next race for F1 will get underway in Montreal, Canada – where Hamilton celebrated the first of his record-breaking 103 F1 race wins 17 years ago – on June 9.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
      Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
      Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
      Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
      McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
      Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBC
      Williams: Alex Albon and TBC
      Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
      Alpine: TBC x2
      RB: TBC x2
      Haas: TBC x2 More

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      World’s sexiest tennis star ‘sings Lewis Hamilton a sad pop song’ as she stuns in elegant outfit after F1 Monaco GP

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      MARIA SHARAPOVA stunned in an elegant outfit while she “sang a sad pop song” with Lewis Hamilton.The world’s sexiest tennis ace and the F1 star were pictured together speaking on a panel at the Monaco GP.Maria Sharapova joked that she had been pictured ‘singing Lewis Hamilton a sad pop song’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mariasharapova/Sharapova was in Monaco for the iconic Grand PrixCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mariasharapova/She was dubbed the world’s sexiest tennis player throughout her careerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mariasharapova/Sharapova, 37, shared the picture on her Instagram account along with a few more snaps of her trip.In the pictures she was wearing an stunning red dress made by Stella McCartney.On the snap of the two of them together, she joked that it looked like they were signing a “sad pop song”.She captioned the post: “A few more from Monaco…🏁READ MORE F1 NEWS”Just singing a sad pop song with Lewis Hamilton.”And a hot red @stellamccartney number.”Sharapova is a huge F1 fan and has been a long-time friend of the future Ferrari driver.Her 4.6million followers loved the snaps as they flooded the comment section.Most read in MotorsportOne posted: “Gorgeous in red.”A second commented: “Meeting of the GOATs of their respective sports.”Lewis Hamilton grimaces as he ‘eats a dog biscuit’ in NFL schedule release video for team F1 star part ownsA third wrote: “So much talent in this picture!”A fourth said: “Queen. I would love to hear you sing, though.”Another added: “Maria is definitely singing a Kylie Minogue ballad to Lewis.”The 37-year-old retired in 2020 after claiming over £30million in career prize money.She had even been dubbed the “world’s sexiest tennis star” during her career.Sharapova has since regularly shown off her bold outfit choices on social media to the delight of her 4.6million Instagram followers.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wowed fans earlier this month with a “fairy tale” dress at the Met Gala in New York.Meanwhile, Sharapova also rocked another bold outfit on a recent awards show red carpet as she turned heads at the event.Sharapova is a big F1 fanCredit: SplashAnd she loves to spend time on the catwalkCredit: RexShe has built up a huge online followingCredit: SplashThe tennis star has 4.6million followers on InstagramCredit: Rex🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More