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      Max Verstappen rules out move to rivals ‘at the moment’ even if they offered Red Bull star £150million

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has broken his silence on rumours linking him with a move to Mercedes.And while he emphatically denied that he would leave Red Bull this season, he stopped short of completely ruling out a move.Verstappen ruled out joining Mercedes… For nowCredit: RexIt comes after it was announced that Verstappen’s rival Lewis Hamilton would be joining Ferrari in a £100million deal back in February.That’s left a gap at Mercedes, and Verstappen’s alleged tensions with Red Bull chief Christian Horner has led to speculation that he would make a shock switch.Sources in Austria claim Mercedes head honcho Toto Wolff is prepared to make a £128m-a-year offer to have three-time world champion Verstappen replace Hamilton.Verstappen has now said that won’t happen for the time being, and even took a cheeky swipe at Mercedes during his interview ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.READ MORE ON F1Verstappen said: “My future is within Red Bull at the moment. Even if there was an offer of £150m, money is not going to be the differentiator for me to go somewhere. “I am happy with what I earn already. “If I knew I was driving for fifth or sixth, I’d get quite grumpy. Everyone knows it is about performance — and Toto (Wolff, the Mercedes team principal) knows that.”I believe in the project and everybody involved but in sport and in life you don’t know about the future.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs long as Red Bull’s car remains competitive, there is no obvious rush for Verstappen to jump ship.He is under contract with the energy drink giant until 2028, so would struggle to move without a hefty compensation package.Fernando Alonso makes cryptic response to claims Taylor Swift makes dig at him in her new album after rumoured romanceThe team were rocked by scandal last season affecting principal Christian Horner, although he was cleared of wrongdoing by an internal investigation.Tensions between Verstappen’s father Jos and Horner remain, although the car still appears to be a winning machine on the track.The departure of the car’s designer, Adrian Newey, could affect that performance next season.Hamilton offered a cheeky plea to Newey suggesting he should join him at Ferrari, which Newey repaid by saying he was “flattered” by the interest. More

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      Williams demand major F1 rule change to allow teen prodigy who’s tipped to replace Lewis Hamilton to race this season

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      WILLIAMS have asked the FIA to grant Mercedes whizkid Andrea Kimi Antonelli permission to race this season.The Italian, 17, has been tipped to break into F1 next season but the sport’s rules say a driver “must be at least 18 years old”.Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli is at the centre of a special pleaCredit: GettyAntonelli could even replace Lewis Hamilton next seasonCredit: GettySunSPORT understands that the request has been made by Williams’ boss James Vowles, who worked with Antonelli at Mercedes.It means he could replace Logan Sargeant, who has been prone to a number of high profile mistakes.American Sargeant, who is competing in his home race this weekend in Miami, was hooked out of the Australian GP earlier this year.Williams handed his car to team-mate Alex Albon after the London-born Thai racer smashed his own car up.READ MORE TOP STORIESAntonelli is currently racing in Formula 2 and has also been tipped to fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton next season.He could be given his chance to impress in F1 with Williams as a replacement for Sargeant until the end of the season.That will allow Mercedes enough time to establish whether he is capable of driving for the Silver Arrows alongside George Russell next season.Antonelli recently tested for Mercedes at the Red Bull Ring in Austria and then in Imola.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, he will need special FIA dispensation to race in F1, effectively on loan at Williams.Meanwhile, McLaren boss Zak Brown says Adrian Newey’s shock decision to quit Red Bull is the “the first domino to fall”.Lewis Hamilton ‘in advanced talks’ to join Ferrari as shock clause in Mercedes star’s contract emergesHe said: “Given everything that’s gone on since the start of the year and knowing Adrian pretty well, and he’s a very high-integrity individual, I’m not surprised he’s moving on.”I think the stuff that’s going on there is a bit destabilising. He’s probably the first domino to fall, my guess is not the last based on the resumés that are flying around. “And as far as McLaren is concerned, I’m very happy with all the work the men and women at McLaren are doing.” More

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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

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      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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      Revolutionary change to F1 proposed that would allow THREE new teams but there are two major catches

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      FORMULA ONE and the FIA have received a “revolutionary proposal” that would allow three new teams to be added to the grid, according to reports. However, the sensational plans would see the new teams compete without the ability to earn any prize money or accumulate constructors points.F1 and the FIA have reportedly been sent a huge proposal that would allow three new teams to enterCredit: GettyBut there are some major catches to the deal including location and a lack ofCredit: AlamyThe ten constructors in F1 currently share a prize pot of around £1billion.There was a fear this pool would be diluted with the addition of an 11th team on the grid, with Andretti seeing their application to join F1 from 2026 rejected despite approval from the FIA.But these fears could be mitigated with a bizarre new idea from Tim Milne and Lewis Butler.According to RacingNews365, a proposal sent to F1 bosses would allow three new teams to enter F1 with some major caveats.READ MORE IN F1Firstly, the teams would be considered as a “non-constructor”, meaning they would not be able to accumulate any championship points or earn any prize money.The teams would race in a minimum of eight races on tracks which can accommodate 26 cars – something not seen in F1 since the start of the 1995 season.Furthermore, the teams must be based in a region not currently represented by an F1 team and would compete in a minimum of six more races to promote specific development in their home market.This means the teams would need to have their head office in one of the Americas, Asia, Africa or Oceania.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAll three would be entitled to paddock presence at all races to help generate revenue while they would also be required to develop streams from their own markets.Their focus would then need to be on recruitment and infrastructure all while performing to an “acceptable” level on track over a three-year period to prove it can offer value to F1.Cost of an F1 carThe status of a full constructor would be granted from the start of their fourth racing season in the sport.This proposal is hoping to be placed into the 2026 Concorde Agreement.Whether F1 will entertain such a large overhaul to its tried and trusted formula remains to be seen.But Milne – who had involvement in the rejected bids of Hitech and LKY SUNZ – admits the proposal can be “significantly refined” if F1 and the FIA bosses are willing to enter discussions.He said: “When Andretti was rejected in January, I took a step back and looked at what that really meant, which was that the FIA ​​and F1 management had in fact concluded that it was not possible to start a F1 team and to achieve what they wanted to achieve in the space of three years.”We had Andretti, one of the best-known motorsport brands in the world, backed by General Motors, which could not enter F1. It seemed illogical to me that the sport would turn its back on these great brands… I felt there had to be a way to do thisTim MilneRacingNews365″We had LKY SUNZ, with a billion and a half dollars from a major financial institution and a three-year plan to expand the sport in Southeast Asia to grow, but that wasn’t enough. “And then you had two established teams in the lower division, Hitech and Rodin-Carlin, who wanted to expand their activities from the lower categories into F1 and neither of these bids were considered good enough to participate in F1.””That really said to me that it is fundamentally not possible to start a F1 team from the very beginning and be on the grid within three years. Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “It seemed illogical to me that the sport would turn its back on these great brands, just like the enormous amounts of money that were available for this… I felt there had to be a way to do this.”Millne adds that teams’ fears over the dilution of the prize pool are considered in the proposal.He continues: “If you turn around and say that to start a new team an investor has to pay $600m before they spend a single cent on recruiting, engineering design work, all the infrastructure, the factory and everything else you need to be a competitive F1 team, then it seemed to me that you should be able to invest that better.”If instead you said, ‘OK, don’t pay the $600m, come race and don’t take anything out of the pot’, I would be surprised if any of the new teams would object to that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So instead to demand $600m, you have to let the new team invest that money in what can help the sport develop. The sport then has to decide what that could be.”F1’s next race commences at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, with the backdrop of legendary designer Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Mercedes preparing world record £128MILLION-A-YEAR offer for Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton

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      MERCEDES could break the bank with a record-breaking deal to sign F1 world champion Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Sources in Austria claim the F1 team are tabling a whopping £128MILLION-A-YEAR package to lure the three time world champion.Totto Wolf wants Max Verstappen at MercedesCredit: GettyThe Red Bull star could replace Ferrari-bound Lewis HamiltonCredit: SplashIt comes after Red Bull Racing were rocked by the news that design whizz Adrian Newey is stepping back from his role in the team.SunSport reported on Tuesday how Verstappen’s father Jos and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the Merc F1 team.That includes team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Verstappen camp have made it clear that they are assessing their options following their spectacular fallout with team boss Christian Horner.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt comes after an internal investigation where Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.Verstappen’s father said in Bahrain that Horner’s position in control of the team was ripping it apart.Horner responded that he would not stand in his driver’s way if he wanted to leave, despite having a contract worth over £40 million a year that runs until the end of 2028.It means that Mercedes however, could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolff has made no secret of the fact that he would love to sign Verstappen and is close with the family and they both live in Monaco.He is desperate to return the team to winning ways but has so far failed to see them muster a challenge.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHowever, Wolff knows he faces a tough task in trying to convince the driver to leave Red Bull for Mercedes.Verstappen has seen Mercedes produce three duds in succession, leading somewhat to Hamilton’s decision to quit, while Red Bull have delivered him three title-winning cars.Consequently there is a high degree of risk in making the switch, which Mercedes are hoping to acknowledge with a substantial contract that comes loaded with bonuses.Verstappen meanwhile has tried to distance himself from the speculation linking him with Mercedes.However, he is likely to come in for some questioning about his future at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.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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      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos to hold talks with Mercedes after Miami GP as Red Bull star lined up to replace Lewis Hamilton

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      SOURCES in Germany say that Max Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen’s dad, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the F1 team; Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Max Verstappen is set to hold talks with Mercedes after the Miami GPCredit: ReutersA meeting is set to take place with Verstappen’s team and senior Mercedes figures including Toto WolffCredit: GettyWolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Verstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Christian Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.Verstappen Sr has admitted they are considering the three-time champion’s options before the 2026 regulation change. READ MORE IN F1Speaking during the Rally de Wallonie, via RacingNews365, he said: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.”He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”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.

      On talk of signing Verstappen, Wolff said in Shanghai, China: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining.”Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say: ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think, for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing. The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.”I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterward. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”The Horner-storm which has surrounded the team has been cited as a key factor in reports suggesting car designer Adrian Newey could leave the team amid heavy links to Ferrari and Aston Martin.The internal power struggle at the team also saw advisor Helmut Marko placed under investigation, which is said to have left Verstappen angered and ready to leave if Marko was axed. Jos Verstappen, right, has previously hinted at his son leaving Red BullCredit: PAVerstappen threw his support behind his dad and advisor Helmut Marko when the latter’s job appeared to be threatened earlier this seasonCredit: GettyCare designer Adrian Newey is said to have been left uncomfortable following the Christian Horner storm earlier this seasonCredit: PAVerstappen said at the time: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”British racing icon Johnny Herbert then suggested a Verstappen-Mercedes deal was edging closer last month. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Sun: “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”Nico Hulkenberg is the latest F1 star to confirm their position on the grid next season after picking up a seat with Sauber, opening the door for Haas to sign Brit teen Oliver Bearman.🏁 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

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      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

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      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