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      Lando Norris wins his first EVER F1 Grand Prix as Brit shocks champ Max Verstappen in Miami

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      LANDO NORRIS was the top Trump in the Miami Grand Prix after winning his first F1 GP.The brilliant Brit capitalised on a rare off day for the reigning world champion Max Verstappen to win this thriller at the Hard Rock Stadium.Norris is hoisted in the air after his sensational victoryLando Norris has claimed his first F1 Grand Prix victoryCredit: ReutersNorris capitalised on a rare off day for Max Verstappen to win in MiamiCredit: APBefore the race it was former US President Donald Trump who was basking in the applause at the Sunshine State.But Norris stole his thunder with a fantastic driver – and a fortuitous Safety Car – for his maiden F1 win in 110 starts.The 24-year-old from Glastonbury has finished second eight times before and had come agonisingly close to breaking his duck.In the 2021 Russian GP he slid off in the wet on the final few laps while leading. And he squandered the chance of victory in Qatar last year.READ MORE ON F1But the likeable Norris finally ended his wait for a win here in Miami as he finished ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc who completed the podium.Norris signed a new deal with McLaren earlier this season in a bid to fend off interest from rival teams.He joined McLaren’s young driver programme in February 2017 after a successful junior career.He has built himself a reputation as a brilliantly quick and smooth racing driver and his personality has made him a hit with fans and was a popular winner.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis race got off to a flying start when Sergio Perez gave Verstappen a scare on the opening lap when he fired up the inside and nearly took out the Dutchman.Perez zoomed straight on and narrowly avoided contact with his teammate and the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz.Fans hail ‘greatest grid walk moment ever’ as F1 legend Martin Brundle shows off his ‘sharp reflexes’ at Miami GPThe Mexican’s error threw open the door to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who started hunting down Verstappen.Piastri was able to keep the Red Bull man in his sights as the world champion was unable to pull away in his usual fashion.Verstappen was battling his Red Bull and working hard to keep it pointing in the right direction.At one point he lost control and clattered into a plastic bollard – an unusual mistake for the reigning world champion.He stopped for fresh tyres on lap 24, three laps after striking the bollard, which put Piastri into the lead.Piastri then stopped himself on lap 28 for tyres which meant his teammate Lando Norris inherited first place in the race.The Brit, who had looked all quick all weekend, was then given a substantial boost in unusual circumstances.Kevin Magnussen, who bashed into Lewis Hamilton on Saturday earning him penalties totalling 35 seconds in sanctions, crashed into Logan Sargeant.The US driver, who faces an uncertain future in F1, was punted into the barriers and his stricken Williams saw the Safety Car deployed.That allowed Norris to make his pitstop and retain first place for the outright lead.Former US President Donald Trump was in attendanceCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton finished in sixth placeCredit: GettyRed Bull’s Max Verstappen cuts a frustrated figure after finishing secondCredit: ReutersWhen the Safety Car finished, Norris was able to hold off the threat of Verstappen, who was unable to find a way past the McLaren.In fact, Verstappen was more concerned with holding off Leclerc, who was doing his best to snatch second place.It set up a thrilling finale as Norris held his nerve out in front while Verstappen toiled, he radioed his team saying: “I can’t get the car to turn. It’s a disaster!”Behind him the Ferrari duo of Leclerc and Sainz battled and caught Piastri. The Aussie was clipped by the latter and suffered front wing damage that meant he was forced to pit, killing off his chances of a podium.Meanwhile, Hamilton was doing his best to drag his Mercedes to a top five finish. The 39 year old was unable to find a way past Perez, who took fifth and Hamilton had to settle for sixth.But it was Norris’s day as he celebrated his win with his team, who recorded their first victory since Monza 2020.Norris, who was interviewed by Jenson Button, who also had to wait for his first win, said: “Ahhh. About time huh? F***! – Sorry.“It has been a long time coming but finally, I managed to do it for the whole team. I finally delivered for them.“It was a long race but finally on top, I am over the moon.“The whole weekend has been good. I have had some little setbacks along the way, but I knew on Friday we had the pace but we put it all together.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Thanks to everybody at McLaren and thanks to my mum and dad too. I am just proud.“A lot of people doubted me along the way and I made some mistakes over the past five years but also I stuck with McLaren because I believed in them.”Norris sits on top of the podium, as Verstappen takes second and Charles Leclerc has to settle for thirdCredit: AFPThe Miami Grand Prix attracts plenty of celebs, including singer Camila CabelloCredit: AFPCroatia’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll was in attendanceCredit: GettyWill.i.am was also seen taking a stroll in the paddockNFL star: Odell Beckham Jr was seen playing football in the paddockCredit: GettySlovakian model Veronika Rajek put on a leggy display at the Miami Grand PrixCredit: Getty More

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      Watch moment George Russell takes Ed Sheeran for ‘really f***ed up’ Miami Grand Prix lap that leaves singer shaking

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      POP star Ed Sheeran was left shaking after George Russell took him for a “f***ed up” lap around the Miami Grand Prix Formula One circuit.Sheeran, 33, was in Miami for his latest tour and took the opportunity to catch some F1 while the motorsport was in town.F1 star George Russell drove a hot lap around Miami’s track with Ed SheeranCredit: SplashSheeran was seen struggling to keep himself straight throughout the lapSheeran called it ‘mad’ afterwardsSheeran revealed he was shaking after the lapWhile the Ipswich fan would have been gutted to miss his team getting promoted to the Premier League, Sheeran was able to get in a high-octane hot lap in a Mercedes sports car.Mercedes F1 star Russell, 26, was in charge of showing the musician the sights around track.After getting into the car, Russell warned Sheeran: “You can do one of two things. You can go fast or you can go sideways.”Sheeran replied: “Bit of both,” with Russell adding: “Just shout if you’re not feeling good.”READ MORE IN F1The singer-songwriter was seen throughout the lap trying his best to keep still in his seat as the g-force took effect.When reaching 150mph on a straight, Russell told Sheeran: “In F1 we go about 210 down here.”Sheeran responded with an astonished: “Jesus Christ.”At the end of the lap Russell asked Sheeran how he was feeling.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSheeran could not manage words to begin with and instead showed off his shaking hands to Russell.He said: “I can’t believe you do that day in, day out.”Watch Lewis Hamilton ‘arrive like a BULL’ and ‘ruin’ F1 rivals’ race as he immediately causes chaos at Miami GPWhen getting out of the car, he said: “That was really f***ed up.”That’s mad.”Sheeran revealed he had gotten into F1 after watching Netflix show Drive to Survive.He later told Sky F1 reporter Ted Kravitz: “It’s (the atmosphere) nice man, it’s a circus though. It’s like so much going on.”Other big names celebs including Jimmy Butler, Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner and Alexandra Daddario were also seen trackside over the weekend.Reports also suggest Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could be present for the grid walk ahead of the race later today.Russell did not have the best time on track on Saturday. He finished down in 12th for Mercedes in the Sprint Race before only managing to qualify in P7 for Sundays feature race.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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

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

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

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

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

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Kendall Jenner, Veronika Rajek and Ed Sheeran lead list of celebs and F1 Wags at glamorous Miami Grand Prix

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      A HOST of A-listers from Hollywood and the sporting world were in Miami for some glamorous Formula One action.Ed Sheeran, who was celebrating Ipswich Town’s promotion back to the Premier League earlier in the day, was among the top names at Miami International Autodrome to watch Saturday’s sprint race. Ed Sheeran is among the big names in attendance at the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexHe was spotted enjoying a hug with George RussellCredit: SplashFooty legend Zinedine Zidane poses with Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezCredit: ReutersKendall Jenner and Tommy Hilfiger pose for a photo in the Florida sunshineCredit: AlamyCamila Cabello looked incredible as she made her grand entranceCredit: GettyCamila wore knee-high boots to celebrate racedayCredit: GettyCamila posted a snap alongside Lewis Hamilton in a DJ boothCredit: Instagram / @camila_cabelloAnd, speaking of football, even the legendary Zinedine Zidane was spotted posing with drivers before the action got under way.On track, Lewis Hamilton’s frustrating final season at Mercedes continued as a post-race penalty for speeding cost the Brit a hard-earned point.The seven time world champion was hit with a drive-through penalty for going too fast in the pitlane, triggering a sanction of 20 seconds that was bolted on to his time.Hamilton was in the wars after fighting with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, who admitted to using “silly tactics” to keep Hamilton behind him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut his own error in the pitlane – when all the cars were told to drive through due to a first lap incident – cost him and he was demoted from eighth to 16th.But, in reality, the real excitement was off the track with the Miami circuit proving to be a celeb hotspot.Gorgeous Slovakian influencer Veronika Rajek enjoyed herself in a barely there black outfit as a guest of the Haas F1 Team.And the World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll, wasn’t going to miss out on the action as she found the right gear to rev up the day, sporting a skimpy colourful number as she cheered on her beloved Fernando Alonso.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIvana even managed to get a photo with the Aston Martin driver.Things hotted up even further as American model, and Kardashians member, Kendall Jenner put on a chic display as she posed with Susie Wolff and Tommy Hilfiger.Formula One’s Highest EarnersWhile Havana singer Camila Cabello struck a stunning pose as she made he way through the paddock in knee high boots.Camila even had an audience with Hamilton, posted a picture alongside the seven-time world champion in a DJ booth after the action.Meanwhile the F1 Wags were also out in force in the Florida sunshine to offer their support to their men ahead of the action.Chinese golfer Muni Lily was there for Williams ace boyfriend Alex Albon, as model Kika Gomes looked stunning while backing Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and George Russell’s girlfriend Carmen Mundt also turned heads.Charles Leclerc had girlfriend Alexandra Saint Mleux in attendance, as did Mick Schumacher with his partner Laila Hasanovic.The beautiful Heidi Berger is dating racing ace Daniel Riccardo, and she was also spotted looking sizzling by the track.The “queen of the paddock” Lissie Mackintosh continued to take F1 by storm as she looked incredible in a short blue skirt.On the track, Hamilton made an aggressive start from 12th shooting up the inside into turn one and the presence of his Mercedes caused the two Aston Martins to bang into each other.Lance Stroll was sent out of the race by his teammate Alonso while Lando Norris was also caught up in the mess and also retired from the sprint.The incident saw the safety car deployed and the train of cars were ferried though the pitlane, where Hamilton made his mistake.He has also picked some damage in the first-lap squeeze but managed to keep on track and in the race.Heidi Berger, girlfriend of Daniel Ricciardo, and the other Wags were also in attendanceCredit: GettyCroatian model Ivana Knoll turned heads as she waled into the paddockCredit: GettyVeronika Rajek wore this daring outfit tracksideCredit: Instagram/veronikarajekF1 star Alex Albon and Lily Muni looked very much in love as they arrived togetherCredit: AlamyKika Gomes was in Miami to support her fella Pierre GaslyCredit: AlamyThe desperate Dane once cut the corner, earning a 10 second penalty, he then pushed Hamilton off track, earning him another 10 second penalty.Eventually he pulled over to allow Yuki Tsunoda and Hamilton past but not before notching up another couple of infringements totalling another 15 seconds.Hamilton’s battle and penalty was the only real highlight of this short sprint race in Miami which was won by Max Verstappen.The Dutchman started on pole but was unable to pull away in his usual manner. He radioed his team to explain his lack of grip.But he still finished first to increase his lead in the championship by 27 points over Sergio Perez.He said: “My engagement wasn’t good at the start so I had to squeeze him [Charles Leclerc] a bit.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Luckily everything worked out in turn one. Then we had the safety car to calm things down a little bit, but after that, steadily we could increase the gap a little bit.”Daniel Ricciardo finished fourth in a much-needed boost to the Aussie, who has so far struggled this season.Charles Leclerc had his girlfriend Alexandra Saint Mleux by his sideCredit: GettyGeorge Russell and Carmen Mundt were all smiles as they arrived at the trackCredit: GettyMick Schumacher walks in with Danish model and girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: Getty‘Queen of the paddock’ Lissie Mackintosh looked incredible in this outfitCredit: Getty More

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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