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      Christian Horner lifts lid on bitter feud within Red Bull F1 team after legend brutally sacked mid-season

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER has lifted the lid on more bitter infighting at Red Bull this season and the axing of Daniel Ricciardo.Formula One legend Ricciardo was brutally cut by sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand Prix, with his seat being handed to 22-year-old Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.Christian Horner has revealed how Red Bull bosses argued about Daniel Ricciardo’s position earlier in the seasonCredit: RexRicciardo was sacked from Red Bull’s sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand PrixCredit: EPABut Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted Ricciardo out in JuneCredit: GettyThe 35-year-old claimed the fastest lap in his swansong, but broke down in tears in an interview following the race.However, Red Bull boss Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted the Australian out of the car in JUNE.Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner said: “He [Ricciardo] started the season roughly, and then Miami was a weekend of two halves.”The Friday and Saturday morning was fantastic, and it looked like the Daniel of old defending against the Ferraris and outdriving the car. But then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday were disastrous.READ MORE IN F1″So even around Barcelona, Helmut wanted him out of the car, and there was already a lot of pressure on him there.“By the time we got to Montreal, it was actually dear old Jacques Villeneuve who got him properly wound up by giving him a hard time.”And it definitely fired him up, because the way he drove the car that weekend, he grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and put together a very strong race weekend.“So I did say [to Ricciardo]: give Jacques a call every time every Grand Prix, for the rest of the year, because whatever he said, it definitely worked.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe debate over his position may have explained the handwritten message Ricciardo put on his helmet at the Spanish GP, with the words “Not without a fight”.Ricciardo’s lack of consistent form didn’t do enough to convince team bosses to swap him and Sergio Perez – who himself was struggling for pace for much of the season – in the main team.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feudHorner, 50, added: “I’ve done my very best to buy him as much time in the car to allow him to deliver. Otherwise he would have been out of the car after Barcelona.“All the drivers are under pressure to deliver, but the reason that Daniel was in that car was to get himself back into a position to ultimately be there to pick up the pieces if Checo didn’t deliver.”The problem was they both had issues with form at varying times. Checo started the season very well, very strongly, and Daniel was struggling. “And then, obviously, as Checo lost form, Daniel found a bit of form. But it was never compelling enough to say, ‘OK, we should switch the two drivers’.”F1 fan favourite Ricciardo said he had “loved this sport” his whole life, thanking all those who had been a part of the journey that saw him win eight races.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 Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconLewis Hamilton led other drivers in paying tribute to him, with the seven-time world champion saying: “It’s been a honour to compete with you over the years.”You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it.”There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”The ultimate fate of Ricciardo is the tip of the iceberg in terms of Red Bull infighting this season, with Horner, Marko and Max Verstappen’s father and former F1 driver, Jos, not seeing eye-to-eye.The feud appears to have cooled down since the start of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe civil war even led to reigning world champion Verstappen declaring he would quit the team if Marko was sacked following rumours he might be suspended.The next F1 race is not until the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 20.Ricciardo had a handwritten message of ‘Not without a fight’ on his helmet at the Spanish GP🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Fans love ‘humble king’ Josko Gvardiol as £78m Man City star arrives in tiny car with team-mates all in huge motors

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      FANS have dubbed Josko Gvardiol “humble” after he pulled up to Manchester City training in a Volkswagen.The Croatian was on the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday.Josko Gvardiol has been called ‘humble’ by fansHe drove away from Man City training in a VolkswagenEderson has a luxury Rolls-RoyceRuben Dias drives a Lamborghini AventadorAhead of the game, City fans waited outside the club’s training ground to get a glimpse of their favourite players.A video that has gone viral on social media shows the stars driving luxury cars from a Rolls-Royce Phantom to a Lamborghini Aventador.But £78million signing Gvardiol was instead behind the wheel of Volkswagen Golf R.Despite the vehicle being worth between £40,000 and £50,000, it is still considerably less than the supercars his team-mates have the keys to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGvardiol, who also stopped to give fans an autograph and photo opportunity, has been praised by supporters, with one saying: “My humble king. My kind of car.”Another added: “If I have to judge a person by their car – Josko Gvardiol elite human being.”A third commented: “All of them in 6 figure cars except Gvardiol.”Ruben Dias is seen in a £350,000 Lambo, while John Stones and Ederson drive Rolls-Royce Phantoms valued at the same price.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRico Lewis, Matheus Nunes and Phil Foden were each inside Mercedes G-Wagons worth around £175,000. Erling Haaland owns Audi Rs6, with prices starting at £120,000 for the car.Rodri officially out for season after undergoing surgery in devastating blow for Man City star Bernardo Silva and Stefan Oretga have identical Mercedes GLS’ that can be worth a staggering £200,000 with customised extras.Erling Haaland was behind the wheel of an AudiRico Lewis owns a Mercedes G WagonStefan Oretga and Bernardo Silva have the same SUVs More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals battle with depression due to pressure of F1 racing

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      F1 ACE Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racing.The seven-times world champ has had mental health difficulties since he was 13.Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racingCredit: ReutersHe said: “I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school — the bullying.“I had no one to talk to. I’d struggle initially to calm my mind.”The 39-year-old said he started waking at 5am to meditate in 2020 and has gone on silent retreats. He has a 10km run to clear his mind.read more on lewis hamiltonHe added “It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I want to do.”Asked if he saw a therapist, the Mercedes driver said: “I spoke to one woman years ago — but that wasn’t very helpful. I’d like to find someone today.” Lewis — sixth in the F1 standings — said he is single but wants a family “one day”.He told The Sunday Times: “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level I do it with that.Most read in Motorsport“One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.“And my nieces and nephew are a handful.“There will be a time and a place for it and I can’t wait for that part.“But right now I have some work to do.” More

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      Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’

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      MERCEDES admitted they blundered by starting Lewis Hamilton on soft tyres for the Singapore Grand Prix.Hamilton blasted the team’s strategy after finishing sixth in Sunday’s race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit — despite starting third on the grid.Mercedes technical director James Allison has explained the ‘mistake’ that ruined Lewis Hamilton’s raceCredit: YouTube / MercedesHamilton finished sixth despite qualifying in thirdCredit: GettyHis car struggled with tyre problemsCredit: GettyBritain’s seven-time world champion had been the only driver in the top ten to start with his car on soft rubber.And now Mercedes technical chief James Allison has confessed that their tyre choice for Hamilton was a “clear mistake” which “ruined his race”.Speaking on Mercedes’ official YouTube channel, Allison confessed: “We should not have started on the softs, that was a mistake.“If we could turn back time, we would do what those around us did and select the mediums.READ MORE IN F1“The soft tyre often allows you to get away from the start abruptly and allows you a good chance of jumping a place or two in the opening laps.“We had no real expectation we were going to suffer the sort of  difficulties we then experienced on the soft rubber.“Lewis was left with a car that suffered poor tyre degradation and needed to pit early as a consequence.“It really ruined his race for him. A clear mistake.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn top of that, both Hamilton and team-mate George Russell, 26,  suffered from “borderline heatstroke” in the humid 30C heat.Russell had lined up fourth on the Singapore grid behind Hamilton but started on the medium compound and finished fourth.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Hamilton, 39, was left raging over the different strategies, adding: “I was perplexed, it didn’t make sense.“It is hard to describe the range of emotions you feel when we have a difficult race like that. But I was so angry and frustrated.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Inside the F1 WhatsApp group with drivers concerned at Verstappen’s ‘joke’ punishment and private crunch talks planned

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      FORMULA ONE stars are set for private crunch talks in support of Max Verstappen amid his swearing battle with the FIA.The drivers want discussions over how best to respond to racing  bosses’ community service punishment for the Dutchman.Verstappen received a ‘public interest’ punishment for swearing at press conferenceLewis Hamilton and his fellow F1 stars appear to be standing by VerstappenThe Red Bull hero used the F-word in a press conference ahead of  Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix — and was ordered to complete “work of public interest”.Triple world champion Verstappen, 26, refused to answer questions fully in the subsequent press ­conference in protest and has won grid support.Drivers have expressed concerns on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group. And when asked if there was support for him, Verstappen said: “Yeah, for sure.READ MORE ON F1“I wrote in the GPDA chat about the ruling and everyone was almost laughing — like, ‘What the hell is that?’. So, yeah, it is silly.”In Singapore, Lewis Hamilton even backed his old rival by slamming the punishment as a “joke”.FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sparked the ­controversy by declaring his intention to tackle bad language over team radios.He compared swearing drivers to rappers — which Hamilton blasted as having a “racial element”.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGPDA chairman Alex Wurz said: “How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner [former Haas team chief] have to serve for using the F-word?“He was glorified for using it. Netflix broadcast this worldwide, no problem. But then, to suddenly change like that.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “The choice of words is not my personal taste as a driver.“But as GPDA chairman, I have to say we’ll discuss it internally. “First, reach a full consensus, then we’ll consider whether — and in what form — we’ll talk to the FIA.”Verstappen even said after the Singapore GP that the row could speed up his Formula One exit.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The Dutchman finished second on Sunday to Lando Norris, which cut his title lead to 52 points.Brit Norris, 24, who won by 20 seconds, said: “A win’s a win. Maybe it puts a slightly bigger smile on your face but the main job is just getting the win.“It’s satisfying no matter what. Of course, the bigger the gap you can have, the happier you’ll  be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I’m just happy we finished on top and  got maximum points.“It’s always going to be a tough race in Singapore — but I just  felt good all weekend.”Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT. More

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      Moment Erling Haaland caught ‘scrolling’ through his phone while driving his £250,000 Mercedes after leaving Etihad

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      ERLING Haaland has been caught appearing to use his mobile phone as he left the Etihad on Sunday night – while behind the wheel of his brand new £250,000 motor.The Norwegian goal machine, 24, was spotted driving his flash Mercedes Maybach after he scored against Arsenal in a 2-2 draw.Erling Haaland has been caught appearing to use his mobile phone while driving as he left the Etihad on Sunday nightCredit: TikTokThe Man City goal-machine was seen scrolling through his phone in his £250k Mercedes while he stopped in trafficCredit: TikTokHaaland netted against Arsenal earlier on SundayCredit: GettyIn footage viewed over 12,000 times on TikTok, it looks like Haaland brazenly scrolled through his phone while stopped in traffic alongside glamorous girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen.Wearing a blue hoodie, he was filmed picking up the device as his vehicle was surrounded by fans taking pictures through the window – only briefly looking up.Haaland then put down his phone as the traffic started to move.It comes just a year after the striker was caught using his device while driving his £300k Rolls-Royce Cullinan on a dual-carriageway near to the Etihad in Manchester.Read More in FootballA source said: “Haaland’s certainly scored an own goal.“His car was surrounded by fans taking pictures and videos.“He seemed totally unfazed and didn’t think anything of scrolling through his phone while driving.“He’s a role model to so many young kids – he should know better.Most read in Football“It’s so dangerous and it’s not the first time he’s done it.”The incident occurred just hours after the £375,000-a-week footie sensation scored the first goal of the game in the ninth minute.He was criticised for his celebration when John Stones slotted a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser after he threw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head, appearing to trigger a bust-up between the two sides.Road safety campaigners blasted his behaviour, branding it “incredibly dangerous”.Lucy Straker, Campaigns Manager at Brake, said: “It is important for any person in a position of influence to act responsibly in these situations, so that those who look up to them can follow their example.“Using any phone while driving is dangerous – driving is a highly complex task requiring a person’s full attention, as any error can be catastrophic.“The temptation of looking at a phone can never be worth someone’s life.“We are relieved that in this instance no one was hurt or killed.“We would encourage Erling Haaland to reach out to us.”Haaland’s error came despite driving rules in his homeland of Norway also banning motorists from using their devices while at the wheel.Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is both illegal and incredibly dangerous, significantly increasing the risk of collisions, injuries, and fatalities on our roads.“It’s crucial that high-profile individuals, particularly those who are role models, understand the far-reaching impact of their actions behind the wheel.”Drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel face a £200 fine and six points on a driving licence.Road safety experts are calling on tougher laws to deter motorists after usage is up 93 percent.Fresh data from the Department for Transport revealed younger drivers were found to be the most at risk, with use among 17-29 year olds higher than any other age range.READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to the latest Reported Road Casualties Great Britain (2022), 22 people were killed and 674 injured in road traffic collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was considered to be a contributory factor.Manchester City and Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.The Man City ace was driving just hours after a Premier League clash on SundayCredit: Getty More

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      Health scare for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Singapore GP as F1 stars forced to miss media duties with illness

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and team-mate George Russell were both pulled from their planned media duties after “overheating” during the Singapore Grand Prix. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted it was “painful” to see the Silver Arrows place fourth and sixth.Lewis Hamilton suffered from ‘borderline heatstroke’ at the Singapore GPTeam-mate George Russell also missed media duties on medical groundsThe Marina Bay street race is usually the most physically-demanding of the Formula 1 season. owing to Singapore’s heat and humidity.Wolff told how Hamilton, who placed sixth after starting the race from P3, fell ill in the immediate aftermath of the 62-lap race.And Russell, who finished fourth, was heard on team radio in his car during the closing stages saying “it’s like a sauna in here”.The British Mercedes pair didn’t carry out their usual post-race media duties on medical grounds.READ MORE F1 NEWSA spokesperson for the team said: “Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evening’s race.”Team Principal Wolff told reporters: “They are both suffering from overheating.”But they are fine now. They put themselves in an ice bath and I think that helped a bit.”The race itself had proved a disappointing one for both Hamilton and Russell from the second row.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes duo were split by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who recovered from ninth on the grid to overtake Hamilton and finish on the lead Mercedes’ tail.On the race, Wolff said: “It was a really painful evening.Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title alive”It’s not about when you look at the positions we are fourth and sixth, that’s not good especially when you are starting third and fourth.””We struggle at the moment with tracks that are hot and are tough on traction. It was here and it was Baku. “But this is no excuse, it’s just at the moment now what we expect from ourselves because if your quickest car is a minute behind the leader it’s just difficult to accept.”The Mercedes’ W15 was not a match on race pace for the two McLarens, which finished first and third.While standings leader Max Verstappen finished second behind title rival Lando Norris with six races remaining. More

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      Max Verstappen threatens to QUIT F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has threatened to quit Formula One in the wake of his community service order for swearing.The three-time world champ was sanctioned by the FIA after he let an F-bomb slip while speaking to the press after Friday’s practice before the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday.Max Verstappen has alluded to turning his back on F1After the FIA gave him a bizarre punishment for swearing after the Azerbaijan GPReferring to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix two weeks ago, where Verstappen finished fifth, he said: “The car was f***ed.”The Dutchman was summoned to the stewards for his comment, which was in breach of the sporting code.Stewards in Singapore decided that Verstappen has to “accomplish some work of public interest” for using language they deemed “coarse, rude or may cause offence”.The 26-year-old effectively boycotted the FIA’s mandatory post-qualifying media call on Saturday in response.READ MORE SPORT NEWSHe then kept his answers to a minimum by replying “no comment” to one question after he finished second in the race to title rival Lando Norris on Sunday.Away from the FIA’s official press conference, he was asked during a separate press call with Red Bull if the punishment has left him considering his future.Verstappen said: “These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things.”I’m now at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Of course it’s great to have success and win races, but once you’ve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well.”If you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, that’s for sure.”Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title aliveFIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Verstappen’s community service punishmentThe FIA President said: “I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.“We’re not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That’s them and we are [us].“We have to be careful with our conduct. We need to be responsible people. “And now with the technology, everything is going live and everything is going to be recorded. “At the end of the day, we have to study that to see: do we minimise what is being said publicly?“Because imagine you are sitting with your children and watching the race and then someone is saying all of this dirty language. I mean, what would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if that is your sport?”The finer details of the “public interest” punishment have not yet been revealed.The sanction comes after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem warned against the use of foul language in the sport.Verstappen stated at last month’s Dutch Grand Prix that he is already halfway through his career.He said: “I will always be myself. I will not change how I am in my life. “At one point when it’s enough it’s enough. Racing will go on, and F1 will go on without me.”If you can’t really be yourself to the fullest, then it’s better not to speak. But that’s not what anyone wants, because then you become a robot, and that’s not how you should be going about it in this sport.”The Red Bull star, who is under contract until 2028, has previously questioned the demands of the ever-expanding calendar.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is currently 52 points ahead of Norris in the standings with six races remaining as he bids for a fourth consecutive world title.F1 returns to Austin on 0ctober 10.Lando Norris close the gap on Verstappen with a first place finish in Singapore More