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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick’s F1 career ‘OVER’ aged just 25 after shock decision made

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son, Mick, could be facing a premature end to his F1 career, according to reports.The 25-year-old is set to miss out on a permanent seat for next season after spending 2024 as a Mercedes reserve driver.Mick Schumacher could see his career in F1 ‘ended’ according to MarkoMick was tipped for a seat with Sauber – soon to be Audi- but that now looks to be off the cards, according to Bild.New Sauber boss Mattia Binotto allegedly favours keeping veteran ex- Mercedes driver Valtterri Bottas instead, whose contract expires this year.If that happens, Schumacher will miss out on the last available remaining seat in F1 for the 2025 season.Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.READ MORE F1 NEWSBottas – who previously helped Lewis Hamilton to several world titles at Mercedes – is set to stay with current partner Nico Hulkenberg.This is despite the fact that Bottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko believes this could spell the end of Schumacher’s time in F1.Marko said: “I think if Schumacher doesn’t get this seat, then the Formula One story is over for him.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think Audi’s car will certainly not be a winning car next year. There would have been no pressure for Audi or for the driver. There would be a good comparison with Hulkenberg.”If it is really the case that Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me.”Mick came through the ranks of the junior adaptations before joining Ferrari’s driver academy in 2019.Ralf Schumacher announces he is in a same-sex relationshipHowever, despite success in F2 and F3 formats, Schumacher struggled when he moved into the professional senior ranks with Haas.He raced for two seasons for Haas, finishing 19th and 16th before being let go.If he fails to secure his future, he will have the support of stunning fiance Laila Hasanovic, who is believed to be one of the few people outside the family allowed access to Michael’s exclusive inner circle.The seven-time F1 champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2023.But it is believed 55-year-old Michael was at his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca last weekend.Mick Schumacher with partner Laila Hasanovic🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      F1 star breaks rank with stern warning to Max Verstappen and says ‘you have to control yourself’

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has broken ranks and told Max Verstappen to “control himself” with his swearing.The Red Bull driver was handed a community service penalty for saying his car was “f***ed” in a press conference in Singapore two-weeks-ago.Most drivers backed Max Verstappen after a tough penalty for swearingCredit: GettyFernando Alonso pointed out drivers have a responsibility to kidsCredit: RexIt came after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem compared swearing drivers to rappers and said they could be hit with penalties.Most drivers on the grid, including Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, showed their support for Verstappen.Seven-time world champion Hamilton slammed the “joke” punishment and encouraged Verstappen not to take part.Aston Martin driver Alonso said: “The fans give us a huge responsibility because we are role models for many people. So we have to behave well.READ MORE TOP STORIES“You have to be prepared to be a role model when you want to be, and when you don’t want to be, as well. “When you want to say something that is not correct, you have to control yourself, put on the brakes, and be politically correct.“At this level, you realise that a lot of people are looking up to us. If you are a driver or someone else with a public function, you just have to behave.”Verstappen, 27, was also in the spotlight for effing and blinding on the team radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the Dutchman’s punishment drivers expressed their concerns on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group.Alonso added: “Fans can give you a lot of love, a lot of motivation, but there are also certain expectations. Sometimes you just have to hold back.Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truck“The fans have to believe in you. They tell you ‘You are my inspiration, you never give up, you are a fighter’.“This reminds us that there are so many fans in the world following Formula One and we must always keep that in mind. “The fans give you so much love, motivation, but that comes with responsibility.”The next race is the United States Grand Prix in Texas on October 20 with McLaren now top of the constructors’ pile after overtaking Red Bull.Meanwhile, Norris trails Verstappen – who is winless in eight races – by 52 points with six races left. More

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      Formula E announce never-before-seen feature ahead of new season with cars FASTER than current F1 cars

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      FORMULA E will conduct an all-female test for the first time ever “to improve diversity and equality across motorsport”.Female drivers, who currently do not race in Formula E, will test the new ‘Gen3 Evo’ electric car – which is 30 per cent FASTER than current F1 CARS.The ‘Gen3 Evo’ is an upgrade on last season’s Electric Gen3Britain’s most successful female driver Jamie Chadwick will likely be given an opportunity to drive in the testThe racing series will field 22 female drivers in an afternoon session at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in November near Valencia, Spain.The brand new ‘Gen3 Evo’ net zero race cars are capable of 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds.The same typical range for modern day F1 cars is between 2.1 to 2.7 seconds.The ‘Gen3 Evo’, which can reach speeds of 200mph, is set to be used across the upcoming 11th season.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt will also be the most efficient formula car, with an electric motor providing more than 90 per cent efficiency, compared to the 40 per cent typical of F1 vehicles.There are currently no female drivers in a Formula E race seat.Each of the current teams in the Formula E Championship will be required to field at least one female driver for the half-day test. Three women have competed in a Formula E race before, but that all came in the inaugural 2014 season.Most read in MotorsportWhat is the difference between Formula One and Formula E?The F1 car relies on an internal combustion engine.While Formula E cars are battery-powered and relies on electricity and regenerative braking.F1 races mostly on race tracks, while Formula E prefers street circuits. F1 cars can reach up to 360 km/h (or more) and Formula E cars up to about 280 km/h.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis included experienced British sports car driver Katherine Legge, Swiss Simona de Silvestro and Italian Michela Cerruti.Meanwhile, the last woman to race in F1 was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’Formula E will also hold the first-ever dedicated test session exclusively for women racing drivers in the ABB FIA World Championship.The full line-up of women drivers participating in the test will be announced in the coming weeks.But several squads already have links to female drivers.This includes three-time W Series champion and Indy NXT driver Jamie Chadwick, who races with Andretti and tested one of the American team’s IndyCars earlier this week.Chadwick presented with Sky Sports at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekAlice Powell will likely be offered the chance to take part in testing tooThe 26-year-old Brit was also given the opportunity by Formula E to drive the Gen3 Evo car last season in Portland between official sessions.The test aims to provide the women not only with a destination but also a pathway to develop their careers.Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said: “We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport.”If we’re going to truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series conditions for all need to be the same.”To aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.”We have to make a start somewhere.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the car represented another “significant leap forward in electric racing” technology.The Formula E season begins in Sao Paulo on December 7, where Pascal Wehrlein will begin his defence of the title he won with Porsche.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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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