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      How Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other sporting ventures are going as Man Utd chief admits Nice are ‘so much better without’ him

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE promised a bright new dawn for Manchester United.More than a year on, the club are set for their lowest Premier League finish and worst domestic season since their 1974 relegation — all while firing a staggering 450 club staff.Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been busy this seasonMan Utd are set for their worst ever Premier League finishBut Nice are experiencing immense success in Ligue 1Victory over Tottenham in next week’s Europa League final could alter the narrative, sealing Champions League football to add to ambitious plans unveiled recently by Ratcliffe and Ineos – his multinational chemical company.United are just one part of a £2.2BILLION-plus sporting empire that  once looked dominant but is now showing some cracks. Here, SunSport’s MARTIN LIPTON breaks down the rest of Sir Jim’s portfolio — sport by sport . . . FOOTBALLRead More on FootballBEFORE Manchester United, there was Lausanne and Nice.In 2017, Ineos announced a deal to take over the Swiss club, described as part of the chemicals giants’ “continuing investment in youth and  community sports” in the area.A pledge of “full backing” for manager Fabio Celestini lasted until the club were demoted six months later.Lausanne have been a yo-yo club in the Ineos era but now sit well clear of relegation and  are settling into the 13,000-capacity Stade de la Tuiliere, which was opened in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo years after the Swiss investment, Ineos bought French side Nice in an £89million deal, with Ratcliffe stating: “We made some mistakes at Lausanne but we are fast learners.“These have been rectified and we are already seeing the benefits.”Ineos arrived with Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira in the dugout but he was sacked after 15 months. Four full-time successors have come and gone since, with Franck Haise now reaching the end of his first season, where he is well positioned to improve on Ineos’ best Ligue 1 finish of fifth.Despite a winless Europa League campaign, Nice are fourth domestically with a game left.They are one of three teams on 57 points and could finish as low as  seventh. But a home win over Brest on Saturday will all but guarantee Nice entry to Champions League qualifying.Last summer, after investing £1.3billion to take over “sporting operations” at United, Ineos were forced by Uefa to transfer most of their shares in Nice to a blind trust.’So much better without our interference’Ratcliffe admitted in March: “The best season that Nice has had is this one, where we’ve not been allowed to get involved due to multi-club ownership rules. They’ve been so much better without our interference! Maybe there’s a lesson.”When Ratcliffe confirmed his buyout of just over a quarter of United’s stocks from the Glazers, he vowed to lead the Old Trafford club back to the top but said: “It’s going to take two or three seasons.”That looks an understatement.The dismissal of Erik ten Hag was overdue but paying Newcastle £3million for sporting director Dan Ashworth only to sack him after five months was an expensive embarrassment.Ratcliffe publicly backs Ruben Amorim but has criticised certain players.The announcement of the £2bn plan to build a 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” as the centrepiece of a huge development project next to the club’s home since 1910 was a signal of ambition.With Ineos’ finances under scrutiny, it has been claimed Ratcliffe could exit MercedesFORMULA ONEINEOS became Mercedes’ “principal partner” in a five-year £100m deal signed in 2020 and by the end of the year had taken a one-third stake.Back-to-back team championships in their first two years made it eight in a row, Sir Lewis Hamilton winning the drivers’ title in 2020 and only losing out to Max Verstappen on the final lap in 2021.But that was the end of Mercedes’ domination and Hamilton joined Ferrari ahead of this season.George Russell remains a title contender even if his car is slower than the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as well as Verstappen’s Red Bull.With Ineos’ finances under scrutiny, it has been claimed Ratcliffe could exit but team principal Toto Wolff said: “He is one of us three amigos — Mercedes, Jim and I. We are never going to part ways.”New Zealand Rugby launched a legal case alleging a ‘breach of contract’RUGBY UNIONRATCLIFFE’S Ineos became a “performance partner” of the All Blacks in 2021 on a  six-year deal worth £4million per season — but they could be kicked into touch.New Zealand Rugby launched a legal case alleging a “breach of contract” in February after announcing Ineos had “failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit” the agreement.That came with Ineos admitting  it is suffering financially from rising levels of carbon tax in Europe, making chemicals a “tough industry to be in”.Ratcliffe can’t Haka it, moaning in March: “We talked to New Zealand Rugby about the fact that times are tough.“We wanted to see if we could find a compromise, which you would have thought as a sponsor of the All Blacks they’d have listened to, but they didn’t want to listen.”NZ are currently an unacceptable No2 in the world.Ineos bankroll the cycling team to the tune of £40million per yearCYCLINGTEAM SKY had become the dominant force in world road cycling under Sir Dave Brailsford with riders including Tour de France winners Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas.They were rebranded as Team Ineos in 2019, becoming Ineos Grenadiers the following year. The company promised to match or even exceed the team’s £34million annual budget.Colombian Egan Bernal won the team’s seventh Tour de France title in the first year of sponsorship but there have been no further triumphs in cycling’s elite race.Ineos bankroll the team to the tune of £40m per year but are closing in on a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with another petrochemicals giant, TotalEnergies.In January, Ineos announced a third challenge — but without Sir Ben Ainslie’s involvementSAILINGOLYMPIC sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie and Royal Yacht Squadron Commodore Jamie Sheldon were with Ratcliffe in 2018 to announce the launch of Ineos Team UK and its bid to finally win the America’s Cup.The crew, including another Olympic champion in Giles Scott, reached the final of the Prada Cup qualifying campaign in 2021 but were outsailed by Italy’s Luna Rossa, who in turn was comfortably beaten by the holders, Emirates Team New Zealand.Ineos committed more than £110million and renamed the team Ineos Britannia before the 2024 edition of the world’s oldest sailing race.This time, with another Olympic champion, Dylan Fletcher, joining Ainslie at the helm of the twin-hulled craft, the British boat reached the final in the waters off Barcelona.But they again fell short, beaten 7-2 by the Kiwi vessel.In January, Ineos announced a third challenge — but without Ainslie’s involvement.Ratcliffe suggested: “Ben wanted to do his own thing and that’s fine.” But Ainslie claims he has the right to be the “Challenger of Record” with access to more information than other contenders.Ainslie’s team  was “astounded” by the Ineos move, adding it “raises significant legal and practical obstacles”.ATHLETICSKENYAN superstar Eliud Kipchoge’s successful bid to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon distance in 2019 was bankrolled by Ratcliffe through the Ineos 1:59 Challenge.Read More on The SunKipchoge covered 26.2 miles in Vienna in 1:59:40.2 — although it did not count as an official world record as he was allowed a series of pace-setters and it was not an open event.Later, in 2022, Ineos signed an agreement to become “performance partner” to Kipchoge’s Dutch-based NN Running Team.In 2022, Ineos signed an agreement to become “performance partner” to Eliud Kipchoge’s NN Running Team More

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      Man City star Erling Haaland adds £320,000 yellow Ferrari to eye-watering car collection with new

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      FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has bagged this yellow £320,000 Ferrari for his luxury car collection — totalling £8million.The £500,000-a-week Man City striker, 24, already had seven motors, including a rare £4million Bugatti Tourbillon.Man City super-striker Erling Haaland has added another flash motor to his luxury car collection – treating himself to a £320,000 FerrariFans cheered as he accelerated away, showcasing the vehicle’s incredible 789 horsepower and 6.5-litre V12 engineFans cheered as he accelerated away from training in his new convertible Ferrari 812 Superfast, which lives up to its name by doing 0 to 60mph in under three seconds.One fan joked online: “Haaland casually living my dream.”Another commented: “Millionaires and their toys.”Fans cheered as he accelerated away, showcasing the vehicle’s incredible 789 horsepower and 6.5-litre V12 engine.READ MORE ON HAALANDIn March, The Sun revealed how Haaland had splashed out on a £4million Bugatti.The monster motor, featuring iconic “butterfly” doors, has a top speed of 277mph.Last September, Haaland bought a brand new £250,000 Mercedes Maybach.He also owns a £2.7million Mercedes AMG One, a £130,000 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe AMG 63 S 4Matic and a £300k Rolls Royce Cullinan.Most read in FootballHaaland previously owned a Ferrari 812 Superfast in blue.His collection is still a far cry from Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive haul of rare motors – estimated to be worth around £20million.Since Haaland’s arrival at City nearly three years ago, he has broken countless records, contributing to a historic Treble win in 2023 and a fourth successive Premier League title, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup success the following season.Erling Haaland looks unrecognisable in fake moustache as he stuns fans by pulling away disguise on photoshootThe motor lives up to its name by doing 0 to 60mph in under three secondsHaaland has been banging in the goals for Man City this season and could celebrate another FA Cup winCredit: GettyHaaland’s collectionTotal cost – £7.95million.Bugatti Tourbillon – £4million.Mercedes AMG One – £2.7million.Ferrari 812 Superfast – £320,000.Rolls Royce Cullinan – £300,000.Porsche 911 GT3 – £250,000.Mercedes Maybach – £250,000.Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe AMG 63 S 4Matic – £130,000. More

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      Oscar Piastri takes advantage of yet MORE Lando Norris-Max Verstappen F1 fireworks to cruise to Miami GP triumph

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      OSCAR PIASTRI showed Max Verstappen who the daddy was to win the Miami Grand Prix on the Dutchman’s big weekend.Lando Norris also came in second as McLaren stole the show on the weekend that Verstappen welcomed his first child and secured pole position for Sunday’s race.Oscar Piastri was victorious in MiamiCredit: ReutersThe McLaren stars celebrate on the podiumCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, whose partner Kelly Piquet gave birth to their daughter Lily ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, settled for fourth behind George Russell in third.Ferrari suffered more team orders chaos as Lewis Hamilton was left fuming with his race engineer over swapping positions with Charles Leclerc as the seven-time world champion finished eighth behind the other Ferrari in seventh.There was drama from the start as Verstappen was a whisker ahead going into Turn One but he locked up and Lando Norris went wheel-to-wheel with him out of the corner.But the McLaren driver ran wide on the outside and dropped into sixth as Kimi Antonelli sped into second with Oscar Piastri in third.READ MORE IN F1But the pack was stabilised under a virtual safety car as Jack Doohan’s Alpine stopped on track after contact with Liam Lawson.Norris was fuming at the earlier battle with Verstappen, and said on his team radio: “He [Verstappen] forced me off mate. What am I meant to do? Just drive into the wall or something?”Like I was completely alongside?”Race Control was unfazed and noted no further investigation required between the duo and it was game on.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe battle for the lead was on and Piastri was all over Verstappen who brilliantly defended until lap 13 when the Aussie driver got past.But the McLaren attack was not done and two laps later Verstappen came under attack from Lando Norris.’I was dying inside’ – F1 fans stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATES Conor Benn despite boxer losing to Eubank JrNorris lunged down the inside and got through but later gave the spot back as the battle got tasty.Finally the British driver got the job done on lap 18 and Norris got a clean overtake for second place despite Verstappen fighting tooth and nail to keep second.British Haas driver Oliver Bearman’s engine blew up and he stopped at Turn Eight prompting a Virtual Safety Car and a flurry of pit stops.It worked out very nicely for George Russell who jumped Antonelli and Verstappen into third under the VSC.There was more pit stop chaos for Red Bull as Yuki Tsunoda was slapped with a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.Yet another VSC arrived, the third of the race as Gabriel Bortoleto stopped on the back straight with engine issues.Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both passed Carlos Sainz with an expert double move.With 18 laps to go Piastri and Norris were separated by seven seconds and it would take a moment of magic for the Brit to close that gap.Seven-time world champion Hamilton was seething with his team who did not swap him with Leclerc.His engineer told him: “We want to keep the DRS to Charles go ahead like this.”Hamilton replies: “Man you guys! This is not good team work. That’s all I’m going to say!”Finally they switched the pair and fuming Hamilton said just before: “In China I got out of the way when you were on a different strategy. Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!”While Leclerc said: “I need Lewis to go faster, I’ve just got dirty air now.”The Monegasque driver was all over Hamilton though and complained of his tyres overheating behind the Brit.Read More on The SunHamilton was told to “swap positions” with Leclerc and let him through into Turn 11 on lap 52, bizarrely telling Leclerc BEFORE the Brit to add to confusion.Sassy Hamilton was then told Carlos Sainz was 1.4s behind and he sarcastically responded with “Want me let him past as well?” More

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      VIP ‘black cards’, ‘rude’ celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

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      AMERICANS like to go BIG – and the Miami GP, being held this weekend, is no exception.Since first hitting the calendars in 2022, it’s become an extravagant affair packed full of big-name celebs and influencers, with even the race itself becoming overshadowed by the glitz.Like Coachella, the Miami GP has become a celeb and influencer hotspotCredit: GettyA-listers like Kendell Jenner have been spotted swanning around the paddockCredit: APSand is imported to create an exclusive “beach club” areaCredit: APIt’s now one of the F1 season’s biggest showpieces, a crucial part of their strategy to boost its popularity in the States. Last year saw celebs like Kendell Jenner and LeBron James pay the race a visit, and even Donald Trump showed up in a surreal appearance that caused security a headache.And just like the music festival Coachella, it’s now full of internet-famous influencers who – many suspect – haven’t got a clue about F1 itself but spend their time snapping selfies and posing with drivers A record-breaking 275,000 fans turned up to watch McLaren’s Lando Norris clinch his first ever victory, and organisers are hoping this weekend’s race will be even bigger.Read More FeaturesThe Florida event has courted chaos ever since the inaugural race was held three years ago and it was decided to build the circuit at the city’s Hard Rock Stadium, home to local NFL team the Miami Dolphins.It nearly didn’t happen at all, after a handful of nearby residents filed a lawsuit over noise pollution complaints – though this was thrown out by a judge.A makeshift circuit was cobbled together – but it proved a dud, having to be resurfaced twice ahead of the race and seriously lacking grip. Many of the drivers lambasted it, with Sergio Perez labelling it “a joke” and Lando Norris accusing the designers of just “winging it”. Most read in MotorsportBut it would turn out that the track would be the least of the driver’s worries.Come 2023, the spectacle was even more intense, much to their dismay.Fernando Alonso goes public with stunning new girlfriend Andrea Schlager after whisking her to US for Miami GP Prior to the race, each driver was required to present themselves in a full-on WWE-style showcase, led out one-by-one past an honour guard of cheerleaders, announced by the rapper LL Cool J.Meanwhile, in the background, Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am conducted a black-tie-clad 30-piece orchestra. Little wonder then the drivers found the showbizzy spectacle “distracting”. “I don’t think there’s any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you’re out there in the sun, all the cameras on you and making a bit of a show of it,” said George Russell.“None of the drivers like it,” added Lando Norris.“We do so much publicity for the fans [but] as drivers we all just want to sit down and focus on what we need to focus on.”Influencer heavenToo bad for them, then, that the Miami GP has only gone from strength to strength and is a must-attend event for everyone from A-list actors to Z-list influencers. The 2024 Miami GP was won by Lando NorrisCredit: GettyModels and influencers shell out for pricey tickets to access to exclusive areasCredit: GettySecurity requirements made Trump’s visit quite the headache for organisersCredit: GettyEven political big hitters have gotten involved – including last year when none other than Donald Trump himself turned up.Ten days before his visit the secret service spent hours scrutinising and surveying the venue for threats. Everything was given the all clear – but then just hours before the race his security team ordered major shutdowns in areas of the paddock.“The Secret Service blocked off the walkway in the middle of the paddock for 20 minutes, and the teams were losing it because they were like, ‘I have to cross,’” recalled Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP.His bright orange tan lined up with the McLaren team’s colours, at least, and he even told Norris that he was the British star’s “lucky charm”.And given how much Miami has become a hotspot for OnlyFans stars, with the sunny Florida weather always providing a great excuse to strip down to the bare essentials, it’s no wonder the GP event has become a hit with online models.There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were hereTyler EppWhile Trump was swanning around one part of the paddock giving his congratulations to Norris for his win, OnlyFans actress Veronica Rajek took the chance to pay the McLaren team a visit.Motoring media even fell for a hoax back in August that claimed OnlyFans was set to become the new title sponsor of the Alpine F1 team.The sensationalised spectacle that the race day has turned into has left plenty of die-hard fans wondering if all these famous faces have any clue about the sport itself.After all, despite being the voice of racing, not many of them seem to know the legendary Martin Brundle.’Rude’ celebsBack in 2022, the Sky Sports commentator was prowling a very crowded grid when he came up to tennis ace Venus Williams.But she was too busy saying hi to all the other famous faces and barely registered what he was saying, in an awkward but hilarious encounter.“What’s the question?” she laughed before whisking herself off somewhere else. OnlyFans star Veronika Rajek posed for pictures with the McLaren teamCredit: AFPEd Sheeran performed over the weekend at last year’s GPCredit: GettyKendall Jenner and Lewis Hamilton even found time to hobnob with each otherCredit: GettyVenus and Serena Williams on the grid at the Miami raceCredit: GettyFast forward to 2024, and a huge list of celebs popped in to catch the racing – including Shakira, Rory McIlroy, Kendall Jenner, and tycoons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. And with neighbours Inter Miami going from strength to strength, boss David Beckham also made an appearance, as did Zinedine Zidane.Even Taylor Swift turned up in the city, alongside her boyfriend NFL superstar Travis Kelce – proof enough that the Hard Rock stadium will be the place to be seen this Sunday – though Taylor skipped the race itself.Perhaps her presence would have been too awkward for driver Fernando Alonso, because at one point rumours were swirling that the pair briefly dated. Fortunately for the VIPs – and maybe to make up for Martin Brundle always trying to nab them for a chat – the GP’s organisers are careful to keep the general public far away from them.Some celebs are even rumoured to attend in secret.We’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetimeTyler EppBeyonce and Jay-Z reportedly rocked up in 2022, while Michelle Obama attended as a guest of Lewis Hamilton.“She showed up right on time, got to experience a session, and was in and out very, very quietly,” explained Tyler Epp.“There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here.”Also on offer is a “Black Card” experience. It allows the rich and famous to drive on a special, entirely separate lane off the highway, taking them straight into a luxury car parking zone.“You don’t have any interaction with the general population from the time you leave your hotel to the time you get to your seat. It’s all very protected and private,” added Tyler in an interview with Motorsport mag.Fake beach clubsMaybe this attention to detail will let Miami become the new Monaco. The inner part of the circuit gets turned into the Hard Rock Beach ClubCredit: APFans were left bemused by the fake waterCredit: APSky’s Craig Slater takes a ‘swim’ in the fake marinaCredit: ReutersBut then again maybe not – given the much-mocked attempt to copy the Mediterranean city with a fake marina was created by painting the ground blue, which even Sky’s Craig Slater attempted to have a “dip” in.They even stuck ten massive yachts inside it and imported heaps of fake sand to create a “VIP Beach Club”.It was slammed as tacky – but to access this luxurious lake of concrete in the middle of the circuit, guests had to shell out at least $1,000.And it was $2,000 on top of that if you wanted a deck chair. When it was first revealed in 2022, bemused fans compared the set up to the notorious Fyre Festival.At least they had two pools to relax in and a performances from big hitters The Chainsmokers to enjoy as well.Forget Coachella itself – because now, the entire GP weekend has turned into something of a music festival in its own right.In 2024, both DJ Steve Aoki and Ed Sheeran delivered performances to revellers at the Hard Rock Beach Club.And the entertainment on offer during race week is now spilling outside of the stadium itself, with the whole of Miami gripped by GP fever.Venues across the city are getting into the F1 spirit, including art exhibitions dedicated to exploring racing culture, and exclusive racing-themed pop-up bars in luxury hotels sponsored by F1’s partner, the champagne company Moët & Chandon.Just be ready to shell out $550 – and that’s for the most basic package on offer. This year, the Hard Rock beach club will once again be delivering a star-studded line up with performances by Pitbull, Kygo and DJ Tiësto.But given the Miami GP competes with two others F1 races in the states – in Austin and Las Vegas – organisers aren’t ashamed to say they go out of their way to make the Florida race weekend stand out.Read More on The Sun“We’re in the memory making business at the end of the day, and we’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime,” added Tyler Epp.“That’s our goal.”More than 275,000 fans are expected to attend this weekendCredit: Getty More

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      Ferrari F1 car made of 400,000 Lego pieces goes on display ahead of Miami Grand Prix

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      FERRARI F1 boffins examine the latest in engine blocks as they come face-to-face with a lifesize model of their car — constructed entirely of Lego.The unusual replica was made of almost 400,000 pieces to imitate the scarlet machine that the drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will race at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend.A Ferrari F1 car made entirely of Lego has gone on display ahead of Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexThe unusual replica was made of almost 400,000 piecesCredit: EPALego said in response to a video of the car’s unveiling on F1’s Instagram account that it was “just a little something we put together”.Seven-time champion Sir Lewis, 40, will hope it can inspire him to his first grand prix win with the team in tomorrow’s race.Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher has said he believes Hamilton will retire before his Ferrari contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.He told Sky Germany’s F1 podcast: “He just can’t cope with the car. read more on F1″We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it’s almost worse with him. You can see that he’s really slumped over.”If you’re standing there at some point and have no more resources and are permanently slower, then you lose everything. “I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it’s no fun anymore.”Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.”Most read in MotorsportLewis Hamilton will compete at the Miami Grand PrixCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Major F1 rule change comes into force ahead of Miami GP after controversial incident

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      A MAJOR new F1 rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.The FIA sporting regulations have been reworked after a confusing incident involving Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman at the Australian GP.A major new rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexRace control now have the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train is passing by to block a back-marker from rejoining the leading mix.This comes after Bearman merged in front of Verstappen after pitting during a safety car in Melbourne.Verstappen, 27, was surprised to see Bearman’s Haas emerge from the pits immediately in front of him during a safety car period on lap 41.Bearman, 19, had been allowed to un-lap himself moments earlier, then came into the pits, which dropped him back behind the safety car.READ MORE F1 NEWSThis was a cause for concern at Red Bull, as it left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the leading McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris later winning the season opener.Red Bull mistakenly believed Bearman would remain there until the restart.Verstappen asked his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “So this car is now staying here, or what?” Lambiase told him: “That’s correct. He’ll have to let you go immediately [after the restart].” Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which allowed Verstappen to restart the race with no lapped cars in front of him.The FIA has changed its rules in Article 55.14 to guard against a repeat of this situation.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerRace director Rui Marques has the power to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during a Safety Car period.The rule now states: “Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed.”Without overtaking and they must make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.”The pit lane exit may be closed when the safety car and line of cars behind it are approaching and passing the pit lane exit.”Ironically, Verstappen benefited from the old rule when he was able to pit and start alongside race leader Lewis Hamilton in the most controversial title deciding finale ever in Abu Dhabi in 2021.Reigning world champ Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami due to the pending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, with the due date two days after the race in Florida. The Red Bull star is still expected to race in Miami this weekend – which will host the second sprint session of the season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      ‘I know from my own experience’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped to retire and quit F1 BEFORE Ferrari contract expires

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been tipped to retire from Formula One due to his performance issues at Ferrari.Hamilton, 40, has struggled to get to grips with his machinery since joining Ferrari in the winter to end an 11-year long partnership with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to RETIRE from F1 before his Ferrari contract expiresCredit: AlamyHamilton has struggled to get to grips with his Ferrari machineryCredit: RexRalf Schumacher believes the Brit will be considering his options, based on his own experienceCredit: GettyHe has celebrated a Sprint Race victory in China in rare burst of speed.But on Sunday race days, the Brit has managed a top five finish just once.His contract with the Italian manufacturer expires at the end of the 2026 season.However, the Brit has been tipped to hang up his racing gloves BEFORE then by Ralf Schumacher.READ MORE IN F1Schumacher, a six-time F1 Grand Prix winner, referenced his own end of career struggles in the motorsport to explain his argument.He told Sky Germany’s F1 podcast: “He just can’t cope with the car. We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it’s almost worse with him. You can see that he’s really slumped over.”If you’re standing there at some point and have no more resources and are permanently slower, then you lose everything. I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it’s no fun anymore. “Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.’Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“If it goes on like this, there’s a risk that at some point he’ll say: ‘Look, I don’t want this anymore. I want to live my life now, I’m 40 years old. I’m so rich, I’m not doing this to myself anymore. Obviously it’s not working out for some reason.’“It’s a huge project that Ferrari and Hamilton had in mind, but at the moment he’s a long way away from Charles Leclerc. I wouldn’t have thought it would be so extreme.Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “However, China also showed that as soon as he gets into the car and the track and the car suit him, he delivers. There’s still something to come.”Despite this assessment, Schumacher, 49, believes Hamilton is capable of performing with for the Scuderia.The German added: “The expectations are very high, and Ferrari wants value for money. That means he has to make sure he performs. He probably will, because China was no accident.“It’s not that he can’t do it. He just has to find the conditions and the car that suits him, and there are definitely circuits coming up that suit him.Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.’Ralf Schumacher“If he gives up now, it would be very early. I can hardly believe that, but if he does, then of course the team will be fully focused on Charles Leclerc, and developing the car more in his direction. “You can’t develop two cars in one team, it doesn’t work. The course is then clear.”Read More on The SunHamilton will have the chance to replicate his stunning China GP Sprint victory in Miami this weekend as the second Sprint Race of the season comes on to the calendar.With team-mate Charles Leclerc also slowly showing improved pace, Hamilton will be hoping results start to click into gear.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      ‘Like pineapple on pizza’, moan Ferrari fans as Lewis Hamilton ditches red to debut ‘wrong’ new look for F1 Miami GP

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      FERRARI will ditch their iconic red racing suits for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix – and fans are absolutely FUMING.Scuderia drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will wear blue and white for a one-off design at the Miami International Autodrome.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will sport blue suits designed for the team’s brand partner HPF1-75 car will also get a blue and white refresh, with new details on the wingsBut the Prancing Horse are gearing up to debut a new look in the paddock in Florida on Friday, courtesy of their sponsors HP. The red livery won’t be gone forever though with the change just a one-off in celebration of the milestone.Ferrari inked a deal with software company HP a year ago and the blue colours are set to honour the anniversary of that partnership.Fans got a first glimpse of Hamilton and Leclerc suiting up in white and blue for the first American race of the season. READ MORE F1 NEWSThe F1-75 will remain predominantly red, but will feature white and blue accents on the read and front wings, as well as on the wheels. And fans have been left raging with the bold move.One comment on Ferrari’s social media post said: “This is the equivalent of putting pineapple on a pizza.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “Ferrari is morphing into Williams right before our eyes. This just needs to stop!”Most read in MotorsportA third said: “This could be the worst livery ever created”, before another added: “We are red. Not blue! 😡” Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘masterclass’ sprint victory before Ferrari star immediately takes aim at ‘yapping’ criticsMotorheads are fearing the worst after pointing out that the SF-24 went blue in Miami last season too.It was also described as a “one-off” in Florida last year, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari making their mark in North America.Leclerc and then-team-mate Carlos Sainz wore light blue racing suits to nod to the Azzuro La Plata worn by Ferrari legend Alberto Ascari. Scuderia’s first F1 world champion wore blue as he claimed the titles in 1952 and 1953.While other team drivers including, John Surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti did the same in the 1960s.Meanwhile, Hamilton and Leclerc will hope the change in colour palette gets the Ferrari back on the podium.The Frenchman finished third in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago, whle Hamilton has only placed as high as fifth after a troubling start to the season at his new team. Read More on The SunFerrari aren’t the only team to change their colours ahead of the big sprint weekend in Miami.Racing Bulls unveiled an all-pink affair during a party in Miami Beach on Wednesday evening. More