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      Max Verstappen slams ‘BULLS***’ decision amid Brazilian GP qualifying drama in X-rated rant as Norris given title boost

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN launched an X-rated rant after a late red flag call saw him knocked of qualifying early in Brazil.The three-time champ finished a disappointing 12th as the heavy rain of Sao Paulo saw FIVE crashes at Interlagos – which is a qualifying record.Max Verstappen has slammed the delayed red flag call during qualifying for the Brazilian GPLance Stroll’s Aston Martin was removed from the track after a late red flagLance Stroll slid into a wall as he attempted a turn during Q2 and a third red flag was shown, albeit after a long 40 second delay.FIA race director Niels Wittich attempted to let those doing a flying lap finish their laps.But during that time Verstappen was bumped into the bottom five and was unable to get another lap in because the session was not resumed, with team-mate Sergio Perez also eliminated in 13th for the same reason.It meant the Dutchman finished 12th, two places behind the top 10 who qualify to make it through to Q3.READ MORE ON F1The reigning F1 world champion and 2024 leader thumped his wheel in anger as his title hopes took a potential dent.Unhappy with Wittich’s call, Verstappen launched into a foul-mouthed rant on the radio to voice his discontent.He raged: “A car hits the wall and it needs to be straight red flag.”I do not understand why it needs to take 30 or 40 seconds for a red flag to come out, it is just bulls****. Most read in MotorsportVerstappen qualified in 12th as five cars crashed during Sao Paulo qualifyingFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Honestly, I will let it go. It is so stupid anyway to talk about, it is ridiculous.”To make matters worse for Verstappen, he will serve a five-place grid penalty after changing his engine for a sixth time this season, to begin in 17th in the Grand Prix.Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistMeanwhile, title rival Lando Norris, who is 47 points behind before today’s race, will start at the front after he took pole position.A win will see Norris close the gap on Verstappen, who hasn’t won since June, with four races remaining.The red flag was the third of a hectic session after Carlos Sainz also suffered a crash earlier in Q2.Mercedes’s George Russell makes up the front row and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda finished in a shock third from Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, and Liam Lawson was fifth.Lewis Hamilton was surprisingly eliminated in Q1.But there were big crashes for Williams’ Franco Colapinto, Ferrari’s Sainz, Aston Martin pair Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Alex Albon, who had the worst collision of all, will not start the race due to damage.The fifth red flag equalled the qualifying record from the chaotic scenes at Imola in 2022.Alex Albon wrecked his car to prompt a record fifth red flag in qualifying🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell reveals one F1 driver is against making immediate rule change

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has revealed that just one Formula One driver is opposed to an immediate major change to the rules.The driver’s title race took a fresh twist in Mexico as a 20-second penalty for Max Verstappen allowed Lando Norris to close the gap on the Dutchman to just 47 points.George Russell has said that 19 out of 20 F1 drivers want to see rule change immediatelyCredit: RexIt comes after contrasting penalty’s handed to both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the last two grand prixCredit: GettyHowever, the weekend was also significant because it saw race stewards take a new approach to judging racing incidents. At the US Grand Prix in Austin, Norris had been handed a five-second penalty for going off the track and gaining an advantage when trying to overtake the Red Bull at Turn 12, costing him a podium.The McLaren driver had argued that he was forced off the road by Verstappen when defending, though the FIA dismissed an appeal from the team.A meeting involving the pair followed in the week before the Mexico Grand Prix, with the meeting becoming “lively” as the debate over the rules intensified.READ MORE IN F1The Mexico race then saw Verstappen defending against Norris again, with the Brit again going off track, before the Red Bull then shoved him off a few turns later to get the position back.These two moves resulted in Verstappen receiving a 20-second time penalty and resulted in him finishing down in P6, while Norris claimed P2 behind Ferrari race winner and former team-mate Carlos Sainz.However, the rules were interpreted differently from one weekend to the next.The current racing guidelines say a driver overtaking on the outside needs to be afforded extra room exiting the corner if the front axle of his car is ahead of that of the inside car at the apex.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut many drivers feel the rule needs to be changed to add a caveat that if the driver defending his position also ends up going off track, they should face some form of penalty.In an effort to clear up the racing guidelines, drivers have voted on how the rules should be interpreted.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race And Russell, who serves as the head of Grand Prix Drivers’ Association said that all drivers bar one have agreed to rectify the rules immediately.Though the 26-year-old did not name the driver who went against his peers, the Mercedes star said: “I think the stewards are totally on board with what needs to change.”Our view is, I think the biggest discussion is, they wanted to wait until 2025, so it’s something consistent through this year. “I would say 19 out of 20 drivers said: ‘Well, if it’s incorrect, make the change today’.”I’m glad to see those incidents were punished [in Mexico] and I suspect moving forward in Brazil, what we saw today and what we saw last week you won’t be able to get away with.”You presume [it should be easy to change if everyone agrees], but it sometimes seems more difficult than it has to be when things have to get approved and we’ve got to go to a vote app. “But as I said, 19 out of 20, we’re all aligned on where it needs to be.”Russell – who F1 fans may have the chance to dress from next season following a stunning job posting by the Silver Arrows – finished in fifth place behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Mexico.Asked about the incidents of allegedly running another driver off track, Hamilton said: “You shouldn’t be able to come off the brakes and run more speed in and go off the track and still hold your place.”Three-time champion Verstappen said he has always raced according to the meaning of the rules, and that if they were changed he would drive according to the new meaning of them as well.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 OconHowever, any new driver guidelines will take time to publish, and a new draft of the rules will not be available for the drivers to consider until the Qatar Grand Prix in December.Despite Russell claiming 19 out of 20 agree they need rectifying, no official vote has taken place yet.According to the BBC’s Andrew Benson, drivers previously had no issue with the rules but were instead frustrated by the inconsistent application of them by stewards.However, now both the written guidelines and their application have come into question.The final race in a triple header now sees F1 return to Brazil. READ MORE SUN STORIESOrganisers have confirmed a £22million investment has allowed for the entire circuit at Interlagos to be resurfaced as well as the upgrade of a number of hospitality features and building of an access tunnel.They have also revealed a touching tribute will be paid to Ayrton Senna 30 years on from his death, with Hamilton set to drive his 1990 McLaren car on Saturday evening.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      F1 fans offered never-before-seen job of dressing George Russell as Mercedes post advert

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      FORMULA ONE giant Mercedes has advertised a bizarre new job which involves dressing the team’s drivers.The Brackley-based team want to hire a Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive – someone to manage the off-track attire of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Mercedes want to hire someone to manage the outfits of George Russell and Kimi AntonelliCredit: Mercedes AMGWhoever is appointed will be in charge of the pair’s personal, fitness, formal, lifestyle and travel wardrobe.They will also coordinate Russell and Antonelli’s highly-photographed paddock walk-in looks.Mercedes’ job description reads: “The Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive is responsible for project managing driver styling planning and process for the Mercedes F1 Team.”It involves working with the driver appointed stylists and team apparel partners to deliver clothing looks for collateral shoots, marketing appearances, trackside walk in looks and activations.Read More in Sport”It is also about managing relationships with our team clothing partner and driver management.”Mercedes chiefs are looking for someone who has “experience of working in a retail or marketing environment” with a skill set in project management.Rookie driver Antonelli will make his F1 debut with Mercedes next year.He will replace Lewis Hamilton, who has already signed a two-year deal with Ferrari.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAntonelli is set to partner Russell, who has been racing for the team since 2022.Mercedes currently sit fourth in the Constructor Championship standings, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks More

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      Major change to Brazilian GP as £22million project completed ahead of crucial Sao Paulo spectacle

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      BRAZIL’s Formula One race track has undergone a major change ahead of Sunday’s race.The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 1990 – with the exception of 2020’s cancelled race due to Covid-19.Brazil’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix has undergone a major change following a £22m investmentCredit: GettyThe entire Interlagos race track has been resurfacedCredit: AFPAnd this weekend it will once again play host to thousands of fans from around the world who turn out for the motorsport bonanza.Organisers have confirmed the circuit has undergone a huge change for the grand prix weekend.A stunning £22million (R$163.6million) investment from Sao Paulo City Hall has seen the track completely resurfaced, with a host of other changes also revealed.Mayor Ricardo Nunes said: “This place has become a machine, a machine for generating jobs, a machine for generating income, for economic movement, and a machine for taking the name of the city of São Paulo to the world.READ MORE IN F1″We went from having a deficit facility to now having a facility that generates jobs, generates income and generates revenue for the city.”The last change to the surface of the track came 10 years ago.Other changes to the venue have seen work enter the final phase of a pit lane auxiliary access track to the pits as, ruled by motorsport governing body the FIA.This adds to the renovation and maintenance of existing facilities including the pit lane, paddock area, operation control centre, press area, support building and grandstand.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA review of safety devices including tyre barriers, metal guardrails, fences, and non-slip paint in escape areas has also happened.Additional “comprehensive maintenance” has been carried out on permanent facilities, including electrical and hydraulic installations, floors, ceilings, frames and gas and compressed air systems.Five mysteries behind Ayrton Senna’s deadly F1 smash – including black box conspiracyThe major investment is allowing the racetrack to add a new access and a new hospitality centre, with the old one being demolished to make way for a 12,240 square feet three-floor megastructure at the back of the paddock that can hold up to 6,000 people.One part of the project still in the works is a 360-metre-long underground access track set to be completed by April 2025 to facilitate the transit of large structures, trucks and public inside the circuit without the need to cross the circuit.The 2023 race is estimated to have generated around £220million (R$1.64 billion) for the economy, with 77 per cent of visitors coming from outside of the capital and 12.2 per cent coming from tourism.Another stunning plan for the weekend’s race is a touching tribute to be paid by to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his death at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.According to BAND, Lewis Hamilton will be given the honour of driving the Brazilian’s 1990 McLaren MP4/5B car, with which Senna won his second F1 title.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The seven-time world champion will take the Honda-powered car around the circuit at around 8pm UK time on Saturday, following the conclusion of official F1 activities on track for the day.Organisers have also opened a “Senna forever” event for the weekend, where Samba F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi is set to take part alongside Hamilton.The Brit, who idolises Senna, was given honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022 and has won three times around the Interlagos track.Senna’s death came just one day after Ronald Ratzenberger, who hit an exposed concrete wall in an impact of 500g force.The biggest crash ever survived was by IndyCar driver Kenny Brack in 2003, when his car came to a dramatic halt from 220mph with a 214g impact force.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis season’s F1 driver championship may go down to the wire after Lando Norris closed the gap to reigning champion Max Verstappen to 47 points after the Red Bull driver received a 20-second penalty in Mexico.There are four feature races to go plus two sprint events, including one taking place this weekend in Brazil.Organisers are also hosting a tribute for Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his deathCredit: Getty Images – GettyLewis Hamilton will reportedly drive his 1990 McLaren car after official F1 events are concluded on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Lando Norris back in title contention as Sainz wins F1 Mexican Grand Prix after 20-SECOND Max Verstappen penalty

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a whopping 20-second penalty after a ferocious battle with title rival Lando Norris.The huge punishment from stewards at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix came on the weekend Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and others urged the FIA to tighten rules on Verstappen’s “unfair” driving style.Carlos Sainz hails his dominant win in MexicoCredit: ReutersLando Norris finished second, four places and ten points clear of Max VerstappenCredit: GettySainz completed another excellent win for FerrariCredit: AFPNorris drove a superb race to finish in second place, sandwiched between the two Ferraris — race-winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in third.It means the McLaren driver collected 18 points to Verstappen’s eight.And Norris said: “I didn’t want to expect such a thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver but I was ready to expect something like this.“It was not clean driving in my opinion but I avoided it and it was a good race. A lot of it was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Congratulations to Carlos, he drove a great race. I tried my best. We were the quickest team, we’ll focus on ourselves.” This GP could prove crucial in the title race, with 47 points now separating the duo with four races remaining.In total there are 120 points up for grabs — 25 for a win and one for the fastest lap, plus 16 for the two remaining sprint races. It is still a huge stretch for Norris.Dutchman Verstappen had clearly taken no notice of the complaints about his driving and  tussled with Norris for ­second place on lap ten. Most read in MotorsportHOW IT FINISHED IN MEXICOTHIS is how it concluded on Sunday.1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)2. Lando Norris (McLaren)3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)5. George Russell (Mercedes)6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)12. Franco Colapinto (Williams)13. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)14. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)15. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)16. Liam Lawson (RB)17. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Did Not Finish: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams), Yuki Tsunoda (RB)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris went for an overtake around the outside of turn four but Verstappen nudged him wide and the McLaren was forced to cut the corner.And when 24-year-old Norris tried to let him through at turn eight, both him and Verstappen went off track, allowing Leclerc to leave them for dust.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track Seething Norris slammed Verstappen on the team radio and said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner — this guy is dangerous.“I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute.”Stewards  hit world champion Verstappen with the hefty ten-second penalty for “forcing another driver off the track”.When told about the penalty, Verstappen said: “Ten? That’s quite impressive.”Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied on the radio: “There was a lot of whinging. A lot.”Verstappen was then hit with ANOTHER ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage for the incident with his nearest challenger.In Mexico, F1’s governing body decided to revise its racing guidelines following uproar over Norris’ controversial five- second penalty for an overtake on  Verstappen in Texas a week ago.The FIA gave no details as to what would change, but there was a discussion over the tactics Verstappen used to keep his position and whether he should have been punished.Sainz took the flag for an impressive success in MexicoCredit: ReutersIt seems they were keen to get their message across loud and clear during yesterday’s race.  There was chaos from the start as Yuki Tsunoda made contact with Alex Albon and spun into the wall —  a wheel coming off his RB car.Smoke plumed out of the car but luckily the Japanese driver quickly said “I’m OK” on the team radio. Amid the drama, home hero Sergio Perez had risen from 13th to fifth, but stewards were investigating the Red Bull driver for a false start as he looked well beyond his pit box.Verstappen fired into the lead at turn one ahead of Sainz, who veered off track and across the grass but gave the place back to the Dutchman.On lap nine, Sainz and Verstappen ­tussled for the lead as the Spaniard wriggled inside thanks to DRS.The claws were out from there as old foes Verstappen and Norris reignited their on-track battle — which led to the Red Bull driver’s two penalties.The Dutchman sailed into the pit lane on lap 27 and served his 20-second ­penalty before returning in 15th place.Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Alex Albon, crashed out on the first lapCredit: ReutersRed Bull’s Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz storm off as Tsunoda crashesCredit: ReutersThe pack shuffled out by lap 38, with Sainz still in the lead followed by Leclerc, Norris, Russell and ­Hamilton.There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Leclerc nearly careered into the barrier on lap 63 but saved himself just in time. Norris snuck through while the Ferrari went wide to leave him eight ­seconds behind leader Sainz.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris then chipped away at the gap until the very end but Sainz sailed over the line 4.7 seconds ahead.Hamilton finished fourth after a near wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Russell, who had to settle for fifth.Racing Bull’s Japanese ace Tsunoda was soon out of the raceCredit: Sky Sports F1 More

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      George Russell taken to medical centre and says ‘I don’t know what happened’ after Mexico crash leaves Mercedes a wreck

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      GEORGE RUSSELL was taken to the medical centre after a big crash during free practice ahead of Formula One’s Mexico Grand Prix.Russell, 26, had started his weekend on fire by going quickest with a 1:17.998 in Friday’s first practice session.George Russell was involved in a heavy crash at the F1 Mexico Grand PrixCredit: RexRussell endured a nasty snap of the car at Turn 9 of the circuitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He took too much kerb before his Mercedes starting spinningCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1Russell was unable to catch the carCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He then hit the wallCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He was taken to the medical centre afterwardsCredit: GettyRussell’s car sustained heavy damage in the crashCredit: RexHowever, things went off course for the Brit in FP2 as he lost control of his Mercedes car when riding over the kerb at Turn 9.Russell’s car went for a spin across the track before it eventually came to a halt by hitting the Tecpro barrier, resulting in heavy damage to the right side of the car mainly on the sidepod and rear wing.Fortunately, he was able to get out of the car unaided but was seen clutching his midriff with the collision clearly leaving an impact.But the crash still required the presence of the medical car before he was taken to the medical centre for precautionary checks.READ MORE IN F1A Mercedes spokesperson said Russell was “physically OK but it was a significant impact”.Race stewards red flagged the session to repair the wall, before racing resumed following a 24-minute delay.Mercedes later released a statement confirming Russell had been released from the medical centre and was back with the team.Speaking to reporters afterwards, Russell said: “Yeah, I’m okay. Definitely feel a bit winded after that one but I honestly don’t really know what happened.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The car just started bouncing on the ground and before I had a chance to catch it it was already spinning.”So yeah, a lot of work for the guys tonight again. It seems like it’s one thing after another at the moment.Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu answers Quickfire Questions ahead of Mexican Grand Prix and shares love of Rey Mysterio”It’s frustrating as FP1 we were really strong, really fast trying to take that same line and cutting the corner and for whatever reason on this occasion in FP2 the thing just started going on me.”Russell similarly crashed out during qualifying in the United States Grand Prix.On the importance of Saturday’s final practice session before qualifying, he added: “I mean FP2 because it was the Pirelli tyre test it wasn’t hugely valuable in terms of what you would learn going into the race weekend.”So obviously missed out on laps so FP3 is going to be important. I just we can get the car fixed.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The final practice session of the F1 Mexico Grand Prix weekend starts at 6.30pm UK time, with qualifying getting underway at 10pm.The race is then 8pm on Sunday.Max Verstappen leads the driver championship standings by 57 points after controversially being bumped up to P3 after a penalty was applied to title rival Lando Norris.McLaren lodged an appeal against the penalty after it had been deemed that Norris had left the track and gained an advantage to overtake Verstappen, but it was rejected.READ MORE SUN STORIESCharles Leclerc won last week’s race, his third of the season to draw level with Norris on three each.Meanwhile, Verstappen has seven wins to his name, but is winless since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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      Lewis Hamilton REPLACED by Mercedes for Mexico GP session by 18-year-old star tipped to succeed Ferrari-bound legend

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will miss the first practice session for the Mexico Grand Prix.Hamilton, 39, will be replaced by his 2025 Mercedes stand-in Kimi Antonelli for the first session.Lewis Hamilton has been replaced for the first practice session of the Mexico GPCredit: GettyKimi Antonelli will come in for the seven-time world championCredit: GettyHamilton struggled last time out, failing to finish the United States GP after crashing out into the gravel on just his third lap.While he also qualified as the second-slowest driver in the field.And he will now be replaced by 18-year-old Antonelli, who has been tipped to succeed the seven-time world champion at the end of the season.Hamilton is bringing his time with the Silver Arrows to a close at the end of the season.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe Brit will be switching to Ferrari from the 2025 season onwards.Antonelli, who heralds from Italy, made a hash of his first time out on the F1 stage last month.The rising star crashed out on his fifth lap in qualification in Monza.However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described his out-of-box pace as “astonishing” up until that point.Most read in MotorsportHamilton crashed out of the US GP on the third lapCredit: RexAntonelli crashed during qualification on his F1 debut last monthCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormula One rules state that teams must give two practice opportunities to rookie drivers each season – with one coming in each car.Chief Wolff certainly hasn’t piled any blame at Hamilton for his early crash in Austin, claiming that the car was to blame for the disastrous showing.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Speaking to Sky Sports in the aftermath, he said: “100% car. I think he was not even pushing at that stage.”We’ve seen it [in qualifying] with George [Russell], and that was maybe over pushing it, but still abruptly losing it, putting it in the wall. “Today, such a situation, there was wind and there was a little bit of dirty air.”We definitely have an issue. I don’t know whether it was yesterday the same as today. Definitely Lewis Hamilton doesn’t lose the car like this.”Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers standings after two race wins and four podium finishes this year.While Mercedes find themselves fourth in the constructors standings.Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has claimed Hamilton was not to blame for his US GP crashCredit: Getty More

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      F1 star George Russell reveals awkward Prince George moment at rugby match

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has recalled a hilarious but awkward case of mistaken identity between himself and Prince George.Formula One driver Russell is used to being swarmed by fans around the world as he races in the quickest machines on the planet.George Russell has recalled a funny story when he mistook himself for Prince GeorgeCredit: GettyIt came when Russell and Prince George were both watching an England rugby gameCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)However, he has lifted the lid on how the spotlight was taken from him when royalty was in town.Speaking in an interview earlier this year, the 26-year-old said: “There’s actually a funny story.”I was at a rugby match watching England play and suddenly everyone in front of me turned around and were looking up.”And they were screaming, ‘George, George, Prince George, Prince George’.READ MORE IN F1″And I thought this is a bit strange. Like all these people screaming at me.”And then I turned around and the real Prince George was standing behind me.”So (laughing) that kind of made sense.”It is not clear exactly what game this took place at, though Russell is known to be a big rugby fan after playing it at school.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brit was seen attending the opening game of the Rugby World Cup last year as France beat New Zealand 27-13 with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt.Russell recovered from a pitlane start to finish a strong P6 in Sunday’s US Grand Prix feature race – won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.Toto Wolff has his say on Lando Norris’ penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage over Max Verstappen However, Russell was hit with a five-second penalty en route to that result, which had left Mercedes boss Toto Wolff fuming at the “total joke” decision by stewards.Russell had been judged to run Valtteri Bottas off the track at Turn 12, but a later incident that saw Max Verstappen appear to run Lando Norris off the track saw him go unpunished.When Russell asked whether Verstappen received a penalty for it, Wolff replied over the team radio: “No, he didn’t get a penalty and at the end Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside.”I guess it’s a bit biased decision-making but not surprising.”F1 returns next weekend in Mexico in the second race in a triple-header.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More