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    Lewis Hamilton learning to speak ITALIAN after Ferrari move following stark warning from F1 chief

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    LEWIS HAMILTON is learning to speak Italian ahead of his move to Ferrari.The F1 star is joining the Italian team for the 2025 season after finally calling time on his career at Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton is learning to speak Italian ahead of his switch to FerrariCredit: GettyHamilton, 39, signed a two-year deal with Ferrari worth £100million.The team activated a clause in his Mercedes contract to bring an end to his time there after 11 years.Ahead of joining Ferrari, the British driver is learning Italian to help him adapt to his new team.F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has insisted that the seven-time world champion needs to speak the language in order to “integrate”.READ MORE ON F1As quoted by Autoracer, he said: “He will bring great interest.”He is learning to speak Italian and understand how to integrate into our culture.“I told him, it is also essential for him to be able to do this. In Ferrari, he will find a different environment than before.” Hamilton will be the team-mate of Charles Leclerc when he finally joins Ferrari.Most read in MotorsportHe will be the third team-mate of the Monégasque driver after the stints of Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDomenicali has insisted that the two drivers share a mutual respect for each other.He added: “Charles will, of course, have to accept that someone like Lewis is not an easy team-mate.Lewis Hamilton demands to RETIRE in meltdown at Qatar Grand Prix as time at Mercedes heads for sad ending”Lewis will definitely have the ability to convey his positivity in his efforts to achieve his record.”They respect each other a lot, and I hope they will continue to do so at the end of the year.”It is believed that Hamilton has been granted permission to live in Enzo Ferrari’s old house while he stays at Maranello, Italy.Earlier this month, Ferrari were urged to RIP UP Hamilton’s contract by ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan.Jordan’s call came after Hamilton made the admission that he is “not fast anymore”.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Inside Michael Schumacher’s wild parties as former F1 mechanic lifts lid on mad bash with Lewis Hamilton and glam Wag

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER was a Formula One party kingpin during his racing days, while Lewis Hamilton once took over a nightclub on a night out.Former F1 mechanic Marc Priestly has lifted the lid on some of the wild antics which happened when the stars hit the bars and clubs.Michael Schumacher was an F1 party supremoCredit: GettyFormer mechanic Marc Priestley lifted the lid on some of the wild parties hosted by the racing iconCredit: ReutersPriestley also revealed how Lewis Hamilton and then-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger stole the show at the 2008 McLaren partyCredit: AFPPriestley, right, is an ex-mechanic turned broadcasterCredit: AlamyPriestly, who was a McLaren mechanic from 2000 to 2009, told Casino Uden Rofus how one of his favourite memories came when he threw a Bacardi and coke into Schumacher’s face.He said: “Throwing a Barcardi and coke in Michael Schumacher’s face at his birthday party was definitely one of my favourite ever memories of him, purely because he burst out laughing after I did it. “I wasn’t the only one who threw a drink, by the way!”There were loads of moments when Schumacher was in the car that the whole world remembers, but there were plenty of memories outside of the car of him being a fun, nice guy. READ MORE IN F1″Schumacher got very serious when it was time to work, in the car or with the engineers, but outside of that he always knew how to relax and I was always impressed with that.”Schumacher always threw great parties, there were many occasions of doing karaoke in Japan after the final race of the season in Suzuka.”Dancing with his shirt off in nightclubs, he was just a great, fun guy at the end of a season or race weekend. “That’s how F1 should be, because it’s such a high-pressure job, you have to let your hair down sometimes.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNews broke this morning that the German racer, 55, was set to become a grandad for the first time after his daughter Gina announced she was pregnant – three months after she got married.Reports had emerged suggesting Schumacher had attended the wedding, but this was not confirmed.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’The legendary driver has been kept away from the public eye by his family since his skiing accident in December 2013.Priestley believes Max Verstappen would have got on well with the seven-time World Champion, but saved special praise for ex-McLaren and Ferrari driver, Kimi Raikkonen.He added: “I can imagine Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher would had some good fun but I don’t think it would have been anything like the Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen parties, which I went to a few of.”Raikkonen was a great guy, he took his racing and partying to extreme levels. “He would drive his car amazingly with record lap times, but he would party like crazy. “Raikkonen was like a 22-year-old kid but also, a millionaire. It was the way to be and it was a good time.”Priestley also recalled the 2008 McLaren team party following Hamilton’s first World Drivers Championship title and how his then-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger helping to show off a different side of him.He explained: “Lewis Hamilton can be great at the parties. I remember when he won his first world championship in 2008, he brought his girlfriend at the time, Nicole Scherzinger. “Hamilton took over the decks at a nightclub we were at and was DJing most of the night. “Scherzinger got onto the mic and started singing, with Hamilton joining in, I’ve seen all sides of him!”However, Priestley believes modern F1 drivers are too conscious about their partying antics potentially being filmed and put onto social media.He continued: “These parties were pre-social media and phones, so it was a close group of friends where you can have fun and not worry about the consequences. “Drivers nowadays would worry if they’re being recorded…”Lots of these drivers coming through now are still very young, like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, but they need to have a bit of fun.”But, awareness of being recorded will always be in the back of their minds, and the old drivers never really had to worry about it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If a photographer took a picture of something a driver wasn’t supposed to do, they’d ask if the photographer could give them the picture or film and it would never go any further. “Now, if someone takes a picture on their phone, it’s online forever.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Michael Schumacher to be a GRANDDAD for the first time as daughter Gina announces she’s pregnant 3 months after wedding

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      STRICKEN F1 star Michael Schumacher is to become a grandfather for the first time.The motorsport icon’s daughter Gina, 27, has announced she is pregnant – three months after she married.Michael Schumacher pictured in 2001Credit: GettyGina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyShe shared the news with her 335,000 Instagram followers, saying: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl”.Gina accompanied the message with a picture of a foal standing next to pink balloons.It comes after horse enthusiast Gina tied the knot with Ian Bethke at the family villa in Majorca in September.Schumacher is understood to spend a lot of his time at the £27million villa on the sun-soaked Spanish island his wife Corinna bought in 2017.More on Michael SchumacherThere was speculation at the time that her seven-time F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof.F1 legend Schumacher, 55, has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.The private wedding saw staff told to hand over their mobile phones before entering the villa so no photos would be taken inside.Guests were also instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door and no media outlets were allowed to attend.Most read in MotorsportThe ceremony at the Port d’Andratx villa lasted around half an hour and was followed by a banquet and party.And the day before the wedding, around 100 guests were invited to a ‘White Party’.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateSecurity measures were ramped up in and outside the exclusive Mhares Sea Club in Puigderrós.Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship nearly seven years ago.The reports about the wedding in January did not specify whether Michael would attend.He turned 55 in January just days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident on December 29.But German outlet Bild claimed in September it was “very likely” Schumacher was present at the ceremony.Guests are said to have included Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne.Schumacher’s close friend, fellow F1 ace Johnny Herbert, rubbished reports Schumacher attended.Michael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexThe Grand Prix winning Brit said he expects Michael’s life to always remain behind closed doors with even major events like a family wedding not being worth the media frenzy it could create.Speaking to FlashscoreUSA, Herbert said: “It will always be a closed shop.”The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding.”Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.”Since 2013, Schumacher’s wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally. More

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      Red Bull announce 22-year-old will be Max Verstappen’s new team-mate hours after Sergio Perez axe

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      LIAM LAWSON has been announced as Max Verstappen’s new Formula One team-mate.The news comes following Red Bull’s axing of Sergio Perez on Wednesday.Liam Lawson has been named as Max Verstappen’s new team-mate at Red BullCredit: RexSergio Perez had a poor season partnering the four-time world championCredit: PALiam Lawson impressed across six races at Red Bull’s sister team Visa CashApp RBCredit: GettyPerez, 34, had a poor season in the second Red Bull seat, finishing eighth in the World Drivers Championship and seeing the constructor finish down in third in the World Constructors Championship.Following months of speculation, Perez’s exit from the Racing Bulls was announced, with 22-year-old Lawson being named as his replacement to pair with Verstappen from 2025.New Zealander Lawson joined the F1 grid in 2024 as a late-season replacement for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull’s sister team Visa CashApp RB (VCARB), managing to score four points over the final six races of the season.His first stint in F1 had arrived in 2023 when he was subbed in for Ricciardo following injury.READ MORE IN F1A statement from Team Principal Christian Horner said: “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.”On the move, Lawson said: “To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me.”This is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old. It’s been an incredible journey so far.“I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I also want to thank, Christian [Horner, Red Bull boss], Helmut [Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet steal the show as they join Christian Horner and Max Verstappen at plush FIA AwardsSavage 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.Red Bull had narrowed their list to partner Verstappen to promoting one of Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, before ultimately choosing the Kiwi driver despite the Japanese driver’s own impressive full year.Being the partner driver to Verstappen in the main Red Bull team has been a notoriously difficult task for many drivers.However, with just 11 races in F1 under his belt, Lawson is the least experienced of the lot, with Alex Albon having had just 12 races and Pierre Gasly having 26 before their ill-fated stints with Red Bull.Lawson’s now former team, RB, said in a statement: “Liam has truly impressed with his performances, showcasing his resilience, adaptability, and growing confidence as he navigated the challenges of a highly competitive grid. “Although his time with us has been brief, Liam has made a real impact, earning the respect of everyone in the team. “We want to thank Liam for his dedication and all the effort he’s given during his time with the team. “We wish him the best of luck as he takes on this exciting new chapter with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and we look forward to watching his growth in the sport. We’ll see you on the track old sport!”Lawson’s move leaves one seat up for grabs on the 2025 F1 grid.However, it is expected that F2 runner-up Isack Hadjar – another driver from the Red Bull driver academy – will fill the remaining seat.The first race of the 2025 F1 season will be held in Australia on March 16.Lawson, who joined the Red Bull driver academy in 2019, will be one of five full-time debutant drivers on the grid next season.Britain’s own Ollie Bearman landed a full-time seat with Haas for next year after a number of strong substitute appearances for both Haas and Ferrari across the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThree stars – so far – will be driving F1 cars competitively for the first time when the lights go out in Melbourne next spring.Those are Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes successor, Kimi Antonelli, McLaren junior, Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber and Alpine Academy driver, Jack Doohan, who will drive with the parent team.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      F1 boss Christian Horner puts year from hell behind him as he collects CBE with wife Geri by his side

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      FORMULA 1 boss Christian Horner put his hellish year behind him as he collected a CBE — with Spice Girl wife Geri by his side.The Red Bull chief, 51, picked up the gong from King Charles yesterday for his services to motorsports.F1 boss Christian Horner put his hellish year behind him as he collected a CBE — with Spice Girl wife Geri by his sideHorner picked up the gong from King Charles for his services to motorsportsCredit: PAGeri, 52, looked more Posh than Baby Spice in a netted veil and headband.The award capped a rollercoaster year for the racing boss who was cleared after being accused of sending intimate texts to a colleague.He said about meeting the King at the ceremony in Buckingham Palace: “He was charming.”Horner was accused of sending the intimate late-night texts to the woman, in her 40s, who reported him to HR executives at the racing team.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERIt sparked a months-long internal misconduct probe which threatened to force Horner, who has led Red Bull since 2005, to leave in disgrace.And it even put his marriage in jeopardy with the allegations leaving Geri “mortified and angry” at her husband of nine years.An internal probe cleared Horner in February and his accuser’s appeal was thrown out in August, with Horner adding he was “relieved” to be in the clear.Now he and Geri, who share a seven-year-old son, are said to be putting the furore behind them and moving on.Most read in MotorsportLast Friday the couple put on a smitten display during the FIA Awards in Kigali, Rwanda.Horner has also mended the bridge with Max Verstappen’s dad Jos – who was said to be pushing for his sacking during the investigation.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feud More

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      WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live stream FREE: How to watch epic New York show

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      TIME to take a trip down memory lane as WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event returns tonight – and fans can tune in for FREE!The iconic event is back on the big screens for the first time since it was last aired in 2008.And it is expected to be jam-packed with nostalgic moments which includes Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura on commentary.Jesse Ventura will be on commentary duties at WWE Saturday Night’s Main EventCredit: GettyFurthermore, the card is stacked with battles for THREE championship belts and a new title on up for grabs.This historic show also marks the final event before WWE makes it major move to Netflix in January.But first and foremost, fans want to know how they can watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, and you can find out below.Where can I watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event for FREE?Fans in the US can tune into WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC.While fans in the UK will be able to stream the entire action for FREE on WWE’s official YouTube channel.These huge events are typically only available via the WWE Network or on TNT Sports Box Office.But this will all change in January, 2025 when the WWE complete the switch to Netflix as part of a mega $5billion deal.Most read in MotorsportWhen is WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place TONIGHT – Saturday, December 14.It is scheduled to get underway 8pm in the US.Fans in the UK will have to wait until 1am before seeing the action unfoldWhat is the WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event FULL card?Here is the full card for this iconic event:WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin OwensWorld Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Damian PriestWomen’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo SkyWomen’s United States Championship final: Bayley or Chelsea Green vs. Michin or Tiffany StrattonSami Zayn vs Drew McIntyreWhat has been said?Mike Johnson of PWinsider reported that WWE planned to finish off the feud between Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed before Reed sustained a broken foot injury.However, Drew McIntyre’s early return from the treatment table will see him go straight into the ring against Sami Zayn.Speaking on his absence, McIntyre said: “I was off the past two months. “My last match was a Hell in a Cell match, a very brutal match. I got hit in the head at one point, I needed 16 staples to close a wound on the top of my head.”I suffered a family loss as well. So I had to go back to Scotland, deal with that, re-evaluate my priorities.“I realized that I had probably given a bit too much to my profession and to my colleagues and not enough to my family. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Kind of realized I’ve been giving too much for the past 17 years, and it’s time to probably start taking a little more, so I’m very much going into tonight with the mentality, I’m gonna take what’s mine, I’m gonna beat up people that deserve to be beat up. “Yeah, this is gonna be an interesting phase for Drew McIntyre.” More

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      ‘I retract that’, Lando Norris takes back controversial Max Verstappen comments made during bitter end to F1 season

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      LANDO NORRIS has retracted a controversial comment he made about Max Verstappen after a race this season.The Brit helped McLaren win their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998 and also finished second in the Drivers’ Championship.Lando Norris retracted his controversial Max Verstappen commentCredit: GettyVerstappen and Norris clashed on and off the track this yearCredit: RexHe gave Verstappen a good test for most of the season but ultimately came up short, with one Grand Prix proving pivotal.In Brazil at the beginning of November Norris squandered his pole position to finish sixth, with Verstappen taking the chequered flag despite starting 16th on grid.McLaren’s decision not to pit Norris before a red flag cost him the chance of a win, with Verstappen able to change his tyres before claiming the win.Norris bemoaned Red Bull’s luck in a comment he has now retracted.READ MORE IN F1He said after the race in Brazil: “It shouldn’t have been red flagged, that was the crash in the end which caused the red so that’s life sometimes. You take a gamble and it’s paid off for them. It’s not talent, it’s just luck.”I don’t care about the hindsight side of things, that’s luck for them [Red Bull], nothing more.”They got lucky on a rule [the freedom to change tyres under a red flag] that no one agrees with. Probably them they agreed with it but every driver has disagreed with it in the past.”Today it benefitted then, it could have benefitted us if we just stayed out, but that’s a stupid thing to think of. Just a bit unlucky today, nothing more. Of course, disappointing.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris, 25, did also admit Verstappen was faster in Sao Paolo but during an appearance at the FIA Awards he made sure to retract his previous statement.He said: “First of all, I retract that comment back there, where I said it was all luck, no talent.”Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistNorris continued: “First of all, congratulations to Max [Verstappen]. What he did this year, what he did in Brazil, of course, was incredible.”I’m the first one to acknowledge such a thing when I’m the one going up against him. It was a tough season, of course. I tried to put up my best and give the best battle that I could, but this year was not enough.”At the same time, sometimes I’m happy to finish second to Max, because I think it’s an achievement to do a lot better than that. A wonderful year for myself. A lot of achievements.”A lot of improvements from myself — but I also know that I need to step it up and do more than I did this year, so I’m excited to look forward to next year and try to do the same.”The pair clashed on and off the track this year with Verstappen receiving two penalties after forcing Norris off the circuit at the Mexico Grand Prix.Norris said on radio after the incident: “This guy is dangerous. I just had to avoid a crash. It’s the same as last time.”They also clashed at the Austrian Grand Prix and both suffered punctures, but it was Verstappen who again was hit with a penalty.But the pair were on good terms by the next race with Verstappen, 27, saying: “The only thing that I cared about is maintaining my relationship with Lando, because we are great friends.”That for me, after the race, I said we have to just let things cool down because emotions run high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think we came to the conclusion that we actually really enjoyed our battle. “We looked at the incident, it was such a silly little touch that of course had great consequences for both of us, and a bit more for Lando with how the puncture then evolved. We like to race hard.”Verstappen was in attendance at Friday’s FIA awardsCredit: GettyHe and Norris appeared on good terms at the bashCredit: Getty More

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      Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet steal the show as they join Christian Horner and Max Verstappen at plush FIA Awards

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      GERI HORNER and Kelly Piquet attended last night’s FIA Awards alongside their partners at a glitzy bash in Kigali, Rwanda.The pair joined Christian Horner and Max Verstappen as they celebrated the latter’s latest Formula 1 world title.Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet pose on the blue carpet with Max Verstappen and Christian HornerCredit: InstagramKelly posted a selfie with partner MaxCredit: InstagramThe Horners took a snap from the back of their rideCredit: InstagramLast night’s bash saw stars of the sport don their tuxedos for an evening of celebrations.Piquet, who announced that she is pregnant earlier this month, wore a stunning black gown for the event.Geri, meanwhile, went for an elegant white dress.Verstappen also posed for pictures with colleagues Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, who came second and third in this season’s championship respectively.READ MORE IN F1Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri was also present in Kigali as his team celebrated winning the constructor’s championship.After collecting his world drivers’ trophy, Verstappen reflected on 2024 before looking forward to the year ahead.The 27-year-old said: “This season as you could see was quite up and down.”We had a great start to the year, everything was looking great. I think especially from the outside, of course, as a team you always understand your limitations and what you want to work on.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVerstappen was joined at the ceremony by pregnant partner KellyCredit: GettyThe Horners posed for snaps togetherCredit: Rex”The competition did a great job, they improved their cars a lot and made it a lot more difficult for us – especially in the constructors’.”We had a bit of a tough run in the middle of the season but even when we were under pressure, and having tough times, I think the team really stuck together.Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet turns heads in bold black outfit”We didn’t panic, which could easily be done I think in those kinds of situations.”At the end of the day I’m just very proud of everyone in the team as well. Of course we’re not standing here as constructors’ champions but, in a way, I do think we deserved a little bit more in that championship.”I tried my very best and we also know a lot what we have to work on for next year. I’m very excited about that as well because it does look like it’s going to be a proper fight between a lot of teams.”Not present was Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who scored just 49 points between Week 7 and Week 24.Asked about the Mexican’s potential replacement Liam Lawson, Horner said: “I think Liam, in challenging circumstances, has done a very good job. If you analyse what he’s done in the time that he’s had and the race pace he’s had, I think he’s done a good job.”I think Yuki’s (Tsunoda) done a good job, so in the event that anything were decided with Checo (Perez) they would be the candidates we would look towards.”Verstappen was joined by Lando Norris and Charles LeclercCredit: GettyKelly and Max are expecting a child togetherCredit: Rex More

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      Formula One could be heading back to Africa for the first time in 31 years as Rwanda launches historic bid

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      RWANDAN president Paul Kagame has announced his country’s bid to host a Formula One race.F1 have not been to Africa since the last South African Grand Prix in 1993.Rwanda president Paul Kagame wants to his nation to host an F1 raceCredit: ReutersMax Verstappen was handed his trophy for winning a fourth world title in a row at an awards ceremony in Rwandan capital Kigali today.Kagame spoke at the event, addressing the FIA’s General Assembly: “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.”A big thank you to (F1 chief executive) Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far.”I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. READ MORE IN F1″Together we will build something we can all be proud of.”Domenicali said in August that Rwanda wanted to host a race at a permanent circuit.Reports claim the track, to be designed by a company run by Austrian former F1 racer Alexander Wurz, would be located near a new international airport under construction 40km from Kigali.Lewis Hamilton said in August that the time was right to head to Africa and he was working behind-the-scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to make it happen.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe seven-time world champ said: “The time’s 100 per cent right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa.”I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?”Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and SuzukaThe FIA is holding its general assemblies in Africa this week for the first time and the FIA’s Emirati President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda’s Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema met earlier in Kigali.Ben Sulayem said: “To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIAs calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport.”We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. “The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”Verstappen is also carrying out “work of public interest” in Rwanda as punishment for swearing in a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in October.The activity involves an FIA Affordable Cross Car built locally in Rwanda from blueprints provided by the governing body.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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More