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    ‘He’s going to leave’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped for shock Ferrari exit after saying he expected ‘painful’ season ahead

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    LEWIS HAMILTON has been tipped to shockingly quit Ferrari.The seven-time world champion is still waiting for his first podium finish this season amid a tough start to life at his new team.Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to leave FerrariCredit: RexJaime Alguersuari [left] has slammed Ferrari as ‘not a winning team’Credit: GettyBut despite being just five races into his two-year deal, Red Bull’s former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari reckons Hamilton will quit Ferrari.Alguersuari, who featured in 46 F1 races between 2009 and 2011, told the After Lap Podcast: “I have the feeling that Hamilton, he’s going to leave.”I don’t know why I’m taking a risk by saying this.”But I have the feeling that he’s like, his time has passed, that he’s already won a lot, that he’s already won everything and that he’s saying: ‘OK, I’ve gone to Ferrari to try and see what happens in 2026.'”READ MORE IN SPORTFerrari last won a constructors’ title 17 years ago and Alguersuari seemed to suggest joining them was a poor move for Hamilton if he wants to surpass Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles.He added: “Ferrari is not a winning team. A team is a team that wins races, but it is not a winning team. They have not won since 2008.”They may have a competitive car, they may have a competitive team, but they don’t have a winning team. There is a difference.”Alguersuari’s comments come as Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after finishing seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last Sunday.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Brit revealed he did “not have an answer” as to why things are going wrong at the moment.He claimed there were “zero” positives and that the race was “horrible” and “not enjoyable”.Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixHamilton went on to say: “At the moment, there’s no fix. This is how it’s going to be for the rest of the year. It’s just going to be painful.” More

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      Watch pimped-out white van break THREE speed records to become world’s fastest front-wheel drive Ford

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      A TRADESMAN’S van has made history by smashing three speed records to become the fastest front wheel drive Ford on the planet.The souped up 2001 Escort sped down a quarter mile drag strip in just 8.72 seconds at Santa Pod Raceway in Podington, Beds.Terry and his fizzingly fast FordCredit: Callum PudgeCheeky tweaks to the engine made it the fastest front-wheel drive Ford on the planetCredit: Callum PudgeTerry’s Ford Escort during its record-breaking runCredit: Youtube/santapodtvDriver and owner Terry Newton, 41, hit a top speed of 168.4mph during his second qualifying pass at last weekend’s Festival of Power event.It beat the previous fastest FWD Ford driven in 8.76 seconds at 152mph by a Focus over 20 years ago – and became the fastest FWD Zetec and Zetec stock block.After obliterating the record on Good Friday, Terry said: “I never dreamed of getting it to go that fast. I didn’t think it was possible.“I hadn’t driven since October and we were only going out to check if the van still worked.Most read in Motors“You set off and you just change gears before pulling a parachute but I knew it must have been a decent time as I could feel it dragging the van into the other lane.“When I found out we’d beaten the record, I instantly cried remembering my seven-year-old daughter Elektra said to go win it when I saw her on Wednesday.“We matched the record last year but to beat it is unbelievable as it takes so much work just to shave off those milliseconds when you reach these high speeds.”Terry, of Fat Pig Racing, swapped the van with a mate for a Mk4 Escort six years ago – and didn’t have high hopes after blowing the head gasket driving it home to Preston, Lancs.Most read in MotorsThe mechanic reckons he’s spent more than £100,000 on modifications to make it reach 60mph in just 1.8 seconds, 100mph in 3.9 seconds and 135mph in 5.9 seconds.The two-litre turbo engine, which makes it quicker than a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, burns seven litres of methanol per quarter mile.It provides around 1,100 brake horsepower and could do 230mph but is too powerful to accurately measure without wheel spinning.Terry, who usually drives a Volkswagen Touareg, credits sponsors and mechanics Chris Eade, dubbed the Turbo Doctor, and Graeme Cook for turning the tradie’s van into a world beater.He added: “There’s still work to do. I’m hoping to win an event next month against racers from all across Europe with a £100,000 prize pot.“I got a phone call from world-famous DJ Carl Cox congratulating me as he’s a lovely guy who also races in our class with his own team.“To be the proud owner of the world’s fastest FWD Ford is a really special moment. The sky’s the limit for this old van.”Sun readers wanting to watch Terry in the Doorslammers event at Santa Pod Raceway on May 16-18 can save 20 per cent on tickets by using code SUN20 at checkout.The tradesmen hit a whopping 168.4mph, beating the previous Ford record of 152mph over twenty years agoCredit: Callum Pudge More

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      ‘This cannot be real’ – Fans disgusted by ‘soulless’ new F1 track as driver-view video of street circuit revealed

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      F1 FANS have been left disgusted at a new track after it was revealed in a computer-generated video.The organisers of the new Madrid Grand Prix released a simulation of what the new ‘Madring’ circuit would look like after it is finished.Fans have slammed a simulation of the new Madring circuitCredit: xThe simulation did not give the impression of a lot going on outside the circuitCredit: xThe car even struggled to stay on the track at timesCredit: xThe penultimate corner saw the car almost hit the wallCredit: xThe video shows an F1 car driving around the empty track and passing empty stands.Overlooking the track are a few trees and featureless buildings.Even the simulated car endured issues trying to stay on the narrow track at times.In the first chicane, the car struggles to follow the corners and instead cuts both of them and then almost spins out.READ MORE ON F1While in the penultimate corner, the car completely leaves the track after going too wide and almost hitting the wall.The clip was shared on social media, and fans have been left very unenthused by the potential addition to the race calendar.One posted: “It’s terrible, no soul.”A second commented: “Another s**t street circuit.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third wrote: “This isn’t real right guys, tell me this isn’t real.”A fourth said: “This cannot be real surely.Iconic F1 Grand Prix at the Imola circuit has some challenging corners for drivers The track has a 10-year contract to host F1Credit: autosportAnother added: “It’s a brand new track… and there’s still no chance of overtaking. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, street circuits are rubbish.”The track will take an average time of 1.34.4 and has 22 turns throughout.The entire circuit is 3.3 miles long and cars can top out at 186.411mph.Construction is underway, and it is aimed to be completed by May 2026.This could then see the track make its debut in the F1 later that year.The Spanish Grand Prix has been held in Montmelo, Barcelona, for the last 35 years.Read More on The SunThe new track is also very close to the airport and passes right next to Real Madrid’s training facilities.It has a 10-year deal to host F1, ensuring the Madring will remain on the calendar until at least 2035. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s son ‘splits from Miss Universe finalist girlfriend’ after she was ‘invited into inner circle’

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      MICK SCHUMACHER has split from girlfriend Laila Hasanovich, according to reports.The former Formula 1 driver, 26, had been dating the model since 2022.Mick Schumacher had been dating Laila Hasanovich since 2022Credit: InstagramLaila is a model and former Miss Universe finalistCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovicHasanovich was brought into the family’s “inner circle” – and was Mick’s only girlfriend to have visited his F1 legend father, Michael.Per German outlet Bild, however, both Schumacher and Hasanovich have recently been spotted on celebrity dating app Raya.The former Haas driver has also removed the most recent pictures of himself with Hasanovich from his Instagram account.Profiles on Raya are verified by connecting to users’ Instagram accounts.READ MORE IN SPORTHasanovich, 24, was a finalist at the 2019 Miss Universe Denmark pageant.Based in Copenhagen, she has gathered a huge 343,000-strong Instagram following.Schumacher, meanwhile, is racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Alpine.He previously competed in Formula 1 for Haas during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, while he served as reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023 and 2024.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLaila has been spotted on celebrity dating app RayaCredit: instagram @f1gossippofficialSchumacher, 26, has also been seen on the appCredit: instagram @f1gossippofficialMick’s father Michael has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in 2013.The German suffered traumatic brain injuries following a collision in Meribel, France.Mick Schumacher’s model girlfriend sends clear message on engagement after being invited into ‘inner circle’Since the devastating accident, Schumacher’s wife Corinna has created a private world around her husband.The tight-knit group is said to feature former team-mate Luca Badoer and manager Sabine Kehm – as well as ex-Ferrari star Felipe Massa.Asked about his meeting with Schumacher, Massa, 43, said: “I saw him.”But I think we always have to respect Corinna’s decision.”Schumacher was like that, always very reserved with his family.”Even when he was still racing, his children only entered the racetrack when the race started, so as not to have the press on them.”Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his 2013 skiing accidentCredit: Getty More

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      Lando Norris follows in Lewis Hamilton’s footsteps with major personal change that transformed Brit’s career at Mercedes

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      FORMULA ONE star Lando Norris has committed to a major lifestyle change in a bid to become a world champion.The 25-year-old currently sits second in the 2025 driver rankings, behind McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.Lando Norris has committed to a major lifestyle changeCredit: ReutersThe McLaren star has followed a move made by Lewis HamiltonCredit: GettyHe already has one win to his name from five races, with three additional podium finishes.And in a bid to become the best on the grid, the Brit has followed in the footsteps of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.Norris revealed at the weekend that he recently decided to stop drinking alcohol.The McLaren man claimed that he “can’t afford” to party while fighting for the championship.READ MORE IN F1He travelled to Holland to enjoy Kings Day celebrations last April, just days before the Miami Grand Prix.Norris went on to win the race in Florida – the first victory of his F1 career.But he will not be celebrating the Dutch festival this year.Norris told Viaplay: “I’m fighting for a championship. I can’t afford to do these things. I’ll go back home and train.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This race was tough, it was physically demanding…”There’s much more to life than to drink. I’ve not drunk all year and I’m proud of that. [I’ll] keep working hard, so no fun for me.”Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashesBack in 2023, F1 icon Hamilton revealed that he cut out drinking in a bid to improve performance – and was thrilled with the results.He told Vogue: “I’ll suffer [from a hangover] for several days – sometimes it’ll be like three or four days.”I’ve always been looking for how do you get that extra one percent? As an athlete, that’s what you are always doing.”I don’t know if I’m going to drink again. Since I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve just been feeling so much better, so much more clarity.”I sleep better, I wake up in the morning and I can still get up at 5 a.m.”Both drivers are next in action at the Miami GP on May 4. More

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      Red Bull ‘hold informal talks’ with George Russell to replace Max Verstappen in 2026

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      RED BULL have held informal talks with George Russell over a shock move, according to reports.There could be several changes in the paddock at the end of this year.Red Bull have reportedly held informal talks with George RussellCredit: RexMax Verstappen’s future is unclearCredit: RexRussell, 27, was promoted to Mercedes’ main driver this year following Sir Lewis Hamilton’s departure.He joined the team three years ago and is out of contract at the end of the year.So far there has been little activity from Mercedes with regard to extending his deal.Red Bull chief Christian Horner has looked to capitalise on that ambiguity and has held informal talks with the driver, report The Race.READ MORE IN F1It is possible Horner is lining up Russell as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen.The four-time world champion also faces an uncertain future despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.That is because he has an exit clause in his contract which could be activated later this year.Reports have linked Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, while Aston Martin and McLaren are also interested in the Dutchman.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMercedes team principal Toto Wolff is known to be a big fan of Verstappen, but Horner has played down speculation he could leave.He said: “I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there’s been a lot of noise outside of the team.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we’re focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he’s a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay.” More

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      Ferrari boss blasts ‘f****** bull***’ Lewis Hamilton claim as F1 star predicts ‘painful’ first year with team

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      FERRARI boss Fred Vasseur blasted the “f***ing bull****” claims that Lewis Hamilton’s form has fallen off a cliff.Seven-time world champion Hamilton had another weekend to forget at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after his slow start to the season continued with a seventh-place finish.Lewis Hamilton had another weekend to forgot in the Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: RexHamilton finished 30 seconds behind team-mate Charles LeclercCredit: RexHamilton sits seventh in the drivers’ championshipCredit: RexButFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur defended Hamilton’s form in a X-rated interviewCredit: GettyThe Brit, 40, described his performance in Jeddah as “horrible” and predicted a “painful” first year with Ferrari — even just five races in.He finished a massive 30 seconds behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who provided a glimmer of hope for the Italian team with their first podium of the season.Hamilton won last month’s sprint race in China but has since been out-qualified by Leclerc in Japan, Bahrain and Saudi.Asked why Hamilton’s form has dropped dramatically in the last month, Vasseur said: “Dramatically?! We did five races so far.READ MORE F1 NEWS“I know you want a big headline saying Fred said this but this is f***ing bull****.“We are in a competition. You have ups and downs. When we are up, we are not world champions and when we are down, we are not nowhere.”Hamilton is desperately looking for answers on how to turn things around in his first year since joining from Mercedes.He sits seventh in the drivers’ championship, with his best result of the season fifth place in Bahrain just over a week ago.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo make matters worse, Leclerc drove exceptionally in Jeddah, looking at ease in the car and overtaking Hamilton’s former team-mate George Russell to claim third.Vasseur added on Hamilton: “I will be 2,000 per cent behind him and  give him support here. We’ll start to find solutions.Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand Prix“I am not worried. Look at what he did in China or  in the race in Bahrain last week or even in the first part of the session this weekend, the potential is there.”The Frenchman added: “For sure he is down because when you finish in seventh and your team-mate is on the podium.“I take it as a positive  Lewis is down because if he was happy with this, it wouldn’t be normal.“He’s a racer and a competitor. He wants to get the best from what he has and he is disappointed.“Now we have to work together  and it will be the only way to move forward.”Oscar Piastri claimed consecutive Grand Prix wins, while Max Verstappen finished second, after being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Both Russell and Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes Kimi Antonelli are above the legendary Brit in the standings.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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      Raging Christian Horner told brings picture evidence against ‘very harsh’ Max Verstappen F1 penalty at Saudi Arabia GP

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER presented fresh evidence disputing the “very harsh” penalty given to Max Verstappen at the Formula One Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.Verstappen finished the race in second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, but was only overtaken after being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Raging Christian Horner showed a printed picture to media claiming Max Verstappen was wrong to be punished by race stewardsCredit: RexVerstappen was handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantageCredit: GettyHe came second to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexThe incident occurred off of the race start at Turn 1 as Piastri made it to the first corner apex quicker than Verstappen.The Red Bull star then abandoned his attempt at making the second turn in the chicane, instead driving over the track limits to not lose any time.Piastri, 24, was over the team radio asserting he was ahead at the corner and that Verstappen needed to give the position back, while the Dutchman said he had been left with nowhere to go.Verstappen, 27, was then handed a penalty by race stewards which he responded to by saying “f***ing lovely” down the team radio, before serving it during his mandatory pit stop.READ MORE IN F1That advantage ended up being the difference as Piastri won his third race win of the season, making him the first Australian to lead the World Drivers Championship since Mark Webber in 2010.But in the media room after the race, fuming Red Bull team principal Christian Horner went around waving a picture of the Turn 1 incident as supposed evidence that the penalty was wrong.F1 reporter Chris Medland said a rival team principal not from McLaren told Horner: “Let it go, he was never making that corner.”Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Horner said: “We have that discussion before the race with the directors. We have the notion of let them race but I’m not sure where Max is supposed to go.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFuming Verstappen stormed out of his post-race interview with David Coulthard and was quiet in the cooldown room before the podium.He later went full Jose Mourinho as he raged on the penalty: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull future”The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth. For me it’s better. “I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time. We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.”On whether he would appeal the decision, the four-time world champion said it was “not in my interest” and was only looking to go home.After the race the FIA released a statement explaining their decision, revealing Verstappen had actually escaped a punishment of double the severity.It said: “Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex. Based on the Driver’s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81’s corner and hewas entitled to be given room.”Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back. He stayed in front of Car 81 and sought to build on the advantage.”Ordinarily, the baseline penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds.”However, given that this was lap one and turn one incident, we considered that to be a mitigating circumstance and imposed a 5 second time penalty instead.”Read More on The SunSaudi Arabia brought a close to the first triple-header of the F1 season, with a week break now before the Miami Grand Prix on May 4.Piastri leads the World Drivers Championship ahead of team-mate Lando Norris, who recovered from a crash in qualifying to finish fourth, by 10 points and Verstappen by 12 points.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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      ‘People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN feels the FIA is gagging him as the four-time world champion says “people cannot handle the truth”.The Dutch Red Bull driver was left frustrated after being slapped with a five-second penalty for illegally going off the track in a battle with Oscar Piastri on the first lap.Max VErstappen hit out at his penalty during the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe also confronted FIA President Mohammed ben SulayemCredit: GettyThis cost Verstappen, who finished in second, and he slammed the punishment as “f***ing lovely” on his team radio and walked off after a blunt post-race interview.When asked about the penalty he said: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.“The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth.“For me it’s better. I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time.READ MORE ON F1“We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming.“Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.When asked if his anger was directed at the FIA’s swearing rules, he said: “I know I cannot swear in here but at the same time you can also not be critical.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Or any kind of form that might harm or danger, let me get the sheet out…“There’s a lot of lines, that’s why it’s better not to talk about it or you can get yourself in trouble and I don’t think anyone wants that.”Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureOscar Piastri won the Saudi GPCredit: GettyVerstappen suggested that he could be hit with a fine if he were to speak out of line.And he wouldn’t have been the first driver to have to pay up for an unusual reason.Carlos Sainz was hit with a £17,000 bill for breaching pre-race procedure despite suffering a medical issue at the Japanese Grand Prix.The punishment came after he was seconds late to the national anthem due to an upset stomach.He has then risked a £34,500 fine for his X-rated outburst following the original sanction.McLaren’s Piastri powered home to win the Saudi GP and go top of the Drivers’ Championship.After claiming victory, Piastri said: “I’m looking for a couch, it was a pretty tough race.”I’m very happy to have obviously won, I made the difference at the start and made my case into Turn One, and that was enough.”It was really tricky to follow out there, I couldn’t really stay with Max Verstappen at the end of the first stint and I just chewed up my tyres.”The clean air was nice after the pit stop, it was a clean race and we did the parts we needed to right.”We still needed a bit more, Max [Verstappen] was a bit too close for our liking but a great race and a great weekend.”There is now a two-week break before the next F1 race.Read More on The SunRace six will come on May 4 in Miami as the first of three races in the United States this season.It is also the second Sprint Race of the season, following on from China.Drivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season…P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10 More