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      Huge F1 row erupts on eve of Brazilian GP as Red Bull accuse title rivals McLaren of illegally tampering with tyres

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      A HUGE row has erupted before the Brazilian GP between Red Bull and McLaren.Red Bull have accused their title rivals of injecting water into their tyres to cool them.Red Bull, who have Christian Horner as team principal, have accused McLaren of tampering with their tyresLando Norris in action for McLaren in the Sprint raceThe constructor, who have Christian Horner as team principal, claim McLaren have inserted either water or an unknown substance through a valve in the tyre.They first came to that conclusion in Singapore when a jet of water came flying out of the tyre rims.Red Bull have informed the FIA, who will reportedly keep a close eye on the allegation.McLaren have dismissed Red Bull’s theory. While a spokesperson for Pirelli tyres has confirmed if they felt there was anything tampering with their equipment, they would have told the FIA themselves.Read more F1 newsPirelli regularly collect all the tyres after F1 races and analyse them.The reason for using water, or any other substance, to cool tyres before they are fitted to their cars in a race is to help limit thermal degradation.This, in turn, would help drivers drive faster, especially in the later stages of a Grand Prix.The FIA have already banned this practice before.Most read in MotorsportSeveral teams, including Red Bull, were said to have done it a number of years ago.Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistNow Red Bull believe their rivals are doing it and achieving better performances.Red Bull and McLaren are already at loggerheads – with their drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, respectively, fighting to be world champion.McLaren’s ‘mini DRS’ was scrutinised by Red Bull recently, which forced them to tweak the design after conversations with the FIA.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCurrently champ Verstappen’s lead at the top was cut to 44 points, after Oscar Piastri let Norris through to win the Sprint.However, in the constructor’s standings it’s a different story.McLaren lead Red Bull by a whopping 63 points, with their nearest rival being Ferrari who trail by only 34 points. More

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      Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hours

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      THE Brazilian Grand Prix has descended into chaos after intense storms saw qualifying cancelled.Torrential rain drenched both the track and F1 fans in Sao Paulo prior to the start of Saturday’s Q1. Storms have hit Sao Paulo during the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: APPools of water formed on the track at the Autodromo Jose Carlos PaceCredit: AlamyMarshals attempted to clear the track but the FIA has since cancelled racingCredit: APLando Norris had earlier won the sprint race at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace before heavy rain halted proceedings. Following hours of delays, qualifying was eventually postponed until Sunday.A statement released by the FIA said: “The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours. “There is a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe.READ MORE ON F1″As much as we would all like to see competition on track, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.”A decision on a start time for qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible.”Qualifying will now take place before the Grand Prix, which is scheduled to start at 2pm local time (5pm GMT).McLaren’s Norris cut Max Verstappen’s lead to 45 points in the Drivers Championship thanks to help from teammate Oscar Piastri.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPiastri moved over to allow Norris through just two laps before the end of the race on team orders.Following the race, Norris said: “Not proud about it, but we worked well as a team together. I thank Oscar.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race “Today was the result we wanted, Oscar deserved it but I thank him and the team.”It was yo-yoing a little bit. The dirty air costs you a lot of lap time.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. “I felt a bit quicker but I couldn’t get close enough to pass.”I felt we were quicker than the guys behind but it’s difficult in the sprint to know how much to manage [the tyres].” More

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      Lando Norris wins vital Brazilian GP sprint race after being gifted lead by team-mate as he closes gap on Max Verstappen

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      LANDO NORRIS has won the vital Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race after a helping hand from Oscar Piastri.His team-mate allowed him through just two laps before the end of the race on team orders.Lando Norris won the sprint race at the Brazilian GP after help from Oscar PiastriCredit: GettyMax Verstappen had to settle for fourth position after a penalty decisionCredit: GettyNorris, 24, had his win made more tense than needed as McLaren delayed the order until it was almost too late.Communication was made with Piastri after Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was on their tail.The Belgian racer had passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with just six laps to go.The extra points for Norris means that Verstappen’s lead as been cut to 45 points.READ MORE ON SPORTThis was part of McLaren’s plan as they went into the sprint aiming for a Norris win to slash the rival’s lead.However, there was almost a spanner thrown into the works as Nico Hulkenburg’s Haas pulled up on Lap 21.Luckily, the position swap between Norris and Piastri was made before a safety car was deployed.If it had not, then it would have allowed the Red Bull to close the gap, and Piastir would have likely won the sprint.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the race, Norris was quick to show his appreciation to his team-mate’s efforts.He said: “Not proud about it, but we worked well as a team together. I thank Oscar.Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?”Today was the result we wanted, Oscar deserved it but I thank him and the team.”It was yo-yoing a little bit. The dirty air costs you a lot of lap time.”I felt a bit quicker but I couldn’t get close enough to pass.”I felt we were quicker than the guys behind but it’s difficult in the sprint to know how much to manage [the tyres].”Verstappen finished the sprint in third place but was handed a five-second penalty for going too fast under the VSC.This dropped the Red Bull Racing star to fourth. READ MORE SUN STORIESA statement from the stewards said: “[Verstappen] was 0.63 seconds below the minimum time at VSC End when the FIA light panels changed to green.”This indicates a sporting advantage gained under VSC.” More

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      Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twist

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      LANDO NORRIS hit back at a reporter after being asked about his championship battle with Max Verstappen.The McLaren star is 47 points off his rival with just four races to go.Lando Norris did not like being questioned about Max VerstappenCredit: Sky SportsThe rivals had a war of words this week after almost crashing in Mexico CityCredit: GettyBut he will start at the front of the grid for the Sprint in Sao Paulo after finishing second in qualifying behind team-mate Oscar Piastri.Verstappen will start directly behind Norris in fourth place, with Charles Leclerc pipping him to third in Friday’s session, but the Dutchman will be hit with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race.Norris, 24, was pleased with his performance but his mood was dampened after a reporter questioned whether the result was good news for his championship battle with Verstappen.Shaking his head, Norris told Formula 1: “I don’t care. I hate these questions so much.READ MORE F1″I’m just going to race. I don’t care about where he qualifies. For me, it’s just focus on my own job and that’s it.”It’s the same question every time but it doesn’t matter. If he’s first, if he’s last, I’ll do the best I can.”Norris and Verstappen clashed on the track last week in Mexico City, with the latter receiving two 10-second penalties for his actions.Verstappen forced his rival off the track and the pair came close to a rash, with the FIA finding the Dutchman at fault.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Norris was critical of the three-time world champion over race radio and has since claimed Verstappen knows he was in the wrong.He said: “Max knows what he has to do. He knows he did wrong, deep down he does. And it’s for him to change, not me.Toto Wolff has his say on Lando Norris’ penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage over Max Verstappen “Max is one of the most capable drivers on the grid, if not the most. He knows what he can and can’t do and what the limits are.” More

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      Kelly Piquet celebrates four years with Max Verstappen by sharing bikini pic after couple put on PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Kelly Piquet celebrated four years together after packing on the PDA at the US Grand Prix. The model, 35, has been dating three-time F1 world championVerstappen, 27, since late 2020.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet celebrate four years togetherCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetThe two packed on the PDA in TexasCredit: ReutersThe two have been together since late 2020Credit: instagram @kellypiquetThe two were pictured sharing a passionate kiss in Texas after the Dutch champion came third. And Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked in the sun. The Brazilian is the daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson. Although she was born in Germany to her Brazilian dad and Dutch mum Sylvia, Kelly spent much of her childhood in France.READ MORE F1And Verstappen is not the only racer she has dated having been in a relationship with Russian Daniil Kvyat. The pair began dating in January 2017 and have a daughter together, Penelope, months before they split up in December 2019.And around a year later, Verstappen entered into a relationship with Kelly, going Instagram official in January 2021.Ironically, Verstappen actually replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in the second half of the 2016 F1 season.Most read in MotorsportThe reigning champ stands atop of the 2024 standings with Britain’s Lando Norris trailing in second. And in a boost to Norris, rival Verstappen will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in Brazil. The penalty comes after Red Bull put a new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 with four races remaining.Verstappen’s grid penalty will boost Norris’ hopes of reducing the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Kelly Piquet is a Brazilian modelCredit: instagram @kellypiquetHer dad is a former F1 championCredit: Instagram kellypiquetKelly pictured outside Viktor & Rolf in JanuaryCredit: GettyKelly was in a relationship with Russian Daniil KvyatCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet More

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      Final MotoGP race cancelled after track swept away and car park left underwater with new venue to be announced

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      THE final MotoGP race of the season has been moved from Valencia due to horrific flooding destroying the track.The death toll from the floods in the Spanish city has exceeded 200 people as it continues to decimate locals.The final race of the 2024 MotoGP season will no longer take place in ValenciaCredit: GettyFlooding has destroyed the track and left the car park underwaterCredit: XImages posted on social media have shown the state of the circuitCredit: XPictures of the MotoGP circuit were shared on social media earlier this week showing it had been ripped apart by the extreme weather, with the car park left underwater.Now organisers have confirmed the race, which was set to be the season finale on November 17, has been cancelled.The last race of 2024 will instead take place elsewhere at a location to be confirmed.The official statement from MotoGP read: “We have been in constant contact with the local authorities and the circuit to best assess how we can help and how we should proceed.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”We have a responsibility to every region where we race that goes far beyond the sport and the events.”After carefully weighing up the potential positive impact of MotoGP racing in Valencia on delayed dates versus ensuring no single resource is diverted from the recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP, the championship and local authorities have been obliged to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.”It continued: “In lieu of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will instead race for Valencia.”The championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area in the way it best serves the people and communities we have been part of for so long.Most read in Motorsport”Our efforts will begin during the Malaysian GP and continue at the final round of 2024, with a new venue and dates to be announced as soon as confirmed.”Fans around the world, our athletes, and paddock deserve a sporting finale to the 2024 season, and one that can make a key contribution to supporting the communities we race in.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’”Any further information regarding the season finale will be confirmed as soon as possible.”Two races remain in the 2024 season – the Malaysian GP and the cancelled Valencia GP which will now be held in another location.Spaniard Jorge Martin leads the championship by 17 points from Italian Francesco Bagnaia – who closed the gap to his title rival with victory in Thailand last weekend. More

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      Huge Lando Norris F1 title boost as Max Verstappen slapped with five-place grid penalty for Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in Brazil in a boost for McLaren title rival Lando Norris.The penalty comes after Red Bull put a new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 with four races remaining. Max Verstappen has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand PrixLando Norris has been handed a boost as he bids to reduce the gap in the Drivers’ ChampionshipVerstappen will be using his sixth internal combustion engine for the race at Interlagos, his second such breach of the season.The move had been expected after the Dutchman finished sixth at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko revealed there was a leak in the previous engine’s intake tract on Sunday.Verstappen’s grid penalty will boost Norris’ hopes of reducing the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship.READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWSWith the Brazilian GP being a Sprint track, Interlagos will host a shortened race on Saturday.But Verstappen’s penalty only applies to Sunday’s full-length contest.Meanwhile, Norris topped the only practice session in Sao Paulo earlier today, with qualifying due to start at 6:30pm.Verstappen leads Norris with four races of the season remaining.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe three-time champ aborted his only attempt at a flying lap on soft tyres and finished 15th in practice.Verstappen, 27, was given two 10-second time penalties for being overly aggressive in wheel-to-wheel combat with Norris last Sunday.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing He finished 59 seconds down on race-winner Carlos Sainz in Mexico, so even without the penalties, would have been fourth at best.Norris closed the gap after picking up 18 points following his second-place finish.Verstappen, who has not won since June’s Spanish GP, did not want to go into details about the incidents and was more concerned about Red Bull’s lack of pace.Each driver is entitled to use four power units throughout the course of the season and face grid penalties for exceeding the limit.Verstappen incurred a 10-place grid penalty after taking his fifth engine of the season in Belgium in July.Red Bull’s decision to take the penalty in Brazil will have been largely motivated by the many straightforward overtaking opportunities the circuit presents.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      ‘I’m a three-time world champion, I know what I’m doing’, rages Max Verstappen as he hits back at ‘Dick Dastardly’ jibe

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has snapped back at Damon Hill by roaring: “I’m a three-time world champion who knows what I am doing.”Hill, who won a world title with ­Williams in 1996, accused Verstappen of acting like Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly. Max Verstappen has fired back at Damon HillCredit: SplashHill described Verstappen as driving like Dick DastardlyCredit: GettyVerstappen was not happy at the comparison with the cartoon baddyCredit: The SunSeething Verstappen, 27, has hit out at his “biased” and “very annoying” critics after eyebrows were raised over his driving style after a 20-SECOND penalty for forcing title rival Lando Norris off twice in Mexico last weekend.Hill described the F1 Red Bull driver as “daft and like Dick Dastardly”.And he questioned whether Verstappen was capable of driving fairly.But ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen responded: “I don’t listen to those individuals.READ MORE IN F1“I just do my thing. I am a three-time world champion. It is my tenth year in Formula One.“I know what I am doing. Some people are being very annoying, and I don’t pay attention to them.” Norris trails Verstappen by 47 points in the title race with 120 to race for after the Brit came second and the world champ sixth in Mexico City.Verstappen is due to serve a five-place grid drop for Sunday’s race in Sao Paulo for changing engine parts.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris and Verstappen had been best pals on the grid.But the pair have not spoken since Mexico.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race McLaren driver Norris said: “It’s not for me to speak to him. I’m not his teacher, I’m not his mentor.“Max knows he did wrong. Deep down he does. And it’s for him to change, not for me.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁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 Ocon More