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      Inside the F1 WhatsApp group with drivers concerned at Verstappen’s ‘joke’ punishment and private crunch talks planned

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      FORMULA ONE stars are set for private crunch talks in support of Max Verstappen amid his swearing battle with the FIA.The drivers want discussions over how best to respond to racing  bosses’ community service punishment for the Dutchman.Verstappen received a ‘public interest’ punishment for swearing at press conferenceLewis Hamilton and his fellow F1 stars appear to be standing by VerstappenThe Red Bull hero used the F-word in a press conference ahead of  Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix — and was ordered to complete “work of public interest”.Triple world champion Verstappen, 26, refused to answer questions fully in the subsequent press ­conference in protest and has won grid support.Drivers have expressed concerns on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group. And when asked if there was support for him, Verstappen said: “Yeah, for sure.READ MORE ON F1“I wrote in the GPDA chat about the ruling and everyone was almost laughing — like, ‘What the hell is that?’. So, yeah, it is silly.”In Singapore, Lewis Hamilton even backed his old rival by slamming the punishment as a “joke”.FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sparked the ­controversy by declaring his intention to tackle bad language over team radios.He compared swearing drivers to rappers — which Hamilton blasted as having a “racial element”.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGPDA chairman Alex Wurz said: “How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner [former Haas team chief] have to serve for using the F-word?“He was glorified for using it. Netflix broadcast this worldwide, no problem. But then, to suddenly change like that.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “The choice of words is not my personal taste as a driver.“But as GPDA chairman, I have to say we’ll discuss it internally. “First, reach a full consensus, then we’ll consider whether — and in what form — we’ll talk to the FIA.”Verstappen even said after the Singapore GP that the row could speed up his Formula One exit.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The Dutchman finished second on Sunday to Lando Norris, which cut his title lead to 52 points.Brit Norris, 24, who won by 20 seconds, said: “A win’s a win. Maybe it puts a slightly bigger smile on your face but the main job is just getting the win.“It’s satisfying no matter what. Of course, the bigger the gap you can have, the happier you’ll  be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I’m just happy we finished on top and  got maximum points.“It’s always going to be a tough race in Singapore — but I just  felt good all weekend.”Savage 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. More

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      Red Bull accused of ‘cheating’ as McLaren boss slams ‘cooperation from B team’ amid Singapore GP controversy

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      RED BULL’S relationship with junior team RB “needs to be addressed”, says McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.It comes after RB driver Daniel Ricciardo denied Lando Norris an extra point for the fastest lap of the race at the Singapore Grand Prix.Daniel Ricciard pitted to change to soft tyres and go for the fastest lap time at the Singapore Grand PrixRicciardo drives for Red Bull B team Visa Cash App RBAfter recording the fastest lap he took a point away from Lando Norris who had it going into the final stages of the raceF1 championships can be lost and won with a single point.Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points by winning in Singapore.But the margin looked set to be one less when the Brit set the fastest time in lap 48 going into the final stages of the race.Before Ricciardo, who was sitting at the back of the field and drives for Red Bull’s junior RB team, pitted to go for the fastest lap time on soft tyres.READ MORE IN SPORTThe former McLaren driver went almost half a second quicker than old team-mate Norris’ best effort on his final lap.As he was sitting outside the top 10, Ricciardo’s team knew he wouldn’t get any points for the fastest lap.But it would take one away championship contender Norris and subsequently help a Red Bull stablemate.Stella said he didn’t have the “elements” to prove Ricciardo’s effort was motivated by a desire to aid senior driver Verstappen’s title bid.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.”I don’t know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar.F1 legend chokes up and breaks down in tears after Singapore Grand Prix and could be replaced before next race”But for me, talk about sportsmanship and so on, I think it would be out of place. “And potentially as part of a longer-term conversation, we need to put the sport in a position where, whether it’s trackside or factory side, teams behave in a totally autonomous manner. “Because this is a Constructors’ Championship, a Drivers’ Championship, it’s not a coalition championship. “Therefore, this needs to be definitely addressed.”Ricciardo lost his place on the grid and re-signed with Red Bull as a reserveRed Bull boss Christian Horner downplayed the allegationsRed Bull boss Christian Horner didn’t want to hear anything about a tactical collaboration.Horner said: “Ricciardo obviously wanted to end the race on a high note.”Before later admitting: “But it was valuable for us because it takes a point away from Lando.”Ricciardo revealed that the idea to go for the fastest lap came from his race engineer Pierre Hamelin.He told Sky Sports: “I don’t mean this against Lando, but part of me is hoping Max wins by one point because I think I guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present, if so.”I think, obviously, it’s with a little bit of Red Bull in mind, but maybe just to have one last crack at doing a fast one, if it is to be it.”The incident occurred in what many expect to be Ricciardo’s final F1 race.The Australian is expected to lose his seat to Liam Lawson before next month’s Austin Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn RB’s press release following the race, team principal Laurent Mekies said: “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap.”Racing Bulls or ‘RB’ is one of two F1 constructors owned by Austrian conglomerate Red Bull GmbH, the other being Red Bull Racing. More

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      Health scare for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Singapore GP as F1 stars forced to miss media duties with illness

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and team-mate George Russell were both pulled from their planned media duties after “overheating” during the Singapore Grand Prix. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted it was “painful” to see the Silver Arrows place fourth and sixth.Lewis Hamilton suffered from ‘borderline heatstroke’ at the Singapore GPTeam-mate George Russell also missed media duties on medical groundsThe Marina Bay street race is usually the most physically-demanding of the Formula 1 season. owing to Singapore’s heat and humidity.Wolff told how Hamilton, who placed sixth after starting the race from P3, fell ill in the immediate aftermath of the 62-lap race.And Russell, who finished fourth, was heard on team radio in his car during the closing stages saying “it’s like a sauna in here”.The British Mercedes pair didn’t carry out their usual post-race media duties on medical grounds.READ MORE F1 NEWSA spokesperson for the team said: “Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evening’s race.”Team Principal Wolff told reporters: “They are both suffering from overheating.”But they are fine now. They put themselves in an ice bath and I think that helped a bit.”The race itself had proved a disappointing one for both Hamilton and Russell from the second row.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes duo were split by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who recovered from ninth on the grid to overtake Hamilton and finish on the lead Mercedes’ tail.On the race, Wolff said: “It was a really painful evening.Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title alive”It’s not about when you look at the positions we are fourth and sixth, that’s not good especially when you are starting third and fourth.””We struggle at the moment with tracks that are hot and are tough on traction. It was here and it was Baku. “But this is no excuse, it’s just at the moment now what we expect from ourselves because if your quickest car is a minute behind the leader it’s just difficult to accept.”The Mercedes’ W15 was not a match on race pace for the two McLarens, which finished first and third.While standings leader Max Verstappen finished second behind title rival Lando Norris with six races remaining. More

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      Max Verstappen threatens to QUIT F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has threatened to quit Formula One in the wake of his community service order for swearing.The three-time world champ was sanctioned by the FIA after he let an F-bomb slip while speaking to the press after Friday’s practice before the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday.Max Verstappen has alluded to turning his back on F1After the FIA gave him a bizarre punishment for swearing after the Azerbaijan GPReferring to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix two weeks ago, where Verstappen finished fifth, he said: “The car was f***ed.”The Dutchman was summoned to the stewards for his comment, which was in breach of the sporting code.Stewards in Singapore decided that Verstappen has to “accomplish some work of public interest” for using language they deemed “coarse, rude or may cause offence”.The 26-year-old effectively boycotted the FIA’s mandatory post-qualifying media call on Saturday in response.READ MORE SPORT NEWSHe then kept his answers to a minimum by replying “no comment” to one question after he finished second in the race to title rival Lando Norris on Sunday.Away from the FIA’s official press conference, he was asked during a separate press call with Red Bull if the punishment has left him considering his future.Verstappen said: “These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things.”I’m now at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Of course it’s great to have success and win races, but once you’ve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well.”If you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, that’s for sure.”Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title aliveFIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Verstappen’s community service punishmentThe FIA President said: “I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.“We’re not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That’s them and we are [us].“We have to be careful with our conduct. We need to be responsible people. “And now with the technology, everything is going live and everything is going to be recorded. “At the end of the day, we have to study that to see: do we minimise what is being said publicly?“Because imagine you are sitting with your children and watching the race and then someone is saying all of this dirty language. I mean, what would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if that is your sport?”The finer details of the “public interest” punishment have not yet been revealed.The sanction comes after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem warned against the use of foul language in the sport.Verstappen stated at last month’s Dutch Grand Prix that he is already halfway through his career.He said: “I will always be myself. I will not change how I am in my life. “At one point when it’s enough it’s enough. Racing will go on, and F1 will go on without me.”If you can’t really be yourself to the fullest, then it’s better not to speak. But that’s not what anyone wants, because then you become a robot, and that’s not how you should be going about it in this sport.”The Red Bull star, who is under contract until 2028, has previously questioned the demands of the ever-expanding calendar.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is currently 52 points ahead of Norris in the standings with six races remaining as he bids for a fourth consecutive world title.F1 returns to Austin on 0ctober 10.Lando Norris close the gap on Verstappen with a first place finish in Singapore More

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      Emotional Lando Norris hugs F1 legend after Sky Sports presenter soaks McLaren star with water to ‘help out’

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      LANDO NORRIS was drenched in water by former F1 driver David Coulthard following his Singapore Grand Prix victory on Sunday.McLaren’s British star, 24, claimed a comfortable third win of the season to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings to 52 points with five races remaining.Lando Norris was soaked in water by ex-F1 driver David CoulthardCredit: Sky SportsNorris embraced Coulthard after the hilarious momentCredit: Sky SportsNorris then went up to the podium to celebrate his Singapore Grand Prix victoryCredit: ReutersAfter the triumph, Norris revealed he felt a “little dizzy” during his interview with ex-racer Coulthard.To which Coulthard, who now works for Sky Sports, replied: “Well Lando, it’s a fantastic victory. I think I might have a solution if you’re feeling dizzy.”He then proceeded to pick up a water bottle in front of Norris and pour it over the McLaren driver’s head.Moments before he was drenched, a smiling Norris could be heard saying “Oh no”.READ MORE IN F1Coulthard, who won 13 races across a 14-year career in F1, then asked: “You feeling better?”And an emotional Norris responded by giving his fellow Brit a hug at the end of another successful weekend.As they embraced, Coulthard added: “I’ll take a hug from a winner. Congratulations Lando, enjoy the podium.”As the segment ended, a soaked Norris took off his hat and attempted to shake some of the water out of his hair.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he saw the funny side of the prank as he laughed with Coulthard and went in for a handshake.Norris has won two of the last four races and is continuing to close the gap on defending champion Verstappen.F1 legend chokes up and breaks down in tears after Singapore Grand Prix and could be replaced before next raceHowever, the McLaren man may well run out of time with just five races left and more than 50 points to make up.Verstappen ensured he remains the favourite to clinch a fourth successive drivers’ championship as he claimed second in Singapore.The Dutchman, who spent much of the weekend in silence in response to his punishment for swearing, has not won any of the last eight races.But the Red Bull man’s seven victories from the opening 10 races of the campaign could still ensure he pips the fast-finishing Norris. More

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      F1 legend chokes up and breaks down in tears after Singapore Grand Prix and could be replaced before next race

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO choked up tearfully and struggled to speak after finishing last in the Singapore Grand Prix – as it could be his F1 swansong.Red Bull are tipped to replace him next time out in the US on October 21.Memories and emotion were etched on Daniel Ricciardo’s faceAt times he also put on a brave face in the interviewRiccardo ended up 18th and last of the finishers, having qualified in 16thCredit: RexThe Aussie delayed getting out of his car following Sunday’s race – won by McLaren’s Lando Norris.And afterwards Ricciardo explained his “flood of emotions” following his 13 years in F1, which included eight wins from 2011-2021.Mixing long pauses with rueful smiles, Ricciardo pondered the fact he might never again race at this level.He said: “There’s a lot of emotions because I’m aware it could be it.READ MORE TOP STORIES”I think it’s also just exhaustion after the race.”Just like a flood of many emotions and feelings and exhaustion.”Ricciardo was equally emotional about the way he had lingered in his car after a disappointing performance at Marina Bay.He added: “The cockpit is something that I got very, very used to for many years and I just wanted to savour the moment.”Most read in MotorsportIt was a day of testing feelings for the Red Bull aceCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRicciardo’s gamble of starting on soft tyres – in the forlorn hope the safety car would be called out – backfired.In fact, Red Bull even asked him to let team-mate Yuki Tsunoda pass.Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?The Japanese ace came 12th, with Ricciardo bottom of the 18 finishers.The Perth driver said: “It was a tough race. I think ultimately we just weren’t quite quick enough.”Overall, Tsunoda sits 12th on 22 points, with Ricciardo joint 13th on 12.However, fans rushed to praise him – as a person and as a competitor.One wrote: “I feel sad for Danny Ric. Lovely guy. I will miss him. The sport will miss him.”Another posted: “Thank you Daniel for showing up every weekend with a smile on your faceA third added: “This is really really really emotional… guy was pure magic, hated to see him lose all of that, but man this sport reminds you so often that ‘it is what it is’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOther verdicts included “Amazing to watch” and “Deserves a proper farewell WTF”.Meanwhile, Norris’ impressive victory further cut Max Verstappen’s Championship lead to 52 points – with seven GPs remaining.Fans reckon it will be a sad day if Riccardio is departing F1Although his cap was bowed, riccardio can go out with his head held highInside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title alive

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      LANDO NORRIS lifted his opening lap curse to toast a superb Singapore Grand Prix win.The statement win, his third of the season, was over 20 seconds ahead of his title-rival Max Verstappen who finished in second ahead of Oscar Piastri in third.Lando Norris won the Singapore Grand PrixCredit: EPAThe Brit was over 20 seconds faster than defending champion Max VerstappenCredit: GETTYNorris’ triumph has kept his faint hopes of winning the F1 title aliveCredit: AFPNorris has now eaten into the Dutchman’s lead by seven points with Verstappen at the top of the table with 331 while the McLaren driver is on 279.Norris survived the start to pull 1.2 seconds clear of second-place Verstappen, while Lewis Hamilton held firm in third place.Lenny Kravitz was watching on from the Ferrari garage and must have been sweating in his leather pants.Mercedes were feeling the heat with George Russell telling his team that Hamilton needed to pick up the pace on his soft tyres with the top two peeling away.READ MORE F1 NEWSThere was concern from the McLaren camp over damage on Norris’ front wing halfway through as he locked up and brushed the wall.But McLaren weren’t fazed when he pitted and he emerged 4.6 seconds ahead of his teammate Piastri.The battle between Charles Leclerc and George Russell was hotting up nicely for fourth as the Mercedes man veered off track after failing to overtake the Ferrari.At this point though there still hadn’t been any drama and the fans needed the lizard from Saturday’s practice to liven things up.Most read in MotorsportNorris had another close call as he glanced the wall again into Turn 10 on lap 47 on a corner that KO’d Russell last year.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe McLaren survived it by the skin of its teeth and continued to push hard for yet another fastest lap.An elated Norris said: “[There were] a few too many close calls. Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ “The car was mega, we were flying the whole race, still tough but very fun, I’m still sweating. “Nice to have Oscar here too on the podium, he drove well today.”Defending world champion Verstappen said: “It’s always tough around here, very warm.”And I’m looking forward to a nice rest.” More

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      Max Verstappen REFUSES to answer questions after swearing row as Lewis Hamilton urges him not to serve ‘joke’ punishment

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN took a vow of silence after being hit with Formula One’s ‘community service’ punishment for swearing in a press conference.The Dutchman all but refused to answer questions in yesterday’s press conference after securing second-place in qualifying behind Lando Norris.Max Verstappen remained silent about his swearing row in a press conference🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁He answered one question with “no comment” and told reporters “I would prefer if you ask these questions outside of the room”.Third-place Lewis Hamilton and Norris have rallied around the Red Bull driver with the seven-time world champion slamming the “joke” punishment.Hamilton said: “I honestly think it’s a joke. This is the pinnacle of the sport, mistakes are made.“I certainly wouldn’t do that (serve the punishment) and I hope Max doesn’t either.”Read more F1 newsFollowing the press conference, Verstappen was true to his word and met with the media outside of the press conference room to answer questions.On Friday the Dutchman was sent to stewards after he said his car was “f***ed” in the press conference.Yesterday the fuming Belgian-born driver said: “It’s ridiculous to get a penalty for that.“When you insult someone that’s clear. I didn’t even aim it at a person, it was a slip of the tongue moment.Most read in Motorsport Inside ‘magic’ F1 McClaren innovation that has flung team ahead of Red Bull but fans are calling it ‘illegal'”I actually had a chat with the stewards, they’re understanding. It’s in the rules so they have to apply something but for me it’s not the right way to go forward in our sport.”Norris joked: “He deserved it , foul language! No, it’s pretty unfair. I don’t agree with any of it.”Norris and Verstappen will battle it out at the front of the grid tomorrow with the McLaren driver trailing his title-rival by 59 points in the championship.Q3 all came down to one lap due to a crash from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the final corner, with only two drivers having set a time on the board.Norris produced a blistering lap in the final showdown after McLaren chose to leave the pit lane first to avoid the risk of a yellow or red flag.Hamilton had struggled throughout practice but pipped team-mate George Russell to third.Oscar Piastri will start from fifth, with Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso behind him.Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was initially seventh but had his lap deleted due to a track limits excursion, and will start in ninth alongside Sainz in 10th.Norris said: “It was tough, especially through qualifying. I was finding it a little difficult to progress much and gain a lot of lap time,”All of the guys around seemed to get quicker and quicker, so it put me under a bit more pressure, especially with just one lap at the end.”It was good enough for pole and I’m happy with that, especially here in Singapore.Lewis Hamilton spoke in support of Max Verstappen and his punishment“A good feeling. I’ve felt good all weekend, I’ve felt confident, maybe not so much in qualy but we got the job done.”Hamilton’s third place is his best qualifying since he was second on the grid at the British Grand Prix.He said: “Qualifying has been a disaster for me all year long and I have just been working and working and working trying to get myself back up there and all of a sudden the car came to me for the first time in a long time in qualifying.”We have been moving up and down on balance. We have changed everything and the mechanics have been faultless and I hope we are in a good position to fight for the front tomorrow.”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesEarlier in the day third practice was hit with chaos as a LIZARD wandered onto the track and forced a red flag.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt forced Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso to give it a wide berth on the street circuit.Meanwhile, Mercedes driver Russell said the lizard “looked like a dragon” on the team radio.Savage 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. More