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      Max Verstappen in last-ditch dash to Miami GP with girlfriend Kelly Piquet set to give birth to baby any day

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is making a last-minute dash to the Miami Grand Prix after skipping media duties with girlfriend Kelly Piquet expecting a baby any day. Verstappen, 27, announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his first child.Max Verstappen delayed his flight to the Miami Grand Prix to be with his pregnant girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: GettyPiquet is set to give birth any day – with a due date on May 6Credit: GettyBrazilian model Piquet, 36, is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.The due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco. As reported by Motorsport.com, his private jet was spotted leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning. READ MORE ON F1It means he did not arrive in time to fulfil his media duties on Thursday. But Red Bull insist that the Dutch driver is expected at the circuit in Florida on Friday.A statement from the team said: “Please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.“All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”Practice 1 takes place on Friday lunchtime Miami time – six hours behind the time zone in Monaco – with sprint qualifying later in the afternoon.Max Verstappen’s glam Wag Kelly Piquet risks wardrobe malfunction braless in open jacket as fans say ‘girl, you slay’There is then the sprint race at 12pm on Saturday plus qualifying for the Grand Prix at 4pm.Lights out on race day is 24 hours later at 4pm on Sunday.And it is understood Verstappen is hoping to line up on the grid where he will try and cut the gap on Oscar Piastri. The Australian sits top of the drivers’ standings on 99 points, ten clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris – with Verstappen third on 87. Despite becoming a dad, the four-time reigning world champ is not set to miss a race, with a brief window before Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.Despite Verstappen looking on course to continue racing for now, it is thought he may decide to take next year off from the sport. Read More on The SunRed Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last month by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great” and an unnamed F1 driver said he believes Verstappen most likely route is a season on the sidelines. Verstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 – four years after meeting at a dinner – after her relationship with Kvyat. Verstappen is set to race in Miami this weekend despite the upcoming arrivalCredit: RexThe couple announced there were expecting last DecemberCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Verstappen will become a dad for the first timeCredit: GettyKelly has a daughter from a previous relationship with Daniil KvyatCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/?hl=en More

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      ‘Like pineapple on pizza’, moan Ferrari fans as Lewis Hamilton ditches red to debut ‘wrong’ new look for F1 Miami GP

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      FERRARI will ditch their iconic red racing suits for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix – and fans are absolutely FUMING.Scuderia drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will wear blue and white for a one-off design at the Miami International Autodrome.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will sport blue suits designed for the team’s brand partner HPF1-75 car will also get a blue and white refresh, with new details on the wingsBut the Prancing Horse are gearing up to debut a new look in the paddock in Florida on Friday, courtesy of their sponsors HP. The red livery won’t be gone forever though with the change just a one-off in celebration of the milestone.Ferrari inked a deal with software company HP a year ago and the blue colours are set to honour the anniversary of that partnership.Fans got a first glimpse of Hamilton and Leclerc suiting up in white and blue for the first American race of the season. READ MORE F1 NEWSThe F1-75 will remain predominantly red, but will feature white and blue accents on the read and front wings, as well as on the wheels. And fans have been left raging with the bold move.One comment on Ferrari’s social media post said: “This is the equivalent of putting pineapple on a pizza.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “Ferrari is morphing into Williams right before our eyes. This just needs to stop!”Most read in MotorsportA third said: “This could be the worst livery ever created”, before another added: “We are red. Not blue! 😡” Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘masterclass’ sprint victory before Ferrari star immediately takes aim at ‘yapping’ criticsMotorheads are fearing the worst after pointing out that the SF-24 went blue in Miami last season too.It was also described as a “one-off” in Florida last year, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari making their mark in North America.Leclerc and then-team-mate Carlos Sainz wore light blue racing suits to nod to the Azzuro La Plata worn by Ferrari legend Alberto Ascari. Scuderia’s first F1 world champion wore blue as he claimed the titles in 1952 and 1953.While other team drivers including, John Surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti did the same in the 1960s.Meanwhile, Hamilton and Leclerc will hope the change in colour palette gets the Ferrari back on the podium.The Frenchman finished third in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago, whle Hamilton has only placed as high as fifth after a troubling start to the season at his new team. Read More on The SunFerrari aren’t the only team to change their colours ahead of the big sprint weekend in Miami.Racing Bulls unveiled an all-pink affair during a party in Miami Beach on Wednesday evening. More

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      Four-time F1 world champion, 38, reveals he is ‘not allowed to race anymore’

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL is no longer allowed to race – under instruction from his kids.The former professional driver won the Formula 1 Championship four times between 2010-2013.Sebastian Vettel has been told by his kids not to return to racingHe quit F1 in 2022 after racing with Aston Martin for two years, finishing 12th both seasons.Vettel, 37, admits he is happy in retirement and even if he wanted to make a return, he has been told he is not allowed to – by his children.He told Sky Sports Germany F1: “My kids told me I’m not allowed to race anymore because they like me so much. “It’s wonderful to hear that.READ MORE IN F1″Family harmony still exists. I’ve learned a lot about myself during this time. I’m very content, and I don’t get bored.”Vettel has three children with his wife Hanna Prater – daughters Emilie, 11 and Mathilda, 9, and a son.The German, who raced for Red Bull for six years, now works for the organisation in Saudi Arabia where he teaches girls Go-Karting as part of the Race4Women event.However his long-term future could lie in F1, potentially in a role with Red Bull as an advisor, succeeding Helmut Marko.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMarko said of Vettel and his own future at Red Bull: “No decision has been made yet, but it’s also quite clear: At some point, it won’t be possible anymore — also due to age.”It would be great if someone like Sebastian Vettel would take over. ‘People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses”On the one hand, there’s the junior program. He’s already working with girls in go-karting in Saudi Arabia. “And the other is the larger, strategic direction of a Formula 1 team. I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future — and that’s primarily motorsport.”Responding to the rumours, Vettel said: “We’re still working out what it could look like. But I don’t want to impose myself.” More

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      Michael Schumacher’s pal reveals fresh hope stricken F1 legend is ‘on the mend’ after his first public act in 12 years

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s former teammate is hopeful that the Formula One icon is “on the mend” after his first public act in 12 years.Schumacher, 56, signed fellow motorsport great Sir Jackie Stewart’s helmet alongside dozens of other drivers in a touching move that has left many hopeful around his health.Michael Schumacher’s intials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom right of Sir Jackie Stewart’s helmetCredit: EPAMichael’s teammate Johnny Herbert said the signature could suggest the F1 icon is ‘on the mend’Credit: GettyMichael’s wife Corinna helped him sign the helmetThe seven-time F1 world champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013.His wife Corinna has spent the years since creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.Schumacher’s condition has remained a secret across the last decade but the recent signing of Stewart’s racing helmet has given the motorsport world a glimmer of hope.He is said to have signed it with the help of Corinna as an image showed his initials “M.S” on the bottom right of the iconic white helmet.read more in SchumacherSchumacher’s teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995, Johnny Herbert, described the signature as an “emotional” moment.He told FastSlots: “It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.”We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign. “Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It’s been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we’ll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.”Most read in MotorsportHe added that the whole of the sporting world would love to one day see Schumacher back in the public eye among his fans.”It would be so welcomed, not just from everyone in the paddock, but everyone around the world considering the awful situation he found himself in,” Herbert said.Michael Schumacher in rare health update as ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt reveals former champ still watches F1 racesSchumacher joined all 20 living world champions – from the eldest in Stewart to the most recent winner Max Verstappen – in giving his signature.It is now set to be sold off at auction to help raise funds for Sir Jackie Stewart’s Race Against Dementia charity.Stewart was even seen completing a lap of the race track with the helmet on at the start of April.The sweet act came before the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix.Michael’s signature marks the stricken F1 legend’s only public act since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps.Schumacher now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.Only a handful of trusted people are aware of his current health status, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.The helmet is the latest in a number of positive signs surrounding Schumacher’s health.He recently became a granddad for the first time last month after his daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl named Millie.The legendary Formula One driver is believed to have flown from his family’s villa in Majorca to their Swiss mansion in a chopper to join his daughter before the birth.Read More on The SunGina revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but it is unclear if he ever made the ceremony. Mark Stewart, the son of former British racing driver Jackie Stewart, holds his father’s old helmet as he talks to Lewis HamiltonCredit: AFPStewart wore the hat as he completed a lap of the track before the Bahrain Grand Prix in AprilCredit: EPASchumacher with Herbert in 1995Credit: Getty More

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      Moment Jenson Button’s wife is targeted by thief who makes off with suitcase containing £250k of jewellery & handbags

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      THIS is the shocking moment a thief stole a suitcase, with more than £250,000 worth of luxury items, from the wife of former F1 driver Jenson Button.Brittny Button, 34, says the couple now have “no interest” in flying back to the UK after they were targeted by the thug who nicked the bag, which also contained lavish jewellery and designer handbags.Brittny and Jenson Button were targeted by yobs in a robbery in FebruaryCredit: Getty – ContributorThis is the moment the yob was seen strolling through the streets after taking the expensive bagCredit: British Transport PoliceThe former model’s suitcase, which contained more than £250,000 worth of luxury and sentimental items, was nicked by thievesCredit: brittny/InstagramThey had been holidaying in Paris before being robbed on their return to London on February 13.After arriving back at St Pancras station in the capital, Jenson, 45, began loading their belongings with their chauffeur into a car, Brittny told the Mail.While he was distracted, a thug swooped in and sped away with her Goyard carry-on suitcase in just seconds.Footage shows the moment the yob can be seen waltzing through the streets around St Pancras railway station and the British Library, wheeling the red suitcase.Read More on F1Brittny, a former Playboy model, revealed the bag had more than £250,000 worth of items, including countless sentimental objects and antique jewellery from her wedding and the birth of her daughter.The suitcase also contained two Kelly bags, which together are worth a whopping £70,000.Brittny explained she would have normally packed less luxurious items for a holiday, and used a more plain carry-on, but had chosen to take more as the couple were travelling for Valentine’s Day.Many of the stolen items were then listed online, following the theft, although these were later deleted.Most read in MotorsportRecounting the moment, Brittny described how “shocked” she was at how “unsecure and chaotic” London felt.As Jensen was loading his bag into the front seat of the chauffeur’s car, with his back turned to the expensive carry-on, the brazen criminal quickly ran off into the busy station with Brittny’s suitcase.Eight hooded thugs raid family corner shop which refused to buy their stolen goodsShe believes they were being watched beforehand as the bag was nicked so quickly.Rushing away with the many of the sentimental items Brittny one day hoped to pass on to her daughter, the former model broke down into tears.Brittny, now an interior designer, says the experience left her “traumatised” and cast a dark cloud over their getaway, as they quickly headed to the airport for their return flight home to California.She said: “It definitely was shocking that I just didn’t think.”I’m normally pretty cautious when I’m out in public and travelling, but I just didn’t think that there were gangs literally just waiting for people and watching.”Brittny has since praised British Transport Police for their quick response, with the thief being brought to justice just six days after the robbery.After CCTV was circulated to local teams, plain clothes officers managed to arrest the assailant, Mourad Aid, 41, who later pleaded guilty on February 19 to the theft.He has been remanded in custody for sentencing.Brittny had hoped to pass the luxury bags on to her daughter in the futureCredit: InstagramShe now says she has ‘no interest’ in visiting London again after the ‘traumatising’ theftCredit: InstagramMourad Aid, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing the bag at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 19Credit: British Transport PoliceDespite the quick action from cops, the mum-of-two may never see her stolen items again, as many were listed online just days after the theft.She explained that after seeing them listed online, she realised she wouldn’t want to meet with random people to try and retrieve the items.Brittny added she knew the items were hers as there were specific blemishes or missing attachments which she recognised.The designer had hoped to give these valuable bags to her daughter as she grew up, and considered them to be a long-term investment for her children.Brittny continued that London no longer “felt the same” to when she started dating Jensen a decade ago.She explained that the city felt far less safe than before, adding that she had no passion or desire to return to the city.However, she said it would be difficult as much of Jensen’s family live in the city.’BRAZEN AND OPPORTUNISTIC THEFT’British Transport Police said Mourad Aid pleaded guilty to theft at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 19.He had been arrested by plain clothes officers on February 17, after the couple had been robbed four days earlier.British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “This was a brazen and opportunistic theft by a man who took advantage of the victim and her husband having their backs turned for a matter of seconds while loading up their car with luggage.Read More on The Sun”He was able to quickly swipe the suitcase without them even noticing, which hammers home just how sneaky these sorts of criminals really are and why it’s so important to keep one eye on your belongings at all times.”While the incident wasn’t captured on CCTV, we were still able to trace Aid through other investigative opportunities, and he was arrested by our plain clothes officers just days later.” More

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      Joel Evans dead aged 30: Family pay heartbreaking tribute to motocross star with rider set to become dad in months

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      MOTOCROSS star Joel Evans has sadly passed away following a horror crash.The 30-year-old Aussie rider was set to become a dad later this year.Joel Evans has tragically passed awayCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81Evans was set to become a father in OctoberCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81His partner Michaela was with him for ten yearsCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81Evans’s fatal crash occurred at the Gillman Speedway in Adelaide while he competed in the elite ProMX Championship.He was rushed to hospital but tragically could not be saved.His family posted a touching message online, which read: “Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul.“He loved and devoted his life to this sport which brought him so much joy and he rode it out right till the end. READ MORE IN SPORT”We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man.“He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October.”Please share his name, share his legacy, this incredible man deserves to be remembered across the generations. We love you so much Joely.”His sister Renae added: “What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever.Most read in Motorsport”Joel was the best brother a girl could ask for, and an even greater uncle for my girls.”He used to joke about not wanting to get old, now he never has to.”Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.”We love you so much buddy. More than you’ll ever understand. Ride. In. Peace #81.“And for those reading. Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don’t ever take your time for granted. Tomorrow isn’t promised for any of us.”Evans, who was with his partner Michaela for ten years, bravely fought back to compete again after a horror accident in 2015 left him with a broken neck. More

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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