Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sergio Perez CRASHES just five minutes into Hungarian GP practice leaving car a wreck while he fights for his job

      by

      SERGIO PEREZ crashed his Red Bull just five minutes into the first Hungarian Grand Prix practice session on Friday.The 33-year-old had just started his first flying lap of the weekend when his front-left wheel dipped on to the grass, causing his car to spin out and crash into the barrier.
      Perez crashed his car into the barrier during the first Hungarian GP practice sessionCredit: EPA
      The Red Bull star was visibly frustrated after the accidentCredit: EPA
      His car was left severely damagedCredit: Getty

      Checo was left unharmed by the accident, although he appeared to be very frustrated with his mistake.
      Perez currently sits second in the Drivers Championship, but he has failed to reach Q3 in each of the last five race weekends.
      His poor qualifying form has subsequently had an impact on his race results, therefore casting doubt over his future at Red Bull.
      And he now finds himself under pressure from Daniel Ricciardo, who was named as AlphaTauri’s new driver last week.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Ricciardo, 34, replaced rookie Nyck de Vries, who was axed by Red Bull’s sister team following his poor start to the season.
      The Aussie is set to make his F1 return at the Hungarian GP this weekend, but he hopes to eventually work his way back into contention at Red Bull.
      On Thursday, he said: “I had enough time off to reset but also kind of enjoy it again. I already felt that on the simulator so far this year but then also that’s why I wanted to drive the car and really make sure that it is still truly what I love doing most.
      “I was up to speed really quickly and it felt so good again and obviously tasting the Red Bull car (at Silverstone after the British GP) got me pretty excited.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “I knew also with everything that happened the last few years, getting back into the sport after taking some time off, I knew it would be very hard to go back at the top.
      “Of course that was my wish but you also need to be realistic at some point and say ‘OK, if I want to get back to a Red Bull seat then it’s going to take a bit of a process or a path’. This for me is the best path at the moment.”
      Championship leader Max Verstappen has revealed that he would be happy to see his former teammate return to Red Bull.
      When asked about the possibility of a reunion earlier this week, he said: “I mean, I never actually wanted him to leave!
      “No, I mean, all of these things, we know that we get on very well, and if Daniel, of course, does well where he is now, then, of course, he has the opportunity to go back up.
      “It’s all open, to be honest.” More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Shakira and Lewis Hamilton are ‘inseparable’ and enjoying ‘hot summer romance’ as singer steps out in red mini dress

      by

      SHAKIRA and Lewis Hamilton have become “inseparable” as they embrace a “hot summer romance”, an insider claims.The Colombian star and F1 ace have sparked dating rumours after being spotted getting cosy at a string of events in recent months.
      Lewis Hamilton is rumoured to be dating ShakiraCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      The singer stunned in a red mini dress at the 2023 Premios Juventud AwardsCredit: Getty
      Shakira, 46, split from her long-term footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique last year but is now claimed to be “fast-tracking” her apparent love affair with Hamilton.
      A source told In Touch: “She’s over Gerard and fast-tracking her romance with Lewis.
      “They’re inseparable. It’s definitely a hot summer romance.
      “She believes in love and is very open to see what the future might hold for them.”
      More on Shakira
      Shakira watched from the Mercedes team’s VIP area as seven-times champ Lewis Hamilton, 38, sped to a podium finish on his home circuit at Silverstone earlier this month.
      Revving up dating rumours, she was also pictured beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix last month as she cheered the Mercedes driver to second place.
      Afterwards he was snapped with his arm round her waist as they had cocktails with friends in Barcelona.
      In May, Shakira also watched Hamilton race in Miami – her new home town since moving to the US earlier this year.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The British speed ace was pictured speaking to her at a restaurant in the city, sparking a frenzy of speculation.
      Days later Lewis picked her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion at the start of a cosy boat trip together.
      But despite claims the pair are tied at the hip, they have been pictured on different continents this week.
      Shakira ended a party-filled European trip as she returned to Miami, where she lives with her two sons – Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.
      On Thursday, she was pictured stepping out in a stunning red mini dress as she collected eight awards at the 2023 Premios Juventud Awards.
      She matched the figure-hugging gown with a pair of fiery red sunglasses as she beamed on stage.
      Meanwhile, her rumoured beau Hamilton is enjoying downtime in Ibiza with 20-year-old tennis-player and heiress Jenny Stray Spetalen and Mexican actress Eiza Gonzalez.
      But Hamilton isn’t the only sports star Shakira appears to be getting close to, as she was last week seen on what appeared to be a date with NBA ace Jimmy Butler.
      She and Butler, 33, were pictured leaving Novikov Restaurant & Bar in London just two minutes apart – with the singer escorted to her car by his entourage.
      It comes as the Hips Don’t Lie singer faces a tax probe in Spain.
      Officials confirmed on Thursday a court near Barcelona had agreed to investigate the singer-songwriter for suspected 2018 tax breaches.
      Shakira will return to the Catalan capital again in November for the beginning of her £12.5 million tax evasion trial.
      Read More on The Sun
      Her legal team said she had not received any notification and found out about the new case through the press.
      Lewis Hamilton and Jenny Stray Spetalen pictured in IbizaCredit: Splash
      Shakira collected eight awards on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      She wowed crowds in her fiery outfitCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Fire erupts at Lydden Race Circuit as black smoke billows from paddock

      by

      A FIRE has erupted at a UK race track – with black smoke billowing from the paddock ahead of the World Rallycross Championship this weekend.Video shared on social media showed the blaze engulfing several cars at the Lydden Race Circuit near Canterbury in Kent.
      Smoke could be seen billowing from a lorryCredit: Twitter – @BartholomewHll
      A fire has broken out at Lydden Race CircuitCredit: Twitter – @Kent_999s / Peter Rosenberg
      The track is set to host the FIA World Rallycross Championship this weekendCredit: Lydden Hill
      Five fire engines and crews wearing special breathing kit are now tackling the vehicle fire.
      A clip shared online showed smoke billowing from a lorry in the track paddock – with locals told to shut their windows.
      The mile-long circuit has been branded “The Home of Rallycross” – and is the shortest road-racing circuit in Britain.
      The track is due to host the massive FIA World Rallycross Championship this weekend.
      Read More Motorsport
      A spokesman confirmed that the fire broke out in the Special ONE Racing team area of the track.
      KentOnline reports that one of the cars is thought to belong to Special ONE driver and nine-time world champion Sébastien Loeb.
      Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “People near to Lydden Hill, in Wootton, Canterbury, are advised to close windows and doors due to smoke coming from a vehicle fire.
      “Five fire engines are in attendance at a commercial premises, where crews wearing breathing apparatus are using main jets and compressed air foam to extinguish a fire involving several vehicles.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      “If you’re travelling on the A2 near to incident, please take care as the smoke may impact visibility.
      “Please share this advice with anyone in the affected area who may not have access to social media. Thank you.”
      The FIA World Rallycross Championship said: “A fire broke out in the Special ONE Racing team area at Lydden Hill this morning ahead of the FIA World Rallycross Championship event at the track.
      “Fire crews are on-site. The venue is not open to the public today and no injuries have been reported.
      “Further updates will be communicated as we continue to assess and monitor the situation.”
      Locals have been warned to shut their windowsCredit: Twitter – @Kent_999s / Peter Rosenberg More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sky Sports presenter shows off her tan in swimsuit in ‘Baywatch’ snap leaving fans stunned

      by

      NATALIE PINKHAM wowed fans with a stunning snap of her recent trip to the beach.The Sky Sports presenter has built quite the following on social media due to expert on-air reporting and dynamic personality.
      Sky Sports’ Natalie Pinkham regular shares behind the scenes photos to her InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@NATALIE_PINKHAM
      The 45-year-old’s job takes her to some swanky places around the globeCredit: INSTAGRAM@NATALIE_PINKHAM
      Pinkham recently went on a family holiday and shared a snap of her wearing an orange bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAM@NATALIE_PINKHAM
      Pinkham, 45, has also boosted her following with behind-the-scenes footage and photos from Formula One races and several of the other sports she covered down the years.
      And she recently treated her legion of followers to a rare insight into her personal life with a series of holiday snaps on Instagram – which include a bikini photo.
      Her accompanying caption read: “Long time, no sea.”
      Pinkham’s followers were quick to comment, with one saying: “How beautiful!!!!”
      READ MORE IN F1
      Another said: “Love.”
      And another said: “You’re such a beautiful woman Natalie.”
      One remarked: “You look amazing.”
      Another chimed in: ” Stunning.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Natalie Pinkham is part of Sky Sports’ Formula OnCredit: REX
      She interviews some of the biggest names in the sportCredit: REX
      One of Pinkham’s 306,000 followers said: “Baywatch.”
      Another chimed in: “Gorgeous.
      Pinkham is married to Owain Walbyoff, the Managing Director at Endemol Games.
      The couple were engaged in November 2010 and ended up tying the knot in July 2012.
      They have two children together, a son named Otto – born in January 2015 – and a daughter named Willow, who entered the world in June 2016.
      Pinkham’s broadcasting career is said to have earned her a net worth of £1million
      Her salary is reportedly over a cool £100,000 a year. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell demand tougher penalties for F1 teams breaching spending cap after Red Bull fine

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON and George Russell are demanding tougher penalties for teams that break Formula One’s spending limit.The sport is poised to be rocked by the latest breaches, with reports claiming THREE teams exceeded the $140million limit in 2022.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have called for harsher penaltiesCredit: Getty
      Red Bull were fined $7m last year and given a ten per cent reduction in wind-tunnel time as a punishment for breaching the $145m limit in 2021.
      But the row caused a bitter stink and Hamilton feels the penalty was not strict enough.
      He said: “It’s a concern. I mean, it wasn’t really a big punishment last time so there’s no real deterrent.
      “There’ll be people that will probably go for it again and know they’re just going to get slapped on the wrist.”
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      Asked what would be appropriate, Hamilton added: “I’m not going to say what it should be, it’s not my job.
      “We’ve people in place to police it but it doesn’t surprise me. It wasn’t a big penalty before.”
      His Mercedes team-mate Russell also called for greater punishment for repeat offenders.
      He added: “If anybody has breached any regulation, you want the punishment to represent the crime.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “Previous breaches, it didn’t. We don’t want to see it happen again. And if it’s a second-time offender, the punishment should be even greater. I trust the FIA, they won’t let anybody get away with something that shouldn’t have happened under their watch.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton is closing on a new Mercedes deal, worth near £100m.
      The seven-time world champion is out of contract at the end of the season and says his new agreement — expected to be for two years — is in the hands of the lawyers.
      Hamilton, 38, was quizzed by SunSport ahead of this  weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix over the extension.
      He said: “I actually like these questions, so you can keep them going . . . it’s very, very close.”
      Asked if it would be tied up before the summer break — after next week’s Belgian GP — he added: “Nope . . . it might be announced at the end of the year. I might keep you waiting!
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have spoken outCredit: Rex
      “It continues to be with the lawyers, back and forth. I’ve not been part of it the whole time. I’ve been removed from it from the beginning.
      “I’ve been wanting to focus on all the other things I have going on. The team has been working on it.
      “There’s no negotiation left. It’s just all the small bits.” More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton announces bumper new £100m Mercedes deal blowing Max Verstappen out of water is ‘very, very close’

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON says he is closing in on signing his new Mercedes deal, worth around £100million.The seven-time F1 world champion is out of contract at the end of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton is closing in on a new £100m Mercedes dealCredit: Getty
      He currently earns £40m a year with Merc, while rival Max Verstappen is on £37m with Red Bull.
      Hamilton’s new contract is now set to blow the Dutchman’s out of the water at around £50m a year. 
      And he says his new deal is in the hands of the lawyers.
      Hamilton, 38, was quizzed by SunSport ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian GP about the progress over the new deal, which is expected to be a two-year extension.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      He said: “I actually like these questions, so you can keep them going… It’s very, very close.”
      When asked if it would be tied up before the summer break after next week’s Belgian GP, he added: “Nope… It might be announced at the end of the year. I might keep you waiting! 
      “Honestly, I don’t have any more information for you to share. It continues to be with the lawyers, back and forth on things. 
      “I’ve not been part of it the whole time. I’ve been removed from it from the beginning. 
      Most read in Motorsport
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “I’ve been wanting to focus on all the other things I have going on. The team has been working on it in the background. 
      “There’s no negotiation left. It’s just all the small bits.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton was also quizzed about rumours that up to three teams have breached the cost-cap limit.
      Teams were limited to spending $140m (£109m) in 2022 to develop their cars with reports in Italy claiming teams have fallen foul of the rules.
      Red Bull were fined $7m (£5.5m) last year and given a 10 percent reduction in wind tunnel time as a punishment for last year’s breach.
      Hamilton said: “It’s definitely a concern. I mean, it wasn’t really a big punishment last time so there’s no real [deterrent].
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year

      “There’ll be people that will probably go for it again, and know they’re just gonna get slapped on the wrist.”
      Asked what punishment he feels would be appropriate Hamilton added: “I’m not going to say what it should be, it’s not my job to do that.
      “We have people in place that are supposed to police that, but it doesn’t surprise me. It was not a big penalty before.”
      His Mercedes teammate George Russell however also called for greater punishment for repeat offenders, should they be found to have overspent.
      He added: “If anybody has breached any regulation, you want the punishment to represent the crime.
      “There were breaches last year, and clearly the punishment didn’t fit the crime. We don’t want to see that happen again.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And if it’s a second-time offender, the punishment should be even greater than what it perhaps a fair punishment, if it happens two years in a row.
      “I trust the FIA, Mohammed is a great force, and they won’t let anybody get away with something that shouldn’t have happened under their watch.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ripped F1 star George Russell and stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt enjoy smooch in sea on paddle board holiday

      by

      FORMULA ONE star George Russell has been making the most of his paddle board holiday.That’s by smooching stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt in the sea.
      F1 star George Russell and girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt enjoyed a French Riviera holidayCredit: The Mega Agency
      The couple had a smooch on a paddle surfing boardCredit: The Mega Agency
      Carmen looked stunning as she soaked up the sunCredit: The Mega Agency
      Russell, 25, is enjoying a good season with Mercedes.
      His fifth place finished at the British GP has seen him soar to sixth in the standings.
      And Russell decided to take a well-earned break before this weekend’s race in Budapest with a trip to southern France.
      The ripped ace was accompanied by long-term partner Carmen.
      READ MORE IN F1
      And the duo stripped to their swimwear before enjoying the warm waters of the French Riviera.
      Russell and Carmen enjoyed some paddle boarding and cliff diving.
      Relaxing on a board afterwards, the duo shared a steamy smooch in front of onlookers.
      Russell and Carmen have been together since 2020 following a whirlwind romance.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Russell and Carmen looked to be having a whale of a timeCredit: The Mega Agency
      The pair took part in some cliff jumping off a diving boardCredit: The Mega Agency
      Investment broker Carmen has travelled the globe with Russell thanks to his F1 exploits.
      The pair have been inseparable, even on race days.
      And Carmen is sure to be by Russell’s side when he goes behind the wheel in Hungary this weekend.
      The Brit and teammate Lewis Hamilton will be looking to ruffle the feathers of Red Bull.
      And Russell recently made a shock revelation over his pal’s future in F1.
      He said: “I don’t care at all whether Lewis stays or Lewis goes, because I believe I can beat anyone on the grid.
      Carmen is a glamorous investment brokerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      She has supported Russell throughout his F1 careerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The pair have been together since 2020Credit: Getty
      “You couldn’t choose to be in a better position than to go up against Lewis.
      “What a way to test myself. While we’re in this position, he is invaluable to me. There can be no excuses on either side. He’s pushing me, I’m pushing him. I am here to beat everybody.
      “I never had any self-doubt and having these 15 months alongside him has reinforced that. My confidence has grown.
      “We have a good relationship and it would be great if we could turn this around and help the team to winning ways.
      “Lewis is very good with people. He’s very caring, he works exceptionally hard. He’s comfortable travelling a lot, doing a lot of activities. It wouldn’t be a lifestyle many athletes want.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It may not be this year or next that everything falls into place. But look at Fernando [Alonso], aged 41. So I have at least 15 good years left in me.
      “You have to be patient, keep working, doing your thing, and no doubt my time will come.”
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi’s Italian villa ransacked as thieves rob £200,000 worth of Rolex watches and jewellery

      by

      A LUXURIOUS villa belonging to Formula 1 star Emerson Fittipaldi was ransacked by thieves who stole Rolex watches worth £200,000.Brazilian-born Fittipaldi, 76, has been living in the villa in Italy’s exclusive Lake Garda but was not at home when his home was raided.
      The villa of former F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi was robbedCredit: Newsflash
      Thieves targeted the racing star’s home in ItalyCredit: Newsflash
      The two-times winner was not at home at the time of the robberyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The thieves who broke into the property in the province of Brescia on July 13, reportedly targeted loot worth £217,000, including the racing legend’s collection of Rolex watches, gold jewellery and clothes.
      The Italian Carabinieri are investigating the robbery. No arrests had been made so far.
      The F1 legend won both the Formula One World Championship and the Indianapolis 500 twice in the 1970s.
      Born in Brazil, Fittipaldi raced in the Italian Grand Prix and ran for the Italian Senate in 2022 as a member of the Brothers of Italy party.
      read more in f1
      He made his race debut in Formula 1 for Team Lotus as a third driver at the 1970 British Grand Prix.
      He won World Drivers’ Championship in 1972 at the age of 25.
      He was the youngest ever F1 world champion at the time and held the record for 33 years.
      In 1974 he won the title again with McLaren and continued his success before he retired from Indy Car racing in 1996.
      Most read in Motorsport
      In 2008, he became one of the three people in history to have a Corvette production car named in his honour.
      His two grandsons, the Brazilian-Americans Enzo Fittipaldi, 21, and Pietro Fittipaldi, 27, are both racing drivers.
      Fittipaldi won Formula One World Championship and the Indianapolis 500 twice in the 1970sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Fittipaldi raced in the Italian Grand PrixCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More