More stories

  • in

    The greatest comeback in F1 history is on – Max Verstappen is on the ropes but Lando Norris needs perfect last six races

    IT is do or die for Lando Norris as Formula One heads into the final six races.The biggest comeback in the sport’s history is on, and it will take something exceptional to pull it off – but it is not beyond the realms of possibility.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are in a battle for the F1 titleCredit: APNorris won the Singapore Grand Prix last time outVerstappen has gone eight races without a winThe Sprint weekend at Austin’s sweeping Circuit of the Americas marks the first of the final races to the end of the season in Abu Dhabi on December 8. SunSport has chewed the fat on the Verstappen-Norris title fight and what it will take for the McLaren driver to emerge victorious.How things stand Red Bull driver Verstappen holds a 52-point lead over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.The tables have massively turned, given Verstappen held a season-high lead of 84 points up until the British Grand Prix in July 7.READ MORE F1In-form Norris has outscored him in all but one of the six races that have taken place since.The margin of 52 points is the exact equivalent of winning two races with the fastest lap bonus point (25+1) on a non-Sprint race weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁How many points are left to play for?There is a maximum of 180 points up for grabs across the final six race weekends of the season.That is 156 points in the remaining six grands prix, 25 for a win plus one for the fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportIn addition, there are three sprint races remaining where one driver could bag a maximum of 24 points.The winners of the sprint races in USA, Brazil and Qatar will be awarded eight points for victory. Emotional Lando Norris hugs F1 legend after Sky Sports presenter soaks McLaren star with water to ‘help out’How does Norris need to outscore Verstappen?Norris must outscore Verstappen by an average of almost nine points (8.67 points to be precise) at each grand prix weekend until the end of the season.That is the points difference between first and third places (10 points) in a grand prix.Norris cannot be crowned champion if he wins every race and Verstappen comes in second. That could have still been on the cards had Norris clung onto the bonus point at the most recent grand prix in Singapore for fastest lap.But Daniel Ricciardo controversially snatched it away on fresh tyres with one lap to go. When could the title be won?The absolute earliest the title could theoretically be won by Verstappen is the Sao Paulo GP weekend on November 1-3.But the Red Bull driver would have to outscore Norris by at least a whopping 34 points over the next triple-header. Who’s got the quicker car?The MCL8 is the fastest car on the grid and introduced a flexible wing with a “mini DRS” effectThere’s no doubt about it being McLaren, who have won four of the last six races, two for Norris and two for Oscar Piastri. This season’s McLaren MCL38 has been the most consistent performer on different types of circuit. READ MORE SUN STORIESWhereas Max Verstappen recently in Singapore said that Red Bull’s RB20 was “f***ed”. The team are pinning their hopes on a significant upgrade planned on the RB20 for Austin this weekend. F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s prediction I 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. More

  • in

    Lando Norris won’t win F1 title due to ‘mental weaknesses’ as Helmut Marko slams Brit’s pre-race ‘rituals’

    LANDO NORRIS will not win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship because he has “mental weaknesses”, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.With six rounds of the season to go, McLaren star Norris sits 52 points behind reigning champion Max Verstappen.Lando Norris will not win the F1 championship, according to Helmut MarkoCredit: GettyNorris is 52 points behind leader Max Verstappen with six rounds to goCredit: RexBut Helmut Marko has said Norris’ pre-race rituals show ‘mental weaknesses’Credit: GettyThe Brit will be hoping to close the gap at this weekend’s US Grand Prix, having won two of the last four races.However, Red Bull advisor Marko has started the mind games in an effort to throw the 24-year-old off his game as the championship reaches crunch time.Speaking to Motor Sport Magazine, the 81-year-old backed Verstappen to win his fourth title this year.He said: “Verstappen [will win the championship].READ MORE IN F1″He is the best, he’s the fastest and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. “We know Norris has some mental weaknesses. “I’ve read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day.”Back in 2022, Norris revealed one of these pre-race rituals.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told Vanity Fair: “I always call my parents…”Still my mum wants to hear my voice before I go race.”Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Despite putting their lives on the line and racing at break-neck speeds every race weekend, F1 stars are a superstitious bunch.Michael Schumacher famously got into his car from the left, always carried an amulet with the initials of his family members and had a preference to wear odd numbers after winning all seven of his titles with odd numbers.Lewis Hamilton also revealed that Schumacher used to pee in his racesuit before every race, a practice also followed by Nico Rosberg.Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel dressed his racesuit with small trinkets ranging from a metal pig to a one-cent coin and placing two shining pieces of lucky silver on his race boots.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The legendary Alberto Ascari had a range of quirks ranging from avoiding black cats, staying away from unlucky numbers and not allowing anyone else to handle the case that had his lucky blue helmet – cruelly ironic given that he was killed in a testing accident while wearing Eugenio Castellotti’s white helmet rather than his own.On the current grid, Sergio Perez personalises his car by carrying a picture of the late Pope John Paul II on the inside of his cockpit.Charles Leclerc likes to sit next to his car in his bubble, Pierre Gasly has an espresso and naps for 30 mins, while Fernando Alonso jumps in on the right side of his car before the race.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Alex Albon meticulously sticks to his pre-race routine, from eating 90 minutes before a race, changing into his gear 30 minutes before setting up a cubby for his equipment.And despite Marko’s comments about Norris’ pre-race rituals, Verstappen has his own rituals, where he plays video games the night before a race to help get him in the zone. More

  • in

    F1 star looks unrecognisable as he ditches racing suit for lycra in shock career change

    A FORMULA 1 star swapped his racing car for a bicycle to compete in the World Gravel Championships on Sunday.The F1 paddock is enjoying a four-week break before the United States Grand Prix on October 20.The Formula 1 star was unrecognisable in lycraCredit: Zuma PressHe completed the World Gravel Championships and placed 134thCredit: Zuma PressSo far, 18 of the 24 races have been completed this season, with the finale set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 8.But one driver, a 10-time race winner, is filling his free time with more competition.He may not have claimed victory since 2021, but he remains on the grid in his 12th season in F1.And while his place at current team KICK Sauber remains unclear for 2025, he is already pursuing a post-F1 career in the form of gravel racing.READ MORE IN SPORTThe driver in question is, of course, Valtteri Bottas.The Finnish racer looked unrecognisable in lycra as he successfully finished the World Gravel Championships in the men’s 35-39-year-old age category in Belgium.Prior to the start, he admitted he was “more nervous” for the cycling event than before an F1 race.Bottas completed it in a time of five hours and 40 minutes, placing 134th out of 233 entries. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSValtteri Bottas was incredibly nervous before the start of the brutal raceCredit: RexSpeaking on X, he said: ” Completed it! Gravel WC done ✔️.”It was hard as expected! With the huge amount of people attending, queuing up for the single track sections in the beginning, and having to fix a puncture 5km before the finish, I was well happy with my day on the bike otherwise 😊.F1 legend chokes up and breaks down in tears after Singapore Grand Prix and could be replaced before next race”Thank you for all the support on the course, it was unreal! And thank you for the best support leading up and during the event to everyone involved 🙏🏼.”I’ll definitely remember this day!”Both of Sauber’s drivers Bottas and Zhou Guanyu do not yet know whether they will be driving in F1 next year.Nico Hulkenberg is the only confirmed driver for Sauber in 2025.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

  • in

    F1 team chief Flavio Briatore, 74, ‘rekindles romance with 44-year-old model ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci’

    F1 heavyweight Flavio Briatore has rekindled his romance with former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, according to reports in Italy.Briatore – who currently works as a special advisor to F1 team Alpine and part-owned QPR from 2007 to 2011 – married Elisabetta in 2008. Former model wife Elisabetta Gregoraci is the ex-wife of Flavio BriatoreCredit: InstagramElisabetta got married to Alpine special advisor Briatore in 2008Credit: InstagramElisabetta has one son with BriatoreCredit: InstagramThe couple, who split in 2017, pictured here in 2014Credit: Getty – ContributorThe couple are now linked with a rekindlingCredit: Getty Images – GettyTwo years later they welcomed son Nathan into the world but by 2017 the couple separated after nine years of marriage. Briatore, 71, already had a daughter, Leni Olumi Klum, from a previous marriage to German-American model and TV host Heidi Klum.Elisabetta, 44, has been romantically linked with Florentine entrepreneur Giulio Fratini in recent years.But reports in Italy state the two have drifted apart while Elisabetta remains close with Briatore. READ MORE IN F1Briatore meanwhile has been linked with Naomi Campbell, former Ralph Lauren model Kat Mack, and Polish model Marzena Cieslik in the past. The former team principal of Renault F1 recently posed for a “family selfie” with his two ex-wives and son Nathan and daughter Leni.Now, according to Dagiospa and Gazzetta dello Sport, Briatore and Elisabetta – who are almost 30-years apart in age – have rekindled their romance.But that is not the only love drama to hit the F1 track.Most read in MotorsportBritish driving sensation Oliver Bearman is reportedly caught up in a love triangle.The 19-year-old reserve driver is rumoured to have broken up with girlfriend Estelle Oglivy. TikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying But the aspiring model is said to be getting back with another up and coming F1 star ex.Bearman, who made a sensational F1 debut earlier this year for Ferrari, was previously dating Oglivy – a 22-year-old law graduate who has over 130,000 followers on Instagram.But the pair seem to have called quits on their relationship, despite Ogliviy heading out to support Bearman during his one and only F1 appearance back in March in Saudi Arabia.According to @F1GossipOfficial, a gossip social media account that follows the latest off-track news from F1, the pair have unfollowed each other on Instagram.Oglivy has also unfollowed F1 team Haas, who Bearman has secured a full-time seat with from 2025.The social media activity has sparked rumours of a split.And another online decision from Oglivy, who is of French and British heritage, is leading people to believe she has returned to date ex-boyfriend Franco Colapinto.Colapinto, 21, is currently competing in F1 for Williams where he replaced Logan Sargeant after the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine driver was previously rumoured to be dating Oglivy before she went public with Bearman.And since the apparent breakup from Brit sensation Bearman, Oglivy has re-followed ex Colapinto – sparking rumours of the pair rekindling their relationship.Oliver Bearman could have found himself caught up in an F1 love triangleCredit: AlamyThe rising star appears to have broken up with girlfriend Estelle OglivyCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceOglivy has sparked rumours of a return to an ex-boyfriendCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceThe law graduate has re-followed Williams driver Franco ColapintoCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Watch Keanu Reeves make motor racing debut at iconic track as Hollywood A-lister narrowly avoids monster crash

    KEANU REEVES swapped scripts for slipstreams as he made his motor racing debut over the weekend.The Hollywood A-lister, 60, was behind the wheel at the Toyota GR Cup North America event.Keanu Reeves was in racing action over the weekendCredit: APThe 60-year-old’s car featured a homage to his comic book seriesCredit: APReeves took part in two 45-minute races at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit.The venue has been the host of the world-famous Indy500 event for more than 100 years.Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix was also staged there between 2000 and 2007.Over the weekend, Reeves was behind the wheel of his No. 92 BRZRKR car.READ MORE IN SPORTThe A-lister was advertising his new novel, entitled “The Book of Elsewhere”, written alongside highly-renowned science fiction author China Mieville.Reeves’ car also represented the comic book series co-written alongside Matt Kindt.The Canadian qualified 31st out of 35 racers for the event.He nearly crashed just over halfway through the race, narrowly avoiding a collision as he slid on to the grass at Turn 9.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully unhurt, Reeves went on to recover to finish 25th.Undeterred, the Matrix star took part in again in Sunday’s event.Keanu Reeves feels ‘siren call’ to reunite with Sandra Bullock onscreen and admits they’d knock Speed 3 ‘out of the parKThe races acted as a support for the weekend’s Indy 8 Hour sports car action.In Sunday’s event, Reeves went one better to finish 24th.The superstar actor starred in the 1994 blockbuster “Speed” alongside Sandra Bullock.On Tuesday he is set to reunite with Bullock in Los Angeles for a special 30th anniversary screening of the movie.Reeves starred in the 1994 blockbuster Speed alongside Sandra BullockCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Incredible video shows plan for world’s first ‘vertiport’ for FLYING CAR racing dubbed the ‘Formula One of the skies’

    INCREDIBLE plans have been revealed for the world’s first “vertiport” set to host the “Formula One of the Skies” for flying car races. The cutting-edge designs for the impressive 360-degree flying deck have been revealed in video footage that promises a future filled with high-speed air racing. The incredible vertiports that will host F1 races for flying carsAn F1-inspired flying car revealed in the design videoFlying cars from the future pitting against each other in the skiesCredit: AirspeederAt the top of the arena is the viewing deck where the audience can be seen enjoying spectacular views of the raceCredit: AirspeederThe vertiport is being envisioned as an event venue where flying F1 races could be hosted. It is being designed as a revolutionary viewing deck that will be surrounded by air race tracks where fully crewed flying cars will pit against each other. The league promises to be “the world’s first electric flying car racing series”. Developed by a London-based tech firm Airspeeder, the vertiport will give an “unmatched experience” of the race. more on flying cars While it is still in its concept stage, the tech startup collaborated with HOK, a global architecture firm – to develop renders of what vertiports could look like in the future. Incredible footage shows F1-like flying cars racing in the skies around the vertiport. At the top of the arena is the viewing deck where the audience can be seen enjoying spectacular views of the race. And with a glass facade all around the deck, viewers get panoramic views of the event from each direction. Most read in MotorsportAccording to plans, the vertiport will feature “airside zones” with retractable landing pads for flying cars to land and take off – and will be used as pit stops in between competitions. The Skydeck will feature a module design – and can be fully disassembled or expanded according to needs. Hypersonic jet capable of flying from London to Texas in 2 hours prepares for first major test flight next yearAnd just like F1 races, the design will initially accommodate up to 10 teams with 20 Airspeeders that race against each other at the tracks. Stephen Sidlo, a senior executive at the tech startup, said: “We believe that flying car racing will initiate a new mobility revolution, advancing E-VTOL and EV technology to benefit the entire industry.”This collaboration with HOK represents not just a new sport but the future of high-speed, sustainable mobility.” Reacting to the incredible designs, one social media user said: “Cutting-edge design meets futuristic racing! Exciting times ahead for airborne motorsport.”While another joked: “Let’s fly baby!” Many tech companies are not putting their bets on long-term plans to develop flying cars. A Californian company has signed a deal with Dubai which could see tourists ferried across the UAE city by flying taxis from next year.The luxury means of travel will involve paying passengers booking their desired trip through an app and wait at “vertiports”, similar to today’s airports, for a propeller-powered taxi to pick them up.Each VTOL aircraft will be able to carry four passengers and one pilot.READ MORE SUN STORIESTravelling at speeds of up to 198 miles per hour, customers will enjoy a unique view of Dubai while making their way to their destinations.According to Joby Aviation, the US company behind the all-electric aircraft, a flight from Dubai Airport to the glitzy tree-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah will take just 10 minutes by air taxi.Flying ‘super car’ unveiled at CESA FLYING car has been unveiled in a world-first international debut at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.The car has been designed by XPeng Aeroht, which refers to itself as the largest flying car manufacturer in Asia.The Chinese company has called the car the “eVTOL flying supercar.”We exclusively spoke to the co-founder, vice president, and chief designer of Xpeng Aeroht, Wang Tan, about the need for flying cars in the future.He told The U.S. Sun: “Humans are 3D animals but the transportation is 2D.”Everybody wants to fly actually and to have another view, another angle, to see the gorgeous view.”He added that users will be able to beat traffic and fly out of congestion zones.Tan said he’s flown in another flying vehicle that he designed but hasn’t been in the eVTOL flying supercar as it’s still being worked on.CES attendees witnessed a live demonstration of propellers shooting from the car.SPEED MACHINES Incredible video shows plan for world’s first ‘vertiport’ for FLYING CAR racing dubbed the ‘Formula One of the skies’,Credit: Airspeeder More

  • in

    Michael Schumacher’s son Mick’s F1 career ‘OVER’ aged just 25 after shock decision made

    MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son, Mick, could be facing a premature end to his F1 career, according to reports.The 25-year-old is set to miss out on a permanent seat for next season after spending 2024 as a Mercedes reserve driver.Mick Schumacher could see his career in F1 ‘ended’ according to MarkoMick was tipped for a seat with Sauber – soon to be Audi- but that now looks to be off the cards, according to Bild.New Sauber boss Mattia Binotto allegedly favours keeping veteran ex- Mercedes driver Valtterri Bottas instead, whose contract expires this year.If that happens, Schumacher will miss out on the last available remaining seat in F1 for the 2025 season.Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.READ MORE F1 NEWSBottas – who previously helped Lewis Hamilton to several world titles at Mercedes – is set to stay with current partner Nico Hulkenberg.This is despite the fact that Bottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko believes this could spell the end of Schumacher’s time in F1.Marko said: “I think if Schumacher doesn’t get this seat, then the Formula One story is over for him.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think Audi’s car will certainly not be a winning car next year. There would have been no pressure for Audi or for the driver. There would be a good comparison with Hulkenberg.”If it is really the case that Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me.”Mick came through the ranks of the junior adaptations before joining Ferrari’s driver academy in 2019.Ralf Schumacher announces he is in a same-sex relationshipHowever, despite success in F2 and F3 formats, Schumacher struggled when he moved into the professional senior ranks with Haas.He raced for two seasons for Haas, finishing 19th and 16th before being let go.If he fails to secure his future, he will have the support of stunning fiance Laila Hasanovic, who is believed to be one of the few people outside the family allowed access to Michael’s exclusive inner circle.The seven-time F1 champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2023.But it is believed 55-year-old Michael was at his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca last weekend.Mick Schumacher with partner Laila Hasanovic🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

  • in

    Inside Michael Schumacher’s daughter’s glam wedding with ‘celeb bonus’, 4am raving…& stricken star’s ‘likely’ attendance

    GUESTS at Michael Schumacher’s daughter’s wedding partied until 4am despite noise complaints from neighbours.Gina, 27, tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca on Saturday – with her F1 icon dad likely in attendance.Gina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyMichael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexHorse enthusiast Gina pictured at a competition in Germany in 2015Credit: GettyStricken Schumacher is understood to spend a lot of his time at the £27million villa on the sun-soaked Spanish island his wife Corinna bought in 2017.The seven-time F1 champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.But it is believed the 55-year-old was at his daughter’s wedding at the weekend.There is now speculation Schumacher could attend the wedding celebrations of his son Mick Schumacher after he got engaged at the weekend to his long-term girlfriend Laila Hasanovic.More on SchumacherStaff from Jardines Events, who worked at Gina’s wedding, had to hand over their mobile phones before entering the villa so no photos would be taken inside, reports Bild.Guests were also instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door and no media were given permission to attend.The ceremony at the Port d’Andratx villa lasted around half an hour and was followed by a banquet and party.Guests arrived in the Palm Garden at 4pm, and sat in a semicircle around a white pavilion.Most read in MotorsportGina and Iain, who have been together for seven years, exchanged their vows at 4.45pm.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’Her floral lace dress cost around 3000 euros (£2,500) and she wore a gold bangle on her wrist from Cartier.While it was a joyous day for the Schumachers, neighbours of the villa were left bleary-eyed as partying went on until 4am.Several residents complained they were kept awake by loud music.The bass from a specially installed music system is claimed to have caused the area to shake, reports Bild.In Majorca, authorities have been known to cut the electricity of party households when there are too many complaints from residents.But the Schumachers are said to benefit from a so-called “celeb bonus” – meaning authorities likely turned a blind eye as they’re celebrities.And the day before the wedding, around 100 guests were invited to a ‘White Party’.Security measures were ramped up in and outside the exclusive Mhares Sea Club in Puigderrós.Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship nearly seven years ago.The reports about the wedding in January did not specify whether Michael would attend.He turned 55 in January just days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident on December 29.Michael Schumacher pictured with a baby Max Verstappen, right, and his daughter GinaCredit: NetflixSchumacher pictured skiing in 2005Credit: AFPIn September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.The revelation came after ex-Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore’s ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.“Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”Speaking on the Italian version of Big Brother, the brunette added: “They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”German tabloid Bild first linked the F1 legend to Florentino Perez’s Majorca mansion in July 2018, saying Corinna snapped it up for £27million so she could spend holidays there with family and friends.The house was bought by building magnate Perez in 2005 but he put it up for sale in 2017 after the death of his wife Mari Angeles Sandoval.The villa is part of a 15,000 square metre estate which boasts two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.” More