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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

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      Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen to Singapore Grand Prix pole as Brit faces do or die race in F1 calendar

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      LANDO NORRIS edged out Max Verstappen for pole position as the title-rivals prepare for battle on the front of the grid tomorrow.The Dutchman will be breathing down the McLaren driver’s neck after securing second–place, just ahead of third-place Lewis Hamilton.Lando Norris grabbed pole position for the Singapore Grand PrixSpanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr crashed the back of his car into the barriersLewis Hamilton was happy with where he placed on tomorrow’s gridNorris knows it is do or die in Singapore with the 24-year-old 59 points Verstappen in the driver’s championship with seven races to go.Carlos Sainz crashed the back of his car into the barriers prompting a red flag in Q3 leaving him to settle for tenth while his ninth-place Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc had his lap time deleted.Norris said: “It was tough. I was finding it difficult to progress and get lap time. A lot of the guys around were getting quicker and quicker, it put me under pressure.“A good feeling, I felt confident, maybe not so much in qualis but we got the job done.Read more F1 news“It gets your heart rate going, it’s good fun , the car has been feeling good. I did the job I had to do today, excited to see what we can do tomorrow.“I had faith we were quick. I didn’t have to over push, it’s a nice feeling. I kept it cool and did what I had to do.”Hamilton added: “Qualifying has been a disaster for me all year long. I have been working to try to get myself back up there.”The car came alive in qualifying, getting that lap at the end was a bit tricky. I’m really grateful. Mechanics have been faultless.Most read in Motorsport”I hope we’re in a good position to fight for the front tomorrow.”F1 star Lando Norris needed a bump start from fans when his vintage £1.5million Lamborghini ground to a halt More

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      F1 red flagged after GIANT LIZARD enters race track before evading stewards as drivers forced to swerve to miss ‘dragon’

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      FORMULA ONE was hit by chaos ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix as a giant LIZARD forced a red flag.Animals are a common hazard around some F1 tracks, with foxes, groundhogs and one famous incident in 2016 being dubbed “Godzilla”. A monitor lizard caused havoc during FP3 of the F1 Singapore Grand PrixCredit: GettyFernando Alonso gave the lizard, named ‘Lionel’, a wide berthCredit: GettyA race steward was caught out in a sprint race as he tried to catch the lizardCredit: GettyA 2016 incident with a lizard was dubbed ‘Godzilla’Credit: GettyToday seemed to see the sequel to the latter, as a huge monitor lizard was seen invading the race track during Free Practice 3 on Saturday morning.Nicknamed “Lionel”, the lizard was taking in the sights as it went for a stroll on the active race track just moments after the session began.Its presence forced Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso to give it a wide berth as he put in some practice laps around the street circuit – which has the most corners of any F1 track.Meanwhile, Mercedes driver George Russell said the lizard “looked like a dragon” on the team radio.READ MORE IN F1The lizard strutting its stuff caught a smile from Williams driver Alex Albon, who was seen in the paddock as he waited for the hazard to clear.Once the session was neutralised with a red flag, track stewards tried to catch Lionel to allow the session to get back underway.However, as a steward clad in a bright orange safety vest approached, Lionel then bolted off down the track.This caused an impromptu sprint race between Lionel and the steward.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSky Sports commentator David Croft was left stunned by the lizard’s pace, remarking: “I’ll tell you what, it’s got a purposeful stroll but when it wants to get a shift on, look at that.”Look at the pace of that. It’s a drag race!”F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? And after a delay of around 11 minutes, the green flag was waved to finally allow the session to get back on track. Fans rushed to social media to share their thoughts on the gate-crashing lizard.One said: “Give him a paddock pass so he doesn’t have to trespass.”A second said: “Alex stole the spotlight from the Godzilla.”A third said: “Marshals trying to match speed with lizard.”Another said: “GUYS THERES A MONITOR LIZARD AGAIN.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconA fifth added: “Why is it running like that… screaming cute fr.”A sixth said: “This was too funny,” while another said: “It’s faster than Red Bull.”Alonso might have been getting a sense of deja vu after he was also at the centre of a lizard storm in Singapore last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, while this year ended with the lizard being captured and safely removed, last year Alonso unfortunately left fans distraught after accidentally running over a lizard.Max Verstappen only narrowly avoided hitting a groundhog at this year’s Canadian Grand Prix, with groundhogs a common invader of the track.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Max Verstappen becomes first F1 star to be hit with never-before-seen punishment

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been punished for SWEARING as the FIA look to steer away from bad language.The Red Bull star was summoned to the stewards after his pre-race press conference on Thursday.Max Verstappen has been punished by the FIACredit: GettyThat’s because he breached rules regarding swearing after letting an F-bomb slip as he spoke to press.Referring 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 at the Singapore Grand Prix decided that Verstappen has to “accomplish some work of public interest” for using language they deemed “coarse, rude or may cause offence”.READ MORE ON F1The details of the work Verstappen must do have to be agreed between him and the FIA.A statement read: “The driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language.“While the stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure.“Verstappen apologised for his behaviour.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe sanction comes after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem warned against the use of foul language in the sport.He said: “I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.Four F1 stars including Max Verstappen handed warnings for overtaking after race had FINISHED as fans left baffled“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?” More