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      Sky Sports F1 presenter forced to miss Azerbaijan GP coverage after undergoing emergency surgery in Baku

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      SKY SPORTS host Rachel Brookes missed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won as Lando Norris came fourth and closed the gap on Max Verstappen at the top of the standings.Rachel Brookes missed the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: GettyShe as absent due to undergoing emergency surgeryCredit: InstagramBrookes had appendicitis after initially fearing it was food poisoningCredit: InstagramShe has updated fans on her healthCredit: InstagramBrookes, 47, was set to be part of the team covering the race in Baku – but she was surprisingly absent from coverage.With fans wondering where the broadcaster was, she took to social media to explain that she had gone under the knife due to appendicitis.Brookes said on Instagram: “So I landed here Tuesday night and felt poorly. Thought it was just nasty food poisoning but yesterday found out that I had appendicitis and needed surgery.”I’ve had the appendectomy and all good. Just want to say a massive thanks to all my colleagues at Sky Sports F1 for stepping up, stepping in to cover and sending me so many messages. We really do have the best team.READ MORE IN F1″And also to Sky as a company for pulling out all the stops to get me the best care and flying out my sister for support. So, basically, that’s why I wasn’t on the coverage this weekend… see you all in Texas.”Brookes also thanked the medics for the care she received, saying: “And the hugest of thank yous to the amazing staff at Liv Bona Dea hospital in Baku. I could not have felt in safer hands. “From my surgeon, Elgun, to my anaesthetist, Madina, to all the nurses who downloaded Google Translate so we could communicate.”To Ayshan, Yazgul, Shovgia, Humay and Osman – you were more than any patient could wish for. Also to Formula Medicine and all the medical staff at the Baku Circuit, you were fantastic.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSF1 drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have both missed races this year due to appendicitis, leading to Brookes joking: “What do I have in common with them?”She was not the only famous face missing from Sky Sports’ coverage in Baku over the weekend as commentator David Croft was also not there.His absence was due to him being on his honeymoon after recently tying the knot to Laura Bradley.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? 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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      Four F1 stars including Max Verstappen handed warnings for overtaking after race had FINISHED as fans left baffled

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and three other drivers avoided punishment for overtaking after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix had finished.Verstappen, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg were all issued warnings after they were spotted overtaking under the Virtual Safety Car.Max Verstappen was issued a warning for overtaking after the Azerbaijan GP was overCredit: RexThe Dutchman overtook a number of cars after crossing the finish lineCredit: XA Virtual Safety Car was in place after a dramatic crash late in the raceCredit: X @SkySportsF1Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez both crashed out of contentionCredit: X @SkySportsF1Despite the race having already been won by Oscar Piastri by the time the overtaking was completed, drivers still have to avoid overtaking while the VSC is in place – which it was.The VSC had been brought in following an astonishing crash on the penultimate lap of the Baku City Circuit that saw podium chasers Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez crash out of contention.Fortunately for the four drivers caught overtaking, the decision was taken to issue warnings rather than offering up penalties.However, the stewards have warned that any repeat offending “may lead to significant penalties”.READ MORE IN F1A statement read: “While passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellows, Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car procedures.”While the drivers were aware of where the incident was, they could not have known if emergency equipment or marshals were being dispatched onto the track, and so have to proceed with caution. “The Stewards are aware that this has happened earlier this season and was not noticed at the time. “We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors. Further breaches may incur significant penalties.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were confused at first by the warnings and took to social media to react.One wrote: “But the race was over, right? I don’t understand where the infraction was committed there? Maybe I’m stupid, but I don’t understand…”Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?While another added: “If Verstappen gets penalised for this I’m suing the FIA.”Others sided with the FIA, reiterating that rules are rules and the drivers need to follow them for everyone’s safety.One posted: “The point is, the hazard is still on the road. It is not a video game where you cross the finish line and all sudden the road is clean. There was still two cars crashed into each other.”And a second reiterated: “VSC is VSC.. rules still apply even if its after the race.”The chaos in Baku meant George Russell jumped into third place behind Charles Leclerc in second.While Oscar Piastri upstaged Lando Norris as McLaren soared into the lead of the Constructors’ Championship.The result means McLaren now boasts a 20-point lead in the constructors’ standings over Red Bull.Oscar Piastri was the winner in BakuCredit: Getty More

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      Watch astonishing crash at end of Azerbaijan Grand Prix as F1 star Carlos Sainz appears to run rival into barrier

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      CARLOS SAINZ and Sergio Perez were involved in an astonishing crash late in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Ferrari and Red Bull stars collided with one another on the penultimate lap of the Baku City Circuit.Carlos Sainz caused a bizarre crash late in the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: SKY SPORTSHe sent Sergio Perez flying into the barrier in the penultimate lapCredit: SKY SPORTSRed Bull’s Sergio Perez fumed over his radio after the crashCredit: SKY SPORTSSainz, somehow, ended up pushing the Mexican into the barrier after returning to the track following a brief stint on the rumble stripes.Perez was left fuming, shouting, “What the f***” over his team radio while Sainz asked, “What happened?”F1 fans were dumbfounded by Sainz’s antics as he vied for third place with Perez.One wrote on X: “CARLOS SAINZ WHAT THE F**K WAS THAT???????”READ MORE F1 NEWSAnother said: “Carlos Sainz really said, ‘F**k Mexico… viva Espana!'”And another said: ” Carlos Sainz, what a ridiculous way to drive.”One remarked: ” Can’t handle the pressure, so you mess it all up.”The chaos between Perez and Sainz saw George Russell jump into third place behind Charles Leclerc in second.Most read in MotorsportOscar Piastri ended up staging Lando Norris as McLaren soared into the lead of the Constructors’ Championship.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe result means McLaren now boasts a 20-point lead in the constructors’ standings over Red Bull.Norris put the disappointment of qualifying behind him to soar from P16 into fourth place ahead of Max Verstappen in fifth.Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?The Dutchman had another stinker, battling with grip problems and losing more faith in his Red Bull.Norris, meanwhile, clawed back some of Verstappen’s advantage and is now 59 points behind with seven races to go.It was a heart-in-mouth battle between Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who started on pole, and Aussie Piastri.By lap 20 Piastri was leading the race after lunging on the inside of Leclerc to steal the P1 position, forcing the Monegasque into second where he stayed put.Lewis Hamilton did well to finish in ninth after starting from the pit lane after taking a new engine in Baku.The seven-time world champion qualified in seventh for Mercedes but was penalised for exceeding his power unit allowance for the season.Carlos Sainz celebrates his stunning victory in BakuCredit: REUTERS More

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      Fans hail ‘miracle’ as sickening F2 crash totally destroys one car and leaves another on its side but drivers walk away

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      THIS is the horrifying moment a huge crash occurred during a Formula Two race.With all drivers on the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the lights went out to signal the start of the race.Kush Maini’s car did not get off the line and Pepe Marti went into the back of himCredit: X @SkySportsF1Marti’s car slid across the track on its sideCredit: X @SkySportsF1Debris covered the trackCredit: GettyMaini’s car was taken away destroyedCredit: GettyBut disaster struck for Kush Maini as his car failed to start, leaving him stationary on the track.A couple of drivers were able to swerve the Invicta Racing driver – but Pepe Marti was unable to avoid a collision.He smashed into the back of Maini and destroyed the back of his car.Marti was sent flying, with his vehicle flipping onto its side and sliding across the tarmac.READ MORE IN F1Debris covered the track and Oliver Goethe was also unable to continue after he was knocked against the wall as he tried to avoid a dangerous pile up.Fellow driver Isack Hadjar was heard panicked on the team radio, saying: “Oh my God, that was really bad.”Thankfully, F2 confirmed all three drivers were OK.And Goethe was seen speaking to a marshal straight after he climbed out his car.Most read in MotorsportFans have hailed how all managed to escape without an injury as a “miracle”.Others commented: “Such a scary incident, so grateful everyone is okay.”Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?And another added: “Thank goodness for the halo and a good chassis.”Analysing the crash, Sky Sports commentators said: “It is worst case scenario.”It’s always the drivers towards the rear of the field, they are doing a higher when you get there. Your reaction time is ever reduced as you go back through the rows of the grid.”Those in front use their great reaction times to dart out of the way. You’re unsighted until so late.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Lando Norris suffers huge dent to F1 world championship dream after qualifying shocking 17th for Azerbaijan GP

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      LANDO NORRIS suffered a shock exit in Q1 to put a major dent in his title hopes in Azerbaijan.The 24-year-old had to settle for P17 after he was knocked out of the first qualifying session in Baku due to a yellow flag coming out before he could finish his lap.Lando Norris was booted out in Q1 for the Azerbaijan GPCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc will star on pole ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos SainzCredit: AFPThe Brit is 62 points behind leader Max Verstappen in the F1 drivers’ championship.Meanwhile, McLaren are only eight points away from Red Bull in the F1 constructors’ title race.Norris said: “The lap was easily good enough but it was a yellow flag so I had to back off.”On potentially making up positions, he added: “I don’t think it’s as easy as that.READ MORE ON F1″Honestly following is pretty much impossible around here and overtaking is a lot worse than what everyone thinks.”I hope I’m wrong and I hope there are plenty of chances but I’m not expecting so, there are a lot of cars behind.“It’s very low downforce which is pretty much impossible to overtake, I’m not expecting a lot from 17th.”But we will put in a good plan tonight and do our best.”Most read in MotorsportBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesCharles Leclerc secured pole position in his Ferrari, fresh off the back of his win two weeks ago in Monza.McLaren may be thinking twice about their decision to prioritise Norris in his title fight as his team-mate Oscar Piastri secured second.The most shocking Silverstone scandals from spying to cheating and X rated displays🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Verstappen slumped into just sixth place, behind his team-mate Sergio Perez who came in fourth.Carlos Sainz finished third while George Russel was fifth and Lewis Hamilton came in seventh.It was a chaotic qualifying in Baku, with a member of the Williams pit crew leaving a cooling fan attached to Alex Albon’s car in Q3.Max Verstappen in conversation with Christian HornerCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton works his way around the streets of BakuCredit: GettyWill Smith popped in to see the Ferrari teamCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Wow’ – Lewis Hamilton laughs at bizarre claim from F1 rival Max Verstappen as he says ‘I don’t really know what to say’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON must have heard almost everything in F1.But even the seven-time world champ couldn’t contain himself when told of Max Verstappen’s verdict on the upcoming final third of the season.Lewis Hamilton appeared surprised by the comments of Max Verstappen, who is well clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris in the title raceCredit: GettyHamilton’s reaction to Verstappen’s verdict was clear to seeCredit: GettyRed Bull ace Verstappen has won the last three titles and leads this year’s Championship by 62 points from McLaren’s Lando Norris.But RB have spluttered in recent races amid performance issues.And McLaren have been closing the gap – leaving them just eight points behind Red Bull in the duel for the Constructors’ crown.However, Mercedes’ British star Hamilton was amused and bemused by Verstappen’s assessment ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.READ MORE TOP STORIESLast time out, at the Italian GP two weeks ago, Norris was third and his team-mate Oscar Piastri second – behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.In contrast, Verstappen was sixth, with fellow RB driver Sergio Perez a further two spots below him.The Dutchman, 26, responded at the time by claiming Red Bull’s title hopes were now “unrealistic”.And far from now backing down in Baku, he said: “If we perform like Monza, it’s not realistic. Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So we definitely need to be better than what we have been delivering lately, we know that. “If we can find a better balance with the car, then actually we’ll be more competitive. But if more competitive is enough, I don’t know.”The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramThose comments were put to Hamilton, who is out of contention in sixth place before he switches to Ferrari for next year.And the 39-year-old was clearly reeling after hearing his old foe’s judgement.At first he said: “He said it’s unrealistic for him to get one of the two titles? Wow.” Hamilton then burst into laughter and added: “I mean, that’s his opinion, that’s obviously what he’s feeling in that moment, but he’s pretty far ahead! “I don’t really know what to say about it.”Verstappen, however, could yet have plenty to say after Sunday’s race – and for positive reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s because, despite his downbeat appraisal, he also let slip that Red Bull have discovered why their car has encountered problems.So if the team can fix those issues, their double title challenge could be “Baku on track” this weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?

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      LANDO NORRIS kept up his driving skills by driving a unique McLaren P1.The British driver will be hoping to close the gap to Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.Lando Norris completed a unique stunt lap with McLarenCredit: The Mega AgencyNorris was seen driving a McLaren P1 around SilverstoneBut there was a shocking twist to the car’s makeupThe British driver was actually driving a to-scale McLaren P1 made of LEGOCredit: The Mega AgencyIn the meantime, Norris got back behind the wheel at Silverstone as he took out a McLaren P1 supercar, which can sell for around £800,000.However, the vehicle the 24-year-old drove out with had some strikingly different mechanics to a usual P1.The main difference being… it was made out of LEGO.Lego Technic recently launched a model of the McLaren P1 at a 1:8 scale as part of their sponsorship agreement with the car manufacturer.READ MORE IN F1But they have now outdone themselves after creating a to-scale version of the car.Indeed, only the electric battery, the tyres, seatbelt, steering wheel, and brakes are made of real parts, with the rest of the car being made with Lego bricks.Constructed in Czechia, the full-scale car features 342,000 Lego parts pulled from 393 different LEGO Technic elements.It weighs in at a staggering 1220kg overall – some 270kg lighter than the real-life P1 – and took 23 people 8,344 hours, or 347 days and 16 hours, of development.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTasks in the process included creating fully functional steering and integrated suspension to put into the car to make it driveable, while according to Planet F1, the exterior was made with extra rigidity in mind.In a video shared to McLaren’s YouTube channel, Norris was taken aback when first saw the car, admitting: ” Oh God, I’m nervous now.”F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? However, the two-time F1 race winner managed to complete a successful lap around the Silverstone circuit, with the battery able to take the car up to speeds of almost 40mph.Norris was pleasantly surprised by the car’s handling, saying: “It actually drives pretty good.”It felt like a car, the steering I thought was pretty good. Copse, I did it flat, the old wing mirrors flapped a little bit – I thought I should stay off the kerbs here! It’s mint.”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 Ocon🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Lubor Zelinka, The LEGO Group’s Design Manager Specialist said: “It’s quite an accomplishment, I’m so proud that me and part of our team can be here – and it feels great. It’s just a beautiful sight.”We had great collaboration [with McLaren] throughout the whole thing, we had the full 3D digital package for the car, unprecedented access to their engineering team, some time on their computer actually simulating our assumptions and ideas about a drivetrain on the virtual Silverstone track.“Overall, they were a great partner, down to actually gifting us a set of wheels and tyres and other parts from the real P1 to accomplish this.”The car features 342,000 Lego partsCredit: The Mega AgencyNorris was surprisingly happy with the steeringCredit: The Mega AgencyOnly a handful of items of the car including the tyres were not made of LegoCredit: The Mega AgencyThe project took a team of 23 people more than 8,000 hours to developCredit: The Mega AgencySavage 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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      When does Formula E Season 11 start? FULL calendar with 17 races taking place across 11 locations

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      THE 11th season of Formula E will get underway at the end of the year.It comes after a record-breaking campaign for the all-electric championship, which saw a huge surge in its global fanbase.The new Gen3 Evo race car will debut in Season 11Credit: Formula EIn 2023/24, Formula E had a 23% increase in its supporters worldwide, with an average of 374m for the season.Six races from the 10th season outperformed the most viewed S9 – that totalled 31m audiencePascal Wehrlein was the victor last term, topping the drivers’ championship standings with 198 points. The 29-year-old German was victorious in Mexico, Italy and Great Britain during S10.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTSeason 11 is set to be another thriller with a blend of permanent and built circuits offering an exciting challenge for the drivers.An electrifying new-look Formula E car, known as Gen3 Evo, will be in use for the next two seasons, debuting in S11.The Gen3 Evo will boast “acceleration 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car, and 36% faster than the current Gen3”.There is so much to look forward to ahead of the new Formula E season – and SunSport has all the information you need before S11 kicks off.Most read in MotorsportWhen does Formula E Season 11 start?Pre-season testing for Formula E Season 11 will take place over four days from Monday, November 4, to Thursday, November 7, in Valencia, Spain.This will be the first time teams will take to the track with their new Gen3 Evo race cars.Following pre-season testing, Season 11 will kick off in Sao Paulo on Saturday, December 7.Formula E Season 11 calendarHere is the provisional calendar for Season 11:R1 – Sao Paulo – Saturday, December 7R2 – Mexico City – Saturday, January 11R3 – Jeddah – Friday, February 14R4 – Jeddah – Saturday, February 15R5 – TBC – Saturday, March 8R6 – Miami – Saturday, April 12R7 – Monaco – Saturday, May 3R8 – Monaco – Sunday, May 4R9 – Tokyo – Saturday, May 17R10 – Tokyo – Sunday, May 18R11 – Shanghai – Saturday, May 31R12 – Shanghai – Sunday, June 1R13 – Jakarta – Saturday, June 21R14 – Berlin – Saturday, July 12R15 – Berlin – Sunday, July 13R16 – London – Saturday, July 26R17 – London – Sunday, July 27What’s been said?Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said: “For Season 11 we’re taking electric racing to the next level and doing things never been done before in motorsport. “Our world-leading GEN3 EVO will debut in front of hundreds of millions of fans around the globe, while adding two brand new locations and combinations of double-headers to grow our sport further.”The new and improved calendar offers a perfect blend of circuits for drivers to push their upgraded cars to the limit, while staying true to our street racing DNA and the on-track action it produces.” Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: “We’re thrilled to offer a calendar with some fresh new highlights while building on our legacy locations. “Returning to Miami gives us a home in one of the US’s most iconic and sports-mad cities, while securing a double-header in Monaco is a dream come true.”We can’t wait to build on the success of Tokyo and deliver a double-header, while returning to Jakarta and entertaining our huge Indonesian fanbase too. “With 17 races across the season and our most advanced race car debuting on track, we’re offering our fans cutting-edge sport we could only have hoped for when founding the championship just over 10 years ago.”Marek Nawarecki, Director, FIA Circuit Sport Department, said: “The 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar features a range of circuits that will truly showcase the qualities of the brand new GEN3 EVO car, set to be introduced next season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m glad that Formula E capitalizes on the success of the Tokyo and Shanghai races whilst also returning to some of its iconic venues and retaining a good amount of street circuits, which is in its core DNA.”I’m also hopeful that this new season will again play host to some fascinating action on track.” More