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      Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crashed’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’

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      FORMULA ONE rookie sensation Isack Hadjar “almost crashed” after injuring a sensitive area of his body during qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix.The Racing Bulls youngster repeatedly complained over the team radio that he was in agony after his seat belts twisted on Saturday morning.Isack Hadjar said he ‘almost crashed’ after injuring a sensitive area of his body during qualifying in GPCredit: Sky SportsThe Racing Bulls driver had to jump out between qualifying sessions to be helped outHis team worked frantically to fix the issueHadjar disrupted the team’s original plan by returning to the garage towards the end of Q1, as mechanics frantically tried to fix the problem. The 20-year-old was sent back out while still in pain, but he somehow managed to find a lap quick enough to lift him out of the bottom five. He then had his six-point safety harness re-positioned and went on to battle through to Q3 and pip Lewis Hamilton to seventh fastest ahead of Sunday’s race.After qualifying, Hadjar revealed that he was so disorientated he nearly crashed the car – which would’ve been for the second time this season.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut he found little sympathy from the Sky Sports panel of pundits, as presenter Simon Lazenby said: “I’m just going to cross my legs here and ask you what was going on?”And Hadjar told Sky: “It was a nightmare, man. Honestly. I’m really proud of myself and the lap I did in Q1, with what I had, unbelievable.””I realised straight in Turn 3. I was like ‘OK, this is not going well’, and I nearly crashed actually. But I’m OK.The panel were laughing even harder when Naomi Schiff pointed out: “This was not an issue I ever dealt with when I was racing.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPundit Jacques Villeneuve, who was already giggling, begged him not to go into “too much detail” on the live broadcast.Drivers normally stay in the cockpit for the duration of qualifying, but drastic action was needed and Hadjar jumped out between sessions.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team Hadjar somehow managed to power through and qualified seventh – ahead of Lewis HamiltonDuring Q1 Hadjar had made it clear just how painful the problem was as he spoke with race engineer Pierre Hamelin over the radio.He said: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, f***ing hell. I mean, I just can’t focus, I have so much lap time. It’s just not driveable.”The French-Algerian star later reported that the belts strapping him in were “twisted” which seemed to be the cause of his discomfort. Cameras mounted on board his car showed him trying to adjust the belts while driving whenever he could,TV footage then showed Racing Bulls staff trying to resolve the issue in the garage.On several occasions he winced and tightly closed his eyes because of the pain he was feeling as his mechanics tried to sort out his seat belt.Hadjar fears were understandable after he crashed on his F1 debut during a formation lap at the Australian GP – leaving him in tears.Japanese GP Qualifying: Top 101) Max Verstappen, Red Bull2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren4) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari5) George Russell, Mercedes6) Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls8) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari9) Alex Albon, Williams10) Oliver Bearman, HaasMeanwhile, Hadjar’s newly returning team-mate Liam Lawson – who was dropped by Red Bull last week – qualified in 14th.But he ironically beat his replacement driver Yuki Tsunoda, who drove the RB21 for the first time ever at his home GP.Meanwhile, Red Bull star Max Verstappen produced a major upset after snatching pole position from McLaren’s Lando Norris.Verstappen delivered a time of 1:26.983 – the fastest lap in Suzuka history.The Dutchman took a fourth successive Suzuka pole as the top three were left separated by less than half a tenth of a second.Read More on The SunRed Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “That was one of his best laps in qualifying ever. We did not expect that. Outstanding.”Max extracted every ounce of performance. He got the most out of it today and getting that pole position was completely against the form we had been seeing. A big lift for the team.”Max Verstappen produced a major upset after snatching pole positionCredit: Rex More

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      F1 Japanese Grand Prix: How to watch LIVE as Lando Norris looks to extend lead and Lewis Hamilton chases first podium

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      LANDO NORRIS is back in action this weekend as he looks to extend his lead at the top of the Formula One Drivers’ Championship.The Brit was the first winner in 2025, taking the chequered flag ahead of Max Verstappen in the Australian Grand Prix. Lando Norris currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship with 44 pointsCredit: GettyMax Verstappen is yet to win a race in 2025Credit: Song Haiyuan/PaddockerLewis Hamilton is currently ninth in the World Drivers’ ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe struggled a bit last time out, finishing second to McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri at the Chinese Grand Prix.This season looked to be a thriller before the action even started, and with the top four split by just 10 points after three races, F1 looks to be living up to its billing in 2025.Verstappen, George Russell and Piastri sit second, third and fourth respectively, with rookie driver Kimi Antonelli in fifth.New Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton converted a pole to a win in the Chinese Sprint Race but was then DISQUALIFIED from the main race.Read more F1That left him lingering down in ninth, one point above Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.The Ferrari pair will be looking to put some more points on the board as they travel to Suzuka to take on the Japanese Grand Prix.How to watch the Japanese Grand Prix and is there a live stream?F1 continues to come LIVE from Sky Sports F1.Customers can stream the action from the Sky Go app.Viewers will be able to watch a full race replay for FREE on Channel 4, following the conclusion of the race.Grand Prix highlights will also be available on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel.Alternatively, follow LIVE with SunSport’s blog of the Grand Prix. Japanese Grand Prix UK start timePractice one (3.30am BST) and Practice two (7am BST) take place on Friday, April 4.The third practice session (3.30am BST) takes place on Saturday April 5 in the UK.Qualifying is later that same day at 7am BST.The race is set to start at 6am BST on Sunday, April 6.Most read in Motorsport More

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      Max Verstappen takes shock pole as Japan Grand Prix qualification is hit by trackside fire disruptions

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      QUALIFYING for the Japan Grand Prix was clouded by smoke from trackside fires causing red flag chaos throughout the session.Suzuka Circuit looked more like a wildfire than a race track as grass fires broke out throughout qualification and practice.Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix was hit by red flag chaosCredit: ReutersGrass fires broke out on the side of the track at Suzuka CircuitCredit: Sky SportsTwo fires broke out during qualifying after the same happened in practiceCredit: AFPSaturday morning’s practice was hit by two red flag delays from the wildfires, while the qualifying itself saw another two fires cause chaos.Sparks flying from the cars were blowing in the air and landing on dry grass and causing it to set alight.Williams chief James Vowles hit out at the FIA to fix the issues ahead of qualifying – after attempts to water and trim it on Friday proved ineffective.Vowles said: “I think it’s hampered all of us really.READ MORE F1 NEWS“It’s just when you get into the flow, you need a couple of laps on the softs to get it right. And we just didn’t get that nor did anyone else for that matter.”So definitely, we spoke to the FIA at the end of that one [FP3],” he added. “No one wants these, and it’s the same for everyone. That’s the best way I can put it.“So it’s down to us to make sure that we don’t get caught out by it.” Adding: “They’ve tried wetting the turf, but I think they have to look at other measures before qualifying.”Most read in MotorsportMax Vertsappen took pole position with a lightning quick final lapCredit: ReutersThe Red Bull driver has now taken pole in Japan four years in a rowCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite the FIA claiming they would throw “all available time and resources” into sorting the issue before qualifying, it still proved. In between the disruptions, drivers were still able to put some laps together.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team Max Verstappen put together a blistering final lap out of nowhere to take pole for Sunday’s race for the fourth time in a row – setting a new track lap record of 1.26.983.While McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were right behind in second and third. Verstappen said: “Yeah, I am [surprised]. Each session we kept making little improvements. Then the last lap was just flat out.”In a Formula 1 car around here is insane. This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here.”Meanwhile Charles Leclerc was behind in fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.After a controversial week at Red Bull, Liam Lawson managed to advance to Q2 for the first time this season and even finished one place ahead of replacement Yuki Tsunoda.Read More on The SunOfficials have now decided to burn the grass at the edges of the track ahead of Sunday’s race to try and stop a repeat of today’s disruptions.While there’s thought to be hope that there could be rain to add moisture to the flammable surface too.Liam Lawson advanced to Q2 for the first time this seasonCredit: GettyRed Bull replacement Yuki Tsunoda finished one place behind LawsonCredit: GettyJapan Grand Prix QualificationHere’s a look at the results in full from qualification…Max Verstappen – 1:26.983Lando Norris +0.012Oscar Piastri +0.044Charles Leclerc +0.316George Russell +0.335Kimi Antonelli +0.572Isack Hadjar +0.586Lewis Hamilton +0.627Alexander Albon +0.632Oliver Bearman +0.884Pierre GaslyCarlos SainzFernando AlonsoLiam LawsonYuki TsunodaNico HulkenbergGabriel BortoletoEsteban OconJack DoohanLance Stroll More

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      Why are Red Bull racing in white instead of navy at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2025?

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      FORMULA ONE heads to Japan for the third race of the season, with Red Bull still in search of their first win of 2025. Max Verstappen is second in the World Drivers’ Championship after two races, having come second to either McLaren driver in two races.Red Bull will be driving in a special red and white liveryCredit: REUTERS/Issei KatoYuki Tsunoda will be making his debut for the Red Bull team in JapanCredit: REUTERS/Issei KatoMax Verstappen is looking for his first win of the season in JapanCredit: IPA / SplashNews.comHe also finished third to Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri in the season’s first Sprint last weekend.Verstappen will be lining up not only with a new livery, but with a new teammate this weekend.Liam Lawson’s poor start to the season saw him axed in just TWO races, and replaced by home favourite Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix.Lawson will race for Red Bull’s ‘feeder’ team Racing Bulls, with Tsunoda make the switch from Racing Bulls to Red Bull. Read more F1But, Tsunoda will not be racing in the typical Red Bull car, as the team roll out a special edition livery for the Japanese Grand Prix.Why are Red Bull racing in white?The RB21 is rolling out a special white livery to honour the final year of their contract with engine manufactures Honda.The Honda company are based in Japan, so Red Bull will wear the colour to honour them in their home Grand Prix.Red Bull will already have endeared themselves to the Japanese faithful, as they promoted home hero Yuki Tsunoda to the second seat in place of Liam Lawson.Most read in MotorsportHow to watch the Japanese Grand Prix and is there a live streamThe F1 Japanese Grand Prix is LIVE on Sky Sports F1.The race will start at 6am BST in the UK.Viewers will be able to watch the full race for FREE on Channel 4 following the conclusion of the race.Follow along with the action on SunSport’s comprehensive blog. More

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      Tai Woffinden health update as wife Faye reveals stricken Speedway star is ‘fighting’ in medically induced coma

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      TAI WOFFINDEN’S wife Faye says he is “fighting” as he remains in a medically induced coma following a high-speed crash in Poland. Woffy, 34, was airlifted to hospital in Krosno on Sunday and underwent emergency surgery after suffering numerous fractures and a chest injury.Tai Woffinden’s wife Faye has thanked fans for their supportFaye says her husband’s spirit remains strong ‘and so does our hope’The speedway ace was airlifted to hospital following the crashCredit: XBritain’s most successful speedway star of all time got caught in a three-rider and bike pile-up and smashed into a protective airfence at high speed while racing for Rzeszow.Faye has flown in from Australia to Poland to be by her husband’s side alongside his mum Sue.She said: “Our brave boy is here with us! fighting, healing, and resting.“Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine. READ MORE ON TAI WOFFINDEN”Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much. “And yet, his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing, more strength, and more of him back to us.“Anyone who knows Tai knows how open, honest, and full of life he is.”When he’s ready, he’ll share his story in his own way. But right now, his only job is to rest, to heal, and to find the strength to get through this.Most read in Motorsport“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.“While we hesitate to name individuals for fear of missing anyone, we want to extend our deepest thanks to those who played a part in saving Tai.Faye has praised all the help Tai is receivingHe is seen here celebrating his first title in 2013 with mum Sue, left, and Faye“To the special person we cannot name, whose quick actions arranged the helicopter to the track so promptly, and to the medical team inside who cared for Tai before he even reached the hospital—you gave him a fighting chance, and we will never forget that.“To Dr. Paweł Jasiński, for organizing every surgery and ensuring Tai has the best possible team. To Rafał Roger Piątek, who has not only been by Tai’s side but also ours through it all. To Basia Karczewska, for her constant support and kindness.“To the incredible doctors and medical team in Rzeszów. To the Stal Rzeszów team, especially Paweł Piskorz and Michał Drymajło your unwavering support means everything.“To our family, our friends, and every single person who has reached out, offered help, or simply held us in their thoughts – thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. “Your love has carried us through the darkest moments. We will never forget it. “Lots of love Faye & Sue.” Woffinden is a three-time world champion More

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      Ferrari make major update to Lewis Hamilton’s F1 steering wheel with special feature he used at Mercedes

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has received a major update to his Formula One car for the Japanese Grand Prix.The Ferrari driver has endured a mixed start with his new team, winning the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race but scoring just one championship point during the two Sunday feature races.Lewis Hamilton has seen a major upgrade brought to his Ferrari for the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: ReutersHamilton has asked for his steering wheel to include more information like it did when he was at MercedesCredit: AFPHamilton scored P4 in both practice sessions with the new wheelCredit: RexHowever, the seven-time F1 world champion will see a welcome upgrade for this weekend’s race with a feature brought over from his old team Mercedes.Hamilton has already been forced to hold a meeting with race engineer, Riccardo Adami, to outline what information he wants passed over from the pit wall.He has been consistently asking for changes to his car configuration, but has now seen a huge adjustment made to his steering wheel with new software being added to give him direct access to more data.Motorsport revealed how Hamilton’s steering wheel in the SF-25 had been given a new lever for the clutch and gear shift.READ MORE IN F1But a fresh report has detailed how Ferrari have tried to replicate the automation seen on Hamilton’s Mercedes steering wheel on to their own with a specially developed software.In addition to the classic indicators seen on an F1 steering wheel such as speed, gear, time and delta, Hamilton’s wheel features information on the race screen including engine mappings used.The upper left of the screen has an indicator of the SOC (hybrid management) and the ENG engine map used so he is always aware of which configuration is being used.At Mercedes much of the Power Unit information was linked to a single STRAT lever located in the lower part of the steering wheel which was grouped together into three areas.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt Ferrari many of these elements were split, with the simplified Mercedes model being another change Hamilton has asked for.Elsewhere, under the box that indicates engine mapping, there is a space dedicated to what Ferrari call “Multi”.Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar This gives Hamilton access to secondary engine settings which he is said to have always wanted access to.The changes have not been implemented for Scuderia team-mate Charles Leclerc, who prefers to have less data on his screen during a lap.Hamilton finished in P4 in both practice sessions on Friday.FP2 was hit by chaos as FOUR red flags were waved thanks to a huge 185mph crash by Alpine rookie Jack Doohan and Fernando Alonso beaching his Aston Martin before two trackside grass fires.Elsewhere, the driver Hamilton replaced at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, had an embarrassing gaffe with Williams as he missed his box to change tyres – blasting “oh s***” down the team radio as he realised.Charles Leclerc is not having the change done to his wheelCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Oh s***’ – Embarrassing moment F1 star drives past his own pit box after forgetting he’s switched teams

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      WE may be three races into the Formula One season, but old habits die hard.At least they do for Carlos Sainz, who suffered an embarrassing gaffe during Free Practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.Carlos Sainz suffered an embarrassing gaffe at the F1 Japanese Grand PrixCredit: GettySainz missed the turn-in for the Williams box during FP1, which saw him swear on the radioCredit: YouTubeThe Williams driver, who has picked up one point for the British constructor so far this season, was entering the pitlane to change his tyres at the Suzuka Circuit.Sainz’s race engineer, Gaetan Jego, was heard saying on the radio: “Box, box. Box, box. Remember we’re at the beginning of the pitlane.”However, ex-Ferrari driver Sainz embarrassingly missed the turn-in to his box and continued driving towards the end of the pitlane, believing that was where the team were based.Realising his blunder, the Spaniard said: “Oh s***! I missed it guys. I thought we were at the end, sorry.”READ MORE IN F1Jego, who has been with Williams since 2020, replied: “OK, so straight out, and we’re boxing again.”Embarrassed by the gaffe but able to laugh it off, the 30-year-old said: “Yeah, sorry about that.”Lewis Hamilton famously made a similar blunder in 2013 after joining Mercedes from McLaren when he stopped in the his old team’s box during the Malaysian Grand Prix.Sainz finished P10 in the session before matching the result in a chaotic FP2 which saw FOUR red flags waved after Jack Doohan and Fernando Alonso crashed out and two fires ignited trackside.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis use of explicit language is unlikely to see him punished by the FIA, who introduced controversial swearing guidelines last year which angered F1 stars after it was revealed they could land hefty fines for the act.However, in the driver’s briefing before the Australian Grand Prix, the rules were clarified to allow swearing in the heat of the moment if it was not offensive to others – although media obligations do not allow for any foul language.F1 suspended after fire at Japanese Grand Prix as three red flags cause chaos during practice Before arriving at Williams, Sainz had raced at Ferrari for four years.In that time he picked up four race wins and six poles, finishing fifth in the driver’s world championship standings three times and seventh once.Sainz made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso, now Racing Bulls in 2015, after coming through the Red Bull driver development programme.He raced with the team until late in 2017 when he joined Renault for the final four races of that season.The Smooth Operator would find his way to McLaren in 2019, securing his first F1 career podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix before adding a career-best P2 at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.Ferrari came calling the following year, with Sainz picking up his first F1 win at the British Grand Prix in 2022.Read More on The SunDry conditions are set to hold for qualifying tomorrow before a cold front moves in with the chance of rain for the race on Sunday.Suzuka is the first of a triple-header which sees F1 travel to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in consecutive weeks. More

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      F1 suspended after FIRE at Japanese Grand Prix as FOUR red flags cause chaos during practice

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      THE JAPANESE Grand Prix descended into chaos as it was hit by four red flags and two FIRES.That included an almighty crash involving Jack Doohan whose Alpine was wrecked.Jack Doohan kicked off a chaotic practice session with a big crash into the wall at Turn 1Credit: GettyA fire stopped free practice two after a chaos hit sessionA second trackside fire was seen as the session drew to a closeFormula One was back after a week break to kick-off the first triple header of the season at the famous Suzuka Circuit.But Friday’s second practice session was hit by chaos after the red flag was waved FOUR times.A massive crash from Alpine rookie Doohan proved to be the spark of a crazy session.Doohan had smashed into the wall at 185mph at Turn 1 following an issue with his DRS, leaving his car mangled and the Australian out of the session but fortunately able to walk away unharmed.READ MORE IN F1Veteran Fernando Alonso followed suit as beached his Aston Martin in the gravel trap which saw another red flag deployed.The red flag was waved for the third time as a small trackside fire was seen lighting up with around 12 minutes of the session to go.Sunny and windy conditions had left the trackside grass dry, and paired with the sparks flying from F1 cars as they raced past, it ended up lighting a small fire.Stewards were able to deal with the grass fire before it become too engulfed and were seen extinguishing it.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRacing soon got back underway with the fire under control.However, with seconds of the session to go ANOTHER fire broke out, this one bigger and actively burning the grass as it spread.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team Drivers returned to the pitlane without incident as it was dealt with by the stewards.With Friday’s weather conditions set to hold firm into Saturday qualifying it leaves an anxious wait to see if qualifying will also be hit by a stoppage.The sunny conditions give way to a colder front ahead of Sunday’s race, with there also being a chance of rain.McLaren’s Oscar Piastri topped the session ahead of team-mate and championship leader Lando Norris, with Racing Bulls’ rookie Isack Hadjar coming in third and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in fourth. More