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      Ex-champion motorbike racer jailed for rape of girl, 7, as judge slams sexual predator for taking ‘no responsibility’

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      A FORMER motorbike champion has been slammed by a judge for not taking responsibility as he was jailed for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.Connor Behan, 33, denied all charges against him before he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child.Connor Behan has been jailed for 18 years over after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a childCredit: SWNSThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacherCredit: AlamyBehan, of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions starting in May 2019, when she was just seven-years-old, the jury heard.They endured physical and psychological suffering from the abuse according to prosecutor Mark Connor. Following the week-long trial, Judge Michael Leeming stated: “You accept no responsibility for your actions and you continue to deny them but I cannot accept it.”You have no awareness, you have no empathy, and there is an element of victim-blaming throughout your pre-sentence report.”Read more SportBehan became an Irish road race super twin champion in 2014 and was active in the circuit from 2004 and 2015. He was jailed for 18 years and handed a restraining order at Chester Crown Court on Friday following years of abuseThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacher.Using a seminal detection dog, police found traces of the disgraced rider’s semen on a blanket owned by the victim.Most read in MotorsportDenying all charges, he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child following a week-long trial last year.A victim statement said: “As a result of it I cannot be close to anyone.”It affects everything and I take it out on my family and on my friends.”Defending, Adam Watkins said Behan had an issue with drinking and drug-taking due to the death of his father.He added: “It does not explain or excuse his conduct but it is an idea of his difficulties at the time.”Behan will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.Following the verdict, DS Scott Graves said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim who is now just 10 years old, for her bravery and courage shown throughout this investigation and trial. Sadly there are no winners in this case, however I truly hope this result will provide her closure.”Behan sexually abused his victim for a sustained period of time – he showed no remorse, denying everything throughout the investigation.”Thankfully, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he will finally be held accountable for what he’s done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope this result will allow the victim to eventually move on with her life, now that Behan will be unable to hurt her ever again.”Behan was found unanimously guilty for the string of abhorrent offences at Chester Crown Court last December where he was also found not guilty of an additional count of sexual assault by touching of a child under 13. More

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      Lewis Hamilton won’t last two years at Ferrari, predicts Bernie Ecclestone who says 7-time champ has ‘lost motivation’

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton will be a success at Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion is making the switch from Mercedes to the Italian giants for the 2025 season.Bernie Ecclestone has talked down Lewis Hamilton’s chances of an eighth F1 championshipCredit: SplashThe 40-year-old has joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHamilton, 40, won his last title in 2020 but is eager to top the standings again. He recently piloted his new Ferrari for the first time ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. But ex-Formula 1 CEO Ecclestone, 94, doesn’t believe the move will prove a success.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “He won’t last [two years].READ MORE ON F1″Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. “I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Ecclestone believes Hamilton’s age will prove a hindrance for the legendary driver.And he isn’t convinced the Stevenage-born star has the same drive he had during his youth. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEcclestone continued: “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’”If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Even Hamilton’s fashion sense wasn’t safe from Ecclestone’s ire in the bombshell interview. He continued: “Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him. “How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses. I’m not a fan of that.”He has a lot of talent as a driver. As much as people credit him with? No, but still enough to win races. “I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton will join his fellow F1 drivers in London next month to kickstart the season at a new launch event. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams will come together at the O2 Arena to unveil their new liveries. More

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      Netflix trying to secure broadcasting rights for F1 in historic first for streaming giants

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      NETFLIX is working to secure broadcasting rights to Formula One, according to reports.It would be the first time Netflix branched out into season-long mainstream sports rights. Netflix is working to secure broadcasting rights to Formula OneNetflix is “considering a bid” to cash in on the success of its Drive to Survive series.Sources said that the streaming giant is “expected to bid” for the rights in the United States starting from the 2026 season, according to The Times.ESPN currently holds the US rights under a £72m deal, but it is understood that the broadcaster’s exclusivity period to negotiate a new contract with F1 has just expired.That has opened the market for bids from any other interested party but ESPN can always bid again.READ MORE ON F1There has been huge growth in F1 fan numbers in the US – which hosts three of the 24 races a year – and the rights would be relatively cheap.Sky Sports has the UK live rights until 2029, and has a deal with Channel 4 for it to show the British Grand Prix live and highlights.Netflix’s interest in F1 would not appear to threaten the Sky/F1 partnership at the moment as it would be US-focused.Netflix – who have over 280MILLION paying subscribers – has so far restricted its live sports content to one-off or short-term events.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe platform dipped their toes into live sport for the first time last year for Mike Tyson’s boxing comeback against YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul.Paul’s unanimous win turned out to be the most-streamed sporting event ever as it peaked at 65 million streams.F1 fans convinced Ferrari are changing iconic red livery for Lewis Hamilton’s debut season after week-long teaseNetflix has also hired Kate Jackson, ESPN’s vice-president of production, who oversees the network’s F1 coverage, reports the Sports Business Journal.The movie makers announced a stunning $5BILLION (£3.8bn) deal with the WWE to air events in the US and worldwide in December.Netflix showed two NFL games during the Christmas Day special in 2024, where singer Beyonce performed during the half-time show.It has also agreed deals with Fifa for the US rights for the 2027 and 2031 women’s World Cup.Other platforms such as Apple have also been linked with bidding for the F1 rights. More

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      Mercedes sign wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall, 16, who achieved feat not even seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton managed

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      MERCEDES have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall for their junior team.Jeff-Hall turned heads after dramatically securing the CIK-FIA World Championship title on the last lap of the final race in 2024.Mercedes have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-HallCredit: AlamyNot even seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton achieved such a feat.Hamilton – who won six world titles with Mercedes – didn’t get his hands on a world karting crown before bursting on to the motorsport scene in 2007 at 22 years old.Jeff-Hall is bidding to follow in Lando Norris’ footsteps, after the McLaren star took the karting title in 2014 before joining F1.Fellow Brit Jeff-Hall is now gearing up for his maiden outing in single-seaters after being confirmed as Mercedes’ latest prodigy.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe rising star out of Trent Valley Kart Club is set to burn rubber for Argenti Motorsport in the British Formula 4 championship this season.Mercedes are connected to Argenti through founder and team manager Michael Meadows, who has family ties to the Silver Arrows. When news of his step-up was confirmed, Jeff-Hall said: “I’m excited and ready to face the challenge. “Winning championships like Ginetta Juniors and the FIA World Karting title has taught me a lot about consistency, adaptability and handling pressure at the highest level.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a new chapter, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”Jeff-Hall joins a star-studded cast in the Mercedes junior programme. Kenzo Craigie, 14, clinched the junior world karting crown in 2024 and remains in the academy, as does runner-up James Anagnostiadis.Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Female prodigy Luna Fluxa is also in the team’s line-up for 2025. While Chinese prospect Yuanpu Cui remains with the Brackley-based unit after representing Argenti Motorsport last term.For Jeff-Hall, there’s hope he could one day represent the Silver Arrows on the F1 grid one day.Mercedes have a proven commitment to nurturing their junior drivers.Former whizz-kids Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will represent the team on the F1 grid this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonelli’s career path in particular will be one that every talented youngster within their ranks will want to emulate. Aged just 18, he was the once chosen by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to be fast-tracked into F1 to fill the sizeable void left by Hamilton after the 41-year-old’s decision to leave for rivals Ferrari.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Generous Lewis Hamilton splashes out on incredible custom gift for 3,000 ex-Mercedes colleagues after Ferrari switch

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      LEWIS HAMILTON gifted his former Mercedes colleagues a custom piece of artwork as a show of gratitude after leaving the Formula One giants at the end of last season.The 40-year-old called time on his 11-year stint with Mercedes in December after signing a huge contract with Ferrari.Lewis Hamilton started at Ferrari last monthCredit: AlamyHamilton gifted his ex-colleagues a special piece of artwork after leaving Mercedes at the end of 2024Credit: EPADuring his time with the German team he won six world championship titles among other individual accolades.And to show his gratitude for the support his colleagues gave him over the decade, Hamilton commissioned a unique piece of artwork from renowned motorsport artist Paul Oz.The piece depicts the seven-time world champion’s car at the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix.Each of his 3,000 former colleagues received a print of the artwork, with the original painting taking pride of place at the team’s Brackley headquarters.Read More in FootballIn a recent Instagram post which has now been deleted, Oz said: “Now that it’s public knowledge and all 3,000 Mercedes GP employees have received their prints of this, I can talk about it.”Commissioned by Lewis himself as a departing present for everybody at Mercedes… class act!”My only remit was that I should focus on the car rather than Lewis, and so I chose to paint an image from Monaco 2019, just a few days after Niki Lauda passed and the team ran a red halo to remember Niki. Lewis stuck it on pole then dominated the race.”Oz is a renowned motorsport portrait artist and sculptor who also created the busts of Bruce McLaren, Ayrton Senna, James Hunt and Niki Lauda at McLaren’s base in Woking. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton is currently taking part in pre-season testing with his new team in Barcelona.The 2025 F1 season kicks off next month in Australia.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia More

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      MotoGP star rushed to hospital after TWO horror crashes on day one of pre-season testing

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      JORGE MARTIN has been rushed to hospital after suffering TWO horror crashes on the first day of pre-season testing.The MotoGP star was starting his preparation for the 2025 season with his new team Aprilia Racing in Sepang, Malaysia.Jorge Martin suffered two crashes in pre-season testingCredit: APHe was practising with new team Aprilia RacingCredit: APMartin, 27, did not get off to the best start as he was thrown from his motorbike on one corner.He was okay to continue, as footage shows him quickly jumping back up to his feet after landing on the tarmacHowever, his day did not improve as he was thrown from the bike a second time during testing.The Spaniard landed with his head heavily hitting the track as the visor of his helmet smashed to pieces.READ MORE SPORTAfter the second crash, he was rushed to hospital to receive medical aid.It has been confirmed that he suffered a fracture in the fifth metacarpal of his right hand.He also suffered fractures in the third, fourth and fifth metatarsals of his left foot.The rider will stay in the hospital before travelling back to Europe for surgery.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMartin has been active on social media since the accident.He posted a clip of the crash on Instagram and insisted he will be back.BREAKING- MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigatedMartin posted an update from his hospital bedCredit: instagramHe wrote: “Not the best start of the 2025 season.”But martinator always come back stronger.”He also shared a snap of himself laying in a hospital bed having food with his leg in bandages.Aprilla released a statement wishing Martin well ahead of his comeback.It read: “Jorge Martín doesn’t fall. Jorge Martín always gets back up.”And we’ll be waiting for you soon.”MotoGP 2025 line-upHere is a look at the riders and their teams for the upcoming MotoGP season…Marc Marquez – Ducati Lenovo TeamFrancesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo TeamPedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Factory RacingBrad Binder – Red Bull KTM Factory RacingJorge Martin – Aprilia RacingMarco Bezzecchi – Aprilia RacingFabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPAlex Rins – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPLuca Marini – HondaJoan Mir – HondaFabio di Giannantonio – Pertamina Enduro VR46Franco Morbidelli – Pertamina Enduro VR46Alex Marquez – Gresini Racing MotoGPFermin Aldeguer – Gresini Racing MotoGPMiguel Oliveira – Prima Pramac RacingJack Miller – Prima Pramac RacingJohann Zarco – LCR Honda CastrolSomkiat Chantra – LCR Honda IdemitsuRaul Fernandez – Trackhouse RacingAi Ogura – Trackhouse RacingMaverick Vinales – Red Bull KTM Tech3Enea Bastianini – Red Bull KTM Tech3Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘Looks like he’s about to hit a 9-darter’ – Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue

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      FANS have noticed a “hideous” issue with Ferrari’s new gear after it was modelled by Lewis Hamilton.The British F1 star will be racing for the Italian team this year after his move from Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton has modelled the new Ferrari polo shirtFans spotted a ‘hideous’ issue with the topHamilton, 40, has worn the team’s new polo shirt for a photoshoot ahead of the new season.The fans were not keen on the shirt and the logos splattered all over it.Some had a particular issue with the HP logo that appeared to be larger than the Ferrari one.They flooded social media with their reactions to Hamilton’s new gear.READ MORE ON SPORTOne posted: “Looks like he’s about to hit a nine-darter.”A second commented: “The HP logo bigger than the Ferrari logo.”A third wrote: “Those logos make the kit look hideous.”A fourth said: “The HP logo is bigger than anything else there. It stands out and not in a good way.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Sorry, Ferrari, this isn’t it.”Hamilton has already been behind the wheel of a Ferrari but crashed during his second test run at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia But it could be a good omen as he has won titles at his two previous teams after crashing in pre-season testing.Elsewhere, fans have been left convinced that Hamilton rival Max Verstappen will quit F1.The speculation has come after Ford announced it would be returning to the World Endurance Championship.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s close pal Jean Todt gives rare health update after ‘regular’ visits to see stricken F1 star

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s close pal and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt has opened up about his “regular” visits to the stricken Formula One legend.The seven-time world champion, now 56, has not been seen in public since his horror skiing accident in 2013.Michael Schumacher’s close friend and former boss Jean Todt, left, has given the latest update on the stricken starCredit: AP:Associated PressTodt revealed that he visits Schumacher ‘regularly and with affection’Credit: AFPThe ex-Ferrari and FIA boss previously said Schumacher is ‘no longer the Michael we knew’Credit: AFPHis family has remained fiercely private about his condition, with only a select few given access to the German ace.Todt, who led Ferrari during Schumacher’s dominant era, remains one of the family’s closest confidants.Speaking to La Repubblica, the former FIA president revealed he still visits Schumacher frequently and cherishes their friendship despite the tragic turn of events.“The family has decided not to answer the question (on his condition). A choice that I respect,” Todt said. Read more on Schumacher“I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. “Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1.”BEHIND CLOSED DOORSTodt’s words offer a rare glimpse into Schumacher’s life behind closed doors.He has previously acknowledged that his old friend “is no longer the Michael we knew”, but has remained steadfast in his support.Most read in MotorsportThe Frenchman is one of the very few people allowed to visit Schumacher, joining a tight circle that includes his former teammate Luca Badoer, longtime manager Sabine Kehm, and ex-Ferrari ace Felipe Massa.It is believed that Schumacher and Todt still share their love for racing, with reports suggesting they watch Formula One together whenever possible.Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyerGRANDDAD SCHUEYThe F1 legend is now set to become a grandfather for the first time after his daughter Gina announced her pregnancy just three months after her wedding.The 27-year-old shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.”She accompanied the message with a picture of a foal standing next to pink balloons.Gina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyMichael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexGina married longtime partner Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa last September, with initial reports claiming Schumacher was present.Guests were reportedly forced to hand over their phones to prevent any leaks.But Schumacher’s former F1 teammate Johnny Herbert later dismissed the speculation as “A1 fake news”.“It will always be a closed shop,” Herbert told Flashscore. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding.”Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.”Michael Schumacher’s years-long recovery from cruel ski accidentMCIHAEL Schumacher’s life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has fiercely protected his privacy, while only a select few remain in contact with the stricken racing legend.December 29, 2013 – The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. Airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.January 2014 – Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as “critical but stable.” His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world’s F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital.June 2014 – Awakening from coma: Schumacher is brought out of his coma after nearly six months. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.September 2014 – Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home on the shores of Lake Geneva. His wife Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Years of silence: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together.September 2019 – Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed.December 2019 – Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health.September 2021 – Netflix documentary “Schumacher” released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength.”December 2023 – 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as “full of affection.”September 2024 – Daughter Gina’s wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it “A1 fake news.” Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks.December 2024 – Schumacher to become a grandfather: Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.” More