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      F1 legend Valtteri Bottas’ career may be OVER as ‘most exciting project in all sport’ signs 20-year-old to replace him

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS’ career in Formula One could be OVER after he lost his Sauber seat this week.Sauber – soon to be Audi – have signed 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto, who is the current Formula 2 championship leader, to replace Bottas.Valtteri Bottas has lost his seat at SauberGabriel Bortoleto has won the second seat at Sauber, soon-to-be AudiBottas and Zhou Guanyu had been the Swiss team’s line-up since 2022 but their end-of-season departures were confirmed on Wednesday.The report that Bottas’ deal will not be renewed came shortly before Bortoleto’s expected signing was formally announced.Bortoleto will become the fourth full-time rookie on the F1 grid next season after completing Sauber’s line-up for 2025.Bortoleto will race for the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBortoleto will join fellow full-season rookies Oliver Bearman (Haas), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Jack Doohan (Alpine) on the grid for 2025 in the biggest upheaval of the F1 field for some time.He said: “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports.”Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.”Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.Most read in MotorsportBottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSauber’s all-new line-up is part of a number of major changes taking place at Hinwil ahead of its evolution into Audi’s F1 team from 2026.Bortoleto will become the first Brazilian to race full-time in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2017. Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistThe McLaren junior is the reigning Formula Three champion and currently leads the F2 standings in his rookie season with two rounds remaining.Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner with Mercedes, was leading the chase to stay with Sauber for a fourth year over the summer, only for talks to stall in recent months.But Sauber chief Mattia Binotto favours youth in the second seat to partner the experienced Hulkenberg, 37, from next year.Speaking after Wednesday’s announcement, Bottas said: “A situation like this is never easy for anyone. “But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met.”These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.”With the only remaining spot on the 2025 grid being at VCARB, Bottas’ time as a full-time F1 driver looks to be over.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the 35-year-old could be offered a lifeline by former team Mercedes, who could sign him as reserve driver.Kimi Antonelli, 18, is replacing Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows next term, with the seven-time champ heading to Ferrari.Kimi Antonelli will come in for Hamilton at the end of the season More

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      MotoGP 2024 final moved to new track at last-minute after devastating floods in Valencia

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      THE MOTOGP 2024 final has been moved to a different track after the devastating floods in Valencia.The event was set to take place in Valencia, but a last-minute change was made due to the flooding in the region.The MotoGP final will be staged at the Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyCredit: GettyFlooding destroyed the track in ValenciaCredit: XThe final Grand Prix of the season will not be raced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluny in Barcelona, Spain.MotoGP confirmed the change as the association claimed it was “owed” to the fans for the race to go ahead. A statement read: “MotoGP can now confirm the 2024 curtain closer will be held in Barcelona.”We will return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the World Championship will be decided, on the original dates of the season finale: the 15th to the 17th of November.READ MORE IN SPORT”The Grand Prix will be held in solidarity with the Community of Valencia. “The event was previously set to take place in Valencia before the devastating flooding that has impacted the region so heavily.”Being the last Grand Prix of the season, the sporting context the Championship is in, and the positive impact the event has, we owe it to our fans, our paddock, the sport, and Valencia to hold the event.”The association insisted that the race will be “for” Valencia rather than in the region.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt added: “Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will race for Valencia. For all those affected, and the entire Community of Valencia.”MotoGP made the request to the authorities to race in Barcelona as it was the best possible choice.BREAKING- MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigated”The track is the easiest option for fans who were already planning to attend the MotoGP season finale.”The location and circuit are also the most efficient choice, providing a close to seamless alternative for personnel and logistics.”The event will be organised by MotoGP™ and we remain committed to our mission to have a positive impact on people, place and planet wherever we race.”In this case, racing near the Community of Valencia will also allow the paddock to put that into action even more directly.”The final will take place on the weekend of November 15.Jorge Martin is currently leading the standings heading into the final.The Prima Pramac Racing star has amassed 485 points but is only leading Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia by 461.MotoGP standingsHere is a look at the standings of the MotoGP Championship…J. Martin – 485ptsF. Bagnaia – 461ptsM. Marquez – 369ptsE. Bastianini – 368ptsP. Acosta – 209ptsB. Binder – 206ptsM. Viñales – 189ptsF. Di Giannantonio – 165ptsF. Morbidelli – 161ptsA. Marquez – 155ptsA. Espargaro – 146ptsM. Bezzecchi – 144ptsF. Quartararo – 108ptsJ. Miller – 84ptsM. Oliveira – 71ptsR. Fernandez – 66ptsJ. Zarco – 53ptsA. Rins – 31ptsT. Nakagami – 31ptsA. Fernandez – 27ptsJ. Mir – 21ptsL. Marini – 14ptsP. Espargaro – 12ptsD. Pedrosa – 7ptsS. Bradl – 2ptsR. Gardner – 0ptsA. Iannone – 0ptsL. Savadori – 0pts More

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      Fernando Alonso issues health update after F1 star, 43, was helped from his car after Brazilian Grand Prix

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has given a health update after he was seen being helped from his car after the Brazilian Grand Prix.The Formula One veteran, 43, had a weekend to forget in the rain at the Sao Paulo circuit as he finished 18th and 14th in the sprint race and feature race respectively.Fernando Alonso issued a health update after a ‘painful’ Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: GettyAlonso said he only finished the race for the mechanics after they repaired his car during a qualifying crashCredit: ReutersAlonso had been forced to miss media day on Thursday with an intestinal infection, days after becoming the first driver to reach 400 F1 race starts at the Mexico Grand Prix.He recovered in time to compete in the full weekend’s double bill of sprint and feature events from Friday through to Sunday.However, during the latter stages of the Sunday race, Alonso was heard complaining about a bad back after experiencing a lot of bouncing in the car while out on the resurfaced track.After crashing out in qualifying and causing a red flag, the Aston Martin mechanics had worked tirelessly to repair the Spaniard’s car for the race.READ MORE IN F1Alonso was heard on the team radio saying he would finish the race for the mechanics following their hard work.He was heard saying: “I will finish the race for the mechanics. They did a very good job today. “But my back is hurting, man. This bouncing is not normal.”When back in the pit lane after the race was won by Max Verstappen, Alonso was seen clearly in pain as he was helped from his car by mechanics, and was seen hugging one before walking off.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlonso issued an update on his health when speaking to media after the race, while he also paid an emotional tribute to the victims of the Valencia flooding, where the death toll has reached well over 200.He said: “It’s the same day for everyone. We’ve done the work ourselves.Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hours”The car bounced a lot in the second part of the race and the truth is that in normal conditions it wouldn’t have finished.”But it had to be done for the mechanics, for me too, who suffered a bit before arriving here, for the people in Valencia, for the people who are in worse situations than the bounce I had today.”Alonso sits down in ninth in the driver standings with 62 points to his name.This is double the amount of the next driver outside of the top four teams – Nico Hulkenberg’s haul of 31 points for Haas.F1 is now on a three-week break before the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24.That will kick-start a triple-header to end the season, with Verstappen currently on course to win the drivers’ title ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.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 More

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      Mick Schumacher’s model girlfriend sends clear message on engagement after being invited into ‘inner circle’

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      MICK SCHUMACHER’S model girlfriend Laila Hasonovich has spoken out about the pair’s rumoured engagement.Swirling rumours had suggested that the couple had taken the next step in their relationship by getting engaged.Fans have been convinced that Mick Schumacher and Laila Hasanovic are engagedCredit: GettyLaila has issued an update on the rumoursCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicThe model shared a snap of her had with a ring on her finger, clarifying what has been going onCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicA picture of Laila’s hand, with what appeared to be an engagement ring, sparked online buzz about the pair preparing to marry.But the Bosnian-born social media star and model has since rubbished the idea that Schumacher has dropped the knee.In a post on her Instagram showing off her jewellery, she wrote: “And no it’s not an engagement ring u guysss”.Her adoring followers were gutted, having rooted for her and her F1 superstar boyfriend to tie the knot.READ MORE ON F1In the comments section one wrote: “I’m sad that the ring is not a engagement ring”.While another added: “In my dreams is an announcement of engagement”.And a third commented: “Laila!!!! You can’t just post this without a caption!!! I literally thought you’re engaged!!”Laila may not be ready to walk down the aisle just yet, but she has been welcomed into the Schumacher family’s ‘inner circle’.Most read in MotorsportLaila has reportedly been let into the inner circle of people who are able to see Mick’s dad Michael SchumacherCredit: AFPThe 24-year-old was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumacher’s to see Mick’s F1 icon dad Michael, 55, earlier this year.Only a handful of people have been allowed to know the latest on the former Ferrari, Mercedes and Benetton legend since his tragic ski crash over a decade ago.Mick Schumacher’s stunning Wag Laila Hasanovic stuns in sexy black dress Michael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Very little has been made public on Michael’s health status since the accident with his loving wife Corinna choosing to keep his life private.Laila has been dating Mick Schumacher for well over a year with the pair clearly smitten.Laila works as a model and has amassed an impressive 341,000 followers on Instagram.While she was also a finalist in the 2019 Miss Universe Denmark pageant.Mick, 25, is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps and is currently Mercedes’ reserve driver.In 2021 and 2022 he competed for American team Haas.TAKE A PEEK INTO MICK AND LAILA’S GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE…Laila and Mick have been dating for well over a yearCredit: InstagramLaila is a successful model and former Miss Universe finalistCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicShe has amassed a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicThe Bosinian-born social media star has over 341,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovicMick Schumacher is a reserve driver at MercedesCredit: GettyLaila is always supporting MickCredit: GettyDespite the rumours, Laila has confirmed the pair are not engagedCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovicHer adoring fans are hoping Mick drops the knee soonCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovic More

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      Lewis Hamilton hints he could QUIT Mercedes before end of F1 season on team radio after blasting ‘worst car ever’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON sensationally hinted he could leave Mercedes early after a “disastrous” weekend at the Brazil Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion finished 10th on Sunday following an action-packed race at Interlagos.Lewis Hamilton was left dejected following the Brazil GP on SundayCredit: RexThe Mercedes man gave a brutally honest message to his team after the raceCredit: Sky SportsHe struggled with car issues throughout the weekend – which were not helped by a series of heavy rain showers.And by the time he reached the chequered flag, the Mercedes man was left completely deflated.With his blockbuster move to Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton gave a brutally honest message to his team in the garage.He even suggested it could be the “last time” he drives for the Silver Arrows.Read More in F1He said: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.”But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.”If this is the last time that I get to perform, its a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”Speaking after the race, Hamilton even suggested that he would “happily” take the rest of the year off despite three races remaining.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told Sky Sports: “We were just slow. The car was really, really tough.”The team could have won also today, so at least one car was behaving a lot better.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “It’s like a plank of wood. It’s like, no suspension.”It’s bouncing on the tyres everywhere and you can’t get on the power anywhere.”It’s just the worst ride, I think the worst ride that we’ve definitely ever had, particularly through corners. It’s just so stiff.”But hopefully we won’t have any more bumpy tracks. I think the last three aren’t so bumpy. But yeah, I could happily go and take a holiday.”Hamilton has just three races remaining with Mercedes before joining Ferrari – in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Kimi Antonelli will replace Hamilton at Mercedes next year.The 18-year-old will drive alongside George Russell next season having impressed in F2 having come through Mercedes’ junior programme..🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GP

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON made history as he drove Formula One legend Ayrton Senna’s 1990 title-winning car in the Brazilian Grand Prix.Hamilton, 39, rocked the Sao Paulo crowd by paying tribute to local hero Senna, who died after crashing at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994 at the age of 34.Sir Lewis Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna’s legendary 1990 title-winning carCredit: RexHamilton paid tribute to Senna during the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: RexFormula One legend Hamilton finished 10th in the Sao Paulo GPCredit: RexThe Mercedes star – who’ll soon move to Ferrari – showed up with the Brazilian legend’s white and orange vehicle as the crowd went wild and he later revealed that was the “greatest honour” of his career.Hamilton said: “I can’t believe I had the opportunity to do it and it’s been the greatest honour of my career.”Sir Lewis suffered a difficult race in Brazil that saw him finishing 10th and far off winner Max Verstappen.However, that didn’t stop the Brit from taking to social media with the Brazilian flag and thanking the fans.Read More on F1Hamilton tweeted: “Thank you Senna, Thank you Brazil.”F1 fans were moved by the seven-time world champion’s gesture and expressed their gratitude on social media.One fan posted: “Thank you Lewis.”Another tweeted: “Such a special weekend, despite the results on track! we love you dearly.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “My GOAT.”This fan said: “Thank you for this moment, Lewis! We’ll never forget.”Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’And that one stated: “Iconic.” More

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      Max Verstappen comes from 17th to WIN with one of the great F1 drives at bonkers Brazil GP as Norris title hopes fade

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN produced a jaw-dropping comeback from 17th to win a bonkers Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The ruthless Dutchman overcame a five-place grid penalty, shambolic qualifying session, a penalty in the sprint, as well as handbags with Damon Hill this weekend.Max Verstappen made light work of his penalty and elimination in Q2 to win the Brazilian GPCredit: ReutersVerstappen won his first race since June after starting in P17The Dutchman seized the lead from Esteban Ocon after the second restart on lap 43Credit: GettyThe 27-year-old now leads Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 pointsNorris, who started in pole, lost his place early to George RussellCredit: APVerstappen climbed the grid early from P17Credit: APThe three-time world champion made a huge statement in the title-race, crossing the line 19 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly on a bumper day for Alpine.Verstappen’s last time on the top of the podium was at the Spanish Grand Prix a whopping ten-races and six-months ago.The Dutchman bagged the fastest lap and can clinch the title in Las Vegas in three weeks’ time if he beats Lando Norris there after the Brit finished sixth today following a woeful performance.Brazil had been riddled with drama all weekend and today’s race continued where a chaotic, crash-strewn qualifying session in the morning had left off. READ MORE F1 NEWSNorris had secured pole while a seething Verstappen finished in 12th after a session which saw FIVE red flags for heavy crashes. Verstappen was furious about the delay in throwing the red flag for Lance Stroll’s crash which believed had allowed other drivers to knock him out of the top 10. It only seemed to ignite the fire in the Dutchman’s belly as he lined up on the grid all the way back in 17th after Red Bull put a new engine in his RB20. Drama erupted before the race had even started as Stroll lost control of his car on the formation lap and was stuck in the gravel, aborting the start and prompting a Safety car. Most read in MotorsportFranco Colapinto was out of the race after hitting the wall on Lap 30Credit: GettyThe Carlos Sainz crash caused second Safety CarCredit: AFPLando Norris dropped into P5 after an error at restartCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRemarkable scenes followed, with some drivers including Norris peeling away to go for another formation lap while Verstappen and others stayed put. Norris was then put under investigation for a starting procedure infringement as replays showed there was no green light on the gantry when Norris led most of the field away. Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing To rub salt in the wounds, Verstappen had pointed out the error. Finally the fans were treated to some racing and it was George Russell who was ahead on lap 1 after nipping past Norris off the line. It was a stunning first lap from Verstappen who meant business and sky-rocketed seven places up.By lap 10 the Dutchman had passed Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri for seventh-place. At the front of the pack, Norris was hunting down Russell with just over a second separating the pair as the rain lashed down. On lap 28 there was the first Virtual Safety Car as Nico Hulkenberg was out of the race at Turn One.It sparked pit stop chaos as Russell and Norris pitted with the virtual safety car ending.Russell remained ahead but Ocon and Verstappen stayed out, as did Gasly. Ocon nipped into first-place and Verstappen was second, while Norris overtook Russell for fourth on lap 30. George Russell launched an x-rant attack on his radio after Mercedes pittedNico Hulkenberg’s black flag saw him disqualified for receiving assistance after his off momentCredit: GettyIt continued peeing it down and there was a Safety car amid the heavy rain with Ocon leading, Verstappen is second, Gasly in third then Norris and Russell.But a red flag was shown after Franco Colapinto suffered a massive crash on the run up the hill towards the finish line. Colapinto got out of his car and appeared to be fit, but Williams’ budget was certainly suffering, given it was their third big crash of the day. Russell was left seething and fumed on Mercedes team radio after being told the race had been red flagged just a few laps after his pit stop:”I f****** said it!”We should have stayed out!”Full Sao Paulo Grand Prix race resultVerstappenOconGaslyRussellLeclercNorrisTsunodaPiastriLawsonHamiltonTo add to the drama, Hulkenerg was then disqualified for receiving assistance after he spun off the track. When the race resumed, Norris’ nerves got the better of him and he went deep at Turn Four, allowing Russell through. Carlos Sainz was then out of the race on lap 40 after spinning into the wall, prompting another safety car. Verstappen laid down a huge marker in the title-race after the restart as he bulldozed into the lead while Norris disastrously ran off the track and dropped into seventh. Piastri came to the rescue and let Norris through on the run down to Turn Four so the Brit was up to sixth while his rival Verstappen had left him for dust.The Dutchman now leads Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 points with three races remaining.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said after the race: “Wow, been a long time coming mate but boy was that worth the wait. You are the man.Verstappen: “Yes! What an unbelievable race guys. You know what that is. Simply lovely. I tell you that.”Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly made up the front threeLance Stroll did not start the race after losing control in the formation lapCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen slams ‘BULLS***’ decision amid Brazilian GP qualifying drama in X-rated rant as Norris given title boost

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN launched an X-rated rant after a late red flag call saw him knocked of qualifying early in Brazil.The three-time champ finished a disappointing 12th as the heavy rain of Sao Paulo saw FIVE crashes at Interlagos – which is a qualifying record.Max Verstappen has slammed the delayed red flag call during qualifying for the Brazilian GPLance Stroll’s Aston Martin was removed from the track after a late red flagLance Stroll slid into a wall as he attempted a turn during Q2 and a third red flag was shown, albeit after a long 40 second delay.FIA race director Niels Wittich attempted to let those doing a flying lap finish their laps.But during that time Verstappen was bumped into the bottom five and was unable to get another lap in because the session was not resumed, with team-mate Sergio Perez also eliminated in 13th for the same reason.It meant the Dutchman finished 12th, two places behind the top 10 who qualify to make it through to Q3.READ MORE ON F1The reigning F1 world champion and 2024 leader thumped his wheel in anger as his title hopes took a potential dent.Unhappy with Wittich’s call, Verstappen launched into a foul-mouthed rant on the radio to voice his discontent.He raged: “A car hits the wall and it needs to be straight red flag.”I do not understand why it needs to take 30 or 40 seconds for a red flag to come out, it is just bulls****. Most read in MotorsportVerstappen qualified in 12th as five cars crashed during Sao Paulo qualifyingFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Honestly, I will let it go. It is so stupid anyway to talk about, it is ridiculous.”To make matters worse for Verstappen, he will serve a five-place grid penalty after changing his engine for a sixth time this season, to begin in 17th in the Grand Prix.Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistMeanwhile, title rival Lando Norris, who is 47 points behind before today’s race, will start at the front after he took pole position.A win will see Norris close the gap on Verstappen, who hasn’t won since June, with four races remaining.The red flag was the third of a hectic session after Carlos Sainz also suffered a crash earlier in Q2.Mercedes’s George Russell makes up the front row and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda finished in a shock third from Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, and Liam Lawson was fifth.Lewis Hamilton was surprisingly eliminated in Q1.But there were big crashes for Williams’ Franco Colapinto, Ferrari’s Sainz, Aston Martin pair Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Alex Albon, who had the worst collision of all, will not start the race due to damage.The fifth red flag equalled the qualifying record from the chaotic scenes at Imola in 2022.Alex Albon wrecked his car to prompt a record fifth red flag in qualifying🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More