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      Lando Norris overcomes McLaren fire scare to snatch Spanish GP pole by 0.020 seconds before roaring ‘let’s go, baby!’

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      LANDO NORRIS knocked Max Verstappen off his perch to toast pole position at the Barcelona Grand Prix.The British 24-year-old roared “let’s go baby” as he beat Verstappen by 0:020 seconds after overcoming a fire in McLaren’s motorhome on Saturday morning.Lando Norris claimed his second pole of the season in BarcelonaCredit: ReutersHe pipped Max Verstappen to first place by the slimmest of marginsCredit: ReutersLando Norris, centre, was evacuated from the team bus as a result of a fireWorld champion Verstappen settled for second place in his Red Bull while Lewis Hamilton beat his Mercedes team-mate Russell to line up in P3.Norris added: “It was pretty much a perfect lap, the whole thing went perfectly.“I’m super happy. It was one of the best pole positions I’ve ever had.”There was trouble in the Mercedes camp throughout with Russell fuming with the way Hamilton was prepping a lap late on in Q3.READ MORE IN F1He said: “What the **** was Lewis doing prepping that lap.”Hamilton, who toasted his first finish in the top three this season, said after the race: “I didn’t expect to be in for pole necessarily but every now and then there looked to be bits that had us close.”We have made huge steps forward and it is really down to every single individual back at the factory who is working on design, pushing in making the new parts we get to bring to these races.”Slowly the car is crafting into a racing machine with which we can hopefully fight the guys in front.Most read in Motorsport”George did a great job as well so hopefully tomorrow we can apply the pressure on the guys in front.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 McLaren’s motorhome was evacuated on Saturday morning after a fire broke out above the kitchen leaving one McLaren team member in hospital “as a precaution”.Emergency services rushed to the scene in Barcelona after a suspected electrical fire leaving drivers Norris and Oscar Piastri evacuated as well as team personnel, guests and media.Charles Leclerc signs Ferrari contract extension as F1 star looks to end Max Verstappen’s dominanceMcLaren said in a statement: “This morning a fire was detected in our trackside Team Hub.”The team hub was evacuated of all staff and guests, and circuit emergency services attended the scene within minutes. The circuit emergency services and local fire department have since extinguished the fire.”One McLaren team member has been taken to hospital as a precaution, and all McLaren personnel and guests are accounted for.”We would like to thank all the marshals and emergency services for their quick and professional response. We would also like to thank Formula 1, the FIA and our competitors who have offered to help our team and guests this weekend.”Several fire engines attended the scene with firemen rushing into the motorhome with hoses to put out the fire, as well as ambulances.Two firemen were taken away in an ambulance for smoke inhalation checks.FP3 or qualifying was not impacted ahead of the chaos in the Paddock. More

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      Charles Leclerc in X-rated rant at Lando Norris caught live on Sky Sports as he escapes punishment for shock collision

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      CHARLES LECLERC sparked controversy when he collided with Lando Norris and launched an X-rated rant live on Sky Sports.But the Ferrari ace escaped punishment after stewards reviewed the dramatic incident in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.Viewers were shocked to see and hear the incident as Charles Leclerc overtook Lando Norris before cutting back inside and hitting out verballyLeclerc seemed to think Brit Norris – who went on to take pole for Sunday’s race – was holding him back unfairly on the Barcelona track.Eventually the Monégasque driver overtook the 24-year-old’s McLaren as he entered turns 7/8.But Leclerc cut back sharply to the inside racing line – appearing to clip Norris’ wing mirror quite clearly.The 26-year-old was then heard saying: “F*****. I don’t understand why they did it.”READ MORE TOP STORIESThat’s thought to be his verdict on the tactics of Norris and his team.Stewards watched replays of the exchange – before “reprimanding” Leclerc but NOT giving him a grid penalty.Their statement read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.”The driver of Car 16 stated that he got impeded by Car 4 into Turn 5 and that upset him.Most read in MotorsportLeclerc seemed frustrated before finally overtaking NorrisEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”He then had to abort his flying lap and contended that, while trying to get off the racing line before Turn 7, he misjudged the position of his car and made slight contact with Car 4.”Irrespective of any possible intent, the Stewards consider the move made by Car 16, whilst not being dangerous, to be erratic and therefore issue a driving reprimand in line with precedents.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 But fans on social media seemed to reckon Leclerc got off lightly.One demanded: “Weekend ban immediately.  Utterly disgraceful.”Another posted: “I have no idea what Leclerc has done this. No excuse.”Lando later rubbed salt into Leclerc’s wounds by nicking pole from F1 world champion and current table leader Max Verstappen.Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton out-qualified Mercedes team-mate George Russell for just the second occasion this year as they took third and fourth spots. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
      Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
      Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
      Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
      McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
      Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBC
      Williams: Alex Albon and TBC
      Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
      Alpine: TBC x2
      RB: TBC x2
      Haas: TBC x2 More

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      Emergency services rush to blaze at Spanish GP and McLaren hospitality suite evacuated after ‘fire in kitchen’

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      A FIRE reportedly broke out in the kitchen of McLaren’s hospitality suite ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.Emergency services were called to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this morning ahead of the final practice session.Firefighters were called to a blaze at the Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaCredit: AFPThe McLaren team hub was evacuatedCredit: GettyIt is understood the fire started in the kitchen before the smoke spreadCredit: GettyMcLaren have confirmed no team members were injured in the fire that broke out at their hospitality area ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.Two fire personnel have been taken away to be treated for smoke inhalation, but their condition is not thought to be serious. pic.twitter.com/aPRqJ2R23k— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 22, 2024

      The blaze started inside with several fire engines and crews of firefighters arriving to get the chaos under control.An ambulance was also on the scene but McLaren confirmed no team members were injured. However, two people were taken away to be treated for smoke inhalation.But it is understood their condition is not serious.READ MORE ON F1Sky Sports News reported the incident related to a kitchen fire within the VIP area of the British-based team. The smoke spread to the top floor of the hospitality suite and therefore the entire building was evacuated. The fire was put out within minutes with extra security measures put in place.McLaren driver Lando Norris was pictured in his socks on the tarmac looking at the building – although it is unclear if the photo was taken before or after the evacuation.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcLaren wrote on X: “This morning we evacuated our Team Hub paddock hospitality unit following a fire alert.”The team has been safely evacuated while the local fire brigade handle the issue.”Fears Lando Norris’ extreme fitness regime is UNSUSTAINABLE as F1 star’s workout and diet are revealed🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Formula One made no reference to the incident on their own feed.Instead, they gave updates on third practice, which got underway at 11.30am – 12.30pm local time in Barcelona.Temperatures are set to peak at approximately 25C in the Spanish city today.Lewis Hamilton went quickest during Friday’s sessions as he looks to end his long wait for a race win – stretching back to December 2021.Qualifying takes place this afternoon with the race tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.And teams will know the importance of a strong performance in qualifying because 30 of the last 33 Spanish Grand Prix have been won by drivers starting on the front row – and 24 from pole. Max Verstappen is once again the runaway leader in the 2024 drivers’ championship – 56 points clear of Charles Leclerc with Norris seven further back in third. Firefighters tackled the blaze and put the fire outCredit: AFPTwo people were taken away to be treated after inhaling smokeCredit: Rex More

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      Michael Schumacher blackmail plot revealed as two arrested over plan to ‘extort millions’ from stricken F1 star’s family

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      TWO men have been arrested over a chilling blackmail plot against the stricken family of iconic Formula One driver Michael Schumacher.German cops claim the pair of alleged criminals planned to extort millions from the Schumacher’s as part of the terrible ordeal.Two men have been arrested over a blackmail plot against iconic Formula One drive Michael Schumacher and his familyCredit: GettyMichael with his wife Corinna and their two children Mick and Gina-MariaCredit: NetflixMichael’s wife Corinna has been targeted by blackmailers in the past looking to extort millions from the stricken familyCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe two men from Wuppertal, Germany were caught on Wednesday and are waiting to be taken into court. The exact details around the failed extortion attempt are unknown.Wolf-Tilman Baumert, spokesman for the public prosecutor’s office, told BILD: “We are investigating a case of blackmail to the detriment of a celebrity and have executed arrest warrants in this case. “We cannot provide any further information at this time.”read more in SchumacherMichael, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.His inner circle is headed up by wife Corinna who has been targeted by fiends in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children. The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.Most read in MotorsportAfter being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.At the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.German publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident. In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said “My life has totally changed”.The sickening bot even spoke about the racing hero’s physical condition, family and future recovery prospects.Another legal battle in 2016 was waged after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.The court case led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk.Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend” and offered around to news outlets for a whopping £1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman prosecutors called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.What happened to Michael Schumacher?
      MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.
      The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
      Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
      At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
      But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
      After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
      Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
      Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
      In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
      Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
      Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.

      Michael hasn’t been seen or heard from since his skiing accident in 2013Credit: AlamyThe two children were said to have been threatened in 2016 via an email by a 25-year-old blackmailerCredit: InstagramThe Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend More

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      Horror crash as car spins out of control and flips upside down on infamous corner at 70mph during Le Mans 24 hour race

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      THE 24 hour crash at Le Mans was rocked by a horror crash with just six and a half hours of the race to go.Daniel Mancinelli, 35, found his Aston Martin swinging out of control on the infamous Indianapolis corner.Mancinelli’s car was sent veering offCredit: X @24hoursoflemansIt was sent into a spinCredit: X @24hoursoflemansThe barrier absorbed the full force of the crashCredit: X @24hoursoflemansThe car was flipped onto its roofCredit: X @24hoursoflemansThat saw the car swing round in a circle before slamming into the tyre wall.And the force of the impact saw the car flip upside down after the crash.Luckily Mancinelli was able to emerge from his hypercar unscathed.The crash ended any hope Aston Martin had of achieving a podium victory at the 24 hour race.READ MORE SPORTConcerned fans took to X to wish Mancinelli well.One fan wrote: “Glad the driver is ok ✅ #LEMANS24″Another said: “Hell of a surprise to the crew right behind the tire wall/fence! 😬”A third said: “Happy that the driver is o.k.”Most read in MotorsportThe crash snet debris flying everywhereCredit: X @24hoursoflemansCars had to narrowly avoid Mancinelli’s carCredit: X @24hoursoflemansA shocked team-mate looked on from the paddockCredit: X @24hoursoflemansEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd a fourth said: “Woooow! Damn!!”Mancinellu’s team-mate was also seen looking on with a concerned look from the paddoock.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsIndianapolis corner is known to be one of the most infamous at Le Mans.It’s known for its tricky entry which has to be entered at break-neck speeds, making crashes on this corner common.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Major F1 rule change announced that provides huge hint over Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement

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      ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI’S hopes of being promoted to Mercedes’ Formula 1 driver line-up have been handed a major boost.The FIA announced today that it has reduced the minimum age restriction to 17-years-old.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: GettyWonderkid Andrea Kimi Antonelli could take his seat at MercedesCredit: GettyThe governing body will allow teens of that age to race in Formula One if they have “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.”Antonelli has long been expected to take the vacant Mercedes seat for 2025 to partner George Russell at the team.There is a space on the grid available as Lewis Hamilton is departing for Ferrari.The seven-time world champion has signed a mega £100m two-year deal.READ MORE IN F1The Bologna-born Antonelli turns 18 on August 25 this year and could theoretically make his FP1 debut, or even race, prior to F1’s summer break.It was reported that an enquiry earlier this year had been made to the FIA about granting the teenager a superlicence despite him not yet being 18.Antonelli has been supported by Mercedes since he raced in karts and chief Toto Wolff recently dropped a major hint that he would be driving in F1 next season.At the Canada Grand Prix last week, Wolff said: “Carlos Sainz deserves a top seat. He’s done a fantastic job.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “But for us, we’ve embarked on a route now. “We want to reinvent ourselves a little bit going forward and Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      George Russell apologises and fights back tears after blowing F1 pole as Max Verstappen wins wet Canadian Grand Prix

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      GEORGE RUSSELL apologised to his Mercedes team for an “ugly race” as he scuppered pole position to Max Verstappen.It was a tough day in the office for the British 26-year-old who fought back tears after the race as he had to settle for third place.George Russell fought back tears after blowing pole positionCredit: GettyIt was a wet race in CanadaCredit: GettyMeanwhile Verstappen overcame chaos and rain to toast his third consecutive win in Canada ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris in second.Russell, who claimed his first podium of the year. said: “It was an ugly race on my behalf. Sorry for that. I’m very sorry for that.”It felt like a missed opportunity. We were really quick on the inters at the beginning, then Lando came through.”Then we jumped back on the slicks. I made a couple of mistakes out there, pushing the limits and paid the price for it.READ MORE ON F1″Nevertheless, first podium of the year. We truly had a fast car this weekend and to be in the mix fighting for victory was really fun.”The race was jam-packed with action fresh off the back of Monaco which Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton slammed for being a snooze fest after there had been no overtakes from the top ten drivers.Verstappen said: “It was a pretty crazy race. I love it. That was a lot of fun. Those kinds of races, you need those once in a while.”Russell crawled off the line in his Mercedes at the start but just stayed in front of Max Verstappen by a whisker.Most read in MotorsportVerstappen praised the ‘crazy race’Credit: RexEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSDrama erupted from lap 17 when Verstappen was thrown into the clutches of Norris after running wide at Turn One to hand Russell some valuable breathing space.The McLaren driver had set his sights on overtaking the Red Bull on the long straight and breezed past him to nab P2.Cost of an F1 carBut Norris wasn’t done there as he overtook Russell on the straight before Max Verstappen swiped the Mercedes driver’s place, leaving him in third.On lap 25 the first safety car was called into action as Logan Sargeant spun into the barrier on his way out of Turn Four in his Williams.24-year-old Norris stayed out while everyone else pitted, leaving him trailing behind Verstappen and Russell in third.Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase aimed a sly dig at Norris’ Miami Grand Prix win in a nod to the safety car incident by saying “What goes around comes around. That’s Miami back”.Verstappen, Norris and Russell continued to squabble for first, second and third throughout.More drama erupted as Sergio Perez wrapped up a dismal weekend by spinning out at Turn Six into the barrier and out of the race.Cue the safety car again as more chaos saw Alex Albon come off worse with a tussle with Carlos Sainz – leaving both drivers out of the race.It was a miserable afternoon for Ferrari in general who had earlier retired his car after suffering problems with the engine.Piastri and Russell tussled on lap 63 at Turn 10, making contact before the British driver lost his spot to his teammate Lewis Hamilton.Hamilton sniffed the podium and used his DRS to ease past Piastri, onto the tail of Norris but Russell edged back into third with one lap to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris said: “It was chaos. It was eventful. To be honest, I felt like I drove a good race the whole time from start to finish. The first two stints were very strong.“I had amazing pace. But then the Safety Car had me over, just like it helped me in Miami, it’s now had me back over.” More

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      Daniel Ricciardo leaves interviewer speechless with X-rated blast on live TV in reply to Villeneuve’s brutal takedown

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO has given an X-rated response to heavy criticism from Jacques Villeneuve.The RB driver was blasted by Villeneuve this week after a turbulent start to the Formula One season.Daniel Ricciardo has given a cheeky response to Jacques Villeneuve’s criticism of his careerCredit: Sky SportsVilleneuve slammed Ricciardo and claimed he ‘can’t cut it’ in F1 anymoreCredit: GettyRicciardo has failed to outperform team-mate Yuki Tsunoda in all but one of the eight races this year, prompting former world champion Villeneuve to slam his career as a whole.The 1997 champ, 53, questioned why Ricciardo was even racing in F1 anymore, claiming that the Aussie “can’t cut it” anymore.He also suggested that the 34-year-old is “finding excuses” while slamming his career as a whole by adding: “I think his image has kept him in F1 more than his results.”But Ricciardo has hit back at the scathing review of this racing career after finishing fifth in qualifying ahead of this afternoon’s Canadian Grand Prix.READ MORE IN F1PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

      Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he said: “I’ve just been told [about the criticism] I don’t listen or read [it].”But there’s definitely some people out there who, yeah whatever, I won’t give him the time of day.”Top five, I’ve been quick all weekend. “Less than two tenths from pole so… eat s***!”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDaniel Ricciardo’s career in F1
      Hispania Racing
      Ricciardo made his F1 debut at Silverstone in 2011 for Hispania Racing, finishing 19th, before he went on to race 10 more times that season.
      Toro Rosso
      He began his first full season in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2012, securing six top 10 finishes including in the opening race of the season in Australia.
      Ricciardo finished the year six points behind team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne in the drivers’ standings.
      He then secured seven more top 10s in the 2013 season, beating Vergne by seven points.
      Red Bull
      Ricciardo joined Red Bull for the 2014 season where he would race for five years, winning seven races.
      He finished the 2014 and 2016 seasons in third place in the drivers’ standings behind only the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
      Ricciardo also finished ahead of four-time world champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel in two of their three seasons together.
      Renault
      Ricciardo signed for Renault in 2019 and finished his two seasons with the team in ninth and fifth.
      He beat team-mates Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon, before he was snapped up by McLaren.
      McLaren
      Ricciardo’s eighth and most recent Grand Prix victory came at Monza in his first season with McLaren.
      Yet despite that victory, he finished his two seasons with the team well adrift of fellow McLaren man Lando Norris and was released at the end of the 2022 campaign.
      Red Bull reserve and AlphaTauri
      Without a seat for the 2023 season, Ricciardo became Red Bull’s reserve driver behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
      When Nyck de Vries was then released by AlphaTauri in July, Ricciardo raced eight races for the team with a best-place finish of eighth.
      RB
      AlphaTauri became RB in 2024 but Ricciardo has struggled so far this season, finishing no higher than 12th in the opening eight races.
      He sits on five points while team-mate Yuki Tsunoda is flying on 19, four places above him in the drivers’ standings.

      Ricciardo gave a cheeky smile as he signed off from the interview with the X-rated ending and walked away from the microphone.The reporter was left speechless at the unbelievable moment.Jacques Villeneuve’s brutal verdict on current F1 star leaves fans in shockRicciardo will feature in his 250th Grand Prix when the lights go out in Montreal this weekend.His career has seen him rack up eight wins and 32 podium finishes across more than five teams spanning over 12 years.Ricciardo finished fifth in qualifying for the Canadian Grand PrixCredit: Getty More