Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares147 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘I heard it snap’ – Speedway star Tai Woffinden opens up on life-threatening crash and coma that was ‘worst thing ever’

      by

      LYING on the track in a tangled mess, Tai Woffinden admits the last thing he remembers is people crying at the extent of his injuries.The five-times world champion blacked out minutes after the horror crash where he sustained over 15 BROKEN BONES following a high-speed pile-up in Krosno, Poland, in late March. Tai Woffinden spent days in a medically-induced comaHe is ahead of schedule in his rehabThe Speedway icon broke 15 bones in a horror crashCredit: Taylor LanningHis partner Faye rushed to Poland to be by his side in hospitalGreat Britain ace Woffy, 34, was given an emergency helicopter airlift to hospital as fears grew over his survival because of chest injuries and a huge loss of blood.He was then put in a medically-induced coma after three lengthy major operations. But two months after fighting for his life, Woffinden is now walking and eight weeks ahead in his gruelling recovery plan in rehab.In his first interview since the incident, he reveals how he heard the femur bone in his leg snap on impact and that the first people on the scene were in tears on seeing his condition because his arms were “pointing in the wrong direction”. READ MORE IN SPORTHe admitted: “I remember everything. In the race that I crashed I made a pretty decent start, so I blipped the throttle a little bit coming into the corner.“The junior rider off gate one drove over the kerb, ran into the guy that was off gate two, who then collected me.“As I got collected, as you normally do, you drop it on the side and slide towards the fence. And then while sliding across the track, my bike hit the APD (airfence) first, which lifted it up probably about a metre.“And the moment I saw that lift, I just went, ‘oh f***’. And then I hit the fence, I heard my femur snap.Most read in Motorsport“It’s almost like if you’re underwater and you snap a tree branch.“I then was laid on the track. I remember looking up and seeing everybody around me. The team manager’s face looked like he had seen a ghost.Tai Woffinden walks for first time after coma as Speedway star reveals horror list of injuries after terrifying crash “One person was crying looking at my body. My arms were pointing all in the wrong direction. My left shoulder was dislocated, pointing upwards.“My right humerus was shattered at the bottom. My elbow was dislocated and my elbow was broken.“I actually couldn’t see my hands when I was laying on the track because they were both pointing up.“So I’m sat there saying, ‘give me some meds’. I was saying ‘bol, bol, bol’ which means pain in Polish just to make sure they knew what I was talking about.“I don’t know if I passed out from the amount of Fentanyl they’d given me or the amount of blood that I’d lost.”Woffinden, Britain’s greatest-ever rider, had a double compound right femur fracture, broken back, right humerus compound fracture, dislocated and smashed right elbow, 12 broken ribs, punctured lung, left broken shoulder blade and dislocated left shoulder.He added: “I remember the blades of the helicopter, the noise of it starting to take off. And then the next thing, I’m in a coma. “There were so many injuries, I probably wouldn’t have been able to be awake and deal with the injuries. One of the operations was 12 hours long and I had multiple blood transfusions.“I thought a coma would have been a pleasant sleep. It was quite the opposite. It was the worst thing I’d ever experienced. It was quite scary at times. I was on sedatives and painkillers and antibiotics.“I was hallucinating, I was dreaming and having nightmares. Normally you have a nightmare and you wake up. Well, I couldn’t wake up.“I dealt with some wild s***. I woke up from the coma, and everything that I’d dreamt, I believed it was real. And my wife Faye was like, ‘mate, that didn’t happen’. I was getting angry with Faye because she wasn’t believing me.”Woffinden refused to be drawn on what the future holds in speedway, his only focus is on full recovery from the huge toll of injuries. He added: “There’s so many variables. We need to give it that extra month to heal and then have the CT scan so we can really see what’s going on from all different angles.“I might need another operation on my humerus in my arm because it was shattered in 27 places. If the metalwork hasn’t helped it knit together, I’ll need another op. “I’ve done everything I possibly can. I’ve done four to five hours a day in rehab since I left the hospital. My progress is on another level.“It’s ridiculous. Where I’m at given the injuries is f*****g phenomenal.Read More on The Sun“I would like to ride my bike again, whether that’s competitive or not or just practice, who knows?“But I just make micro personal goals to keep reaching. Only my recovery comes first.”Woffinden suffered the horror crash in Poland More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Hilton introduce £1,800-a-night McLaren hotel suite with twin F1 simulators, bar and smoothie delivered every morning

      by

      FORMULA ONE superfans can immerse themselves in a stunning McLaren-themed hotel room for close to £2,000 per night.From a state-of-the-art racing simulator to memorabilia lining the walls, guests are in store for an experience like no other. Hilton have unveiled a stunning McLaren-themed suiteCredit: instagramMemorabilia lines the walls of the five-star roomCredit: instagramA state-of-the-art F1 simulator allows guests to test their racing skillsCredit: instagramIt costs a whopping £1,800 per nightCredit: instagramTo celebrate McLaren’s partnership with Hilton, a special suite has been made at their five-star The Trafalgar St. James Hotel, London.Through the doors is a room incredibly designed with papaya bed-sheets, cushions and chairs to help budding drivers recharge like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.There is even a McLaren-shaped table in the lounge.Though most of the time guests will be sat in one of two racing seats in front of a world-class F1 simulator.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe “driver’s room” also allows you to check your lap times at the “pit wall broadcast zone”.And to get you in the mood for a day of racing, a specially-made smoothie is brought to you in the morning.Midday pit stops can occur at the bar inside the room as you take in the vintage helmets and racing suits on display.The room is on offer from July 8 to 20 and costs a staggering £1,800 per night.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHilton says guests will “stay like a winner” and that the luxury suite “blends all the energy of race day with effortless hospitality”.Fans have been left stunned by the experience, with one saying: “This is insane.”Another added: “I need this in my life.”A third wrote: “I’d want Lando to tuck me into bed.” More

    • 288 Shares133 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton risks wrath of his beloved dog Roscoe as he is seen petting Chief Mouser Larry the Cat at meeting with PM

      by

      Attention,
      Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
      News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
      This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
      If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

    • 263 Shares133 Views

      in Motorsport

      Inside Schumacher’s inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly’ sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON’T visit

      by

      AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher’s inner circle – like who “regularly” visits him and his shock at one pal who won’t.Schumacher hasn’t been in the public eye since a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago and is cared for by medical staff and his wife Corinna at their home in Lake Geneva.Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, MonacoCredit: GettyGerman formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004Credit: AlamyEx-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the starCredit: Re-Engineering Australia FoundationThe F1 legend’s family have remained very protective of his privacy, with little known about his condition since the 2013 accident.Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star – and revealed who regularly him.He told Wette.de: “Jean Todt, that’s well known. Jean and Michael had an extraordinarily close relationship. “I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. read more f1″If there is a third, I don’t know who that would be.”But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won’t visit Schumacher – Flavio Briatore.He added: “Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision.”That’s down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that’s their own choice and for their own reasons.Most read in Motorsport”But Flavio has obviously got his and it’s very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people.”I think we all have to respect that one.”Michael Schumacher’s Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001In 2020 Briatore’s former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.”Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: “I’m not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly.”There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses.”Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it’s difficult to be drawn on it.”In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a “one-off”.He said: “I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. Michael Schumacher and Flavio BriatoreCredit: Getty – ContributorAlpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifyingCredit: GettyRace winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994Credit: Alamy”They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I’d hazard a guess that it was a one-off.”It was a great gesture from the family to organise that.”Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were given £12million.Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men.In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot.Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court.Schumacher’s wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche.She said: “What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust.“He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.”When Schumacher’s head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two.The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma.Read More on The SunThe best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness.There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.What do we know about Schumacher since his accident?MICHAEL 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 protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the 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. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where 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 – Schumacher brought out of his coma: After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. 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 near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Mystery surrounding his health: 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.May 2017 – German magazine sued by Schumacher’s family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher’s right to privacy.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

    • 188 Shares125 Views

      in Motorsport

      Horror moment Max Verstappen’s dad flips rally car in terrifying crash revealed in unseen footage

      by

      THIS is the horror moment Max Verstappen’s dad Jos crashed and flipped his rally car at high speed.Disaster struck for the former F1 driver, 53, as he was competing in the Royal Rally of Scandinavia in Sweden.Max Verstappen’s father Jos suffered a nasty crash on Friday but emerged unscathedCredit: https://x.com/FIAERCJos’ rally car rolled after his rear wheels dipped in the gravelCredit: https://x.com/FIAERCHe cracked the windscreen of his car and caused other damage, being forced to retireCredit: https://x.com/FIAERCThe rollover crash brought Jos and his navigator Renaud Jamoul’s day to a halt earlier than expected last Friday.The pair started well – they were 18th overall and best out of the Master classification – but came unstuck on stage nine. Verstappen admitted they entered a corner “too quickly” before ending up in a ditch after their rear wheels dipped in the gravel. It caused the Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 to do a 360, suffering damage in the process, with newly released video painting a grim picture.READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe latest clip showed the car with a huge crack in the windscreen, but fortunately, both Jos and Renaud escaped uninjured.Verstappen said: “I went a little bit too quick into the corner and then I missed the apex, the inside of the corner.”I was in the loose gravel, on full grass and I couldn’t make the corner. Very easy to happen in this kind of rally. “It was a typical Sweden roll. I flipped it and I was back on the four wheels. Every crash should be a lesson.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The roll cage is all fine but the front was a little bit damaged, there was some rear damage and one damper was broken.”I must say I really enjoyed it, the way of driving. Obviously these people from these countries they used to that, the only driving they do is on these kind of stages.”Lewis Hamilton hit with grid penalty at Monaco Grand Prix after blunder saw him forced to apologise to VerstappenIt was Verstappen Snr’s third-ever start on an unfamiliar gravel surface. He didn’t manage to travel to Barcelona to watch his son Max compete in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull ace endured a weekend to forget after a 10-second penalty dropped him from P5 to P10, and a hefy 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.The 27-year-old also picked up three-penalty points after “deliberately” colliding with George Russell on Lap 61, when asked to let the Mercedes driver through after using an escape road.The punishment moves the Dutchman to 11 penalty points – one point away from a race ban.  More

    • 250 Shares183 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘It’s not nice to see’ – Lewis Hamilton warned he’s suffering from same issue as Michael Schumacher after Ferrari switch

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON is “lost” and suffering the same problem that fellow Formula One icon Michael Schumacher did.Hamilton, 40, has struggled to extract top performance from his Ferrari machinery since joining the team over the winter.Lewis Hamilton has been warned he is suffering the same issue as Michael Schumacher isCredit: GettyMichael Schumacher won seven world titles like Hamilton, but had a break and never won a race againCredit: GettyThe Brit has achieved one Sprint Race win in China but has otherwise failed to achieve a podium for the Scuderia.Former F1 star and Sky Sports F1 pundit Johnny Herbert believes Hamilton is suffering the same issues as Schumacher, 56, did when he came back to the motorsport after a break.That being the “raw pace just isn’t there anymore”, a thought which Herbert says is “not nice to see”.Schumacher – whose ex-F1 boss gave an insight into his health battle – retired from F1 in 2006 before returning with Mercedes in 2010, but only achieved one podium in three seasons with the Silver Arrows.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to InstantWithdrawalBettingSites, Herbert, 60, said: “It just looks like Lewis Hamilton is lost, really lost. “I don’t know if the raw pace that he’s always had throughout his career is there anymore. “I thought, with the pure racing skill Hamilton had, he’d be able to drive around any problems with the car but he seems stuck in a hole. It’s not nice to see. “It’s not the first time we’ve seen it in the sport, though. Nigel Mansell won his championship in 1992, went to America in 1993, came back in 1994 and it didn’t work anymore for him.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It happened with Michael Schumacher too, when he had his break and came back, then he wasn’t the same Schumacher as before.”You’re always going to have your peak and an end of your peak. It’s not nice to see.”F1 stars’ pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc’s yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton’s dog Roscoe with own car Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc has raised his own complaints about the car and race engineers, but has managed to eke out better results with three podium finishes, including back-to-back in Monaco and Spain.Herbert added: “I know Charles Leclerc is not happy with the car either, but at least he’s getting podium finishes consistently. “There have been a couple of poor decisions in Ferrari’s strategy and poor communication over the radio, Hamilton doesn’t have the synergy with his engineer that he needs. “He hasn’t found his comfort zone since the sprint win in China.”Sometimes you don’t realise when it’s not as easy as it was before, but when you look across the garage and your team-mate is outperforming you, then it may click. “The greats of the sport, at their peak, get the best out of their car. Max Verstappen is doing it right now. Hamilton just can’t seem to get the extra he needs anymore. “He won’t understand why he can’t, because he’ll feel like he should be able to. But, Leclerc is outperforming you in the same car. Leclerc is only going to grow and is in control of Ferrari’s future. “He’s the guy they can rely on, Ferrari can’t rely on Lewis Hamilton at this point. It’s horrible to say but it’s the truth.”Former Mercedes and McLaren star Hamilton appeared close to tears following the Spanish Grand Prix where he finished P6, even after a penalty for old rival Max Verstappen bumped him up the order. Johnny Herbert suggested Ferrari ‘can’t rely on’ HamiltonCredit: GettyHamilton later apologised to Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes after his blunt response to a question, where he snapped: “Well what do you want me to say? I had a really bad day and I’ve got nothing to say.“It was a difficult day, I’ve got nothing else to add to it. There’s no point explaining it.”Hamilton will now have next weekend off to help him collect his thoughts before getting back behind the wheel for the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15.McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lead the World Drivers Championship, with the Aussie leading by 10 points after claiming victory in Barcelona last weekend.He has opened up a huge 49-point gap to reigning four-time world champion Verstappen after the Dutchman lost his head and crashed into Mercedes’ George Russell when asked to yield his position.Despite calls to be disqualified, the incident saw the Red Bull driver being given a 10-second time penalty, dropping him from P5 to P10, and slapped with three penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.That decision has placed him on the brink of a race ban after collecting 11 out of a maximum of 12 penalty points.The system works on a 12-month rolling timer, but the next time the 27-year-old will see any points taken off his record will be June 30.Races are due to commence in Montreal and Spielberg before that date, meaning he will have to be on his best behaviour to avoid a ban.Read More on The SunPicking up another point in Canada will mean a ban for his team’s home race at the Red Bull Ring, meanwhile, a point in Austria would see him banned for the British Grand Prix on July 6.Hamilton himself sits P6 in the standings, while his team have squeezed their way into P2. More

    • 200 Shares96 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Furious’ Channel 4 F1 presenter slams trolls for horrific abuse about her appearance after undergoing operation

      by

      FORMULA ONE presenter Lee McKenzie has slammed trolls for horrific abuse after undergoing an operation.The Channel 4 star is one of the top sports commentators around and currently fronts the channel’s F1 coverage.Channel 4’s F1 presenter Lee McKenzie has slammed trolls for online abuseCredit: AlamyShe said trolls mocked her appearance at the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: https://www.instagram.com/leemckenzietv/McKenzie has covered plenty of other sports in the past too, including the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Six Nations.She’s been leading Channel 4’s F1 coverage since 2016 and is often spotted at the season’s biggest races.However, McKenzie claims her most recent appearance did not go to plan.After turning up to present at the Spanish Grand Prix, she revealed that she had been subjected to vile abuse by trolls.READ MORE IN F1McKenzie says they took aim at her weight and appearance.And she has now revealed that she had gone to Spain after a gruelling operation in hospital last month.Writing on Instagram, McKenzie blasted: “I’ve been thinking about whether I should post this but I will as it’s not just about me, it’s for all women and men too.“Last month I went into hospital for an operation and I’ve been struggling with some health issues for a while now.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“As you see on here I’m a private person and I post about my work, not too much about life outside of work. I don’t need or want attention or validation. “But the comments about my appearance and weight at the Spanish Grand Prix have been horrific. I’ve had to turn off comments on my social media. It’s worth saying they came from women and men alike.F1 stars’ pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc’s yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton’s dog Roscoe with own car McKenzie revealed she had been in hospital for an operation last monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/leemckenzietv/McKenzie has been covering F1 for Channel 4 since 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe ace has worked on other events including the Olympics and WimbledonCredit: Getty – Contributor“If you don’t like what someone wears or looks like on television, feel free to think about it but why send it to them? Why contact someone to be deliberately rude? “I’m a journalist and I’m good at my job and I’m furious that this affects me. But it does and there will be people out there getting similar abuse that are not as strong as me. Don’t do it.“The good news is that a larger operation that I thought I was going to get isn’t needed at the moment and things can be treated with medication. “Many people have this. It’s not about being unwell. It’s about the vile comments from women and men commenting on my appearance.“My health is improving and I’m back at the gym. For me. Not for anyone else. Think before you write to someone.” More

    • 250 Shares96 Views

      in Motorsport

      Five contenders to replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull including shock return with star man at risk of F1 ban

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN is just one point away from a race ban after ramming into George Russell in the Spanish Grand Prix last time out. The Dutchman must be on his best behaviour in the next two races in Canada and Austria before two points are wiped from his license. Verstappen admitted ramming into Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix was “not right”Credit: PAHe was slapped with his first two penalty points in the current rolling 12-month period after last year’s Austrian Grand Prix on June 30.He collided with Norris on 30 June, and even after those points expire this year he will still be three points away from suspension. Verstappen will be teetering on the edge of a ban until after the Mexican Grand Prix on 27 October having pushed Norris off the track in last year’s race there. There has been wide speculation over who will step into the Red Bull hot seat if the Dutchman is suspended, so SunSport gives you everything you need to know on the potential candidates. Isack Hadjar has finished in the points in five of the nine races this seasonCredit: AlamyISACK HADJAR The French-Algerian 20-year-old has impressed in his rookie campaign for Racing Bulls. He has enjoyed a meteoric rise from being left in tears in the season opener in Melbourne after crashing in the rain on the formation lap. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSince then he has finished in the points in five of the nine races this season and and secured a glittering fifth in qualifying in the Monaco show piece.The last rookie to achieve that feat was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportIt is early days yet but Hadjar’s aggressive driving style has been compared to Verstappen’s fierce approach. He also tested the 2024 car and found it “comfortable” rather than tricky like many others who have sat in the Red Bull cockpit.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureWhen Red Bull boss Christian Horner was asked about Hadjar, he said: “I think he’s been the most outstanding rookie. He’s exceeded all of our expectations.”He’s been fast, consistent, and constantly delivered. His future, if he keeps performing as he is, is very bright.”Liam Lawson was axed as Red Bull’s No2 driver after just two races this seasonCredit: GettyLIAM LAWSON The Kiwi 23-year-old isn’t completely off the radar despite suffering a woeful TWO-RACE stint as a Red Bull driver at the start of this season.He suffered three early exits in all three qualifying sessions, including the sprint, and didn’t bag a single point before being turfed out to Racing Bulls for Yuki Tsunoda. However, Lawson has experience with this season’s car and that could boost his credentials when weighing up the options for a one-off race. Things are looking up for the Racing Bulls driver too with him securing his first points in Monaco. Daniel Ricciardo was bought back into the Red Bull family in 2023 to race for their junior teamCredit: EPADANIEL RICCIARDO This is a huge blast from the past but Aussie maestro Ricciardo, 35, is a wild shout to fill in for Verstappen. Afterall, he is an experienced, senior head in the paddock, remains a favourite of Horner and has bags of experience with the team. Ricciardo knows the team inside and out, having spent two seasons with the junior side before enjoying five years as a Red Bull driver.He won seven grands prix racing alongside both Red Bull legends Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.Horner bought him back into the Red Bull family at the end of 2023 with the then-junior team Alpha Tauri before he was dropped for Liam Lawson the following year.Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa filled in for Verstappen in FP1 in Bahrain this yearCredit: RexAYUMU IWASA The Japanese Super Formula driver has been part of the team’s junior drivers’ programme since 2021. Marko said at the start of the season: “We have Ayumu Iwasa as our reserve driver” with the 23-year-old an F3 and F2 race winner. It is a big shout for him to replace Verstappen for a one-off race though with his more likely destination being a stand in driver for Racing Bulls. He filled in for Verstappen in FP1 at this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix, and made his Racing Bulls debut in practise in Suzuka last year. Brit driver Arvid Lindblad has been making waves in Red Bull’s junior programmeCredit: GettyARVID LINDBLAD The 17-year-old Brit is a future star of Red Bull, having been with the team for four-years. He continues to make waves this season, making his debut in F2 for Camps Racing, as part of Red Bull’s junior team. He stood on top of the podium this season for the Saudi Arabian sprint race and in Spain last time out. It would still be a huge step up to be thrust into the Red Bull seat and his age is also a barrier. The FIA announced in 2016 that an F1 driver must be at least 18 unless they are “judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition”.Read More on The SunEarlier this year Helmut Marko revealed they had applied for an exemption from the FIA’s ruling that drivers under the age of 18 are not eligible to receive a super license.They want to promote Lindblad to official reserve driver status so he may be well be on the F1 grid soon. More