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    Inside Valtteri Bottas’ wild three weeks after being dumped by F1 team from back garden Ironman to mad side quests

    VALTTERI BOTTAS has not blown his engine out over the news he would not be racing in Formula One next season.It was announced days after the Brazil Grand Prix that the Finn would not retain his seat with Sauber for 2025, with it instead going to 20-year-old F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto.Valtteri Bottas has had wild three weeks since his F1 exit was announcedAfter getting a ‘What’s next?’ tattoo on his leg Bottas was seen sharing a coffee with Sir Mark CavendishCredit: InstagramBottas was seen gravel riding to kick off a series of stunning eventsCredit: InstagramThis was followed by Bottas playing Ultimate Frisbee with Australia’s national teamCredit: InstagramNext up was a more low-key Sunday night Pool gameCredit: InstagramBottas swapped warm weather for hiking before finding some ‘fresh bear poo’Credit: InstagramBottas’ latest wild excursion saw him cycling in the infamous Death ValleyCredit: InstagramAnd days after the news, Bottas shared a video of him doing a staggering Ironman triathlon challenge in his own back garden.However, it proved to be the tip of the iceberg for the 35-year-old as it gave way to a mad three-week break involving some crazy side quests.Bottas documented his break on his Instagram page with a suitably titled series called “What’s next?”Following the Ironman challenge, Bottas was seen grimacing in pain while getting a tattoo on his left thigh of the text “What’s next?”READ MORE IN F1After getting his tattoo, Bottas was seen in a video sharing a coffee with Tour de France winner Sir Mark Cavendish as both asked one another “What’s next?”The next video in the series saw Bottas kitted out in cycling gear as he went “gravel riding in the wild west”, accompanied by Valkirias de Cine’s Wild West song in the background.This was followed by a stunning switch to a sandy beach setting where Bottas then revealed he would be playing ultimate frisbee with Australia’s national team.The video showed Bottas in action jumping and diving about as he tried to catch the frisbee.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUp next was a more low-key event by the former Mercedes driver’s standards, as he was seen in a cowboy hat drinking a beer before saying he was participating in a Sunday night pool tournament.Another 180-degree twist to the series saw Bottas now wearing a thick coat as he got ready to go hiking.F1 star Valtteri Bottas completes Ironman triathlon in his own back garden just days after being axed by SauberWhile on the hike, Bottas came across a fresh batch of bear poo, before he ended the video by bursting into a run.The latest video in the series saw Bottas back in cycling gear.But rather than cold weather or gravel riding, Bottas was now cycling in Death Valley.Located in eastern California in the Mojave Desert, it is thought to be the hottest place in the world in the summer with the record temperature reaching a scorching 57°C.Bottas has since arrived in the Las Vegas F1 paddock with his tattoo on show for all to see.He has also been seen wearing a cyan-coloured top with black text on it reading “What’s next?”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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconIn terms of what’s next for his motorsport career, reports suggest Bottas is being considered as a Mercedes reserve driver for next season.Speaking about his F1 exit, Bottas said: “Life goes on. There’s lots of exciting things ahead. And yeah, I’m fine with it.“It’s a tricky sport. You know, I think I got into a bit of an unlucky situation, in terms of hanging on to the last seat on the grid. And when that doesn’t happen, then obviously you’re out for now.“The closer we’re getting to that date, I did definitely figure out that there was other drivers as candidates as well. And of course, you start to hear rumours. “So then in the end, I still thought it’s maybe 50-50 chance. And yeah, I got the call on the Monday. But yeah, at least I know now. I just need to figure out what’s next…”The way my active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn’t the best way that you can’t really decide yourself.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁“I feel like still I have lots to give for the sport and I still love it. I love the racing against the best drivers in the world, in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love.“So I’m just trying to figure out now what is the next move. So yeah, I don’t really have that much more. I’m taking it day by day. There’s some interesting stuff on the table and then we’ll see.”However, he did not seem overly keen on the idea of switching to another motorsport, but said he was always up for a new challenge, as he did with the Ironman.He added: “For me, at the moment, I feel like jumping into a new category comes quite quick.”You know, we’re almost in December. So yeah, I think that would be more realistic that if I didn’t find a seat in F1 during ‘25 or for ‘26, then probably would be from ‘26.“But it’s all these things that I need to kind of try and plan. But the picture is starting to form in my head what is the ideal situation. I’ve raced all my life, you know, since I was six, five, six years old and I still love it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’ll be always driving something. I just sometimes like to challenge myself. I just decided on the evening before that tomorrow I want to be an Ironman. “And I just did it in a small pool and indoor bike and treadmill. I’d actually never done a marathon before, so now that’s done as well. So, yeah, things sometimes just happen.”Bottas has turned ‘What’s next?’ into his catchphraseCredit: GettyBottas has his ‘What’s next?’ tattoo on full displayCredit: Getty More

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    Fears for Martin Brundle’s future on Sky Sports as pundit tips iconic reporter to follow F1 legend out the door

    MARTIN BRUNDLE could be the next pundit dropped from Sky Sports F1 after Damon Hill’s exit.That is the view of Johnny Herbert, who himself was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022.Martin Brundle could be the next iconic star shown the door at Sky Sports, according to Johnny HerbertCredit: AlamyHerbert suggested Damon Hill was dropped because of criticism of Max VerstappenCredit: GettyHill had criticised Verstappen for ‘dangerous’ tacticsCredit: GettyThree-time Formula One race winner Herbert, 60, joined at the same time as 1996 world champion Damon Hill.However, it was announced last week that Hill would be departing Sky Sports F1 at the end of the season.Brundle was among those to pay a touching tribute to the 64-year-old, writing on social media: “Damon I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of both racing against you and commentating on you in F1, working alongside you on SkyF1, and decades of friendship. “It’s been a blast, with much more to come.”READ MORE IN F1But Herbert reckons it may soon be the likes of 65-year-old Brundle or even commentator David Croft who are next shown the exit door.Although he also believes that Hill’s criticism of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was also a factor in the decision.Speaking to FlashscoreUSA.com, Herbert said: “I don’t know whether it was [Hill’s] decision or Sky’s, to be honest.”Was it an enjoyment factor? Potentially. I know he got criticism for the Max scenarios and maybe he felt, ‘You know what, I don’t need that.’Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”There is change going on. If he was pushed, then you wonder what could happen to Martin Brundle and David Croft.”Before the Brazil GP, Hill had accused Verstappen of “using dangerous tactics” to race and using fear and intimidation by using his car as a weapon.Watch Rowan Atkinson ‘do Martin Brundle impression to Martin Brundle’ without Sky Sports F1 reporter having a clueReferring to Verstappen’s double run in with Lando Norris at the Mexico Grand Prix, Hill had said: “The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff.”He accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much option. That was silly driving.”Hill then doubled-down on his thoughts on Sky Sports before Brazil, adding: “Yes, I do. I think that he [Verstappen] is using fear and intimidation.”I think he also has explained a little bit more about his tactics, which has been that he regards it as a gamble. “Sometimes it may pay off and sometimes he may get the better of the stewards, they might not apply a penalty. “But he’s also using it as a way of compromising the title contender in Lando Norris.”So, there’s some logic, there’s some method, to his angriness, if you want to call it that, on the track.”He, as he says, he knows what he’s doing, but is it right and is it fair? And I think there’s also rules…. to ensure fairness, and we shouldn’t be condoning driving cars off the track.”Herbert claims Hill was left “unhappy” with the backlash he received for voicing his views on Verstappen.He added: “He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments.”Maybe all that negativity made him decide.”Announcing his exit, Hill said: “It’s been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1 but all good things come to an end.”I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals it has ever been my pleasure to have worked with. Looking forward to new challenges.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe F1 title looks set to be wrapped up by the Dutchman in Las Vegas as he only needs to better the score of McLaren’s Norris by three points to secure a fourth title in a row.Verstappen took almost complete control of the title race after a brilliant recovery drive around a wet Brazil circuit as he raced from P17 to finish first, while Norris only finished P6 after starting on pole.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    F1 sensation, 21, who is poised to be Max Verstappen’s team-mate now dating Wanda Icardi’s 32-year-old former love rival

    FRANCO COLAPINTO has been seen on an apparent date with a former love rival of Wanda Nara, according to media in Argentina.The Formula One star, 21, has shot into the headlines after a stunning start to life in the motorsport.Rising F1 star Franco Colapinto is rumoured to be dating Argentine model China SuarezCredit: RexSuarez was seen leaving a restaurant with Colapinto at 2:30amCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sangrejaponesa/?hl=enWanda Nara accused her of being a home wrecker in 2021Credit: Instagram / @wanda_naraHis impressive start since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams in August – with his first race then being the Italian Grand Prix on September 1 – has led to calls for him to be signed on the F1 grid in 2025.Williams have already confirmed a line-up of Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon next season, which has fueled suggestions he may be in line to take a seat with either Red Bull or sister team RB.The Argentine had a disappointing weekend during a tricky wet Brazil race.And ahead of returning to the paddock for the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, Colapinto has been seen on a date with China Suarez.READ MORE IN F1The footage shared by LAM (América TV) appears to show the pair, who follow each other on Instagram, leaving the Los 33 restaurant in Madrid on Sunday.The producer of the account claims Suarez, 32, arrived at the location first before Colapinto followed.The report, translated by La Nacion, adds that they were booked into “a private room exclusively for them” and left at 2:28am after arriving from around 10pm.The footage is said to have been captured by journalist Magalí Sica.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTaking to her own social media, she said: “The situation began when we go out to party at a place in Salamanca, which is further away from Justice, which is where this restaurant is.”They were hugging and holding hands, although I didn’t get to record that part. They left through the front door as if nothing had happened.”Argentina Formula 1 star Franco Colapinto enjoys a moment with fans at Austin Grand PrixNeither of them have publicly addressed the rumours so far.Suarez is an Argentine model who has 6.5 million followers on Instagram, compared to Colapinto’s four million.In 2021 she was accused of being a homewrecker by Mauro Icardi’s former wife Nara.She broke her silence on the accusations by blaming the former Inter Milan ace for deceiving her by saying he was no longer with Nara.Suarez had said at the time: “What occurred is a situation I didn’t start, I didn’t encourage and I didn’t provoke.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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon”There’s a much bigger and deeper story behind what’s happening today which many woman are going to identify with.“I’ve got mixed up with men whose words I always believed, that they were separated or separating and there were no conflicts.”Claiming her inexperience had left her helpless in the face of “these men who had then stayed silent and allowed wolves to eat me”, she added in a thinly-veiled attack on Wanda: “It also seems it’s easier for a woman to attack me by way of venting her anger.“I pay the cost of sustaining the image of a happy family, not the man who was irrational and committed a mistake.“My constant silence to preserve my family ties has always been my priority but it went against me.READ MORE SUN STORIESA tumultuous 10-year relationship between Icardi and Nara, who also acted as his agent, was confirmed to be over in September with the pair having two children together. She reportedly filed for divorce in July.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    ‘Michael Schumacher would make me feel useless and untalented, there was no reason not to believe him’, says ex-F1 rival

    MICHAEL SCHUMACHER and Damon Hill hated each other on the track but it was a different story away from the paddock.They went head-to-head for the title three years in a row in the nineties, with their first contest the most thrilling.Damon Hill had a fierce rivalry with Michael Schumacher in the 1990sCredit: GettyBut off the track the pair got on really wellCredit: GettyIn 1994 the pair were both battling for their first championship and Schumacher, 55, came out on top in dramatic circumstances in the last race of the season.They were neck and neck in Australia and as Hill attempted an overtake he collided with Schumacher, sending the German flying into the air.Both drivers were unable to complete the race with Schumacher winning the championship by a point.That added fuel to the fire of their rivalry, despite Hill admitting they got on well off the track.READ MORE ON SCHUMACHERHe told BILD: “Michael and I actually got on well, but on the track we hated each other.”It was and is not possible to be any other way if you want to become Formula 1 world champion. There was no room for niceties. “You have to exploit every weakness of your opponent and wear him down with it.”Michael was a master of psychological games. He made me feel like I was useless and untalented. And he told the press that too. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Because he won a lot of races back then, there was no reason not to believe him.”Hill, 64, went on to win the championship in 1996, while Schumacher finished his career with seven titles to his name.Formula One’s Highest Earners More

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    Stunning house Lewis Hamilton ‘will live in at Ferrari as he’s given honour only bestowed to Michael Schumacher’

    LEWIS HAMILTON will reportedly move into a house formerly owned by Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari next year.The seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, putting an end to his 11-year spell with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton will move into a huge new house when he officially joins FerrariCredit: GettyThe Brit has been granted permission to move into Enzo Ferrari’s old houseCredit: AlamyAnd when he swaps Brackley for Maranello, he will be granted the permission to move into a famed Italian house.Sky Sports Italy claim he is expected to move into a house previously occupied by Mr Ferrari himself.The home is located next to the team’s Fiorano circuit.F1 legend Michael Schumacher is the only other driver to have been given the privilege to live there.Read More on F1He would reside at the house on testing days.The three-storey building houses Enzo’s iconic office, which has been preserved since his death in 1988.Every door and window shutter on the outside is painted in the iconic Scuderia red.And the interior is littered with Ferrari memorabilia.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe house is littered with Ferrari memorabiliaCredit: Instagram @tony__qianIt is located next to Ferrari’s baseCredit: Instagram @tony__qianMercedes have announced initial plans for Hamilton’s final race with the team, which will be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month.The Brit will have the names of 150 fans printed on his car for the event.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Mercedes opened a competition this week to determine the lucky supporters.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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    F1 agree blockbuster £150million deal to keep iconic race track on the calendar with new date revealed

    FORMULA ONE has agreed a £150million deal to keep the legendary Monaco race track on the calendar into the 2030s.There had been rumours suggesting Monaco was under consideration to be AXED from the calendar.Monaco has struck a deal to stay on the F1 calendar until 2031Credit: GettyThe 2024 race won by Charles Leclerc was watched by 70 million peopleCredit: ReutersHowever, earlier today it was announced Monaco would remain in F1 until at least 2031 after striking a new six-year deal.The circuit has been an ever-present feature in the motorsport, with the track synonymous with the glitz and glamour associated with F1.But, according to the Daily Mail, this new deal was only struck after organisers agreed to double their previous annual contribution to £25m a year.A statement from F1 on the agreement said: “Formula 1 will continue to race around the streets of Monaco until 2031 inclusive, following a six-year extension to the existing agreement with the Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM) that runs through the 2025 season.READ MORE IN F1″Part of the first Formula 1 World Championship calendar back in 1950 and present since 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous sporting events in the world and the ultimate test of concentration and skill for F1 drivers.”Located on the banks of the French Riviera, the field must navigate the scenic streets of Monte Carlo, tackling the slowest corner on the F1 circuit, the Loews Hairpin, and the iconic Casino Square and Swimming Pool sections.”Five of the current F1 grid sit alongside legends including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda in having triumphed around the 3.3km circuit.”Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have all won multiple times, alongside Sergio Perez and hometown hero Charles Leclerc – who created history this year when he became the first Monegasque to win the Grand Prix in F1 history.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 2024 weekend was watched by a cumulative audience of 70 million fans worldwide.Meanwhile, the race has also seen its date on the calendar moved.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and SuzukaIn 2025 the weekend will be held on May 23-25, but from 2026 this will be pushed back to the first full weekend in June each year.The last time the Monaco Grand Prix was raced in June came back in 2003 when Juan Pablo Montoya won for Williams, with McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen in second and Ferrari’s Schumacher in third.The last full June weekend for Monaco was in 2000, when McLaren’s David Coulthard beat Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello and Benetton’s Giancarlo Fisichella.F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I’m delighted that Formula 1 will continue to race in Monaco until 2031.“The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix remains a race that all drivers dream of winning.”I would like to extend a special thanks to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco and everyone involved in the extension of this important partnership.“This agreement signals a new era of partnership and innovation between Formula 1 and Monaco. “It is the future focused leadership of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco which will allow us to create an optimised calendar, which reduces pressure on logistics, and to decrease the environmental impact of our global championship, as we continue the path towards our Net Zero goal by 2030.”As well as the race itself, Monaco is home to many stars on the F1 grid.The F1 Monaco race also marks one-third of the coveted Triple Crown title, alongside winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Indianapolis 500, a feat only achieved by the legendary Graham Hill.Aston Martin’s Alonso is the only active F1 driver close to the Crown, having won the 24 Hours Le Mans twice and two F1 championships.Alonso has competed in the Indianapolis 500 three times, with his best finish being 21st in 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESF1 will return for the final stretch of races this season on November 24, starting in Las Vegas.It then heads to Qatar before concluding in Abu Dhabi across three consecutive weekends, with Verstappen in pole position to claim a fourth drivers title.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    F1 star brilliantly called out by Jeremy Clarkson show for spending 40 minutes reversing a trailer on TV star’s farm

    OSCAR PIASTRI fell victim to Jeremy Clarkson’s sharp wit after the Aussie F1 star spent 40 MINUTES attempting to reverse-park a trailer.Piastri struggled to grapple with farming machinery during a surprise trip to Clarkson’s farm ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24.Jeremy Clarkson took the mickey out of Oscar Piastri after the F1 star took 40 minutes to reverse a trailerPiastri currently sits fourth in the F1 standings – but struggled to drive a tractorThe 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year with McLarenPiastri, 23, has excelled for McLaren this season, sitting fourth in the driver standings after winning in Hungary and Azerbaijan, along with five more podium finishes.But he looked like a mere amateur when he got behind the wheel of a tractor in footage he posted on social media on Tuesday.The F1 ace tried and failed to reverse-park a long trailer into a large barn at Diddly Squat’s farm – and Clarkson had a field day while he looked on.The former Top Gear host began: “Behind me in that tractor – if you can see it there – is Oscar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We wanted to see if he could reverse that trailer into that slot in the barn.”Clarkson, 64, then turns to ask his pal and Amazon Prime co-star Kaleb Cooper how long Piastri has been trying to pull off the move.Cooper responded: “It’s been 40 minutes now. I thought you told me he was a driver”, as Clarkson burst into laughter.Clarkson joked “Your tractor is going to run out of diesel”, before yelling: “Come on, Oscar!”Most read in MotorsportPiastri had Jeremy Clarkson and his Clarkson’s Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper (centre) in stitches as he tried and failed to reverse-park a trailer in a barnFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Even in the reverse shot (on the phone he’s using to record the clip) I can see he’s c***ed it up.”Piastri saw the funny side of it all, captioning his posts to Instagram and X with the words: “Not sure Piastri’s farm will be happening any time soon.”F1 star Valtteri Bottas completes Ironman triathlon in his own back garden just days after being axed by SauberIn the end, Clarkson and his pals admitted reversing a trailer of that kind was tricky.But Piastri’s own mum even got in on the act of teasing her son. She commented: “Clarkson’s Farm is grandad’s favourite show Osc. He will be so excited to watch this episode.”We just won’t tell him about your trailer-backing skills – or lack thereof.”Clarkson landed himself in hot water with sections of the F1 community earlier this week.It came after he labelled Lewis Hamilton “past his prime” while citing Max Verstappen as possibly the sport’s greatest-ever driver.Clarkson joked that the tractor would run out of fuel before Piastri managed to complete the manoeuvre on his farmHe wrote in his Sun column: “First of all, Verstappen is one of the all-time greats. He may even be the greatest driver we’ve ever seen. “And second, Hamilton is past his prime. He blamed his car for his tail-end qualifying session but his team-mate, George Russell, was on the front row.”Piastri is under intense pressure to perform over the remaining three races of the season as McLaren target the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis team-mate Lando Norris currently sits 62 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, with McLaren top the constructors’ table on 593 points.But Ferrari, who have 557 points and Red Bull’s 544 points mean the constructor’s championship is still up for grabs.Clarkson’s co-host Kaleb Cooper also poked fun at PiastriPiastri’s used to racing F1 cars worth millions More

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    Damon Hill vs Michael Schumacher: 30 years on Brit lifts lid on infamous F1 title-wrecking crash with ‘ruthless’ rival

    DAMON HILL was the ultimate victim of Formula One’s original Dick Dastardly.Wednesday marks the 30th anniversary of the controversial Australian Grand Prix clash with Michael Schumacher which cost Hill the championship by ONE point.Michael Schumacher, right, rammed into Damon Hill, left, and ultimately forced both of them to retireCredit: Sporting Pictures (UK) LtdSchumacher flipped and ended up in the wall, while Hill made it to the pits before abandoning the raceCredit: WilliamsF1The result meant Schumacher won the title by just one pointCredit: AlamyHill still laments Schumacher’s sportsmanship 30 years onCredit: GettyF 1 icon Schuey came off the track on lap 36, skimming a wall and damaging his Benetton, allowing Hill to catch him in the season’s title-decider in Adelaide.But the German got back into the race and rammed Hill’s Williams off the track in a spectacular collision.Schumacher harpooned a tyre wall and was out of the race — but, crucially, Hill’s car was also damaged.The Brit — son of motorsport legend Graham Hill — had to pull into the pits and a damaged front-suspension wishbone meant he also had to retire and ensured Schumacher held off his challenge to seal the first of his seven titles.READ MORE ON F1It capped an incredible season in which Hill received DEATH THREATS and had to be SMUGGLED into the German Grand Prix through a forest by POLICE.Hill, 64, recently compared current world champion Max Verstappen to Wacky Races’ cartoon villain Dick Dastardly after the Dutchman was hit with a combined 20-second penalty for two incidents involving Lando Norris in Mexico last month.Asked about his experience of Schumacher’s infamous shunt, Hill claimed: “It has become a blemish really on his incredible career.“What happened in Adelaide was a bit disappointing, the way it ended. Disappointed in him, let’s say. That’s the way he went about things.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You look at someone like Roger Federer, who’s had an outstanding career, and there’s not a blemish on it.“A total sportsman the whole way through.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating update“Why would you not want that for your legacy?“And some people just can’t help themselves. They’re just very, very ruthless in competition. And that’s how Michael went about things.“It’s one I think he knew was perhaps regrettable.”Hill’s legendary Williams team-mate Ayrton Senna and Simtek rookie Roland Ratzenberger had both been killed at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola earlier that season and there had been a string of serious accidents.Schuey and his Benetton team emerged as the pacesetters in the face of allegations of cheating, a controversy Senna had stoked before his death.In the Brazilian’s absence, Hill stepped up and emerged as the main challenger to Schumacher.Tensions rose when Schumacher was disqualified from second place at July’s British GP for ignoring a black flag that obliged him to pit.And Hill received a death threat from a Schumacher fan ahead of the German Grand Prix three weeks later.Hill, now 64, recalled: “A guy had written to the police and said, ‘If Damon Hill qualifies ahead of Michael, I’m going to shoot him’. So we had all this security for the whole weekend.“I had to be secreted into Hockenheim in the back of a police car. They literally took me through the woods!”Schumacher’s campaign was disrupted by a ban from two further races and Hill went into the season finale one point behind his rival.Hill added: “There were questions raised about the way Benetton went racing during the ’94 season.“Ignoring the black flag at Silverstone and so on. We kind of knew they were a little bit on the edge with regard to how they raced. But I had no inkling that he would be prepared to cut me off like that. That was the next level, really.“With hindsight you can say this is what we would have expected him to do.Hill ended up winning the world title two years later in 1996Credit: Getty“But at the time we didn’t know that about him. We were still learning.”At the Monaco Grand Prix in 2010, Hill was acting as a steward when Schumacher was called up and penalised for an overtaking offence — and once again he received death threats from disgruntled German fans.Hill explained: “The only time I really spoke to Michael about Adelaide was at Monaco and we had to have him up in the office, because he had overtaken Fernando Alonso on the last lap after the safety car came in.“That’s the last time I spoke to him. I was having to ask him what he thought about what he did, whether it was within the rules. Which is quite ironic!“And I felt a bit awkward. I knew what would happen if I voted he had broken the rules, everyone would just say it was a vendetta, revenge and so on.“And sure enough, I got death threats because we took his place away!”’I was deeply upset’Schuey, 55, won seven Formula One crowns, a record he holds jointly with Lewis Hamilton.Sadly, Hill did not get the chance to make peace with his rival in retirement.In December 2013, Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing with his son Mick — himself now a racing driver — and has been out of the public eye ever since.Hill, whose dad Graham died in a plane crash in 1975, added: “I was deeply upset, because to be with your son skiing, you’re out for a lovely day — it’s just horrible what happened. I know what it’s like to lose your dad.“Michael was astonishingly brilliant and changed the sport because he was unemotional.“He somehow managed to do things clinically and to break records with apparent disregard for a reason as to why they shouldn’t be broken.“Alain Prost retired at four. To think in terms of seven titles… to go to six, OK, you’ve done it. Why not seven?READ MORE SUN STORIES“I found it difficult to know why you’d want to keep bagging them. It seemed an awful lot to me!“But that’s the difference between someone like Michael and ordinary drivers like me. There’s no barrier to their limits.” More