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      Popular F1 driver facing axe BEFORE the end of the season as team chief says ‘difficult decisions have to be made’

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      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his spot on the grid after a disastrous home Grand Prix.The 34-year-old was out to end his six-month podium drought in Mexico but came 17th.Sergio Perez is in danger of losing his spot on the gridCredit: RexThe driver came closer to crashing into his possible replacementCredit: GettyPerez’s Red Bull car struggled with braking problems, with reports suggesting that his poor year could see him axed in the final four races of the season.Asked about Checo’s future, team principal Christian Horner said: “Look, it’s a performance based business. There comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made.”His comments come after chief Helmut Marko added: “The hoped for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised.”Perez may have a contract, but F1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless.”READ MORE F1 NEWSMax Verstappen could soon have a new team-mate, with Liam Lawson rumoured to be in the running.The New Zealander has impressed for RB in recent weeks, who are the team owned by Red Bull.Lawson came to blows with Perez in Mexico after a controversial overtake saw them go wheel-to-wheel.Perez raged about him post-race, saying: “I think the way he has come to F1, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you come to F1, you’re obviously very, very hungry and so on, but you have to be as well respectful off track and on track. “I don’t think he’s showing the right attitude to show a good case for himself.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”I think he’s a great driver and I hope for him that he can step back and learn from it.“In his two first Grands Prix, he has had too many incidents. I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much.” More

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      Lando Norris back in title contention as Sainz wins F1 Mexican Grand Prix after 20-SECOND Max Verstappen penalty

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a whopping 20-second penalty after a ferocious battle with title rival Lando Norris.The huge punishment from stewards at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix came on the weekend Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and others urged the FIA to tighten rules on Verstappen’s “unfair” driving style.Carlos Sainz hails his dominant win in MexicoCredit: ReutersLando Norris finished second, four places and ten points clear of Max VerstappenCredit: GettySainz completed another excellent win for FerrariCredit: AFPNorris drove a superb race to finish in second place, sandwiched between the two Ferraris — race-winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in third.It means the McLaren driver collected 18 points to Verstappen’s eight.And Norris said: “I didn’t want to expect such a thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver but I was ready to expect something like this.“It was not clean driving in my opinion but I avoided it and it was a good race. A lot of it was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Congratulations to Carlos, he drove a great race. I tried my best. We were the quickest team, we’ll focus on ourselves.” This GP could prove crucial in the title race, with 47 points now separating the duo with four races remaining.In total there are 120 points up for grabs — 25 for a win and one for the fastest lap, plus 16 for the two remaining sprint races. It is still a huge stretch for Norris.Dutchman Verstappen had clearly taken no notice of the complaints about his driving and  tussled with Norris for ­second place on lap ten. Most read in MotorsportHOW IT FINISHED IN MEXICOTHIS is how it concluded on Sunday.1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)2. Lando Norris (McLaren)3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)5. George Russell (Mercedes)6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)12. Franco Colapinto (Williams)13. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)14. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)15. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)16. Liam Lawson (RB)17. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Did Not Finish: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams), Yuki Tsunoda (RB)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris went for an overtake around the outside of turn four but Verstappen nudged him wide and the McLaren was forced to cut the corner.And when 24-year-old Norris tried to let him through at turn eight, both him and Verstappen went off track, allowing Leclerc to leave them for dust.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track Seething Norris slammed Verstappen on the team radio and said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner — this guy is dangerous.“I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute.”Stewards  hit world champion Verstappen with the hefty ten-second penalty for “forcing another driver off the track”.When told about the penalty, Verstappen said: “Ten? That’s quite impressive.”Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied on the radio: “There was a lot of whinging. A lot.”Verstappen was then hit with ANOTHER ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage for the incident with his nearest challenger.In Mexico, F1’s governing body decided to revise its racing guidelines following uproar over Norris’ controversial five- second penalty for an overtake on  Verstappen in Texas a week ago.The FIA gave no details as to what would change, but there was a discussion over the tactics Verstappen used to keep his position and whether he should have been punished.Sainz took the flag for an impressive success in MexicoCredit: ReutersIt seems they were keen to get their message across loud and clear during yesterday’s race.  There was chaos from the start as Yuki Tsunoda made contact with Alex Albon and spun into the wall —  a wheel coming off his RB car.Smoke plumed out of the car but luckily the Japanese driver quickly said “I’m OK” on the team radio. Amid the drama, home hero Sergio Perez had risen from 13th to fifth, but stewards were investigating the Red Bull driver for a false start as he looked well beyond his pit box.Verstappen fired into the lead at turn one ahead of Sainz, who veered off track and across the grass but gave the place back to the Dutchman.On lap nine, Sainz and Verstappen ­tussled for the lead as the Spaniard wriggled inside thanks to DRS.The claws were out from there as old foes Verstappen and Norris reignited their on-track battle — which led to the Red Bull driver’s two penalties.The Dutchman sailed into the pit lane on lap 27 and served his 20-second ­penalty before returning in 15th place.Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Alex Albon, crashed out on the first lapCredit: ReutersRed Bull’s Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz storm off as Tsunoda crashesCredit: ReutersThe pack shuffled out by lap 38, with Sainz still in the lead followed by Leclerc, Norris, Russell and ­Hamilton.There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Leclerc nearly careered into the barrier on lap 63 but saved himself just in time. Norris snuck through while the Ferrari went wide to leave him eight ­seconds behind leader Sainz.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris then chipped away at the gap until the very end but Sainz sailed over the line 4.7 seconds ahead.Hamilton finished fourth after a near wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Russell, who had to settle for fifth.Racing Bull’s Japanese ace Tsunoda was soon out of the raceCredit: Sky Sports F1 More

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      F1 driver tells Martin Brundle ‘I’m very sorry for what happened’ after awkward moment left legend red faced on live TV

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      MARTIN BRUNDLE has received an apology after being left red faced live on TV before the United States Grand Prix.The Sky Sports presenter spoke to celebrities and F1 stars before last weekend’s race in Austin, Texas.Franco Colapinto has apologised to Martin Brundle after their awkward grid walk exchangeCredit: GettyBrundle was snubbed by Colapinto ahead of last weekend’s United States Grand PrixCredit: GettyHowever, one driver snubbed the chance to speak to Brundle in an awkward exchange during his grid walk.Brundle had approached Franco Colapinto for a chat, only for the Argentine driver to walk right past him.Introducing himself, the F1 icon said: “Hello, my name’s Martin Brundle, Sky. We haven’t met. Quick chat?”Colapinto appeared to barely notice him, though, with Brundle instead forced to pull over Gordon Ramsey for a chat.READ MORE F1 NEWSAfter making his way to the commentary booth, he added: “He looked at me like I was trying to mug him or something.”I think he thought I was trying to steal his umbrella, to be honest. I’ll go and say hello to him.”The pair were able to catch up ahead of Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix, though, as they both apologised for the incident.Brundle told Colapinto: “What happened in Austin, it was my fault. I should have come to you before and introduced myself.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Williams star also took responsibility as he explained: “It’s a pleasure to be talking to you.”I’m very sorry for what happened. Before the race starts, I’m never used to speaking.Watch moment Martin Brundle divides fans with F1 grid walk that gave ‘second hand embarrassment just watching it'”Actually, before the race starts in F2, we are still sitting in the car and then suddenly here in F1, you go 30 minutes, we jump out of the car, everyone wants to interview you, and I am in a bubble still.”It’s only my fourth race, and it’s tricky. But I am sorry for that.”Colapinto has made four starts since his debut at the Italian Grand Prix last month.The 21-year-old already has five points to his name after finishing eighth and 10th in Azerbaijan and the USA, respectively.He starts Sunday’s race in Mexico City in 16th place on the grid.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Watch hilarious moment Charles Leclerc’s mechanic takes very dramatic pit lane tumble during Mexican GP qualifying

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      CHARLES LECLERC’S mechanic took a very dramatic pit lane tumble during qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix.The Ferrari driver was out on the track on Saturday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.Charles Leclerc’s mechanic took a dramatic fall during Mexican Grand Prix qualifyingThe Ferrari team member was able to get back to his feet in the pit laneHowever, one of his mechanics suffered an embarrassing moment as Leclerc headed out onto the pit lane.Before he emerged from the paddock, the mechanic was caught on camera running backwards.They lost their footing, though, falling and rolling over before springing back to their feet.Fortunately, the Ferrari team member was ok as they gave a thumbs up to their concerned colleages.READ MORE F1 NEWSA snap later shared on social media also showed the mechanic in good spirits despite the fall.As for Leclerc, he went on to qualify fourth fastest for Sunday’s race.The 27-year-old is sandwiched between Brits Lando Norris and George Russell on the grid.Elsewhere, Carlos Sainz toasted his first pole-position of the season to rain on Norris and Max Verstappen’s parade.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRed Bull’s Verstappen came in second while Norris was a whisker behind in third as the title-race continues to heat up.The rear gunners of the two title-rivals, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare qualifying with them both booted out in the first session.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track The mechanic fell after running backwards out of the paddock in Mexico CityRed Bull’s Perez was eliminated in Q1 for the fifth time this season while Piastri was axed after a stinker of a lap which only took him up to p13 but was lost anyway due to a track limits breach.There was a red flag in Q2 as Yuki Tsunoda rammed his car into the wall, taking himself and his RB team-mate Liam Lawson out of qualifying in the process.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      George Russell taken to medical centre and says ‘I don’t know what happened’ after Mexico crash leaves Mercedes a wreck

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      GEORGE RUSSELL was taken to the medical centre after a big crash during free practice ahead of Formula One’s Mexico Grand Prix.Russell, 26, had started his weekend on fire by going quickest with a 1:17.998 in Friday’s first practice session.George Russell was involved in a heavy crash at the F1 Mexico Grand PrixCredit: RexRussell endured a nasty snap of the car at Turn 9 of the circuitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He took too much kerb before his Mercedes starting spinningCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1Russell was unable to catch the carCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He then hit the wallCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He was taken to the medical centre afterwardsCredit: GettyRussell’s car sustained heavy damage in the crashCredit: RexHowever, things went off course for the Brit in FP2 as he lost control of his Mercedes car when riding over the kerb at Turn 9.Russell’s car went for a spin across the track before it eventually came to a halt by hitting the Tecpro barrier, resulting in heavy damage to the right side of the car mainly on the sidepod and rear wing.Fortunately, he was able to get out of the car unaided but was seen clutching his midriff with the collision clearly leaving an impact.But the crash still required the presence of the medical car before he was taken to the medical centre for precautionary checks.READ MORE IN F1A Mercedes spokesperson said Russell was “physically OK but it was a significant impact”.Race stewards red flagged the session to repair the wall, before racing resumed following a 24-minute delay.Mercedes later released a statement confirming Russell had been released from the medical centre and was back with the team.Speaking to reporters afterwards, Russell said: “Yeah, I’m okay. Definitely feel a bit winded after that one but I honestly don’t really know what happened.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The car just started bouncing on the ground and before I had a chance to catch it it was already spinning.”So yeah, a lot of work for the guys tonight again. It seems like it’s one thing after another at the moment.Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu answers Quickfire Questions ahead of Mexican Grand Prix and shares love of Rey Mysterio”It’s frustrating as FP1 we were really strong, really fast trying to take that same line and cutting the corner and for whatever reason on this occasion in FP2 the thing just started going on me.”Russell similarly crashed out during qualifying in the United States Grand Prix.On the importance of Saturday’s final practice session before qualifying, he added: “I mean FP2 because it was the Pirelli tyre test it wasn’t hugely valuable in terms of what you would learn going into the race weekend.”So obviously missed out on laps so FP3 is going to be important. I just we can get the car fixed.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The final practice session of the F1 Mexico Grand Prix weekend starts at 6.30pm UK time, with qualifying getting underway at 10pm.The race is then 8pm on Sunday.Max Verstappen leads the driver championship standings by 57 points after controversially being bumped up to P3 after a penalty was applied to title rival Lando Norris.McLaren lodged an appeal against the penalty after it had been deemed that Norris had left the track and gained an advantage to overtake Verstappen, but it was rejected.READ MORE SUN STORIESCharles Leclerc won last week’s race, his third of the season to draw level with Norris on three each.Meanwhile, Verstappen has seven wins to his name, but is winless since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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      Son, 9, of Lewis Hamilton rival begins following in the footsteps of famous F1 dad

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      KIMI RAIKKONEN’S son is beginning to follow in the footsteps of his dad after tasting success on track.Robin Raikkonen is set to compete in his first international kart racing competition.Robin Raikkonen has made a good start to his racing careerCredit: Instagram @robinacematiasDad Kimi Raikkonen won the 2007 F1 ChampionshipCredit: AFPHe qualified for the race by winning the Swiss National Championship this year.Robin, 9, is ready to take on the event at Circuito Internazionale Napoli, Italy, with an Instagram account in his name writing: “Ready for the Grand Finals!”The youngster picked up a trophy and a huge ticket confirming his place in the Grand Finals, with his race set to take place this week.Raikkonen, 44, is happy with his son’s progress and is pleased he is having fun behind the wheel.READ MORE IN F1He said of Robin’s progress: “Ah, he’s enjoying.“Everything is going nicely. We’ll see. If something comes or not, who knows? But he’s having fun – that’s the main thing.”Raikkonen has settled into retirement since retiring at the end of the 2021 season and he has worked as a mechanic for Robin.The Finn competed in 349 F1 races between 2001-09 and 2012-21, winning 21, and raced for the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Sauber.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁He won the 2007 Championship – the last Ferrari driver to do so, beating Lewis Hamilton to the title by just a point.Hamilton then got the better of Raikkonen the following year as he won his maiden F1 Championship.Argentina Formula 1 star Franco Colapinto enjoys a moment with fans at Austin Grand PrixF1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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      Lewis Hamilton REPLACED by Mercedes for Mexico GP session by 18-year-old star tipped to succeed Ferrari-bound legend

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will miss the first practice session for the Mexico Grand Prix.Hamilton, 39, will be replaced by his 2025 Mercedes stand-in Kimi Antonelli for the first session.Lewis Hamilton has been replaced for the first practice session of the Mexico GPCredit: GettyKimi Antonelli will come in for the seven-time world championCredit: GettyHamilton struggled last time out, failing to finish the United States GP after crashing out into the gravel on just his third lap.While he also qualified as the second-slowest driver in the field.And he will now be replaced by 18-year-old Antonelli, who has been tipped to succeed the seven-time world champion at the end of the season.Hamilton is bringing his time with the Silver Arrows to a close at the end of the season.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe Brit will be switching to Ferrari from the 2025 season onwards.Antonelli, who heralds from Italy, made a hash of his first time out on the F1 stage last month.The rising star crashed out on his fifth lap in qualification in Monza.However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described his out-of-box pace as “astonishing” up until that point.Most read in MotorsportHamilton crashed out of the US GP on the third lapCredit: RexAntonelli crashed during qualification on his F1 debut last monthCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormula One rules state that teams must give two practice opportunities to rookie drivers each season – with one coming in each car.Chief Wolff certainly hasn’t piled any blame at Hamilton for his early crash in Austin, claiming that the car was to blame for the disastrous showing.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Speaking to Sky Sports in the aftermath, he said: “100% car. I think he was not even pushing at that stage.”We’ve seen it [in qualifying] with George [Russell], and that was maybe over pushing it, but still abruptly losing it, putting it in the wall. “Today, such a situation, there was wind and there was a little bit of dirty air.”We definitely have an issue. I don’t know whether it was yesterday the same as today. Definitely Lewis Hamilton doesn’t lose the car like this.”Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers standings after two race wins and four podium finishes this year.While Mercedes find themselves fourth in the constructors standings.Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has claimed Hamilton was not to blame for his US GP crashCredit: Getty More

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      Lost F1 race closes in on return to calendar after 26 years as sponsor says ‘all the stars are aligning’

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      FORMULA ONE could be set to make a return to an old stomping ground after almost THREE DECADES absent.It comes after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali hinted that the introduction of 21-year-old Franco Colapinto could trigger the return of a race in his homeland, Argentina.Franco Colapinto’s rise in F1 has seen a spike in interest from ArgentinaCredit: GettyStefano Domenicali hinted at the possibility at a recent eventCredit: RexMichael Schumacher won the last Argentina Grand Prix in 1998Credit: AP:Associated PressSchumacher, right, celebrated a double podium with Ferraro’s Eddie Irvine, leftCredit: AP:Associated PressColapinto replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams during September’s Italian Grand Prix.And since then he has defied the odds by scoring points in two of the next three races – Azerbaijan (P8), Singapore (P11), United States (P10).This dramatic entrance to the sport has led to calls for him to be handed one of the two remaining seats for the 2025 F1 season.And it has also led to a sharp rise in interest in F1 from his nation, while the motorsport also penned a commercial deal with Argentine digital service provider Globant. READ MORE IN F1Not only has interest grown since Colapinto’s introduction to the sport, but there is now a desire to bring F1 back to the country.Speaking at an event celebrating the Globant deal, Domenicali said: “I was there the last time that everyone was in Buenos Aires to race, it is a sign of not being a great age, but that’s life.”I really hope that all this, all you are doing for your country and also what Franco is doing.”It is great for your country and hopefully it will give your country, once again.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Hopefully sooner rather than later the possibility for South America to host not only Mexico – in Central America – Sao Paulo in Brazil… why not?”We are a worldwide championship but as always in life, in whatever marriage, you need to be two – so we are ready to see if someone is ready but let’s wait and look forward in case.”Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracksThe last F1 race in the country was held in Buenos Aires at the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez in 1998.Globant CEO Martin Migoya added: “All the stars are kind of getting aligned, right? Because we closed the partnership with Formula 1 and then Franco got upgraded into Formula 1 and for us that is extremely important.”Those things happening with a lot of effort, with a lot of humbleness, with a lot of work and that at some point yields beautiful results.”I think our partnership here, together with our support of Williams and Franco, is extremely important for our country, for our region and I think it will be beautiful to see how the things move forward.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Michael Schumacher won the race in the country ahead of Mika Hakkinen and Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine in second and third respectively.Local F1 icon and hero Juan Manuel Fangio, a four-time world champion, won a record four races in the country.Brazil’s Emerson Fittipaldi and Great Britain’s Damon Hill are the only other drivers with more than one win in the nation with two each.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconA race had been scheduled for 1999, but the race was cancelled with organisers struggling for funds.Talks had taken place regarding its return in 2012, but an expected deal fell apart after ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: “We are open to racing in Argentina when I can deal with serious people.”Madrid will be a new F1 track in the 2025 season.Other proposals for a new host country have seen South Africa – who last hosted a race in 1993 – heavily suggested.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 2024 slot was originally in mind, but this was abandoned.The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the most recent introduction to the race calendar, having made its debut last season. More