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      I’m an F1 star with £32m in career earnings but I hate driving – people try to race me at traffic lights

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      FORMULA ONE star Lando Norris has revealed he “hates” driving on the road. Norris, 24, is entering his fifth full season with McLaren in F1.
      F1 star Lando Norris has revealed he ‘hates’ driving on the roadCredit: Alamy
      One encounter on the road saw a driver try to ‘take him on’ while in a McLarenCredit: Twitter/@McLarenF1
      His exploits behind the wheel of an F1 car have marked him out as a one of the fastest drivers on the grid.
      Norris has won 13 podiums throughout his career, including six second place finishes behind and one third last season.
      However, while he has a need for speed on the track when racing against the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, Norris does not enjoy the more pedestrian road driving for that exact reason.
      Appearing on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Norris was asked what his experience driving on the road was, to which he said: “I hate it. I’m more scared on the road than I am in a race car.”
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      Norris explained this feeling came from people wanting to take him on in a race when they pull up alongside him.
      He said: “Yeah I’ve had it (people wanting to take me on).
      “I actually had it [when] we were filming something and I was taking a kid to school and I had to go and pick him up from his house in the morning in a McLaren.
      “So he’s sitting beside me, cameras everywhere, driving nicely, speed limit and there’s traffic lights, I’m in my race suit in public and I’m sitting there and someone clocks me on the side.
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      “I’m like I have a kid here and a TV and I’m like ‘okay’ (gesturing with his thumb) and I put down the window and say hello.
      “And you can tell [he’s ready to go], he’s thinking it. [But] I couldn’t, I have to act a certain way.”
      F1 star Lando Norris’ car collection boasts £166k McLaren GT & 765LT Spider worth £313k… plus VERY humble Fiat 500
      Norris added: “You have those moments but you need to let them have their little bit – I beat him off the line too – just feel good [moments]
      Norris is the son of Adam Norris, who was the 501st richest man in Britain as of 2018, but his talent behind the wheel has also allowed him to earn a cool £32million from his ever-improving McLaren deals.
      The latest renewal will see him remain at the team beyond the end of the 2025 season, with his current terms seeing him pocket £13m a year before possibly rising to £20m from 2026 onwards.
      In 2022 the Sunday Times reported Norris was worth £10m, though he is now estimated to be worth almost £24m.
      Norris’ car collection includes a 1972 Fiat Jolly 500 worth £166,000Credit: Car and Classic
      He also has a McLaren 765LT Spider worth £313,000Credit: Supplied
      There is even a £324,000 Rolls Royce WraithCredit: jamesedition.com
      Norris has splashed a fair bit of his earnings on a lavish motor collection which includes everything from a McLaren to a Fiat.
      The latter, which was Norris’ first car, is a 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly which has been put up for sale £28,000.
      He has a McLaren 765LT Spider worth £313,000, a £166,000 McLaren GT and allegedly a Rolls Royce Wraith which can set you back up to £324,000.
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      Norris has been in action during F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
      The lights for the new season go out for the season on March 2.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Red Bull boss Christian Horner addresses bombshell ‘sexting’ probe and says he wants ‘conclusion as soon as possible

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      CHRISTIAN Horner said he hopes the conclusion to a probe into claims he sent sexual messages to a colleague will come “as soon as possible”.The embattled Red Bull Racing chief refused to comment directly on the allegations made against him during a press conference in Bahrain today.
      Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner during a press conference on the second day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit SakhirCredit: Rex
      Horner, second from right, was questioned during a panel press conferenceCredit: Getty
      Horner pictured during testing at Bahrain International Circuit, SakhirCredit: Reuters
      Christian Horner, left, pictured whispering with Sergio Perez todayCredit: EPA
      The team arrived on the island Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still at the helm as an investigation into claims against him continues.
      Horner’s future as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen hangs in the balance after shock allegations by a female colleague.
      The F1 chief, 50, was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      More on Christian Horner
      He has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.
      Today in Bahrain on day two of testing, he was asked twice about accusations levelled against him by a female staffer.
      He said: “There is a process going on which I am part of that process and I am afraid I cannot comment on it.
      “Look, I am really sorry but I cannot comment on the process or the time scale.
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      “I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process.”
      McLaren boss Zak Brown was also asked about the way the investigation was being handled by Red Bull and said the sport needs a quick resolution given the negative headlines the story has generated.
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      He added: “Well, the allegations are extremely serious.
      “McLaren holds themselves and all the men and women at McLaren to the highest standards.
      “Obviously, diversity and equality and inclusion are extremely important to us, our partners, to everyone in Formula One.
      “Red Bull corporation it appears has launched an investigation and all we hope and assume is that will be handled in a very transparent way.
      “As FIA and F1 has said, they need to handle it swiftly because I don’t believe these are the type of headlines that F1 wants or needs at this time.
      “I just think it’s important that it’s handled in a transparent way in which there is no doubt and no doubt whatsoever that it has been handled appropriately and whatever the conclusion is that that conclusion is handled in an appropriate, transparent manner.”
      Earlier today Horner was pictured covering his mouth as he spoke with Sergio Perez.
      Wearing a white shirt, Horner could be seen leaning in to listen and reply to the Mexican driver.
      On Wednesday, he was pictured smirking as he chatted with Sergio Perez over lunch.
      Horner, who has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs, is due to watch star driver Max Verstappen test the RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.
      He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
      The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
      The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
      Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
      Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
      Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
      An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
      But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.

      Last week, he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time as he made an appearance at the recent RB20 launch event.
      He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
      “Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
      “In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
      “There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
      And in one interview, he praised wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
      Geri was reportedly reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal just days ago – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      On Sunday she was seen standing by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      The final decision on the Red Bull probe could come out this week – and it remains unclear whether Horner will be able to return to Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
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      And Ford have apparently ramped up pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Horner spoke about the probe todayCredit: Getty
      The pair spoke while at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir for pre-season testingCredit: EPA
      The pair leaned in and covered their mouths as they spoke in BahrainCredit: EPA
      The Red Bull boss was seen in Bahrain yesterday for the first day of testingCredit: AP
      Horner pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyChristian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes frustrations continue as F1 star’s car is damaged leading to practice session being abandoned

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      LEWIS HAMILTON did not get off to the best start for the 2024 Formula One season after his car ran over a loose drain.Hamilton, 39, announced this season would be his last with Mercedes after an 11-year spell with the team before he makes a sensational switch to Ferrari in 2025.
      Lewis Hamilton got behind the wheel of his Mercedes F1 car for the first time this seasonCredit: Alamy
      But Hamilton’s car appeared to sustain damage when it ran over a loose drain coverCredit: Sky Sports
      The loose drain saw stewards wave off the morning sessionCredit: Rex
      The seven-time world champion said he was committed to “delivering the best performance” he can to the team.
      And the first on-track step towards that end came in Bahrain as F1 kickstarted it’s pre-season testing.
      Hamilton was on track for the first time after skipping out on Wednesday’s testing sessions.
      However, after only a few hours of testing the session was forced to come to a stop when the stewards noticed damage to a kerb on the circuit.
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      This damage came as Hamilton’s future Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc dislodged a drain cover on the entry of turn 11.
      Hamilton was the next racer to come along and ran over the drain cover, which saw it fly into the air.
      Mercedes mechanics checked the underside of Hamilton’s W15 for damage following the collision.
      Stewards promptly halted the morning session to assess the damage to the circuit before announcing it would not resume around 30 minutes later.
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      The morning session saw Hamilton put up a best lap time of 1:33.225 with 39 laps completed.
      The afternoon session will run until 4pm.
      Lewis Hamilton ‘in advanced talks’ to join Ferrari as shock clause in Mercedes star’s contract emerges
      Following the Wednesday test topped by Max Verstappen, Mercedes driver George Russell revealed the Mercedes car felt “nicer to drive” compared to last season.
      He said: “It was great to drive the W15 for the first time in anger today. From hitting the ground, it felt like we had a good foundation to start from.
      “We completed lots of laps and have plenty of data to go through tonight. We ended the day in a reasonably good spot, and we can build from here over the next two days.
      “We will be focused on maximising mileage for learning rather than chasing an optimum sweet spot with the car…
      “We know that it’s not about the feeling, but the speed. Nevertheless, today was about learning and not about chasing performance.
      “We’re focused on ourselves at this test, and it will only be next week where we see where we stack up against the others.
      “It was a positive first day and I’m looking forward to being back in the car on Friday.”
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      Comparing directly to their 2023 machinery, Russell added: “Overall, the W15 does feel nicer to drive than last year’s car.”
      The F1 season will get underway fully with the first race in Bahrain on March 2.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Major broadcasting change as Sky Sports legend set to miss first F1 race in 16 YEARS

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      SKY SPORTS F1 will undergo a major broadcasting change this season.It comes after the channel’s lead commentator David Croft announced he would be stepping back from three races this year to manage his workload.
      David Croft will miss an F1 race for the first time in 16 yearsCredit: Alamy
      The 2024 Formula One season will have a record-breaking 24 races – a calendar decision which has not pleased world champion Max Verstappen – spread over a 40-week period.
      In an interview with The Independent, Croft, 53, said: “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.
      “I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world.
      “I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!
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      “But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it.
      “Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race. I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”
      It will be the first time in 16 years that Crofty – as he is affectionately known by colleagues and fans – will miss an F1 race.
      The last race he did miss came in 2007 at the European Grand Prix due to the birth of his son.
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      Croft, who has covered more than 350 F1 races over his career and been Sky’s lead voice since they took over the broadcasting rights in 2021 – will add 21 more to his record over the course of this season.
      He added: “The triple headers do take their toll, you can be pretty exhausted by the end of it.
      The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits
      “The one time-shift you could really do without is Vegas to Qatar. I’d like to see Vegas change its times a bit.
      “A 12-hour shift in time-zones – you can’t do more than that on this planet. Abu Dhabi last year was exhausting. I think that’s something which could be addressed.
      “But we’ll see what 24 [races] is like. It’s uncharted territory. It will be a huge effort for everybody.
      “If we have a close season on track, the adrenaline carries you along a little bit. If the title’s wrapped up early, then it can be a bit ‘another race, another race’ so we’ll see.”
      Sky have already lined up BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Harry Benjamin as his substitute.
      Prior to working for Sky, Croft worked for 5 Live between 2006 and 2011.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      F1 has started pre-season testing for the 2024 season.
      But day two saw the morning session cancelled after Lewis Hamilton’s car appeared to damage a kerb on the track.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Christian Horner & Geri Halliwell seen at dream mansion as Netflix F1 doc Drive to Survive releases amid ‘sexting’ probe

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      NEWLY released pictures show embattled Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner enjoying time at home with wife Geri Halliwell.Netflix cameras captured the couple celebrating Christmas for the new season of Drive to Survive – before accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” were made against the F1 boss.
      A preview from Netflix’s Drive to Survive shows Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell relaxing at their homeCredit: Netflix
      Geri smiled as she spoke to her husband in scenes shot in December 2022Credit: Netflix
      Horner was filmed at Red Bull Racing’s annual charity shoot during another sceneCredit: Netflix
      Horner’s future of running the all-conquering team of world champion Verstappen has been thrown into doubt following the bombshell claims.
      The Red Bull Racing boss, 50, has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.
      Horner was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      More on Christian Horner
      For Netflix’s latest season of Drive to Survive, cameras went into Horner and Spice Girl Geri’s dream mansion in Oxfordshire in December 2022.
      The pair, who wed in 2015, can be seen relaxing in the festively decorated lounge in a preview of the show.
      Father Christmas then makes an appearance, asking their children Monty and Olivia if their dad “had been good this year”.
      Olivia replies: “Let me think about that for a minute.”
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      Geri then points out he had “won a championship” with Red Bull that year.
      In another scene, Horner can be seen chatting to Geri about Daniel Ricciardo after the driver failed to land a grid seat for 2023.
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      The cameras also follow Horner off the race track to Red Bull Racing’s annual charity shoot, which he hosted.
      Filming was completed for the season, which premiers tomorrow, well before allegations against Horner were this month revealed – sparking a probe by Red Bull.
      Geri, 51, was reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal but has privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 last week.
      He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
      “Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
      “In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
      The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
      The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
      Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
      Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
      Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
      An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
      But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.

      “There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
      Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
      Horner had hoped the investigation would be resolved before the team this week flew to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      He was yesterday pictured looking carefree as he smiled and chatted with his team in the Middle East country.
      Horner arrived in the Gulf kingdom overnight on Wednesday to watch star driver Max Verstappen test the RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
      The Red Bull boss was seen in Bahrain yesterday for the first day of testingCredit: AP
      The 50-year-old was seen laughing with driver Sergio PerezCredit: AP
      Horner previously pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyChristian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Motocross star Jayden Archer dies aged 27 while trying ‘world’s most dangerous trick’

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      MOTOCROSS star Jayden Archer has died at the age of 27 while attempting a dangerous trick.The Australian rider shot to fame when he became the first motocross biker to land a triple backflip in a competition.
      Jayden Archer has died at the age of 27Credit: Facebook
      The motocross star performing a triple backflip during a compeitionCredit: YouTube/Instagram
      Archer – nicknamed “Jayo” – was attempting the stunt during a training session in Melbourne when it went wrong on Wednesday.
      Nitro Circus, an actions sports group, hailed Archer as the “epitome of passion” in a tribute.
      It read: “The Nitro Circus family is mourning the loss of Jayo Archer.
      “Jayo was the epitome of passion, hard work and determination.
      More sport news
      “He pushed what was possible on a dirt bike to heights never seen before.
      “A positive influence to those around him. And above all else, a great human being and friend to us all.”
      Archer hit headlines in 2022 when he landed the first-ever freestyle motocross triple backflip during a contest at the Nitro World Games in Brisbane.
      As he celebrated, he proposed to his girlfriend Beth King as crowds cheered.
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      They were due to marry later this year.
      After landing the trick, he said: “I cannot describe this feeling.
      “This is so much more than a trick to me. I’ve dedicated my entire life the last three years to this moment.
      “There were a lot of obstacles and broken bones and knockouts, and I would do it 100 times over to relive that moment again.”
      It is understood he was planning to attempt a world-first quadruple backflip before his death.
      Archer performed his first show back in 2012 and went on to win two X Games medals – including one in California last year.
      In a tribute on Instragram, Nitro Circus founder Travis Pastrana wrote: ” Thank you for the memories friend.
      “Thank you for being such a great human and positive role model for all of us.”
      According to official records, two motorbike riders have landed a triple backflip – but not during a competition.
      Archer pictured with partner Beth KingCredit: Instagram
      The biker pictured trying the trick during a training sessionCredit: YouTube/Instagram More

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      ‘See you in 2025’, moan F1 fans as Red Bull champ Max Verstappen crushes competition in first pre-season testing session

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      F1 fans have already written the 2024 season off after Max Verstappen blitzed this year’s first pre-season testing session.The Dutchman, 26, is vying for his fourth successive world title after dominating 2023 in an unprecedented manner.
      Max Verstappen has made a superb start to 2024Credit: Getty
      The Dutchman dominated the first testing session in BahrainCredit: AP
      And he has started off the new year in the same vein by crushing his opposition in the opening pre-season testing session on Wednesday.
      Verstappen finished day one a seismic 1.14 seconds quicker than McLaren’s Lando Norris in second, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz a further 0.1 seconds back in third.
      And while lap times in testing are not necessarily a reliable indicator of performance, fans are already handing Verstappen another world title.
      F1 pundit Matt Gallagher tweeted: “Max P1. See you in 2025 everyone.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      To which one fan replied: “Not even gonna waste my time/energy watching this season. 2025 we will be there 🔥.”
      Another added: “Boooorriiinnnggg, bring on 2025 already.”
      A third said: “Max Four-stappen or Max 4-stappen. I imagine this is the convo happening at Red Bull currently.”
      While a fourth responded: “But who will be second in the drivers championship? And can Max also win the constructors championship by himself?”
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      Verstappen won 19 of the 22 races last season, with Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez claiming two of the other three.
      Ferrari’s Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023.

      The Bahrain Grand Prix, which kicks off the 2024 season, takes place on March 2.
      It will be seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s final season at Mercedes before he leaves for Ferrari in 2025.
      However, the Brit did not drive on the opening day of testing, while team-mate George Russell finished 12th. More

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      Why are the first two F1 2024 races starting on a Saturday?

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      WE are set to witness the longest season in F1’s history – and that is not the only major change in the calendar.Max Verstappen is hoping to become only the fourth man to win FOUR consecutive titles after such a dominant performance last year.
      Max Verstappen has won third consecutive title last yearCredit: AFP
      But Lewis Hamilton will be determined to put an end to the Red Bull icon’s reign during his final season behind the Mercedes wheel.
      However, in what is destined to be a long season, both racers will need to slightly alter their preparations due to the opening GP’s taking place on a Saturday instead of Sunday.
      And SunSport can provide F1 fans with information on why this is the case.
      Why does the F1 2024 season start on a Saturday?
      The first race of the F1 2024 season takes place on a Saturday due to the sacred time of Ramadan.
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      Ramadan starts on Sunday, March 10 which means the Saudi Arabian GP has moved forward by a day to Saturday, March 9.
      And to coincide with F1 rules that there must be at least a week between two races, the opening Bahrain GP has also been moved forward from Sunday, March 3 to Saturday, March 2.
      When is the first race of the F1 2024 season?

      The opening F1 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 2.
      It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time – 6pm local time.
      Bahrain International Circuit is the allocated track for this opening race and it can host approximately 70,000 fans.
      Max Verstappen got off to a winning start at this exact circuit in 2023.

      What is the FULL calendar?
      Below are details for every single race in the 2024 calendar:
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      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More