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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick’s F1 career ‘OVER’ aged just 25 after shock decision made

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son, Mick, could be facing a premature end to his F1 career, according to reports.The 25-year-old is set to miss out on a permanent seat for next season after spending 2024 as a Mercedes reserve driver.Mick Schumacher could see his career in F1 ‘ended’ according to MarkoMick was tipped for a seat with Sauber – soon to be Audi- but that now looks to be off the cards, according to Bild.New Sauber boss Mattia Binotto allegedly favours keeping veteran ex- Mercedes driver Valtterri Bottas instead, whose contract expires this year.If that happens, Schumacher will miss out on the last available remaining seat in F1 for the 2025 season.Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.READ MORE F1 NEWSBottas – who previously helped Lewis Hamilton to several world titles at Mercedes – is set to stay with current partner Nico Hulkenberg.This is despite the fact that Bottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko believes this could spell the end of Schumacher’s time in F1.Marko said: “I think if Schumacher doesn’t get this seat, then the Formula One story is over for him.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think Audi’s car will certainly not be a winning car next year. There would have been no pressure for Audi or for the driver. There would be a good comparison with Hulkenberg.”If it is really the case that Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me.”Mick came through the ranks of the junior adaptations before joining Ferrari’s driver academy in 2019.Ralf Schumacher announces he is in a same-sex relationshipHowever, despite success in F2 and F3 formats, Schumacher struggled when he moved into the professional senior ranks with Haas.He raced for two seasons for Haas, finishing 19th and 16th before being let go.If he fails to secure his future, he will have the support of stunning fiance Laila Hasanovic, who is believed to be one of the few people outside the family allowed access to Michael’s exclusive inner circle.The seven-time F1 champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2023.But it is believed 55-year-old Michael was at his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca last weekend.Mick Schumacher with partner Laila Hasanovic🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Inside Michael Schumacher’s daughter’s glam wedding with ‘celeb bonus’, 4am raving…& stricken star’s ‘likely’ attendance

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      GUESTS at Michael Schumacher’s daughter’s wedding partied until 4am despite noise complaints from neighbours.Gina, 27, tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca on Saturday – with her F1 icon dad likely in attendance.Gina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyMichael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexHorse enthusiast Gina pictured at a competition in Germany in 2015Credit: GettyStricken Schumacher is understood to spend a lot of his time at the £27million villa on the sun-soaked Spanish island his wife Corinna bought in 2017.The seven-time F1 champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.But it is believed the 55-year-old was at his daughter’s wedding at the weekend.There is now speculation Schumacher could attend the wedding celebrations of his son Mick Schumacher after he got engaged at the weekend to his long-term girlfriend Laila Hasanovic.More on SchumacherStaff from Jardines Events, who worked at Gina’s wedding, had to hand over their mobile phones before entering the villa so no photos would be taken inside, reports Bild.Guests were also instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door and no media were given permission to attend.The ceremony at the Port d’Andratx villa lasted around half an hour and was followed by a banquet and party.Guests arrived in the Palm Garden at 4pm, and sat in a semicircle around a white pavilion.Most read in MotorsportGina and Iain, who have been together for seven years, exchanged their vows at 4.45pm.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’Her floral lace dress cost around 3000 euros (£2,500) and she wore a gold bangle on her wrist from Cartier.While it was a joyous day for the Schumachers, neighbours of the villa were left bleary-eyed as partying went on until 4am.Several residents complained they were kept awake by loud music.The bass from a specially installed music system is claimed to have caused the area to shake, reports Bild.In Majorca, authorities have been known to cut the electricity of party households when there are too many complaints from residents.But the Schumachers are said to benefit from a so-called “celeb bonus” – meaning authorities likely turned a blind eye as they’re celebrities.And the day before the wedding, around 100 guests were invited to a ‘White Party’.Security measures were ramped up in and outside the exclusive Mhares Sea Club in Puigderrós.Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship nearly seven years ago.The reports about the wedding in January did not specify whether Michael would attend.He turned 55 in January just days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident on December 29.Michael Schumacher pictured with a baby Max Verstappen, right, and his daughter GinaCredit: NetflixSchumacher pictured skiing in 2005Credit: AFPIn September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.The revelation came after ex-Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore’s ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.“Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”Speaking on the Italian version of Big Brother, the brunette added: “They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”German tabloid Bild first linked the F1 legend to Florentino Perez’s Majorca mansion in July 2018, saying Corinna snapped it up for £27million so she could spend holidays there with family and friends.The house was bought by building magnate Perez in 2005 but he put it up for sale in 2017 after the death of his wife Mari Angeles Sandoval.The villa is part of a 15,000 square metre estate which boasts two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.” More

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      F1 star breaks rank with stern warning to Max Verstappen and says ‘you have to control yourself’

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has broken ranks and told Max Verstappen to “control himself” with his swearing.The Red Bull driver was handed a community service penalty for saying his car was “f***ed” in a press conference in Singapore two-weeks-ago.Most drivers backed Max Verstappen after a tough penalty for swearingCredit: GettyFernando Alonso pointed out drivers have a responsibility to kidsCredit: RexIt came after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem compared swearing drivers to rappers and said they could be hit with penalties.Most drivers on the grid, including Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, showed their support for Verstappen.Seven-time world champion Hamilton slammed the “joke” punishment and encouraged Verstappen not to take part.Aston Martin driver Alonso said: “The fans give us a huge responsibility because we are role models for many people. So we have to behave well.READ MORE TOP STORIES“You have to be prepared to be a role model when you want to be, and when you don’t want to be, as well. “When you want to say something that is not correct, you have to control yourself, put on the brakes, and be politically correct.“At this level, you realise that a lot of people are looking up to us. If you are a driver or someone else with a public function, you just have to behave.”Verstappen, 27, was also in the spotlight for effing and blinding on the team radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the Dutchman’s punishment drivers expressed their concerns on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group.Alonso added: “Fans can give you a lot of love, a lot of motivation, but there are also certain expectations. Sometimes you just have to hold back.Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truck“The fans have to believe in you. They tell you ‘You are my inspiration, you never give up, you are a fighter’.“This reminds us that there are so many fans in the world following Formula One and we must always keep that in mind. “The fans give you so much love, motivation, but that comes with responsibility.”The next race is the United States Grand Prix in Texas on October 20 with McLaren now top of the constructors’ pile after overtaking Red Bull.Meanwhile, Norris trails Verstappen – who is winless in eight races – by 52 points with six races left. More

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      How Michael Schumacher’s ‘best friend’ was cut out of his life after ski crash & has ‘no hope’ of seeing him again

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s ex-manager and former close pal has been left shut out from the Formula One legend’s life ever since his horror ski crash.Willi Weber is often credited with discovering a young Schumacher and kick-starting his iconic career but he now admits he fears he’ll never be able to see Michael again.F1 icon Michael Schumacher with his former manager Willi Weber in 2003Credit: AlamyWeber says he has ‘no hope’ of seeing his old pal again over a decade on from his ski accidentCredit: GettyWeber is often credited with discovering a young Schumacher and kick-starting his iconic careerCredit: GettySchumacher, 54, considered by many as the greatest driver in F1 history, hasn’t been seen in public since a devastating skiing accident in 2013.Ever since, any information about the state of his health has been a closely-guarded secret.His long-term wife Corinna has even created a so called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.Weber was one of those excluded from Corinna’s handpicked pals with him being barred from knowing how his old friend is doing.read more in SchumacherCorinna has been forced to create the private group to avoid rumours spreading or any private information leaking out.Weber, 82, revealed he has received “no positive news” for the last 10 years.Michael was one of my best friends, more like a son that I never had. Nobody knows exactly what’s going on with him todayWilli WeberTelling Cologne Express: “When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don’t have anymore hope that I will see him again.”He also recalled how gutted he felt about not being able to see Schumacher in the months following the accident.Most read in Motorsport”Of course, I regret that very much and blame myself. I should have visited Michael in the hospital. I mourned like a dog after his accident,” he said.Last month, Weber spoke to German newspaper Bild about his relationship with Schumacher.He said: “Michael was one of my best friends, more like a son that I never had. Nobody knows exactly what’s going on with him today.”I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rivalWeber has been pushed further away from ever seeing Schumacher after he was critical in the press about the family.He accused them of not being honest to the public about the Schumacher’s condition.Weber said: “I find it very unfortunate that Michael’s fans do not know about his health. Why are they not being told the truth?”His remarks continued in July 2022, where Weber once again made headlines by demanding the Schumacher family come out with the truth about his health.He said he was still “angry” that he had not been kept informed once since the F1 legend’s ski accident.He told Italian sports publication La Gazetta dello Sport: “I tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna and she didn’t answer.”They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late. It’s been nine years. Maybe they should just say it the way it is.”Michael with his wife Corinna who has controlled the inner circle since his horror accidentCredit: GettySchumacher’s life and health has been a closely guarded secret since his ski crash in 2013Credit: PA:Press AssociationWeber has been critical of Michael’s family in the years since his accidentCredit: AlamyWeber considered himself a close friend of the family after managing both Michael and his brother Ralf when they first entered the Motorsport scene.Despite these close ties Weber wasn’t one of the extended family and friends invited to the wedding of Michael’s daughter Gina, 27, earlier this year.Michael is believed to have appeared for the first time among people outside of inner circle at the ceremony in Spain.Gina and Iain Bethke tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has never been confirmed by the family but reports claim he was at the event.All guests were told to leave their mobile phones at the door with no media allowed near to the villa.Speaking on the wedding Weber told Bild: “I wasn’t invited, but I wouldn’t have attended the wedding even if I had been invited. “My health isn’t good at the moment. I wouldn’t have wanted to fly to Mallorca.”THE INNER CIRCLESince 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.The pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Michael’s close family such as his son Mick and daughter Gina are also inside the circle along with their partners Iain Bethke and Mick’s fiance Laila Hasanovic.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally.READ MORE SUN STORIESCorinna has also been forced to make the tough decision and cut certain people out of Michael’s life in recent years.Some of these people include Weber, ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Schumacher poses with his wife Corinna on a ski-slopeCredit: AlamyMichael’s daughter Gina got married to Iain Bethke earlier this with the F1 legend rumoured to have attendedCredit: Babiradpicture/Shutterstock More

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      Meet Michael Schumacher’s wife Corrina who F1 legend shares kids Gina and Mick with

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      MICHAEL Schumacher is a Formula One great and seven-time World Champion.The racing legend has been surrounded by his close-knit family throughout his glittering career and in the years following the tragic skiing accident he suffered in 2013 — here we get to know his wife Corrina and their kids. Corinna has been by Michael Schumacher’s side since 1991Who is Corinna Schumacher?Born Corinna Betsch in Halver in the former West Germany on March 2, 1969, Michael’s wife is also a sporting champion.She won the European Western-style Horse Riding Championship in 2010.In 2013, Michael told a German TV channel that he and his wife had never had a serious fight.He said: “It’s because we share the same values. During all the time I was racing she was my guardian angel.”Michael and Corrina’s weddingThe couple met in 1991 through a mutual friend.They married in August 1995 in Germany and the couple live in Switzerland.In the 2021 Netflix documentary Schumacher, Corrine said of her husband: “At parties, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave.“He loved it… We laughed so much and had so much real fun.MOST READ IN SPORT“We all ended up in the pool every time, that was Michael’s thing. Even at our wedding people were thrown into the pool!Corrine and Michael own horse ranches in Texas and Switzerland — the latter was gifted to her by Michael on their 10th wedding anniversary and is located in Givrins.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateHorrific accidentSince Michael’s skiing accident in 2013, Corinna has been fiercely protective of her husband’s privacy.She spearheads his round-the-clock care at their family home on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.Corinna has allowed only a select few close friends and relatives to visit Michael, maintaining strict conditions for these visits.The F1 legend was put in a medically induced coma after a fall in the French Alps in December 2013.How many children do they have?Michael and Corrina have two kids together.Corinna gave birth to their first child, Gina-Maria, in 1997 with Mick following two years later.Gina-Marie Gina-Maria with her husband Iain BethkeGina-Maria is Michael and Corinna’s eldest child, born on February 20, 1997.Like her mother before her, Gina-Maria is a successful equestrian.The 27-year-old has made a name for herself in the world of competitive horse riding, particularly in Western riding disciplines.Her competitive highlights include:August 2024: Won the Non Pro Championship at The Run For A Million in Gordonville, Texas, riding All Right Magnum with a score of 222.April 2024: Captured back-to-back NRBC Non Pro Classic Championships, winning on Gunin Addy Tude.2023: Secured the NRBC Non Pro Championship on Gunnastepya.2021: Earned the Reserve Championship at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity.2018: Achieved a gold medal at the National Reining Horse Association’s novice Cavalli event.2018: Topped the World Championships for junior riders.2017: Won the FEI World Reining Championships held in Switzerland.In September 2024, Gina-Maria tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke on the sun-soaked Spanish island of Majorca at the luxury abode Corinna is understood to have bought in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.She posted a snap to her Instagram showing her and Iain cuddling up, along with the words: “Forever yes to you, yes to forever.”Among the guest list was Corrina, Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.It’s unclear whether Michael attended either event.Mick Mick followed in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in motorsportCredit: GettyMick, born on March 22, 1999, is Michael and Corinna’s youngest child and only son.Following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, Mick pursued a career in motorsport.He competed in Formula One for the Haas F1 Team during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.However, he lost his seat for the 2023 season and currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Mick started out in karting but then went on to win the Formula 2 Championship in 2020, which saw him earn his seat in Formula One a season later.On August 9, 2018, Mick shared memories of his dad after snapping up his first victory in European Formula 3 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium – his dad’s favourite track. Mick and Corrina pictured together in 2017Credit: Splash NewsSpeaking about his victory with Mobil 1 The Grid, the young racer said the track brought back happy memories as it was labelled “the living room of my dad”.And before his first race with Haas in Bahrain, Mick told ESPN: “I had the best teacher and I’m happy to have made it all the way now.”I’m happy to be here.”In the Netflix documentary about his father, Mick touchingly said how he would “give up everything” to chat with his dad about their shared motorsport success.He said: “Since the accident, of course, these experiences, these moments that I believe many people have with their parents, are no longer present or to a lesser extent.”And in my view, that is a little unfair. Michael and Corrina pictured after he competed in his 200th Grand Prix in Spain on May 9, 2004Credit: Getty Images – Getty”I think me and dad, we would understand each other in a different way now.”Simply because we speak a similar language – the language of motor sport – and that we would have a lot more to talk about.”And that is where my head is most of the time.”Thinking that would be so cool … I would give up everything just for that.”In an interview with the Independent in March 2022, Mick addressed the perceived burden of being Michael’s son.He said: “I don’t feel that pressure because I don’t pay attention to it, I just blend it out.“I can create my own legacy while still looking back at what my dad did.”It’s nice for me to be able to remind people of what my dad did and at the same time show what I can do.” Michael and Corrine celebrating him winning the 2000 F1 World ChampionshipCredit: GettyWhat Corinna has said about Michael ‘s healthOn the Netflix documentary Corinna spoke about Michael’s condition and how he is living at home with his family.She said: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength, I find.”We’re together. We live together at home. We do therapy.”We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable.”And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.”And no matter what, i will do everything I can. We all will. Michael and Corinna having a laugh on the Italian Alps in January 2000Credit: AP:Associated Press”We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael like it and still does.”And we are getting on with our lives.”Corinna admitted that during the accidents, she was “certain he had a few guardian angels that were keeping an eye out for him”.She continued: “I don’t know if it’s just a kind of protective wall that you put up yourself or if it’s because you’re in a way naive but it simply never occurred to me that anything could ever happen to Michael.”I never blamed God for what happened.”It was just really bad luck, all the bad luck anyone can have in life.”It’s always terrible when you say, ‘Why is this happening to Michael or us?'”But then why does it happen to other people?”Of course, I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him.”The children, the family, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael.” More

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      F1 race axed: FIA confirm scheduled event will not go ahead despite ‘widespread support’ amid workload fears

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      FORMULA 1 chiefs have axed the “rookie race” that had been set to take place in Abu Dhabi later this year.Bosses had planned to stage a sprint-style race in a bid to give the most talented up-and-coming drivers a stage on which to showcase their talents.Abu Dhabi had been set to stage the new eventCredit: GettyAbu Dhabi, which is set to host the final race of the F1 season on December 7, had been identified as the location.FIA chiefs claim that there is “widespread support” for such an event to take place in future.But plans for it to go ahead later this year have been scrapped, with the FIA confirming their decision in an official statement.It read: “While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that, due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions would continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”READ MORE IN SPORTAccording to the BBC, a final decision was made at a meeting of the F1 Commission on Wednesday.Their report adds that it was determined that more time is required in order to fine tune how the event will run.It’s claimed that all parties, including the teams themselves, felt that the plan had been “rushed”.One such concern was the further work load it would place upon team members.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe event would have taken place after the final F1 race of the season, therefore extending what will already have been the longest campaign in the history of the sport.Formula 1 is currently in the middle of a four-week break following the Singapore Grand Prix, which took place on September 22.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing The next race is set to be staged in Austin, Texas on October 20.This will then lead into a busy conclusion to the season, with remaining Grands Prix in Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Max Verstappen leads the driver standings, despite having not won a race since June.He is 52 points ahead of nearest challenger Lando Norris.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Major change to F1 from next season as bosses sign incredible ten-year deal worth $1BILLION

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      FORMULA ONE bosses have penned a $1BILLION deal that will see a major change to podium proceedings.F1 chiefs have put pen to paper on a £750m with French company LVHM – known in full as LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton SE.Forumla One has penned a £750m sponsorship deal with LVMH that could make a major change to podiums from 2025 onwardsCredit: RexThe sponsorship deal, which is the most lucrative in the sports’ history, was reportedly agreed after months of negotiations by F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and members of the luxury goods company.LVMH, valued at over £375BILLION, are best known as the owners of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co and Givenchy.While they are also the owners of champagne brand Moet & Chandon, leading to reports that champagne could be returning to the F1 podiums for the first time since 2021.Drivers have been spraying Italian sparking wine to toast their successes for the past three years thanks to an association with Italian wine makers Ferrari Trentino.READ MORE ON F1But their new deal with LVHM, which is due to begin in 2025, is set to put Champagne back in the hands of race winners going forward.Of course, champagne will not be used in the Middle Eastern races – where alcohol is banned – with rose water expected to continue as its replacement.LVHM are also the owners of a number of other well known champagne brands including Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Mercier.The Mail report that the deal has been in the making for over a year.Most read in MotorsportChampagne could be returning to the hands of race winnersCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile it’s also claimed that teams are “delighted” by the news, with one team principal citing a potential growth in prize money.F1’s value continues to rise with the profile of the sport growing in recent years since the release of Netflix documentary Drive to Survive. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’In a statement about the partnership with LVMH, Domenicali said: “Our sport is founded on the relentless pursuit of excellence, a value that also lies at the heart of LVMH, so I am delighted to announce this historic partnership will begin in 2025.”As Formula 1 continues its global growth, attracting new and more diverse audiences, the strength and breadth of LVMH makes it the perfect partner for us to work with as we look to continually enhance the experience of our fans and the heritage of our incredible sport. “This is a landmark partnership for both companies, and I would like to thank Bernard and Frédéric Arnault for their vision and commitment to bring this to life.”F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has opened up on the agreementCredit: Rex More

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      Christian Horner snaps back at Max Verstappen’s dad Jos in row over Red Bull’s high-profile exits

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER has snapped back at Jos Verstappen’s criticism of Red Bull’s high–profile departures.The Red Bull chief’s arch-nemesis and dad of Max Verstappen recently said he had warned the team about staff exits.Christian Horner says the departures are just a few people ‘out of 2000’Credit: GettyJos Verstappen delivered a fierce blast at Horner earlier in the yearCredit: GettyAt the start of the season Jos said that the team would “explode” if Horner remained in charge after news broke of his sexting scandal with a colleague.He was cleared by Red Bull and always denied the claims.Since then design guru Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and strategy chief Will Courtenay have all departed.Horner said: “Adrian has been on the brink of retiring for 10 years so we had to be prepared for that and I believe we’ve got strength and depth.READ MORE TOP STORIES“He’s chosen to continue and continue elsewhere. And of course, Jonathan, likewise, a long-term member, but they’re two more higher-profile names.“The reality is that’s just two people out of 2000 people that we have within the group.”Red Bull toasted the most dominant F1 season ever last year with a record 21 out of 22 races won.But they are currently on a eight-race winless streak, their worst run of form since 2020.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcLaren have now overtaken Red Bull at the top of the constructors’ standings while Lando Norris trails Verstappen – who is winless in eight races – by 52 points with six races left.Horner is feeling the heat from the team’s mass exodus, and has also aimed a dig at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.The Red Bull chief said his team had poached “over 200 staff” from Mercedes.He added: “We’ve recruited, I think, close to 250 people during the last 12 months, across the project, into powertrains, into the brand new engine shop that we’re building.“We don’t talk about the over 200 people we’ve bought from Mercedes.“There’s a lot of focus on the two people that are leaving, because they’re slightly more public facing.”Back in May, Horner also clapped back at McLaren chief Zak Brown who told the media he had seen a stream of CV’s from Red Bull landing on his desk after the news of Newey’s departure.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I don’t know how many people we or RB have employed from McLaren this year,“We have taken 220 people out of [Mercedes] HPP into Red Bull Powertrains. So, when we are talking about losing people, I would be a bit more worried about the 220 than maybe one or two CVs.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More