More stories

  • in

    F1 announce huge 2024 calendar update set to leave world champion Max Verstappen fuming

    FORMULA ONE have announced a huge update to the 2024 season calendar.Next season is set to feature a record-breaking 24 races, one up from the 23 held this season.
    Sprint Races are returning for the 2024 seasonCredit: Alamy
    Max Verstappen has a well known dislike for Sprint RacesCredit: Getty
    Scroll down to see full 2024 Sprint Race calendar
    However, F1 bosses have pressed forward with plans to expand the divisive Sprint Race format.
    F1 held six different weekends featuring a Sprint Race in the 2023, with varying degrees of success.
    There will once again be six weekends which feature Sprint Races, including two tracks holding one for the first time.
    The Chinese Grand Prix, which saw its 2023 race cancelled due to difficulties with Covid-19, has been pencilled in as one weekend to hold a Sprint Race.
    READ MORE IN F1
    The other new venue for a Sprint Race is Miami. Returning tracks for the format are Austria, America (COTA), Brazil and Qatar.
    However, this move is likely to upset reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who is well known to not be a fan of Sprint Races.
    On the race format, he previously said: “I’m not a fan of it at all.
    “When we do all that kind of stuff the weekend becomes more intense and we’re already doing so many races. So that’s not the right way to go about it.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    “I understand of course they wanted to have every day exciting but then it’s maybe better to reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.”
    He has even gone so far as to threaten to QUIT F1 if sport bosses keep making changes to the rules.
    Finer details of the Sprint Races are yet to be finalised with sport bosses set to discuss potential changes to the format, including revised timings and parc ferme regulations.
    On next year’s sprint calendar, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted to announce six exciting venues for next season’s F1 sprint events, including two new hosts China and Miami, both of which will be fantastic additions and provide great racing for all our fans at the race and watching at home.
    “Since its creation in 2021, the sprint has been consistent in delivering increased audiences on TV, more on track entertainment for the fans at events and increased fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we are looking forward to the exciting events next year.”
    FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “I’m pleased to confirm the six sprint events for next season and am looking forward to the return of four host venues that have provided some thrilling action in the sprints this year.
    “The addition of Shanghai will be a challenge for the teams and drivers as Formula 1 heads back to China for the first time since 2019, while a sprint in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend.
    “We must continuously develop and adapt to ensure we are doing what is best for the sport, and as such we are working with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the sprint format.”
    The 2024 Sprint Race calendar in full
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

  • in

    Iconic F1 GP set to be moved after 35 years to incredible street track with stars to race past world’s best footballers

    FORMULA ONE’S Spanish Grand Prix could be moved to a stunning new circuit in Madrid.Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – which underwent a revamp ahead of the 2023 race – has hosted the event for the last 35 years.
    The Spanish Grand Prix is set to have a new additionCredit: Getty
    The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to have a sister circuit in 2026Credit: Getty
    How the proposed new track in Madrid will look
    But it appears a new track in Madrid is set to be introduced to the calendar in 2026.
    Reports from Spanish outlet OK Diario claim F1 is set to announce the new “Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix” after registering trademarks with the name.
    F1 reporter Joe Saward said the announcement will see the Madrid circuit hold races for at least ten years from 2026.
    Saward adds the race will take place on a semi-permanent track around the Ifema convention centre close to Barajas Airport and next to Real Madrid’s training ground Ciudad Real Madrid.
    READ MORE IN F1
    The centre is located around 7km away from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium — which itself has undergone a face lift in recent months.
    F1 chiefs have been looking at Madrid as a new host for some time.

    Saward reports the race will be fully accessible by public transport including the city’s metro network, a move which would contrast the restricted viewing fans saw at the Las Vegas GP.
    Madrid last hosted an F1 race at Jarama in 1981, with Barcelona hosting the country’s race since 1991.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    The reported new track will run by Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: AFP
    It means drivers will go past some of the world’s best footballersCredit: Getty
    The new track will also be close to the Santiago BernabeuCredit: Getty
    The Catalunya circuit’s deal runs until 2026 with Madrid and Barcelona set to initially both host races.
    It is understood to be unlikely that the Barcelona track with continue to host Grands Prix beyond then.
    Although F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously suggested there is a chance two Spanish races could stay on the calendar.
    Valencia has previously hosted the European GP alongside the Catalunya race.
    Speaking at the launch of an F1 exhibition in Madrid earlier this year, Domenicali said: “They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular.
    “Two races in Spain of course is very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship – but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1.”
    FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also hinted at this move, saying: “It is a matter of meeting around a table and negotiating what is best for F1, also on the commercial side.”
    Asked about Spain hosting two races, he added: “I think so. We have to study the commercial part, but I am sure that Formula 1 will be doing that. And then it will work very well.”
    It comes after Domenicali also suggested that F1 could have as many as 30 races over the course of a season.
    Read More on The Sun
    This season had 23 races and was a record in of itself, though the current Concorde agreement between teams and F1 maxes this number out to 24.
    However, that deal only runs until 2025 and could pave the way for F1 to return to Africa and head to new venues.
    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have openly backed the idea of a Madrid GPCredit: Rex
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

  • in

    Sky Sports presenter narrowly avoids being hit by car on red carpet live on TV as studio hosts warn ‘watch yourself’

    SKY SPORTS presenter Craig Slater came perilously close to being hit by a CAR while reporting from the red carpet.The crazy moment occurred on Monday night as Slater delivered a live broadcast from Leicester Square.
    Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater was almost hit by a car while reporting from the red carpet
    The event marked the European premiere of Hollywood blockbuster Ferrari, which stars Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari and also features Penelope Cruz.
    Slater looked thrilled as he gave the latest updates from the glitzy event.
    But he was so engrossed in his reporting that he failed to see a car reverse up the red carpet.
    As Slater talked to the studio, the black vehicle whizzed by him — only missing him by inches.
    READ MORE ON F1
    It brought about astonished gasps from the anchors back at Sky Sports’ base.
    But Slater took it all in his stride as he professionally maintained composure to finish his segment.
    Indeed, he didn’t appear to know too much about the incident.
    And it led to his fellow pundit warning: “Craig, watch yourself, take care!”
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    It’s not the first time Slater has been under the spotlight for a brilliant broadcast.
    Just last month he turned heads while wearing a bizarre jacket at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
    Slater’s glitzy piece was in no doubt chosen to reflect his glamorous setting.
    And even commentator David Croft could not get away from wearing the glittery green-and-silver ensemble. More

  • in

    Spice Girl Geri, much-loved Sky Sports host Anna Woolhouse and Penélope Cruz in stunning outfits for Ferrari premiere

    GERI HALLIWELL-HORNER was one of many celebrities to wow on the red carpet at the Ferrari premiere.The Spice Girl accompanied her husband, Red Bull principal Christian Horner, to the premiere at Leicester Square, London.
    Geri Halliwell-Horner and Christian Horner donned classy outfits at the Ferrari premiereCredit: Getty
    The couple took shelter from the rain under an umbrellaCredit: AFP
    Penelope Cruz also made an appearanceCredit: Reuters
    She is one of the cast members in the filmCredit: Splash
    Geri, 51, looked classy in her white blazer and matching trousers over a low-cut top.
    Horner himself had a dapper attire on, an open-collar shirt under a navy suit.
    The principal completed his look with a smart overcoat.
    Plenty of other famous faces at the premiere, such as Penelope Cruz.
    READ MORE ON F1
    The Spanish actress plays Laura Ferrari in the movie and stunned on the red carpet.
    The 49-year-old rocked a long flowing dress paired with a short blazer.
    Sports fans will also be happy to know that Sky Sports host Anna Woolhouse made an appearance.
    She wowed in a black dress as she was photographed alongside fellow host Rachel Brookes.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    TV hosts Anna Woolhouse and Rachel Brookes looked glamorousCredit: Getty
    Piero Ferrari and Antonella Ferrari were in attendanceCredit: Getty
    Brookes donned an orange dress and let her hair flow on the red carpet.
    The film ‘Ferrari’ tells the story of the car company as it faced bankruptcy in 1957.
    Owner Enzo Ferrari, played by Star Wars star Adam Driver, puts his hopes on a 1,000-mile race across Italy, the Mille Miglia.
    It was directed by Michael Mann and will be released on December 29.
    Some of the other famous faces on the red carpet included Piero Ferrari, Shailene Woodley, Jessica Creighton and Patrick Dempsey.
    Scroll down for more pictures from the premiere…
    Shailene Woodley is in the movieCredit: Splash
    Jessica Creighton rocked a sparkly outfitCredit: Getty
    Patrick Dempsey and spouse Jillian FinkCredit: Getty
    Nat Pinkham wore red for FerrariCredit: Getty
    Adam Driver wore a tuxedoCredit: Getty
    The film’s main starsCredit: Getty
    Jack O’Connell went for an all black lookCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Meet Anet Mlcakova, the ‘world’s sexiest MotoGP Wag’ and supermodel who stole show at award ceremony

    MOTOGP star Niccolò Canepa’s Wag stole the show at the FIM Awards ceremony.Aneta Mlcakova stunned fans as she arrived at the event with her MotoGP rider partner.

    Aneta Mlcakova stunned in a green dressCredit: Instagram @anetmlcak0va
    Aneta, 26, wore a beautiful tight-fitting green dress as she smashed the red carpet.
    The ceremony was held in Liverpool at the ACC Liverpool Convention Centre on Saturday.
    Despite Canepa winning a medal as a FIM 2023 World Champion, Aneta took the praise from fans on social media.
    She uploaded a collection of pictures on Instagram from the night with the caption: “What a special evening.”
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    And fans flocked to the comment section to write their admiration for her.
    One fan pined: “Looking great.”
    A second commented: “She is the trophy.”
    Aneta is dating MotoGP star Niccolo CanepaCredit: Instagram @niccolocanepa
    They have been together since 2018Credit: Instagram @niccolocanepa

    A third wrote: “Wow is she beautiful.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    A fourth said: “Omg you look amazing baby!!! So stunning.”
    A fifth added: “What a top woman.”
    Another joked: “Niccolò Canepa definitely punching above his weight.”
    Canepa donned a tuxedo on the red carpet and also put up his own post in which he called Aneta his “love”.
    He wrote: “Last night was a night to remember🥇!
    “The FIM awards are a truly special moment for every rider! And sharing it with my love @anetmlcak0va, my friends and teammates @karel_hanika and @marvinfritz7, and all the World Champions was unforgettable!”
    Aneta is a social media star with 1.1 million Instagram followers.
    They share a glamorous lifestyle togetherCredit: Instagram @niccolocanepa
    Aneta is hailed as the ‘world’s sexiest MotoGP Wag’Credit: INSTAGRAM

    The Czech model tries to focus her content on luxury travel posts as she often shares pictures from trips around the world.
    However, she also sends her fans wild with snaps of herself in raunchy lingerie as she is often hailed as the ‘world’s sexiest MotoGP Wag’.
    Aneta met Canepa while she was working at MotoGP as a “Monster Girl”, they started dating in 2018.
    She often attends his races and routes on the Italian from the pits.
    Read More on The Sun
    Instagram is not her only social media platform, as she also has a TikTok account and an OnlyFans.
    On her OnlyFans account she shares exclusive content with her fans.
    Scroll down for more pictures…
    Aneta is famous in her own rightCredit: INSTAGRAM
    She has over 1.1million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM
    She often wows fans with her raunchy contentCredit: INSTAGRAM
    She works as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM
    She also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Aneta often cheers on Niccolo when he is racingCredit: INSTAGRAM More

  • in

    Max Verstappen’s F1 legend dad Jos, 51, underwent secret heart surgery during son’s record-breaking season

    MAX VERSTAPPEN’S father Jos has revealed he underwent heart surgery earlier this year.The Formula One legend, who clocked up more than 100 races, has opened up about his operation which he admits has “put things into perspective”.
    Jos Verstappen underwent heart surgery as his son won the F1 championshipCredit: Getty
    Max Verstappen won the F1 championship with ease in a record-breaking campaignCredit: Getty
    Jos, 51, kept his surgery away from the spotlight while his son embarked on a record-breaking F1 championship-winning campaign.
    But he has now opened up about his health issue, which has been resolved thanks to the surgery.
    He told Dutch outlet Formule 1: “It’s annoying that I had to have it, but it’s now resolved. Fortunately they were able to find the problem and I now feel fit again.
    “It was something that I have had all my life and was never discovered, otherwise it could have helped immediately. But you can live to be a hundred years old with it.
    READ MORE IN F1
    “Any operation on your heart is always exciting, of course, because they can do something wrong and you’re totally dependent on other people.
    “But I also had a neck hernia 20 years ago, which made me even more nervous.
    “It puts things into perspective and makes you appreciate what you have even more.
    “I have a nice wife and two small children with whom I want to spend beautiful time with for as long as possible.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    Red Bull star Verstappen, 26, won 19 out of 22 races this year to win the championship with 575 points – eclipsing the record he set last year by 121 points.
    Between May-September the Dutchman broke a record by winning ten consecutive Grands Prix, culminating with victory at the Italian GP. More

  • in

    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff tips Lewis Hamilton to WIN F1 world title in 2024… but only if team ‘gets its act together’

    MERCEDES BOSS Toto Wolff has said that he believes Lewis Hamilton can win the 2024 F1 Drivers Championship… but only if his team get their act together.Mercedes finished second in this season’s Constructors’ Championship but were some way behind champions Red Bull.
    Hamilton and Wolff will be looking to cook up a more competitive car next seasonCredit: Rex
    George Russell’s podium finish in Abu Dhabi was enough to secure second, three points in front of Ferrari, but it represents a fall from grace from Mercedes who had won eight constructors’ titles in a row up to 2021.
    Red Bull finished on 860 points, with Mercedes finishing on 451 so there is a considerable gap for Wolff’s team to make up.
    When asked by Sky Sports as to whether they can bridge that gap next season, Wolff said: “New season starts with a completely new car and that gives opportunities but also risks.
    “I think we’ve got to be realistic.
    READ MORE ON F1
    “We are aiming for the stars but we finished only second against a team that was out-performing everybody else.”
    When asked if another constructor, such as Ferrari could usurp them to become Red Bull’s main competitor, Wolff said: “I mean I’ve always said that this is a meritocracy and best driver and best car wins, and therefore we have to just get out act together, and I hope it’s us [that can fight Red Bull].”
    Wolff says it is up to the team to give Hamilton a car worthy of beating Verstappen next year, saying: “If we are able to give him the car, then he will be fighting for a world championship.
    “I have no doubt. It’s clear that when you have a Formula 1 car like we have now, you are never at ease with it.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    It has been an unlikely winning drought for Lewis Hamilton, with the Brit not winning a Grand Prix since Saudi Arabia in December 2021.
    He finished third in the 2023 Drivers standings on 234 points – a whopping 341 off 2023 champion Max Verstappen. More

  • in

    Max Verstappen reveals plans are underway to form Le Mans dream team with huge F1 rival

    FORMULA ONE champion Max Verstappen is willing to put aside his rivalry with a fellow driver on the circuit to form the perfect Le Mans dream team.The Red Bull driver was unstoppable again in his pursuit of a third successive world title.
    Max Verstappen has revealed his dream of racing in Le Mans
    Verstappen wants to race with Fernando Alonso at Le Mans
    The Dutchman appeared at Honda Thanks Day, where he revealed what he dreams of doing.
    Unsurprisingly, it was the 24 hours Le Mans race that came up as a discussion.
    He said: “What I do want to race is the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I have already been there, when my father raced in Le Mans. The atmosphere is incredible in Resistencia.
    “There are so many people, driving at night, at dawn… I think it’s really cool.”
    READ MORE F1 NEWS
    Usually, teams are comprised of two or three drivers for the endurance test.
    That prompted Verstappen, 26, to reveal his ideal partner that would form a Le Mans dream team.
    He said: “I’ve been talking to Fernando (Alonso) about it. He said he’d just want to do it with me again. So I told him it would be great.
    “The only thing is, for Le Mans, there’s no minimum weight for the driver. I’m a Quite a heavy competitor, so I would have to find light teammates to compensate.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    “But Fernando is quite light, so that would be very good for us. But we would need to find another one, so I have to take a look.”
    Alonso knows what it’s like to win Le Mans.
    The Spaniard is a two-time winner in 2018 and 2019, winning with Toyota. More