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    Plymouth Argyle SCRAP fly-on-the-wall documentary after Wayne Rooney was axed as manager and club face relegation

    PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have scrapped their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Wayne Rooney’s departure.Rooney, 39, left by mutual consent on New Year’s Day alongside No2 Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland following a dismal run of one win in 14 games.Wayne Rooney was axed following Argyle’s 2-0 defeat to OxfordCredit: GettySunSport revealed in November that filming had commenced on a documentary series showcasing Argyle’s battle against the Championship drop.The Pilgrims had hoped to flog the series to a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – raising significant money and the club’s profile in the process.Amid Argyle’s 10-game winless run and Rooney’s departure, however, The Guardian report that club bosses have scrapped the project.They claim that it was felt the project could become a “distraction”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilming had commenced in October, but after working at just two games, production staff were told to “take a break”.Lorton Entertainment had been working on the project.The production company has ties to the former Pilgrims boss, having worked on the feature length documentary “Rooney” – shown on Amazon Prime Video, and “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story”, which aired on Disney+.Despite Argyle’s documentary plans having been largely driven by Rooney and his team of advisers, club bosses did sign off on it initially.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLorton are understood to be co-owned by Kenny Shepherd, who is also a shareholder in Triple S Sports – the agency that have represented Rooney since he was a teen.Plymouth Argyle have declined to comment.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleLong-time Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has been placed in caretaker charge alongside injured captain Joe Edwards.The duo guided the Pilgrims to a 2-2 New Year’s Day draw with Bristol City at Home Park, and are expected to be in charge of tomorrow’s Championship trip to Stoke City.After the Bristol City game, Nancekivell paid tribute to outgoing boss Rooney.’PRIVILEGED TO GET TO KNOW HIM’He told the BBC: “I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.”People see the Wayne Rooney who’s an England international and legend of world football, but they don’t know him as a person.”I’ve been privileged to get to know him. He’s a super human being and he showed a lot of class when he came and said his goodbyes to us.”Nancekivell, 53, could remain in temporary charge as the Pilgrims take on Brentford in the FA Cup next week.Former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke City in December 2023, is the early front-runner to succeed Rooney.Remarkably, Schumacher’s Home Park predecessor Ryan Lowe is the second favourite for the post, having left Argyle for Preston in December 2021.Kevin Nancekivell paid tribute to RooneyCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is favourite to land the Argyle gigCredit: GettyWHAT’S NEXT FOR WAZZA?As for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney, 39, is likely to return to punditryCredit: Rex More

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    ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd icon

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in front of the rest of the Manchester United squad.A new documentary about the legendary Scottish manager released on BBC iPlayer Boxing Day, titled “Sir Alex”, saw details of the exchange come to light.Sir Alex Ferguson once made Cristiano Ronaldo cry in front of his team-matesCredit: Getty – ContributorRio Ferdinand recalled the story on the new documentary about Ferguson’s life titled ‘Sir Alex’Credit: GettyMany of the stars who played under Ferguson were asked for interviews about their time under the 13-time Premier League-winning manager.One of these was Rio Ferdinand, who starred under Ferguson from 2002 until the 82-year-old’s retirement in 2013.On the incident between Ferguson and Ronaldo, Ferdinand recalled: “He hadn’t played well, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. “‘Who do you think you are? You’re coming here trying to prove to everybody who you think you are, you think you’re a superstar’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember Cristiano in tears and I was like, ‘This manager don’t care, man. He doesn’t care who you are’.”Ronaldo would go on to win the Ballon d’Or and be named as the world’s best player in 2008 at United. Ferguson did not experience unprecedented success only at Man Utd.He had also managed to do so at Aberdeen, winning the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup glory against Real Madrid – still the last time the Spanish giants lost a major European final – and breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly of the Scottish Premiership with titles in 1980, 1984 and 1985.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer right-back Stuart Kennedy recalled Ferguson’s hairdryer as a “blast furnace”, while Mark McGhee compared it to a “volcano”.However, speaking about Ferguson in the past, Ronaldo admitted they had many “beautiful moments” together and praised his old manager’s compassion after his father fell ill.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand Speaking to United club media in 2021, Ronaldo said: “It’s hard to mention just one [moment].”There were so many beautiful moments that we had together. Not just winning things. But in my heart I keep the most difficult things.“Probably he doesn’t remember, but I will say it because it’s a beautiful story. “One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’“We had difficult games [coming up],” he continued, “and I was a key player in that moment. “He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. “So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

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    Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

    NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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    England legend ‘Razor’ Ruddock reveals Harry Redknapp show saved his life after doctors feared he had two months to live

    ENGLAND legend Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed how Harry Redknapp’s show saved his life.The former Liverpool centre-back disclosed that what he initially thought was dementia turned out to be a serious heart condition as doctors feared he had just two months to live.Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed details about how Harry Redkapp’s show saved his lifeRuddock linked up with his old England team-mates for ‘Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’ in 2019 and it’s sequel a year laterThe ex-England defender ballooned to 27st during the pandemicRuddock, 56, has turned his life around and reduced his alcohol intake as he credits his former gaffer’s TV show ‘Harry’s Heroes’.Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, he said: “From when I left school until like 35, every day I was told where I’ve got to be.”What I can eat, what I can’t drink, and all this. And when you’re 35 there was no sort of step back.“There was no help when football finished. I turned into an 18-year-old kid and couldn’t wait to retire at 35 and start drinking and eating what I wanted and then I got 28 and a half stone.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I did the Harry Heroes TV show. I was feeling dizzy. At the time there was a lot of talk about dementia in football, heading the ball.“So I was going dizzy. So I thought, you know, ‘it’s dementia’. I went to see all the specialists and it was my heart, he said, ‘the way you’re going, you’ve got two months to live’.“Trust me, that changed my life, and then they had to stop my heart, restart my heart. I got a pacemaker. I’ve had the gastric sleeve…because I’d given up on myself, basically.“Without doing that TV show, I wouldn’t be here today.”Most read in FootballNeil Ruddock has shown off his incredible weight transformationThe award-winning documentary series was filmed in 2020.It saw Redknapp tasked with turning a cohort of unfit England football legends from the 1990s into a winning team once more.Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson fall out over the ex-Tottenham star’s drinking habit on Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A LaughThey included a host of familiar faces – such as David Seaman, Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier – keen to prove that, even in middle age, they could still cut it on the pitch and beat old rivals Germany.Viewers saw the ex-star players, who came from an era with a more relaxed approach to footie practice and healthy eating, as they adopted a rigorous new training and nutrition regime akin to that of today’s pros.Former Liverpool ace and 2018 King of the Jungle, assistant John Barnes, successfully coached the blokes to a 4-2 victory.’Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’ was filmed in 2020 before Ruddock’s gastric bandNutritionist Luke Worthington did a body mass index with RuddockRuddock, who earned one England cap during his career, memorably told the lads about his heart scare in one of the episodes.Meanwhile, Redknapp managed Ruddock when he played for West Ham in the late 1990s.Asked what advice he would give to anyone else who was worried about their health, he said: “Go and see the doctor. It costs you nothing.“If you’re driving your car and your car makes a noise, you take it to the mechanic and pay to get it fixed.“If you’re not feeling well, go and see the doctor, because men are scared of going to see the doctor. “It’s bad news, and you can’t go out Saturday night and watch football.“Go get yourself checked out. It costs nothing.”Ruddock unveiled his incredible 11-stone weight transformation earlier this year.The 56-year-old began his weight loss journey back in 2021 after meeting TV personality James Argent.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe dad-of-two teenagers had ballooned to 27st during the Coronavirus pandemic, which put his health at serious risk.He made 195 Premier League appearances during his career and played for the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.In his 17 year career, Ruddock made 355 club appearances and earned one cap playing for England More

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    Jamie and Rebekah Vardy set for fly-on-the-wall Netflix documentary series… after Rooneys agreed their own deal

    JAMIE AND REBEKAH VARDY are set to follow the example of the Rooneys in being part of their own documentary series, reports suggest.I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! star Coleen was handed her own series by Disney+, while Wayne has been profiled by Amazon Prime Video.Jamie and Rebekah Vardy are set to be a part of a new Netflix seriesCredit: SplashIt would see them follow the example of the RooneysCredit: Getty ImagesThe former Manchester United star is also being filmed for a fly-on-the-wall series about his time as Plymouth boss, as exclusively reported by SunSport.And following the success those shows already airing have seen, the Vardys are now set to follow suit on Netflix, according to The Telegraph.A streaming series for the Leicester ace is likely to concentrate on his rise from non-league footballer to Premier League champion.Vardy may not have the superstardom appeal like that of previous Netflix series stars David Beckham or Neymar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the streaming giant understands that some of the most popular parts of its Beckham series came from the at-home scenes with wife, Victoria.And if the Vardy series proves popular, it could open the door to a fly-on-the-wall series about the ex-England striker’s home life with his wife.A lucrative Netflix deal would go some way to helping Rebekah with her legal costs following the high-profile Wagatha Christie libel trial against Coleen in 2022, itself the subject of a drama series on ITV.Rebekah had denied leaking stories about Coleen’s private life to the press, though a judge ruled she was an “untrustworthy witness”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis saw her rack of bills of £1.7million, though she went to the High Court in an effort to reduce the bill.A 2023 report from the Daily Mail says Coleen was paid in excess of £1m for the Disney+ series, while the Beckhams earned £16m for their Netflix deal.I’ve one final thing to say about Coleen – but Danny deserved to win even though I loved the RevColeen Rooney’s surprising bad habit COLEEN Rooney has revealed the embarrassing habit hubby Wayne reckons will annoy her I’m A celebrity campmates.She’s usually preened and perfect – but the WAG has confessed she snores.Coleen said: “I didn’t think I snored, but Wayne says I snore.“Not continuously though – just every now and again.“I have been in the public eye for over 20 years now and people take what they want from it.“I do think people will get a better idea of what kind of person I am.” More

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    Major blow to Wayne Rooney as big money TV project on brink of being cancelled due to failing managerial career

    WHILE his wife is Down Under on I’m A Celebrity, Wayne Rooney is in Plymouth fighting to save his career.But I can reveal there’s something almost as lucrative at stake for the footballing family — a big-money documentary which is supposed to be charting Wayne’s ascent in the world of managing.Coleen is set to leave the I’m A Celeb jungle this SundayCredit: RexUnfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be going too well, with fears that he could end up leaving Plymouth Argyle after a poor run of results.With the I’m A Celeb final taking place this Sunday, in a bit of bad timing, Wayne’s departure from the club might come shortly after Coleen exits the jungle.A TV insider said: “The whole point of the documentary was to celebrate his move from player to becoming a manager.“But obviously if that ends up being more of a horror show then the creators, or the Rooneys themselves, may pull the plug on the project.”read more on tvThe documentary is being made by Lorton Entertainment which also produced The Real Wagatha Story, the documentary about Coleen’s court battle with fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy, for Disney+, now available on ITVX.It was expected that the finished Plymouth Argyle show would end up with one of the big streamers too, though that also seems uncertain now.The first documentary Lorton made on Wayne, a feature-length 2022 programme simply called Rooney, dropped on Prime Video.The production company also made Prime Video mini-series We Are New­castle United and backed Boom! Boom!: The World Vs Boris Becker, a two-parter out on Apple TV+ last year.Most read in FootballFortunately for the family, matriarch Coleen is said to have telly execs lining up a few lucrative jobs for her on the back of having made an impression in the jungle.I also exclusively revealed in February there was talk of doing an At Home With The Rooneys show.Inside Wayne Rooney’s incredible trophy room as wife Coleen gives rare glimpse inside Man Utd legend’s house Here’s hoping they materialise at speed.Wayne Rooney’s upcoming documentary could be in jeopardyCredit: RexA PEAKY BLUNDER BY BEEB?TELLY tough guy Vinnie Jones says there is still one show he wishes he had been in – BBC drama Peaky Blinders.Vinnie is gearing up to play notorious gangster Danny Driscoll in the Only Fools And Horses musical at Hammersmith Eventim Apollo this Christmas.Vinnie Jones wishes he’d been in Peaky BlindersCredit: GettyHe told Chris Moyles on Radio X: “I mean, Fools And Horses, it’s one of them where you look at it same as that Peaky Blinders.“Obviously, I wish I would have done that, because I thought I was made for that as well. “Some things you think you’re made for, you know?”Vinnie, who featured in this year’s Netflix smash The Gentleman, added: “I grew up with Only Fools And Horses, and when I was playing foot­ball, it was every footballer’s favourite TV show.“And here we are, a few decades on, and I get asked to do it, and it’s an honour.”GAMBLE’S SAFE BET IS BACKTHERE are few sister shows I enjoy as much as The Traitors spin-off, Uncloaked, so I’m thrilled it is returning.Presenter Ed Gamble will be back with the visualised podcast on New Year’s Day, when season three of Claudia Winkleman’s BBC One show begins.The Beeb promises: “The podcast will take fans deeper with dissection of the episodes and exclusive access to the banished and murdered players.”The juicy section where bumped-off contestants find out which of their pals are the traitors will also return.Uncloaked will be available on BBC Two and iPlayer after every Traitors episode. An extended version will be on BBC Sounds, which will also have weekly playlists of all the music from the show.FORMER Top Gear and The Grand Tour host James May has launched a horseradish gin called Asian Parsnip Turbo. James said: “This is a limited edition, unless you really like it, in which case we may unlimit it.” See jamesgin.com.DUO TAKE PLUNGE?A “WILL they, won’t they” romantic drama has been commissioned by the BBC based on a multi award-winning novel.Open Water tells how keen photographer Marcus and dance student Effie feel an immediate connection when they meet.But Effie is dating Marcus’ friend Samuel.A shared project draws them together but can they resist the lure of love?The story is being adapted into an eight-part series from Caleb Azumah Nelson’s 2021 novel of the same name.Lindsay Salt of the BBC said: “Open Water is a tender, bold and dazzling story about the dance of early love and being seen for who you really are.”STARS from top TV shows have signed up for gritty new thriller Inheritance. The Sky drama will feature Wolf Hall’s Richard Dillane and Happy Valley’s Jack Bandeira.Set in Bristol, the UK and Jamaica, the story follows a mixed-race lawyer investigating an inheritance claim. SPLIT’S BRAVA BRAVOIT’S only a two-part special, but the ­latest helping of legal drama The Split packs in more drama than most ten-episode series.It sees central character Hannah (Nicola Walker) travel to Barcelona for her daughter Liv’s wedding to Spaniard Gael.The two-part special of The Split packs in more drama than most ten part seriesCredit: SISTERThe special sees Hannah Stern (Nicola Walker) travel to BarcelonaTagging along are ­Hannah’s sisters, Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose, (Fiona Button), plus her ex-husband Nathan (Stephen Mangan).Things get complicated when we’re introduced to lawyer Hannah’s new love interest, hunky Archie, played by Toby Stephens, son of the late Dame Maggie Smith. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut she isn’t the only family member caught up in complicated affairs of the heart – all of which is played out over one weekend.The Split: Barcelona airs on December 29 and 30 on BBC One. Both episodes are available on BBC iPlayer on December 29.Hannah’s new love interest Archie is played by Toby StephensHannah is joined in Barcelona by sisters Nina and Rose More

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    Jake Paul reveals how much Tommy Fury turned down for blockbuster Netflix fight as he slams ‘daddy controlled kid’

    JAKE PAUL has labelled Tommy Fury a “daddy controlled kid” and revealed how much he turned down for a rematch.Fury was the winner via a split decision when the pair fought back in February 2023, with many fans hopeful for a second dust-up.Jake Paul labelled Tommy Fury a ‘daddy controlled kid’Credit: GettyHe also claims Fury rejected £6.3m to fight him againCredit: AlamyBut another bout is yet to materialise despite Netflix supposedly offering huge money to get it on.Paul has instead gone on to beat Mike Tyson on points as 65 million people tuned in to watch via the streaming giant’s platform.As for Fury, he is set to get back in the ring against MMA star-turned-boxer Darren Till on January 18. No rematch has seemingly wound-up Paul as he claimed in a now deleted tweet that Fury rejected $8million (£6.3million) to fight again.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Problem Child wrote: “Offered Fury $8M to fight on Netflix.“He turned it down and now fighting an MMA fighter… Now tell me who is running? “Stupid daddy controlled kid, protected from the inevitable.”Paul has no shortage of possible next opponents, having been called out by the likes of Daniel Dubois and Carl Froch.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he may want his next fight to be against current super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.Paul called him out in the ring after he beat Iron Mike, saying “He knows he wants a payday. So, he knows where the money man is at.Daniel Dubois calls out Jake Paul”He’s going to want a payday and I want to show the world what I’ve been talking about, beating Canelo is true and I’ll have the biggest upset in the history of boxing.”Paul suggested John Fury calls the shots for his sonCredit: Alamy More

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    Major broadcasting change as Formula E returns to free-to-air TV with new-look presenting team

    FORMULA E has announced a major change to its broadcast rights that will see it return to free-to-air TV.The motorsport had previously been shown on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 before it was effectively placed behind a paywall on TNT Sports for the first time in its 10-year history.Formula E have announced a major partnership with ITVCredit: GettyIt has now been announced it will return to ITV for the 2024/25 season, with live broadcasts and highlights being available on the ITVX app and ITV4.That includes the Season 11 opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on December 7.Formula E chief media officer, Aarti Dabas, said: “We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport.”With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike. READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport.”The channel switch will also see a new-look presenting line-up, with sacked BBC star Jermaine Jenas also dropped from his role on the all-electric racing series.Pioneering presenter Nicki Shields will return to lead the line-up and will become the first-ever female lead presenter in the series’ history.She has been a prominent figure both on and off the track since making her debut in 2014, and was the first female lead commentator for F1 Academy in its 2024 debut season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn her new role, Shields said: “I vividly remember my first Formula E race in Beijing 2014, and 10 years later, my passion for the sport remains just as strong.”I’m thrilled to return to Formula E as lead presenter for Season 11. It’s an honour to share the excitement and drama of this incredible sport with fans around the world. Watch moment Brad Pitt ‘faints’ after heavy crash at Las Vegas Grand Prix – but all is not as it seems”With our talented presenting team, we’re committed to bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before. Bring on São Paulo!”She will be joined by racing drivers Billy Monger and Catie Munnings on the team, as well as sports commentator Tom Brooks.Pundits who will appear throughout the season will include David Coulthard, Karun Chandhok, Andre Lotterer, James Rossiter and Alan McNish.Saunders Carmichael-Brown and Alexa Rendell are also returning as pitlane reporters.Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds admitted before the London season finale that the move to place the racing series behind a paywall had led to “numbers that have been lower than we wanted”.Pascal Wehrlein was crowned as champion last season, narrowly beating Mitch Evans by six points. More