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      The greatest comeback in F1 history is on – Max Verstappen is on the ropes but Lando Norris needs perfect last six races

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      IT is do or die for Lando Norris as Formula One heads into the final six races.The biggest comeback in the sport’s history is on, and it will take something exceptional to pull it off – but it is not beyond the realms of possibility.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are in a battle for the F1 titleCredit: APNorris won the Singapore Grand Prix last time outVerstappen has gone eight races without a winThe Sprint weekend at Austin’s sweeping Circuit of the Americas marks the first of the final races to the end of the season in Abu Dhabi on December 8. SunSport has chewed the fat on the Verstappen-Norris title fight and what it will take for the McLaren driver to emerge victorious.How things stand Red Bull driver Verstappen holds a 52-point lead over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.The tables have massively turned, given Verstappen held a season-high lead of 84 points up until the British Grand Prix in July 7.READ MORE F1In-form Norris has outscored him in all but one of the six races that have taken place since.The margin of 52 points is the exact equivalent of winning two races with the fastest lap bonus point (25+1) on a non-Sprint race weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁How many points are left to play for?There is a maximum of 180 points up for grabs across the final six race weekends of the season.That is 156 points in the remaining six grands prix, 25 for a win plus one for the fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportIn addition, there are three sprint races remaining where one driver could bag a maximum of 24 points.The winners of the sprint races in USA, Brazil and Qatar will be awarded eight points for victory. Emotional Lando Norris hugs F1 legend after Sky Sports presenter soaks McLaren star with water to ‘help out’How does Norris need to outscore Verstappen?Norris must outscore Verstappen by an average of almost nine points (8.67 points to be precise) at each grand prix weekend until the end of the season.That is the points difference between first and third places (10 points) in a grand prix.Norris cannot be crowned champion if he wins every race and Verstappen comes in second. That could have still been on the cards had Norris clung onto the bonus point at the most recent grand prix in Singapore for fastest lap.But Daniel Ricciardo controversially snatched it away on fresh tyres with one lap to go. When could the title be won?The absolute earliest the title could theoretically be won by Verstappen is the Sao Paulo GP weekend on November 1-3.But the Red Bull driver would have to outscore Norris by at least a whopping 34 points over the next triple-header. Who’s got the quicker car?The MCL8 is the fastest car on the grid and introduced a flexible wing with a “mini DRS” effectThere’s no doubt about it being McLaren, who have won four of the last six races, two for Norris and two for Oscar Piastri. This season’s McLaren MCL38 has been the most consistent performer on different types of circuit. READ MORE SUN STORIESWhereas Max Verstappen recently in Singapore said that Red Bull’s RB20 was “f***ed”. The team are pinning their hopes on a significant upgrade planned on the RB20 for Austin this weekend. F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s prediction I EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out. You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner. Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car. Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time. So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. More

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      Lando Norris won’t win F1 title due to ‘mental weaknesses’ as Helmut Marko slams Brit’s pre-race ‘rituals’

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      LANDO NORRIS will not win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship because he has “mental weaknesses”, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.With six rounds of the season to go, McLaren star Norris sits 52 points behind reigning champion Max Verstappen.Lando Norris will not win the F1 championship, according to Helmut MarkoCredit: GettyNorris is 52 points behind leader Max Verstappen with six rounds to goCredit: RexBut Helmut Marko has said Norris’ pre-race rituals show ‘mental weaknesses’Credit: GettyThe Brit will be hoping to close the gap at this weekend’s US Grand Prix, having won two of the last four races.However, Red Bull advisor Marko has started the mind games in an effort to throw the 24-year-old off his game as the championship reaches crunch time.Speaking to Motor Sport Magazine, the 81-year-old backed Verstappen to win his fourth title this year.He said: “Verstappen [will win the championship].READ MORE IN F1″He is the best, he’s the fastest and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. “We know Norris has some mental weaknesses. “I’ve read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day.”Back in 2022, Norris revealed one of these pre-race rituals.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told Vanity Fair: “I always call my parents…”Still my mum wants to hear my voice before I go race.”Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Despite putting their lives on the line and racing at break-neck speeds every race weekend, F1 stars are a superstitious bunch.Michael Schumacher famously got into his car from the left, always carried an amulet with the initials of his family members and had a preference to wear odd numbers after winning all seven of his titles with odd numbers.Lewis Hamilton also revealed that Schumacher used to pee in his racesuit before every race, a practice also followed by Nico Rosberg.Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel dressed his racesuit with small trinkets ranging from a metal pig to a one-cent coin and placing two shining pieces of lucky silver on his race boots.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The legendary Alberto Ascari had a range of quirks ranging from avoiding black cats, staying away from unlucky numbers and not allowing anyone else to handle the case that had his lucky blue helmet – cruelly ironic given that he was killed in a testing accident while wearing Eugenio Castellotti’s white helmet rather than his own.On the current grid, Sergio Perez personalises his car by carrying a picture of the late Pope John Paul II on the inside of his cockpit.Charles Leclerc likes to sit next to his car in his bubble, Pierre Gasly has an espresso and naps for 30 mins, while Fernando Alonso jumps in on the right side of his car before the race.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Alex Albon meticulously sticks to his pre-race routine, from eating 90 minutes before a race, changing into his gear 30 minutes before setting up a cubby for his equipment.And despite Marko’s comments about Norris’ pre-race rituals, Verstappen has his own rituals, where he plays video games the night before a race to help get him in the zone. More

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      New quirk of Jurgen Klopp’s job emerges after former Liverpool manager lands £10m-a-year role at Red Bull

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      A NEW surprising detail of Jurgen Klopp’s job with Red Bull has emerged.The former Liverpool boss is set to earn a bumper £10m-a-year pay packet as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.A new quirk to Jurgen Klopp’s job at Red Bull will see him not appear at any stadium until the end of the seasonRed Bull have made their new executive’s life a little easier by reducing his travel during his first season.So much so that Klopp might not appear in any stadium until the end of the current 2024/2025 campaign, according to Sky Germany.Journalist Florian Plettenberg said: “He intends to work in the background at the start and will be getting a feel for the Red Bull teams on-site.”Klopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Dortmund boss has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.It’s an opportunity that keeps Klopp involved in football without the draining day-to-day demands of being a manager. Klopp has also been assured that he can walk away from this deal if there is another concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him in the future.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a very public admission of exhaustion at Liverpool, the 57-year-old can be forgiven for taking the less gruelling option with Red Bull.The Austrian energy drinks producer has landed a public relations coup by hiring one of the most respected figures in European football.Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopps wife tearful as Klopp leaves LiverpoolIn 2009, Red Bull caused controversy in German football when it took over fifth-division club SSV Markranstadt and turned it into RB Leipzig.German Football Association (DFB) laws state German clubs must operate on a ’50+1′ rule, meaning members – essentially fans – own the majority of shares and can influence decisions such as ticket prices.Rivals feel RB Leipzig exploited the system by having just 17 members with voting rights – most are directly linked to Red Bull.Klopp, who left Liverpool in May after “running out of energy”, has received a lot of criticism for joining Red Bull – especially among fans of his former club Dortmund.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

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      JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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      Red Bull ‘invest in sleeping European giant’ just hours after Jurgen Klopp hired as they target France domination

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      RED BULL are reportedly set to invest in another European football club.The energy drinks company already own clubs in Austria, Germany, Brazil and the US.Jurgen Klopp is the new Global Head of Football at Red BullCredit: PARed Bull are reportedly interested in Paris FCCredit: GettyThe club plays at the 20,000 seater Stade CharletyCredit: AlamyRed Bull appointed former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to the company this week.The German will start his role as the new Global Head of Football on January 1.He will oversee the operations at RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bull, Red Bull Bragantino and Red Bull Brasil.Klopp could have an additional club to manage according to reports after it emerged Red Bull is interested in taking over Paris FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe French outfit currently competes in Ligue 2 and are battling for promotion to the top division.L’Equipe has reported that the club is on the “verge” of being sold to Red Bull and the Arnault family.The current club president and majority shareholder, Pierre Ferracci, is preparing the club to move on from his control.The report suggests that he would keep hold of 30 per cent of his shares until 2027.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt would be in this year that he would make his permanent exit from the club.It is thought that Red Bull would take control of 15 per cent of the club while the Arnault family would become the majority shareholder with 55 per cent.Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool bossRed Bull also own RB Leipzig in GermanyCredit: AFPThe company also controls New York Red Bull and two clubs in BrazilCredit: ReutersIt is also a minority shareholder in LeedsCredit: AlamyThe report claims that Paris FC’s perspective owners are aiming to make the club a staple in the Champions League.They last competed in the French top flight in the 1978-79 season.Ambitions of taking them into Europe would mean pumping the club with money.Its main rivals are current French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have yet to win the Champions League despite their best efforts.Red Bull is also a minority investor in Championship side Leeds after completing their purchase in May earlier this year.All about Paris FC Where: Paris, FranceStadium: Stade Charlety (20,000 capacity)League: Ligue 2Rivals: Paris Saint-GermainEstablished: 1969Current manager: Stephane GilliNotable former players: Jean-Francois Beltramini, Lamri Laachi, Omar da FonsecaNicknames: “The Blues” and “The Parisians” 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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      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

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      Christian Horner lifts lid on bitter feud within Red Bull F1 team after legend brutally sacked mid-season

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER has lifted the lid on more bitter infighting at Red Bull this season and the axing of Daniel Ricciardo.Formula One legend Ricciardo was brutally cut by sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand Prix, with his seat being handed to 22-year-old Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.Christian Horner has revealed how Red Bull bosses argued about Daniel Ricciardo’s position earlier in the seasonCredit: RexRicciardo was sacked from Red Bull’s sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand PrixCredit: EPABut Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted Ricciardo out in JuneCredit: GettyThe 35-year-old claimed the fastest lap in his swansong, but broke down in tears in an interview following the race.However, Red Bull boss Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted the Australian out of the car in JUNE.Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner said: “He [Ricciardo] started the season roughly, and then Miami was a weekend of two halves.”The Friday and Saturday morning was fantastic, and it looked like the Daniel of old defending against the Ferraris and outdriving the car. But then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday were disastrous.READ MORE IN F1″So even around Barcelona, Helmut wanted him out of the car, and there was already a lot of pressure on him there.“By the time we got to Montreal, it was actually dear old Jacques Villeneuve who got him properly wound up by giving him a hard time.”And it definitely fired him up, because the way he drove the car that weekend, he grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and put together a very strong race weekend.“So I did say [to Ricciardo]: give Jacques a call every time every Grand Prix, for the rest of the year, because whatever he said, it definitely worked.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe debate over his position may have explained the handwritten message Ricciardo put on his helmet at the Spanish GP, with the words “Not without a fight”.Ricciardo’s lack of consistent form didn’t do enough to convince team bosses to swap him and Sergio Perez – who himself was struggling for pace for much of the season – in the main team.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feudHorner, 50, added: “I’ve done my very best to buy him as much time in the car to allow him to deliver. Otherwise he would have been out of the car after Barcelona.“All the drivers are under pressure to deliver, but the reason that Daniel was in that car was to get himself back into a position to ultimately be there to pick up the pieces if Checo didn’t deliver.”The problem was they both had issues with form at varying times. Checo started the season very well, very strongly, and Daniel was struggling. “And then, obviously, as Checo lost form, Daniel found a bit of form. But it was never compelling enough to say, ‘OK, we should switch the two drivers’.”F1 fan favourite Ricciardo said he had “loved this sport” his whole life, thanking all those who had been a part of the journey that saw him win eight races.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconLewis Hamilton led other drivers in paying tribute to him, with the seven-time world champion saying: “It’s been a honour to compete with you over the years.”You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it.”There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”The ultimate fate of Ricciardo is the tip of the iceberg in terms of Red Bull infighting this season, with Horner, Marko and Max Verstappen’s father and former F1 driver, Jos, not seeing eye-to-eye.The feud appears to have cooled down since the start of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe civil war even led to reigning world champion Verstappen declaring he would quit the team if Marko was sacked following rumours he might be suspended.The next F1 race is not until the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 20.Ricciardo had a handwritten message of ‘Not without a fight’ on his helmet at the Spanish GP🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More