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      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff heard fuming ‘total joke’ on radio to George Russell after Max Verstappen decision in US GP

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      TOTO WOLFF slammed F1 stewards’ decision to award George Russell a penalty as a “total joke” before watching Max Verstappen get away with the same thing later on.The Mercedes chief was heard fuming over the radio to Russell – who recovered to P6 following a pit lane start – as he was awarded a five-second penalty for running Valtteri Bottas off track.Toto Wolff slammed the ‘inconsistent’ decisions made by F1 stewards during the US GPCredit: GettyGeorge Russell was hit with a five-second penalty for pushing Valtteri Bottas off track at Turn 12Credit: GettyBut Max Verstappen did not receive a penalty when he forced Lando Norris off track in the same spotCredit: F1tvNorris received a five-second penalty for going off track and gaining an advantageCredit: RexWolff said of the steward’s verdict on the radio when the penalty was awarded: “Total joke with the penalty George, total joke.”However, on lap 52 of the race, championship leader Verstappen appeared to run himself and title rival Lando Norris off the track at Turn 12 as he went up the inside to try and stay ahead at the apex.The move forced both drivers off track before Norris re-entered the circuit ahead of the Dutchman.However, F1 stewards then handed the McLaren driver a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage, which reinstated Verstappen in P3 at the end of the race.READ MORE IN F1Wolff, 52, took issue with the incident given how Russell was punished for a similar move.On the cool-down lap, Wolff was once again heard speaking to Russell, 26, who asked whether Verstappen had received a penalty.He replied: “No, he didn’t get a penalty and at the end Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside. “I guess it’s a bit biased decision-making but not surprising.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA similar incident at Turn One in the first lap had allowed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to sweep into the lead – before going on to win the race – with Verstappen forcing Norris off track to avoid a collision.Earlier in the race Verstappen had been forced off track himself by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at Turn 12 who had run deep, though once again no penalty was awarded for the incident.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Wolff added: “It’s inconsistent. With Valtteri [Bottas] it wasn’t even a race. “Yesterday [Saturday Sprint race] we’ve seen a few of those incidents which were exactly the same that weren’t penalised, racing for real positions actually. “Receiving that penalty is completely odd and bizarre. I think we know why but obviously I can’t say that on television.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI 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. In his own interview about the incident with the broadcaster, Norris said: “They obviously can’t make their minds up for a few laps. It’s not an easy decision otherwise it would have come a bit sooner.”I tried. He also went off the track. If he’s gone off the track clearly he’s gone in way too hard and also gained an advantage by doing what he did. But I don’t make the rules, so.”On the other hand, Verstappen accused McLaren of complaining a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe feature and sprint race results this weekend saw the gap in the driver’s championship widen to 57 points.F1 heads to Mexico next week as the second race in a triple header.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Lewis Hamilton crashes out just THREE LAPS into US Grand Prix as birthday boy Charles Leclerc coasts to victory

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      A FERRARI double rained on the parade of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ charge to the title.It truly was the Wild West on track from start to finish as Norris and Verstappen produced an almighty scrap as they battled nose to tail for third-place for the final 12-laps.Lewis Hamilton’s body language says it all as he exited the US GP earlyCredit: GettyVictory meant extra birthday fizz for Charles LeclercCredit: GettyStewards probed an incident, with Norris penalised for passing VerstappenThe top two positions had already been snatched from their clutches as birthday boy Charles Leclerc capitalised on a poor start from pole-sitter Norris to cross the line in first.Carlos Sainz took second-place eight seconds behind his team-mate but no one will care.All eyes had been on Norris and Verstappen’s all-out war with the Dutchman producing a defensive masterclass until five-laps-to-go.Norris overtook the Red Bull on lap 51 but went off the track and was slapped with a five-second penalty meaning he had to settle for fourth behind third-place Verstappen.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Texas rodeo continued as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was forced to RETIRE just three laps in after spinning off at Turn 19 and beaching himself on the gravel.Norris knew it was pretty much do or die in Texas, given Verstappen soared to victory in Saturday’s sprint-race and stretching his lead to 54 points in the driver’s championship.Verstappen’s world championship lead is now up to 57 points, having  built it by five points across the weekend, while Norris’ hopes of chasing down the Dutchman have been massively dented with five rounds remaining.The McLaren driver, whose starts have been his Achilles’ heel, got off well but left too much space for Verstappen to bulldoze inside.Most read in MotorsportVerstappen and Norris had a fierce duel for third spotCredit: ReutersHamilton’s Mercedes had to be towed awayFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is the fifth race this season that he has started on pole but not been in the lead after the opening lap, having done the same at the Spanish, Hungarian, Dutch and Italian Grands Prix.The Red Bull ran Norris wide on the way out of the first corner, and Leclerc swept through to take the lead from fourth.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’The other Ferrari, of Sainz, also nipped past Norris, leaving the McLaren in fourth.McLaren reported the incident as they felt Verstappen pushed him wide, but really Norris was not aggressive enough and only had himself to blame.Norris said on his team radio: “He clearly pushed me off. He had no intent to make the corner.”Even he went off the track. I had to avoid crashing into him or him into me.”There was a safety car on lap 3 as disaster struck for Hamilton who was forced to retire as he spun off and beached himself on the gravel on Turn 19.It was the exact same spot his teammate Russell spun out in qualifying and there wasn’t much the seven-time world champion could do about it.It prompted the first Safety Car since the Canadian Grand Prix in June and at the restart Leclerc struggled to create a gap to Verstappen but managed to make it through the first corner in the lead.On lap 17 Toto Wolff came on the radio to slam the “total joke” five-second penalty for an overtake on for allegedly forcing Valtteri Bottas off the track in an overtake earlier on.Half way through and Leclerc was a whopping ten seconds ahead of Verstappen, but the Ferrari driver did not want to be left out as bait for too long before pitting.He said on his team radio: “Don’t leave me out for too long. I do not want to be under pressure.”Verstappen eventually pipped Norris for the final spot on the podiumCredit: RexBy lap 36, Norris and Verstappen were tussling for third place as the McLaren was closing in on his rival.Verstappen was fuming and said on his team radio: “These tyres just aren’t good. I can’t brake, I can’t attack anything.”Second-placed Sainz was relentless and by lap 43 hit back with another fastest lap, cranking up the pressure on his teammate out front.Norris continued to snap at Verstappen’s heels and closed the gap to just 0.6 seconds with 12 laps to go.The Dutchman knew he had a race on his hands and kept the McLaren at bay with text-book defense until lap 52.Norris got the move down at Turn 12 but it appeared to be off the track and Verstappen fumed on his team radio: “He overtook me outside of the track.”Hamilton said after the race: “I have never spun especially on the second lap, it’s devastating to not be in the race because I love this race.”It’s obviously a similar situation to George yesterday, the car is very sensitive, it started bouncing, I wasn’t even pushing. I lost a load of the rear and it came round.”On hoping for another win in the Mercedes with five races to go, he added: “Of course, that’s what we’re working towards.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That is painful, it’s never happened to me before but this weekend the confidence had gone already from the first spin we had.”We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out what has been wrong with the car this weekend because it’s not been normal. We will work on it and try and come back stronger.”Verstappen’s third place leaves him top in the overall table on 354 points, with Norris second on 297 after he finished fourthCredit: GettyMonegasque star Leclerc hails his victory in Austin, TexasCredit: Rex More

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      F1 axe fastest lap bonus point rule just weeks after Red Bull ‘cheating’ claims sparked controversy

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      FORMULA ONE is bringing in a new rule change – just weeks after claims of collusion amongst teams. The FIA has announced it will scrap the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap from next season. Daniel Ricciardo took the fastest lap bonus point in Singapore – despite being in 18th placeCredit: GettyLando Norris won the race, cutting the lead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (pictured) in the Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: ReutersIt follows controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix involving RB driver Daniel Ricciardo.McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was left baffled after Ricciardo posted the fastest lap at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22. Ricciardo, who drives for Red Bull’s junior RB team, pitted to go onto soft tyres when back in 18th place.He thundered around the circuit, denying a point to McLaren’s Lando Norris who would go on to win the race. READ MORE ON F1The bonus point is only awarded if a driver finishes inside the top 10, meaning Ricciardo’s own standing did not benefit from the move.Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points thanks to his victory – but it would have been even tighter were it not for Ricciardo’s flying lap.Stella called for the issue to be “addressed,” but stopped short of accusing Red Bull of colluding with sister team RB. He said: “As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar.”The FIA has since announced the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap will be scrapped in 2025. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’But no official reasoning for the change has yet been given. A statement read: “Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap.”The rule returned to the sport after a 60-year absence in 2019.Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT.Red Bull boss Christian Horner denied any collusion between the teams following last month’s race in Singapore. He said: “Daniel obviously wanted to finish the race on a high.”You’d have to ask VCARB about that.”RB chief Laurent Mekies later clarified the team’s own position, claiming Ricciardo was sent out for one last hurrah.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 35-year-old looks set to be replaced with reserve driver Liam Lawson in Austin. Mekies said: “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI 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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      Red Bull banned from using controversial device in major boost to Lando Norris’ F1 World Championship hopes

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      LANDO NORRIS believes he has been dealt a possible boost in his bid to beat Max Verstappen to world championship glory after Red Bull were ordered to make changes to their car.Rival teams claimed Red Bull have gained an advantage by running a contentious device which allowed them to adjust the setup of the car between qualifying and the race – something which is not prohibited in the sport’s rules.Max Verstappen could see his title chances take a hitCredit: ReutersThe changes could boost Lando Norris’ title hopesCredit: AFPA senior team representative at Red Bull said: “Yes it (the device) exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.”In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”Speaking ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, McLaren’s Norris was asked if the FIA’s move to intervene will hand the title advantage his way.He replied: “If it has been helping them, and they have been utilising it in a way that people think they have, then maybe it will shift in our direction.READ MORE F1 NEWS”But they wouldn’t have got several poles and wins because of such a device.”I don’t think it will really change anything, but then when you look at the gaps in qualifying, and when the gap has been just hundredths of a second, then you might say this has helped.”It is good that the FIA are doing such a thing. There is a difference between black and white stuff like this, and a difference between Formula One and pushing the boundaries and innovating.”That is what we have done a very good job on, but been sure not to go any further than that.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri said: “From what I heard, and I have been told, something like this is not pushing the boundaries, it is clearly breaking them.”Norris’ emphatic win at the last round in Singapore a month ago means he trails Verstappen by 52 points with 180 still to play for over the remaining six rounds.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ Norris has taken 26 points out of Verstappen in the last four races.And there will be an additional eight points up for grabs in Austin with a sprint race on Saturday.He said: “After Singapore I wanted to keep going.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁”We were in a good rhythm, and we have been for quite a while, but everyone needs a break, including my team.”It is nice to reboot and put our heads down again.”I have been happy with how things have gone and I am confident if we keep our heads down and keep pushing we can do it, we can close the gap, but it is not going to be easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I need more than me first, and Max to finish second, but I cannot change that.”I need to focus on myself and leave the rest to everyone else.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI 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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      F1 organisers confirm change to track after Max Verstappen complained as title race set to come down to the wire

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      ORGANISERS of the US Grand Prix have confirmed a major change has been made for this year’s Formula One race.After a three-week break, F1 returns with the title battle well and truly on between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.US Grand Prix organisers have confirmed they have completed a major change to the trackCredit: APThey said it came in light of a complaint made by Max Verstappen last yearCredit: GettyIt comes with Verstappen and Lando Norris fighting for the titleCredit: GettyThe rivals are separated by just 52 points with six grand prix weekends to go.However, as the Drivers’ Championship heads into crunch time, track chiefs at this weekend’s race of Circuit of the Americas in Texas, have confirmed the course has been fully resurfaced with new asphalt.It follows a complaint Verstappen made last year.The Austin track has always been a bumpy ride for drivers, however, last year’s edition proved particularly problematic.READ MORE IN F1Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified following the race when they were found to have excessive wear on the planks underneath their cars.Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso was forced to retire mid-event after smashing up his car floor.Verstappen, 27, won both the sprint and feature race at COTA last year on route to his third F1 title, but was very vocal about the problems he and his fellow drivers endured during the race.The flying Dutchman said at the time: “It needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it’s better suited to a rally car. I’m jumping and bouncing around.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In an F1 car probably you don’t even see it as much because, of course, we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, this is way too much. “I don’t think it’s F1 level. I love this track. Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks”Honestly, the layout is amazing but we definitely need new tarmac and it needs to be a lot smoother for the coming years, because we already asking for this for I think quite a few years, and it’s not really been done.”Fast forward to this weekend, and race promoter Bobby Epstein has revealed the Red Bull driver’s complaint was a factor in finally getting the much-needed work done.He said: “It was mainly to get rid of the bumps. Some of that track was 12 years old, so it was time. “I know Max gave it a pretty poor review last year, so I hope we hear something positive. I’m certain we’re going to hear, ‘This is like a totally new track. It’s fantastic’.”As well as a resurfaced track, some of the verges have been narrowed and replaced with turf in an effort to reduce track limit violations.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Like last year, Verstappen is in the drivers seat to win the title.However, this time he is at a disadvantage due to the fact that Norris, 24, has a quicker car and has hit a strong run of form that has seen the Brit win two of the last four races.That being said, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by almost nine points (8.67) every weekend to complete the greatest comeback in the sport’s history.COTA will kick off a second series of three sprint and feature race double headers to finish the season.A standard one-race weekend in Mexico will follow a week later before Brazil sees the penultimate sprint and feature race weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis will give way to another two-week break before F1 returns in Las Vegas.Vegas will then be followed by the final sprint weekend of the season in Qatar, before the season finale plays out in Abu Dhabi on December 8.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI 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. 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 Ocon More

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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