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      ‘Are we five?’ fumes Max Verstappen as F1 star snaps after being told off in Singapore press conference

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      MAX Verstappen has hit back at the FIA after being told to cut back on his swearing. The reigning F1 World Champion turned the air blue as he addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s Singapore GP.Max Verstappen was not impressed after being told off for swearing at a press conferenceCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Dutchman has not topped a podium since winning at the Spanish GP in JuneCredit: GettyVerstappen finished fifth in Baku last weekend and claimed his Red Bull car was “f**cked” from Q1 onwards. Asked on Thursday why teammate Sergio Perez appeared to have the upper hand in Azerbaijan, Max replied: “I don’t know, man, different setup.””So, as soon as I went into qualifying, I knew the car was f**ked.”Tom Clarkson, hosting the press conference, immediately intervened to apologize for the profanity. READ MORE ON F1 He told Verstappen to “watch his language going forward.” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently requested teams to tone down swearing during public events and on track mics. He told Motorsport.com: “I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.”We’re not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That’s them and we are [us].”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut a frustrated Verstappen let rip when a reporter asked for his thoughts on the request. The three-time F1 champ shrugged: “Everyone swears.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “Some people a bit more than others. It also depends a bit on what language you speak.”Referencing his previous comment about his car, Verstappen continued: “I mean, it’s not even that bad, right? I mean, the car was not working. “The car is ‘effed’, yeah, and then ‘excuse me for the language’, but come on, what are we? Five-year-olds, six-year-olds? “Even if a five-year-old or six-year-old is watching, I mean, they will eventually swear anyway, even if the parents will not allow it.”When they grow up, they will walk around with their friends and they will be swearing. So, you know, this is not changing anything.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Verstappen won 19 out of 23 races in 2023 on his way to the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut 2024 has proved a tougher year, despite the Dutchman currently leading the drivers standings with 313 points. Verstappen has not won since topping a podium way back in June at the Spanish Grand Prix. More

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      Inside ‘magic’ F1 McLaren innovation that has flung team ahead of Red Bull but fans are calling it ‘illegal’

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      MCLAREN have raced to the front of the field in Formula One’s Constructors Championship for the first time in a decade.But some F1 fans have blasted the team after spotting a “magic” innovation at the weekend.McLarens Oscar Piastri benefitted from a ‘magic’ innovation to win the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: RexLando Norris also had an impressive drive to get back up to P4 from starting P15Credit: RexMcLaren’s ‘flexi’ rear wing in Baku raised eyebrowsCredit: Sky Sports F1It gave him extra pace to keep in front of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the back straightCredit: RexThe Woking-based manufacturer have made a remarkable surge up the field since Bahrain 2023, when Lando Norris finished dead last and Oscar Piastri retired due to electrical failure.But on Sunday, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren saw their Papaya reign supreme as Piastri won his second race of the season with some stoic defending against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.Norris took P4 and the fastest lap after an impressive drive through the field having started P15 following some bad luck in qualifying. The Brit’s result saw him marginally cut Max Verstappen’s championship lead.READ MORE IN F1The Baku race confirmed the MCL38’s position as the fastest car in the field, with the British team now the only one with two drivers to have won multiple races this season.However, McLaren’s amazing surge threatens to be overshadowed.Fans of rival teams were left vexed at how they had pulled off such a strong result in Azerbaijan before one “magic” innovation of the McLaren car design was highlighted.Only last week McLaren and Mercedes were cleared of any wrongdoing over the legality of their front wing, but following Baku it was their rear wing which had fans up in arms on social media.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFootage shared on social media by one furious member of the Tifosi showed how the DRS (Drag Reduction System) flap of race leader Piastri tilted up when under aerodynamic load (wind resistance).This flexible wing created a “mini-DRS” effect, allowing for reduced drag and increased top speed down the straight – which can see drivers hit speeds of 217mph.Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinThe extra speed was key in helping Piastri fend off Leclerc, who had the advantage of a fully open DRS flap due to being one second behind him going into the last stretch of numerous laps.Taking to social media after the race, one fan said: “The entire DRS flap is rotating under load. You can see at the pivot points, the flap is not aligning with the wing tips. “The flap is backing off at high speed, shedding drag. How is this okay?”Another user pointed out gaps at the edge of the flap, and asked: “How is this allowed?”A ‘mini-DRS’ effect was seen on the wing under aerodynamic load to reduce dragCredit: X @justformulacarThe clever wing design has not been deemed illegal by the FIA despite a fan outcryA third said: “MCLAREN HAS DRS WITHOUT HAVING A CAR INFRONT OF THEM MAN THIS S*** IS NOT LEGAL.”Several fans also argued the other way by saying F1 should not punish the new interpretation of the rules, with one saying: “It’s called a loophole and that’s what makes Formula 1 great.”If you don’t like it, don’t watch a series like F1, where a regulation set is interpreted by different teams, in different ways.”Motorsport engineer Blake Hinsey added on social media: “If the technical regulations have specifications for rear wing deflection and this passes the tests, then it’s legal. “Every piece of bodywork moves in complex ways under aerodynamic load.”If McLaren have found a way to reduce the drag on their rear wing in a different way – congratulations – they’ve done a brilliant job engineering this system.”From 2021, rear wings have needed to have 12 target dots in specific locations on the main plane and upper flap to prevent over-rotation of the rear wing assemblies.However, it is not the first race this has been deployed in by McLaren, meaning the FIA are seemingly happy and satisfied the design is within the constraints currently posed by the regulations.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted that his team could look to follow McLaren’s example in a bid to catch up.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also admitted Red Bull had made a design error stunting their progress back in Barcelona 2023, but had not taken the warnings raised by Sergio Perez seriously due to Verstappen’s dominance.McLaren will be hoping their good form continues in next Sunday’s Singapore race, with their championship lead over Red Bull now at 20 points and Norris just 59 points behind Verstappen.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      ‘Wow’ – Lewis Hamilton laughs at bizarre claim from F1 rival Max Verstappen as he says ‘I don’t really know what to say’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON must have heard almost everything in F1.But even the seven-time world champ couldn’t contain himself when told of Max Verstappen’s verdict on the upcoming final third of the season.Lewis Hamilton appeared surprised by the comments of Max Verstappen, who is well clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris in the title raceCredit: GettyHamilton’s reaction to Verstappen’s verdict was clear to seeCredit: GettyRed Bull ace Verstappen has won the last three titles and leads this year’s Championship by 62 points from McLaren’s Lando Norris.But RB have spluttered in recent races amid performance issues.And McLaren have been closing the gap – leaving them just eight points behind Red Bull in the duel for the Constructors’ crown.However, Mercedes’ British star Hamilton was amused and bemused by Verstappen’s assessment ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.READ MORE TOP STORIESLast time out, at the Italian GP two weeks ago, Norris was third and his team-mate Oscar Piastri second – behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.In contrast, Verstappen was sixth, with fellow RB driver Sergio Perez a further two spots below him.The Dutchman, 26, responded at the time by claiming Red Bull’s title hopes were now “unrealistic”.And far from now backing down in Baku, he said: “If we perform like Monza, it’s not realistic. Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So we definitely need to be better than what we have been delivering lately, we know that. “If we can find a better balance with the car, then actually we’ll be more competitive. But if more competitive is enough, I don’t know.”The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramThose comments were put to Hamilton, who is out of contention in sixth place before he switches to Ferrari for next year.And the 39-year-old was clearly reeling after hearing his old foe’s judgement.At first he said: “He said it’s unrealistic for him to get one of the two titles? Wow.” Hamilton then burst into laughter and added: “I mean, that’s his opinion, that’s obviously what he’s feeling in that moment, but he’s pretty far ahead! “I don’t really know what to say about it.”Verstappen, however, could yet have plenty to say after Sunday’s race – and for positive reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s because, despite his downbeat appraisal, he also let slip that Red Bull have discovered why their car has encountered problems.So if the team can fix those issues, their double title challenge could be “Baku on track” this weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      F1 stars’ dizzying salaries revealed with all 20 earning £205m a year and Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen leading way

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      FORMULA ONE drivers have long been known for their lavish lifestyles of rock and roll and splashing the cash.The rising popularity of the sport since Liberty Media’s acquisition of it has only served to further inflate the pockets of the biggest names in the motorsport.Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest names in F1, but is currently not its top earnerCredit: GettyWorld champion Max Verstappen rakes in £42million a yearCredit: GettyAltogether, the 20 drivers who make up the F1 grid earn around £205million a year, excluding bonuses.But who takes the chequered flag when it comes to salary in 2024?1) Max Verstappen – £42mReigning world champion Max Verstappen is head honcho both in terms of track pace and contract income.The Dutchman has a staggering £42m a year going to him in his Red Bull deal.READ MORE IN F12) Lewis Hamilton – £34mLewis Hamilton is undoubtedly the biggest name on the F1 grid, and more than makes up the gap to Verstappen in terms of sponsorship income elsewhere.The Brit is in the last year of his Mercedes contract before he makes the switch to join Ferrari, which has seen him land a new bumper deal worth £50m a year.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS3) Charles Leclerc – £26mThe current poster boy of the Scuderia, Charles Leclerc, earns a cool £26m himself.The Monegasque has won two races so far in 2024 – Monaco and Italy – and will be hoping Hamilton’s introduction will help push the team up the grid even more.Most read in MotorsportWatch Lewis Hamilton’s potential successor Antonelli fail Mercedes audition with HUGE blunder in Italian GP practice4) Lando Norris – £15mMcLaren ace Lando Norris is currently the closest challenger to Verstappen, and is realistically the only one who could nick the driver’s championship away from the three-time world champion.However, the two-time race winner has some way to before he gets anywhere near Verstappen’s contract value.5) Fernando Alonso – £14mThe two-time world champion is the main driver at Aston Martin, who have just signed legendary designer Adrian Newey down to a deal worth £150m.For the time being though, Fernando Alonso is still search of his elusive next win in an F1 race.6) George Russell – £14mThe man who will replace Hamilton as Mercedes main man, George Russell earns a cool £14m-a-year.The Silver Arrows will be looking to the Brit to win races next season.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 Ocon7) Sergio Perez – £11mSergio Perez has struggled at Red Bull in the last couple of seasons, and has consequently seen his place with the team come under question.However, for now he remains the team’s second driver.8) Carlos Sainz – £9.2mCarlos Sainz is set to leave his £9.2m contract at Ferrari to join Williams after losing his seat next season to Hamilton.He has one win so far this season, and will be hoping to add to his list while he still has Ferrari engineering behind him.9) Valtteri Bottas – £7.7mFormer Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas likely has his race-winning days behind him.But his more than capable racecraft at Kick Sauber F1 still sees him command a massive salary of £7.7m.READ MORE SUN STORIES10) Daniel Ricciardo – £5.4mLike Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo’s race-winning days are certainly behind him.However, the Aussie remains a big name in the sport and can still pocket a huge £5.4m a year salary.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      F1 designer lands eye-watering deal that will see him paid more than 18 drivers and only behind Hamilton and Verstappen

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      ASTON MARTIN have signed legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey. The 65-year-old, who has been with Red Bull for 19 years, has signed a lucrative £20million-a-year contract with Lawrence Stroll’s team that reportedly rises to £30m including add-ons and bonuses.F1 designer Adrian Newey has signed for Aston MartinCredit: PANewey has left Red Bull after 19 yearsCredit: PAHe has landed a mega-money contract from team boss Lawrence StrollCredit: PANewey has won 12 drivers’ and 13 constructors’ championships during a glittering 30-year career in F1, having also worked at Williams and McLaren. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining Aston Martin. I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that Lawrence brings to everything he is involved with.”Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport.”His commitment is demonstrated in the development of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone, which are not only state of the art but have a layout that creates a great environment to work in.READ MORE IN F1″Together with great partners like Honda and Aramco, they have all the key pieces of infrastructure needed to make Aston Martin a world championship-winning team and I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal.”Newey, who announced his departure in May, wanted out from Red Bull following Christian Horner’s sexting scandal, which he has always denied and was cleared for misconduct by the team.The design guru now no longer takes part in team meetings.Ferrari were heavily linked with signing Newey, but the British designer has opted to stay in the UK and will begin work on pushing Aston Martin towards a world championship.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStroll said: “This is huge news. Adrian is the best in the world at what he does – he is at the top of his game – and I am incredibly proud that he is joining the team. “It’s the biggest story since the Aston Martin name returned to the sport and another demonstration of our ambition to build a Formula One team capable of fighting for world championships.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”As soon as Adrian became available, we knew we had to make it happen. “Our initial conversations confirmed that there was a shared desire to collaborate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Adrian is a racer and one of the most competitive people I have ever met. “Adrian shares our hunger and ambition, he believes in this project, and he will help us write the next chapter in Aston Martin’s story.”He will start working in his role of Managing Technical Partner from 1 March 2025.Newey’s deal with the sporting wing of the former James Bond car makers will see him land £150m including bonuses and add-ons over five years, according to the BBC.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.Following intense speculation – including a leak spotted by fans on Sky Sports TV guide – the deal to take Newey to the team for the 2025 season was announced on Tuesday morning.Newey’s proficiency for aerodynamics, particularly at the start of new regulations, means the team could be propelled towards the top of the grid from their current standings of fifth in the 2026 season – when the new era of engine regs come into play.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis bumper contract means Newey will be earning more than 18 drivers on the F1 grid, including the team’s star driver and two-time title winner Fernando Alonso.Only reigning world champion Max Verstappen and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton will be earning more than Newey.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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      Lando Norris blows huge chance to close lead on Max Verstappen as Brit chokes pole position once again

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      LANDO NORRIS choked again at the start of the Italian Grand Prix to put a major dent in his title hopes.Charles Leclerc roared “Mamma Mia!” as he tasted victory in the home of the Ferrari faithful with his second win of the season.Ferrari star Charles Leclerc won the Italian Grand PrixCredit: AFPMax Verstappen extended his winless streak to six racesCredit: RexLando Norris choked again at the Italian Grand Prix to put a dent in his title hopesCredit: GettyIt was the same old story for Norris though who started in pole position but failed to finish the opening lap in first-place for the fourth time this season.Oscar Piastri left his McLaren team-mate for dust by passing the pole-sitter on the opening lap by the second chicane.The Australian driver was relentless throughout and finished in second while Norris nipped into third with five laps to go ahead of fourth-place Carlos Sainz.Lewis Hamilton had to settle for fifth while Max Verstappen stretched his winless streak to six races – his worst run of form since 2020.Read More on F1It was a disastrous start for George Russell who veered off the track in his Mercedes and into the run-off area, leaving him in seventh despite starting in third.The British driver was left with a damaged wing which forced him to pit on lap 11 for a new front-wing and a fresh set of tyres.The pressure was clearly getting to Norris who hit a BOLLARD on his way into the pit lane on lap 15 as he tried to slow down.Title rivals Verstappen and Norris began an epic battle for fourth as the Dutchman coolly held off the McLaren driver on lap 40.Most read in MotorsportBut Norris hit back strongly and eased past the Red Bull driver on the main straight just one lap later.To the delight of the Monza fans it was a Ferrari one-two from lap 39 until lap 48 with Leclerc nine seconds clear in front.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ The McLaren drivers weren’t going out without a fight though and Norris passed Sainz on the second attempt.Piastri was snapping at Leclerc’s heels on fresher tyres but the six-second gap between them with two laps to go felt like a stretch before Leclerc crossed the line. More

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      Red Bull boss Christian Horner breaks silence after being cleared in sext scandal that rocked marriage to Geri Halliwell

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner has broken his silence after being cleared for a second time over the sexting scandal.Horner, 50, told reporters today that he is “relieved” by the decision and now wants to fully “focus on track” after the allegations rocked his marriage to Geri Halliwell.Red Bull chief Christian Horner has broken his silence after being cleared for a second time over the sexting scandalCredit: GettyGeri Horner is said to be ‘very relieved’ that the employee’s appeal was thrown out, a source revealedCredit: GettyHorner says he wants to ‘focus on the track’ now as he looks to retain the constructors championship with Red BullCredit: EPAThe Red Bull F1 boss was accused by an employee of making  suggestive remarks earlier this year as alleged sexts were also leaked.An investigation was opened up at Red Bull which saw Horner grilled by an external barrister, his colleagues and even star driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.Horner has consistently denied all the allegations against him and was later cleared in March of any wrongdoing.His accuser, who was suspended by Red Bull, then launched an appeal.read more in Christian HornerAfter four months, Red Bull announced on August 8 “the appeal is not upheld”.“The internal process has concluded,” they added in a statement. Horner spoke to Sky Sports News for the first time since the decision ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend.He said: “Obviously, it’s been a hugely thorough process and, of course, I was relieved with the appeal concluding and dismissing the claim.Most read in Motorsport”So, now It’s very much, as it has been all season, focus on track, here at Max’s home race and looking forward to these last 10 races.”It comes as a source revealed to The Sun that the drama had meant “weeks of hell” for the family, who added: “Geri is very relieved.“It has been a horrible process but she has loyally and staunchly stood by Christian throughout the entire ordeal.“This is vindication for them.”Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feudThe couple’s marriage had been put under pressure by the accusations of “inappropriate behaviour”.Despite the public scrutiny, Christian and Geri, 52, put on a united front as the initial complaint was dismissed less than 24 hours before the first practice session of the season.Soon after, a leaked document of alleged sexts were revealed, along with an email which was said to be between the woman and Horner.The scandal rocked the F1 world with interviews with team principals and prominent figures heavily focusing on the investigation. Verstappen’s father, Jos, was outspoken with his support for the accuser. He called for Horner to quit Red Bull in March to avoid the team being “torn apart”.Before saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”Red Bull director Helmut Marko also voiced his concerns over the allegations.His accuser is still suspended on full pay.Horner’s star driver and current world champion Max Verstappen leads the drivers championship by 78 points over Brit Lando Norris.READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Bull are also ahead in the hotly contested constructors title with McLaren and Ferrari sitting less than 65 points behind.Ten races are left in the F1 calendar which resumes following a four-week break in the Netherlands.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAPFEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job.But he denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends female employee.MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.MAR 17: Horner, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen agree to a ‘public ceasefire’.APR 23: Female accuser gets quizzed by investigators over claimsAUG 8: Horner is cleared for a second time over the sexting scandal Geri stood by her husband throughout the processCredit: ReutersThe Sun’s front page after Christian Horner was cleared the first time🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen escalates ban row with Red Bull as F1 champ says ‘I don’t tell them what to do in their private time’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has told Red Bull to stay out of his personal life — and vowed to carry on late-night gaming.Formula One star Verstappen also instructed his critics to “turn the volume down” if they do not like his furious swearing on the team radio.Max Verstappen warned Red Bull bosses to stay out of his private lifeCredit: RexThe Dutch driver, 26, came under fire for staying up until 3am on his £10,000 racing simulator before the Hungarian Grand Prix.On the real track the following day, he crashed into Brit rival Lewis Hamilton late on and was effing and blinding on his team radio throughout — before finishing in fifth place.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko said after the race the team had put a ban on Verstappen’s virtual racing.But three-time world champ Verstappen insisted yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP: “We’ve talked about it. There are no new sim races coming up, so I said he doesn’t have to worry.READ MORE ON F1“I don’t have a ban. I don’t tell them what to do in their private time at the weekend. That also applies to me the other way around.“Something is always invented. If you don’t win a race, you get blamed for being up until 3am but in Imola I won the race, while I was also doing sim racing.“This is not something new. I’ve been doing this since 2015. So for me, this is not something that is any different in my preparation.“I’ve won three world championships. I know what I can and what I cannot do.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Verstappen extended his winless run to three races, his longest since 2021.That stat may explain his fruity language last weekend as he blasted the team’s “s**t strategy, said his race was “f****d” and also hit his steering wheel in qualifying.Watch Max Verstappen swerve to avoid killing a GROUNDHOG during Canadian GPAnd seven-time title-winner Hamilton said Verstappen did not conduct himself like a world champ after the race.The Mercedes ace stressed: “As a team leader, as a team member, as a team-mate, you have to act like a world champion.”He was asked if those comments from Verstappen portrayed that, to which Hamilton replied: “Not like it was last weekend.”Verstappen said: “People that don’t like my language, then don’t listen in, turn the volume down.“I’m very driven to success, I’ve proven that already, I always want to optimise stuff.“People can argue that he might not be so vocal on the radio but that’s their opinion.“My opinion is that it needs to be said at the time, to maybe also try to force that the second pit stop would have been a bit different, that’s how it goes.”Meanwhile, Lando Norris has been feeling guilty team-mate Oscar Piastri’s maiden win in Hungary was overshadowed by his radio row.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit, with one eye on the championship, ignored McLaren team orders to allow Piastri past on fresher tyres until just three laps to go.He said: “The fact I kind of clouded over Oscar’s first race win is something I’ve not felt too proud about.” More