More stories

  • in

    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner pleads guilty to having mobile phone behind wheel of her £70,000 Mercedes

    KYLE Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner has been fined £198 after pleading guilty to not having proper control of her £70,000 Mercedes.The Wag, whose case was heard at Chester magistrates court this afternoon, was spotted at the wheel with her mobile phone in her hand last summer.Annie Kilner did not appear at court for the hearingCredit: SplashKilner pleaded guilty to the driving offenceCredit: Dan CharityKyle Walker’s estranged wife accepted she was behind the wheel while not being in control of a £70,000 MercedesCredit: BackGridShe was stopped by police in Cheshire at around 8.30pm on June 8 2024 as love rat Walker prepared to go away with the England squad for the Euros.Kilner, 32, was on her way to collect their four children when she was clocked with the device in one hand, and the other on the wheel, the court heard.She was due to stand trial, but instead did not attend and pleaded guilty via her barrister Nick Ross.As well as fining her, magistrates also imposed three penalty points on her driving licence.The charges stated the driver was “in such a position that she could not have proper control of the car”.Kilner was also charged with using a phone at the wheel but it was withdrawn.Michael O’Kane, prosecuting, said PC David O’Connor pulled her over at traffic lights on Bollington Lane in Alderley Edge, and said in a statement that he “suspected that the lady was talking to someone on her mobile phone”.Mr O’Kane continued: “He observed the driver, Miss Kilner, she had her mobile phone in her left hand with the other hand on the steering wheel.Most read in Football”The officer then pursued and stopped the vehicle and engaged in conversation with the defendant.”She said, ‘My kids are at padel’ and that she was late.”Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleThe court heard a not guilty plea had initially been entered.But Mr Ross said she admitted the offence of not having proper control of her vehicle, rather than the offence of driving whilst using a mobile phone.He said the police officer suspected she may have been talking to someone on the phone but did not see her lips moving and she did not have the phone to her ear.He added: “This was a low-speed incident, an unremarkable incident and the defendant was on her way to collect her four children on that evening in question and she apologises for the offence.”Chair of the magistrates bench, Jean Bamford, imposed a fine of £198, with £400 costs and a £79 victim surcharge.She added: “Three points will go on her driving licence, that makes nine points. She will have to drive very carefully from now on.”The court heard she already has six points on her licence after exceeding a 30mph limit and for a traffic signal offence.Kilner faces a ban under “totting up rules” if she accumulates 12 points.The latest offence came months after Kilner and Walker, 34, had their fourth child and two days before the Three Lions ace flew to Germany.Kilner previously discovered her love-rat partner had fathered a second child with social media personality Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe denied the driving charge in November.Her hearing is hours before Walker plays for England against ­Latvia at Wembley. More

  • in

    Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew out

    MARCUS Rashford’s £700,000 Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorway following a tyre blow-out.The on-loan Aston Villa forward, 27, was on England duty when the car broke down on the M60 on Friday.Marcus Rashford’s Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorwayCredit: mancpicss66The on-loan Aston Villa ace, 27, was on England duty when the car broke downCredit: AlamyThe £700,000 car’s tyre blew out and was stranded for an hourCredit: ZenpixThe motor was stranded on the side of the M60 on FridayCredit: mancpicss66It was not known who was driving. The posh motor was stranded for more than an hour at the spot near where another of his Rolls was written off in a 2023 crash. The vehicle was so badly wrecked, Rashford was forced to flog it for a hugely discounted £184,000 at auction.The forward then replaced it with an almost identical car in May last year – opting for white instead of grey.READ MORE ON MARCUS RASHFORDA source said: “Rashford hasn’t had much luck with his Rolls.“The first one was written off and then the second one breaks down.“He’ll be questioning the £1.4million he’s splashed out on two identical cars.“Let’s hope he has more luck on the pitch.”Most read in FootballRashford’s first Mansory Wraith had only 1,000 miles on the clock when it was involved in a collision as he left United’s training ground in Carrington.He’d been on his way home from his side’s 1-0 Premier League win at Burnley when his 2.5-ton vehicle ploughed into a pole on a traffic island, claiming another driver veered into his lane.Footballer Marcus Rashford has bought a brand new £700,000 Rolls Royce WraithPhotos showed the car took a pounding in the crash, with extensive damage to the front, left front wing and a mangled rear left wheel and bumper.Luckily both drivers escaped without injury. More

  • in

    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner due in court accused of not having proper control of £70,000 Mercedes

    KYLE Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner is due to appear in court tomorrow over a driving offence.The Wag is facing accusations she was behind the wheel while not being in control of a £70,000 Mercedes.Annie Kilner is due to appear in court tomorrow over a driving offenceCredit: Dan CharityKyle Walker’s estranged wife is facing accusations she was behind the wheel while not being in control of a £70,000 MercedesCredit: BackGridShe was stopped by police in Cheshire on June 8 last year — as Kyle prepared to go away with the England squad for the Euros.The charges state the driver was “in such a position that she could not have proper control of the car”.It is unclear exactly what she is accused of doing. Annie, 32, was also charged with using a phone at the wheel but it was withdrawn.Read More on SportThe charge is brought when the driver is said to be “in a position which does not give proper control or a full view of the road”.It can be when they are spotted drinking or eating while driving, adjusting the sat nav or changing music on the car’s touchscreen.The alleged offence came months after Annie and Kyle, 34, had their fourth child and two days before the Three Lions ace flew to Germany.Annie previously discovered her love-rat partner had fathered a second child with social media personality Lauryn Goodman.Most read in FootballShe denied the driving charge in November.If Annie is convicted at Chester magistrates’ tomorrow, she faces three penalty points on her driving licence and a fine.Kyle Walker party girls revealed as globe-trotting models – and lift lid on how star is enjoying his new life in MilanHer hearing will be hours before Kyle plays for England against ­Latvia at Wembley. Annie’s representative was approached for comment. More

  • in

    England star’s limited edition Bentley Continental could be yours for £70,000 and is one of only 710 ever produced

    FOOTBALL fans have the chance to live like an England superstar after captain Harry Kane put his Bentley on sale.And the stunning limited edition motor could be theirs for just under £70,000.Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has put his Bentley Continental up for saleCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    England captain Kane’s ride is now up for grabs for £69,995Credit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    Kane’s limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever producedCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    Kane is enjoying a stunning season with BayernCredit: PAThe Three Lions’ record goalscorer is flogging his white Bentley Continental on Auto Trader.This limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever produced and has previously been photographed pulling up to the England captain’s London home after his daughter’s birth.It comes with an eight-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, an electric rear spoiler and 21-inch Black alloy wheels as well as 25,400 miles on the clock. And the swanky car could end up belonging to a lucky fan in the near future.Read More on FootballThat’s if they can part with £69,995.Auto Trader editorial director Erin Baker said: “It’s not every day that a car with such star appeal comes onto the market. “Harry Kane’s former Bentley Continental is a rare example of luxury craftsmanship, and with its celebrity connection, it’s sure to turn heads. “With over 80million visits to our site each month, we expect this unique vehicle to attract plenty of attention from football fans and car enthusiasts alike.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBayern Munich star Kane, 31, is back on England duty ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel’s side take on the Albanians on Friday and the Latvians on Monday – both fixtures take place at Wembley.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Kane has once again been in fine form this season with a whopping total of 32 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances.And the Tottenham legend is likely to finally break his trophy duck with Bayern top of the Bundesliga table with six points separating them from second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. More

  • in

    Man City’s Erling Haaland splashes out on rare £4m Bugatti with 277mph top speed, space-age features & iconic doors

    SUPER-RICH soccer ace Erling Haaland has ordered an incredible Bugatti dream car for £4 million.The Manchester City striker – who recently penned a record nine-and-a-half-year £200 million contract – is buying a space age Bugatti Tourbillon.The Bugatti Tourbillon has a price tag of $4 million and a 1,800 horsepower engineCredit: GettyErling Braut Haaland of the Norwegian national football team during a training session in MarbellaCredit: RexIts 1,800 horsepower petrol and electric hybrid V16 engine catapults the sleek supercar to 62mph in an astonishing two seconds and rockets on to 124mph in five seconds.And the monster motor – which features iconic “butterfly” doors – has a top speed of 277mph.Norwegian superstar Haaland, 24, has joined forces with billionaire car collector pal Ole Ertvaag to snap up one of just 250 Tourbillons being made by the legendary Italian firm.The ultra exclusive model has a list price of around £3.2 million but Haaland and his co-buyer will fork out a fortune in tax owing to Norway’s strict low emissions laws.Read more SportThey are also expected to pay huge sums on customising the car – which will be crafted and styled to their exact specifications.Tycoon Ertvaag – a season ticket holder at City rivals Manchester United – has a fleet of supercars and insists on registering them all in his native Norway.More than 90 per cent of all new cars sold in the uber-green Scandinavian nation are now all-electric thanks to heavy charges levied on petrol vehicles.The pair are now planning to register their Tourbillon in Norway before April 1 when laws change to push import taxes of petrol-driven hybrid vehicles even higher.Most read in FootballA Norwegian source told The Sun: “The taxes will push the cost of the car to £4 million provided it’s registered in time.“But the cost is not a deal breaker for people as rich as Erling Haaland and he will love the chance of being able to drive his Bugatti on trips back home.How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham FA Cup clash – Expert’s best bets | Weekend Wager“It’s a truly amazing car both in terms of looks and performance – and the only question remaining is whether it will be delivered in sky blue Man City colours.”Powerhouse Haaland – who has bagged 29 goals for City this season – and fellow investor Ertvaag, 62, bought a £2.62 million Mercedes AMG together last year.The pair are both from the Rogaland region of Norway and share a passion for fast cars and football and already have joint property investments, along with Erling’s ex-city star dad Alfie.Erlings’ new Bugatti is set to become the star car collection, which already includes a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A Mercedes AMG, a Ferrari Monza SP2, a Range Rover Sport and an Audi RS6 Avant Quattro.Erling Haaland pictured playing for Manchester City during a Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Meet the stunning F1 WAGs stealing the show in 2025 – from pro golfer to racing star & top model who dated Kardashian ex

    AS the Formula 1 aces took to the grid this weekend, some fans were driven to distraction by the bevvy of beauties in the paddocks.The drivers’ glamorous wives and girlfriends  tried to keep their cool at the Australian Grand Prix as the mercury hit 32C and their partners burned rubber.At the Australian Grand Prix the F1 Wags stole the showCredit: GettyAnd with a host of rookies on the track alongside veterans Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there were some unfamiliar faces on the sidelines, too.American Hannah St John, 21, was all smiles at Albert Park Circuit, in Melbourne, as she cheered on Red Bull Racing’s rising star Liam Lawson. She joined Scot Rebecca Donaldson, 28, the girlfriend of Carlos Sainz, who was making his Williams’ debut after four seasons at Ferrari.And the Wags also live life in the fast lane, with impressive careers of their own including as a professional golfer, model and racing driver.read more on formula oneHere, Thea Jacobs takes a look at the F1 stars’ stunning other halves, who are in pole position to steal the limelight from their men . . . Isabella Bernardini & Gabriel BortoletoYOUNG love is at the races this year, in the shape of Team Sauber’s newbie driver Gabriel, 20, and his girlfriend Isabella, who is just a year older.The couple are high school sweethearts, having got together when he was 16.Isabella Bernardini is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the NetherlandsCredit: GettyIsabella and Gabriel Bortoleto are high school sweetheartsCredit: AFPMeet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student Isabella is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the Netherlands.Most read in MotorsportThe couple aren’t afraid to show off their romance online, posing together for a cute New Year’s snap in which she perched on his knee, and sharing pictures of his Formula 2 races last year.Brazilian Isabella flew in to watch her beau make his F1 debut, and she looked stunning in a white mini-skirt and blouse combo.Sadly, Gabriel was not placed in his first race of the season – but he was surely a winner with Isabella.KELLY, 36, is in a relationship with Max , 27, the four-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.She is also racing royalty, as the daughter of three-time winner Nelson Piquet, 72.Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time winner Nelson PiquetCredit: GettyKelly is expecting her first child with Max VerstappenCredit: RexSince she started dating Red Bull racer Max in 2020, the Formula E social media manager has been a regular at the grand prix.But the heavily pregnant model missed out on this weekend’s race to attend an event at swanky restaurant Kaspia London, in Mayfair.It will be Kelly and Max’s first baby together. She also has a daughter with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat.Francisca Gomes & Pierre GaslyPORTUGUESE Francisca, 22, has been in a relationship with Alpine’s French driver Pierre Gasly since 2022.She posted a sweet black- and-white snap of the pair kissing after his first outing of the season and revealed they had relaxed with a plush Italian meal the night before.Francisca Gomes has built a career as a model and influencerCredit: GettyPierre Gasly has dubbed Francisca his ‘lucky charm’Credit: AFPBeing in the paddock isn’t a new experience for “Kika” either as her father is former F1 driver Goncalo Gomes, 49.And thanks to her mum being TV presenter Maria Cerqueira Gomes, Francisca isn’t easily fazed by the limelight.She has built a career as a model and influencer, which allows her to follow Pierre, 29, around the world for his races.Which is lucky for the driver as he dubbed her his “lucky charm.”Not too lucky though, as he only took 11th place on Sunday.Eliska Babickova & Andrea Kimi AntonelliELISKA and boyfriend Andrea, 18, clearly love life in the fast lane – as they’re both professional racing drivers.She is more likely to be seen trackside this year as Andrea has been promoted to the F1 circuit and snatched fourth place for Mercedes Down Under.Eliska Babickova was the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting classCredit: AlamyEliska and Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated a year together in OctoberCredit: AFPEliksa – the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting class – will understand the nerves and determination involved when it comes to racing.Outside the sport, she has a YouTube channel with her sisters, fellow drivers Petra and Tereza, where they document their lives.Eliska and Andrea celebrated a year together in October, and while he is off racing all over the world, she is finishing high school and plans to study economics at uni.Carmen Montero Mundt & George RussellAS fans of Netflix documentary Drive To Survive will know, George loves nothing more than showing off his stunning 26-year-old Spanish girlfriend Carmen.She appears to be a good omen too, as 27-year-old British Mercedes ace George took third place in the Aussie Grand Prix at the weekend.Carmen Montero Mundt recently returned to studies after a finance job in LondonCredit: InstagramCarmen and George Russell have been together since 2020Credit: AFPThe couple, who have been together since 2020, live in Monaco.Carmen recently returned to studies after a finance job in London, but her life is worlds away from her childhood in Spain.She said: “I always wanted to work in finance. “My family struggled financially during the global crisis, and that determined what I wanted to do from a very young age.”Hannah St John & Liam LawsonHER rookie boyfriend Liam may have endured a nightmare start to his Red Bull career, but Hannah looked like a seasoned Wag as she cheered him on from the sidelines.Wearing this black halter-neck dress to the race, she later changed into a striped blue two-piece to console the 23-year-old Kiwi driver after he swerved into the wall and crashed out in Melbourne.Hannah St John graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical SciencesCredit: Avalon.redHannah was there to support Liam Lawson as he began his Red Bull careerCredit: APHannah, 23, graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She also works as a model and influencer, with 40,000 followers and partnerships including Bvlgari.The beauty flew to New Zealand last year to meet Liam’s family and followed him around the world in his last season as a Formula 2 driver.She was also there to support him last year when he replaced Daniel   Ricciardo for the last six races of the F1 season.Alexandra Saint Mleux & Charles LeclercSHE has only been dating Ferrari ace Charles since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped Alexandra winning over legions of fans and becoming the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social media.The Italian influencer – who has a degree in Art History and a social media account dedicated to her favourite pieces of work – is often seen trackside cheering on her boyfriend, who placed eighth yesterday.Alexandra Saint Mleux is the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social mediaCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has been dating Alexandra since 2023Credit: GettyShe has also started carving out a career as a model, and last month appeared in adverts for Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand.Alexandra, who has more than 1.6million followers on Instagram, often posts snaps of her pet dachshund, holidays and outfits, leading Tatler to brand her the “most stylish woman in F1” – quite the accolade.Rebecca Donaldson & Carlos SainzSCOTTISH beauty Rebecca did a few laps of the showbiz circuit before she shacked up with Williams driver Carlos in 2023.Now an established model, she started out in pageants and appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TV, and was linked to Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick.Rebecca Donaldson appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TVCredit: RexCarlos Sainz started dating Rebecca in 2023Credit: EPAThese days she is often spotted cheering on 30-year-old Carlos, who she has dated since 2023, and was seen gracing the paddock this weekend in a body-hugging grey dress.During her catwalk career, 28-year-old Rebecca has been a cover girl for Vogue and Marie Claire, and in October 2020 she launched her own activewear range, Muse.Sara Pagliaroli & Lance StrollVICTORIA’S Secret Angel model Sara and 26-year-old Aston Martin race ace Lance made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of 007 blockbuster No Time To Die.And with her bombshell good looks, the gorgeous 29-year-old Italian could pass for a Bond Girl herself.Sara Pagliaroli started modelling at 17Credit: InstagramLance Stroll and Sara made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of No Time To DieCredit: AFPSara started modelling at 17 and has worked with brands including Replay Jeans and Adria Beachwear.In 2020 she launched her own jewellery brand called Blue Lemon Jewels, and she is currently the face of clothing brand Yamamay.Lily Muni He & Alexander AlbonLILY, 25, might be known to some as the girlfriend of F1 driver Alexander, 28, but she is a sports star in her own right.The stunning brunette is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of five and currently takes part in the US-based LPGA Tour.Lily Muni He is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of fiveCredit: GettyAlexander Albon and Lily had their first date on a golf course in 2019Credit: AFPLily wasn’t there to cheer on ­Alexander as he took fifth place in Oz, but she showed her ­support on Instagram.It was F1 that brought the pair together as they began their relationship after she watched Netflix series Drive To Survive. They had their first date on a golf course in 2019.While Lily travels the globe playing golf, she does find time to cheer on Alexander during races – such as at Silverstone in 2023, when she was spotted in the paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander repays the favour and has been seen ­supporting her on the green, posting about it on his own social media.These two are well on their way to taking pole ­position as a true sporting power ­couple.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • in

    ‘All-time greats’ – Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen in epic Australian GP after SIX drivers KO’d and Hamilton blunder

    LANDO NORRIS won a thrilling season opener in Melbourne after SIX drivers were KO’d and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gamble went horribly wrong.The McLaren driver held onto the lead by the skin of his teeth as Max Verstappen pulled it out the bag to finish a whisker behind him in second. Lando Norris won a chaotic Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyNorris celebrated the win with his mumCredit: AFPNorris celebrates following his thrilling winCredit: EPANorris finished just ahead of VerstappenCredit: EPAThe wet conditions saw six cars crash outCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton had a Ferrari debut to forget as he finished P10Credit: AFPHamilton was fuming with his race engineerCredit: GettyThe other McLaren, Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare ending having been hot on team-mate Norris’ heels throughout before spinning off the track and onto the grass with 11 laps to go. It meant Verstappen overtook him and Piastri finished in ninth after starting the race in second after a front row lock-out for reigning Constructors’ champs McLaren.After the Piastri chaos, Lewis Hamilton was leading the race on his debut for Ferrari as the Italian team gambled by not pitting him and his team-mate Charles Leclerc.  But it did not pay off as Verstappen pitted and hunted them down on fresh tyres, forcing them into the pits for a changeover. READ MORE IN F1The fuming seven-time world champion gave his race engineer Riccardo Adami a tongue lashing, swearing on his radio after Ferrari dropped down the positions and he finished in ninth while Leclerc settled for eighth. At one point Adami was trying to give Hamilton information about DRS but he says on his team radio: “Leave it guys, leave it. I’m learning the car as I go mate, just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.”Earlier on in the race, Hamilton asked: “Tell me where I’m slow I’m having a hard time.”British Mercedes driver George Russell made it onto the podium in third and Alex Albon came in fourth in his Williams. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTo rub salt in the wounds for Hamilton, Lance Stroll also finished ahead of him in sixth for Aston Martin. SIX drivers did not finish the drama-filled race, including Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson. ‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GPRB rookie Hadjar crashed on the formation lap before he even started and was left crying with his head in his hands before Lewis Hamilton’s dad comforted him. “Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.”Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.”Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle called it one of Norris’ “all-time great” drives.After his disappointing debut, Hamilton said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.” More

  • in

    Every F1 rule change revealed ahead of new season with fastest lap bonus point scrapped and swearing sanctions

    FORMULA ONE is going to look a little different in 2025 – after a host of new rules.The new F1 season is set to be one of the closest title fights in modern history when it kick starts in Melbourne on Sunday.This season is the latest before a major change in regulationsDefending champion Max Verstappen will begin his F1 title defence this weekendBefore lights out at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, several key technical and regulatory tweaks will come into effect.Most are in response to controversies that occurred last season, before the major overhaul to technical regulations from 2026.Here SunSport runs you through the main ones that are worth knowing about.Goodbye fastest lap bonus pointSince 2019, a driver that finished in the top 10 of a race was eligible for an extra championship point if they set the fastest lap.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut this rule – the only change to the points system- has been removed in arguably the biggest of the changes introduced.While the bonus point had led to drivers pushing in the closing stages of races, there had been controversy over teams making late pit stops or attempts to block rivals.This was notable when drivers outside the top 10 posted the fastest lap, which took the bonus away from title contenders. Last season, Daniel Ricciardo denied Lando Norris an extra point for the fastest lap of the race at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportRicciardo was driving for Red Bull’s junior team Visa Cash App RB.Norris was locked in a tight fight with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the drivers title – which can be lost and won with a single point.Daniel Ricciardo pitted to change to soft tyres and go for the fastest lap time in SingaporeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHeavier cars and cooling systemsIf you believe the current F1 cars are too big, we have some bad news for you.Car mass is up 2kg from 798kg to 800kg this season, which combines both cars and drivers. The change is due to the minimum driver weight having been increased by 2kg from 80kg to 82kg, which partially accounts for the taller drivers such as George Russell and Esteban Ocon.Driver weight includes their helmet, race suit and shoes. Teams will also be required to fit a mandated driver cooling system in the event of a heat hazard.The hazard would be declared when the temperature is forecast to be 31 degrees or above during a sprint or Grand Prix race.Car weights will be increased by 2kg for practice, qualifying and sprint qualifying when cooling systems are required.Russell was heartbreakingly stripped of his Belgian GP win last season, when his car was found underweight after it was drained of fuel during the usual post-race checks.Car mass is up 2kg from 798kg to 800kg this seasonRed Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Mini-DRS and flexible wings One of the main technical points that arose during the 2024 campaign was McLaren’s rear-wing design.At high speeds the rear wing of the MCL38 tilted backward under heavy aerodynamic load, creating a gap in the win that was termed a “mini-DRS.”While McLaren was instructed to alter their design in September, the FIA has tightened up the technical regulations regarding both the rear wing and the Drag Reduction System (DRS).The FIA have tightened technical regulations regarding the rear wing and Drag Reduction System.Under the new regulations outlined in Article 3.10 of the Technical Regulations, the minimum gap in the rear wing has decreased from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm. The FIA will introduce stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish GP in June – much to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s dismay.The FIA tightened technical regulations regarding the rear wing and Drag Reduction SystemF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconNo swearingDrivers face possible one-month BANS if they repeatedly swear or criticise the governing body.The controversial move is prompted by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s determination to cut out bad language.Verstappen was the first big victim of this clampdown after he used X-rated language during a press conference at the Singapore GP.The four-time world champion was ordered do “community service” and spend time with grassroot competitors in Rwanda.Under the new guidelines, a first offence would result in a £33,750 fine, a second offence £67,4300 and a suspended one-month ban. A third offence would bring a £100,000 fine, a one-month ban and the deduction of championship points.F1 personnel could also be punished for causing moral injury or loss to the FIA; incitement to violence or hatred; political, religious or personal statements that do not align with FIA neutrality.Failure to comply with FIA instructions at official ceremonies is also punishable.Max Verstappen was not impressed after being told off for swearing at a press conferenceMohammed Ben Sulayem wants to cut out bad languageTwo-stop race in MonacoF1 has made Monaco a two-stop minimum Grand Prix in bid to improve racing.It’s mainly in response to drivers – namely Hamilton’s- complaints last year after an early red flag allowed a free tyre change.This meant they adhered to the regulated stop before completing the circuit without further changes.A lack of overtaking at the iconic street circuit has been criticised for affecting the spectacle of the event.Tweaks to qualifying based on championship positionThis is to cover the situation in Brazil last year when qualifying was touch and go due to bad weather.The forecast of more heavy rain from mid-afternoon in Sao Paulo led to the decision to bring the race time forward.That saw qualifying moved to an early start time because there must be a minimum of four hours between the end of qualifying and the start of the race.So, the grid for the race will be defined by the drivers championship position, IF qualifying cannot take place.This is to cover off the situation in Brazil last year if qualifying could not have gone ahead due to bad weatherCredit: RexMore practice for rookies and test timeThe mandatory FP1 running for rookie drivers has been expanded for 2025.Each team will be required to run four young drivers free practice sessions.This is an increase over the previous requirement of two.Teams will choose which weekends their rookies will participate in, with the finale in Abu Dhabi often being a favourite.During the season, teams have a limited allowance of testing of previous cars – which are aged between two and four years old. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will not be allowed to exceed 1,000km of running in total.Teams can only have one of these cars available to run during a test at any time. More