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    We won’t go back to being best mates’ – George Russell no longer speaking to Max Verstappen after F1 feud

    GEORGE RUSSELL has “no intention” of burying the hatchet with Max Verstappen following their explosive row last season.The pair went to war in last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, with the British 27-year-old claiming Verstappen threatened to put his “f***ing head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix.George Russell says he didn’t speak to Max Verstappen over the winterCredit: AlamyRussell and Verstappen fell out after clashing at the Qatar GPCredit: GettyFour-time world champ Verstappen was branded a “bully” by Russell — with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling the Brit a “backstabber” and “loser” after he won the race, with his Mercedes rival trailing in fourth.Russell — speaking at Tuesday night’s  F1 75 event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary at London’s O2 Arena — said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest.“That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.READ MORE IN F1“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Most read in MotorsportThe situation between the pair is set to remain frostyCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Verstappen admitted he will put the issue to one side. He said: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Meanwhile, the Dutchman laid into the FIA for their new extreme swearing rules for the upcoming campaign, urging them to focus on more important issues.F1 star Ollie Bearman gets suited up ready for the 2025 season driving for Haas F1 Team Fines will range from  £34,000 to £152k, while Championship points can be docked and race bans  handed out for repeat offenders.In Singapore last year,  Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to complete community work after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.The 27-year-old said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of Formula One cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”Lando Norris revealed he expects McLaren to bounce backCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, British McLaren driver Lando Norris says his team have “no excuses” if they are not  competing at the front of the grid right from the off this season.McLaren won their first constructors’ championship since 1998 last year but Norris was runner-up to  Verstappen, 63 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.Red Bull had dominated the first five races which ultimately  left Norris with a mountain to climb.With the countdown to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 underway, he said: “After last year  we have no excuses, I guess.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past we’ve had our fair share but honest and true excuses.“This year we  don’t  have any, we have nothing to hide behind.“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything  it takes to fight at the top and be  the best.” More

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    ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

    MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘Something he’s longed to do’ – Fans convinced Max Verstappen will QUIT F1 after huge update from iconic motorsport team

    FANS are convinced Max Verstappen will make a stunning career switch after an iconic motorsport team announced a major update.On Friday morning it was revealed Ford would be returning to the field in the World Endurance Championship.Ford have announced they are returning to Endurance racing with the aim of winning Le Mans in 2027Credit: ReutersFans are convinced the move could see Max Verstappen switch motorsport disciplinesCredit: GettyVerstappen has admitted he wants to try other racing disciplinesCredit: GettyThe statement revealed Ford would be joining the Hyperclass type of cars in 2027.Ford have already revealed they will begin their new technical partnership with Red Bull in 2026, when they will develop a next-gen Formula One power unit for Red Bull Racing and sister team VCARB.Ford’s return to F1 followed a 20-year hiatus, while Ford’s latest move into Endurance Racing will see them compete in races such as Le Mans for the first time in 60 years.The company dominated Le Mans in the late 1960s in a fierce rivalry with Ferrari, who have won the last two events and are the third-most successful team overall behind Porsche and Audi.READ MORE IN F1Fans are convinced this move will ultimately facilitate an incredible change of career for four-time F1 world champion Verstappen.Speculating on social media, one fan said: “I wonder if this move of Ford’s to return to #WEC will be Red Bull-backed and that gives Max Verstappen an exit strategy which keeps affiliated with both brands whilst also doing something he’s longed to do?”If they can’t have him in #F1, at least have him in endurance.”A second said: “Red Bull will have a Ford partnership in 2027. Just saying, Max Verstappen is out there.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third added: “Hoooo boy. Imagine if Ford got Verstappen to drive for them (Ford and RB engine connect) and [Lewis] Hamilton drives for Ferrari WEC program.”It would be a real fever dream for fans to see the two most successful F1 drivers of the last decade facing off once again on the back of one of motorsport’s most well-known rivalries in one of its most famous races.Max Verstappen buys £12million super yacht called ‘Unleash the Lion’ that’s 108-foot long and boasts own beach club Verstappen has openly flirted with the prospect of switching motorsport disciplines, suggesting he was eager to race at the Daytona International Speedway one day.Speaking last November, he said: “I know that I want to do it in the future anyway, but it’s just about finding the time.”With such a busy F1 schedule, it’s almost impossible because we finish so late in the season and then to properly prepare where you have to run Daytona or whatever, is pretty impossible.”I know that when I want to do it, I want to go there and try to win it, be really competitive. “The only way to do so is by doing some proper testing and get really well prepared, which is not possible at the moment.”But, who knows? Maybe in a few years’ time. I’ll still be young-ish and I’ll be able to drive the cars.”F1 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 OconVerstappen has raced in the virtual series of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and revealed he had been contacted by “certain people” about racing in it in real life as well.He said: “Of course, you get contacted by certain people, but it has to come at the right time and in the right way.”I don’t want to rush into a decision either. With those new cars, I think it will take at least another one or two years before it’s all better understood because at the end of the day, it is still a Balance of Performance story and that makes it difficult.”The last driver to compete in both Le Mans and F1 in the same season was Nico Hulkenberg in 2015.In 2023 Verstappen also courted the idea of moving over to motorbikes, saying: “I will race longer, but not in Grand Prix races.”It would be nice to do it like Valentino Rossi, I like to see his races in GT, a category I have an interest in because we have our own car entered.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He did everything he could in MotoGP, with a crazy career, and now he’s having fun, while still working hard and wanting to win again. I think I will look for something similar in the future.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Trio of footballers caught using mobiles behind the wheel within minutes of leaving club’s training ground

    A HAT-TRICK of Newcastle players have been seen using their mobile phones while behind the wheel of their cars.England star Anthony Gordon and his Toon team-mates Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman were all seen handling their devices at the wheel.Sandro Tonali was filmed holding his phone as he drove off after queuing in trafficSven Botman was also seen handling his device at the wheelWinger Gordon, 23, was seen using his while queuing at traffic lights in his £230,000 grey Lamborghini Urus S.Italian midfielder Tonali, 24, was filmed holding his phone as he drove off after queuing in traffic.And Dutch centre-back Botman, 25, used his phone while sitting at traffic lights in his £155,000 Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.They were all seen near Newcastle’s Darsley Park training ground by fans who approached and filmed them in their cars.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLERSIt is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or any other device that can send and receive data while driving a car or motorbike.The law still applies when drivers are stopped at lights or queuing in traffic. Breaking the rules can result in six points on a licence and a £200 fine.Nicholas Lyes, of road safety charity IAM Road-Smart, said: “Illegal phone use behind the wheel is distracting and dangerous.Most read in Football“In 2023, there were more than 200 people either killed or seriously injured in collisions caused by phone use.“The safest option is to put the phone somewhere safe and out of sight.”Jesy Nelson’s boyfriend risks fine and six points after she films him driving on his phone A source added: “Using phones behind the wheel is dangerous and irresponsible. “Football players are in a position of influence and should help to set the highest example.”Newcastle United declined to comment. More

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    Ex-Premier League star, 32, who earned millions playing for Newcastle now earns just £360 a week as an apprentice

    AN EX-Premier League star who earned millions playing for Newcastle now earns just £360 a week as an apprentice.Sammy Ameobi earned an estimated £6.4m during his 11 year career that saw him make 264 appearances for teams across the top three leagues in the EFL.Sammy Ameobi previously earned millions playing for Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe made 70 appearances for the club in all competitions over six yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressLater in his career, the winger played for Nottingham Forest in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThis comes as the star avoided a driving ban after causing a hit and run road accident that left a teenage girl in A&ECredit: CavendishHowever, it as now been revealed that the former multi-millionaire footballer works as an apprentice, earning just £22,000 a year.This means the 32-year-old is now earning the equivalent of more than 26 times less what he was paid for, on average, during his footballing career.The star, who was with Newcastle United as a junior, made his first senior appearance for the club during their 2010/11 season.Ameobi’s first goal for the senior team in a friendly against Darlington in July 2011 sparked a pitch invasion by jubilant fans.Read More on FootballHe went on to make 52 more appearances for the team in the Premier League, with his best season in the top-flight being 2014-15.In that season the winger made 25 league appearances and scored two goals.Ameobi also appeared on loan for Middlesbrough and Cardiff City in the Championship during the 2012-13 and 2015-16 seasons respectively.After Newcastle were relegated to the Championship in 2016, he was sent out on loan to League One side Bolton Wanderers.Most read in FootballThere, he scored four goals across all competitions in the 2016-17 season and helped promote the team to the Championship.He also made four appearances at the tail end of the season for Newcastle United which saw them promoted back to the Premier League.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashAmeobi was then signed by Bolton on a free transfer in July 2017, making 91 appearances for the club across all competitions over the following two seasons, scoring 12 goals.The winger, who’s a devout Christian, made the move to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2018-19 season.There, he made 81 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions, before moving to Middlesbrough two seasons later.However, this move did not lead to any senior team appearances, with Ameobi leaving the club, and his football career all together, in July 2022.He had also played twice for the Nigeria U20s and five times for the England U21s before he committed to the Nigerian national team.His brothers Shola and Tomi are also both professional footballers, with Sammy playing alongside the former at Newcastle United.In August 2013, the pair were the first brothers in Newcastle’s history to score in the same game during a 2-0 win over Morecambe in the League Cup.Then, in 2014, Ameobi became the fastest scoring substitute from open play in the history of the Premier League when he scored after just eight seconds of the second half against Tottenham Hotspur.HIT AND RUN INCIDENTIt comes as the former star escaped a driving ban after he caused a hit and run road accident which left a teenage girl in A&E.Ameobi claimed he had been racing to get to work for his new £360 a week apprentice job when the smashed his Audi E-Tron with a personalised plate into Beth Egerton’s Citroen C1.The crash, which took place on November 12 last year at a roundabout during the morning rush hour, saw Ameobi flee the scene, leaving the 19-year-old in the wreckage.Beth’s vehicle was propelled into the path of coming traffic, according to her family, and she suffered undisclosed injuries in the crash.She was taken to hospital and her car was written off.Beth’s mother Vicky posted a public appeal for information, including the unique SAMM11Y number plate of his electric 4×4, helping to track down devout Christian Ameobi.She said in her appeal: “My daughter was just going to work minding her own business.”This individual needs to take accountability for their actions.’’Police also used CCTV footage of the accident to track Ameobi down, who also had no valid insurance to drive the luxury car.At Chester magistrates court, Ameobi, of Northwich, Cheshire pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident and having no insurance and was fined £240 with £181 in costs and victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.Val Tonkinson, prosecuting, said how the right wing of Beth’s car was collided with by Ameobi’s motor.The charge states that damage to Beth’s car included “dents to the wheel arch of the right hand side of the vehicle back and front” and the “right side wing mirror”.Ameobi, representing himself, said: “Obviously, what I did was wrong. I understand that. “It was completely out of character. I panicked at that moment to be honest with you.“I am not trying to make excuses for it. “He continued: “My wife and I were in the hospital with my son the night before. “He had choked on medication he had for eczema.“I did not get any sleep.”The star explained that he had begun his apprenticeship after “quite a long time” out of work due to “health issues”.Ameobi added: “I was rushing to get to work and worried about my son.“I just panicked at that moment. That is all that was.”The 32-year-old said he had insurance documents with him but that he had forgotten to inform his insurance company of a change in relation to his private registration.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmeobi had previously been fined £750 in 2019 for speeding after claiming there were “no trains” to catch to his then-new club Nottingham Forest.He had been caught hitting 80mph in a 40mph zone while driving his £189,000 Mercedes supercar in October 2018.Beth Egerton was taken to A&E after the accidentCredit: CavendishSammy Ameobi appearing outside of courtCredit: Cavendish More

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    Chelsea stars caught up in police chase – with three people arrested outside team’s hotel after car ploughed into cops

    THREE people have been arrested outside a hotel where Chelsea FC stars were staying after a car ploughed into cops.This was following an earlier police chase in South London unrelated to the club or its players.The incident took place before Chelsea’s game against Wolves last nightCredit: GettyThree people were arrested after a police chaseCredit: GoogleAt around 4.30pm yesterday, a car attempted to make off from cops in Waterfront Drive, Chelsea. The car was involved in a collision with a police vehicle – although there were no injuries, said the Met Police.Three people were arrested – one man for failing to stop for police, and a man and a woman for being concerned in the supply of drugs.The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a scene remains in place and enquiries continue.A witness claimed that the Chelsea team bus was stuck at the hotel as a result of the incident, reports MyLondon.However, this didn’t stop the team from getting to Stamford Bridge on time for the match against Wolves.The Blues managed to win 3-1 despite their relegation battling opponents giving them trouble in their Premier League clash.Noni Madueke’s 65th-minute goal added to earlier strikes by defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella on what looked a convincing win for Chelsea but took far too long to get over the line.Most read in FootballIt’s a first home win for them since mid-December even if it does take Enzo Maresca’s team back into the top four right now.They are four points off second place but still ten off the top. More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari car number confirmed for 2025 as full driver line-up for new F1 season revealed

    LEWIS HAMILTON has confirmed his car number as he gears up for his debut season with Ferrari.Hamilton, 40, has changed teams after rolling credits on his 11-year stint with Mercedes which led him to seven world championships – a joint-record he shares with Michael Schumacher.Sir Lewis Hamilton’s car number has been confirmed for the coming seasonCredit: RexHamilton will be competing in his signature No44 with FerrariCredit: PAThe British megastar will now be looking to overcome Ferrari legend Schumacher as he prepares for the 2025 season.And Lewis will be competing with his signature No44 plastered on his race car.The Formula One legend has become synonymous with that number as he also used it during his karting days.And back in 2021, Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity advocating for greater representation, diversity and inclusion in motorsport.Read More on F1Other major F1 stars have also chosen their car numbers ahead of the coming season.Reigning world champion and Hamilton’s archrival Max Verstappen will be competing with No1.Sir Lewis’ ex-Mercedes team-mate George Russell has chosen to compete with No63.And his new Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will be donning No16 on the track.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSF1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99 when they compete on a professional level.The numbers remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport. Ferrari urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s contract by F1 legend after star’s ‘worrying’ admission If they depart car racing for any reason then their numbers would be reserved for two seasons.No1, though, is reserved for the reigning world champion, though drivers are not obliged to use it. More

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    Harry Maguire banned from driving and fined after Man Utd star caught speeding twice in three days

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Harry Maguire has been banned from driving and slapped with a fine worth over £1,000 after getting caught speeding twice in just three days.Maguire, 31, has been disqualified for 56 days after his Range Rover was clocked doing 85mph in a 50mph zone close to Manchester Airport.Manchester United ace Harry Maguire has been banned from driving due to speedingCredit: GettyMaguire has been disqualified for 56 days and slapped with a fine worth over £1,000Credit: GettyBolton Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday that the centre-back was captured on camera driving his £200,000 SV supercar coming out of a tunnel on Wilmslow Road on March 5 last year.Prosecutor Karen Allanson said the England international was the registered keeper of the car and admitted being the driver.Maguire was caught speeding again just two days after the indicent and had since received three penalty points, his solicitor Gwyn Lewis said.Lewis said: “He was offered a speed awareness course but unfortunately because he was away from this country in the summer he wasn’t able to take up the course.”Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Man Utd captain was fined £666 and ordered to pay £120 in costs as well as a £266 surcharge.If magistrates had handed the defender six points for the Wilmslow Road offence he could have faced a longer ban.Maguire did not appear for the sentencing and was instead represented by his solicitor.Chairman of the bench Mark Hardman said: “We are prepared to exercise our discretion due to Mr Maguire being out of the country and not being able to take part in his speeding course.”Most read in FootballThis comes amid a difficult season for United, who have plummeted to 13th place in the Premier League table.Maguire has amassed one goal in 17 appearances across all competitions this term.The ex-Leicester star was due to be out of contract with the Red Devils this summer but last week the club confirmed they would trigger the option to keep him for a further season. More