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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      Cause of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash wasn’t booze or drugs, cops say – as striker remains in hospital

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      COPS have ruled-out drink and drugs as causes of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash, sources claim.Officers are working on the basis no third-parties were involved in the moments before the £260,000 wrecked Ferrari FF was wrecked in Essex, on Saturday.Michail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyMichail miraculously survived the horror crash with only a fractured legCredit: Steve BellHe was stuck in the wreckage for nearly an hour before being airlifted from the siteCredit: UKNIPIn a tribute to their team mate West Ham players wore Michail Antonio shirts ahead of their game with WolvesCredit: PAAnd there has been no suggestion of excessive speeding – raising the spectre Antonio’s miracle escape could be a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”Read more SportSkid-marks show Antonio was driving uphill from Theydon Bois to Waltham Abbey, when his motor slid off the road.The crash took place at 12.50pm on Saturday as the front end of Storm Darragh swept across the country – with locals saying the route can be treacherous with run-off, in heavy rains.The wreck of Antonio’s rare supercar was said to be in a tight-security lock-up – rather than the usual compound cars involved in crashes around the M25 in Essex.Sources said it was set to be kept there in case investigators needed to examine it as part of an investigation into the star’s shocking near-miss.Most read in FootballThe striker was continuing to recover from surgery to a broken leg on Tuesday, amid fears the fracture could shorten the 34-year-old’s career.Dog walker Samuel Woods, also 34, told how Michail was seriously dazed when he saw him trapped in the ripped-apart motor.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashSamuel told The Sun: “I said to him, ‘Hello’ to see if anyone was alive. He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ I couldn’t believe what happened.”The driver’s side of the high-powered car was ripped apart by the impact with a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday. Michail was sent flying across the interior to the passenger side.Drivers reported seeing smoke pouring from the motor.The star was trapped inside the supercar for almost an hour in the wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.He had to be cut free from the 2011 Ferrari FF and was rushed to hospital.Cops have appealed for dashcam footage in a bid to understand the lead-up to the smash.They said an investigation by its Roads Policing Unit had been opened.In a heartfelt tribute, Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.Team-mate Jarrod Bowen said: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.”Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a team-mate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.”And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.”Michail moved to West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7 million,READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since become the top Premier League scorer for the East London club, with 68 goals in 268 games. The athlete also co-hosts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Callum Wilson from Newcastle.Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…” More

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      Ultimate Formula 1 drivers rich list as Max Verstappen pulls clear of Lewis Hamilton with record-breaking salary

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world, so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast eye-watering salaries.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris certainly enjoy a life in the fast line – with supercar collections, huge mansions and beautiful women.Max Verstappen was crowned a four-time world champ in Las Vegas last monthGeorge Russell with stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtSunday saw the end of the 2024 season and Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes as he heads to childhood heroes Ferrari in the New Year.But all the drama has come away from the track, with Verstappen and Russell at war over an incident at the penultimate race of the campaign in Qatar on December 1.The Red Bull driver accused Russell of being “two-faced” with the stewards, while the Brit threw out “bullying” accusations back.Ahead of the off-season, we reveal the drivers at the top of the rich list – as the top 10 earners collected an estimated £248m combined.READ MORE F1 NEWS10) PIERRE GASLY £9MPierre comes from a family heavily involved in motorsportsPierre, 28, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.His salary was bumped up to £8m this season, with £1m in bonuses as he signed a contract extension in June to keep him with team until 2026. Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming.He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.Most read in Motorsport9) CARLOS SAINZ £15MSainz has been replaced by Hamilton after a great final season with FerrariF1 Bianca BustamanteThe Spanish ace was paid a reported £8m a year by Ferrari, who he joined in 2021 after successful stints with Renault and McLaren.And he is promised £9m in performance related bonuses, which he surely wrapped up with 27 podium finishes in 2024.But the 30-year-old has joined Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.Endorsements include Playstation, lager brand Estrella and German helmet manufacturer Schuberth.Away from the track he still feels the need for speed and his luxury car collection includes a McLaren 720S worth £800k and a £750K Ferrari 812.Time is of the essence too – with a high end watch collection worth millions, including a Roger Dubuis timepiece worth USD £205,000 and a Franck Muller watch worth £200,000.8) SERGIO PEREZ £15.3MSergio’s future at Red Bull is under threatSergio, 34, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £9.4million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.The Mexican signed a two-year contract extension in June, but he was nowhere near competitive for the rest of the season, slipping to eighth in the standings just a year after he finished as the runner-up to team-mate Verstappen. This has left his Red Bull future under threat.Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon7) OSCAR PIASTRI £17MOscar Piastri has backed up his rookie season this yearThe 23-year-old is one the babies on the track, having come through the Renault Sports Academy and started his F1 career in 2021.As such, he actually earns LESS than the aforementioned drivers in salary (£5m) – but his staggering £13m in bonuses sees him climb the list.After a strong rookie season in 2023, Piastri was even better this year, claiming the first two Grand Prix victories of his career in Hungary and Azerbaijan and finishing fourth in the driver standings. He is set to race at least two more years for McLaren after signing a contract extension in September 2023, just days before he secured his first podium finish.The future is bright to the Aussie as he helped McLaren clinch their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.6) GEORGE RUSSELL £18MGeorge Russel’s has shot up through the ranks in recent yearsRussell is now the No1 driver at Mercedes after Hamilton’s exit – but he’s internal dominance this year had proved that anyway – as he signed an extension in August 2023.He now bags £11.7million a year from Mercedes, with a reported £7million in bonuses.Teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, will step into Hamilton’s iconic shoes.Russell finished sixth in the standings and won two races, missing a third victory only because of a disqualification at Spa.5) CHARLES LECLERC £21MThe Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary at Ferrari as he welcomes HamiltonCredit: GettyLeclerc, who finished third in the driver standings this year, will welcome Hamilton to Ferrari next season.The Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary and his bonuses almost match that at £10m.He was part of another memorable tandem at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 27-year-old took part in Friday’s practice session alongside his 24-year-old brother, Arthur—a Ferrari development driver—making them the first siblings ever to drive in F1 as teammates.4) FERNANDO ALONSO £21.5MThe 42-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandTwo-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 42, signed a new deal with Aston Martin in 2023 after finishing fourth in the standings.The Spanish star earns £18million in salary, while performance add-ons amount to around £3million. Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 and some have even been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain.The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.3) LANDO NORRIS £27MAfter claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi, Norris declared: ‘Next year is my year’Norris wasn’t quite able to overtake Verstappen for the drivers’ title, but achieved 13 podium finishes this year.He did, however, take home a reported £9.4million in wages, and surely earned his whopping £18m in bonuses, as McLaren landed an unexpected constructors’ championship.Lando was born into wealth through dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca, from Belgium.After claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Norris declared: “Next year is my year”.2) LEWIS HAMILTON £45MLewis Hamilton used to earn the most on the gridAfter years of dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in F1 – his contract with netted him £43million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9million.That figure is set to soar far higher, too, after it was revealed he will join the Scuderia in 2025 in a shock deal worth £100million.But the wage gulf between Hamilton and Verstappen has expanded after the changing of the guard moment in 2021.The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.Hertfordshire-born Lewis, 39, is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.He also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.1) MAX VERSTAPPEN £59MVerstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the trackUnderstandably, for the third straight year, Verstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the track.With estimated 2024 earnings of £59million, including a series-record £47million in salary to go with £12million in performance bonuses.The Dutchman had to wait until the season’s third-to-last Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, to lock up the championship, four races later than when he clinched in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs he’s only 27, industry experts predict his estimated £165million fortune will increase in the coming years.Last week, the Red Bull No.1 announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson Piquet.The F1 driver announced the happy news with this picture on social media More