More stories

  • in

    Women’s Football Awards 2025 shortlist revealed with new Match of the Day host Gabby Logan fronting star-studded evening

    THE Women’s Football Awards have been announced – with stars of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City up for the top prizes.The star-studded event, now in its third year, will take place in London on May 1.Gabby Logan will host the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: PAArsenal and England Alessia Russo features in the nominationsCredit: GettyIt will be hosted by new Match of the Day host Gabby Logan, Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, and former Lioness Eni Aluko.Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones, Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson, and Man City’s Bunny Shaw are some of the WSL stars to make the shortlist.International stars including Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway and Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas are also nominated.Chelsea, Man Utd, and Arsenal are in the running for Best Club of the Year.Read more sports newsIn other awards, Broadcaster or Journalist of the Year features leading figures such as Alex Scott, Karen Carney, and Sky Sports’ Hayley McQueen.The Off the Pitch Award, which recognises those who have shown a continued dedication to growing the women’s game features nominees including The FA’s Debbie Hewitt, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Paul Barber, and Manchester City Women’s Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill.Gunners legend Ian Wright, recognised for his efforts to elevate women’s football, is also shortlisted for an award.Logan said of the awards: “The Women’s Football Awards continues to grow year after year, shining a deserved spotlight on the star athletes, dedicated teams, and organisations driving the extraordinary rise of women’s football.Most read in Football”The impact of women’s football has never been greater, and I’m excited to celebrate all of the inspirational nominees.”Jamie Carragher added: “This year’s shortlist is filled with incredible people and organisations who are pushing the boundaries of women’s football.”The 2025 Women’s Football Awards will be a night to celebrate the trailblazers and game-changers who continue to inspire future generations of players, fans, and supporters.”Former Lioness, Eni Aluko concluded: “I am incredibly proud to witness the growth of this event. Gabby Logan forced to apologise after Prime Video pundit deliberately swears following Man City’s collapse vs Feyenoord”The Women’s Football Awards is the biggest and best celebration of women’s football in Europe.”It brings together the leading personalities who support the women’s game. I can’t wait to celebrate with all of the deserving nominees and winners on 1st May.” More

  • in

    Arsenal files: What really happened in Arteta’s Old Trafford interview as Gunners target £12.5m La Liga star transfer

    FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky SportsBut the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explainedCriticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.But what really happened, and why?To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues.The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more. “I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off. As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightIn fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.REAL (MADRID) CHANCEThe Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.Arsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finalsCredit: APESPANYOL DECISIONSSunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits. The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth. Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El HilaliCredit: GettyDRESSING DOWNNormally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”Real Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memoryCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Famous London pub renamed and transformed for Newcastle supporters in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall

    FORGET the Brown Ale – it’s all about the Mad Dog & Mags for the Toon Army in London this cup final weekend.Thousands of Newcastle supporters have begun descending on the capital to watch Eddie Howe’s boys face Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.The Dolphin in King’s Cross will be renamed Mad Dog & Mags for this weekend Carabao Cup finalCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle fans will be expected to congregate at the King’s Cross boozerCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseThe pub has been renamed with assistant coach Jason Tindall’s nickname in mindCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall is nicknamed Mad DogCredit: RexIt promises to be one big Black and White party in the build-up to Wembley and now Carling have ensured fans from the North East will feel right at home.Popular pub The Dolphin, located by Kings Cross on Tonbridge Street, has been re-named and transformed especially for Newcastle supporters.It has become the Mad Dog & Mags in honour of Howe’s assistant head coach Jason Tindall and, of course, the Toon Army themselves.Part of the Toon takeover saw the new name go up this morning as well as photos of the man affectionately known as Mad Dog.Read more football news Once inside, fans can get their pints in specially designed glasses and coasters that include Tindall, captain Bruno Guimaraes and popular defender Dan Burn plus legend Shola Ameobi.Tindall recently revealed the origin of his nickname was down to his touchline antics.The 47-year-old has worked as assistant to Howe at Bournemouth and Burnley before Newcastle but has hit the headlines and become the star of several social memes.Both opposition supporters and managers love to hate him.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp was irked by Tindall as he claimed that the ruling regarding only one member of coaching staff to stand at the front of the technical area during matches was introduced specifically due to the Magpies.Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Aston Villa’s Unai Emery appeared to snub Tindall’s handshake last term while JT was also involved in a tunnel bust-up with the Spaniard’s backroom staff this term.But his actions have made him a big hit with Newcastle fans.He said: “It was the first year we were in Saudi Arabia and we played a game there.“A guy was doing the commentary who I think was standing in for someone because the traffic was horrendous and the original commentator didn’t make it on time.“So the guy who did the commentary kept referring to me as ‘mad dog’ and it was only after the game had finished that he came up to me and asked if I could do a video message to his wife. He put it out on social media and from that moment on, it took off.”Meanwhile, win or lose, Toon supporters WILL NOT be on the booze on the train back this Sunday.Newcastle fans won’t be able to toast their success, or otherwise, on their return home on the train with a bevvyCredit: GettyLNER will be operating a strict no alcohol policy on board their trainsCredit: EPAEven if the Magpies can end a 70-year wait for major silverware then there will be no champagne corks being popped.British Transport Police made an official request for dry trains and LNER and other companies will be operating an alcohol-free policy for all departures from 7.30pm from King’s Cross.Officers and security will be on duty to enforce it and no alcohol can be brought on to or purchased on board any trains.The potential party pooping news comes after extra trains were put on to help fans get to Wembley and back from the North East.READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters faced huge disruption due to Network Rail engineering works between Newcastle and York, with rail replacement buses servicing Durham and Darlington.LNER moved to help with the huge demand by putting on six extra services, with two of those travelling from Newcastle to King’s Cross on Sunday morning. More

  • in

    F1 chief in talks to add mouthwatering new street race to calendar in city loved by Brits

    FORMULA ONE CEO Stefano Domenicali has teased plans to add a mouthwatering new race to the calendar.The boom in popularity of F1 since the takeover of Liberty Media has seen an increase in the number of races during the season from 20 in 2017 to 24 in 2025 – the most there have ever been.F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted at the possibility of a race in ThailandCredit: GettyThe track would be a street race in Bangkok, a hotspot for UK touristsCredit: GettyHowever, expanding the calendar even more, or at least replacing traditional races with new markets, is an idea actively being explored by F1 chiefs.The 2025 F1 season is starting this weekend in Melbourne, Australia, however, straight afterwards Domenicali has revealed he will be travelling to Thailand to discuss a potential race being held in Bangkok.Speaking to Sky Sports, Domenicali said: “I think that the good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is to focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for F1.”We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world. READ MORE IN F1″By the way, I’m just finishing the race here in Melbourne, I go to Bangkok to see [if] there is a potential interest from the government to develop something there.”Thailand is reported to have welcomed more than 35 million tourists in 2024 – the highest numbers since 2017.And it is estimated that in 2023 more than 460,000 tourists from the United Kingdom made the journey to the Southeast Asian country.So it would stand to reason that an F1 race in Thailand would also attract plenty of tourists from the UK.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was seen in attendance at last season’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix before he revealed there had been discussions over a race in the country.He had written: “In line with the Thai Government’s intention to bring F1 racing to Thailand in the near future, I visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and had a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group.Ollie Bearman suffers worst possible start to F1 season “This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for international events and activities.”This season F1 has three races in Asia; China, Japan and Singapore, while there have previously been races in Malaysia, South Korea and India.F1 was set to host the first ever Vietnam GP after signing a 10-year deal in 2018 worth £540million.However, it was axed due to the coronavirus pandemic and later dropped and deserted after city mayor Nguyen Duc Chung – a major supporter of the race – was arrested and later sent to prison on charges of corruption.Earlier this week, it was announced Domenicali had signed a new deal to carry on as F1 CEO until 2029.Races all over the world have been touted, with potential returns to Africa and a new race in South America, possibly Argentina, being heavily speculated.Domenicali added: “We have other places in Europe, and as you know there are interests in Africa, there are interests in South America now.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, adding a new street race to the calendar may spark controversy among fans who are upset that traditional tracks are being replaced by tracks which are not designed to promote good racing.Las Vegas has been a controversial addition to the calendar despite the spectacle it delivers, while Miami has also proven to be divisive among fans for the quality of racing it produces. More

  • in

    ‘Those days are over’- Championship manager reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy

    LEEDS UNITED manager Daniel Farke has been reminiscing on the good old days as he laments his squad’s various international call ups.The Yorkshire outfit sit top of the Championship with just a two-point cushion to Sheffield United in second place.Ferguson made a habit of keeping his players home from international campsCredit: GettyFarke has made an impression since joining LeedsDan James has been in rare form this season and will play against North Macedonia with Wales this monthCredit: ReutersWith just nine matches remaining in the campaign, there is little room for error.Farke’s squad has been pulled apart by international call ups as they look to cement promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2022/23.Stalwart defender Joe Rodon and 10-goal winger Dan James have both been summoned to Craig Bellamy’s Wales squad.Israel’s Manor Solomon, Belgium’s Largia Ramazani, and Japan’s Ao Tanaka are all also set to travel for March internationals.Read more footballMore squads are yet to be announced for the March fixtures.As he aims to carry on a title push amid the fatigue and injuries that tend to accompany international breaks, Farke looked back to one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s old tricks.Nicky Butt, who played 12 years under Ferguson, explained the trick.He said: “At one stage, there was nine of us [up for international duty] and he would pull one or two of us out and let the other six go.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFarke has said he would love to do the same, but changing times meant he could not get away with it.He said: “Sadly, the days of SIr Alex Ferguson are over, who could just call the national team managers and say; ‘No, no, listen I keep my players’.Sir Alex Ferguson spotted with unlikely TV star pal at Cheltenham again as legendary Man Utd boss bags £65k winner “I can’t do this. I can ask carefully sometimes for a little bit of help but yeah, the days that you could just resist sending your players are sadly over.”I hope the lads involved in international games will come through without injuries.”The German signed to Leeds in autumn 2023, with club chairman Paraag Marathe saying he trusted Farke to return the club to the Premier League.Leeds flirted with promotion last season, finishing third in the Championship before losing 0-1 to Southampton in the final. More

  • in

    England name ‘strongest U21 squad in history’ as fans say ‘would beat the senior team’ after controversial Tuchel picks

    ARSENAL teen Ethan Nwaneri has been given his first England Under-21s call-up – with fans saying the Young Lions would “turn over” Thomas Tuchel’s controversial senior squad.The Gunners forward, 17, has been bumped up by boss Lee Carsley for friendlies against France and Portugal this month.Ethan Nwaneri has been handed his first England Under-21s call after his superb run of form with ArsenalCredit: GettyNwaneri’s best mate Myles Lewis-Skelly has been picked in England’s senior squad by new boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyIpswich trio Jaden Philogene, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson are all in Lee Carsley’s groupCredit: GettyLee Carsley has named ‘the strongest ever’ England Under-21s squadCredit: GettyNwaneri has made a stunning impact for such a young player under Mikel Arteta this season, with eight goals in all competitions, and was even touted for a senior call-up.The Gunners academy graduate had previously represented England to Under-19 level, meaning he is skipping past the Elite League squad level to the U21s.Also included in Carsley’s squad for the first time are goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, on loan at Doncaster from Chelsea, Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley and Sunderland’s  Dennis Cirkin.Rico Lewis, Jarrad Branthwaite and Taylor Harwood-Bellis return to the U21s squad having been called up to the seniors in November for Carsley’s final camp as interim manager.READ MORE SPORT STORIESCrystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton returns having been left out in November following surgery to a groin injury.Palace were reluctant for Wharton to be called up once more as he continues to manage his fitness.Carsley has named a strong squad for the final break before England head to Slovakia to defend their U21 Euros title.Ipswich trio Jaden Philogene, Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap are part of a formidable forward line alongside Nwaneri.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsJobe Bellingham, Archie Gray and Harvey Elliott have all received call-ups in midfield, as well as Wharton and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.And a hoard of fans have reacted by suggesting the Young Lions would beat Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad after a controversial set of picks from the new boss.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad One fan, writing on X, said: “Reckon that beats the senior team.”Another said: “The whole of that midfield is better than Henderson or Lewis-Skelly.”A third added: “At least 7/8 of those will be at the World Cup.”One ranted: “You could probably make a case for like 6-7 of these in the seniors.”And another concluded: “This team would turn over Tuchel’s lads.”This fan also asked: “Why’s this squad arguably better than the first team?” 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

  • in

    Meet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and was a medical student

    THIS season promises to be an exciting one for F1 newbie Liam Lawson.The New Zealand driver, 22, is the No2 man at Red Bull, where he is expected to help Max Verstappen win his fifth world title.Meet gorgeous Hannah St. John, the girlfriend of a new F1 rookieCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah will be cheering on Red Bull this seasonCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnShe is the girlfriend of Red Bull’s No2 driver Liam LawsonCredit: GettyTheir F1 campaign begins on Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix.Cheering Lawson on will be the woman at his side, Hannah St. John, who you can expect to see much more of in the paddock.Hannah and Lawson have been in a romance for two years.The pair regularly post intimate images of each other on Instagram – sharing loving moments.Read more F1 newsBut, there’s more to Hannah than meets the eye.She’s at a top uniHannah studied biological and biomedical sciences at Arizona State University.She graduated back in December, celebrating the moment on social media.She captioned a graduation snap: “3.5 years later… I am honored, privileged, and blessed to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.Most read in Motorsport”I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering love and support throughout this journey…”Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Aside from her studies, Hannah is also, rather unsurprisingly, a model.The beauty has already amassed over 40,000 followers on Instagram.She treats her fans to her epic lifestyle, which included being back stage at Luke Combs’ Nashville concert last January.Hannah also shares plenty of bikini snaps online, showing off her enviable figure.To top it off, she enjoys travelling – most recently, she went on a glam ski strip to Deer Valley in Utah.Hannah shares a selfie to her 40,000 plus followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah gives her followers a glimpse into her epic lifestyleCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah graduated from Arizona State University in DecemberCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnLawson and Hannah have been dating for two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnKeeping it privateLawson and Hannah haven’t revealed much about their relationship.But, she has had experience of being in the paddock before.READ MORE SUN STORIESMost recently, she was spotted at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cheering her beau on.She was said to have been a constant support when Lawson stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull last season.Despite sharing images on social media, Lawson keeps talk of his romance under wrapsCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnGlam Hannah shows off her incredible figure in a stunning dressCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah has already been spotted in the paddock with LawsonCredit: GettyLawson is expected to help Max Verstappen win his fifth world title this seasonCredit: APLawson will get plenty of support from Hannah this seasonCredit: Getty More