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    ‘If we don’t win the league I’ll f***ing blame you’ – Arne Slot’s furious derby rant at Michael Oliver revealed in full

    ARNE Slot told referee Michael Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him if Liverpool did not win the league in a four-letter torrent of abuse after last month’s Merseyside derby.Reds boss Slot was handed a two-match ban and fined £70,000 for his meltdown after the 2-2 Goodison draw.Arne Slot had some choice words for Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derbyCredit: GETTYThe Dutchman was given a red card and subsequently slapped with a two-match banCredit: GETTYThe FA have revealed the full written reasons for Slot’s punishmentCredit: REUTERSAnd the FA has now published the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot, his assistant Sipke Hulshoff and BOTH clubs after incidents sparked by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time equaliser celebrations.The three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’ Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArne Slot said he’d blame Michael Oliver that he’d blame him if Liverpool didn’t win the leagueCredit: GettySlot will be suspended for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Southampton on SaturdayCredit: REUTERS”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal fusillade.Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban The commission said: “Hulshoff is alleged to have entered the field of play following the full-time whistle to confront the referee in an ‘extremely aggressive manner.’“It is alleged he said the referee was ‘f*****g’ s**t’ and ‘gave them everything’ and he was a ‘f****** disgrace.’“We are advised that the referee attempts to remove himself from the situation to deal with the dismissals of Jones and Doucoure but Hulshoff continues to follow him and is eventually restrained by colleagues, but continues to shout ‘f****** shit.’ “He was also shown a red card by the Referee and dismissed.”While both Slot and Hulshoff admitted their misconduct charges, the manager “disputed” Oliver’s version of events.He claimed he had actually said: “If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that” but conceded his actions were “unacceptable”.But the panel determined it was “more likely than not” that Oliver’s recall was correct, pointing out that Slot was a “role model” who “should be exercising good discipline both on and off the pitch, and setting an example to his players”.The commission, headed by leading sports solicitor Laura McCallum, accepted that the last Merseyside derby at Goodison before Everton’s move to their new home at Bramley Moore Dock had taken place in an “emotional atmosphere both on and off the pitch.”It condemned Doucoure for his response to the final whistle, which ended in an angry altercation involving Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, players from both sides, police and stewards.Both Doucoure and Jones were handed second yellow cards and dismissed and the commission ruled: “Instead of celebrating with his teammates or indeed his own supporters, Doucoure chooses to run 20-25 yards and goad the Liverpool support. “We consider that that was inflammatory in itself and but for that action, the mass confrontation may have been avoided. “Equally, Curtis Jones’ actions in response were aggressive and disproportionate. Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s red cards sparked pandemoniumCredit: PAA mass melee ensued, which ressulted in both clubs being fined for failing to control their playersCredit: PA“Once Doucoure and Jones come together, Doucoure is supported by two other Everton players. “Instead of pulling him away, they appear to back him up aggressively so it becomes three against one. “This causes the confrontation to spiral with more and more players running into the melee, with involvement then from police officers and stewards.”Both clubs argued for the “standard penalty” of £20,000 for failing to control their players, but Everton were fined £65,000 and Liverpool £50,000.Slot initially refused to divulge details of his interaction with Oliver after the match but admitted he’d overstepped the mark.He said: “The emotions got the better of me. If I could [do] it differently, I would love to. I would hope to do it differently next time. “There were many things that happened in extra-time that led me to being emotional.”But there is a process now which I have to respect so I won’t go into details.”There was a VAR check and then five minutes of extra-time ended up as eight minutes, a lot of things happened that led me to be emotional.”But it wouldn’t be smart to go into every incident.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot’s ban saw him miss the Reds’ 2-0 win over Newcastle United last Wednesday.The suspension will also see the 46-year-old miss Saturday’s visit of Championship-bound Southampton. More

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    Ex-F1 track which hosts 125,000 fans left under METRE of water after torrential rain as home straight turns into a river

    A FORMER Formula 1 track has been left under a metre of water following torrential rain.The 125,000-capacity Circuito de Jerez has hosted seven F1 races since opening in 1985.Video footage has shown the track underwaterCredit: @firstlapf1The water is said to be at least a metre deep in some placesCredit: @firstlapf1It was even the scene of Jacques Villeneuve’s famous championship triumph in 1997.In footage taken from the track’s “UFO” gantry, the final straight can be seen completely underwater.The video also shows the pit lane entirely flooded.Jerez, situated around 50 miles south of Seville, has been struck by “intense” rainfall in recent days.READ MORE IN SPORTLocal media reports claim that the Circuito de Jerez has even been left without electricity.While there has not been a Formula 1 Grand Prix at the track since Villeneuve’s triumph, it has been used for private testing.Last month, Red Bull star Liam Lawson was in Jerez as he prepares for his debut season with his new team.It is also the regular host of MotoGP’s Spanish Grand Prix, with this year’s edition scheduled to take place there between April 25-27.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe circuit has hosted seven Formula 1 Grands PrixCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton attended a Mercedes car launch in Jerez in 2013Credit: PA:Press AssociationEvent officials are believed to be confident that the weekend will not be disrupted by this week’s flooding.The track is still scheduled to host the Spanish Superbike Championship on March 22-23.Major warning for Irish tourists in Spain as floods ravage holiday hot spotSpain has been struck by several cases of severe flooding in recent months.In October, horrific floods saw more 220 people lose their lives in Valencia.The final round of the 2024 MotoGP season had been due to take place in the Spanish city, only to be moved to Barcelona amid the damage.Following the devastation in Valencia, Malaga subsequently evacuated thousands of people amid a red flooding alert. More

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    Gary Lineker calls for major FA Cup rule change after Man Utd’s defeat to Fulham and Alan Shearer is ‘all for it’

    GARY LINEKER has called for the FA to scrap extra-time in the FA Cup following Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham on Sunday.Lineker, 64, called for the major change after United and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw that saw over an hour of goalless football lead to a penalty shootout success for the Cottagers. Gary Lineker has called for extra-time to be scrapped in the FA CupCredit: AlamyThe claims come after Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by FulhamCredit: APLineker labelled the clash as “bad” as he suggested that penalties are often more exciting than the extra-time that precedes it.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “We’ve argued many times, just get rid of extra time. Just go to penalties. It makes so much sense.”Particularly with the amount of football teams are playing now, the amount of injuries we’re getting. Just play 90 minutes, then settle it on penalties. “Because once it goes to extra time, the vast majority of us are thinking, particularly when it’s as bad as it was last night [Man Utd vs Fulham], you’re just thinking ‘come on, penalty shootout, a bit of excitement’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFellow podcast host and England icon Alan Shearer was in full agreement with Lineker too.He added: “Straight to penalties, I’m all for that.”The FA Cup already saw replays scrapped after the first round at the start of this season, meaning clubs lower down the football pyramid lose their shot at lucrative repeat fixtures.So much so that the EFL urged the FA to “re-evaluate their approach” before the season began, claiming clubs are being “marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid”.Most read in FootballAlan Shearer echoed Lineker’s sentiment on extra-timeCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, ditching extra-time alongside the replays could give smaller teams a better chance of advancing with the lottery of spot-kicks somewhat levelling the playing field.Lineker spoke out on that issue earlier in the season after Tottenham edged past non-league Tamworth in extra-time.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary LinekerSpeaking back in January, he said: “We still have extra-time. Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra-time.”Because otherwise, it really favours the strong teams.”Because they’ve got bigger squads, and they can put on their best players in extra-time like Spurs did. And they went on to win.”Of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties that took place last week, four of them went to extra time, with three being decided via penalty shootouts.FA Cup replays after the first round have already been axedCredit: Reuters More

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    Moment Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe floors porn star girlfriend Teanna Trump in playfight

    NICOLAS PEPE sensationally floored his pornstar girlfriend during a light-hearted play fight.Arsenal’s former record signing, who is now plying his trade in Spain with Villarreal, began dating the American adult actress in early 2024.Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has been dating adult star Teanna TrumpCredit: ReutersThe couple started dating in 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM@IMTEANNAThe couple recently had a playfight outsideCredit: XPepe floored his other half with a perfectly-timed sweepCredit: XTheir relationship was the subject of intense speculation prior to Trump – who entered the adult industry aged 18 – confirming it late last year.Pepe and Trump have looked like the picture of happiness since the world learned of their relationship, which clearly has a playful aspect to it.Footage emerged this week of the couple having a playful sparring session outside.Trump threw several low kicks the way of a topless Pepe, who effortlessly blocked them.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd he ended up flooring his other half with a beautifully timed sweep that a Muay Thai fighter would have been proud of.The cameraman was left in stitches, as was Pepe.Trump saw the funny side of her tumble, laughing before getting back to her feet and resuming the playfighting.The clip went viral on X and received a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom said: “They look happy together.”Most read in FootballTeanna Trump entered the adult industry at age of 18Credit: GettyShe has a large following on social media and several other websitesCredit: GettyAnother said: “She needs more practice.”And another said: “Them legs dangerous.”Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump after cryptic relationship hintsOne remarked: “They’re having a nice time together.”Another chimed in: “Damn bro kickin s**t for real.”Ivory Coast international Pepe has bounced around from club to club over the last two-and-a-half years.He departed Arsenal on a free in September 2023 following the termination of his contract at the Emirates.He joined Villarreal last August and has scored one goal and provided two assists in 17 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.Nicolas Pepe is now plying his trade in Spain with VillarrealCredit: GETTY More

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    Chelsea files: Why Maresca’s tactical rethink is bearing fruit and how club’s top priority will be made clear this week

    IT’S been another eventful season down the King’s Road.Having flirted with the title race, Enzo Maresca’s men are now fighting tooth and nail for Champions League qualification while also competing in Europe.Enzo Maresca’s side are fighting for European qualificationCredit: RexThe Blues thumped Southampton 4-0 last weekCredit: GettyStarting today, only on Sun Club, our team of experts will bring you the inside track on Stamford Bridge goings on every week.TO THE LEFTEXPECT TO see Enzo Maresca dressing more to the left from now on.Chelsea’s astute manager is being tipped to have a tactical rethink as the fashion for inverted full backs grips the Premier League.And once-maligned left-back Marc Cucurella is at the heart of the Italian’s remodelling as he looks to make his team a more potent force at both ends of the pitch.For some time Chelsea would drag whoever was playing right-back into the midfield to add weight to attacks.That would be mainly Malo Gusto or when fit club captain Reece James.  But Maresca has been fine-tuning Cucurella to do it from the opposite flank and senior staff at the training ground are noticing.Cucurella has risen to the manager’s challenge and now has three Premier League goals this season as a result. James has just one and Gusto none in comparison.The added bonus of employing Cucu in this way means the defence shifts left and not right – which seems to suit everyone.In the case of the last game – the 4-0 drubbing of Southampton in which Cucurella scored the final goal – it meant Levi Colwill could move left and allow Tosin to occupy the centre-back role.This made for an entirely more comfortable night all round and the tactical tweak looks set to stay.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists that Cole Palmer is a happy player THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTSCOLE Palmer’s role when Chelsea resume their Conference League campaign on Thursday will be a clear sign of Enzo Maresca’s priorities.The England star was omitted from the 25-man squad for the group phase of the competition before Christmas.That allowed him some rest through the autumn and early winter demands and was rewarded by a series of stellar displays.Chelsea were unbeaten in their eight matches immediately following European games and were second in the Premier League at the conclusion of the initial Conference League stage in December.But Palmer has played all 12 matches since then, scoring just three goals and adding no assists after 11 goals and six assists up to that point.The former Manchester City man was added to the Blues squad for the knock-out stage.But with Chelsea expected to negotiate last 16 opponents Copenhagen, leaving him out of the starting side would be a signal that a top four finish is the bigger goal than Europe’s third competition.However selecting him for Thursday’s game would signal that Maresca buys into the philosophy that Chelsea need to start winning trophies again.Cole Palmer will be hoping to rediscover his very best formCredit: GettyDJORD DROPPINGONE of Enzo Maresca’s biggest headaches this season has been in goal.Neither Robert Sanchez or summer signing Filip Jorgensen have managed to step up and grab the No1 spot for themselves.Meanwhile, at sister club Strasbourg last season’s No1 is making quite the impact.Djordje Petrovic, sent on loan to improve his ability on the ball, has kept four straight clean sheets and boss Liam Rosenior has touted him for a big future.Rosenior said: “Petrovic is getting better by the day. It’s very important in our game system.”He is only 25 years old and will become a great player.”Maresca may find that the Serbian is a cheap solution to a big problem this summer.Djordje Petrovic has impressed for Strasbourg this seasonCredit: AFPEXTENDING AN ARMARMANDO Broja has had a lot of luck during his career – most of it bad.The 23-year-old striker is currently injured on his latest loan at Everton. He moved there last September after an equally disappointing temporary move to Fulham where he barely played.The Albanian also spent nearly a year on the sidelines between December 2022 and September 2023 after tearing knee ligaments.But there is still hope he can make a go of it on Merseyside.Everton boss David Moyes has told staff at the club that he does not want to make any decisions on Broja’s future – short or long term – until he has actually seen him play.Broja may just be back in time to feature at the end of this season and get the chance to seal a permanent move away from Chelsea in the summer.Armando Broja has endured a luckless spell at EvertonCredit: GettySOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUTTODD BOEHLY’S state of the nation address regarding Chelsea last week has been met with a resigned shrug of the shoulders by many fans.In the wake of a pre-match protest taking aim at his near three year involvement in the club, many were hoping for stronger words from the American who jointly led the takeover at Stamford Bridge alongside now estranged business partner Behdad Eghbali.Around 150 diehards took to the streets outside Stamford Bridge last Tuesday to voice their displeasure. At what exactly is just as big a talking point among the fanbase, with some believing their fellow Blues may have become a bit too used to glittery success over the years.Even so, speaking some days after at the suitably thrill-a-minute sounding FT Business of Football Summit, Boehly conceded ‘criticism is par for the course’ and once you get your head around that ‘it brings freedom’. That’s neither fight nor flight.The wet-lettuce words may well have done the trick though. It appears there are no plans yet for further demos. Maybe because Boehly’s inert sermon made up of American-ese business inspired babble has snuffed the life out of the anti-Todd brigade like two damp fingers pinching a small candle flame.One prominent fans figure at The Bridge told SunSport: “There is too much entitlement and revisionment. We haven’t challenged for the title since Antonio Conte was manager.“Chelsea is a business now, not a toy. It’s very different now to life under Roman Abramovich and that change is hard for some to accept.”The knot of fans who gathered outside the gates to Chelsea’s home ground last week chanted for their former owner, now sanctioned by the UK Government over his links to Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin.They also sang for former bosses Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel. Conte’s name was skipped even though he is the last manager to win the Premier League for the club.It’s healthy for fans to hold their club’s owners to account but having spent £1billion plus on players and with Chelsea still sitting inside the top eight on the night of the protest, there is a feeling among more ‘experienced’ followers of the club that the younger, more recent arrivals need to get a grip.Chelsea supporters protested outside Stamford Bridge last weekCredit: EPAHOME AND AWAYBOEHLY is finding out the hard way that developing the Blues’ home is a much harder task than it was with his Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.Despite MLB sides playing 81 home games in the regular season, there are no matches between October and March.That is in stark contrast with a Premier League campaign running from the start of August to the end of May and Boehly conceded: “The thing you learn about football is how little down-time there is.“When we renovated Dodger Stadium, we had a lot more time to affect change than in the football season. There’s a lot less down-time and that makes it a little harder.”Former owner Roman Abramovich pulled the plug on a planned £1bn revamp of the Bridge, Chelsea’s home since 1905, in 2018 after he was refused an extension on his special “investor” visa.That came after proposals to potentially move to sites at Old Oak Common near Wormwood Scrubs, Earls Court and Battersea Power Station were dropped.One extra complication is that the freehold of the Bridge playing surface is owned by the Chelsea Pitch Owners, who can prevent the club using the name “Chelsea” if a move takes place without their consent.But Boehly appears to feel either a move or a major rebuild is both necessary and inevitable – even if it means Chelsea having to play FOUR seasons or more away from SW6. He added: “If you think about what ultimately the drivers are, of building a self-sustaining, very competitive club, figuring how to increase revenues is part and parcel of success.“So you have to be very mindful of how you continue to do that.”Todd Boehly has spoken about Chelsea’s potential stadium renovationCredit: GettyWIN-WIN DEALCOLE PALMER’S move to Stamford Bridge was win-win for both Chelsea and Manchester City – according to the man at the heart of the £40m deal.Palmer has scored 39 games in just 75 games for the Blues since his switch.And long-standing agent Frank Trimboli, who brokered the move, recalled: “When it came to the Palmer deal, Manchester City understood the value of the player but they had a lot of players that they could use and play.“So they also knew his future value would be high and given the amount of football Cole had played for City it was still a high number.“There were people at Chelsea who had previously worked at City, so they knew what they were buying and credit to Chelsea because they were willing to put the money on the table.“And 18 months after the deal, that £40m looks like money well spent.”Cole Palmer has been a smash hit at ChelseaCredit: GettyTOOTH ACHEFRANK LAMPARD still feels the pain from the ‘kick in the teeth’ when Chelsea sacked him.Even though the club’s legendary midfielder and former boss is now flying high with promotion chasing Coventry – it still hurts.Lampard was hired and fired by Cheslea’s former owner Roman Abramovich within 18 months – getting the chop in January 2021 to make way for Thomas Tuchel.  Lampard said: “In this job you understand that you will get some kicks in the teeth.”I went in at Chelsea and was loving doing my job there, at a club that I clearly love.”And when you lose your job – it’s the first time I lost my job – it’s a difficult moment and you have your own feelings about that, which I had and still have. “So, kicks in the teeth, unfortunately feel harsh at the time. “And when you look back, you understand that they’re part of life and they mould your future.”Frank Lampard managerial stats2018-2019 – Derby County P 57 W 24 D 17 L 16 2019-2021 – Chelsea P 84 W 44 D 17 L 232022-2023 – Everton P 44 W 12 D 8 L 242023 – Chelsea (caretaker) P 11 W 1 D 2 L 82024-present – Coventry City P 20 W 12 D 3 L 5Frank Lampard has enjoyed a return to form at CoventryCredit: Getty More

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    Former Premier League star Jason McAteer, 53, breaks down as he bravely opens up on battle with depression

    JASON MCATEER has bravely opened up on his battle with depression – admitting he contemplated taking his own life.The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in 2007 following a three-year stint with Tranmere Rovers.Jason McAteer has bravely opened up on his battle with depression following his retirementCredit: BEIN SPORTSMcAteer had a 15-year professional career, in which he made over 100 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: GETTYMcAteer retired from football in 2007 following a stint with Tranmere RoversCredit: PAAdjusting to life after football, as it is for many former players, has proven difficult for McAteer – who often works as a pundit.But the sporadic nature of the work left him without a sense of “purpose” in his life, which he once contemplated ending while en-route to pick up his son.During an appearance on beIN SPORTS’ Tales, Tears and Trophies podcast, an emotional and teary-eyed McAteer recalled: “I just had no purpose, mate, it was no structure.”The TV stuff, I mean I wasn’t working every day of the week. It would be like maybe one show a week or maybe two shows a week. READ MORE IN SPORT”It was very sporadic. Days and days and days with nothing to do, yeah.”I got to the tunnel, that tunnel between the Wirral and Liverpool.”My child, who I was keeping this relationship with under difficult circumstances, lived on the other side of this tunnel.”And I was driving through the tunnel, and it upsets me because it takes me back to this moment because I can feel it.Most read in FootballIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.An emotional Jason McAteer shed a tear as he recalled his battle with depressionCredit: BEIN SPORTS”And as you go out the daylight into the tunnel light, it’s like this kind of light. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m just going to swing the car here and just end it.’ That’s how easy it is.”McAteer, 53, fought with every ounce of his being to not let the dark thoughts in his mind prevail and take his own life.He continued: “I was fighting myself not to do it, fighting going, ‘Do it, do it, do it, do it do it.’ And I’d be like, ‘No. Do it. No’.”And I’d be fighting the steering wheel and I remember coming towards the end of the tunnel and it was like the daylight was opening up.”And I remember coming out the tunnel thinking, ‘Thank God. Just thank God’.”And I went to get my little boy, because I always used to take him to the pictures. I took him to the pictures and I drove home.”Jason McAteer has struggled to fill the void football has left in his lifeCredit: GETTYMcAteer was overcome by a wave of emotion shortly afterwards and bravely opened up to his mum on her doorstep.He said: “I got to my mum’s, my mum lived 10 minutes around the corner.”And I knocked on a door and I remember just saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore. ‘That’s it, that’s it.’ And I was just at that point.”A visibly emotional McAteer then broke down as he said: “It was tough. Just like everything had gone – I don’t half miss it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I miss – I miss everything about playing. I miss it. Yeah, I just miss it.”Just like running, just running out, just running out, just free on a footy pitch. No problems.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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    ‘I promised Lewis I wouldn’t speak to Max’ – Wolff reveals sweet Hamilton vow in chat with wife in new Drive To Survive

    TOTO WOLFF has appeared to hint Lewis Hamilton did not want Max Verstappen as a teammate at Mercedes. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has switched from Mercedes to Ferrari for the new 2025 season. Toto Wolff has indicated Lewis Hamilton didn’t want Max Verstappen as a teammateCredit: PAThe fierce rivals have been battling it out for almost a decadeCredit: GettyToto and his wife Susie discuss Hamilton’s Mercedes’ replacement in the new Drive to Survive documentaryCredit: GettyHamilton’s shock move is the subject of a new episode in Netflix’s hugely popular documentary series Drive to Survive. The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.He announced he was leaving Mercedes after 13 years last February, stunning the world of F1.Hamilton has previously indicated he would “100 per cent” race in the same team as any other F1 driver, per Sky Sports.READ MORE ON F1But the new conversation between Wolff and his wife Susie appears to suggest the Brit was keen to avoid teaming up with rival Red Bull Verstappen. In the clip, Wolff and Susie are on the balcony of their home in Monaco. The pair are discussing who to replace Hamilton with – and whether George Russell is good enough to become Mercedes’ lead driver. Wolff said: “Carlos [Sainz] is somebody to look at. He’s had some really good performances.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Fernando [Alonso]? I mean, race pace, racecraft is still very good.”Susie pointed out Alonso, 43, would not constitute a “new era.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing She then asks her husband: “You don’t think Max is an option?”Toto replied: “I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.”I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him.”But I will have the conversation now.”After failing to land Verstappen, Wolff changed his approach. Mercedes opted for youngster Kimi Antonelli to step into Hamilton’s shoes with Russell as lead driver.Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior team for five years and began karting at the age of just seven.Hamilton drove his new Ferrari car in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne next week. And he insists there is “no bad blood” between himself and Mercedes after the split.Speaking to TIME Magazine, Hamilton said: “There is no bad blood. “Absolutely not. We won so many championships.”They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more World Championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have no doubt.”Elsewhere on the new episode of Drive to Survive, Red Bull boss Christian Horner hit back in the wake of his sexting scandal. More

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    ‘I’m ready, let’s go’ – Usain Bolt teases sensational comeback to race THREE big-name rivals… but Justin Gatlin snubbed

    USAIN BOLT has teased a return to the track against three of his biggest rivals from back in the day.The eight-time Olympic gold medallist, 38, has been retired for over seven years and has claimed he would be open to racing again “just for the fun of it”.Usain Bolt has teased a return to the trackCredit: GettyBolt has snubbed a face-off with old rival Justin GatlinCredit: PA:Press AssociationHowever, athletics fans who want to see him go up against perhaps his biggest competitor, Justin Gatlin, will be disappointed to learn that Bolt has ruled that idea out.The Jamaican explained that Gatlin is “in too good of a shape” for him to even compete.Appearing on the Ready Set Go podcast, which is hosted by Gatlin and former Bahamas athlete Rodney Green, Bolt was asked if he would be up for a rematch with his old foe.He said: “I’m ready, just for the fun of it. I’m ready, let’s go. It’ll be fun.”READ MORE IN SPORTCaveating: “Nah man, Justin, him? He’s in too good of a shape.”Bro I see him doing starts all the time. I asked him, I text him, ‘Bro, why are you in such good shape?”Bolt and Gatlin had a longstanding rivalry on the track, with their head-to-heads starting at the London 2012 Games.That race ended in victory for Bolt with an Olympic record time of 9.63 seconds, whilst Gatlin finished in third.Most read in AthleticsBolt and Gatlin had their first major race against one and other at London 2012Credit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBolt may not fancy going up against Gatlin, who finally got the better of him in his final season back in 2017, but there are some other rivals he wouldn’t made lining up against one last time.Naming his dream line-up of opponents, Bolt said: “Me, you, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake.”Usain Bolt’s former rival reveals Olympics legend’s ‘bulls***’ tactic that showed ‘what he’s about’ mid-raceWhile he also suggested that he would like to roll back the years against some older sprinters and give new Olympic champion Noah Lyles a run for his money.Adding: “I would definitely like to compete against Maurice Green, Ben Johnson. “Let’s give Noah the spot just because I would love to race against him.”Lyles, 27, won gold in the Men’s 100m in Paris in the summer, running a personal best 9.79 seconds.That effort is still some 0.21 seconds off Bolt’s world record effort of 9.58 seconds set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.But Bolt thinks that the USA Olympian could come close to breaking his 200m world record of 19.19, with Lyles’ PB in that discipline just 0.12 off the Lightening Bolt.But the Jamaican isn’t going to give Lyles any tips on how to beat it.He told Citius Mag recently: “I think the possibility is there, because he came close at the world championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he corrects a few things, he could get better. The possibility is there.”I won’t say [what he needs to correct]. I won’t tell you how to break the world record.”Bolt has said he would like to take on Tyson Gay againCredit: GettyHe would also like to line up against old Jamaican teammates Yohan Blake and Asafa PowellCredit: Getty – ContributorBolt reckons Noah Lyles could break his 200m world record timeCredit: Getty More