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      in Motorsport

      Five contenders to replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull including shock return with star man at risk of F1 ban

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is just one point away from a race ban after ramming into George Russell in the Spanish Grand Prix last time out. The Dutchman must be on his best behaviour in the next two races in Canada and Austria before two points are wiped from his license. Verstappen admitted ramming into Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix was “not right”Credit: PAHe was slapped with his first two penalty points in the current rolling 12-month period after last year’s Austrian Grand Prix on June 30.He collided with Norris on 30 June, and even after those points expire this year he will still be three points away from suspension. Verstappen will be teetering on the edge of a ban until after the Mexican Grand Prix on 27 October having pushed Norris off the track in last year’s race there. There has been wide speculation over who will step into the Red Bull hot seat if the Dutchman is suspended, so SunSport gives you everything you need to know on the potential candidates. Isack Hadjar has finished in the points in five of the nine races this seasonCredit: AlamyISACK HADJAR The French-Algerian 20-year-old has impressed in his rookie campaign for Racing Bulls. He has enjoyed a meteoric rise from being left in tears in the season opener in Melbourne after crashing in the rain on the formation lap. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSince then he has finished in the points in five of the nine races this season and and secured a glittering fifth in qualifying in the Monaco show piece.The last rookie to achieve that feat was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportIt is early days yet but Hadjar’s aggressive driving style has been compared to Verstappen’s fierce approach. He also tested the 2024 car and found it “comfortable” rather than tricky like many others who have sat in the Red Bull cockpit.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureWhen Red Bull boss Christian Horner was asked about Hadjar, he said: “I think he’s been the most outstanding rookie. He’s exceeded all of our expectations.”He’s been fast, consistent, and constantly delivered. His future, if he keeps performing as he is, is very bright.”Liam Lawson was axed as Red Bull’s No2 driver after just two races this seasonCredit: GettyLIAM LAWSON The Kiwi 23-year-old isn’t completely off the radar despite suffering a woeful TWO-RACE stint as a Red Bull driver at the start of this season.He suffered three early exits in all three qualifying sessions, including the sprint, and didn’t bag a single point before being turfed out to Racing Bulls for Yuki Tsunoda. However, Lawson has experience with this season’s car and that could boost his credentials when weighing up the options for a one-off race. Things are looking up for the Racing Bulls driver too with him securing his first points in Monaco. Daniel Ricciardo was bought back into the Red Bull family in 2023 to race for their junior teamCredit: EPADANIEL RICCIARDO This is a huge blast from the past but Aussie maestro Ricciardo, 35, is a wild shout to fill in for Verstappen. Afterall, he is an experienced, senior head in the paddock, remains a favourite of Horner and has bags of experience with the team. Ricciardo knows the team inside and out, having spent two seasons with the junior side before enjoying five years as a Red Bull driver.He won seven grands prix racing alongside both Red Bull legends Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.Horner bought him back into the Red Bull family at the end of 2023 with the then-junior team Alpha Tauri before he was dropped for Liam Lawson the following year.Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa filled in for Verstappen in FP1 in Bahrain this yearCredit: RexAYUMU IWASA The Japanese Super Formula driver has been part of the team’s junior drivers’ programme since 2021. Marko said at the start of the season: “We have Ayumu Iwasa as our reserve driver” with the 23-year-old an F3 and F2 race winner. It is a big shout for him to replace Verstappen for a one-off race though with his more likely destination being a stand in driver for Racing Bulls. He filled in for Verstappen in FP1 at this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix, and made his Racing Bulls debut in practise in Suzuka last year. Brit driver Arvid Lindblad has been making waves in Red Bull’s junior programmeCredit: GettyARVID LINDBLAD The 17-year-old Brit is a future star of Red Bull, having been with the team for four-years. He continues to make waves this season, making his debut in F2 for Camps Racing, as part of Red Bull’s junior team. He stood on top of the podium this season for the Saudi Arabian sprint race and in Spain last time out. It would still be a huge step up to be thrust into the Red Bull seat and his age is also a barrier. The FIA announced in 2016 that an F1 driver must be at least 18 unless they are “judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition”.Read More on The SunEarlier this year Helmut Marko revealed they had applied for an exemption from the FIA’s ruling that drivers under the age of 18 are not eligible to receive a super license.They want to promote Lindblad to official reserve driver status so he may be well be on the F1 grid soon. More

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      in Soccer

      Serie A star Joan Gonzalez forced to retire aged just 23 with rare heart condition after club doctor ‘saved his life’

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      SERIE A star Joan Gonzalez has been forced to retire aged 23 due to a heart condition.The former Barcelona academy starlet joined Lecce from the Catalan giants in 2021.Joan Gonzalez has been forced to hang up his bootsCredit: GettyGonzalez did not feature last season, after a congenital heart condition was detected in the summer of 2024.Following recent further tests, the midfielder was forced to hang up his boots.Explaining the situation, club president Sticchi Damiani said: “He will not receive medical clearance.”The season began, unfortunately, with a major obstacle: the bad news about Joan Gonzalez, who failed his medical.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We called him back after a year for a new check-up, which took place a few days ago, and the situation remains the same.”Damiani was then full of praise for Lecce’s medical staff.The Italian continued: “A round of applause to our medical team, to Dr. Tondo, because they detected a congenital condition that is very difficult to diagnose.”It’s a case study. Thanks to that, the boy’s life was saved.”Most read in FootballDamiani also gushed over Gonzalez’s professionalism and ability.The Lecce chief added: “He has faced it with a balance, serenity and intelligence that make us think he would have been a great footballer.”Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkidDamiani then admitted that he believes Gonzalez will become a “great manager”.The Spaniard played 66 times for Lecce’s first team, scoring twice.Gonzalez’s final appearance came on May 26, 2024 – in his side’s 0-0 draw with Napoli on the final day of the 2023-24 season.Gonzalez had to sit out of the 24-25 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Unfinished business’ – Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign former Premier League star valued at £50million

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      IAN WRIGHT has urged former club Arsenal to buy Ademola Lookman this summer.The Gunners are seeking to bolster their attack following three consecutive runner-up finishes.Ademola Lookman has impressed since moving to ItalyCredit: GettyLookman, 27, has had previous Premier League spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester – with mixed fortunes.Since moving to Atalanta in 2022, the winger has gone from strength to strength – winning the Europa League and finishing 14th in the Ballon d’Or last year.Wright, 61, believes that Lookman would be well placed to improve Mikel Arteta’s front line.On his Wrighty’s House podcast, the former forward said: “I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.”You know, it’s just… I can’t help but look at his dark moment where it would have been dark for him. You know, especially all those loans going to another country.”And you know what? He never had no problem going wherever he needed to go to find it.”And then obviously, like you say, you find your place. Like Scott McTominay’s found that, like he [Lookman] found with Atalanta.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I hope we can buy him, Arsenal.”I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini slams Ademola Lookman for his penalty skills “But I just admire his journey and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”SunSport recently revealed that Lookman has admirers at Arsenal.Some Gunners chiefs, however, are concerned about his age – believing that at 27 Lookman may have already peaked.In addition to Arsenal, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the £50m-rated former Evertonian. More

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      in Boxing

      I’m the last American to beat Floyd Mayweather but I was brutally KO’d by Prince Naseem Hamed and retired at 24

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      AUGIE SANCHEZ is part of one of the most exclusive clubs in boxing history – as one of only six men to have beaten Floyd Mayweather.Mayweather retired as a professional in 2017 after making history by going 50-0 – a record still yet to be matched. Diego Corrales, Arnulfo Bravo, Floyd Mayweather and Augie SanchezCredit: Facebook Sanchez lost to Prince Naseem Hamed in 2001Credit: ReutersHe retired shortly after but has an impressive scalp on his recordCredit: AFPBut as an amateur, he had 84 wins and just six defeats. The most notable loss came in the 1996 Olympics when Bulgaria’s Serafim Todorov was awarded a controversial decision in the semi-finals. Mayweather blamed the defeat on corruption and turned pro the same year – while Todorov ended up working in a sausage factory. But the last American to beat Mayweather was Sanchez – who won a decision in the 1996 Olympic trials. READ MORE IN BOXINGSanchez told BoxingNews24/7: “I remember that [fight] like it was yesterday. Yeah, it was a very entertaining fight. “Me and Floyd go back, to 1994, when we both made the team and were both Golden Gloves champions; at the time, he was boxing at 106 pounds.”And later on that year, we were in Colorado Springs at the Olympic training centre, getting ready for the Olympic festival.”So we were roommates and we became close and had a good friendship.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And then he decided to move up, skip the 119-pound division and go to the 125 division.”And that’s when I ended up meeting him in the Nationals, the first year.How Olympics defeat sparked Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten pro legacy while rival’s career went wildly different direction”A lot of people don’t know about the first time we fought, when we fought in the Nationals, in the semi-finals.”And we fought again at the Olympic trials in the finals, and that’s when I ended up beating him.”It was a great fight, and I managed to land some great power shots on him. I beat him by countering and timing his punches.”Mayweather would later twice beat Sanchez to earn himself a spot at the 1996 Games – where he settled for bronze. But as a pro, he won world titles in FIVE divisions and boasted of earning over £1BILLION in the ring. Sanchez meanwhile turned pro in 1996 – the same year as Mayweather – and fought for the world title four years later. But he was brutally knocked out in four by British legend Prince Naseem Hamed – the WBO featherweight champion at the time. Sanchez had only three fights afterwards, retiring in 2001 after losing to John Michael Johnson at just 24. He later became a trainer and joined Team USA as an Olympic coach in 2016. Sanchez has also worked with the likes of heavyweight Michael Hunter and super-bantamweight champ Subaru Murata. Read More on The SunIronically, Sanchez is also part of Curmel Moton’s camp – the 19-year-old top prospect mentored by Mayweather. Mayweather himself still fights in the occasional exhibition bout against stars of the boxing, MMA and celebrity world. Curmel Moton with mentor MayweatherWorld champion Subaru Murata with Sanchez, now a trainer More

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni undercard: Who else is fighting on huge bill?

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      LIFELONG Ipswich fan Fabio Wardley returns to action in a huge homecoming bout at Portman Road – but the undercard is just as exciting!Wardley takes on Australian star Justis Huni who has replaced injury Jarrell Miller on roughly six weeks notice.Fabio Wardley tops the bill against Justis HuniCredit: ReutersAnd a win for the unbeaten Brit would see him take a step closer in challenging for the WBA heavyweight title.However, there is every chance Huni could cause an upset to Wardley as the Australian has an impressive unbeaten record of 12 wins and seven KO’s.This includes a recent second round stoppage win over Shaun Potgieter in January of this year.But in the build-up to this headline fight, there are some huge bouts scheduled on the undercard, including the much-feared Body Snatcher.Read more on Fabio WardleyWho is on the Wardley vs Huni undercard?The huge Ipswich card is set to have a European super-lightweight title fight between Pierce O’Leary and Liam Dillian.Nelsa Hysa and Patrick Korte will battle it out for the WBO European heavyweight title.But in devastating news to the bill, Dillian Whyte has pulled out at the last minuteHere is the full card:Most read in BoxingFabio Wardley vs Justis Huni – for the interim WBA heavyweight titleDillian Whyte vs TBAPierce O’Leary vs Liam Dillon – for the European super-lightweight titleNelson Hysa vs Patrick Korte – for the WBO European heavyweight titleMike Perez vs Steven Ward Sam Gilley vs Gideon OnyenaniUmar Khan vs Moises GarciaBilly Adams vs Alexander MoralesLewis Richardson vs Dimitri ProtkunasLillie Winch vs Katerina DvorakovaJack Williams vs Fernando ValdezHow can I watch the undercard?The entire undercard and the main event will be broadcast live on DAZN.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99, is also available, and you can cancel at any time with 30 days’ notice.You can also pay £119.99 for the year upfront, which is the lowest cost option.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog of the event to keep up with all the latest on the card.Can I still buy tickets for the undercard?Tickets for the undercard and the main event are still available on secondary sites such as StubHub.At the time of writing, the cheapest ticket is priced at £55.*Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value. More

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      in Soccer

      David Brooks to become a dad for first time just four years after Bournemouth and Wales star beat cancer

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      DAVID BROOKS feels “lucky” he will become a dad – fearing it would never happen after his cancer diagnosis.The Bournemouth winger’s wife Flora revealed last weekend she is pregnant, with the pair expecting their first baby in November.David Brooks is set to become a father for the first timeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/db_36/?hl=enThe Bournemouth star feared it wouldn’t happen after battling cancerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/db_36/?hl=enBrooks’ wife Flora revealed the joyous news onlineCredit: https://www.instagram.com/db_36/?hl=enBrooks revealed the possibility of parent life was in doubt when he battled stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021.The 27-year-old said: “When I was diagnosed, I had those conversations and there was never any guarantees that I would be able to have children in the future.”There was a chance that it wouldn’t have been possible. I was really lucky that it’s happened naturally.”After the treatment, everything has gone back to normal. I’m really happy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I always wanted to start a family. My wife and I always wanted kids at some point.“My situation took it out of my hands, so it’s very nice that everything has happened naturally and progressed into being a family.”I’m really looking forward to it and I know my wife is, even though she’s the pregnant one and going through all that.”I’m delighted – there were a few tears and now we’re really looking forward to it. We’re still a few months away – but I can’t wait.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBefore Brooks has to contend with nappies and sleepless nights, the Cherries attacker aims to extend Craig Bellamy’s unbeaten start to life as Wales boss.The Dragons have now gone eight matches without defeat and expect to make that nine at home to Liechtenstein in Cardiff tomorrow.Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futurist James Bond villain lairBrooks has returned to action for both Bournemouth and WalesCredit: GettyBut then Wales face a tough trip to Group J favourites Belgium on Monday night.Brooks ensured Bellamy has not tasted a loss yet with a 96th-minute equaliser in North Macedonia in March.He added: “It instills a bit of fear into who we are playing because other teams know we aren’t going to give up. It’s a massive positive.”It gives us confidence and makes the opposition wary.”Brooks made 33 appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions last season – but that included just 12 starts.The wideman said: “It’s always a bit frustrating. I had a good patch of starting games and I thought I was playing well.“I’ve been out a long time and that was the reason I went out on loan to Southampton last year.“But I don’t want to get to the end of my career and have half of my appearances on the bench.Read More on The Sun”I’m always looking to play more games and looking to make the best impact at club level when I get the opportunity.”I’m in good fitness and form and confident I can make a difference over the next two Wales games.” More

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      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes’ ex-referee wife went from paying for dates when he was broke to convincing him to snub £200m Saudi move

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      BRUNO FERNANDES revealed wife Ana had a huge say on his decision to snub the Saudi Pro League.The Portuguese star turned down a £200million package from Al-Hilal to stay at Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes’ wife Ana has helped convince him to stay at UnitedCredit: GettyThe pair are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Instagram @anaapinho_Ana is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early datesCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes and Ana married in 2015 and have two childrenCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes was a rare shining light in a dismal Old Trafford season last term.And the skipper has now turned down a fortune to stay in the North West.Reports suggest Al Hilal offered to TRIPLE Fernandes’ £250,000-a-week wages. But with two years remaining on his United deal, the 30-year-old has decided to remain in Manchester.READ MORE ON SPORTFernandes said: “There was that possibility [I could leave], the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask. “There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with [manager] Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. “I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We never talked about money – that was all handled by my agent, not me.”Fernandes and Ana are childhood sweethearts and met in their teens. Gary Neville names four Man Utd stars who must leave this summer They married in 2015 and have two children together – Matilde, 8, and Goncalo, 4.And he leaned on his rock for advice on whether to leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Fernandes continued: “I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me – I never said yes or no.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.”During Fernandes’ early days as a struggling player, he did not have the money to take his beau out on dates.Ana funded their relationship by refereeing futsal matches on weekends.And the United star credits her with getting them through the “tough times”.Fernandes said: “Ana has been with me on this ride since we were 16, 17, 18 years old.”We met as teenagers, and when we first started dating, I wasn’t making any money as a footballer.”She had a nice job working as a futsal referee on the weekends.“She used to do three or four matches in a row on a Saturday, and then we would always go to the cinema on Sundays.“I personally didn’t have much money at the time so Ana was the one who had to pay for our movie tickets.”Same with going out to dinner. Even at the pizza shop, she had to pay.”Despite Fernandes bringing in the big bucks, Ana continues to be her own boss.She is the owner and CEO of architecture and interior design company Studio Otto.Read More on The SunAna boasts over 120,000 followers on social media.Her presence is mostly dedicated to her family and Bruno’s success at United, earning her the moniker “Queen of Old Trafford.” More

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      in Soccer

      How Chelsea wooed Liam Delap thanks to ‘secret agent’ who Pep Guardiola first spotted at U15 tournament seven years ago

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      LIAM DELAP didn’t wait long to complete his move to Chelsea – thanks to the influence of some old colleagues.The striker was on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, but the Blues turned on the charm to woo him to Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap opted to move to Chelsea instead of Man UtdCredit: AlamyPep Guardiola’s scouting seven years ago led to Delap joining the BluesCredit: GettyDelap, 22, joins Chelsea for £30million after netting 12 goals at relegated Ipswich last season.But the story of his move to West London begun seven years ago at a tournament named after Kevin De Bruyne.The Under-15s KDB Cup in Gent, Belgium, sees some of the top youngsters in the world go head-to-head.It is a scout’s dream and top sides send their best talent spotters to the games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBack in 2018, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola went to the tournament himself and was impressed by a 14-year-old Romeo Lavia.He joined the club from Anderlecht as soon as he became old enough on the recommendation of the Spaniard.But just two senior City appearances later he joined Southampton as Lavia became another highly-rated teenager that decided to move on instead of fight superstars for a place in Guardiola’s XI.Lavia spent just a season on the South Coast before Chelsea splashed a reported £53m on him in 2023.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRomeo Lavia has been dubbed a ‘secret agent’ after rumoured conversations with DelapCredit: GettyBut during his days at the Etihad, the Belgian midfielder called Delap a team-mate.Both were in City’s star-studded youth set-up and were close pals.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the nightThe Daily Mail report that “agent Lavia”, which he has been labelled by fans, helped convince Delap to move to Chelsea.Though the links to City in this transfer do not stop there.He was team-mates with Cole Palmer in their youth days.Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca was assistant to Guardiola and worked with youngsters during his time in Manchester.The boss already knows Delap well and helped sell the Chelsea project to him.He reportedly told the striker to envision himself leading the line for the club during their Conference League final win over Real Betis last week.Additionally, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields was formerly at City.The transfer chief is said to have a strong relationship with Delap and his family, which helped clinch the deal. Other reports state that Thomas Tuchel told the player to join Chelsea as playing in the Champions League would boost his chances of an England call-up for next summer’s World Cup.DONE DEALThe deal is now signed and sealed and Delap can get straight to work as Chelsea look to win the Club World Cup this summer.Following the move the youngster said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.”It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”He was also quick to speak of his excitement about reuniting with those familiar faces.On Maresca, he said: “He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much. What we did that season was record-breaking, and what he’s gone on to achieve – and what the players in that age group have achieved – is incredible.”He has a great understanding of the game. He was very detailed in how he approached things with us and while it can be hard at that age to take on so much information, he brought it across in a way we understood and could put into our games.”I think it’s proved in the years since how much it has helped.”On playing alongside Palmer once more he beamed: “Cole is incredible in everything he does. I can’t wait to be in front of him again and receive his passes!”He added about Lavia and Palmer: “We grew up and played some incredible football together. I spoke to them about joining and I am excited to play alongside them again.Read More on The Sun”I also know Levi [Colwill] a bit as we faced each other hundreds of times when we were growing up. It’s always nice to know people [when you join a new club], and I’ve spoken to a few of them and asked them for advice.”They’ve told me how great a place it is and I’m really excited to come and play alongside them.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More