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      Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Latest after Palace beat Brighton and Wolves fight back at Ipswich – latest

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      ASTON VILLA are hosting rivals Nottingham Forest in a massive Midlands derby!In a packed Saturday of football, Crystal Palace beat rivals Brighton after 14 MINUTES of injury time.Ipswich were in front against Wolves, but suffered a huge body blow as the visitors fought back from a goal to win 2-1.Graham Potter’s West Ham drew with Bournemouth.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…From Matt Hughes at Selhurst ParkCrystal Palace dug in to secure their first league double over rivals Brighton for 93 years to increase their hopes of qualifying for Europe.  Oliver Glasner’s in-form side are now two-points behind eighth-placed Brighton with a game in hand after this hard-fought win, secured by goals in each half from Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Daniel Munoz.Palace had to play the final 25 minutes (including 12 of tension-inducing added time) with just 10 after substitute Eddie Nketiah was sent off after just 11 minutes on the pitch, but showed the resilience that is becoming the hallmark of their increasingly impressive season. After failing to win their first eight games Palace could yet end it in Europe, having already booked a visit to Wembley to face Aston Villa in an FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month.Copy linkCopiedFrom Ivan Speck at Portman RoadThe Wolves fans are singing ‘We are staying up’ at Portman Road after their comeback 2-1 win at Ipswich who are now headed straight back to the Championship.The mathematics say that Ipswich can still bridge a 12-point gap to their visitors. Logic says otherwise after Jorgen Strand Larsen stabbed home an 85th-minute Pablo Sarabia volleyed cross.Substitute Sarabia had earlier cancelled out Liam Delap’s first-half opener for Ipswich.Copy linkCopiedFrom Rob Maul at the London StadiumWest Ham fans must just wish the season could end tomorrow.Pride is perhaps the only thing the club is playing for these days. It is highly unlikely, with three poor teams inside the drop zone, that they are going to get relegated from the Premier League.And though the core problems are not his fault, the honeymoon period for Graham Potter ended a while ago.Bournemouth, meanwhile, still have aspirations of European football next season.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Crystal Palace 2-1 BrightonThe nine men of Crystal Palace have held on to beat the ten men of Brighton.Daniel Munoz’s trundler was the matchwinner before the red mist descended on Selhurst Park.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Ipswich 1-2 WolvesIpswich Town have now dropped 25 points from winning positions this season, and it has Kieran McKenna and his team staring an immediate return to the Championship in the face.Wolves, meanwhile, can smell survival under Vitor Pereira.Copy linkCopiedFull time – West Ham 2-2 BournemouthIt’s another draw between West Ham and Bournemouth, the only surprise is this one didn’t end 1-1.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 2-1 Brighton90+6. A THIRD red card at Selhurst Park!This time Jan Paul van Hecke is given his marching orders by Anthony Taylor for clipping Daichi Kamada as the Palace player threatened to race through on goal.Who says this isn’t a proper rivalry?!Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 2-1 Brighton90. Crystal Palace are now down to NINE men with Marc Guehi following Eddie Nketiah for an early bath.Already on a booking, the England defender crunches his studs into the midriff of Brajan Gruda.And now Oliver Glasner’s depleted team have 12 minutes of stoppage time to hold out for.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Ipswich 1-2 Wolves84. Jorgen Strand Larsen has Wolverhampton Wanderers on the verge of Premier League safety.The introduction of Pablo Sarabia has turned this game on its head, and after scoring, the substitute how now set up a second for the Norwegian.Strand Larsen bundles in his fourth in three games, a goal finally given the green light after a lengthy offside check,The striker picks up a yellow card for his excessive celebrations, but I doubt he cares too much about that.Copy linkCopiedFrom Matt Hughes at Selhurst ParkDaniel Munoz restored Palace’s lead in the 55th minute with another goal created by Eberechi Eze in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.Eze’s cross-field pass to release Munoz was exquisite, although it still left the Colombian international with a lot to do.The 28-year-old showed no ill effects from last week’s trip to South America for World Cup qualifiers however, and cut in from the right to beat Bart Verbruggen at his far post. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth79. Two for Evanilson, two for Bournemouth, and this game is deadlocked once again.It was a long ball lofted to the edge of the area, headed on by Dean Huijsen, and followed all the way in by the Brazilian striker.It’s seven in nine for the former Porto man!Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 2-1 Brighton78. Well, this is an interesting 10-minute cameo from Eddie Nketiah.Introduced as a 68th-minute substitute for Jean-Philippe Mateta, the striker was first booked for simulation, and has now been sent off for catching Jan Paul van Hecke with a high boot.Crystal Palace will have to see this one out a man light.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Ipswich 1-1 Wolves72. What a big goal this could be from Pablo Sarabia!Jorgen Strand Larsen does well to hold the ball up and feed the Spanish substitute, who initially gets lucky with a bounce off a defender before steering low past Alex Palmer and into the bottom corner.It could spell the end of the road for Ipswich Town.Copy linkCopiedFrom Ivan Speck at Portman RoadThe anxiety levels of the Ipswich fans keeps going up. Joao Gomes struck the home upright within five minutes of the restart, while nervous defending has already seen one almighty scramble indie the home area.It’s one-way traffic towards the Ipswich goal now.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! West Ham 2-1 Bournemouth68. What a turnaround at the London Stadium! It’s another brilliant header too, this time scored by Jarrod Bowen!Mohammed Kudus clips over a cross from the byline for the England international, who rises between two Bournemouth defenders in order to steer his effort inside the far post.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth61. Instant impact from Niclas Fullkrug!It’s a thumping, towering header from the substitute, who climbs highest to meet James Ward-Prowse’s corner before powering beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga.It’s a first goal at the London Stadium for Fullkrug, and – surprise, surprise – West Ham and Bournemouth are drawing 1-1 again.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 1-0 Wolves60. Wolves are getting closer.After Joao Gomes crashed a shot against the post at the start of the second half, Jorgen Strand Larsen has just looped a header narrowly over the crossbar.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-1 Bournemouth57. Two more changes for West Ham with Graham Potter wasting no time.Carlos Soler and striker Niclas Fullkrug are on now, replacing Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez.This really would be a good time for Fullkrug to kickstart his Hammers career.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Crystal Palace 2-1 Brighton55. Palace are back in front courtesy of Daniel Munoz!Ebere Eze is once again the driving force, pushing forward from the left and feeding the marauding wing-back on the right.Munoz’s strike on the run isn’t the best but it has enough on it to bundle its way through a crowd and into the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-1 Bournemouth49. Graham Potter made a change at the break, replacing young Ollie Scarles on the left with Emerson.But it’s a move yet to have the desired effect, and the Hammers are still to register a first attempt on target.Copy linkCopiedFrom Ivan Speck at Portman RoadLiam Delap’s 16th-minute goal, seizing on a Dara O’Shea nod-down, has Ipswich ahead, but they so nearly conceded disastrously when keeper Alex Palmer allowed a Cameron Burgess back-pass to roll under his foot and scrambled back in desperation to paw it away to safety.Nervous times in Suffolk.Copy linkCopiedFrom Matt Hughes at Selhurst ParkDanny Welbeck showed once again that age has not dulled his goal-scoring instincts by nipping in to poach a deserved equaliser for Brighton at Crystal Palace. The 34-year-old snuck in between Palace defenders Jefferson Lerma and Maxence Lacroix to meet a sensational cross from the right from Yankuba Minteh with a well-taken volley. Palace had taken the lead through Jean-Phillipe Mateta’s first goal since returning from that horrific ear injury in the third minute, but failed to fully capitalise on their early dominance as the visitors came back into the game.Copy linkCopiedHalf-time scoresSo far so good for Ipswich and Bournemouth, while yet again nobody can tell the difference between Crystal Palace and Brighton.Crystal Palace 1-1 BrightonIpswich 1-0 WolvesWest Ham 0-1 BournemouthCopy linkCopiedFrom Ivan Speck at Portman RoadIt’s the hope that kills you, but Ipswich have it thanks to Liam Delap’s 12th Premier League goal of the season.Wolves created plenty of early chances but Delap pounced to steer home Dara O’Shea’s knockdown and sent Portman Road into a frenzy.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-1 Bournemouth42. Bournemouth go so close to a second as Illia Zabarnyi loops a header on to the crossbar.Graham Potter’s Hammers could do with half-time here.Copy linkCopied More

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      Medics race on to pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after sickening head injury as Crystal Palace fans call him ‘warrior’

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      MEDICS rushed on the pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after a sickening head clash with Joao Pedro. The centre-back collided with Pedro as Brighton trailed Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Medics rush on the pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after a head clash with Joao PedroCredit: GettyLacroix actually wanted to continue playing but the Eagles bench decided to replace him with Joel Ward. And one fan said: “Lacroix what a warrior.” Another added: “Lacroix just became an honorary one of our own hope he’s ok.” It was just one of several crazy incidents in a game that included THREE red cards. READ MORE IN football Jean-Philippe Mateta – back after his horror head injury in the FA Cup against Millwall – opened the lead after three minutes.Danny Welbeck then equalised on the half hour mark before Daniel Munoz restored Palace’s lead ten minutes after the break. The first to be shown red was substitute striker Eddie Nketiah – after being booked for diving and a studs up challenge. Marc Guehi followed as the game headed into the 90th minute following the England international’s second yellow. Most read in FootballBut the drama did not stop there as Jan Paul van Hecke was sent off six minutes into added time for his second bookable offence. Palace held onto victory to take bragging rights back down the M23. Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’ in horror theft as man, 25, charged More

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      Forgotten Premier League star ‘ROBBED in broad daylight as thugs steal luxury watch and dash off on motorbike’

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Arthur Melo was the victim of daylight robbery, according to reports in Spain.Arthur, who joined Liverpool on loan in the 2022/23 season, is said to have been walking around in Barcelona on Thursday when the incident occurred.Arthur Melo was reportedly the victim of a daylight robbery in Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: RexStar played just once while on loan at LiverpoolCredit: GettyMarca report the 28-year-old, who now plays for Girona on loan from Juventus, was enjoying some time off shopping when, at around 4pm, he went to pay for his parking on Passeig de Gracia.It was then that an individual hopped off a motorbike and stole a luxury watch from him before bolting off at speed with the help of a second suspect.The midfielder was unhurt in the robbery which he later reported to the police.He returned to Girona training as normal on Friday and was named on the substitutes bench for the club’s 1-0 defeat to Alaves today.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArthur played just once for Liverpool during his time in England, with injuries limiting him to just 13 minutes of action.This is the third season in a row he has been sent on loan by parent club Juventus, whom he joined from Barcelona in 2020.He was on loan at Fiorentina last season before returning to the Turin club in the summer, only to be sent on loan to Girona during the winter transfer window.The Brazilian was previously the victim of an alleged robbery in 2019 when two burglars threatened his brother with a weapon at his home.Most read in FootballIt happened during Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League semi-final win over Liverpool, a lead which would dramatically be overturned in a stunning comeback by the Reds in the second leg.Arthur has played six times for Girona since moving on loan.Criminal who infamously tried to rob Ozil and Kolasinac of £200,000 during Arsenal days now partially blind after attack More

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      ‘How is he not off?’ – Fans baffled by Ipswich keeper’s blunder but little-known rule says he shouldn’t even be booked

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      FANS called for Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer to be sent off after he used his hands to clear a back-pass off the line. But a little-known rule saved him from being booked for his shocking blunder, with Ipswich 1-0 up on Wolves at the time.Fans called for Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer to be sent off after he used his hands to clear a back-pass off the lineReferee Anthony Taylor immediately awarded an indirect free-kick to Wolves inside the six-yard boxIpswich passed the ball back to Palmer but he let the ball run through his legs.It was about to roll over the line before the stopper chased back and scooped it up with his hands.Referee Anthony Taylor immediately awarded an indirect free-kick to Wolves inside the six-yard box.All 11 Ipswich player gathered across the line in unison, as seven Wolves stars stood inside the box on top of the ball. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Wolves had to pass the ball before shooting, which allowed the relegation-threatened home side to clear.Wolves touched the free-kick to Emmanuel Agbadou who belted it from six yards but Sam Morsy was out quickly to block it away.However, fans were outraged and confused as to why Palmer hadn’t been sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.But the rules clearly show that it’s not a bookable offence.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe International Football Association Board (IFAB) who set the laws of the game state if a goalkeeper handles a backpass “an indirect free kick is awarded and no card is shown.”The Football Association’s guidance is also clear: “If the goalkeeper handles the ball inside their penalty area when not permitted to do so, an indirect free kick is awarded but there is no disciplinary sanction.”BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Liam Delap opened the scoring inside 16 minutes after a lengthly VAR check.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      ‘Don’t know why everyone’s not doing it’ – Ollie Bearman shares shock tactic which saw him qualify top ten for Japan GP

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      OLLIE BEARMAN has revealed the stunning tactic he used to score a surprise top-ten qualifying result at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.The Haas rookie, 19, made a shock Q3 appearance after only running at best 15th fastest across the three practice sessions.Ollie Bearman scored a surprise P10 in qualifying for the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: RexBearman revealed the surprise tactic he used to earn his impressive resultCredit: RexBut the Brit, racing at the circuit for the first time in his F1 career, turned his form around on Saturday to place P10 – his team’s best qualifying result at Suzuka since 2019.Speaking about his lap, Bearman revealed how using a tactic from “iRacing”, online motorsport races played through video games, had helped him gain vital time at the end of his lap.He said: “I had a snap in the chicane. I was taking more and more kerb every single lap, and the last lap was a little bit too much.“Every time I was doing it, I was gaining more and lap time, so I thought, why not take a little more?READ MORE IN F1″I was going as tight as I could to the wall. I don’t know why not everyone is doing that.”“I was doing it since FP1. I thought that’s the real iRacing line there.”Bearman’s team-mate Esteban Ocon had a far less enjoyable session, being eliminated in Q1 and qualifying down in P18 which made the teen’s pace even more impressive.He added: “It was quite an unexpected result. I was really happy to be in Q2, so you can imagine how happy I was to be in Q3.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We were [estimating we would be] on the cut-off, from our predictions prior to the session, to be in Q2. “So when that lap finished and I think I popped up to eighth at the end of that Q2 lap, and then slowly back down and I just about managed to sneak into Q3, it was great.”Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’Qualifying was topped by a record lap time from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Charles Leclerc and George Russell came in P4 and P5 respectively.Rookies Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar qualified P6 and P7 ahead of Lewis Hamilton in P8, with Alex Albon then making up the final driver in the top ten in front of Bearman.Hadjar told Sky Sports afterwards how he almost crashed after suffering a bizarre injury in a “sensitive area”.Qualifying and practice were hit with chaos as the sunny and windy conditions led to a number of trackside grass fires which suspended the sessions.Sunday’s race will see a cold front coming in with a chance of showers which should dampen the grass enough to stop any more fires popping up.Japanese Grand Prix qualifying resultsMax Verstappen Red BullLando Norris McLarenOscar Piastri McLarenCharles Leclerc FerrariGeorge Russell MercedesKimi Antonelli MercedesIsack Hadjar Racing BullsLewis Hamilton FerrariAlex Albon WilliamsOliver Bearman HaasPierre Gasly AlpineFernando Alonso Aston MartinLiam Lawson Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda Red BullCarlos Sainz Williams *three-place grid penaltyNico Hulkenberg SauberGabriel Bortoleto SauberEsteban Ocon HaasJack Doohan AlpineLance Stroll Aston Martin More

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      My dad is Coronation Street legend Des Barnes – now I’ve swapped acting for pro boxing

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      BOXER Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ring – but he may already be a familiar face. And not because of his two points victories but due to his career as an actor. Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ringCredit: GettyHe is the son to actor Phil MiddlemissCredit: GettyMiddlemiss played Des Barnes in CorrieCredit: PAHe is the son of Phil Middlemiss – who spent eights years playing Des Barnes in the hit ITV soap. His 21-year-old son is also an actor with TV credits for Emmerdale and Waterloo Road. But Middlemiss’ true calling has been in boxing, turning professional in 2024 with Eddie Hearn after a title winning amateur career. He returns tonight in Manchester on Joe Joyce’s undercard – but the bright lights are nothing new for the super-featherweight. READ MORE IN BOXINGMiddlemiss told BBC Sport: “I definitely think they’re transferable and should come in handy. “There are things I’ve learnt in that field that I can already see are going to be useful now.”They can help me sell a bout and, when I get a little bit further down the line, they’ll also help me in front of the television cameras.”A lot of people can freeze when they’re all pointed at them. I get it because it’s completely out of their comfort zone.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary.” Middlemiss still acts on the side but is ready to pursue boxing full-time. He said: “Acting can be tough but it’s a damn sight easier than boxing.”My family and friends know how competitive I am and my dad has always loved boxing so I don’t think they fell off their chairs when they found out what I wanted to do.”OK, they were probably a bit surprised. But not stunned or speechless, I don’t think, because of how I am.”There are more relaxing ways to make a living but there’s something about boxing which immediately grabbed me. “I think it’s the pressure you have to put yourself under because, in the ring, it’s just you and the other guy so you can’t rely on anyone else.But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Alfie Middlemiss “You have to show focus and have a drive to keep improving. You can never let up.”From the first moment I walked into a gym it just appealed to me. Maybe because, in my eyes, it’s the ultimate and purest test you can ever experience.”Middlemiss won English and North West championships and has now turned pro under ex-boxer Jamie Moore – trainer also to Jack Catterall. He beat Jesus Gonzalez and Caine Singh in his first two bouts and faces Mexican Alexander Morales (6-11-5) in his third. Middlemiss said: “Boxing can be a lonely sport as everything is on you.”As an amateur, it can be a bit overwhelming when you get a loss or a setback.Read More on The Sun”There are injuries too. I’ve had a few minor niggles along the way but, fortunately, nothing serious.”It’s how you respond to all of that which defines you. The same as disappointments in acting or any other walk of life.”Middlemiss is trained by former pro boxer Jamie MooreCredit: Getty More

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      ‘My kids feared I was going to die, I could see their fear ‘ – Premier League icon Tony Mowbray on his cancer battle

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      TONY MOWBRAY has opened up on his harrowing battle with bowel cancer.The popular boss, 61, stepped away from his job as Birmingham boss in February 2024 as he battled the disease.Tony Mowbray was appointed as West Brom boss in JanuaryCredit: PAFollowing a “dehumanising” 16-month period that left him fearing for his life, Mowbray was finally given the all-clear to return to work by doctors.The experienced manager subsequently returned to West Brom, the club he won promotion to the Premier League with in 2008.On the stark reality that followed his cancer diagnosis, Mowbray told The Times: “I had the conversation with my family and you could see they were frightened.”Was I frightened? My only thoughts were for my family, my three children and my wife and making sure they were OK.MOST READ IN FOOTBALL”I had to put everything in order and I tried to. My wife saw our banking app for the first time in her life. It’s little things like that.”She understood. This was serious stuff. I felt she needed to know where we had our money, whether it was ISAs or pensions and what was in the bank.”Having collapsed at home, Mowbray spent a night in hospital on a drip.Reliving the awful experience, Mowbray said: “I remember sitting there in bed and my kids’ eyes were watering up. They were scared I wasn’t going to live. How old were they? They were 15, 17 and 19. I could see the fear in their eyes.”Most read in FootballMowbray underwent crucial surgery just 10 days after his diagnosis, and now admits: “Lots of things go through your mind. Am I going to wake up?”I feel very humble. I have been in the hands of some amazing people. I’ve spent a lot of time in hospital, I’ve spent a lot of time on medication. I’ve spent a lot of time in chemotherapy. It’s a medicine to treat cancer. It ravages your body.”Fans say ‘you can’t help but love Tony Mowbray’ as he hails Birmingham’s ‘Champions League’ BUFFETHaving previously been on temporary leave, Mowbray formally stepped down as Birmingham boss in May 2024.His No2 Mark Venus had initially stepped in, before Gary Rowett was appointed until the end of the season.On what made him decide to resign, Mowbray added: “I remember catching myself in a glass door and I didn’t even recognise it was me in the reflection. I was a shell of a man really. My cheeks were sunk in.”I had lost 4.5 stone, I was hunched over and I made the decision then. I phoned Garry Cook [Birmingham chief executive] that day and said I wouldn’t be going back because I needed to get well.”Mowbray maintained that he would like to return to work if his health would allow.And when Carlos Corberan left The Hawthorns for Valencia following Mowbray’s all-clear, the possibility of a dream return to West Brom became a possibility.In January he sealed a remarkable return to work, penning a two-and-a-half year contract with the Baggies.Read More on The SunUpon taking the West Brom job, a delighted Mowbray said: “I’m ready to relish the challenge again. It’s a new challenge.”I know I’ve been here before, but it’s a new challenge, a new time, a new era for me at the football club.” More

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      Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crashed’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’

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      FORMULA ONE rookie sensation Isack Hadjar “almost crashed” after injuring a sensitive area of his body during qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix.The Racing Bulls youngster repeatedly complained over the team radio that he was in agony after his seat belts twisted on Saturday morning.Isack Hadjar said he ‘almost crashed’ after injuring a sensitive area of his body during qualifying in GPCredit: Sky SportsThe Racing Bulls driver had to jump out between qualifying sessions to be helped outHis team worked frantically to fix the issueHadjar disrupted the team’s original plan by returning to the garage towards the end of Q1, as mechanics frantically tried to fix the problem. The 20-year-old was sent back out while still in pain, but he somehow managed to find a lap quick enough to lift him out of the bottom five. He then had his six-point safety harness re-positioned and went on to battle through to Q3 and pip Lewis Hamilton to seventh fastest ahead of Sunday’s race.After qualifying, Hadjar revealed that he was so disorientated he nearly crashed the car – which would’ve been for the second time this season.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut he found little sympathy from the Sky Sports panel of pundits, as presenter Simon Lazenby said: “I’m just going to cross my legs here and ask you what was going on?”And Hadjar told Sky: “It was a nightmare, man. Honestly. I’m really proud of myself and the lap I did in Q1, with what I had, unbelievable.””I realised straight in Turn 3. I was like ‘OK, this is not going well’, and I nearly crashed actually. But I’m OK.The panel were laughing even harder when Naomi Schiff pointed out: “This was not an issue I ever dealt with when I was racing.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPundit Jacques Villeneuve, who was already giggling, begged him not to go into “too much detail” on the live broadcast.Drivers normally stay in the cockpit for the duration of qualifying, but drastic action was needed and Hadjar jumped out between sessions.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team Hadjar somehow managed to power through and qualified seventh – ahead of Lewis HamiltonDuring Q1 Hadjar had made it clear just how painful the problem was as he spoke with race engineer Pierre Hamelin over the radio.He said: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, f***ing hell. I mean, I just can’t focus, I have so much lap time. It’s just not driveable.”The French-Algerian star later reported that the belts strapping him in were “twisted” which seemed to be the cause of his discomfort. Cameras mounted on board his car showed him trying to adjust the belts while driving whenever he could,TV footage then showed Racing Bulls staff trying to resolve the issue in the garage.On several occasions he winced and tightly closed his eyes because of the pain he was feeling as his mechanics tried to sort out his seat belt.Hadjar fears were understandable after he crashed on his F1 debut during a formation lap at the Australian GP – leaving him in tears.Japanese GP Qualifying: Top 101) Max Verstappen, Red Bull2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren4) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari5) George Russell, Mercedes6) Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls8) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari9) Alex Albon, Williams10) Oliver Bearman, HaasMeanwhile, Hadjar’s newly returning team-mate Liam Lawson – who was dropped by Red Bull last week – qualified in 14th.But he ironically beat his replacement driver Yuki Tsunoda, who drove the RB21 for the first time ever at his home GP.Meanwhile, Red Bull star Max Verstappen produced a major upset after snatching pole position from McLaren’s Lando Norris.Verstappen delivered a time of 1:26.983 – the fastest lap in Suzuka history.The Dutchman took a fourth successive Suzuka pole as the top three were left separated by less than half a tenth of a second.Read More on The SunRed Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “That was one of his best laps in qualifying ever. We did not expect that. Outstanding.”Max extracted every ounce of performance. He got the most out of it today and getting that pole position was completely against the form we had been seeing. A big lift for the team.”Max Verstappen produced a major upset after snatching pole positionCredit: Rex More