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Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Max Verstappen left offended by fellow drivers as F1 star's record questioned
The lap record at the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife was unofficially broken by Max Verstappen last week but the Red Bull F1 racer's achievement was called into question on social media Max Verstappen fumed after the veracity of his exploits at the Nurburgring on his week off were called into question. The Dutchman raised eyebrows before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by heading to Germany for some GT testing at the famous circuit. Verstappen went undercover to drive at the Nurburgring, adopting the pseudonym 'Franz Hermann' for the sake of the test. He drove a Ferrari 296 GT3 and, it soon emerged, set a new lap record for that type of racing machine – though that claim was soon called into question. Some experienced GT racers also got involved in what turned out to be quite the argument on social media. And that included Maro Engel, who races in the German DTM series and claimed that Verstappen had not been running with a proper Nurburgring Endurance Series set-up on the car. The implication was that Verstappen had been able to go faster because of a set-up which made the car more performant than it would be in an proper race in that series. But Verstappen was quick to snap back at that claim. "False. Don't spread things when you don't know how the car was set up and our engine settings. Why would I join a NLS track day with the wrong BOP?" he wrote on X. And Engel responded: "Seems like paddock chat was incorrect then." He could have just ignored all the noise, but it seems to have annoyed the Red Bull driver. Regarding Engel's social media accusation, he told journalists at Imola: "That was a stupid comment. I went there to have fun and just drive my laps. I [was] just there to learn. "Then the record comes out of course, and it's as if other drivers feel attacked. I'm just enjoying myself, and then you get that kind of unnecessary comment, which I find totally pointless. "I know him [Engel]. So yeah, then I think, 'It's probably better not to say anything'. But I happened to come across it in my feed. Normally you don't see that, but I've met him a few times in Monaco. I have a lot of respect for everyone in the GT3 world, and then I think, 'This is just unnecessary'." Article continues below And he insisted that he had indeed been using the correct set-up on the car. "Of course. Otherwise it would be a bit silly to drive there," he said. Verstappen went on to confirm that he had gone quicker than the official Nurburgring Endurance Series lap record at the famous circuit of seven minutes and 49.578 seconds, set in 2022 by Christian Krognes. But, because it was a test, that record still stands as the four-time F1 champion's laps were unofficial. Verstappen had never driver on the Nordschleife in person before that test, but it was not an unfamiliar track for the Dutchman regardless. "I've done thousands of laps there [in the simulator]," he said. "When I got there in real life, it was really just a matter of finding out the grip level. I already knew everything else."
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mel C breaks her silence on the Spice Girls reunion tour as she reveals one member 'needs more convincing' to take part
Mel C has broken her silence on the upcoming Spice Girls reunion tour, revealing that one member still 'needs more convincing' to take to the stage. It was revealed earlier this week that the iconic girl group would be reuniting for a possible world tour to celebrate 30 years since the release of the debut single Wannabe. It has already been said that Posh Spice, aka Victoria Beckham, is '90 per cent out of the running', with the fashion designer, 51, having not joined the girls on stage since the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. But in a new interview, Mel C, 51, shared her excitement about the tour and let slip that one other member seemingly wasn't as enthusiastic about picking up the mic again and needed further persuasion. Speaking on the No Filter with Kate Langbroek podcast, Sporty Spice shared: 'Next year is a big year for us and we have to acknowledge it in some way. 'So we are talking about what that's going to look like and for me, Melanie, I know for sure, and Emma [Bunton], we'd be back on stage. But sometimes other people need a little bit more convincing.' Amid her revelation that it was Geri Halliwell-Horner that needed convincing, this further adds to recent reports that Ginger Spice is set to meet with Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller in Miami this weekend to discuss the plans. The singer, 52, recently remained coy about a possible reunion, saying in an interview last month: 'I love the Spice Girls as a whole movement, the tribe of us, and the individual members.' It was thought that the scandal scandal engulfing her husband Christian Horner, who accused of misconduct by a team employee, put Geri off taking part. But with Geri's Red Bull F1 boss Christian gearing up for the latest race in the calendar and with Simon reportedly a racing fan with an invite from Red Bull to attend, it would be the perfect opportunity for the two to chat. Meanwhile, discussing the prospect of all five girls being on stage together for the first time since 2012, Mel added: 'It would be the best thing ever, ever, ever. And sometimes it feels like a duty to the world. 'When we did the shows in 2019, it brought so much joy to so many people. Not everybody likes the Spice Girls but loads of people do. 'We're living in this weird world right now. There's so much negativity and mad s**t going on. Let's all spice up our lives.' Meanwhile, Mel B joked that any important details regarding the tour won't be shared with Mel B as 'she can't keep her mouth shut.' In a new interview, Mel C, 51, shared her excitement about the tour and let slip that one other member seemingly wasn't as enthusiastic and needed further persuasion 'So we are talking about what that's going to look like and for me, Melanie, I know for sure, and Emma [Bunton], we'd be back on stage. But sometimes other people need a little bit more convincing'[Geri pictured] Amid her revelation that it was Geri Halliwell-Horner that needed convincing, this further adds to recent reports that Ginger Spice is set to meet with Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller in Miami this weekend to discuss the plans She quipped: 'We've decided now we're not going to tell Mel anything because she can't keep her mouth shut. 'So don't listen to Mel B because she doesn't know, because we're not telling her.' Since they officially broke up they there have been various rumours that they would reunite - with Mel B recently sharing her enthusiasm again for another tour. Mel C previously hinted that the band could do something special next year to mark the 30-year anniversary of their debut album, Spice. The girl group last toured together in 2020 as a foursome, with only Victoria missing out. While the last time Emma, Mel B, Mel C, Victoria and Geri all performed as a five was during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. Speaking to Rebecca Judd On Apple Music 1 in March, Mel C teased: 'There has to be something befitting of 30 years since Wannabe. 'Once a Spice Girl, always a Spice Girl. 'We all feel like that, but we now are getting together because we know if we're going to do anything, we have to start planning things to get things right. 'We have to start making the plans right now and putting them into action. So fingers crossed.' However, she admitted it might be up to her and Mel B to get things moving, saying: 'I think me and Mel B are probably going to be going in there all guns blazing, 'Come on! It's time!''
The Independent
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
F1 news LIVE: Chinese GP final positions revealed after Hamilton and Leclerc disqualified
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both been disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix in a disastrous blow for Ferrari in the second race of the 2025 F1 season. The cars of both drivers failed post-race checks, with Hamilton's skid block found to be below the minimum thickness, while Leclerc's car was found to be underweight. Alpine's Pierre Gasly has also been disqualified for an underweight car. It means Hamilton and Leclerc's points for their sixth and fifth place finish respectively – eight and 10 – are wiped from their championship tally. The disqualification does not impact Hamilton's sprint race victory on Saturday, for which he secured eight points, but it marks a calamitous end to the Shanghai weekend for Ferrari and their team boss Fred Vasseur. Pinned Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc disqualified Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both been disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix in a disastrous blow for Ferrari. The cars of both drivers failed post-race checks, with Hamilton's skid block found to be below the minimum thickness, while Leclerc's car was found to be underweight. Alpine's Pierre Gasly has also been disqualified for an underweight car. It means Hamilton and Leclerc's points for their sixth and fifth place finish respectively – eight and 10 – are wiped from their championship tally. The disqualification does not impact Hamilton's sprint race victory on Saturday, for which he secured eight points. Kieran Jackson23 March 2025 11:37 Pinned NEW TOP-10 - CHINESE GP As a result of Hamilton (6th), Leclerc (5th) and Gasly's (11th) DSQ - here is the new top-10: 1. Oscar Piastri 2. Lando Norris 3. George Russell 4. Max Verstappen 5. Esteban Ocon 6. Kimi Antonelli 7. Alex Albon 8. Ollie Bearman 9. Lance Stroll 10. Carlos Sainz 24 March 2025 08:20 Liam Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: 'It's just not good enough' Liam Lawson did not make any excuses as he reflected on a torrid start to his Red Bull F1 career at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Kiwi driver, promoted to be Max Verstappen 's teammate this year as he replaced Sergio Perez, crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in wet conditions last week Yet this weekend in Shanghai has been even worse, so far. Lawson qualified dead last for the sprint race on Saturday – though moved up to finish 14th – but did not improve his one-lap pace in grand prix qualifying, finishing last once more. Full quotes below: Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: 'Not good enough' The Kiwi driver qualified dead last for the second qualifying session running in China Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 08:45 COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton's shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom Twenty-four hours is a long time in Formula One. Just on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was riding high, optimism radiating, after his first taste of victory in the famous Ferrari red, albeit in the shorter sprint format. By Sunday night, long after dusk fell in Shanghai, the Briton and his beleaguered team had hit rock bottom. Full report below: Hamilton's shock DSQ tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix after their cars failed post-race technical checks, concluding a miserable opening two races of the season for the Scuderia Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 07:46 EXPLAINER; Why was Lewis Hamilton disqualified from Chinese Grand Prix? Lewis Hamilton 's rollercoaster start to life at Ferrari continued as he was dramatically disqualified after the conclusion of the Chinese Grand Prix. After the highs of Saturday's victory in the sprint race, having shockingly qualified on pole the previous day, Hamilton's weekend took a downward turn come Sunday's full race. Having made contact with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc on the opening lap, causing damage to the Monegasque's front wing, the Brit struggled for pace around the Shanghai racetrack – resorting to a two-stop strategy in the desperate hope that fresh tyres would help him find some extra speed. That turned out to be a forlorn hope however, as he eventually crossed the line in sixth, one spot behind Leclerc and well off the pace of dominant McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris up front, who sealed a one-two. Things then got worse for the seven-time world champion as he was disqualified after the race, seeing the eight points wiped from his championship tally. It was an incredibly busy post-race period for the stewards and F1 officials as Leclerc and Alpine 's Pierre Gasly were also disqualified alongside Hamilton. Here's everything you need to know about the disqualifications: Why was Lewis Hamilton disqualified from Chinese Grand Prix? Hamilton had crossed the line in sixth but later suffered a DQ along with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly of Alpine Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 07:14 F1 driver standings after Chinese Grand Prix 1. Lando Norris – 44 points 2. Max Verstappen – 36 points 3. George Russell – 35 points 4. Oscar Piastri – 34 points 5. Kimi Antonelli – 22 points 6. Alex Albon – 16 points 7. Esteban Ocon – 10 points 8. Lance Stroll – 10 points 9. Lewis Hamilton – 9 points 10. Charles Leclerc – 8 points 11. Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points 12. Yuki Tsunoda – 3 points 13. Ollie Bearman – 1 point 14. Carlos Sainz – 1 point 15. Pierre Gasly – 0 points 16. Isack Hadjar – 0 points 17. Jack Doohan – 0 points 18. Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points 19. Yuki Tsunoda – 0 points 20. Fernando Alonso – 0 points Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 06:51 F1 constructor standings after Chinese Grand Prix 1. McLaren - 78 points 2. Mercedes - 57 points 3. Red Bull - 36 points 4. Williams - 17 points 5. Ferrari - 17 points 6. Haas - 14 points 7. Aston Martin - 10 points 8. Sauber - 6 points 9. Racing Bulls - 3 points 10. Alpine - 0 points Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 06:05 VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton reacts after sprint win Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 04:27 TIMELINE: Eddie Jordan's extraordinary career from Dublin banker to F1 team owner Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has died aged 76, his family have announced. The Irishman revealed in December he was suffering with bladder and prostate cancer which had spread to his spine and pelvis. A family statement, published by rugby club London Irish where Jordan was a patron, said he 'passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town' on Thursday. Kieran Jackson24 March 2025 03:28 Formula 1 in talks over new grand prix with Stefano Domenicali 'impressed' by plans A new grand prix in Bangkok could soon come to fruition after Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali paid a visit to Thailand to discuss plans. Domenicali travelled to the Asian country in the days following last weekend's season opener in Australia, meeting Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. There, he heard about the nation's ambitions to stage an inaugural F1 race on its streets. Thailand is one of several countries eager to join an already packed calendar - but with the Dutch Grand Prix's impending departure from the schedule in 2026, there may just be space for a new race down the line.
The Independent
22-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Liam Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: ‘It's just not good enough'
Liam Lawson did not make any excuses as he reflected on a torrid start to his Red Bull F1 career so far. The Kiwi driver, promoted to be Max Verstappen 's teammate this year to replace Sergio Perez, crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix last week. Yet this weekend in Shanghai has been even worse, so far. Lawson qualified dead last for the sprint race on Saturday – though moved up to finish 14th – but did not improve his one-lap time in grand prix qualifying, finishing last once more. 'It's really tough honestly, the window is really small,' said a downbeat Lawson afterwards. 'It's not an excuse, I've got to get a handle on it. It was a messy session, it's still not good enough. 'To be having those issues, we should be fast enough on our first lap. I need to get on top of it.' Asked what he needs, Lawson replied: 'It's just time. Unfortunately I don't really have time, it's just one of those things. 'To drive a Formula 1 car, it takes 100% confidence. The window is so small and I just seem to miss it, need to get a handle of. 'It's just not good enough.'
