Formula 1

Formula 1 star Lando Norris is going balls out for the Miami Grand Prix -- beach balls, that is -- thanks to his super-realistic design on his helmet for this weekend's big race!!

The McLaren driver just revealed the cool look for his noggin protector ahead of the three-day event ... posting a pic of him wearing it in the pool while holding an actual beach ball.

Aside from the sponsor logos, the design literally makes it look like an inflatable toy ... with Lando's name, number and the phrases "Miami 2023" and "Beach Ball" etched throughout.

Balls have become quite the trend for the 23-year-old when he visits Florida -- he wore a basketball-themed helmet for the first-ever Miami GP last season ... although it didn't help him get the win, as he ended up not finishing the race.

Norris is currently in ninth place with 10 points in the driver standings ... so he's gotta be hoping the race on Sunday is like a day at the beach!!

Charles Leclerc is a multi-millionaire, but you wouldn't be able to tell by the way he went into full rescue mode when he lost his AirPods this week ... 'cause he got on the ground, used some tweezers and brought them back to safety -- all while ironically wearing a $200k watch!!!

The Ferrari superstar documented the whole mishap on his Instagram page ... showing him sprawled out on the floor at the Zurich International Airport in Switzerland.

The whole thing looked like a game of Operation ... as the 25-year-old patiently tried to get both his earbud AND the case out of the tiniest crack in the floor -- and thankfully, it was a success!!

What's hilarious about it all -- Leclerc most certainly has the money ... so he could have just as easily gotten a new pair at a nearby gift shop.

Throughout the recovery, Charles was also wearing a super-expensive, rare Richard Mille RM 72-01 watch on his left wrist ... which comes with a $185k price tag, but good luck getting your hands on one of them at that price -- or at all.

Of course, Leclerc has a sponsorship with Richard Mille ... so he's got the hook-up.

Perhaps he needs an Apple brand deal next!!

The family of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher is furious with a German news outlet for publishing an artificial intelligence-generated interview with the seven-time world champ -- and now, they're threatening to take legal action over the whole ordeal.

A recent copy of the Die Aktuelle magazine featured a picture of a happy Schumacher ... promoting "the first interview" with the racing great following his tragic skiing accident in December 2013, which resulted in a serious brain injury.

The cover also featured the tagline, "It sounded deceptively real."

As it turns out, the cover story was entirely fake ... and it was later revealed in the article that Schumacher's quotes were made using AI -- which has led his family to kickstart a legal attack on the publication, according to Reuters.

54-year-old Schumacher hasn't spoken with the media since his accident ... and his family has elected to handle his recovery in private.

Michael's wife, Corinna, spoke about his condition in a documentary with Netflix in 2021 ... saying they do everything they can to make him feel comfortable at home.

Schumacher was as dominant as it gets during his 18-year run in F1 -- he is tied with Lewis Hamilton for the most championships after spending the majority of his career with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton just got his first win of 2023 -- the Formula 1 superstar was just granted a medical exemption to wear his nose ring ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The FIA -- F1's governing body -- announced a crackdown on jewelry last year ... forbidding drivers from wearing accessories during races. Any violation of the rule would result in fines and eventual suspension.

But the new rule resulted in complications for Hamilton, who claimed he was experiencing blood blisters from having to take his nose stud out for every race.

The FIA announced Friday it received a report from Mercedes' team doctor asking for a medical exemption to allow Hamilton to compete with his nose ring in -- which was granted.

"The Stewards consulted the FIA Medical Delegate, who viewed the medical report, examined the driver and concurred with the opinion therein," the decision read.

"We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device."

Of course, Hamilton has been outspoken against the rule to begin with ... and gave a middle finger to the FIA by wearing a ton of jewelry during his press conference at the Miami Grand Prix last May.

Lewis Hamilton isn't phased by a new rule in Formula 1 requiring drivers to get permission before making political statements during race weekends ... saying, he "won't be silenced."

“Nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I feel that I’m passionate about and issues there are,” the seven-time F1 champion said Wednesday.

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, implemented a rule in December prohibiting drivers from making political, religious, or personal statements without permission.

The idea is statements political in nature can be divisive (after all, much of the world is split when it comes to politics), and F1 doesn't want fans alienated. It's like the old Michael Jordan quote ... "Republicans buy sneakers, too."

Hamilton, one of the most vocal superstars in the sport, said he wasn't surprised when he learned of the FIA's new rule, and he doesn't plan to abide by it ... "I’m still going to be speaking on my end."

“I feel the sport does have a responsibility, still always, to speak out as a means to create awareness on important topics, particularly as we are traveling to all these different places, so nothing changes,” Lewis says.

Hamilton's had a contentious relationship with FIA ... he found himself in a battle with them last season after they (attempted to) crackdown on drivers wearing jewelry during races.

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 driver said that he's aware he would be penalized if he violates the FIA's new rule ... but contends he won't allow that to deter him from speaking out on issues.

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton is opening up on the racism and bullying he faced as a kid ... saying his classmates called him the N-word during "the most traumatizing and most difficult part of my life."

The 7-time world champion made a rare podcast appearance with "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" this week ... where he spoke about the impact his childhood experiences had on his life.

"I was already being bullied at the age of six," Hamilton said. "I think at the time of that particular school, I was probably one of three kids of color and just bigger and stronger bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time."

"I was always the last picked, you know, when you're standing at the playground, and you're in the line of when they're picking teams for football, I was always the last one chosen, or not even chosen, even if I was better than somebody else."

38-year-old Hamilton -- who is mixed-race -- said the way his peers treated him made him question his identity and sense of belonging ... claiming people even threw bananas at him and used the N-word "just so relaxed."

"People calling you half cast and, you know, just really not knowing where you fit in," he added.

"That, for me, was difficult. When you then go into like history class and everything you learn in history, there are no pictures of people of color in the history that they were teaching us.”

FYI, Lewis' father, Anthony Hamilton, is Black and of Grenadian descent, and his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is White British, hailing from Birmingham in England.

Hamilton, a prominent advocate against racism and champion of diversity in motorsport, suppressed the traumas he was experiencing ... but said racing helped him channel his emotions properly.

"I didn't want my dad to think I was not strong," he said. "And so, I would, if I had tears, I would hold them back. If I had emotions, it would be in a quiet place."

"It wasn't really 'til I started racing that I was able to channel this emotion that I had into my driving," Hamilton said. "And, it's like when I put this helmet on, Superman was my favorite. I loved how he fought for the people, and I loved how he did the right things."

"And, he was a really inspiring character for me. But again, no superhero was of color, so, you know, but you can still aspire to be someone that's if they don't look like you, you know?"

Ex-NBA All-Stars Tony Parker and Joakim Noah teamed up with some of the fastest athletes on the planet for a game of pickup basketball on Thursday -- Formula 1 superstars Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly!!

The cool moment went down as part of the league's festivities in Paris this week ... with the guys tossin' the rock around with actor Darko Perić.

Of course, the Ferrari and Alpine drivers are phenomenal on the track ... but as for the hardwood?? Not so much. In fact, Pierre -- who's become tight with Michael Jordan recently -- hilariously gets away with a clear double dribble.

But it was all in good fun ... and no one appeared to be taking it seriously. After all, everyone was wearing street clothes.

As for the REAL ball going on in Paris, the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls are currently going at it ... with big names like Magic Johnson and Lil Baby in attendance for the matchup.

Any Formula One driver looking to send a message next season will have to get permission from the higher-ups first ... 'cause the org.'s governing body just instituted a ban on unapproved political statements at races.

The decision comes after a rise in activism throughout the sport in recent years ... with Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton leading the charge in spreading awareness by wearing slogans on shirts under his race suit.

The 7-time champion has worn "Black Lives Matter" and "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" on his shirts in the past ... and recently retired star Sebastian Vettel has also shown solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community with his wardrobe as well.

The FIA's new rule now forbids "the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA."

The only exceptions to the rule will include any statements that are given the OK prior to being displayed.

F1 superstar Charles Leclerc is a single man -- the Ferrari driver just announced his split from girlfriend Charlotte Sine after three years of dating.

"Hello everyone, Charlotte and I have decided to end our relationship and we remain good friends," 25-year-old Leclerc said Tuesday.

"We have shared so many great moments and she is and always will be a very special person to me."

The breakup sounds pretty amicable ... as Leclerc added, "She is amazing and deserves the best."

Charles and the architecture student took their romance public back in 2019 ... and Sine was a regular in the paddock at his F1 races over the years.

Charlotte also released a statement about the split ... saying, "Charles and I have decided to end our relationship and stay good friends. It's been 3 beautiful years together with loads of memories."

"He is an amazing person and I wish him the best."

Formula One will NOT be making a return to China in 2023 -- the series just announced it has pulled the Chinese Grand Prix due to Covid-19 difficulties.

China recently implemented strict guidelines and lockdowns as part of a "zero-Covid" approach ... which has resulted in public protests.

China has since reportedly announced a plan to loosen its protocols by reducing mass testing in the coming days ... but F1 decided it was best to start its search for a replacement host ASAP.

"Formula 1 can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation," F1 announced Friday.

"Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course."

The April 16 event at Shanghai International Circuit was set to be F1's first return to China since 2019 ... and would have been Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu's debut home race of his career.

Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas ditched his race suit -- and everything else -- after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ... by jumping in the pool in the buff!!

The 33-year-old star's partner, pro cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, posted the scene on Monday ... showing VB enjoying his first full day off after the 2022 F1 season.

Of course, Valtteri is no stranger to getting buck nekkid -- his friends always seem to grab a shot of his booty and post it on social media for all his fans to enjoy.

Remember, Bottas' buddy snapped a photo of his donk back in May ... when the guys were enjoying Aspen, Colorado.

Bottas finished his first season with Alfa Romeo in 10th place ... his worst finish since his rookie year in 2013.

But the guy seemed happier than ever on Monday ... and still made sure to get in some exercise by going on a bike ride with Cromwell.

F1 star Sergio Pérez says he's not going to dwell on the fact his teammate, Max Verstappen, refused to help him out during the Brazilian Grand Prix ... claiming the issue is "behind us."

Verstappen came under fire for disobeying Red Bull's orders and not letting Checo pass him at the end of Sunday's race ... which ultimately hurt his spot in the driver standings.

Pérez broke his silence on the situation Monday ... saying he talked things over with Max after the race, and they're moving past it.

"With Max and the team everything was discussed yesterday and it will remain internally," Checo said on Twitter. "This is behind us and we will continue working as the great team that we have been until now."

Many criticized Max for his actions because he has the 2022 championship on lock ... and Checo is in a tight race for second with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished 4th in Brazil.

If Max -- who was positioned in 6th at the time -- would have let Pérez through, he would have been able to keep his lead over Leclerc in the standings.

Audio of Verstappen's exchange with the Red Bull crew was released after the race ... which showed the 2021 champ voicing his disagreement with the demand.

"I told you already last summer. The guys don't ask that again to me -- are we clear about that?" Max said. "I gave my reasons and I stand by it."

Sergio was heard reacting to Verstappen's antics ... saying, "It shows who he really is."

It's a pretty shocking move on Max's part -- especially considering everything Checo did for him as he made his title run last year.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's cars will look a little different during the Brazilian Grand Prix ... Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team has removed the logo of bankrupt crypto exchange FTX after the company went belly up this week.

The MB F1 team, currently in 3rd place in the Constructors standings, made the announcement on Friday, just days before Sunday's GP, saying they'd suspended their partnership and removed the FTX logo from their cars.

FTX was one of the world's biggest crypto exchanges ... keyword was. The company, valued at over $30 billion just weeks ago, became insolvent after they were unable to pay out users. Basically, they didn't have enough money to cash users out.

It's particularly infuriating for many customers because as recent as Thursday, the company insisted they were "100% liquid," tweeting "Every user could fully withdraw [their money]."

One day later ... bankrupt.

And, Mercedes F1 isn't the only team or athlete affected by FTX's demise. Tom Brady was heavily invested in the company. TB12 and Gisele even appeared in a commercial for FTX.

Steph Curry, Naomi Osaka, Shohei Ohtani and others were also involved with the company. The Miami Heat even play at FTX Arena ... which the crypto company promised to pay $135 million to rename back in 2021. It's likely they default on that agreement.

On Friday, FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried resigned, and the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Many people, including some of the biggest celebs, lost an immense amount of money.

Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez will have the power of the Black Panther when he hits the track in Brazil this week -- he'll be wearing an awesome 'Wakanda Forever' helmet!!

"My helmet for the next race, your thoughts?," Checo said alongside pics of the movie premiere on Monday. "Hope we can be as fast as Black Panther."

Let's be honest -- Red Bull doesn't need any vibranium on their side to come away with a win this weekend ... as they've been crushing it in 2022.

Pérez and his teammate Max Verstappen are currently at the top of the driver standings ... with the latter already securing the championship.

The helmet is really cool -- it's matte gray with the Black Panther logo on top ... with "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" written across the back.

It's perfect timing for Checo to rock the look -- the Marvel flick is set to hit theaters on Friday.

Brad Pitt might be making a movie about Formula 1 racing, but he sure doesn't respect the sport in real life -- at least that's what F1 Twitter's saying after snubbing one of their heroes.

The A-lister was on the ground these past few days down in Austin -- where the U.S. Grand Prix's been taking place all weekend -- but on Sunday ... the guy skirted out of an interview with Sky Sports' Martin Brundle ... a famed former race car driver turned pundit/journalist.

Brundle -- who's well-known these days for his grid walks, where he interviews celebs (sometimes awkwardly) impromptu -- got a bit of a cold shoulder from BP in person.

Now, in Brad's defense ... he didn't totally not respond to Brundle's questions -- ones about the movie, which he says can't answer since it's top secret -- but clearly didn't wanna chat. It would seem like a no harm, no foul sitch ... but some online are offended on MB's behalf.

Brundle himself seemed perturbed -- saying to the camera, "They're known at 'pit stops'" if they don't want you talking to Brad Pitt. Bird app users are mostly agreeing, arguing he should respect the culture and talk to Brundle, whose interviews are par for the course on the grid and who's an F1 staple. In other words, play ball when you're on our turf, Brad!

It's not the first time a celeb has brushed off Brundle -- Megan Thee Stallion famously did it last year -- but in this case, some are suggesting that since Brad is literally making a film about F1 ... he should be aware of the major players, Brundle included, and show reverence.

Outside of this salty interaction ... Brad has mostly been receiving the rock star treatment during his time in Texas, at one point posing for a pic with the Williams Racing team. He's still a golden boy in Hollywood -- and this won't change that.

Brad Pitt's got a need for speed lately ... only this time he's trading in his bullet train for a super fast race car.

The "Bullet Train" star was in Austin, TX on Friday for the start of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.

Brad is set to star in a new movie about F1, which is skyrocketing in popularity across the country ... with legendary driver Lewis Hamilton among the producers.

The upcoming film is said to have Brad playing a former racer turned team owner who comes out of retirement to coach up the next generation of drivers.

Brad's already looking the part ... slipping on a pair of bright orange ear muffs to protect from the sound of those powerful F1 engines.