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F1 Singapore Grand Prix LIVE: Practice results as Helmut Marko receives warning from FIA

Max Verstappen is chasing another victory - what would be his 11th in a row - as Formula 1 returns to Asia for the popular Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Verstappen broke the record for the most consecutive race wins last time out at Monza, overtaking Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to win his 10th race in a row. The Dutchman is cruising to a third-straight F1 world championship and currently has a 145-point lead in the standings to team-mate Sergio Perez, though cannot clinch the title in Singapore.

It was an improved performance from Ferrari in Italy, with Sainz securing his first podium of the year and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth, while the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell followed up their new contracts with sixth and fifth place respectively. Williams’ Alex Albon was a standout once again, finishing seventh.

Perez won last year’s wet race under the lights in Singapore - a venue where Verstappen is yet to triumph in his career. Lewis Hamilton is a four-time winner in Marina Bay.

Follow live updates from the Singapore Grand Prix with The Independent

F1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX - PRACTICE

Goodbye!

18:30 , Kieran Jackson

Thank you for following our coverage of practice at the Singapore Grand Prix!

An impressive showing from Ferrari, while Red Bull have some work to do it seems!

Join us again tomorrow for third practice and then the all-important qualifying, which starts at 2pm (BST).

Until then, have a very good evening!

Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure in F1 – only winners stay in this sport’

17:42 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

There’s no place like home. For most of the Formula 1 grid, a return to familiar comforts at a much-loved circuit is something to behold, thrive and revel in. In fact, it’s only the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo team of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu who have not basked in such an experience in 2023.

But all eyes for Zhou – Formula 1’s first Chinese driver in its 73-year history – now point firmly towards 21 April 2024. The sport’s return to one of the world’s powerhouses has, four times, been put on hold due to the pandemic – both the world-altering event itself and the country’s controversial zero-covid policy in the aftermath. Yet next year will see the Shanghai International Circuit host once more; all that was left was for Zhou’s presence to be confirmed.

That came on Thursday morning. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 24-year-old penned a one-year extension with Alfa Romeo to race with the Sauber-works team for a third-straight year. F1’s worldwide popularity boom has not diverted past China – and next spring we will see the full impact of Zhou’s spot on the grid.

“It’s the dream fulfilled – the first Chinese driver in F1, it’s a huge thing for a massive country like us,” Zhou tells The Independent.

Full interview below:

Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure – only winners stay in F1’

Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe

17:14 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen has told Toto Wolff to focus on his own team after he called the Dutchman’s record winning streak “completely irrelevant” and “for Wikipedia”.

Red Bull’s Verstappen became the first driver in Formula 1’s 73-year history to win 10 consecutive races following his triumph at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month.

But moments after Verstappen’s landmark win, Mercedes team principal Wolff said: “For me, these kinds of records are completely irrelevant. Those numbers are for Wikipedia and nobody reads that anyway.”

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton crossed the line a distant fifth and sixth respectively for Mercedes at Monza’s Cathedral of Speed.

Full quotes below:

Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe

How Red Bull can clinch the Constructors’ Championship this weekend?

16:46 , Kieran Jackson

- A Red Bull one-two finish with the fastest lap and Mercedes score one point or less

- A Red Bull one-two finish without the fastest lap and Mercedes score no points

Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1

16:28 , Kieran Jackson

Sebastian Vettel refused to rule out a return to F1 when questioned about the likelihood of a dramatic comeback.

The four-time world champion retired at the end of the 2022 season after two years of frustration at Aston Martin.

The finale to his stay in the sport was a far-cry from the glory years, namely with Red Bull with four straight titles from 2010-2013, as well as championship tilts with Ferrari.

But Vettel, 36, admits he “can’t exclude” the prospect of a return in the future, when asked by Sky F1’s Martin Brundle whether he would return to the grid in a similar manner to the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.

Full quotes below:

Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1

BREAKING: FIA take action against Helmut Marko after comments about Sergio Perez

15:56 , Kieran Jackson

Helmut Marko has received a written warning from the FIA and was “reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport” after his comments about Sergio Perez.

The 80-year-old, who works as a special advisor for Red Bull, apologised after comments made after the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago

Marko referred to Perez’s background when discussing his poor form, saying: “Let’s remember that he (Perez) is South American and so he is not as focused as Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel was.”

While Marko apologised, with Perez accepting the apology, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff were among the figures to condemn Marko’s actions when speaking this weekend in Singapore.

FIA take action against Helmut Marko after comments about Sergio Perez

Singapore Grand Prix ‘like no other race’, says Lando Norris

15:38 , Kieran Jackson

The Singapore Grand Prix is “like no other race” says Formula One racing driver Lando Norris as he gives fans a glimpse into his preparation for the event.

Norris said: “Singapore is very special, it’s like no other race week of the whole year, it’s just a different buzz and energy about this race.

“It’s one of the most physically and mentally demanding. It’s one of the longest most challenging street circuits. There are a lot of places that can catch you out.”

FP2 RESULTS IN FULL

15:20 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz fastest in FP2

15:00 , Kieran Jackson

It’s been Ferrari’s day in Singapore!

Charles Leclerc was fastest this morning while Carlos Sainz has beaten his team-mate this afternoon. His 1:32:120 is only 0.018 secs quicker than the Monegasque!

George Russell is two-tenths off in third, with Fernando Alonso fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth - four-tenths off Sainz.

Max Verstappen? Down in eighth... interesting! Work to do for the champion-in-waiting it seems!

6-10: Norris, Perez, Verstappen, Magnussen, Bottas

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

George Russell goes third-fastest!

14:51 , Kieran Jackson

As most of the drivers switch to longer, race simulations, George Russell sneaks into the top-three - 0.235 secs off Carlos Sainz in first.

Like FP1, though, it’s Ferrari leading the way.

4-10: Alonso, Hamilton, Norris, Perez, Verstappen, Magnussen, Bottas

Around 15 minutes to go...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Carlos Sainz fastest this time in a Ferrari one-two

14:35 , Kieran Jackson

You always expect Max Verstappen’s times to naturally improve and, by the end of Friday, he is at the top of the timesheet.

But not yet today! The Dutchman is only P6 after his first qualifying sim.

Carlos Sainz is first, with a 1:32:130, while Charles Leclerc is second and Lewis Hamilton third - three-tenths off first spot.

4-10: Alonso, Russell, Verstappen, Norris, Magnussen, Bottas, Lawson

25 minutes left. Track is likely to evolve, still, so times could yet tumble...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

A switch to softs with 30 mins left

14:29 , Kieran Jackson

Here we go then...

Here come the qualifying simulation runs, as most of the pack switch to soft tyres. Will we get a surprise?

Alex Albon out of the car

14:20 , Kieran Jackson

Not ideal down at Williams.

Albon is out of the car. Potential power unit issue?

For a track where you need all the practice you can get, a definite setback.

Ferrari again quickest to start FP2

14:16 , Kieran Jackson

Where has this Ferrari pace come from?!

We thought it’d just be Monza, but it seems the Scuderia have kept that speed! Carlos Sainz has the fastest time with a 1:33:303, with Fernando Alonso four-tenths off in second. Charles Leclerc is third. All on mediums to start, I should add.

4-10: Perez, Hamilton, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Russell, Norris, Stroll

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FP2 underway in Singapore!

14:05 , Kieran Jackson

Night has fallen in Singapore as the cars take to the track again for second practice at Marina Bay!

Arguably the most important practice session, given the similarity in conditions to qualifying and the race.

 (Getty Images,)
(Getty Images,)

Driver Standings ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix:

13:53 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 364 points

2) Sergio Perez - 219 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 170 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 164 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 117 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 111 points

7) George Russell - 109 points

8) Lando Norris - 79 points

9) Lance Stroll - 47 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 37 points

11) Esteban Ocon - 36 points

12) Oscar Piastri - 34 points

13) Alex Albon - 21 points

14) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

15) Valtteri Bottas - 6 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 3 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Liam Lawson - 0 points

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

How Red Bull can clinch the Constructors’ Championship this weekend?

13:45 , Kieran Jackson

- A Red Bull one-two finish with the fastest lap and Mercedes score one point or less

- A Red Bull one-two finish without the fastest lap and Mercedes score no points

Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure in F1 – only winners stay in this sport’

13:31 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

There’s no place like home. For most of the Formula 1 grid, a return to familiar comforts at a much-loved circuit is something to behold, thrive and revel in. In fact, it’s only the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo team of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu who have not basked in such an experience in 2023.

But all eyes for Zhou – Formula 1’s first Chinese driver in its 73-year history – now point firmly towards 21 April 2024. The sport’s return to one of the world’s powerhouses has, four times, been put on hold due to the pandemic – both the world-altering event itself and the country’s controversial zero-covid policy in the aftermath. Yet next year will see the Shanghai International Circuit host once more; all that was left was for Zhou’s presence to be confirmed.

That came on Thursday morning. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 24-year-old penned a one-year extension with Alfa Romeo to race with the Sauber-works team for a third-straight year. F1’s worldwide popularity boom has not diverted past China – and next spring we will see the full impact of Zhou’s spot on the grid.

“It’s the dream fulfilled – the first Chinese driver in F1, it’s a huge thing for a massive country like us,” Zhou tells The Independent.

Full interview below:

Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure – only winners stay in F1’

Charles Leclerc sets early Singapore pace as lizards disrupt first practice session

13:11 , Kieran Jackson

FP1 report

Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari one-two in an opening practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix disrupted by three lizards.

Leclerc ended the one-hour running at the Marina Bay circuit just 0.078 seconds clear of team-mate Carlos Sainz, with championship leader Max Verstappen third.

Lando Norris finished fourth for McLaren, 0.172 sec back, while Lewis Hamilton and George Russell took fifth and sixth respectively for Mercedes.

Full report below:

Charles Leclerc sets early Singapore pace as lizards disrupt first practice session

Alex Albon, James Vowles and the start of a Williams renaissance

13:01 , Kieran Jackson

Analysis by Kieran Jackson

Alex Albon has a habit of leaving no stone unturned. Another victim of Red Bull’s brutal driver merry-go-round in 2021, dropped as Max Verstappen’s teammate for Sergio Perez, the British-Thai driver was desperate for a race seat for 2022. Aware of George Russell’s impending move to Mercedes, Albon approached the then Williams CEO Jost Capito with a couple of resources: a CV and an Excel spreadsheet, comparing his superior lap times to his rivals. Suitably impressed by both his determination and statistics, a deal was agreed. “Albono” was back on the grid.

So to now, and the rebirth of the 27-year-old at a team rejuvenated. Albon has carved out 21 points in the first 14 races of this season at a team who managed only 39 points from 2018-2022. A five-year period where they were bottom of the pile, the wooden spoon holders, in four of those five years.

Last Sunday’s seventh-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix was Albon’s best performance yet for Williams, more impressive than an identical result in Montreal in June. A display of crisp driving to qualify sixth on Saturday was coupled with dogged defensive work lap after lap on Sunday, even with his tyres dropping off in the final stages in Monza. Though the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull of Sergio Perez had too much pace, Albon had the McLarens on his gearbox for most of the afternoon. But using exquisite car placement and intimate driver nous, that’s exactly where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri stayed.

Full piece below:

Alex Albon, James Vowles and the start of a Williams renaissance

Driver Standings ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix:

12:46 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 364 points

2) Sergio Perez - 219 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 170 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 164 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 117 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 111 points

7) George Russell - 109 points

8) Lando Norris - 79 points

9) Lance Stroll - 47 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 37 points

11) Esteban Ocon - 36 points

12) Oscar Piastri - 34 points

13) Alex Albon - 21 points

14) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

15) Valtteri Bottas - 6 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 3 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Liam Lawson - 0 points

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1

12:29 , Kieran Jackson

Sebastian Vettel refused to rule out a return to F1 when questioned about the likelihood of a dramatic comeback.

The four-time world champion retired at the end of the 2022 season after two years of frustration at Aston Martin.

The finale to his stay in the sport was a far-cry from the glory years, namely with Red Bull with four straight titles from 2010-2013, as well as championship tilts with Ferrari.

But Vettel, 36, admits he “can’t exclude” the prospect of a return in the future, when asked by Sky F1’s Martin Brundle whether he would return to the grid in a similar manner to the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.

Full quotes below:

Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1

Red Bull boss Christian Horner:

12:04 , Kieran Jackson

“This track is going to be one of the toughest of the season for us. We’re going to have to be right at the top of our game to keep this winning streak. It could be very tight this weekend.”

On Marko’s comments:

“He’s apologised to Sergio and publicly. Inevitably, lessons have been learned. Sergio is a very popular member of our team, we have a huge following around the world and we take that very seriously. This is Sergio’s 250th race, we want to focus on that. From Helmut’s perspective, he’s apologised.

“Helmut is technically a consultant to the group. I know he regrets what he said. Even at 80 years of age, it’s still not too late to learn.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FP1 RESULTS IN FULL!

11:50 , Kieran Jackson

Charles Leclerc fastest in FP1!

11:33 , Kieran Jackson

That’s that then for the first hour of running in Singapore!

Charles Leclerc fastest with that 1:33:350, with Carlos Sainz less than a tenth back.

Max Verstappen third, 0.126 seconds off the pace. Hope, perhaps, for his rivals this weekend?

Less than two-tenths between Leclerc in first and Lewis Hamilton in fifth!

4-10: Norris, Hamilton, Russell, Perez, Alonso, Tsunoda, Ocon

Bit of a strange session for Oscar Piastri, down in 19th for McLaren.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Lizards on the track!

11:29 , Kieran Jackson

Yellow flag in sector two as a lizard - the second of the session - invades the track!

George Russell: “Another lizard on track, this time a different one!”

Good spot George!

Charles Leclerc goes fastest for a Ferrari one-two

11:23 , Kieran Jackson

Most cars have now been out on soft tyres and it’s a Ferrari one-two at the top!

Charles Leclerc is quickest with a 1:33:350, 0.078 secs ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz.

Max Verstappen is third, 0.126 secs off Leclerc, with Lando Norris fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth. Less than two-tenths seperate first and fifth... tight!

6-10: Russell, Perez, Alonso, Tsunoda, Ocon

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Look who’s back on the pit wall!

11:05 , Kieran Jackson

Not fit yet to return to the cockpit after the injury sustained in Zandvoort, but Daniel Ricciardo is present in Singapore!

Liam Lawson once again replaces the Australian - and is likely to in Japan next week too.

Lando Norris quickest in FP1 so far

10:59 , Kieran Jackson

25 minutes gone so far in Singapore and Lando Norris’ McLaren - with its nine upgrades! - is currently fastest on track with a 1:34:776.

George Russell is second, with Charles Leclerc third - Max Verstappen down in eighth.

4-10: Ocon, Perez, Hamilton, Sainz, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Gasly

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

How Red Bull can clinch the Constructors’ Championship this weekend?

10:35 , Kieran Jackson

- A Red Bull one-two finish with the fastest lap and Mercedes score one point or less

- A Red Bull one-two finish without the fastest lap and Mercedes score no points

First practice at the Singapore Grand Prix:

10:30 , Kieran Jackson

It’s a stunning, sunny afternoon in Singapore as we get underway with first practice at the Marina Bay Street Circuit!

Early chances for all 20 drivers to get quickly up to speed with the track, including a new straight coming out of turn 14!

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

What is the race schedule in Singapore?

10:23 , Kieran Jackson

(All times BST)

Friday 15 September

  • Free practice 1: 10:30am

  • Free practice 2: 2pm

Saturday 16 September

  • Free practice 3: 10:30am

  • Qualifying: 2pm

Sunday 17 September

  • Race: 1pm

Constructors’ Championship standings

10:17 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 583 points

2) Mercedes - 273 points

3) Ferrari - 228 points

4) Aston Martin - 217 points

5) McLaren - 115 points

6) Alpine - 73 points

7) Williams - 21 points

8) Haas - 11 points

9) Alfa Romeo - 10 points

10) AlphaTauri - 3 points

Martin Brundle on Helmut Marko’s comments on Sergio Perez:

10:14 , Kieran Jackson

“Why would you be derogatory about one of the two drivers in your team? It seems a bit odd to say the least.

“It’s completely unacceptable to broad-brush anyone with race, country and continent.

“He’s at a very senior level, he’s very close to Red Bull. He’s a man of a certain age, 80 now, how long he’s got in the sport? I don’t know.”

Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe

10:10 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen has told Toto Wolff to focus on his own team after he called the Dutchman’s record winning streak “completely irrelevant” and “for Wikipedia”.

Red Bull’s Verstappen became the first driver in Formula 1’s 73-year history to win 10 consecutive races following his triumph at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month.

But moments after Verstappen’s landmark win, Mercedes team principal Wolff said: “For me, these kinds of records are completely irrelevant. Those numbers are for Wikipedia and nobody reads that anyway.”

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton crossed the line a distant fifth and sixth respectively for Mercedes at Monza’s Cathedral of Speed.

Full quotes below:

Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe

09:56 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has called Red Bull chief Helmut Marko’s comments about Sergio Perez “completely unacceptable”.

Marko, 80, referred to Mexican Perez’s background when discussing his driver’s inconsistent form this season.

Speaking after the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month, Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport adviser and an ally of the team’s late co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, said: “Let’s remember that he (Perez) is South American and so he is not as focused as Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel was.”

Full piece below:

Hamilton labels Marko’s comments about Perez ‘completely unacceptable’

Driver Standings ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix:

09:46 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 364 points

2) Sergio Perez - 219 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 170 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 164 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 117 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 111 points

7) George Russell - 109 points

8) Lando Norris - 79 points

9) Lance Stroll - 47 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 37 points

11) Esteban Ocon - 36 points

12) Oscar Piastri - 34 points

13) Alex Albon - 21 points

14) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

15) Valtteri Bottas - 6 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 3 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Liam Lawson - 0 points

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure in F1 – only winners stay in this sport’

09:40 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

There’s no place like home. For most of the Formula 1 grid, a return to familiar comforts at a much-loved circuit is something to behold, thrive and revel in. In fact, it’s only the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo team of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu who have not basked in such an experience in 2023.

But all eyes for Zhou – Formula 1’s first Chinese driver in its 73-year history – now point firmly towards 21 April 2024. The sport’s return to one of the world’s powerhouses has, four times, been put on hold due to the pandemic – both the world-altering event itself and the country’s controversial zero-covid policy in the aftermath. Yet next year will see the Shanghai International Circuit host once more; all that was left was for Zhou’s presence to be confirmed.

That came on Thursday morning. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 24-year-old penned a one-year extension with Alfa Romeo to race with the Sauber-works team for a third-straight year. F1’s worldwide popularity boom has not diverted past China – and next spring we will see the full impact of Zhou’s spot on the grid.

“It’s the dream fulfilled – the first Chinese driver in F1, it’s a huge thing for a massive country like us,” Zhou tells The Independent.

Full interview below:

Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure – only winners stay in F1’

What is the race schedule in Singapore?

09:37 , Kieran Jackson

(All times BST)

Friday 15 September

  • Free practice 1: 10:30am

  • Free practice 2: 2pm

Saturday 16 September

  • Free practice 3: 10:30am

  • Qualifying: 2pm

Sunday 17 September

  • Race: 1pm

F1 practice at the Singapore Grand Prix!

09:35 , Kieran Jackson

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend!

Max Verstappen is chasing another victory - what would be his 11th in a row - as Formula 1 returns to Asia for the popular Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Verstappen broke the record for the most consecutive race wins last time out at Monza, overtaking Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to win his 10th race in a row. The Dutchman is cruising to a third-straight F1 world championship and currently has a 145-point lead in the standings to team-mate Sergio Perez, though cannot clinch the title in Singapore.

It was an improved performance from Ferrari in Italy, with Sainz securing his first podium of the year and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth, while the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell followed up their new contracts with sixth and fifth place respectively. Williams’ Alex Albon was a standout once again, finishing seventh.

Perez won last year’s wet race under the lights in Singapore - a venue where Verstappen is yet to triumph in his career. Lewis Hamilton is a four-time winner in Marina Bay.

Today is practice - FP1 starts at 10:30am (BST) and second practice is at 2pm.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)