Daily News 19

Author: Jordan Hayes

  • Chicago Bears 59, Carolina Panthers 37: NFL Highlights

    Chicago Bears 59, Carolina Panthers 37: NFL Highlights

    Key Highlights

    • The Chicago Bears scored a franchise-record 59 points in a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, setting a new NFL record for the highest-scoring Week 1 game in league history with a combined 96 points.
    • Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams accounted for four total touchdowns in his NFL debut, leading the Bears’ historic offensive explosion.
    • The record-breaking performance headlined a historic Sunday that also featured blowout wins by the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.

    Bears Rewrite Record Books in Season-Opening Shootout

    The Chicago Bears announced their arrival in the 2024 NFL season with an offensive display for the ages, dismantling the Carolina Panthers 59-37 at Soldier Field. The 59 points represent the most ever scored by the franchise in a single game, surpassing the 58 points put up against the Detroit Lions in 1941. More significantly, the combined 96-point total eclipsed the previous Week 1 record of 95 points, set when the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 62-7 in 2007, etching this contest into the league’s history books as the highest-scoring season opener ever played.

    Caleb Williams Dazzles in Historic Debut

    All eyes were on No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, and the former Heisman Trophy winner delivered a performance that immediately justified the hype. In his first regular-season snap, Williams commanded the offense with poise and precision, accounting for four total touchdowns. His ability to extend plays, deliver accurate throws from multiple arm angles, and make decisive reads against a live NFL defense provided an immediate return on the organization’s massive investment. The rookie’s command of the huddle and chemistry with a revamped receiving corps suggest the Bears may have finally solved the quarterback position that has eluded them for decades.

    Defensive Concerns Amid Offensive Fireworks

    While the offensive output was historic, the 37 points surrendered to a Panthers offense led by quarterback Bryce Young will draw scrutiny from head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff. Carolina found rhythm in the second half, exploiting soft zones and generating explosive plays that prevented the game from becoming a true rout. For a Bears team built on a defensive identity under Eberflus, allowing nearly 400 yards of total offense represents a clear area for correction as the schedule stiffens. The unit’s inability to generate consistent pressure or force turnovers against a rebuilding opponent underscores the fine line between a statement win and a shootout that masks underlying vulnerabilities.

    League-Wide Offensive Explosion Defines Week 1

    The Bears’ record-setting afternoon was not an isolated anomaly but the centerpiece of a league-wide offensive eruption. The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens also posted dominant victories, contributing to a Sunday that saw points flow at an unprecedented rate across the NFL. Rule changes emphasizing quarterback protection and receiver freedom, combined with increasingly sophisticated schematic designs, have tilted the competitive balance decisively toward offense. The Bears’ performance serves as both a testament to the modern game’s trajectory and a warning to defensive coordinators league-wide: the margin for error has effectively vanished.

    Why This Matters

    The Bears’ 59-point outburst signals a potential paradigm shift for a franchise historically defined by defensive grit and offensive futility. With Caleb Williams at the helm and a supporting cast featuring D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, Chicago possesses the personnel to challenge the NFC North hierarchy immediately. However, the defensive lapses against Carolina highlight the urgency for Eberflus to rectify communication breakdowns and generate a pass rush before facing elite quarterbacks in the division. League-wide, the record scoring pace reinforces the NFL’s strategic pivot toward offense, impacting everything from roster construction and draft philosophy to in-game decision-making and betting markets. The Bears’ next test comes against a formidable opponent, offering the first true gauge of whether this offensive explosion represents a sustainable identity or a single-game outlier.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many touchdowns did Caleb Williams account for in his NFL debut?
    Caleb Williams accounted for four total touchdowns in his first regular-season game, leading the Bears to a historic 59-37 victory.
    What NFL record did the Bears-Panthers game set?
    The combined 96 points scored by the Chicago Bears (59) and Carolina Panthers (37) established a new NFL record for the highest-scoring Week 1 game in league history.
    Which other teams had notable wins on the same Sunday?
    The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens also recorded dominant victories on the same record-breaking Sunday, contributing to a league-wide offensive explosion.
  • James Milner Returns to Liverpool to Help Coach Academy Youngsters While Working Towards UEFA Pro Licence – James Pearce

    James Milner Returns to Liverpool to Help Coach Academy Youngsters While Working Towards UEFA Pro Licence – James Pearce

    Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner has rejoined the club on a temporary basis to assist with coaching the academy as he pursues his UEFA Pro Licence, according to a report from The Athletic journalist James Pearce.

    Milner Begins Coaching Journey at Former Club

    The 40-year-old announced his retirement from professional football this summer following a distinguished 24-year Premier League career. Rather than stepping away from the game entirely, Milner has returned to Anfield to gain hands-on coaching experience within the club’s youth setup.

    Distinguished Premier League Career

    Milner’s top-flight journey spanned nearly a quarter of a century, featuring spells at Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool. He won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup during his eight-season tenure with the Reds, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and versatile performers.

    Transition to Coaching

    The move represents a natural progression for Milner, who was widely respected for his professionalism, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities throughout his playing days. Working with academy players will provide him with valuable practical hours required for the UEFA Pro Licence — the highest coaching qualification in European football.

  • Caitlin Clark Accidentally Sprays Champagne Into Eyes During Team USA Celebration

    Caitlin Clark Accidentally Sprays Champagne Into Eyes During Team USA Celebration

    Caitlin Clark’s Champagne Mishap Steals Spotlight at Team USA’s World Cup Celebration

    Team USA secured its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title with a 97-79 victory over France, overcoming a 14-point deficit. But the post-game celebration delivered an unexpected viral moment when Caitlin Clark accidentally sprayed champagne directly into her own eyes.

    Celebration Takes a Painful Turn

    As teammates popped bottles in the traditional championship celebration, Clark attempted to join the festivities by spraying a bottle of champagne. The stream hit her squarely in the face, causing an immediate reaction as she tried to recover while the celebration continued around her.

    Historic Comeback Completes Perfect Tournament

    The United States trailed by 14 points during the final but mounted a decisive rally to claim the gold medal. The victory extends Team USA’s dominance in women’s basketball, marking their fifth straight World Cup championship.

  • F2 Adds Extra Feature Race to Baku Schedule: Is This a Clue for F1’s Future?

    F2 Adds Extra Feature Race to Baku Schedule: Is This a Clue for F1’s Future?

    Formula 2 Announces Expanded ‘Supersized’ Baku Weekend Amid F1 Calendar Uncertainty

    The Formula 2 championship has confirmed a significantly expanded format for its upcoming round in Baku, adding an extra feature race and qualifying session just 10 days before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend begins. The late decision arrives as the conclusion of the Formula 1 season faces potential disruption due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

    Double-Header Format Confirmed for Azerbaijan

    In a statement released Monday, F2 organizers detailed a unique “supersized” race weekend structure. Unlike the standard format, the Baku event will now feature two qualifying sessions, one sprint race, and two feature races, alongside a single free practice session.

    “As Formula 2 is the only support event at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, together with the promoters, we have opted for a supersized F2 race weekend, with one free practice, two qualifying sessions, one sprint race and two feature races,” F2 CEO Bruno Michel confirmed.

    “This is the only weekend where the timetable allows the additional sessions, which will increase the level of entertainment even further for the attending crowd and all our fans. The Baku City Circuit always provides us with amazing racing, so we’re very pleased to make the 12th Round of our season pretty unique.”

    Strategic Move Linked to Potential Calendar Changes

    While organizers did not explicitly state the rationale behind the expansion, the timing strongly suggests a contingency plan. The final two rounds of the 2024 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain due to the escalating geopolitical situation in the region, raising the possibility of cancellations or venue changes that would cost drivers valuable championship points.

    The FIA and Formula 1 are expected to finalize decisions on the remainder of the calendar before the end of the month. Recent discussions have included the potential cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds, with a relocated season finale at Imola in late November emerging as a possible alternative. A relocated Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Malaysia, has already been added for early October.

    “The final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will resume with the usual weekend format made of one free practice followed by one qualifying, a sprint race and a feature race,” F2 said in a statement.

    That standard format remains the current plan for the season finale, but the situation remains fluid. The Baku expansion effectively front-loads competition opportunities, ensuring the championship can award a full complement of points even if the Middle Eastern rounds are disrupted.

  • Nico Rosberg Stunned by Kimi Antonelli’s “Unbelievable” Maturity Amid 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Nico Rosberg Stunned by Kimi Antonelli’s “Unbelievable” Maturity Amid 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Rosberg Astonished by Antonelli’s Maturity as Mercedes Rookie Extends 2026 Title Lead

    2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg says he has been left astonished by Kimi Antonelli’s composure during the 2026 season, after the Mercedes rookie secured his eighth victory of the year at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix held at the Madring circuit.

    The win extends Antonelli’s commanding lead atop the Drivers’ Championship to 81 points over teammate George Russell, who sits second in the standings. The Italian entered the season as a title contender alongside the experienced Russell but has rapidly established himself as the class of the field.

    Rosberg Draws Parallels to 2016 Title Pressure

    Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Madrid race, Rosberg compared Antonelli’s current mindset to the intense psychological burden he carried during his own championship-winning campaign.

    “We are all human. He’s not superhuman,” Rosberg said. “I was absolutely terrified that it was hard to drive properly. The nearer I got to the end of the season, it was impossible for me to win races or get pole because my brain capacity had so much fear of losing my dream with a stupid mistake or with something which can easily happen.

    “At some point he will have to feel that a little bit. But it’s unbelievable so far how solid and mature he is. Even Toto can’t believe it.”

    Rosberg’s reference to fear paralyzing performance late in a title fight underscores the rarity of Antonelli’s consistency. Despite being only 20 years old, the Italian became the youngest driver ever to lead the championship following back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, and has only strengthened his grip since.

    Wolff: Antonelli is “Cool as a Cucumber”

    Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff echoed Rosberg’s amazement, describing his young driver’s demeanor as almost preternaturally calm.

    “I think he’s cool – sometimes an inch too cool! When he brushes the wall five laps from the end and comes on the radio ‘check the car’, you’re like ‘really, again, white lines, walls’ but maybe that’s how he keeps himself in the zone,” Wolff said.

    “Almost his youth helps him a lot because he’s 20. He could stay in this sport for 20 years with so many opportunities. He’s so above all of our expectations and his own. He’s just going with the flow.

    “I think there is also a genetic factor. You are born cool as a cucumber or you’re not. You can see this in junior formula or karting – taking pressure easier.

    “He’s taken this to another level. We are talking about Formula 1. You see junior drivers crumbling in Formula 2.

    “He’s just doing his thing. We told him ‘this is a race where we need to bring it home, need to score points whether it’s P2 or P5, we don’t care, just drive it home’. He does that and goes fast.”

    Wolff’s assessment highlights a maturity that defies the typical rookie trajectory. While many questioned when the pressure would finally affect the young Italian, Antonelli continues to deliver race-winning speed alongside the discipline of a veteran.

    Championship Momentum Builds for Mercedes Phenom

    With eight victories already secured and a substantial points cushion over a proven race-winner in Russell, Antonelli’s maiden title appears increasingly inevitable. The Madrid weekend served as further evidence that the Mercedes driver possesses not only raw pace but the psychological resilience required to close out a championship—a trait that even a former champion like Rosberg finds remarkable.

  • What We Learned From Formula 1’s First Visit to the Madring

    What We Learned From Formula 1’s First Visit to the Madring

    The debut of a new circuit always injects a mix of adrenaline, curiosity, and trepidation into a Formula 1 weekend, and the Madring in Madrid delivered on every front. The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at this venue offered immediate lessons on driver adaptation, tyre strategy, and the shifting dynamics of the 2026 title fight.

    How drivers tackled a fresh challenge

    While factors like weather swings and split‑second strategy calls always influence a race result, drivers usually rely on intimate knowledge of track layouts honed over years of simulator work and muscle memory. The Madring reset that familiarity. Despite extensive virtual preparation, the reality of a freshly laid surface, the proximity of the walls, and the electric atmosphere of the Spanish capital could only be absorbed once Free Practice 1 began on Friday afternoon.

    Home favourite Fernando Alonso described the layout as “very technical” and “attractive”, while several drivers drew parallels to Jeddah’s high‑speed, narrow character. Like its Saudi Arabian counterpart, the Madring showed its teeth early: Arvid Lindblad, Lewis Hamilton, and Ollie Bearman all ran into trouble during Free Practice. As the field found the initial limits, lap times tumbled dramatically — plummeting by more than two seconds between FP1 and Lando Norris’s stunning final qualifying effort.

    Tyre management proved decisive

    The ability to nurse tyres remains a cornerstone of race success, extending stint options and preserving grip for stability. At the Madring, that skill was tested severely. George Russell admitted after qualifying, “as the track has got faster, I’ve been struggling to get the most out of the tyres”, a deficit he believed cost him a shot at pole position and left him sixth on the grid.

    In the Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg secured just his third points finish of the season as Audi continued to close the gap to midfield rivals Racing Bulls and Alpine. The German highlighted that “managing the tyres and making sure you get to the end” made the difference on a day when the three teams showed “identical pace”. Lando Norris also excelled in tyre preservation — until a poorly timed Virtual Safety Car unravelled his race. He remained proud of his performance, stating: “The way I drive, the way I can look after the tyres and get lap time out of it, it’s giving me a lot of opportunities and I can do a better job than the others.”

    La Monumental lived up to its name

    Few corners punish Pirelli rubber as severely as La Monumental. This 550‑metre arena‑style section, flanked by up to 45,000 passionate fans and featuring a banking gradient of up to 24%, became a defining feature of the circuit. The variety of racing lines through the corner sparked heated moments, especially as it leads into a blind crest that demands immense courage to attack flat‑out.

    Another twist in the title fight

    It is rare to hear an F1 driver — among the most ruthless competitors in sport — concede that a rival deserved victory more than they did, yet that is exactly what unfolded in Madrid. Kimi Antonelli claimed his eighth win of the season, extending his Drivers’ Championship lead to a commanding 81 points. Despite the triumph, he remarked: “It’s good to win, but it doesn’t feel as good because I think Lando today deserved to win. But overall, you know, we’ll take it.”

    Antonelli’s assessment undersold his own drive: starting second, he overtook Norris during the pit stops and inherited the lead from Charles Leclerc after the Ferrari driver’s long opening stint ended with fewer than ten laps remaining. The 20‑year‑old then resisted pressure from both Norris and Max Verstappen to secure the most comfortable championship position of his career so far.

    The weekend also revealed a shift in mindset within the Mercedes camp. Team‑mate George Russell declared he is no longer “in the fight for the drivers’ title” after finishing fifth. Team principal Toto Wolff disagreed, stressing that anything can happen over the remaining rounds and that a “nice buffer” can evaporate quickly after a couple of crashes or retirements. With Norris on a scintillating run of form, Ferrari consistently close, and Russell operating with reduced pressure, the battle for the 2026 crown remains wide open.

  • Manchester Storm calls off AO Arena game after ‘technical issue with ice’

    Manchester Storm calls off AO Arena game after ‘technical issue with ice’

    Manchester Storm were forced to cancel their Challenge Cup match against the Nottingham Panthers on Sunday due to what the club described as a “technical issue with the ice” at the AO Arena.

    Fixture Suspended Minutes Before Revised Start Time

    The Storm’s first competitive fixture at the city-centre venue in 24 years was originally scheduled for a 16:00 BST start. After a lengthy delay, the club announced on social media that the match was suspended just minutes before a revised 19:30 face-off.

    Club Issues Apology to Supporters

    In an official statement, the Storm said:

    “Unfortunately today’s Manchester Storm game has been suspended due to a technical issue with the ice,” the Storm said in the statement. “We sincerely apologise to supporters and ticket holders for the disruption and would like to thank everyone in attendance for their patience.”

    Tickets Valid for Rescheduled Date

    Fans have been advised to retain their tickets, which will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture on 14 October.

    Quick Turnaround After Concert Raises Questions

    The venue, located in the heart of Manchester, hosted a concert by American actor and singer Hilary Duff on Saturday evening—less than 24 hours before the scheduled ice hockey match. The rapid changeover from concert configuration to ice surface may have contributed to the technical difficulties.

    Storm’s Return to AO Arena

    Having departed Planet Ice in Altrincham, Manchester Storm returned to the AO Arena on 6 September with a sold-out pre-season friendly against the Sheffield Steelers. Founded in 1995, the team originally played in the newly opened Manchester Arena as a tenant and became inaugural champions of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996. The club left the arena in 2002 but returned to capitalize on growing interest in ice hockey and attract larger crowds to the 23,000-capacity venue.

  • Raiders’ Offseason Moves Please Tom Brady; Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty, Michael Mayer Central to Optimism

    Raiders’ Offseason Moves Please Tom Brady; Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty, Michael Mayer Central to Optimism

    Raiders Dominate Dolphins in Klint Kubiak’s Debut as Vegas Looks Rebuilt

    The Las Vegas Raiders could not have scripted a better opening statement for the Klint Kubiak era. After a miserable 3-14 campaign in 2025, the franchise kicked off the new season with a controlled 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins, offering immediate evidence that its latest rebuild may finally be heading in the right direction.

    Kirk Cousins Delivers Stability in Raiders Debut

    Three names stood out in an especially encouraging afternoon: quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Michael Mayer. For minority owner Tom Brady — who has been involved in football decision-making — the performance provided a glimpse of the vision that drove the roster and coaching overhaul.

    Cousins was the most critical piece. The veteran signal-caller completed 21 of 30 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns in his Raiders debut. Two of those scoring strikes went to Jeanty, while his opening touchdown connection with Jack Bech gave Las Vegas an early lead. Cousins did throw two interceptions, but his overall play delivered the stability the Raiders desperately sought from their veteran quarterback.

    Ashton Jeanty Emerges as Offensive Difference-Maker

    Jeanty, meanwhile, was arguably the biggest offensive weapon. The second-year running back rushed for 102 yards on 23 carries and added six receptions for 45 yards, with his two receiving touchdowns proving vital as Miami tried to stay within striking distance. The Raiders had initially feared an ankle injury suffered during the preseason might sideline him, but he was cleared and immediately demonstrated why his presence is essential to Kubiak’s offensive scheme.

    Complementary Football Defines Vegas Victory

    The biggest shift from previous seasons wasn’t simply that Las Vegas won — it was how they controlled the game. The defense set the tone early, forcing punts on Miami’s opening possessions, while the offense converted those opportunities into points. Las Vegas carried a 17-6 advantage into halftime and never relinquished control.

    The Raiders finished with 290 total yards but, more importantly, dominated time of possession at 34:53. Miami managed only 259 yards and converted just two of 10 third-down attempts. Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was sacked five times and threw an interception as Las Vegas repeatedly disrupted the opposing offense.

    That complementary style was the most encouraging aspect of the win. Instead of relying on one unit to rescue the other, the Raiders consistently created favorable situations for themselves.

    Kubiak’s Adaptable Offense Shows Early Promise

    Kubiak’s first game as head coach also suggested Las Vegas may possess a more adaptable offense than the one fans watched under the previous regime. The Raiders leaned on Jeanty’s versatility, established the run when needed, and allowed Cousins to make timely throws when opportunities appeared.

    Mayer’s contribution was quieter than Jeanty’s, but his role should not be overlooked. With star tight end Brock Bowers sidelined after knee surgery, the Raiders need other players at the position to maintain offensive structure. Mayer’s importance in the revamped attack will grow as the season progresses.

    Work Remains Despite Encouraging Start

    There is still plenty to fix. Cousins’ two interceptions reminded everyone the Raiders will not be flawless, and the offense must become more consistent against stronger opponents. One victory cannot erase the problems that produced last year’s 3-14 record. But the early signs are undeniably different.

    Brady’s Influence Visible in Cousins Acquisition

    Brady’s influence was apparent before the season began, particularly in the decision to bring in Cousins. The quarterback has previously explained that a FaceTime conversation with Brady gave him a significant push toward joining Las Vegas, making their connection central to the team’s new direction. After one game, that decision already looks promising.

    Divisional Test Awaits in Week 2

    The challenge arrives immediately. Las Vegas travels to SoFi Stadium in Week 2 to face the Los Angeles Chargers, a divisional rival that has historically given the Raiders trouble. A 2-0 start would make the opening victory considerably more meaningful, especially with a difficult stretch of the schedule still ahead.

    Raiders Finally Look Organized and Physical

    For now, the Raiders have accomplished something that had become increasingly rare in recent years: they looked organized, physical, and capable of controlling a game from start to finish. Cousins provided experience, Jeanty supplied explosiveness, and the supporting cast helped Kubiak execute his vision. If Mayer and the rest of the offense continue developing around them, Las Vegas may finally have the foundation for a genuine turnaround.

    It is far too early to call the Raiders contenders. But after one week, Tom Brady and Raider Nation have something they have been waiting for: tangible evidence that this version of the Silver and Black could actually be different.

  • Martin Anselmi Reveals Elche’s Plan to Stop Real Madrid: ‘We have to keep the ball’

    Martin Anselmi Reveals Elche’s Plan to Stop Real Madrid: ‘We have to keep the ball’

    Elche head coach Martin Anselmi has outlined his tactical approach for Tuesday’s La Liga clash against Real Madrid at the Estadio Martínez Valero, emphasizing that possession and patience will be his side’s primary defensive weapons.

    Anselmi: Ball Retention Is Best Defence Against Madrid

    Speaking ahead of the midweek fixture, Anselmi argued that the most effective way to neutralize Real Madrid’s potent attack is to control the game through sustained possession. The Argentine tactician stressed that his players must remain composed when building from the back, avoiding rushed decisions that could invite pressure from Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded front line.

    No Room for Errors at Martínez Valero

    Elche host the reigning European champions on Tuesday evening, and Anselmi was unequivocal about the margins for error. He warned that his squad cannot afford to concede space to Madrid’s creative players, noting that even momentary lapses in concentration or positioning could be punished decisively by the visitors’ individual quality.

    The match represents a significant test for an Elche side looking to climb the table, while Real Madrid arrive aiming to maintain their title challenge. Kick-off at the Martínez Valero is scheduled for Tuesday evening local time.

  • Liam Lawson assesses Red Bull outings: ‘Overall it’s been a strong three weekends’

    Liam Lawson assesses Red Bull outings: ‘Overall it’s been a strong three weekends’

    Liam Lawson Reflects on Strong Red Bull Return After Spanish Grand Prix Points Finish

    Liam Lawson believes “overall it’s been a strong three weekends” with Red Bull since replacing the injured Isack Hadjar midway through the 2025 Formula 1 season. The New Zealander made his third start for the senior team at last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, securing his best result since swapping his Racing Bulls machinery by finishing sixth.

    Overtaking Challenge Defines Madrid Debut

    Lawson was one of the few drivers to execute an overtake on the Madring street circuit, before a late pit stop secured his second points finish with Red Bull—following a seventh-place result in the Netherlands. Speaking to F1 TV about the challenges of Formula 1’s newest venue, Lawson said:

    “Hard to overtake is really the biggest thing. We started on the hard [tyre] as well and with the Virtual Safety Car, it didn’t really help us,”

    He elaborated on a key moment during the race:

    “Made quite a risky pass on Franco [Colapinto] earlier on and felt like it was going to be really important for our race but then the VSC came out and they boxed anyway, so it didn’t really make a difference.

    Was quite fun to do but this track is very difficult to pull it off [an overtake]. I didn’t nearly make the corner and you do track limits you have to give the place back. Tough race.”

    Contrast with Early Season Struggles

    Lawson’s current performances with Red Bull stand in stark contrast to the start of the 2025 season, where he competed in just two races before being demoted back to Racing Bulls. Prior to his temporary move back to the senior team, Lawson had scored points in eight out of 11 races this season—form that earned him another call-up.

    Although Hadjar was present in the Madrid paddock over the weekend, the Frenchman’s return from a wrist injury sustained over the summer break remains unknown, with Baku the next race in two weeks.

    Lawson Proud of Maximising Opportunities

    When asked if he was proud of his performances with Red Bull so far, Lawson responded:

    “I think so,”

    He expanded on his approach:

    “I’ve just tried to maximise each weekend. Honestly, a lot of things coming into it were just driver specific that I knew were going to be challenging about this car, and just really tried to prepare as much as I could but it’s been a very busy few weeks to be honest.

    Probably this coming week will be busy as well to be honest, I’ll probably be doing prep for both cars again. It’s just been a busy time trying to put everything together, but it’s been good.

    I would have loved to have scored in Monza as well, but I think overall it’s been a strong three weekends.”