Daily News 19

Author: Jordan Hayes

  • McLaren confirms gearbox issue as Lando Norris misses FP2 ahead of Spanish Grand Prix: ‘A big setback’

    McLaren confirms gearbox issue as Lando Norris misses FP2 ahead of Spanish Grand Prix: ‘A big setback’

    McLaren have confirmed a gearbox issue sidelined Lando Norris for the entirety of Free Practice 2 at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Technical Director for Performance Mark Temple describing the lost running as “a big setback” for the reigning World Champion.

    Norris Limited to Two Laps in FP2

    Drivers and teams sampled the new Madring layout for the first time on Friday. The circuit’s hybrid configuration—part street circuit, part purpose-built facility—presented an immediate challenge, making every minute of track time critical for data gathering. Norris completed only two laps in the second session before pulling his MCL39 into the garage with a mechanical problem that the team could not resolve before the checkered flag.

    McLaren Response: Focus on FP3 Recovery

    Speaking after the session, Temple outlined the scale of the deficit and the plan for Saturday’s final practice hour.

    “Gearbox problem for Lando, that’s obviously a big setback for him,” said Mark Temple, McLaren’s Technical Director for Performance, after the session. “Going into FP3 we’ll be trying to do as much as we can to give him back track time.

    “It was as expected, a very technical, tough track for the drivers, trying to find their way and learn the track. Deal with the very hot temperatures on the tyres. For sure track time for Lando will be very important tomorrow.”

    Mixed Friday for McLaren

    The British driver had shown competitive pace earlier in the day, finishing sixth in FP1—just under nine tenths adrift of George Russell’s pace-setting Mercedes. By contrast, team-mate Oscar Piastri completed a full programme, ending the day seventh and eighth across the two sessions as he worked to master the new venue.

    Piastri Highlights Balance and Tyre Management Struggle

    The Australian identified car balance and thermal management as the primary hurdles on a layout that demands a compromised set-up for both straight-line speed and high-speed corners.

    “I felt like we got a bit closer in FP2, which was good, but we’re still lacking a bit of pace it seems,” he said.

    “We’ll try and improve, it’s been an interesting day learning a new circuit. It’s certainly tough to get on top of but it’s been a day full of learning. Hopefully we can find a bit more tomorrow.

    “Trying to extract the performance on a street circuit like this is pretty challenging. That’s the biggest thing for us at the moment. Hopefully tomorrow we can make things a bit easier and find just a bit more consistency and a bit more ability to get that time out of the car.”

    With Norris facing a compressed preparation window in FP3, McLaren’s priority shifts to maximizing his limited running ahead of qualifying, while Piastri’s data will be crucial for refining the baseline set-up on a circuit where tyre temperature and consistency are proving decisive.

  • ‘I experienced that’: Ruben Amorim says AC Milan in better position than Man United as he addresses critics

    ‘I experienced that’: Ruben Amorim says AC Milan in better position than Man United as he addresses critics

    Amorim Claims Milan Hold Better Dynamic Than Manchester United

    Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has stated that AC Milan are currently operating in a superior dynamic compared to the Premier League club. The assessment comes after the Portuguese manager oversaw a strong start to the season for the Italian side.

    Back-Three System Requires Player Connection

    During a recent press conference, Amorim responded to criticism surrounding his preferred three-at-the-back tactical setup. He insisted the system’s success is entirely dependent on the players’ ability to link up effectively on the pitch.

  • Granit Xhaka Opens Up About Failed Chelsea Transfer

    Granit Xhaka Opens Up About Failed Chelsea Transfer

    Granit Xhaka has opened up about the collapsed transfer that would have seen him join Chelsea during the summer window, confirming he stayed at Sunderland after the Blues’ pursuit fell through.

    Chelsea Targeted Xhaka for Midfield Experience

    According to the report, Chelsea made a concerted effort to sign the Switzerland international as part of a strategy to bolster their midfield options. The move was reportedly driven by Xabi Alonso’s plans to inject greater experience into the center of the park at Stamford Bridge.

    Despite the London club’s interest, the transfer did not materialize, leaving Xhaka to continue his career at Sunderland. The midfielder has since reflected on the sequence of events that kept him in the North East rather than moving to West London.

  • Raphinha Assured of Long-Term Barcelona Future After Raising His Level, Reports Say

    Raphinha Assured of Long-Term Barcelona Future After Raising His Level, Reports Say

    Raphinha Secures Long-Term Barcelona Future After Explosive Start Under Hansi Flick

    Barcelona winger Raphinha has received assurances regarding his long-term future at the club following an exceptional start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick, according to a report from Diario Sport.

    Injury Struggles Behind Him, Brazilian Emerges as Key Leader

    The Brazilian international has effectively put his past injury troubles behind him, establishing himself as a pivotal leader within the squad. His current form represents a dramatic turnaround, with the attacker recording eight goals across his opening five official matches of the campaign.

    Flick’s System Unlocks Raphinha’s Peak Potential

    Under Flick’s tactical setup, Raphinha has flourished, demonstrating the clinical finishing and creative influence that initially attracted Barcelona to the player. The early-season statistics underscore his importance to the team’s attacking structure, positioning him as one of the most in-form forwards in European football.

    The club’s decision to secure his long-term commitment reflects confidence in his current trajectory and his central role in the project moving forward.

  • 2026 Spanish Grand Prix FP2: Kimi Antonelli Tops Timesheets Ahead of Charles Leclerc

    2026 Spanish Grand Prix FP2: Kimi Antonelli Tops Timesheets Ahead of Charles Leclerc

    Kimi Antonelli Tops Spanish GP FP2 as Ferrari Duo Chase at Madring

    Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli ended Friday’s running at the Spanish Grand Prix as the fastest driver on track, heading a Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the second hour of practice at the Madring circuit.

    Antonelli Sets Unbeatable Benchmark

    The Italian posted a session-best time of 1m 33.662s before the session was halted to recover Arvid Lindblad‘s damaged Racing Bulls car. No driver managed to improve on Antonelli’s lap in the closing minutes, giving him an advantage of just over a tenth of a second over Leclerc in second place.

    With a limited amount of time to learn the new Madrid circuit, all 22 drivers were eager to maximize Free Practice 2 and begin pushing the limits—ideally while avoiding the daunting walls that line the Madring layout.

    Alonso Misses Early Running With Clutch Issue

    Unfortunately for Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin confirmed the home favorite would miss the beginning of the session due to a clutch issue suffered following his practice starts in FP1.

    Haas pair Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman were the first to head out in the high temperatures, leading a long queue of competitors before George Russell—who topped the times in FP1—set an early benchmark of 1m 36.011s.

    Ferrari Strong on Mediums as Track Evolves

    Russell was soon demoted down the timesheets as Ferrari continued their impressive showing on the medium tyres. Leclerc claimed the top spot until the standings leader completed his first effort to go over a second clear.

    As expected on a track with a freshly laid surface, the evolution was notable. Leclerc closed the gap to just 0.001s, ensuring that Mercedes and Ferrari drivers occupied P1 through P4 in the opening 15 minutes.

    Despite his impressive lap, Ferrari were struggling in the final sector, where they were significantly down on the likes of Antonelli. They weren’t the only ones facing issues—McLaren opted to change Lando Norris‘ gearbox, restricting him to the garage, while Oscar Piastri complained about a lack of rear grip.

    Lindblad Impresses Before Turn 13 Crash

    Although Piastri managed to improve on the soft compound, his lap was eclipsed by Lindblad. The Racing Bulls driver consistently impressed through the first sector to wind up just two tenths off Antonelli’s fastest time.

    But the lack of incidents couldn’t last forever. Coming into Turn 13, Lindblad lost the rear and crashed into the barriers, bringing an early end to his day at the Madring and triggering a red flag period.

    Final Classification After Red Flag

    Once the subsequent red flag period concluded, Antonelli remained P1 thanks to his earlier rapid time, leaving him ahead of Leclerc and Hamilton on the timesheets. Lindblad similarly held onto P4 ahead of Russell, Max Verstappen, and Piastri.

    Yuki Tsunoda was eighth for Racing Bulls, followed by Haas’ Ocon and Red Bull’s Liam Lawson. Pierre Gasly claimed P11, the Frenchman leading the Audi pair of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and home favorite Carlos Sainz.

    Despite his shorter running, Alonso took P17 while Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas completed the order, with Norris unable to set a representative time for McLaren.

    Saturday Running Ahead

    With the first day of action in Madrid complete, the teams and drivers will have the chance to delve into their learnings overnight before the final hour of practice takes place at 12:30 local time on Saturday, September 12.

  • F1 Spanish GP FP2: Kimi Antonelli Tops Tricky Session as Arvid Lindblad Crashes

    F1 Spanish GP FP2: Kimi Antonelli Tops Tricky Session as Arvid Lindblad Crashes

    Kimi Antonelli Leads FP2 at Spanish Grand Prix as Mercedes Shines in Madrid

    Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli topped the second practice session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix on Friday, edging out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at the challenging new Madring circuit in Madrid. The championship leader set the benchmark early and improved steadily as track conditions evolved, ultimately posting a 1m33.662s on soft tyres to lead the timesheets.

    Tricky Madrid Layout Tests Drivers from the Outset

    The 5.4-kilometre hybrid layout — combining street sections with a purpose-built high-speed loop — proved difficult to master from the opening session. With virtually no runoff areas, teams adopted a cautious approach in FP1, prioritising rhythm and muscle memory over outright pace. That conservatism carried into the early stages of FP2, though lap times began to tumble as grip levels improved.

    Antonelli set the initial pace on medium tyres with a 1m34.428s, only for Max Verstappen to briefly take over before the Mercedes driver responded with a 1m33.926s. Turn 17 emerged as a particular flashpoint, with multiple drivers running wide on exit and triggering track-limits violations.

    Soft-Tyre Runs Shuffle Order Before Red Flag Halts Action

    The session intensified at the halfway mark as most drivers switched to the soft compound, which proved demanding to keep in its optimal temperature window under sustained lateral loads. Antonelli again set the reference with his session-best 1m33.662s. Team-mate George Russell slotted in just a tenth behind, while Ferrari duo Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc followed in third and fourth.

    Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad delivered an eye-catching performance to sit fourth before his afternoon ended abruptly. The British rookie slid into the barriers at Turn 13, a medium-speed left-hander, bringing out the red flags with 25 minutes remaining. Lindblad escaped unharmed, but the TecPro barrier repairs consumed the remaining session time, freezing the order at the top.

    Norris Sidelined by Gearbox Issue; Home Heroes Struggle

    McLaren endured a difficult Friday. Reigning world champion Lando Norris completed just two laps before a transmission issue forced him into the garage for a gearbox change, leaving Oscar Piastri as the team’s sole representative in seventh. Meanwhile, local favourites Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso finished 16th and 17th respectively, with Alonso’s start delayed by a clutch problem on his Aston Martin.

    Spanish GP FP2 Classification – Top 10

    1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1m33.662s
    2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
    3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
    4. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
    5. George Russell (Mercedes)
    6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
    7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
    8. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
    9. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
    10. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)

    Tsunoda, making his third appearance of the season while Isack Hadjar recovers from a wrist injury, impressed in eighth. Haas driver Esteban Ocon and Red Bull’s Liam Lawson rounded out the top 10.

    With the Madring circuit continuing to evolve and tyre management critical, Saturday’s final practice and qualifying sessions promise further shifts in the competitive order.

  • Travis Kelce’s $25 Billion Chiefs Boss Delivers Lesson in Humility

    Travis Kelce’s $25 Billion Chiefs Boss Delivers Lesson in Humility

    Clark Hunt Personally Distributes Chiefs Flags in Pouring Rain for Red Thursday Fundraiser

    Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt could have delegated the task. As the owner of a franchise valued at approximately $6.2 billion and part of a family with an estimated $25.6 billion net worth, Hunt has executives and staff capable of handling promotional events without his direct involvement.

    Instead, Hunt stood outside a Kansas City-area McDonald’s early Thursday morning, soaked by rain as he personally handed $5 Chiefs flags to fans alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Bell. The unguarded moment quickly went viral, largely because the public rarely witnesses a billionaire sports owner performing an ordinary task in miserable weather.

    Red Thursday Benefits Ronald McDonald House Kansas City

    The flags were part of the Chiefs’ annual Red Thursday fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House Kansas City, which supports families with children receiving medical care. The limited-edition design featured head coach Andy Reid’s famous phrase, “How ‘Bout Those Chiefs,” with all proceeds remaining in the Kansas City community.

    Ownership Presence Bridges Gap Between Franchise and Fans

    The financial disparity makes the scene more striking. The Hunt family fortune originated with oil tycoon H.L. Hunt and expanded through energy, real estate, hotels, and professional sports. Clark Hunt, son of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, leads Hunt Sports Group and maintains close ties to FC Dallas and Major League Soccer.

    Hunt could spend his mornings in private offices negotiating billion-dollar stadium deals, NFL television contracts, and the future of one of the league’s most recognizable franchises. On Thursday, however, the businessman stood in pouring rain placing flags directly into the hands of everyday fans.

    That gesture does not erase the enormous distance between Hunt’s life and those of the fans. But it demonstrates that he understands something many wealthy owners sometimes forget: people want to see the person in charge. They want an owner willing to come close, look them in the eye, and participate in the traditions they are asked to support.

    Smart Leadership Recognizes Franchise Foundation

    Showing up was also smart leadership. Hunt knows the Chiefs are more than Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Super Bowl trophies, or a valuable NFL business. The franchise depends on people who wear red, buy tickets, stand in bad weather, and make the team part of their families.

    Not many billionaire owners would personally hand out $5 flags in pouring rain. Clark Hunt did, and for one morning, one of America’s richest sports families offered everyone a small lesson in humility.

  • ‘He’s brought Formula 1 back home’ – Carlos Sainz becomes heart of Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    ‘He’s brought Formula 1 back home’ – Carlos Sainz becomes heart of Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    Formula 1 Returns to Madrid After Four Decades

    Formula 1 returns to Madrid for the first time in over four decades, with the Madring circuit hosting the Spanish Grand Prix. The weekend carries particular weight for Carlos Sainz, the Williams driver who calls the Spanish capital home and serves as an ambassador for the event. For the legions of fans who have followed his career, this is more than a race; it is a homecoming.

    Madrid is a vibrant capital renowned for its music, food, and art, yet for years it lacked the roar of a Formula 1 weekend. That void ends now. Sainz, born and raised in the city, grew up dreaming of exactly this scenario—a home race in the place where he first climbed into a kart at 10 years old.

    “When I think about Madrid, I think about my first karting races,” Sainz says. “That’s where it all started, where I started dreaming about being an F1 driver.
    “Now I get to race in my home town and be the ambassador of the Grand Prix – it’s a privilege, and it’s also a chance to open the door for people from all over the world to discover Madrid at the same time.”

    One of Our Own

    Sainz describes his central role this weekend as an honour, but for Madrid-born supporters, the connection stretches back to his arrival on the world stage. The sense of pride is rooted in the moment he announced himself as a rookie.

    “My first real memory of Carlos is his Formula 1 debut, back in 2015 at the Australian Grand Prix”, says Bea Quevedo. “He qualified eighth and finished ninth, in the points, on his very first outing, an incredible result for a rookie that nobody expected.
    “I remember how thrilling it was to have another Spanish driver on the grid, and not just any driver: someone with that level of raw talent. For those of us in Madrid, it wasn’t just ‘a Spaniard in F1’; it was one of our own, a kid from our city, mixing it with the best in the world.”

    Now, after 11 seasons at the pinnacle of motorsport, four victories, and 29 podium finishes, that feeling of ownership has not faded. If anything, it has deepened now that the sport has finally arrived on his doorstep.

    Madrid’s Own Countdown

    Long before lights out, Madrid demonstrated it was more than ready for the spectacle, embracing the Grand Prix atmosphere days before a single lap was turned. From the start of the week, fans tracked Sainz’s packed schedule, eager to share in the emotion. That passion was vividly illustrated on Tuesday when Plaza del Callao filled up hours before his arrival.

    For his dedicated fan community, Team Fifty5, the bond runs deeper than a single race weekend.

    “This week, from the moment I landed, the city was already buzzing,” Sainz says. “I went to Callao and there were people there since early morning – different stories, different ages, all gathering together. It was incredible.
    “Team Fifty5 has been with me through the good weekends and the bad ones, and seeing that kind of dedication and support in my own city gave me a boost I don’t take for granted.”

    For Quevedo, Sainz is not merely a competitor here; he is the reason the excitement feels so personal to the people of Madrid. That connection between the city and its driver gives the week its soul.

    Itziar Blazquez echoes that sentiment. “Sharing a passion with different people around the world is cool, but sharing the exact same love for the same driver creates a real bond,” she says.
    Additionally, being part of the Fifty5 community, “feels like getting a step closer to a big global family that backs him no matter what.”

    A Home Race, Literally

    For most drivers, a “home race” implies a supportive grandstand and a familiar setting—Monaco, for instance, is special because many reside there minutes from the track. For Sainz, Madrid means something far more literal.

    “Madrid is my home and I’ve always been very proud of the city and my country,” he says. “I get to spend the weekend with my family and sleep at my parents’ house to then go racing – that doesn’t happen anywhere else on the calendar.
    “And then on top of that, I get to do it in front of a Spanish crowd, in the city that watched me grow up. It’s going to be a very special weekend.”

    Carlos Sainz’s Legacy in Madrid

    Regardless of the result on Sunday, fans in Madrid have already settled on what this weekend—and the journey leading to it—signifies. Having lived her entire life in the capital, Blazquez can attest to what Sainz represents for the city.

    “He’s the heart of motorsport in the capital of Spain, he’s become a role model,” she says. To her, Sainz is someone who “represents Madrid spirit at its best: his relentless hard work, resilience, and class.”
    Her message to him is simple: “You carried Madrid to the top step of the podium, to the world stage, and now you’ve brought Formula 1 back home. So, thanks.”

  • Mercedes Targets Madring Gains as Every Team Reveals Upgrades

    Mercedes Targets Madring Gains as Every Team Reveals Upgrades

    A new circuit like the Madring presents teams with a steep learning curve, from identifying the optimal racing line to managing tyre degradation. Adding another layer of complexity, several constructors have introduced technical upgrades for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of every update brought to the grid.

    Mercedes

    Mercedes has signaled that more significant upgrades will arrive later in the season. For the Madrid round, the team has focused on circuit-specific aerodynamic adjustments to balance load and drag. The updates include a reduction in the rear wing central winglet span and the addition of a new winglet positioned behind the exhaust. The front lip has also been reprofiled to improve flow attachment across all steering conditions, a change designed to benefit performance beyond this specific weekend.

    Ferrari

    The Scuderia has adopted a conservative approach, submitting only a single minor update. The team has adapted the rear suspension fairing profile with the specific aim of recovering a local load benefit.

    McLaren

    Targeting another substantial points haul, McLaren has introduced additional rear wing furniture. The components are designed to improve flow conditioning onto the rear wing mainplane and flap elements.

    Red Bull

    Building on development work from Monza, Red Bull’s primary focus for the Spanish Grand Prix is reliability. The team has altered the rear wheel bodywork assembly to restore the aerodynamic load levels seen in earlier races. A geometric change has also been made to the floor bib.

    Racing Bulls

    Currently holding the ‘best of the rest’ position in the Constructors’ Championship, Racing Bulls has not submitted any upgrades for the event in Madrid.

    Alpine

    Following a standout weekend in Italy where Pierre Gasly secured pole position, Alpine has optimized the forward floor board. The modification targets improved local pressure distribution and flow management.

    Haas

    After making numerous chassis adjustments and equipping Ollie Bearman with the latest Ferrari power unit at the previous round, Haas has elected not to bring further upgrades to Spain.

    Audi

    Despite a run of four consecutive points finishes ending in Italy, Audi has also decided against introducing updates for the Spanish Grand Prix.

    Williams

    Williams is reserving its major upgrade package for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Consequently, Alex Albon and home favourite Carlos Sainz will race the current specification in Madrid. However, the team will utilize Friday’s practice sessions to test components intended for next year’s car.

    Aston Martin

    With the team’s B-spec challenger having debuted only a few rounds ago in Hungary, Aston Martin is prioritizing the maximization of that package alongside the updated Honda power unit. No upgrades have been listed for the Spanish Grand Prix.

    Cadillac

    As the only team yet to score a point, Cadillac has introduced two aerodynamic modifications. The team has reintroduced an updated central trailing edge winglet on the rear wing flap to generate additional rear aerodynamic load and improve stability. Additionally, a vane has been added to the outboard diffuser sidewall, targeting further aerodynamic performance and increased load at the rear of the car.

  • Celtic boss Martin O’Neill says team given ‘timely’ police reminder ahead of derby

    Celtic boss Martin O’Neill says team given ‘timely’ police reminder ahead of derby

    Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the media ahead of the latest Old Firm derby, revealing details of discussions with police regarding fan behavior and reflecting on the unique atmosphere expected at Ibrox without away supporters.

    Police Talks Focus on On-Field Conduct and Celebrations

    Asked what had been said, the Northern Irishman said: “They didn’t mention this, but I would have assumed that one of the things that would be considered is what happens in the field of play, because these things can be taken further.”

    Rodgers outlined the key concerns raised during the meeting. “You don’t want any sort of punch-ups for a start. Secondly, you don’t want excessive celebrations, stuff like that.”

    He linked the heightened scrutiny directly to recent flashpoints. “But I think it’s just the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures. I think that the conversation with the police wouldn’t have taken place had not recent events been brought up to us.”

    Celtic’s Derby Dominance and Title Race Context

    The visitors arrive in Glasgow’s south side with a clear psychological edge. Celtic have won the latest three derbies since Rangers beat them 3-1 at Celtic Park in the league in January, and are five points ahead in the Premiership after just six games of the new season.

    Atmosphere at Ibrox: “Strange” Without Away Fans

    Asked how having no away fans might impact the match, O’Neill added: “I think the games themselves almost take care of themselves in that sense.”

    The Celtic boss acknowledged the unusual dynamic. “It’ll be strange in many aspects not to have any away fans in our area. I always felt as if it would give you a crumb of comfort in some description.”

    He summed up the conflicting emotions surrounding the fixture: “Nervously looking forward to it, excitedly looking forward to it.”

    Rangers’ Form and Home Crowd Factor

    Rangers have come in for some criticism from their own fans for a poor start to the season under new manager Derek McInnes, although the hosts are on a run of four successive victories.

    Rodgers suggested an early goal could amplify home anxiety. “I suppose if you get in front in the game, that makes them anxious,” O’Neill suggested.

    However, he remained realistic about the challenge. “Talking about getting in front and getting in front are two different things. The crowd will be right behind their team, which you would expect.”

    The Northern Irishman struck a respectful but determined tone. “We just do our best. We know that we’re up against a very fine side. We’re up against a crowd that can make a difference. I’d be delighted to be celebrating something in the game.”