Daily News 19

Author: Jordan Hayes

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Again for Al Nassr, Nears 1,000 Career Goals; Can Messi Keep Pace?

    Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Again for Al Nassr, Nears 1,000 Career Goals; Can Messi Keep Pace?

    Cristiano Ronaldo found the net once again on Wednesday, opening the scoring in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Abha on matchday six of the Saudi Pro League. The strike brought the Portuguese superstar’s official career goal tally to 979, leaving him just 21 goals shy of the historic 1,000-goal milestone he has publicly targeted.

    Landmark goal arrives in the 21st minute

    The goal carried a touch of numerical symmetry. Ronaldo headed home a corner delivered by Ângelo in the 21st minute — matching the exact number of goals he now requires to reach four figures. The header broke the deadlock and set the tone for a match Al Nassr would ultimately control, with Abdullah Al-Hamdan doubling the advantage in the 58th minute.

    CR7 vs. Messi: The race to 1,000

    Despite already holding the record as football’s all-time leading scorer in official matches, Ronaldo continues to chase the unprecedented 1,000-goal barrier. His closest rival remains Lionel Messi, who sits on 927 goals and was recently named among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo’s latest effort confirms his sharp scoring form; he now has three goals in the current Saudi Pro League campaign and has amassed 131 goals since his move to the Asian continent in 2022.

    Career breakdown: Where the goals came from

    The bulk of Ronaldo’s haul was accumulated during his peak years at Real Madrid, where he netted 451 times. His international record with Portugal stands at 146 goals, while he scored 145 for Manchester United across two spells. Since joining Al Nassr, he has added 131, with 101 coming during his stint at Juventus and the five that launched his professional career at Sporting CP.

    Missed chances and a late Abha fightback

    Ronaldo could have extended his tally further. In the first half, one of his efforts struck the post, and a subsequent opportunity was cleared off the goal line. Al-Hamdan’s second goal appeared to settle the contest, but Abha responded through Nabil Fekir, who curled a direct free-kick past the goalkeeper in the 75th minute. The visitors pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, yet Al Nassr held firm to secure the three points.

    Al Nassr join leaders at the summit

    The win lifts the side managed by Ange Postecoglou to 15 points after six rounds, leaving them level at the top of the standings alongside Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah. With domestic and Asian competitions on the horizon, Ronaldo’s path to 1,000 goals remains clearly defined: 21 more strikes at the age of 41.

    Without question, the pursuit of that four-figure landmark will serve as the final great chapter in a rivalry that has defined more than two decades of the sport.

  • F1 Drivers React to ‘Insane’ New Madring Circuit: ‘A Dream Come True to Race Here’

    F1 Drivers React to ‘Insane’ New Madring Circuit: ‘A Dream Come True to Race Here’

    Formula 1 Returns to Madrid: Drivers React to the New Madring Circuit

    Formula 1 drivers will once again experience the thrill of racing at a new venue this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, where anticipation for the unknown has already spread through the paddock at the Madring. Spain’s capital city welcomes F1 back for the first time in 45 years with a purpose-built track that blends public roads with permanent sections. Its high speeds, twisty layout, and unique banked corner — suitably named La Monumental — have generated significant discussion about what to expect when the action begins.

    Homecoming for Carlos Sainz at the Madring

    While on-track running starts with Free Practice 1 at 13:30 local time on Friday, September 11, many drivers have already used simulators to familiarize themselves with the venue, and early reactions suggest competitive sessions ahead. Madrid-born Carlos Sainz is especially eager for the round. The Spaniard will not only contest his first true home race but also serves as a circuit ambassador. Sainz was the first driver on the grid to complete a lap of the Madring, albeit in a road car while the track was still incomplete. At the time, he called it “honestly impressive” and admitted that he “didn’t expect it to be so flowing, so wide” — comments he expanded upon upon his return to the city.

    “I’m for sure going to enjoy this a lot,” he told the media on Thursday. “It’s going to be busy, but also emotional. I’m going to try and enjoy it as much as possible. It looks like the track has a character that is charismatic, with a lot of different types of corners.”

    Alonso Embraces Double Spanish Round

    Fernando Alonso, who boasts 25 years of racing in Spain as an F1 driver, finds this weekend no less remarkable. Instead, the two-time champion embraces the chance to compete twice in his home nation in the same season, having already contested the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

    “It’s going to be a very nice weekend,” Alonso said. “We have this privilege to race two times in Spain this year, and for the very first time in Madrid. It is special. Also a new track, so it adds this challenge for everyone to learn the track as quick as possible in Free Practice. For me, it’s double special being in Spain.

    “Madrid is one of the best cities in the world so to have a Grand Prix and to welcome F1 here is incredible. I think for any racing driver, to win in Madrid will mean a lot.

    “It’s very technical, lots of kerb riding and a couple of high-speed sections where you need to get very close to the walls, which is very attractive and very high adrenaline for a driver – close to Jeddah.”

    Alpine Duo Excited by Technical Challenge

    Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto shared similar enthusiasm after their strong Monza outing, where Gasly claimed a shock pole position before the pair delivered a double points finish.

    “The track itself on the simulator looked insane,” Gasly raved. “To drive it was very fun – lots of technical and twisty corners. From everything I’ve heard, it’s definitely something very unique. So, big challenge, but I’m excited for this type of weekend where everything is brand new for everyone.

    “I think the challenge driving-wise should not be underestimated, because it’s 15 corners, and they’re absolutely crazy – with undulation, going up and down, banking, 90-degree corners, 180-degree corners, low speed, high speed – you name it, you’ve got a bit of everything.

    “It’s exciting. As a driver, it feels like you’re going to have many opportunities around the lap to actually make these small gains everywhere. I think the track layout is something I’ve never seen before. I’m sure we’re going to have huge adrenaline in the car.”

    Colapinto, who previously lived in Madrid, added a personal perspective:

    “I’m really excited to be back here in Spain. Madrid does feel like the closest to home, I think especially because of my previous experiences and how I started in Europe – I started here in Madrid.

    “To be racing here in F1 is a dream come true. I think it’s very good for the sport as well to have another big city like Madrid being back on the calendar, putting a very exciting track [together]. It looks like a very good one to drive. It’s going to be cool.”

    Midfield and Frontrunners Alike Anticipate Opportunities

    Cadillac driver Sergio Perez labelled the venue “a proper track”, while Ollie Bearman admitted that “new tracks are always incredibly fun for us” — possibly because incidents at unfamiliar circuits can create openings for midfield teams like Haas to score.

    The frontrunners also anticipate an intriguing round. Mercedes’ George Russell, targeting his first win since Round 8 in Austria, offered his assessment:

    “It seems a wild track to be fair,” he admitted. “It’s mental but excited to experience it. Going to be a real challenge and I think Qualifying is going to be important.

    “The level of everyone in F1 is exceptionally high. It’s going to be a circuit where you need confidence. Very challenging, lots of high speed corners, aggressive kerbs. Going to be an experience for sure. Just try and keep out of the wall and build up to it.”

    With a layout described as technical, high-speed, and unlike anything else on the calendar, the Madring promises a compelling debut for Formula 1 in Madrid.

  • Max Verstappen Dismisses Hype Over Red Bull’s Madrid Surprise

    Max Verstappen Dismisses Hype Over Red Bull’s Madrid Surprise

    Verstappen Confronts Winless Season Reality Ahead of Madrid Grand Prix Debut

    Max Verstappen faces the distinct possibility of completing a Formula 1 season without a victory for the first time since his 2015 debut campaign. The four-time world champion addressed the scenario during the Dutch media session at Monza, offering a candid assessment of Red Bull’s current competitiveness.

    “I’m obviously never going to say that out loud!”

    Verstappen’s refusal to voice the possibility contrasts with his approach in 2023, when a similar admission preceded a dominant second-half run that saw him finish on the podium at every remaining round and narrowly miss a fifth consecutive title. The Dutchman acknowledges the current situation differs fundamentally.

    “Every time I’m in the car, I always go for the maximum. If the opportunity comes to win a race, then of course I’ll go all out for it. But with how things stand at the moment, that chance isn’t very big.”

    Driver Skill vs. Machinery at the Madring

    The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the IFEMA complex—dubbed the Madring—has sparked discussion about circuits where driver talent can outweigh car performance. Verstappen dismissed the narrative that a demanding layout alone can close the gap to faster rivals.

    “I mean, you can make the story as beautiful as you want, right? Driver’s track or not, at the end of the day you still need a fast car in Formula 1.”

    He extended the point to his season overall, insisting his personal form remains high despite the results.

    “As a driver, I feel good this year, but I’m not winning races. Does that mean I’m a bad driver or not quick enough? I don’t think so. It’s not that suddenly because this is more of a driver’s track than Monza or whatever, you can do a lot better.”

    Madring Safety Concerns Draw Jeddah Comparisons

    Pre-event focus has centered on the circuit’s safety profile after an F3 test produced 19 red flags. Williams team principal James Vowles labeled the venue “a car killer.” Verstappen, asked by Motorsport.com about the danger level, drew a direct parallel to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

    “Well, it could be. In some places, when you have a tiny moment, it can result in a crash. But I mean, Jeddah is the same and we’ve spoken about that already before. You just have to deal with it and try to figure out the margins, to try and keep it under control. But of course, when you’re on the limit, it’s easy to make a little mistake.”

    He reinforced the comparison on driving sensation.

    “In terms of what I feel, yes. Of course, there are quite a lot more lower speed corners here, but the sensation I get is a little bit like that, yeah.”

    Lawson Echoes Blind-Corner Warning

    Red Bull stand-in Liam Lawson supported the Jeddah analogy, highlighting the prevalence of blind corners where walls run flush to the racing line.

    “The way these street circuits are built, the walls just sort of follow where the track goes and they’re just very blind in a lot of places. There are a lot of faster flowing corners where you have something behind it and you can’t see it. Jeddah obviously has more of that than this place, but it’s sort of similar in that way, I would say.”

    Lawson identified the Turn 5-6 chicane as a particular hazard.

    “If you take too much of the first kerb, it’ll bounce you across the second kerb, which will then bounce you into the wall. Trying to be accurate through a section like that is quite tough. I’ve seen a lot of videos of F3 cars just smashing both the kerbs and getting away with it, or not getting away with it, so it’s definitely a tricky part of the track. The braking zone is obviously not straight as well, so trying not to lock and push that braking zone is going to be pretty tough.”

    Power-Unit Limitations Expected to Restrict Flat-Out Running

    Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations, Lawson does not anticipate Monaco-style unrestricted pushing at the Madring.

    “Not like Monaco, no. I think Monaco is one where we can push flat out and actually have no limitations. I would say this is not going to be like that, but I think it definitely is somewhere that, more so than in Monza, you can probably make a bit of a difference.”

  • ‘Clear that I could have done a better job’ – Leclerc accepts blame for Hamilton incident at Monza

    ‘Clear that I could have done a better job’ – Leclerc accepts blame for Hamilton incident at Monza

    Charles Leclerc acknowledged responsibility for the opening-lap clash with Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton at Monza, stating ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that it’s pretty clear that I could have done a better job.

    Leclerc takes blame for Turn 2 incident

    The Ferrari drivers ran side-by-side through the first chicane during last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, sending Hamilton into the gravel and dropping him down the order. The contact briefly strained the relationship between the pair before Hamilton said on Thursday in Madrid that they got a good racing relationship.

    Leclerc confirmed the two had spoken to clear the air, with the Monegasque driver admitting he was primarily at fault.

    Having the Turn 2 incident is not something we ever want to see again, he said. And for that, reviewing the images, it’s pretty clear that I could have done a better job just slowing down the car and not putting Lewis then in a difficult situation.

    So this is something I can learn from, for sure, but we’ve already spoken with Lewis.

    I think what was very important was to speak, first of all. It’s been quite a few years now that I’m in Ferrari — and I kind of know how it feels when everything around Ferrari is kind of on fire.

    And if you don’t speak between Lewis and I, then you can get caught up with this noise that there is around the team.

    It’s not that there are no reasons for that noise, but I think the intensity of the noise is a bit too crazy. When you look at Monza, there’s been friction between other team mates and we barely talk about it.

    But when it’s about Ferrari, it takes proportions that are not normal. But we spoke with Lewis. We’ve always had a great relationship.

    I have a lot of respect for Lewis, and I told him that in Turn 2 I didn’t behave the way I should have, and the way a team mate should.

    Leclerc fit for Madrid after heavy Monza crash

    Leclerc’s Monza race ended on lap two after a heavy impact at the final corner that brought out the red flag. Although medically cleared, he revealed he felt the effects in the immediate aftermath but expects to be fully fit for the new Madrid circuit layout this weekend.

    I will be 100% fine. I mean, it was only right after the crash that it was just a little bit strange and I felt a little bit dizzy, he said.

    But very quickly, from Monday afternoon, I felt better. I had quite a few treatments for the neck, because that’s where most of the shock went, and I’m feeling good now.

    So I’m ready for this weekend. I did quite a lot of checks, and all checks were fully fine. So no worries for this weekend.

  • George Russell’s Telling Admission After Monza F1 Defeat to Kimi Antonelli

    George Russell’s Telling Admission After Monza F1 Defeat to Kimi Antonelli

    Russell Concedes 2026 Title Hopes But Finds Performance Answers as Antonelli Extends Lead

    George Russell has effectively conceded his chances of winning the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, though the Mercedes driver insists he has identified the reasons behind his difficult campaign relative to team-mate Kimi Antonelli.

    The Briton trails the championship-leading Antonelli by 66 points with ten rounds remaining, a significant deficit for a driver who entered the new regulatory era as the pre-season title favourite. Russell’s struggles have been particularly pronounced during Antonelli’s five-race winning streak earlier in the season.

    Driving Style Mismatch Identified

    Speaking in Monaco amid his team-mate’s dominant run, Russell suggested his naturally smoother driving style is less suited to the 2026 machinery than Antonelli’s more aggressive approach. The 28-year-old has spent much of the season adapting his technique, showing signs of progress since the summer break by outqualifying the 20-year-old in the last three sessions. However, race pace remains a deficit.

    That gap was starkly illustrated at Monza last weekend, where Antonelli produced a sensational drive from 19th on the grid — following an engine-change penalty — to overtake Russell, who started second, and claim victory. The result left the Italian rookie with one hand firmly on his maiden title.

    Russell: “I Do Have an Answer”

    Asked ahead of this weekend’s Madrid Grand Prix if he could explain Antonelli’s superior speed, Russell was candid about his self-analysis.

    “I do have an answer and I’m working on it.

    “I think it’s been much improved. So I’m very pleased with that sort of step I’ve taken because fundamentally changing the driving style, I think, is achievable for a lot of drivers.

    “But then actually being fast with it is another topic and I feel my performance since the summer break has been, you know, I’ve qualified ahead of him in the three qualifying sessions.

    “My race pace has been on a par with him in these two races and I couldn’t say that pre-break. So, as I said, I’m definitely very pleased with that progression. We’ll have to see where the rest of the season takes us.”

    Title Realism Sets In

    Despite the recent qualifying gains, Russell acknowledges the championship picture is bleak. The situation represents a dramatic reversal from 2025, when Russell arguably enjoyed his best season yet, maximising the W16 to finish fourth while Antonelli endured an up-and-down rookie campaign in seventh.

    “I definitely need some luck and I need some good performances,” added Russell. “It’s not really something I’m thinking about because, as I said, right now he’s performing better than me.

    “So he deserves to be leading the championship. There’s still a long way to go, but he’s yet to have a bad weekend in terms of performance. So he’s performing exceptionally well.

    “My performances are better, but if I want to win this championship, I’m going to need some luck on the way.

    “But it’s not something I’m focused on. I’m focused on driving faster and just finding more performance.”

    Antonelli Refuses Championship Mindset

    For his part, Antonelli insists he is not thinking about the title either. The Italian views his Monza comeback — charging from the back to win — as proof that a championship-focused mindset would be detrimental.

    “I don’t even know how many races are left. Eight? Ten, so still a long way to go,” said Antonelli.

    “I don’t really want to drive thinking about the championship. Monza was proof that I wasn’t driving, thinking about or worrying about the championship, I was just driving to win, to do my best and that’s the mindset.

    “Of course, there might be an occasion in the future where, before taking a certain decision, I might think about the championship.

    “But the thing I want to avoid is driving, going on track for a free practice or a qualifying or even a race, thinking about or worrying about the championship. That’s the thing I want to avoid at all costs!”

    With ten races remaining, the mathematical possibility of a Russell fightback exists, but both drivers appear aligned in their focus: extracting maximum performance each weekend rather than calculating championship permutations.

  • Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic warns of Chelsea threat: ‘They are capable of passing one, two, three players’

    Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic warns of Chelsea threat: ‘They are capable of passing one, two, three players’

    Hull City Coach Jakirovic Jokes About “kicking” Chelsea Players to Halt Attack

    Hull City coach Sergej Jakirovic joked that “kicking” Chelsea players could be the best way to stop their free-flowing attack ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

    The Tigers have made an impressive start to their return to the Premier League, keeping three clean sheets in their opening games.

  • Ferran Torres Feels at Home at PSG After Sensational Start, Reports Say

    Ferran Torres Feels at Home at PSG After Sensational Start, Reports Say

    Ferran Torres Hits Ground Running at PSG After Barcelona Transfer

    Spanish forward Ferran Torres has made an immediate impact at Paris Saint-Germain following his summer move from Barcelona, according to a report from Le Parisien.

    €50 Million Investment Pays Early Dividends

    Signed for just under €50 million, the 2026 World Cup champion has wasted no time adapting to his new surroundings in the French capital. Torres has quickly established himself as PSG’s top goalscorer, netting five goals in just four matches since his arrival.

    Seamless Transition to Ligue 1

    The early returns suggest the transfer represents shrewd business for the Parisian club. Torres’ quick adaptation underscores his quality and readiness for a leading role in Luis Enrique’s attacking setup, providing an immediate return on the significant summer outlay.

  • PSG Sporting Director Luis Campos Suspended by LFP Over Conduct in Lille‑PSG Match

    PSG Sporting Director Luis Campos Suspended by LFP Over Conduct in Lille‑PSG Match

    PSG Sporting Advisor Luis Campos Handed One-Match Suspension

    Paris Saint-Germain sporting advisor Luis Campos has been sanctioned with a one-match suspension by the Professional Football League (LFP) disciplinary commission, according to a report from RMC Sport.

    Touchline Behaviour During Lille Draw

    The disciplinary action stems from the Portuguese director’s conduct during PSG’s heated 2-2 draw against Lille in Ligue 1 on August 28. The commission reviewed Campos’ behaviour on the touchline during the fixture, which featured several flashpoints, before issuing the ban.

    Campos will serve the suspension during an upcoming league match, forcing him to watch from the stands rather than his usual position on the bench.

  • Paige Spiranac Steals Show at US Open Watching Coco Gauff

    Paige Spiranac Steals Show at US Open Watching Coco Gauff

    Social media personality and former professional golfer Paige Spiranac attended the 2026 US Open on Wednesday, swapping the fairways for a courtside seat at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Her visit coincided with one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament: Coco Gauff’s quarterfinal comeback against Mirra Andreeva.

    Spiranac Documents US Open Experience

    Spiranac shared several photographs from her day at Flushing Meadows, including courtside views from Arthur Ashe Stadium. She wore a sleeveless blue-and-white checkered top with matching trousers for the occasion. The appearance was connected to a brand partnership, with Spiranac thanking skincare company La Roche-Posay for hosting her.

    Across her Instagram story, she wrote: “US Open. One of my favorite events! Thanks to @lararocheposayusa for a great day!”

    Gauff Saves Two Match Points to Reach Semifinals

    The timing of Spiranac’s visit proved fortuitous. She witnessed No. 4 seed Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, recover from a first-set deficit to defeat fifth-seeded Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2. The American saved two match points during the second-set tiebreak before taking control of the decider.

    The quarterfinal hung in the balance when Andreeva earned her first match point at 6-5 in the tiebreak, and a second at 7-6. Gauff refused to yield, eventually forcing a third set and pulling away from the 19-year-old to complete the comeback in two hours and 19 minutes. The victory marked Gauff’s first US Open semifinal appearance since her 2023 championship run.

    Gauff Credits Resilience and Tiafoe Inspiration

    After the match, Gauff reflected on her ability to navigate high-pressure moments: “I think I’ve learned a lot. I’ve played a few tie-breaks this year and I’ve learned from them.”

    She also revealed that Frances Tiafoe’s extraordinary comeback victory the previous day provided motivation when she faced elimination against Andreeva. “I was just really determined to not lose that second set,” Gauff said, according to the official US Open website. “I mean, sometimes you just need a little bit of inspiration, and Frances was that for me in that moment.”

    Strong Summer Continues for American Star

    The win extended Gauff’s remarkable record in three-set Grand Slam matches this year to 20-4 and continued a strong summer that included another Cincinnati title. Her reward is a semifinal meeting with Elena Rybakina, who became the new world No. 1 after defeating Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals. The other women’s semifinal features Aryna Sabalenka against Jessica Pegula.

    Influencer Presence at the US Open

    For Spiranac, who has built a large following by combining golf content, sports commentary, and lifestyle posts, the day offered a chance to experience the US Open from a different sporting perspective. Her appearance comes as the tournament draws increasing attention from influencers and celebrities.

    Gauff herself recently addressed the growing influencer presence at the US Open, stating she had no issue with their attendance as long as proper tennis etiquette was respected. Spiranac’s visit appeared to align with the fan-and-guest side of that equation, with her social posts documenting an afternoon spent enjoying the tennis and celebrating one of the tournament’s biggest American stars.

    After witnessing Gauff escape two match points and reach the semifinals, Spiranac certainly picked an unforgettable day to visit Flushing Meadows.

  • Lewis Hamilton: I Don’t Want Preferential Treatment from Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton: I Don’t Want Preferential Treatment from Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions that Ferrari should prioritize his championship bid over team-mate Charles Leclerc, insisting his focus remains on collective execution rather than preferential treatment. The seven-time world champion finds himself 76 points behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli with 10 rounds remaining, while Leclerc’s retirement at the Italian Grand Prix leaves him 112 points adrift—assuming the final races proceed unaffected by the Iran conflict.

    Hamilton Rejects Number One Driver Status

    Despite holding a mathematically viable path to the title, Hamilton pushed back against the narrative that Ferrari should funnel resources toward his campaign. When asked if the Scuderia should put all efforts behind him and have Leclerc play a supporting role, Hamilton responded directly:

    “That’s not actually really what I’ve been asking for.

    “It’s really just making sure we’re executing to make sure we get the best result for the team. Instead of us working against each other and finishing fourth and fifth, maybe we can work together and get a podium, pull off more points.”

    Consistency Keeps Hamilton in Contention

    Hamilton’s championship relevance stems largely from remarkable consistency: he is the only driver to finish every grand prix inside the top ten this season, with his lowest result being sixth. Yet he remains acutely aware of Ferrari’s fundamental deficit relative to Mercedes, particularly in power unit performance. Ferrari has yet to secure a single pole position in 2026.

    Quantifying the Straight-Line Deficit

    Hamilton provided specific data on the performance gap, highlighting the straight-line disadvantage that has defined Ferrari’s season:

    “Mercedes, if you look at the last race, they were six tenths a lap quicker on the straights,” Hamilton pointed out. “Pretty much most of the other tracks, it was three or four tenths. We were losing just on the straights.

    “I think we’ve done a really great job, given that we’ve had that deficit, and we continue to make improvements to the car. We’ve made improvements to the engine. We knew that the last [engine] upgrade wasn’t going to be a silver bullet and close that gap completely. But for me, it’s really positive to see us continuously stepping forward. They are just very, very quick, and it’s not easy.”

    Focus on Internal Execution Over External Rivals

    Rather than fixating on Mercedes’ advantage, Hamilton emphasized a strategy centered on operational excellence and capitalizing on opponent errors:

    “As I said, rather than focus on them – they’re not a focus for me at the moment – I think our focus should just be, how we can do the best and execute the best on our weekends, because there’ll be weekends where they’re exceptional, and there’ll be weekends where they maybe drop the ball.

    “As long as we just focus on our consistency and trying to optimise our weekends, maybe there’s going to be a moment where we are able to capitalise on, perhaps, their shortcomings.”

    That approach already yielded a signature victory earlier this season, when Hamilton beat Antonelli and George Russell to win the Barcelona Grand Prix—proof that maximizing Ferrari’s package can overcome the straight-line deficit on the right weekend.