While McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all unlocked significant performance gains through their recent upgrade packages, Red Bull Racing continues to grapple with a fundamental issue affecting the RB22.
Verstappen Highlights Aerodynamic Degradation
The core of the problem relates to feedback from Max Verstappen, who has pointed out that the car suffers from an aerodynamic degradation of performance after a certain number of laps. This characteristic has prevented the team from maximizing its race pace relative to its improving rivals.
Mekies Admits Complex Fix Required
Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed during the Madrid round that resolving this balance issue will not be a straightforward process. However, the technical update submissions Red Bull has lodged with the FIA at both Monza and Madrid offer a clear indication of the specific development directions the team is pursuing to rectify the deficit.
Max Verstappen Dominates Red Bull’s ‘Max vs 100’ Karting Spectacular at Silverstone
Just days after securing a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen swapped his RB20 for a go-kart to tackle Red Bull’s ambitious Max vs 100 challenge at Silverstone.
The Challenge: Overtake 100 Rivals from the Back of the Grid
Held on Wednesday evening, the event tasked Verstappen with overtaking and eliminating 100 competitors—comprising Red Bull athletes, content creators, and other guests—from the very back of the grid within 30 laps or 75 minutes. Red Bull, renowned for high-concept stunts across sports, billed it as the world’s biggest go-kart race. The action was broadcast live on Disney+, amplified across social media, and produced with the gravity of a headline Grand Prix.
Following two practice days overseen by Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, the serious business began when Verstappen arrived to sample the 2.5 km layout blending Silverstone’s karting venue with sections of the F1 circuit. While Verstappen’s outright pace was never in doubt, the logistical puzzle of carving through a 101-kart field from last to first remained an open question.
“It’s a long way! A very long way!”
Verstappen smiled during a pre-race interview as he walked the length of the grid, the scale of the challenge visibly dawning on him moments before the 18:00 start.
Verstappen’s P101 to P1 Charge
From the moment the lights went out, Verstappen shuffled forward aggressively, ducking and diving past a gaggle of rivals into Turn 1. He narrowly avoided the first-corner bottleneck and strategically used the grass to bypass spinners. His rapid progress continued through Sectors 1 and 2 until a Full Course Yellow neutralized the race to clear further incidents.
Initial estimates suggested he might have passed 20 to 50 karts, but the timing screens revealed a staggering reality: Verstappen had rocketed to 37th position, a gain of 64 places on the opening tour.
“Not a bad first lap, then!”
Verstappen chimed over the radio upon hearing the news.
Once racing resumed, the Dutchman’s ascent was relentless: 25th by Lap 4, 10th by Lap 6, and fifth by Lap 7. The field dwindled until only three karts remained ahead—those of F1 journalist Jacky Martens, YouTuber Zac Alsop, and Red Bull Ford Powertrains technician Lewis Osler. Despite light-hearted radio banter among the leaders about forming a roadblock, Verstappen dispatched them all within 35 minutes and 14 laps.
“That was simply lovely,”
Verstappen chuckled after eliminating the final kart, adding:
“it’s my first win of the year, so I’ll take this one!”
Post-Race Reflections: ‘A Hundred Is a Lot!’
Speaking to select media including F1.com, Verstappen reflected on the unique experience:
“I grew up racing a lot in karts, then because of your formula career you don’t really get a lot of time racing them anymore, so it’s always nice to go back and have a go at it.
“I got three or four laps on the track, and that was basically my practice. Before that, it’s always very hard to know what to expect, so it’s also better then not to overthink the situation, and just feel it once you sit in the kart. But I think the most that I’ve been on a track with is like 40 karts, maybe, so a hundred is a lot!”
Verstappen’s fastest lap of 2m 20.673s was 2.6 seconds clear of Martens’ best (2m 23.327s). He explained the strategic calculus behind the victory:
“I knew my lap times when I did the prep laps, and I knew the Qualifying lap times of the others, so I knew that it was possible [to win], but it also really depended on my first two laps,”
said Verstappen.
“They went better than expected, so that of course helped a lot.
“Before the race, I said, ‘Let’s be bold and say that I will pass 40 people in Lap 1’, and then they told me [what it was] at the end. It was a good effort. Some people got really excited on the new [extended] part of the track, and there was a bit of a road blockage going on, but I managed to swerve around it, and it worked out well.
“When the lights go out, you kind of just see where the gaps are, and then you also kind of need to trust a few people around you, that they don’t do anything crazy. To be honest, they didn’t. They were very excited with each other, but they were actually quite nice to me! They weren’t crashing into me or whatever.”
“He Sees Something We Don’t See” – Race Director Analysis
Track Designer and Race Director David Terrien was among those left impressed by Verstappen’s spatial awareness and decision-making in heavy traffic.
“Going through the traffic of such a big field, no one has done it,”
Terrien commented.
“There’s never been a karting race with so many karts. So, even Max was questioning himself just before the start, how he could go through the traffic.
“When you look at the replay, he picked the right spots. Every time there was a gap, he went for it. He was on the right side of the track when there was a crash going on the other side. I think that’s what makes the difference with Max – his starts, and his reaction time. He showed his skills in all aspects.
“I was talking to Max’s race engineer and we were looking at the replay of the start. He sees something we don’t see. He sees a gap that’s going to open, and it’s not open yet. So, I think that’s a race vision. That’s something he has that most of the drivers don’t have.”
Another ‘Crazy, Fun’ Red Bull Memory
For Verstappen, the event joins a growing catalogue of unconventional Red Bull challenges—such as driving an F1 car down a mountain and racing caravans with Daniel Ricciardo—that blend competition with entertainment.
“Sometimes I get reminded of what I actually did in the past, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, did I really do that?’”
Verstappen said.
“It’s definitely one of the best ones out there. I mean, how many times do you have the opportunity to create something like this? Racing against a hundred other people from other disciplines or sports.
“I think it’s great that with Red Bull, they always come up with some crazy, fun things, and it suits me as well. I think also the way that it was organised today… I know it requires a lot of effort to be able to do something like this, and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of that.”
Could ‘Max vs 200’ Be Next?
Asked if the concept could become a tradition, Verstappen grinned:
“That’s what I said! I was like, ‘Maybe 200’, and then we’ll see again,”
he responded, before signing off from the press conference to savor what will undoubtedly rank among his most memorable victories.
PSG Winger Désiré Doué Unfazed by Recent Bench Role, Remains Key to Luis Enrique’s Plans
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Désiré Doué is reportedly untroubled by his recent omission from the starting lineup, according to a report from Le Parisien. The French international has started the last two matches on the bench, but the situation is not viewed as a demotion within the camp.
Strategic Rotation and Tactical Flexibility
Manager Luis Enrique is currently utilizing the depth of his squad to experiment with different tactical combinations. The Spanish coach is focused on developing on-field cohesion across multiple player profiles while simultaneously managing the physical workload of his stars across a congested fixture schedule.
Doué Retains ‘Integral’ Status at Parc des Princes
Despite the temporary shift to a substitute role, the report emphasizes that Doué remains an integral part of the project at the Parc des Princes. The 19-year-old winger, who joined from Stade Rennais in the summer transfer window, continues to be highly rated by the coaching staff for his versatility, technical ability, and pressing intensity.
With competitions including Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League on the horizon, rotational minutes are expected to be distributed evenly among the attacking options, ensuring Doué will see significant game time in the coming weeks.
Barcelona Lead Race to Sign Manchester United Academy Star JJ Gabriel
Barcelona have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the signature of Manchester United’s highly-rated academy prospect JJ Gabriel, according to reports from Telegraph Sport. The 15-year-old has reportedly decided to depart Old Trafford in search of a new challenge, placing Europe’s elite clubs on high alert.
Young Talent Attracts Top European Interest
The Red Devils face the prospect of losing one of their most promising youth players before he has had the opportunity to break into the senior setup. Gabriel’s decision to leave has triggered significant interest from across the continent, with the Catalan giants currently positioned as the favourites to land the teenager.
Barcelona’s Youth Development Appeal
Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy and their recent history of integrating young talents into the first team — exemplified by the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Gavi — are understood to be key factors in their pursuit. The club’s willingness to provide a clear pathway to senior football could prove decisive in the race for Gabriel’s signature.
Manchester United’s Academy Retention Challenge
The potential departure underscores the ongoing challenge Manchester United face in retaining their top academy graduates amid intense competition from European rivals. While the club has invested heavily in youth development, the allure of immediate first-team opportunities abroad continues to test their ability to keep the best prospects in Manchester.
Next Steps in the Transfer Saga
Formal negotiations are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks as Barcelona look to finalize terms for the youth international. Compensation packages, given Gabriel’s age and contractual situation, will be a central focus of discussions between the two clubs. Other suitors are monitoring developments closely, ready to act should the Catalan club’s approach falter.
Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis analyzes Frank Lampard’s early struggles at Coventry City following a heavy defeat to Brighton.
Pulis draws parallels to his own 2008 Stoke City promotion season, emphasizing the critical importance of a manager’s reaction to adversity.
The column stresses that defensive solidity and clean sheets historically earn more points than goals scored, urging Coventry to address both ends of the pitch.
Pulis Warns Lampard: Managerial Character Defined by Response to Heavy Defeats
Former Stoke City and Premier League manager Tony Pulis has delivered a pointed assessment of Frank Lampard’s start at Coventry City, arguing that the Sky Blues’ heavy loss to Brighton will test the Chelsea legend’s leadership credentials far more than any victory could. Writing in his regular column, Pulis asserts that the psychological impact of a comprehensive defeat “resonates with you” regardless of the opposition, and insists that the defining moments of any managerial tenure come in the immediate aftermath of such setbacks.
The Monday Morning Test: Leadership Over Emotion
Pulis, who guided Stoke to the top flight in 2008, draws a direct line between his own early struggles with the Potters and Lampard’s current predicament at the CBS Arena. He argues that a manager cannot afford to project vulnerability when arriving at the training ground after a thrashing. “Walking into the training ground in a dark mood and with your head around your backside just does not work, irrespective of what you are feeling inside,” Pulis writes. Instead, he contends the leader must “puff your chest out and find a way of getting everyone back on track and working even harder with a set focus on the next game,” framing emotional compartmentalization as a non-negotiable professional skill.
Lessons from the 2008 Promotion Blueprint
The Welshman revisits his own playbook from Stoke’s maiden Premier League campaign, revealing that a poor start forced him to “roll my sleeves up and get on with what I’d got in my squad” while simultaneously planning ahead. Crucially, Pulis highlights proactive January recruitment as the turning point: securing winger Matty Etherington from Tottenham Hotspur to provide width and delivery, and signing striker James Beattie from Sheffield United despite the Blades’ Championship status, prioritizing Beattie’s proven top-flight goalscoring record over divisional snobbery. “Both lads played a significant role in keeping us up,” he notes, validating the strategy of targeting specific positional needs with proven quality.
Coventry’s Twin Challenges: Goals and Clean Sheets
Turning his analytical lens to Coventry’s current goalless run, Pulis challenges the conventional obsession with a single prolific centre-forward or number ten. He argues the goalscoring burden must be distributed across the team, but pivots quickly to what he considers the more decisive metric: defensive reliability. “On average, clean sheets earn you more points than scoring a goal,” Pulis states, revealing this was a constant refrain to his own players. He insists that “nailing down the importance of both ends of the pitch is the narrative, whatever kind of run of results you are on, because games are won and lost there.”
Why This Matters
Frank Lampard’s appointment at Coventry represented a high-profile gamble by the club’s hierarchy, banking on his playing pedigree and Chelsea managerial experience to elevate a squad that narrowly missed the play-offs last season. A heavy early defeat to Premier League opposition in the Carabao Cup, compounded by a goalless start to the Championship campaign, creates immediate pressure. Pulis’s intervention carries weight precisely because he navigated an almost identical trajectory: a newly promoted manager at a club with limited resources, facing early skepticism, who survived by combining psychological resilience with shrewd, needs-based recruitment in the winter window. For Coventry’s ownership and sporting director, the column serves as both a warning against panic and a blueprint for the January window—identify specific deficiencies (creativity from wide areas, clinical finishing) and recruit proven performers regardless of current division. For Lampard, it is a public reminder that his tenure will be judged not on the defeat itself, but on the culture he imposes in its wake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tony Pulis and why is his opinion relevant to Coventry City?
Tony Pulis is a veteran manager with over 1,000 games in English football, best known for establishing Stoke City as a Premier League mainstay after leading them to promotion in 2008. His experience of surviving a difficult top-flight debut season with limited resources makes his analysis directly applicable to Frank Lampard’s current situation at Coventry.
What specific transfer strategy does Pulis recommend for Coventry in January?
Pulis advocates targeting players who fill clear positional voids with proven track records at the required level, citing his own signings of Matty Etherington (Premier League creativity from wide areas) and James Beattie (top-flight goalscoring pedigree despite playing in the Championship at the time) as the template.
Does Pulis believe Coventry’s lack of goals is their primary problem?
No. While acknowledging the goalless start, Pulis explicitly argues that defensive solidity and clean sheets are statistically more valuable for accumulating points over a season, urging the club to address “both ends of the pitch” with equal urgency.
Racism in Israeli football intensified after October 7
Racism has long been a feature of Israeli club football, with Beitar Jerusalem supporters among the most notorious examples. In 2013, ultras burned down their own club offices in protest at the signing of two Chechen Muslims. The most extreme Beitar Jerusalem fans have also taunted Israeli Arabs with chants of may your village burn while declaring themselves forever pure.
Matan Segal directed Kick It Out Israel, an anti-discrimination initiative with similar aims but no connection to the English organisation of the same name, for almost four years before stepping down a few months ago. During his time with the organisation, Segal said racism against Arab players became more virulent and widespread.
He identified several factors behind the change. The Covid-19 lockdown period radicalised some fans online, while the election of Israel’s far-right government at the end of 2022 legitimised views toward Palestinians that had previously been considered extreme. The war that followed the October 7 attacks was another major factor.
“Before 7 October, people generally respected the Arab players,” Segal said.
“Even though they had difficulties with them not singing the Israeli anthem, they respected them and they could talk about it. “After 7 October though, we saw an increase in racist remarks.”
“It was happening at small clubs where we hadn’t seen it before. There were terrible songs – ‘Let’s kill all Arabs’, ‘There are no schools in Gaza because there are no children left’.
Israel-Gaza war turns football into an emotional focal point
Football has become a focal point for emotions generated by the conflict. Clubs that are normally bitter rivals came together to remember those killed by Hamas, while scarves formed part of commemorations at the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of people were killed.
Hapoel Jerusalem’s club badge now features a silhouette of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was abducted and killed in captivity. His parents have campaigned for peace through their grief.
At the same time, Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldiers have posed with club flags and banners while operating in Gaza, dedicating their actions to the clubs and ultras back home. That heightened atmosphere has placed young footballers under constant scrutiny and pressure. Many are closely connected to the conflict through Israel’s national service programme and the steady flow of online commentary and images.
Israeli footballers face abuse and personal pressure
Omer Gloukh’s lifelong friend Afik Tery was killed by a Hamas explosive while serving in the IDF. After Tery’s death, Gloukh posted a poignant series of pictures showing the pair arm-in-arm over the years, from childhood birthday parties to a wedding, with the final image showing Tery’s funeral. Some online replies included taunts from pro-Palestinians.
For Israel players with Palestinian heritage, the stakes are especially high. Dia Saba, a 33-year-old playmaker who performs a similar role to Gloukh, has scored three goals in 13 appearances for Israel. He is unlikely to add to that tally.
Saba was one of Maccabi Haifa’s most prominent players when, at the start of the conflict, his wife Narmin posted a message on Instagram.
“There are children in Gaza, too,” she wrote.
Saba apologised for the outrage caused, but could not save his career in Israel. He left Maccabi Haifa in 2025 and now plays for Turkish club Amedspor.
“My dream was to play for Maccabi Haifa, the club that I support, the team that I grew up with,” Saba said at the time.
“I wanted to continue. But sometimes there are reasons that are stronger than us that don’t allow it.”
Why This Matters
The experiences described by Matan Segal and Dia Saba show how the Israel-Gaza war has intensified existing divisions within Israeli football. Abuse that Segal said was once concentrated among notorious groups has reached smaller clubs, while players are being judged through the lens of national identity, military service, family background and social-media activity. Football remains a shared public space, but the conflict has made that space increasingly politicised and emotionally charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kick It Out Israel?
Kick It Out Israel is an anti-discrimination initiative that pursued aims similar to those of the English organisation Kick It Out, but the two organisations have no link.
Why did racism against Arab players increase?
Matan Segal cited online radicalisation during Covid lockdowns, the election of Israel’s far-right government at the end of 2022 and the war following the October 7 attacks as contributing factors.
Why did Dia Saba leave Maccabi Haifa?
Saba left Maccabi Haifa in 2025 after his wife, Narmin, posted There are children in Gaza, too on Instagram at the start of the conflict. Saba apologised for the backlash but was unable to continue his career at the club.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has addressed the recent controversy surrounding shirts displaying support for residents of Ceuta, offering a direct explanation to clarify the situation.
The French international spoke publicly to ensure his perspective was understood, stating, “I want to explain everything clearly so that people understand.”
Context Behind the Ceuta Shirt Gesture
The incident stems from a recent match where players were seen wearing shirts expressing solidarity with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a territory on the North African coast bordering Morocco. The gesture sparked discussion regarding its political implications and the players’ intentions.
Mbappé Seeks to Clarify Intentions
Mbappé’s intervention marks the first detailed comment from a high-profile Real Madrid player on the matter. By addressing the issue head-on, the forward aims to separate the team’s show of support from any broader political interpretation, emphasizing a humanitarian or communal motive rather than a diplomatic stance.
Real Madrid has not yet released an official club statement regarding the shirts, leaving Mbappé’s remarks as the primary on-the-record explanation from within the squad.
Gavi Opens Up on Career Struggles After Reclaiming Key Role at Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has spoken candidly about the challenging period he endured before reestablishing himself as a vital component of Hansi Flick’s squad. The Spain international acknowledged that recent years have tested his resilience, emphasizing the demanding nature of returning to peak performance levels at the highest stage of football.
Road Back to Prominence Under Flick
Since Flick’s arrival at Camp Nou, Gavi has worked his way back into a significant position within the team’s structure. The 20-year-old’s return to form represents a notable storyline in Barcelona’s current campaign, with the player himself reflecting on the mental and physical hurdles overcome during his rehabilitation and fight for minutes.
Adversity and the Elite Standard
In discussing his journey, Gavi highlighted the inherent difficulty of not just returning from setbacks, but rediscovering the elite standard required for a club of Barcelona’s stature. His comments underscore the often unseen psychological battle athletes face when navigating injury, competition for places, and the weight of expectation.
The midfielder’s perspective offers insight into the professional athlete’s mindset when confronting adversity, framing his current contributions as the product of sustained effort through a difficult chapter.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacted with visible confusion and fatigue as Al Nassr fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name during his pre-match warmup in Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese forward responded by applauding the crowd before resuming his training routine, signaling a refusal to engage with the persistent rivalry taunts.
The incident underscores the ongoing intensity of the Messi-Ronaldo debate among supporters, despite both players now competing outside Europe’s top leagues.
Ronaldo’s Silent Response to Persistent Messi Chants in Riyadh
Cristiano Ronaldo encountered a familiar but unwelcome soundtrack during a recent warmup session with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. As the 39-year-old Portuguese captain prepared for training, sections of the home crowd repeatedly chanted the name of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi. Video footage from the session captured Ronaldo pausing mid-routine, his expression conveying a mix of bewilderment and exhaustion as the chants swelled. Rather than confront the provocation or display frustration, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner offered a slow, deliberate round of applause directed at the stands—a gesture widely interpreted as a mixture of resignation and polite dismissal—before turning back to his drills without further comment.
A Rivalry That Refuses to Fade Across Continents
The episode in Riyadh highlights how the Messi-Ronaldo narrative continues to follow both players even after their departures from the European stage. Since Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January 2023 and Messi’s subsequent transfer to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, the geographic distance between the two has grown, yet the comparative debate among fans has not diminished. In Saudi Pro League stadiums, chanting “Messi” when Ronaldo touches the ball has become a routine tactic for opposition supporters—and occasionally even home fans seeking a reaction. The persistence of this dynamic suggests that for a generation of football followers, the duality of their careers remains the sport’s defining reference point, transcending leagues, continents, and the players’ own advancing years.
Veteran Professionalism Amid Provocation
Ronaldo’s measured reaction—applause followed by immediate focus on his preparation—aligns with the disciplined public persona he has cultivated throughout his two-decade elite career. While earlier in his career such taunts might have elicited a sharper response, the veteran forward now appears to treat the chants as background noise. His ability to compartmentalize external distractions remains a hallmark of his longevity at the highest level. Teammates and coaching staff at Al Nassr have previously noted Ronaldo’s singular focus during training sessions, and this latest incident reinforces that his primary channel for competition remains his own performance standards rather than crowd orchestration.
Why This Matters
The scene in Riyadh encapsulates the unique position both Ronaldo and Messi occupy in modern football culture: they are simultaneously active competitors and living monuments to a rivalry that has shaped the sport’s commercial and narrative landscape for nearly two decades. For the Saudi Pro League, which has invested heavily in global stars to raise its profile, the Messi chants directed at Ronaldo represent both a testament to the league’s most famous signing and a reminder that the shadow of his Argentine counterpart remains inescapable. As both players enter the twilight of their careers—Ronaldo at 39, Messi at 37—their every public appearance continues to be filtered through the lens of their shared history, ensuring that the debate they defined will outlast their playing days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fans in Saudi Arabia chant Messi’s name when Ronaldo is playing?
The chant has become a standard form of provocation used by fans across the Saudi Pro League—and globally—to test Ronaldo’s reaction, leveraging the historic rivalry between the two players as the sport’s most recognizable debate.
How did Cristiano Ronaldo react to the chants during his warmup?
Ronaldo paused, appeared confused and tired, then offered a slow applause toward the crowd before immediately returning to his training drills without verbal engagement.
Does this rivalry still affect both players’ careers in their current leagues?
While both Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Messi at Inter Miami compete in different continents and competitions, the comparative narrative remains a constant backdrop in media coverage, fan discourse, and commercial branding for both players and their respective leagues.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has reflected on his long journey with the club after joining the Blues academy at the age of eight.
Speaking in an interview with Chelsea’s official website, the centre-back was asked what surprised him the most since arriving at Stamford Bridge as a youngster.
“That’s a hard question to answer, because I was just a kid when I joined, so it’s going back a long way,”
responded Colwill, highlighting the difficulty of pinpointing a single moment after more than a decade in the Chelsea system.
The England international has progressed through every youth age group at Cobham before establishing himself in the first team. His development pathway included loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, where he gained valuable senior experience before returning to his boyhood club.
Colwill’s rise represents a success story for Chelsea’s renowned academy, which has produced numerous first-team regulars in recent seasons. The defender’s versatility across the back line and composure on the ball have made him a key component of the squad under successive managers.
The academy graduate recently committed his long-term future to the club, signing a contract extension that keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2029.
