Daily News 19

Category: Sports

Sports news, viral moments, athletes, teams, and major competitions.

  • Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies Explains Why Max Verstappen Was Ordered to Return Positions in Madrid

    Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies Explains Why Max Verstappen Was Ordered to Return Positions in Madrid

    Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has defended the team’s decision to order Max Verstappen to surrender positions during the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, a move that ultimately paved the way for a strong recovery drive to second place at the Madring circuit.

    First-Lap Clash Triggers Team Order

    The incident occurred immediately after lights out in Madrid. Verstappen, starting third, tangled with Lewis Hamilton as the Ferrari driver moved ahead into Turn 1. Verstappen maintained his grid slot only by cutting the corner, prompting an immediate investigation from race control.

    Over team radio, Verstappen protested that Hamilton “almost shunted him” and initially resisted instructions to concede the position. The Dutch driver had since passed Kimi Antonelli for second place, raising the stakes of a potential time penalty.

    Strategic Compliance Avoids Heavier Penalty

    Verstappen eventually complied, allowing both Antonelli and Hamilton to repass. The strategy shifted rapidly when Hamilton suffered a brake failure and retired shortly after. A subsequent Virtual Safety Car period played into Red Bull’s hands during their pit stop cycle, enabling Verstappen to finish runner-up to race winner Antonelli.

    Mekies: “Better to Take the Pain at That Moment”

    Speaking to F1 TV after the Grand Prix, Mekies acknowledged the decision was unpopular in the cockpit but necessary for the broader race outcome.

    “We would have simply been penalized either five seconds or ten seconds at their discretion,” he told F1 TV. “So that’s what would have happened. And of course, if you can imagine race scenarios with a Safety Car or other circumstances, it can cost you a lot more than a position or two.”

    Mekies emphasized that the team anticipated Verstappen’s frustration but backed his ability to recover.

    “Luckily Max gave away the position before Lewis retired and ultimately continued to fight the race from that point,” he continued. “Of course it is frustrating but, in fairness, I think P2 was the absolute best we could have achieved today.”

    Verstappen Accepts “Nature of the Track”

    For his part, Verstappen characterized the opening skirmish as a product of the new Madrid layout. After the enforced position swaps, he focused solely on maximizing his race pace, a mindset that delivered a damage-limitation podium.

    Championship Standings Update

    The result leaves Verstappen sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 145 points. Teammate Liam Lawson scored sixth place on his return to the seat, lifting Red Bull to fourth in the Constructors’ standings ahead of the next round in Baku.

  • Women’s Super League Matchweek 2: All Goals

    Women’s Super League Matchweek 2: All Goals

    Relive every goal from matchweek two of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season in one complete highlights package. The compilation showcases all the goals scored during the second round of fixtures, providing fans with a comprehensive recap of the league’s latest action.

  • Romain Grosjean Apologizes to McLaren Over Controversial, Unfounded Comments

    Romain Grosjean Apologizes to McLaren Over Controversial, Unfounded Comments

    Formula 1 pundit and former driver Romain Grosjean issued a public apology to McLaren and team principal Zak Brown on Sunday after misrepresenting Brown’s comments regarding Oscar Piastri during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend at the Madring circuit.

    Grosjean’s Initial Criticism Sparks Controversy

    While covering the race live for Canal+, Grosjean sharply criticised remarks he believed Brown had made following Saturday’s qualifying session, where Lando Norris secured pole position. Grosjean suggested the McLaren boss had undermined Piastri’s morale.

    “I saw a statement from Zak Brown about Lando Norris’ lap, he cut Oscar Piastri to pieces with a pair of scissors and a chainsaw right there”, Romain Grosjean initially said, after reigning world champion Norris had taken pole position at the Madring the previous day. “If Piastri had any morale left, he doesn’t have any anymore.

    “The harshness, the violence of that statement… The question was that Norris had done a good qualifying and he was asked how to explain the difference. Basically, he said that Lando was world champion and that he was better than Oscar.

    “He kind of forgot that last year, Oscar was leading the world championship, that at Monza they asked him to let Lando past and that perhaps wasn’t necessarily the thing to do at that point. It was surprising, very surprising, and it left me speechless when I heard that statement.”

    What Zak Brown Actually Said

    The controversy stemmed from a misunderstanding. Brown’s actual comments, made during an F1 TV interview after qualifying alongside Juan Pablo Montoya, Jolyon Palmer, and Grosjean himself, praised Norris’s lap without disparaging Piastri.

    “The whole lap was amazing and Lando’s just getting better and better and better”, Brown had said. “When you see a lap like that put down, you just go, ‘he’s a world champion’.”

    When asked by Montoya about the performance gap between the two McLaren drivers, Brown added:

    “I think a) you got Lando on his A-plus game, right? So, I don’t think there was anything left laptime-wise there. So, he found that.

    “Oscar’s been right there with him all weekend and just didn’t get that same extra lap. We’ll continue to look at it. He’ll look at the data and probably do what we all did and go, ‘wow, what a lap’ as well.”

    Social Media Reaction and Swift Correction

    Grosjean’s on-air remarks were widely clipped and debated across social media platforms, prompting the French broadcaster to clarify his error on Sunday evening.

    Grosjean Apologises for Misunderstanding

    In a statement released Sunday night, Grosjean acknowledged he had misinterpreted Brown’s words during the live F1 TV session he attended.

    “Today, I made a comment on Canal+ regarding Zak Brown’s comments about Oscar Piastri during an interview yesterday on F1 TV, which I was part of,” he wrote.

    “I completely misunderstood his words and want to apologise for that. I know how important it is to Zak and the entire McLaren team to respect their drivers and treat them fairly and equally.

    “McLaren had the fastest car today and were unlucky with the VSC. I’m sure both Lando and Oscar will have another chance to fight for the win in Baku.”

  • Indonesia Arrests Five Foreign Nationals in Tangerang Over International Online Gambling Syndicate

    Indonesia Arrests Five Foreign Nationals in Tangerang Over International Online Gambling Syndicate

    Indonesia’s Immigration Office arrested five foreign nationals following a raid in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang District, on September 7. The detainees include two Chinese nationals and three Vietnamese nationals.

    Potential Charges and Penalties

    The suspects face potential charges under Articles 122 and 123 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law for stay permit abuse and inaccurate data dissemination. If convicted, they could receive up to five years of imprisonment and fines up to Rp200 million (approximately $11,300). Additionally, they may face deportation and entry bans.

  • Women’s Sports Slam Sydney Sweeney: “It is disrespectful to sexualize bodies for an advertisement”

    Women’s Sports Slam Sydney Sweeney: “It is disrespectful to sexualize bodies for an advertisement”

    Sydney Sweeney, the actress who rose to fame through HBO’s Euphoria and recently starred in the film adaptation of the bestseller The Housemaid, is facing intense criticism from elite female athletes over her latest advertising campaign for a sports betting company. The ads feature Sweeney wearing minimal clothing while mimicking various athletic activities, sparking accusations that the campaign sexualizes women’s sport for the male gaze.

    Olympians and Champions Condemn “Slap in the Face” Marketing

    The backlash began when Australian Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus posted a blunt assessment on social media. She stated:

    “I can’t describe the anger I feel seeing this. It is not only a slap in the face to all the women who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, but to all the women who enjoy sport for what it really is: teamwork, friendship, dedication, excellence… I thought this kind of “absurd” marketing was a thing of the past”.

    American gymnast Gracie Kramer amplified the message by posting a training video with the caption: “This is what a woman in sports looks like.” The video triggered a wave of similar posts from athletes across multiple disciplines.

    Wave of Athlete-Led Response Videos

    Australian triathlete Jenna Gwinn shared her own training footage alongside a pointed critique:

    “A woman’s place in the sports industry is as an athlete, reporter, coach…. Not sexualizing bodies for a sports betting ad aimed at men. Women belong in the sports industry without being sexualized”.

    Lani Pallister, Olympic gold medalist in the 4x200m freestyle relay at Paris 2024, posted a compilation of her training, races, and medals with the message:

    “I don’t know what Sydney thinks about sport, but this is what sport looks like.”

    Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns, a silver medalist at the Paris Games, added her voice over match footage:

    “I absolutely hate the new Sydney Sweeney sports ad”

    “Using Sex to Sell Sport” — World Champion Weighs In

    World boxing champion Skye Nicolson articulated a distinction many athletes have emphasized:

    “There is a big difference between looking ‘sexy’ because you play sports and using sex to sell ‘sport’. […] It is disrespectful to female athletes who dedicate their lives to sport and to the women who have broken barriers for generations, only to then mock it by using a sex symbol with suggestive language and imagery in an ad about sport”.

    Nicolson also noted the paradox of engagement: “giving the advertising campaign exactly what they wanted, but honestly these companies need to do better. Stop sexualizing women in sport”.

    Mexican gymnast Natalia Escalera framed the issue in structural terms:

    “This ad is honestly infuriating. Seeing women’s sports once again being commercialized through the male gaze feels like a huge step backward. We shouldn’t have to take our clothes off to convince men that women belong in sports or that we’re only worth watching if we show enough skin”.

    Sweeney Responds with Historical Athlete Covers

    Sweeney addressed the criticism via her Instagram stories, sharing a series of magazine covers featuring renowned athletes who have posed nude for editorial features. The images included Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey, Megan Rapinoe, and Myles Garrett, among others.

    The actress has not issued a formal statement beyond the visual response. The betting company behind the campaign has not publicly commented on the athlete-led backlash as of publication.

  • ‘Clearly it’s in him’ – Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff on unlocking George Russell’s potential

    ‘Clearly it’s in him’ – Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff on unlocking George Russell’s potential

    Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has outlined the team’s approach to unlocking George Russell’s performance after the British driver suffered another championship setback at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The result saw rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli outscore Russell once again, extending his Drivers’ Championship lead to 81 points.

    Russell Struggles with Tyre Degradation in Madrid

    Russell was candid about his difficulties managing tyre degradation throughout the weekend at the new circuit. The issue hampered his qualifying performance, leaving him sixth on the grid. Mercedes opted for a two-stop race strategy, switching Russell onto medium tyres under the Virtual Safety Car before moving him to a second set of hards later in the Grand Prix. While Russell initially questioned the call, he later conceded the strategy did not materially affect his final fifth-place finish.

    Despite finishing close to Charles Leclerc, Russell trailed race winner Antonelli by nearly 30 seconds. The result effectively rules the Mercedes driver out of the title fight, with Lewis Hamilton now 101 points adrift following his retirement in Spain.

    Wolff: “We Have to Unlock It”

    Addressing the pace discrepancy, Wolff highlighted Russell’s raw speed but admitted confusion over the post-stop performance drop.

    “You can see the pace he had towards the end when he was catching Leclerc,” Wolff said. “You know that he was fastest out on track but after the tyre changes, the pace wasn’t there and I just don’t know where it is. We have to analyse it because clearly it’s in him, it’s in the car and we just have to unlock it.”

    Backing a Proven Winner

    Wolff emphasized Russell’s extensive pedigree, citing his dominant run through the junior categories as evidence of his elite capability.

    “When it comes to George, you can have good races, bad races, good years and bad years, but we’re talking about the driver that has won everything that you could have potentially won before.

    “Every single karting championship, Formula 3 in his rookie year, Formula 2 in his rookie year, went into the Williams. I mean, we’re talking about a top driver.”

    Psychological Factor and Championship Perspective

    The Team Principal acknowledged the mental toll of a difficult season but expressed confidence in Russell’s resilience.

    “We need to find out what it is for him to be able to unleash that potential, and of course there’s the psychological side. If you have a run like him this year you’re taking a beating but the great ones, they recover and I think that George has all he needs to fight for championships.”

    Despite the seemingly comfortable buffer for Antonelli, Wolff refused to concede the championship battle with nine rounds remaining.

    “It’s a mechanical sport,” the Team Principal explained. “You can DNF, you can crash out and it happens two times in a row and then suddenly what looked like a nice buffer is not anymore because you have six races to go.

    “So in my opinion, we just need to ignore the points until it is mathematically not realistic anymore, or not real anymore for them to win, and until then just concentrate on each and every weekend, try to bring your best game.”

    2027 Development Unaffected by Current Standings

    Wolff confirmed that Mercedes’ long-term technical trajectory remains on schedule regardless of the 2025 championship situation.

    “2027 [development] started a while ago already, long before the summer. We switched resources into the next year and that continues as per the plan, independent of where we’re standing in the championship.”

  • “My race could have been over” – Max Verstappen on first‑lap clash with Lewis Hamilton

    “My race could have been over” – Max Verstappen on first‑lap clash with Lewis Hamilton

    Verstappen Secures Second Place at Spanish Grand Prix, Admits Red Bull Lacks Race-Winning Pace

    Max Verstappen extracted the maximum possible result from the inaugural Formula 1 race at the Madring circuit in Madrid, claiming his fifth podium finish in seven race weekends. The Dutch driver finished second behind Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, a result the four-time world champion admitted was better than his car’s performance deserved.

    Verstappen: “We Maximised the Result” Despite Pace Deficit

    Speaking in the post-race press conference, Verstappen was candid about Red Bull’s competitive position relative to the frontrunners.

    “We maximised the result and probably had a bit of luck with, of course, the unlucky situation for Lando [Norris, who missed the opportunity to pit under the VSC]. I didn’t have the pace of Kimi and I definitely did not have the pace of Lando,”

    Verstappen said.

    “So yeah, we’re here on the podium and I think that’s great, but we still lack a little bit to really fight for the win.”

    Early Race Controversy: Giving Back Positions to Hamilton

    The result raises questions about whether Verstappen could have challenged for victory had he not surrendered positions in the opening laps. The Red Bull driver was instructed by race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to return a place to Lewis Hamilton. With Antonelli sandwiched between them, the directive effectively cost Verstappen two positions.

    Verstappen expressed frustration over team radio but acknowledged the strategic necessity of compliance.

    “Yeah, what am I supposed to do? If they tell me that I have to do it, then I will do it,”

    the Dutchman said.

    “If I hadn’t done that, then I would have received a penalty. No chance.”

    Despite complying, Verstappen maintains his maneuver was justified. He explained that Hamilton lost control of his car over the kerbstones, forcing Verstappen off track to avoid a collision.

    “I would have had damage at the start if I would have stayed on track, so then the win was also not on. It’s as simple as that,”

    Verstappen explained.

    “I just did my own thing in Turn 1, but Lewis went for a move on the first two [drivers] and bottomed out on the kerb. He just jumped back onto the track and that’s why I had to go off the road.”

    “If I would have stayed there, I would have definitely had contact. Then my race could potentially have been over in Turn 2, and that’s why I think I’m happy to be where we are now.”

    Red Bull “Slightly Overperforming” Relative to Pure Pace

    Verstappen assessed that second place was the realistic ceiling for his machinery, suggesting that on pure pace, a low podium finish was more representative.

    “We sometimes profit a little bit from some misfortune of others, but we are also trying to really maximise and sometimes, maybe, yes, slightly overperform. And that’s good,”

    he said.

    “That is the only thing that we can do at the moment. Now we rely on making our package, our overall package, a little bit stronger to really be in a potential fight for the win.”

    Closing-Stage Battle “Misleading,” Verstappen Says

    Although Verstappen ran within a second of race leader Antonelli for several laps in the closing stages, he dismissed the appearance of a genuine fight for victory.

    “It might have looked a little bit like we were in a fight for the win, but that was more because Kimi was getting held up by Charles.”

    “As soon as he had clean air, he just drove away from me again and I was busy with Lando behind me. But around here, if you just drive a little bit in the middle, then yeah, you can’t pass.”

    Development Constraints and 2027 Focus

    Red Bull’s ability to close the performance gap is limited by budget cap restrictions. Team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged that the financial regulations prevent maintaining the aggressive development rate seen in the first half of the season.

    Verstappen confirmed that while some updates will still be introduced for the 2026 car, the organization’s primary engineering focus has already shifted toward the 2027 regulation cycle.

  • Zverev Wins US Open for Second Grand Slam Victory

    Zverev Wins US Open for Second Grand Slam Victory

    Alexander Zverev Claims Second Career Grand Slam Title at US Open

    Alexander Zverev captured the second major championship of his career on Sunday, defeating American Ben Shelton in the US Open final. The German star secured a four-set victory with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

    Zverev Controls Early Exchanges

    Zverev asserted his authority early, utilizing powerful groundstrokes and precise serving to claim the opening set 6-3. He continued his dominance into the second set, navigating a tight tiebreak to take a commanding two-sets-to-love lead.

    Shelton Mounts Brief Comeback

    Shelton, playing in his second major final, refused to surrender. The 21-year-old American raised his level in the third set, breaking Zverev late to close out the set 7-5 and inject life into the contest.

    Champion Closes Out in Style

    Any momentum Shelton gathered evaporated in the fourth set. Zverev regained his composure, breaking serve early and cruising to a 6-2 finish to clinch the title. The victory adds a second US Open trophy to Zverev’s cabinet, complementing his previous Grand Slam triumph.

  • Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation: Authorities Probe Possible Drug Source as Toxicology Results Pending

    Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation: Authorities Probe Possible Drug Source as Toxicology Results Pending

    Authorities are continuing to investigate the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, with federal and local law enforcement agencies examining the circumstances surrounding her final days while awaiting official toxicology results.

    Multi-Agency Investigation Underway

    According to TMZ, investigators are exploring several possibilities related to Panettiere’s death, including whether any substances she may have taken contained fentanyl. Officials have not publicly confirmed a cause of death, and toxicology findings remain pending.

    The report states that investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in both Los Angeles and South Carolina are involved in the inquiry alongside local law enforcement agencies. Their work reportedly includes examining Panettiere’s recent activities and determining whether any illegal substances may have been involved. Law enforcement sources cited by TMZ cautioned that any conclusions remain preliminary until laboratory testing is completed.

    Emergency Response Details Emerge

    Reports indicate that emergency responders were called after Panettiere was found unresponsive at a condominium in South Carolina, where she had been staying with boyfriend Brian Hickerson. TMZ reported that Hickerson administered Narcan before paramedics arrived, but efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

    Fentanyl Remains Central Focus in Overdose Investigations

    The mention of fentanyl in the investigation reflects a broader issue affecting communities across the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have become a leading factor in overdose deaths nationwide.

    Because fentanyl is extremely potent and can sometimes be found in counterfeit pills or other illegal substances, investigators frequently examine its possible involvement when overdose deaths occur. Federal authorities have previously pursued criminal cases against individuals accused of supplying drugs that later proved fatal. One widely known example involved rapper Mac Miller, whose death led to prosecutions connected to the distribution of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

    While comparisons to earlier cases have appeared in media reports, investigators in Panettiere’s case have not publicly announced any charges or identified any suspects.

    Career and Public Advocacy

    Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and several major film projects, had been a familiar figure in American entertainment for more than two decades. She also spoke publicly over the years about personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and mental health, using her platform to encourage conversations about recovery and treatment.

    Investigation Remains Active

    For now, many questions remain unanswered. The final toxicology report is expected to play a crucial role in determining exactly what happened and whether any additional legal action will follow. Until those results are released, officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that any theories regarding the actress’s death should be treated as unconfirmed.

    Panettiere’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues who remember her contributions to film and television, while also renewing discussions about addiction, recovery, and the continuing dangers posed by counterfeit pills and illicit substances in the United States.

  • Spanish GP Promises Madrid Circuit Changes After F1 Criticism

    Spanish GP Promises Madrid Circuit Changes After F1 Criticism

    Organisers of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s new Madring circuit are preparing layout modifications for the 2027 event to address a lack of overtaking opportunities that defined the venue’s inaugural weekend. The 5.4km track, constructed around the IFEMA fairgrounds, earned praise for its facilities and qualifying challenge but produced limited on-track action across F1, F2, and F3 races.

    Overtaking Issues Dominate Post-Race Analysis

    The primary passing zone was intended to be the Turn 5 chicane at the end of the circuit’s longest straight. However, the corner’s geometry—requiring combined braking and steering—allowed leading cars to defend easily. Drivers raised these concerns during Friday night’s briefing, highlighting multiple corners where simultaneous braking and turning neutralized overtaking potential. The circuit’s lengthy pitlane was also criticised for discouraging alternative pitstop strategies.

    Organisers Commit to Changes for 2027

    Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com after Sunday’s race, event managing director Luis Garcia Abad confirmed his team is ready to implement necessary modifications. He revealed that the FIA has already provided specific recommendations for the 2027 layout.

    “Being honest with you, the FIA defined clearly which is the way to improve the track layout, and we will be open because we will have to reinstall the track for the next year,”

    Abad told Motorsport.com.

    “I really believe that the drivers enjoyed qualifying a lot. But for sure we will try to make an improvement for next year.”

    The Madrid race is the first year of a 10-year contract. With the northern half of the circuit built on previously empty land, Abad emphasised the physical capacity for significant revisions.

    “We have the space, we have a venue, we have the facilities, we have the capacity to do it,”

    he promised.

    “I’m sure that FOM, FIA, and ourselves, we will try. If we can improve something, we will do it.”

    Norris Proposes Specific Layout Revisions

    World champion Lando Norris offered detailed suggestions after the race, advocating for a high-speed straight linking Turn 17 to Turn 20 to create a heavy braking zone similar to corners at Circuit of the Americas.

    “To me, it’s not a great racetrack. It’s great in qualifying, but a straight line from Turn 17 straight to Turn 20 [would help], to have a much wider entry like Austin Turn 1 or Turn 10, a big hairpin. You’ll create much better opportunities for everyone and you’ll be able to enjoy the race.”

    Norris also identified the Turn 5-6-7 complex as a key area requiring attention.

    “There are some simple changes and maybe some trickier ones, like Turn 5, 6, 7. It’s hard to know exactly what is the best thing. The fact you have to turn and brake [at the same time] basically defeats the whole object of racing.”