Daily News 19

Category: Sports

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

  • Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that even he has been caught off guard by the meteoric rise of Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season, comparing the young Italian’s development curve to an “AI agent” that continuously self‑improves.

    From Rookie Struggles to Title Contention

    The 20‑year‑old is contesting only his second full F1 campaign after being fast‑tracked into the Silver Arrows seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 season. His debut year was a roller‑coaster: flashes of brilliance were interrupted by a nine‑race point‑less streak that included a difficult weekend at Spa‑Francorchamps. Critics questioned Wolff’s faith in the rookie, but the Austrian remained steadfast.

    “Last year was according to plan,” Wolff said. “I’ve said there are going to be moments of brilliance, difficult moments. I think he started the season at a time when he found himself like a deer in the headlights. In his zone, in the car, extraordinary performances already, but not continuous. Then he had this negative spell where he made over nine races without scoring points. I remember Spa was terrible for him and he was feeling down. Monza was the point where I for the first time said to him, ‘listen, you’ve got to wake up here’. But never doubting. That’s why we gave him the opportunity.”

    Winter Break Sparks Transformation

    The narrative flipped after the off‑season. Mercedes returned to the front of the grid under the new technical regulations, and Antonelli’s form surged in lockstep. He now heads the Drivers’ Championship with a 66‑point cushion over seasoned teammate George Russell—a gap Wolff concedes nobody anticipated.

    “He came out after the winter, out of the blocks in a way that no one saw coming,” Wolff explained. “The ability, how he processed last year. He’s been at all the races. He’s seen the pressure of the media, the attention that he gets. It’s in a way that the system has been processed and saved. And that’s why [he’s had] the results that we’ve seen afterwards.

    “But it is still surprising and amazing to see how quickly he develops. For me, it’s like an AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns. That’s the speed. Also his age is for sure beneficial. The ability cognitively, intellectually to constantly become better.”

    Antonelli Stays Grounded Despite Lead

    Despite a standout victory at Monza—where he charged from 19th on the grid after taking an engine penalty—Antonelli refuses to look beyond the next session. After the Italian Grand Prix he told Sky Sports he is simply taking the championship race by race.

    “I just take race by race because you never know what can happen,” Antonelli said. “Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but of course next week we have Madrid and it’s going to be a new challenge. We will have to be on top of the game because it’s a new track for everyone and it’s going to be important to be on point in order to maximise the track time and everything. I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one and then focus on the next one again until the end of the season.”

    Next Stop: Madrid’s Madring Circuit

    Formula 1 resumes this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix, which moves from Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya to the brand‑new Madring layout. The unfamiliar venue presents another test for Antonelli as he bids to extend his championship advantage in what is shaping up to be a breakthrough sophomore campaign.

  • Carlos Alcaraz Splits from Aryna Sabalenka Amid Tennis Schedule Controversy

    Carlos Alcaraz Splits from Aryna Sabalenka Amid Tennis Schedule Controversy

    Carlos Alcaraz Returns to US Open Form but Steps Back from Grand Slam Revenue Campaign

    Carlos Alcaraz has returned to the US Open looking every bit the title contender, yet his position within one of tennis’ most significant player movements has shifted dramatically. According to The Times, Alcaraz’s long-time representative Albert Molina informed the group behind the Grand Slam revenue campaign shortly before the tournament that the Spaniard would no longer participate.

    Revenue Campaign Loses a High-Profile Voice

    The campaign, which launched in March 2025, united several of the sport’s biggest names — including Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff — to push for a greater share of Grand Slam revenue, improved player welfare, and more influence over tour decisions. The collective goal was to increase the athletes’ share of Grand Slam revenue to 22% by 2030.

    Alcaraz had previously backed that push. Now, after missing nearly five months with a wrist injury, his strongest public comments center on a different concern: the sheer volume of tennis players are expected to play.

    “In the future, I’m going to take some breaks, some long breaks,” Alcaraz said. “Maybe not four months, but one month, two months, missing some tournaments, because it’s impossible to play them all.”

    Campaign Continues Without Alcaraz

    Frustration over the revenue split became increasingly public during the 2026 season. Sinner framed the dispute as a matter of respect.

    “It’s more about respect, you know?” he said. “Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back.”

    Players also staged a symbolic reduction in pre-tournament media commitments at the French Open, linking the action to the percentage of Grand Slam revenue they believed they were receiving.

    Some concessions have followed. Wimbledon increased its prize fund to £64.2 million, while the US Open raised total player compensation by 20% to $108 million and added a $2 million Player Support Program. The four majors also agreed to establish a Grand Slam Player Council.

    Alcaraz’s reported departure does not signal opposition to those goals. However, it removes one of the sport’s most influential players from a campaign that relied heavily on the image of unity among its biggest stars.

    Alcaraz’s Comeback Shifts the Narrative

    His immediate focus is understandable after a wrist injury forced him to miss both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Legitimate questions lingered over what level Alcaraz could produce after four and a half months away, but his US Open return has quickly answered many of them.

    He reached the quarterfinals after beating Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, Wu Yibing, and Tommy Paul. Paul admitted the gap between them felt substantial.

    “It felt like he’s playing at a completely different level than me,” Paul said.

    Alcaraz himself has sounded increasingly confident.

    “So it probably doesn’t matter that I was out for four months and a half,” he said. “Every time that I come here, I play my best.”

    That comeback may also have reinforced a lesson from the months he lost. Alcaraz is still competing for the biggest trophies, but he is no longer pretending he can play everything. While Sabalenka, Sinner, and others continue pushing the Grand Slams over revenue, Alcaraz appears ready to fight a different battle — protecting enough of his calendar to protect his body.

  • Martin Odegaard named Premier League Player of the Matchweek after match-winning goal vs Chelsea

    Martin Odegaard named Premier League Player of the Matchweek after match-winning goal vs Chelsea

    Arsenal Captain Martin Ødegaard Named Premier League Player of the Matchweek

    The official Premier League website has announced Martin Ødegaard as the Player of the Matchweek following an outstanding performance in last weekend’s London derby.

    Ødegaard Leads Arsenal to Vital Victory Over Chelsea

    The Arsenal captain was instrumental in his side’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, controlling the midfield and delivering the decisive goal that secured all three points at Stamford Bridge. His leadership and technical quality were on full display as the Gunners strengthened their position in the title race.

    Key Contributions in the London Derby

    • Match-winning goal: Ødegaard’s strike proved the difference in a tightly contested fixture.
    • Midfield dominance: He dictated tempo, created chances, and linked play effectively throughout the 90 minutes.
    • Captain’s performance: The Norwegian international led by example in one of the season’s most high-pressure matches.

    Premier League Recognition for Consistent Excellence

    This latest accolade underscores Ødegaard’s growing influence in the Premier League. Since joining Arsenal permanently in 2021, he has evolved into one of the division’s most creative and reliable playmakers, combining vision, composure, and an increasing goal threat.

    The Player of the Matchweek award reflects not only his individual brilliance against Chelsea but also his sustained impact across the campaign, reinforcing his status as a leading contender for end-of-season honors.

  • Arsenal’s Ballon d’Or Nominees Revealed

    Arsenal’s Ballon d’Or Nominees Revealed

    Arsenal Trio Nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or After Historic Premier League Triumph

    Arsenal’s landmark Premier League title victory has earned three of their star players nominations for the prestigious 2026 Ballon d’Or award. Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes have all been recognized following the club’s remarkable campaign that ended a 22-year wait for domestic glory.

    Historic Season Drives Individual Recognition

    The Gunners’ extraordinary 2024-25 season saw Mikel Arteta’s side clinch their first Premier League crown since the legendary “Invincibles” campaign of 2003-04. Beyond domestic dominance, Arsenal also reached the UEFA Champions League final, marking their deepest European run since 2006.

    This dual success on the biggest stages has naturally placed Arsenal’s core performers in the conversation for football’s most coveted individual prize.

    Midfield Maestro Declan Rice

    Since his British record transfer from West Ham United, Rice has transformed Arsenal’s midfield with his defensive authority, progressive passing, and leadership qualities. The England international played every minute of the Premier League campaign, providing the platform that allowed Arsenal’s attacking talents to flourish while maintaining the league’s most resilient defensive structure.

    Defensive Partnership of Saliba and Gabriel

    The centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes formed the bedrock of Arsenal’s title charge. Their combination of physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and aerial supremacy helped the team concede the fewest goals in the division. Saliba’s elegance on the ball and Gabriel’s aggressive defending created a perfectly balanced partnership that neutralized the league’s most potent attacks week after week.

    Ballon d’Or Contention in Context

    While the trio faces stiff competition from Champions League winners and international tournament stars, their inclusion signals a shift in how Ballon d’Or voters evaluate defensive and midfield contributions. Historically biased toward attacking players, the award has increasingly recognized all-around excellence — a trend that benefits Rice’s complete midfield game and the defensive mastery of Saliba and Gabriel.

    The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place later this year, where Arsenal’s representatives will hope to follow in the footsteps of past Premier League winners like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri.

  • Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    F1 Power Rankings: Antonelli’s Historic Monza Masterclass Tops Latest Standings

    Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the most remarkable victories in recent Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix, earning a perfect 10 in the latest Power Rankings after charging from 19th on the grid to win at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Drive for the Ages Secures Perfect Score

    Starting from P19 following power unit penalties, the Mercedes rookie was expected to merely limit damage to his championship lead. Instead, he produced an all-time great performance, slicing through the field to battle teammate George Russell for the lead before the halfway mark. A perfectly timed pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car put Antonelli on fresher medium tyres, allowing him to hunt down Russell and pass his title rival with four laps remaining. The victory made him the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix in 60 years.

    Gasly’s Qualifying Mastery Earns High Marks

    Pierre Gasly’s Saturday heroics nearly matched Antonelli’s Sunday brilliance. The Alpine driver maximized the Mercedes power unit to top both Q1 and Q3, securing his maiden Formula 1 pole position. Though race pace proved insufficient to hold the lead over 53 laps — Gasly finished seventh — he remained comfortably the best of the rest at a circuit where he claimed his only F1 victory six years ago.

    Verstappen Continues Podium Consistency

    Despite a straight-line speed deficit to the Mercedes-powered cars, Max Verstappen again proved a formidable opponent. The Red Bull driver surged from fifth to second early on, even leading for three laps before being overtaken by both Mercedes drivers. A VSC pit stop mirrored Antonelli’s strategy, and Verstappen charged back to third for his third podium in four races.

    Lindblad’s Quiet Consistency Lifts Racing Bulls

    Arvid Lindblad continued his under-the-radar excellence with an eighth-place finish. Starting ninth, the Racing Bulls rookie benefited from Charles Leclerc’s crash and Franco Colapinto’s off-track excursion at the Lesmos. The result extends Lindblad’s scoring streak to seven points finishes in the last eight races, keeping Racing Bulls ahead of Alpine in the constructors’ standings.

    Russell’s Opportunity Slips Away

    George Russell arrived at Monza facing a 59-point championship deficit to Antonelli, with his teammate’s grid penalty presenting a golden opportunity. The Briton qualified second — his final Q3 lap slightly compromised by Verstappen — and led the race comfortably until the VSC period. Battery management and slipstream effects prevented Russell from building a buffer, while his hard tyre stint ruled out a VSC pit stop. Despite a flawless weekend, Russell leaves Monza seven points further behind in the standings.

    Piastri Rebounds as McLaren Struggles for Race Pace

    Oscar Piastri returned to form after a difficult Zandvoort weekend, qualifying third before a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson. The Australian recovered strongly, passing Lewis Hamilton for fourth and pressuring teammate Lando Norris in the closing laps. Norris, the reigning champion, could only manage eighth in qualifying as McLaren lacked race-winning pace despite the Mercedes power unit. He recovered to fifth, passing Piastri on the final lap at the Ascari chicane.

    Bortoleto So Close, Tsunoda Back in Points

    Gabriel Bortoleto missed Q3 by a mere 0.001 seconds for Audi, though Antonelli’s penalty promoted him into the top 10 start. The Brazilian finished 11th, seven seconds shy of points. Yuki Tsunoda, in his second race back with Racing Bulls, climbed from 15th to tenth, potentially strengthening his case for a 2025 seat. Red Bull confirmed Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team in Madrid, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar.

    Sainz Leads Williams Charge

    Williams anticipated difficulties at Monza but Carlos Sainz salvaged 13th, finishing ahead of Lawson’s Red Bull and both upgraded Haas cars, just 16 seconds from the points.

    Just Missing the Top 10

    Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman narrowly missed the Power Rankings top 10. Colapinto ran as high as third for Alpine before an off-track moment dropped him to ninth, while Bearman utilized Haas upgrades to finish 15th.

  • Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra Ruled Out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Tie vs Leeds

    Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra Ruled Out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Tie vs Leeds

    Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo Ruled Out of Carabao Cup Clash Against Leeds United

    Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo will miss Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United but could be available for selection when the Blues face Hull City on Saturday.

    Caicedo Absent for Arsenal Defeat

    The Ecuadorian international was notably absent from Chelsea’s matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. His omission comes after manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged a tactical error in the previous fixture against Brighton.

    Manager Admits Substitution Mistake

    Alonso admitted he made a mistake by bringing Caicedo off the bench during the Brighton encounter. The decision to withdraw the midfielder appears to have influenced the subsequent team selection for the Arsenal match, with the player left out entirely.

    Potential Return Timeline

    While Caicedo is confirmed to miss the midweek cup tie against Leeds, the club remains hopeful he will recover in time for the weekend fixture against Hull City. The Saturday match represents a quick turnaround that could see the midfielder return to competitive action.

    The Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United kicks off on Wednesday evening, with Chelsea looking to progress without one of their key midfield assets.

  • Aston Villa Make Contact for Tornike Kvaratskhelia as Top Clubs Monitor Youngster

    Aston Villa Make Contact for Tornike Kvaratskhelia as Top Clubs Monitor Youngster

    Aston Villa Initiate Contact for Georgian Star Tornike Kvaratskhelia

    Aston Villa have opened formal discussions with Dinamo Tbilisi over a potential transfer for highly rated midfielder Tornike Kvaratskhelia, according to emerging reports. The Premier League club has made the first concrete move to secure the Georgian international’s signature.

    Premier League Heavyweights Circling

    The 22-year-old playmaker has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in European football this window. Villa face significant competition, with a host of elite English clubs tracking his development closely. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Brighton, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are all understood to be monitoring Kvaratskhelia’s situation at the Georgian champions.

    Rising Profile in European Football

    Kvaratskhelia has impressed with his technical ability, vision, and goal contributions in the Erovnuli Liga and during European competition with Dinamo Tbilisi. His performances have also earned him regular call-ups to the Georgia national team, where he featured during their historic Euro 2024 campaign.

    Aston Villa’s early approach signals serious intent from Unai Emery’s recruitment team as they look to bolster midfield options ahead of the new season. However, with six other Premier League giants reportedly in the race, a bidding war appears increasingly likely for the dynamic Georgian midfielder.

  • Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faced the media ahead of the Champions League clash against Feyenoord, delivering a wide-ranging press conference that touched on his happiness, captaincy, Ballon d’Or prospects, and the team’s ambitions for the season.

    Champions League the ‘big objective’

    Yamal made clear that Europe’s premier club competition remains the primary target for Hansi Flick’s side.

    “It’s the big objective, there’s no greater motivation. We’re all motivated. We have it in our heads. It’s the most special tournament. This year it could be with the players who have arrived, Gordon, Rodri, Adeyemi, Joao…”

    The teenager emphasized the collective drive within the squad, reiterating: “The Champions League is the big objective, we are all very motivated.”

    Pride in the captain’s armband

    At just 19, Yamal has already worn the captain’s armband for Barcelona, a responsibility he embraces.

    “It is a source of pride to be captain of Barça at 19 years old. I am grateful to my teammates for choosing me. I am 19 years old but I want to live up to it. I am happy. It makes me feel responsible. I will give my best for the team.”

    He also praised the leadership group around him: “Rapha is an incredible captain, and Eric, Pedri… I learn from them to always seek what is best for the team.”

    Ballon d’Or talk and campaign stance

    Asked about individual accolades, Yamal acknowledged his chances but refused to engage in self-promotion.

    “It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on you. The work with Barça and the national team has been incredible. I have options, I had a great year. But we’ll see.”

    On the idea of a media campaign for the award, he was blunt: “I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think whatever they want. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I can’t ask for more. It’s your job, I won’t beg for anything.” He later repeated the sentiment: “I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or.”

    Pressing, growth, and squad competition

    Yamal addressed the tactical demands of the modern game, citing Paris Saint-Germain as an example of collective pressing.

    “In title-winning teams, like PSG, everyone presses. You have to run, no matter who you are. If you don’t run, you lose.”

    On personal development, he said: “Collectively, titles and the Champions League. And individually, improve. I’m young. That’s my objective.”

    Regarding competition for places and the possibility of being a substitute, Yamal showed maturity: “It doesn’t scare me, there are great players. I’m prepared to be a substitute. It doesn’t scare me.” He later reinforced: “I’m not afraid of being a substitute.”

    On his physical growth, he added: “I think that when you grow up, you don’t realize it. I’m a ‘kid’ and I’m growing, but I’m not two meters tall. I’m shorter than Cubarsí or Bernal. I’m like everyone else.”

    Relationship with teammates and rivals

    Yamal spoke warmly of his connections within the squad, particularly Fermín López and Dani Olmo: “They are tremendous players, I feel comfortable with them and get on great with them, although they are different.”

    Asked about Real Madrid’s recent trophy drought, he deflected: “If they have gone two years without winning, that is their problem. We are happy with the refereeing. That’s a question for them. I see them as happy.” He earlier framed it similarly: “If Real Madrid have gone two years without winning, that’s their problem; I see them as happy.”

    ‘Vacation of my life’ and happiness

    Addressing speculation about his mood during the off-season, Yamal was unequivocal.

    “I’m very happy, I don’t know why there was so much talk. I had the vacation of my life. At no point have I been happier than I am now.”

    He summarized the feeling again: “I had the vacation of my life, I’ve never been happier.”

    Dembélé and the Ballon d’Or debate

    On Ousmane Dembélé declining to name a Ballon d’Or favorite, Yamal downplayed any tension.

    “He’s a friend of Kylian’s… I don’t care. I’m very happy with the year I’ve had. When I’ve faced both of them, I’ve won. I get along very well with Ousmane. Everyone has seen my year, if he hasn’t…”

    He reiterated: “Dembélé is a friend of Kylian… I am very happy with the year I have had.”

    Grounded by family and respect for Xavi

    Yamal credited his environment for keeping him level-headed: “I’m in a locker room with people who have done more than me. Then I’m with my family, who keep my feet on the ground.”

    He also had kind words for his former coach: “He is a great coach. I have great affection for him, I hope things go well for him, except against Spain.”

  • The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into Formula 1 history, joining an elite group of drivers who have converted a lowly grid slot into a grand prix victory. The Mercedes rookie achieved the feat in stunning fashion on home soil at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, surging from 19th on the grid to claim the top step of the podium at Monza.

    Antonelli’s drive continues a rich tradition of comeback victories. Here is a look back at the other drivers who stared at a sea of rear wings on the starting grid only to greet the chequered flag first.

    8. Michael Schumacher — 1995 Belgian Grand Prix (Started 16th)

    Michael Schumacher amassed 91 grand prix wins during his illustrious career, but none came from lower than 16th on the grid. At Spa-Francorchamps in 1995, the German sliced through the field during a phase that saw early leader David Coulthard retire. A strategic gamble on slick tyres as rain arrived proved decisive.

    Schumacher moved into the lead and produced a masterclass in defensive driving, holding off a frustrated Damon Hill on wet-weather tyres despite his own inferior rubber. The Williams driver eventually forced a pass, only to spin moments later. Hill returned to the pits for slicks on a drying track, but the timing backfired as the rain returned with intensity. Both men switched back to wets, but Hill’s challenge evaporated due to a pit-lane speeding penalty, handing Schumacher a clear run to victory.

    7. Kimi Räikkönen — 2005 Japanese Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    Qualifying at Suzuka took place in changeable conditions during the era of single-lap qualifying, leaving the usual front-runners scattered down the order. Newly crowned champion Fernando Alonso lined up 16th, with Kimi Räikkönen one place further back in 17th.

    The race developed into a frenetic spectacle featuring spectacular wheel-to-wheel action. Räikkönen and Alonso carved through the pack, with the McLaren driver leading the charge. A late refuelling stop placed Räikkönen on the tail of Alonso’s Renault teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella. He hunted down the Italian in the closing stages and, on the final lap, seized the outside line to sweep past Fisichella for a remarkable comeback win.

    6. Max Verstappen — 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    After winning seven of the opening ten rounds in 2024, Max Verstappen endured a 10-race winless streak that saw his championship lead over Lando Norris gradually erode. Qualifying in Brazil was postponed to Sunday morning due to weather, and a disrupted session left Verstappen 12th in classification; a power-unit penalty dropped him to 17th on the grid, effectively a net 15th after two cars ahead failed to start.

    From there, the Dutchman delivered a masterclass in treacherous conditions. He carved through the field before a mid-race red flag allowed a free switch to fresh wet tyres. Though still behind Esteban Ocon at the restart, Verstappen overhauled the Alpine within a handful of laps and streaked to victory by nearly 20 seconds — a drive that all but sealed a fourth consecutive world title.

    5. John Watson — 1982 Detroit Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    John Watson qualified only 17th for Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the streets of Detroit, a weekend marred by organisational issues and tricky conditions. Opting for the harder tyre compound proved a tactical masterstroke.

    Watson dispatched rivals with aplomb, highlighted by a stunning trio of overtakes on a single lap — one on teammate Niki Lauda. He quickly reeled in and passed an ailing Keke Rosberg before pulling away to a comfortable victory. Remarkably, this was not even Watson’s lowest-starting win.

    4. Rubens Barrichello — 2000 German Grand Prix (Started 18th)

    A chaotic qualifying session left Rubens Barrichello down in 18th, but the Brazilian made immediate amends, blasting his Ferrari past rivals on the long, full-throttle straights of the old Hockenheim layout.

    A safety car period — triggered by a track invader — bunched the field, and a McLaren communication mix-up elevated Barrichello to second behind Mika Häkkinen. When rain arrived, Häkkinen pitted for wet tyres, but Barrichello stayed out on slicks. With the vast circuit only partially damp, the dry sections allowed him to maintain pace and secure a remarkable maiden victory after seven seasons in the sport.

    3. Bill Vukovich — 1954 Indianapolis 500 (Started 19th)

    During the 1950s, the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship, yet few Formula 1 regulars contested the event, making these races historical outliers. Bill Vukovich was a specialist at the Brickyard, winning in 1953 and 1954.

    For his second triumph, Vukovich started 19th and worked his way forward to claim victory, though this remains shy of the Indy 500 record of wins from 28th on the grid. Tragically, Vukovich lost his life in an accident while leading the following year’s race.

    2. Kimi Antonelli — 2026 Italian Grand Prix (Started 19th)

    Reliability issues earlier in 2026 placed Kimi Antonelli on course for a grid penalty for exceeding his power-unit component allocation. Mercedes elected to take the hit strategically at Monza.

    Antonelli started 19th after Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso opted for pit-lane starts. He was running 12th when the race was red-flagged for Charles Leclerc’s accident. At the restart, Antonelli vaulted to eighth and rapidly picked off rivals, swapping the lead with teammate George Russell. A mid-race pit stop dropped him back, but superior pace and fresher tyres allowed him to hunt down the lead once more. He survived a late scare after a mistake exiting the first chicane to hold on for a historic maiden win on home soil.

    1. John Watson — 1983 United States Grand Prix West (Started 22nd)

    The lowest grid slot ever converted into a Formula 1 victory belongs to John Watson at Long Beach in 1983. McLaren was competitive in race trim but struggled for one-lap pace on the bumpy street circuit, leaving Watson and Lauda 22nd and 23rd respectively — four seconds off pole.

    Hampered by poor qualifying tyre performance, the McLarens came alive on race day. In an attritional contest, both drivers sliced through the field, gaining positions through overtaking and rival misfortunes. Such was the M23’s race pace that Watson crossed the line almost half a minute clear of Lauda, with only René Arnoux’s Ferrari — over a minute adrift — remaining on the lead lap.

  • Real Madrid Announce Squad for Champions League Clash Against Inter

    Real Madrid Announce Squad for Champions League Clash Against Inter

    Real Madrid Announce 22-Man Squad for Champions League Opener Against Inter Milan

    Real Madrid have confirmed their squad selection for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu. Head coach José Mourinho has named a 22-player group for the European campaign opener.

    Three Goalkeepers Included in Selection

    The squad features three goalkeeping options: Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Mestre, and Javi Navarro. The inclusion of multiple shot-stoppers provides depth for the high-stakes Group Stage encounter.

    The match marks the beginning of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League campaign, with the Spanish giants hosting the Italian champions at their historic home ground.