Lewis Hamilton will face no further action from the FIA stewards following a near-miss with Max Verstappen during opening practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The flashpoint occurred between turns 14 and 15 at Suzuka when the seven-time world champion was accused of driving erratically while on a slow lap.
Verstappen rapidly approached in his Red Bull during a flying lap, forcing the Dutchman to dart down the left side of the track to avoid Hamilton’s Ferrari.
The incident immediately sparked a furious reaction from the reigning world champion, who voiced his explicit frustration over the team radio.
FIA clears Hamilton of dangerous driving
Following a review of video footage and radio communications, the sport’s governing body determined that no penalty was necessary for the alleged impeding.
The stewards noted that Hamilton had received no prior warning from his pit wall regarding the rapidly approaching car.
As Car 3 closed on Car 44, Car 44 made an initial movement suggesting a move to the left, but ultimately remained to the right-hand side of the track.
Officials confirmed that Verstappen was able to pass the slower vehicle without being required to brake, lift, or deviate from his intended racing line.
Red Bull downplay Suzuka incident
Despite his initial outburst over the radio, Verstappen’s own camp ultimately helped to defuse the situation during the subsequent hearing.
A representative for the 26-year-old informed the stewards that the situation was not considered dangerous from his perspective.
In this case, the Stewards are satisfied that, although Car 3 was momentarily influenced by the positioning of Car 44, it was not forced to take evasive action.
While avoiding sanctions, Ferrari were reminded of their obligation to ensure timely warnings are provided to their drivers regarding approaching traffic.
Verstappen was also required to visit the stewards for a separate incident involving Franco Colapinto during the eventful second practice session.
Atletico Madrid have publicly criticised Spanish football authorities after Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde was handed a one-match ban following his recent red card.
The Uruguayan international was shown a controversial straight red card with 13 minutes remaining during last week’s fiery encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Los Blancos managed to protect their 3-2 lead and secure a vital three points.
Real Madrid subsequently appealed the dismissal, but the Technical Committee of Referees upheld the decision while issuing the minimum possible suspension.
Atletico highlight disciplinary inconsistencies
The leniency of the punishment has severely irked Diego Simeone’s side, who took to social media to express their frustration.
The red-and-whites published a sarcastic message aimed directly at the Competition Committee regarding the outcome.
“Congratulations, you’re the best at this. Mission accomplished: 1 game for Valverde.”
In a follow-up post, the capital club compared the disciplinary report for the 25-year-old’s dismissal to that of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oihan Sancet.
Questions raised over sporting justice
Sancet previously received a two-match ban for a remarkably similar challenge against Barcelona in November.
Highlighting the identical wording of both refereeing reports, Atletico suggested that external factors influenced the final verdict.
“Football fans can go on vacation with peace of mind, knowing that the colour of the jersey and the media noise do not influence the decisions of sports justice. Same committee. Same wording of the minutes. Different criteria.”
The controversy stems from an incident where the dynamic playmaker kicked Alex Baena from behind without any realistic possibility of playing the ball.
Referees defend original red card decision
Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees firmly supported the on-field decision made by match official Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
A spokesperson for the governing body clarified the rationale behind the dismissal and the subsequent video review.
“The referee showed a straight red card, interpreting that he kicked the opponent, without being able to play the ball, and using excessive force. The VAR room confirmed that the point of contact, the nature of the action and the intensity were compatible with serious foul play.”
Consequently, the influential midfielder will be unavailable for his team’s upcoming domestic fixture against relegation-threatened Mallorca this Saturday.
Donald Trump has claimed that Tiger Woods will not compete at the 2026 Masters, despite the golfer recently stating he is doing everything possible to play at Augusta National.
The surprising assertion comes just weeks before the first men’s major of the year is scheduled to begin.
Woods had previously expressed a strong desire to tee it up at the prestigious tournament, raising hopes among fans of another remarkable comeback.
Conflicting statements emerge ahead of Augusta
Speaking about the upcoming April event, Trump indicated that while the five-time Masters winner will not be in the competitive field, he is still expected to attend as a spectator.
This directly contradicts recent comments from the 50-year-old golf icon, who insisted only days ago that he was working tirelessly to ensure his physical readiness.
The American legend has battled severe mobility issues since suffering significant leg injuries in a serious car crash in early 2021.
Ongoing physical struggles limit appearances
In recent years, the former world number one has adopted an extremely restricted playing schedule in order to prioritise the four major championships.
Walking the famously undulating terrain of Augusta National has proven visibly difficult for him during his most recent competitive outings.
It remains unclear whether the politician possesses inside information regarding the golfer’s health or if his comments were purely speculative.
Neither Woods nor his management team have released an official statement confirming his withdrawal from the highly anticipated tournament.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted talisman Lionel Messi is yet to decide whether he will play at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.
The reigning champions head to the tournament aiming to defend the crown they claimed so memorably in Qatar four years ago.
Despite turning 39 midway through the upcoming competition, the Inter Miami forward remains central to his nation’s plans.
Scaloni leaves door open for captain
Speaking ahead of warm-up fixtures against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera, the national team boss conceded the final choice rests entirely with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I want him to be there, but he is the one who decides and he has earned the right to be able to decide with peace of mind.”
The former Barcelona star previously indicated he would monitor his physical condition before committing to a rigorous title defence.
Chasing historic fourth consecutive title
In a recent interview, the veteran playmaker stressed his desire to only participate if he felt physically capable of contributing to the squad.
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100 percent useful to the group.”
La Albiceleste are bidding to become the first team to retain the sport’s greatest prize since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
The South American giants have been drawn into a favourable group containing Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Should their legendary captain opt to feature, he will be seeking to guide the team to an unprecedented fourth consecutive major international trophy following their recent back-to-back Copa America successes.
Former Tottenham and United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller believes the Premier League club could persuade Mauricio Pochettino to abandon his national team post for a shock return to north London.
Spurs are reportedly considering a managerial change following a disastrous start to Igor Tudor’s tenure.
The Croatian tactician has overseen just one victory in his first seven matches in charge.
While the Argentine coach is currently focused on leading the US Men’s National Team into a home World Cup, Keller suggests an immediate Premier League comeback is not impossible.
Relegation fears prompt urgent action
Keller, who earned 72 caps for his country, feels the perilous situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium might force the board’s hand.
A recent defeat to Nottingham Forest has exacerbated fears of the unthinkable prospect of relegation.
“I definitely see him quitting after the World Cup,” Keller told football.london.
“With Tottenham Hotspur, the problem, I think, is if they could entice Pochettino to quit the World Cup right now, and I could see that happening.”
“I think Spurs need to make a real serious move right now or the unthinkable is possible.”
Historic success in north London
The South American manager previously transformed Spurs during a highly successful five-year spell starting in 2014.
He guided the club to their first-ever Champions League final in 2019.
Under his stewardship, they also secured a second-place league finish during the 2016-17 campaign, marking their highest top-flight position in half a century.
De Zerbi evaluates his options
If a dramatic reunion with their former boss fails to materialise, Tottenham have identified other potential successors.
Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a viable candidate following his recent departure from Marseille.
However, the Italian is understood to be waiting until the summer before committing to a new project.
The former Brighton manager reportedly wants assurances of Premier League survival before accepting any offer from the struggling capital club.
Curaçao have made history by becoming the smallest nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, featuring ex-Manchester United youth prospect Kenji Gorré.
The tiny Caribbean island, a constituent country of the Netherlands, has defied the odds to reach international football’s biggest stage.
Their remarkable journey to the tournament was achieved under veteran manager Dick Advocaat, who has since stepped down from the role.
Manchester United connections
Former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen inadvertently played a crucial part in the nation’s current success nearly two decades ago.
The Dutchman recruited a young Gorré to the Old Trafford academy, laying the groundwork for the winger’s professional career.
The forward spent 10 years developing in Manchester before eventually declaring his international allegiance to the island of his mother’s birth.
“He loved the training sessions he had with René,” Kenji’s father, Dean Gorré, told the Daily Mirror.
“He said, ‘Daddy, if he is the coach, I want to sign for them’, so he signed for Man United and he was there for 10 years.”
A complex international choice
The younger Gorré had previously represented both England and the Netherlands at youth level, playing alongside the likes of Raheem Sterling and Memphis Depay.
He also qualified for Suriname, the birthplace of his father, but ultimately opted to represent the CONCACAF minnows after an initial call-up.
“The Suriname side of the family is stronger than the Curaçao side. The parties, the family, the culture, everything was more in the Suriname style than Curaçao.”
“Until he went with Curaçao to the national team. And they changed my boy!”
Dean Gorré
Building a new generation
The former Barnsley midfielder has since joined his son in the national setup, taking on the role of technical director for the local football federation.
He has overseen a massive expansion in the island’s talent pool, establishing comprehensive academy structures and developing the women’s game.
The recent World Cup qualification represents the pinnacle of this project, achieved with a squad heavily bolstered by Dutch-born talent.
Although 77-year-old Advocaat will not lead them at the tournament, his legacy will see the Caribbean outfit mix with the world’s elite in North America.
Third-seeded Illinois produced a stifling defensive display to defeat last year’s national runners-up Houston 65-55 in the South Region semifinals on Thursday and advance to the NCAA tournament Elite Eight.
David Mirkovic recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds to help eliminate the second-seeded Cougars in their home city.
Brad Underwood’s side will now face fellow Big Ten outfit Iowa on Saturday for a place in the prestigious Final Four.
Historic freshman performances
The Fighting Illini severely disrupted their opponents’ rhythm, holding them to a season-low 34% shooting from the floor.
Keaton Wagler contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds to ensure the orange-clad travelling support went home delighted.
Wagler and Mirkovic made NCAA tournament history by becoming the first pair of freshman teammates to register double-doubles in the same game since 1973.
Andrej Stojakovic, son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, also added 13 points to the winning tally.
Cougars suffer prolonged scoring drought
Houston were appearing in their seventh consecutive Sweet 16 and enjoyed significant home-court advantage playing just two miles from campus.
However, highly-rated freshman point guard Kingston Flemings was restricted to just 11 points on four-of-10 shooting.
The decisive moment arrived early in the second half when the victors embarked on a devastating 17-0 scoring run to establish a commanding 44-26 lead.
The Cougars endured a brutal scoreless streak lasting nearly seven minutes before Milos Uzan finally snapped the drought with a three-pointer.
Chase McCarty briefly narrowed the deficit to nine points with six minutes remaining, but back-to-back triples from Wagler and Tomislav Ivisic quickly extinguished any hopes of a dramatic comeback.
This victory secures an 11th all-time Elite Eight appearance for the Champaign-based team and their second in the last three campaigns.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has criticised the timing of Mohamed Salah’s announced departure from Liverpool, while Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up a move for defender Ibrahima Konate.
The Merseyside club recently suffered a damaging defeat to Brighton, marking their tenth loss of what has been a deeply frustrating campaign.
That setback was quickly overshadowed by the Egyptian forward confirming he will depart Anfield at the end of the current season.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular nine-year stint in England, but his decision to make his impending exit public has raised eyebrows.
Keane warns of Anfield negativity
Television pundit Roy Keane believes the early disclosure could backfire on the club if their form continues to stutter under Arne Slot.
The outspoken Irishman suggested that the legendary winger should have waited until the summer to confirm his intentions.
“I’m not sure it’s ideal timing to announce that,” Keane said.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t wait until the end of the season.”
Keane highlighted that supporters may quickly turn on the prolific goalscorer if his performances drop during the crucial final months of his contract.
“If Liverpool finish the season really badly, and they’ve not been great… they’ll be saying, ‘He’s already left the club and his heart is not in it.'”
Real Madrid circle for defensive reinforcements
Alongside the distraction of their talisman’s departure, the Anfield hierarchy are also facing a battle to retain a key defensive asset.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly opened dialogue with representatives for French centre-back Ibrahima Konate.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are assessing their long-term options at the back amid uncertainty over Antonio Rudiger’s future in the Spanish capital.
While Los Blancos originally targeted Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, the German international is heavily tipped to sign a new contract in the Bundesliga.
That development has reportedly forced the La Liga club to pivot towards the Reds defender as a primary summer transfer option.