Red Bull will introduce a significant upgrade package for their home Austrian Grand Prix this weekend as they attempt to close the gap to their championship rivals.
The former world champions currently sit fourth in the Constructors’ Championship on 89 points.
This marks their lowest tally at this stage of a campaign since the 2015 season.
Team boss Laurent Mekies described their recent performance in Barcelona as a “reality check” for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
Struggles in Spain prompt swift response
During the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finished 40 seconds behind race winner Lewis Hamilton in fourth place.
His team-mate Isack Hadjar could only manage a lapped sixth after his afternoon was compromised by a poor launch off the line.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya heavily tested the aerodynamic capabilities of the RB22, exposing current frailties in high-speed cornering.
Despite a promising qualifying session where the Dutch driver lapped within three-tenths of pole-sitter George Russell, the race pace painted a markedly different picture.
Engine disputes and future uncertainties
The Austrian outfit recently disputed findings by the FIA that suggested they possessed the benchmark power unit on the grid.
As a first-year engine manufacturer under the 2026 regulations, the team has sought clarification from the sport’s governing body regarding these rankings.
This critical juncture arrives amid growing speculation over the future of their leading driver.
Decisions regarding the three-time world champion’s plans for 2027 are expected to approach crunch time before the August summer break.
Mekies acknowledged the stark reality of the challenge ahead as the team prepares for the demanding Red Bull Ring.
The race produced an accurate picture of where we are with our current package on this sort of track.
Liverpool have rejected a £21.7m bid from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones, while Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has criticised the club’s past treatment of Mohamed Salah.
The Serie A champions have been in negotiations to sign the 23-year-old midfielder for several weeks.
However, their latest offer falls significantly short of the Anfield hierarchy’s financial expectations.
It is understood the Merseyside club are growing irritated by the low approaches from the San Siro outfit.
They are holding out for a fee in the region of £35m before considering a sale.
The Premier League side are reportedly using Conor Gallagher’s recent £35m move to Tottenham Hotspur as a market benchmark.
Egypt boss criticises past Salah treatment
Away from domestic transfers, former Reds star Mohamed Salah is currently competing at the 2026 World Cup across North America.
The 34-year-old scored in a 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand on Sunday.
That strike leaves the winger just one goal behind Hossam Hassan’s all-time Egyptian record of 69 international goals.
Following the historic win, Hassan appeared to direct criticism at former Liverpool manager Arne Slot over his handling of the attacker.
The prolific forward left Anfield this summer following a nine-year spell that included a Premier League title and Champions League glory.
His final season was marred by a public dispute with the Dutch coach as his goalscoring numbers briefly declined.
“I am maybe the first coach to let him play in a position that matches his danger, that matches his capabilities and qualities,” Hassan said.
“We worked on so many things and I am sure we are going to see more from him.”
Hassan also expressed deep emotion regarding his nation’s first-ever victory at the global tournament.
“This victory is dedicated to all Egyptians, both men and women,” he added.
“I am extremely happy, and my feelings are similar to those of millions of Egyptians after this win.”
Oklahoma have claimed their first Men’s College World Series national championship since 1994 with a decisive 13-2 victory over North Carolina in Game 3 on Monday night.
The Sooners secured the Southeastern Conference’s seventh consecutive title, capping off a remarkable turnaround after finishing 11th in the regular season.
Entering the NCAA tournament following losses in seven of their previous nine games, the Midwestern outfit produced an improbable postseason run.
Branch and Mercurius star in Omaha
Following a disappointing offensive display in Game 2, the newly crowned champions rebounded to hand the Tar Heels their most lopsided defeat of the year.
Number nine batter Kyle Branch delivered a stunning breakout performance, driving in six runs with a pair of singles and a home run.
He was brilliantly supported by Jaxon Willits, who reached base five times and concluded his tournament with an outstanding .520 batting average.
On the mound, relief pitcher LJ Mercurius produced a crucial shift to stifle a third-inning threat and restrict the opposition to a single run over five and two-thirds innings.
Tar Heels pitching falters under pressure
The decisive clash initially featured a historic freshman pitching matchup between Carolina’s Jackson Rose and Oklahoma’s Nick Wesloski, though neither survived the third inning.
North Carolina boasted the best earned run average in the Atlantic Coast Conference but struggled immensely under the intense championship spotlight.
Eight different pitchers combined to surrender 14 hits and issue eight walks during a torrid defensive display from the tournament runners-up.
Star freshman Caden Glauber was introduced just one day after throwing 65 pitches, resulting in a disastrous bases-loaded walk before being quickly withdrawn.
The heartbreak leaves the North Carolina programme with 13 Omaha appearances without lifting the trophy, an unwanted record trailing only Florida State.
Vegas Golden Knights majority owner Bill Foley has officially launched a bid to bring an NBA expansion franchise to Las Vegas.
The announcement follows a recent vote by the basketball league’s board of governors to explore new ownership groups exclusively in Nevada and Seattle.
Bidding for the new franchises is expected to generate staggering offers in the region of $7bn (£5.5bn) to $10bn (£7.9bn).
Building a sporting empire
Foley is already a prominent figure in global sports ownership.
The American billionaire’s portfolio includes Premier League side AFC Bournemouth alongside football clubs in France, Portugal and Australia.
Financial advisers Morgan Stanley have been retained by the 79-year-old to facilitate the monumental transaction.
His prospective ownership group is expected to include a limited number of strategic minority partners who align with the league’s long-term vision.
Ready for tip-off
“Las Vegas has earned its place among great sports cities in America, and an NBA team belongs here.”
“We built the Golden Knights into a championship organization from the ground up, and we are prepared to do it again. Our intention is to be ready the day the NBA is ready.”
Any future basketball franchise would likely play their home games at the T-Mobile Arena.
The 18,000-capacity venue on the Las Vegas Strip has already proven itself by hosting numerous collegiate and professional basketball fixtures.
A track record of success
The prospective bidding group will undoubtedly point to their remarkable achievements in ice hockey as proof of their sporting pedigree.
Since entering the NHL in 2017, the Golden Knights have reached the Stanley Cup Final three times, lifting the prestigious trophy in 2023.
Should this latest sporting venture prove successful, the ice hockey executive would become the seventh individual to simultaneously hold an NBA team.
The expanded 2026 Fifa World Cup enters its unprecedented round-of-32 knockout stage this Sunday in Los Angeles, following a dramatic group phase defined by superstar performances and shock results.
The new 48-team tournament has delivered an abundance of entertainment during its opening weeks.
Heavyweights such as France, England and Germany have displayed formidable early form to secure their progression.
However, the group phase will be equally remembered for stunning underdog displays against established giants.
Stars shine alongside surprise packages
Lionel Messi underlined his enduring brilliance by registering his first World Cup hat-trick for Argentina.
Elite forwards Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have all made spectacular starts to their respective campaigns.
Mohamed Salah also delivered a vital intervention when Egypt required it most during their second group fixture.
Underdogs stun European heavyweights
Yet the group stage also birthed unlikely heroes on the grandest stage in international football.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as a breakout star during a remarkable draw against former winners Spain.
Meanwhile, Curacao’s Eloy Room equalled a tournament record for saves during a frantic encounter against Ecuador.
The Democratic Republic of Congo also sent shockwaves through the competition by holding Portugal to a stalemate.
Brazil look to overcome injury setbacks
Five-time winners Brazil enter the knockout rounds as strong contenders despite enduring significant physical setbacks.
The South American giants have lost dynamic winger Raphinha to a hamstring issue.
Veteran forward Neymar remains in the squad but is currently nursing an injury of his own.
Despite these absences, the Selecao possess overwhelming firepower through Real Madrid talisman Vinícius Júnior.
The prolific attacker has already contributed two goals and an assist in the tournament.
Brazil are projected to face Japan as the sudden-death fixtures officially commence.
Austria manager Ralf Rangnick has strongly criticised the officiating and perceived VAR double standards following his team’s 2-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina in Dallas.
Lionel Messi struck twice to secure victory for the South American side, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.
However, the Austria head coach was left visibly frustrated by the build-up to the opening strike, citing an unpunished challenge by Alexis Mac Allister on midfielder Xaver Schlager.
VAR inconsistencies draw criticism
The former Manchester United manager felt aggrieved that the video assistant referee failed to intervene for the foul, contrasting the inaction with a separate review that led to an early penalty for Argentina.
“For the first goal, I would’ve asked the fourth official to do what he did before the penalty kick,” Rangnick stated.
“He should have looked and he would’ve seen what everyone saw, a foul on Schlager.”
Despite his annoyance with the match officials, the 65-year-old acknowledged that his defensive unit was partially to blame for conceding the second goal of the encounter.
The enduring brilliance of the Argentina captain
The fixture showcased another historic milestone for the 39-year-old Argentine forward, who managed to recover from missing an early spot-kick awarded by referee Amin Omar.
Rangnick was quick to praise the enduring quality of the former Barcelona playmaker, admitting there was little his team could do to completely neutralise the threat over 90 minutes.
“If someone is 39 years old and can score two goals and five overall at the beginning of the World Cup, that makes a difference,” he noted.
“We knew he was on a level of his own and Lionel Messi showed he’s one of the best, or even the best.”
Qualification hopes remain firmly intact
Despite the frustrating setback in Texas, the European outfit remain firmly in contention to reach the knockout phases after securing a 3-1 victory over Jordan in their opening match.
Austria will now face Algeria in their final group fixture, with progression to the next round still very much in their own hands.
Reflecting on the overall performance against the defending champions, the national team boss praised his players for their unexpected dominance in possession.
“I would’ve asked my players to be braver, to shoot during the second half, but we were in control of the ball,” he concluded.
Argentina forward Julian Alvarez has confirmed he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, stating a transfer is the best outcome for all parties amid interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
The 26-year-old made the admission following his national team’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria on Monday.
Speaking to the media, the former Manchester City striker explained he had already discussed his future with the Spanish club’s hierarchy.
“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk, but I also don’t want to hide,” Alvarez said.
“I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at Atletico who I needed to speak with. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream.”
Barcelona lead chase for Argentine’s signature
While the World Cup winner stopped short of naming his preferred destination, it is understood that Barcelona are currently his primary choice.
The Catalan side are actively searching for a high-profile replacement for the outgoing Robert Lewandowski to lead their attack.
Paris St-Germain and Arsenal also maintain a strong interest in securing the versatile attacker’s services ahead of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, domestic rivals Real Madrid recently saw a staggering €150m bid for the player firmly rejected by the Atletico board.
Atletico stand firm amid rising tensions
The intense speculation surrounding the forward’s future has provoked an angry public response from his current employers.
Atletico publicly condemned Barcelona for alleged leaks and disrespect, sarcastically proposing mock bids for several key players at the Nou Camp.
The Madrid-based outfit adopted a similarly defiant stance towards their city rivals, insisting they will not entertain any offers for their prized asset.
The prolific frontman originally moved to the Spanish capital from the Premier League champions in 2024 for a fee that could reach €95m.
Christian Pulisic has returned to full training for the United States after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out of their recent World Cup victory over Australia.
The forward originally suffered the left calf problem just days before a 4-1 tournament-opening victory against Paraguay.
He managed to play the first half of that fixture before aggravating the issue.
The AC Milan attacker was subsequently left on the bench as an unused substitute during the 2-0 win over the Australians.
Midfield injury concerns
However, news regarding team-mate Cristian Roldan is less positive following reports of a muscle strain.
The midfielder is currently being assessed on a day-to-day basis by national team medical staff.
His absence arrives at a frustrating time as he was expected to step in for Tyler Adams in the upcoming group clash with Turkey.
Adams is one booking away from a suspension and is likely to be rested to ensure his availability for the last 32.
Rising confidence in the camp
Despite the mixed fitness updates, morale remains exceptionally high after the national side secured top spot in their group.
Alex Zendejas, who could make his tournament debut against the Turks, highlighted the positive atmosphere behind the scenes.
“The team is like having fun, training’s intense, but in a good way,” Zendejas stated.
“It’s fun being around these guys, there’s a bunch of jokes, messing around, but then when it comes to work and training and games we get serious.”
The strong squad bond was evident when players collectively chased down Alex Freeman to celebrate his goal against Australia.
Support from home
The players are also becoming increasingly aware of the massive support they are receiving from fans back across the Atlantic.
Striker Folarin Balogun revealed that Weston McKennie has been sharing social media videos of jubilant supporters reacting to their goals.
“Every time we score they were celebrated in different places,” Balogun told reporters.
“I think it’s not something any of us can really comprehend because we’re in it, but once we kind of get on with our daily lives, we’ll be able to see the impact we’ve made.”