Nelson Piquet Jr claims Max Verstappen would not be criticising the new Formula 1 regulations if the reigning world champion was driving for Mercedes.
The Red Bull driver has been highly vocal about the sport’s latest hybrid rules following a frustrating start to the season.
Verstappen managed only a sixth-place finish in Australia before retiring with an Energy Recovery System failure in China last week.
This sluggish start has left the Dutchman trailing a dominant Mercedes team, currently spearheaded by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes dominance changes perspective
Piquet, brother-in-law to the four-time world champion, believes the driver’s frustration stems purely from a lack of competitiveness.
Speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, the former F1 driver suggested that having a winning car changes everything.
“He wants to have the best car,” Piquet explained.
“It is natural for him to complain in this situation, but if he were driving the Mercedes, he would be very quiet and would not be saying anything at all.”
‘Mario Kart’ regulations
The controversial new technical regulations require nearly half of a car’s power to be generated by its electrical battery pack.
This system allows drivers to deploy a substantial power boost on demand during races.
However, the defending champion remains entirely unconvinced by the new racing dynamic.
“It’s still terrible,” Verstappen previously stated regarding the changes.
“It’s playing Mario Kart. This is not racing.”
The Red Bull talisman also dismissed suggestions that there is a genuine championship battle developing between Mercedes and Ferrari.
“It’s just Kimi or George that is winning, right? They’re miles ahead of the field,” he added.
Future transfer speculation
Verstappen has repeatedly been linked with a sensational switch to Mercedes in recent seasons.
Despite his current frustrations, the stellar early-season form of Russell and Antonelli makes a blockbuster 2027 move highly uncertain.
For now, the Red Bull star insists his criticism is rooted purely in the quality of the on-track product rather than his own position in the standings.
Every team participating in Fifa’s women’s tournaments must now include at least one female head coach or assistant coach following a new ruling passed by the governing body’s council on Thursday.
Under the updated regulations, matchday benches must feature a minimum of two female staff members, with at least one occupying a senior coaching role.
The global football administration will enforce these requirements immediately across upcoming competitions, including this year’s Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cups.
Addressing the coaching gender gap
The strategic move aims to combat a persistent lack of female representation on the touchline at the highest levels of the game.
During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 of the 32 participating nations were led by female managers.
Jill Ellis, the chief football officer for the international federation, emphasised the urgent need for structural adjustments.
“There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines,” said Ellis.
Prominent figures back developmental push
Administrators hope targeted development programmes will spark a rapid increase in coaching diversity ahead of the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
High-profile figures have consistently voiced strong concerns over the current landscape, including United States manager Emma Hayes.
The former Chelsea boss highlighted the deficit in English football earlier this year, urging administrators to find creative solutions to a massive industry issue.
Several other notable tacticians currently hold prominent international positions, such as Canada boss Casey Stoney and Norway manager Gemma Grainger.
Wiegman leads by example on global stage
Sarina Wiegman remains one of the most successful examples of elite female coaching, having guided England to consecutive European Championship titles.
The Dutchwoman stood as the sole female head coach to reach the quarter-final stage of the most recent global showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.
“Of course what we hope is to get more female coaches at the top level and that the balance gets better than it is right now,” she noted during that tournament.
“Males are welcome too but if the balance is better then hopefully that will inspire more women to get involved in coaching.”
Liverpool are exploring a £100m summer move for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, with sporting director Richard Hughes hoping to leverage his past connection with the player to secure a deal.
The Reds are reportedly preparing for another significant attacking overhaul following a largely disappointing domestic campaign.
Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, the Merseyside outfit are battling to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Despite heavy investment in players such as Hugo Ekitike last year, Arne Slot’s side have struggled for consistency.
Hughes connection could prove crucial
Rogers has emerged as a standout performer in the English top flight this term for the Midlands club.
TalkSPORT reports that the England international could depart Villa Park if they fail to secure elite European football.
Liverpool believe they hold a strategic advantage in the race for his signature due to the presence of their sporting director.
Hughes was instrumental in bringing the promising attacker to Bournemouth on loan during the 2021-22 season.
Attacking reshuffle expected at Anfield
A potential move for the dynamic forward would cast further doubt on the futures of several existing squad members.
Mohamed Salah has experienced a significant dip in form and is rapidly approaching the final 12 months of his current contract.
Speculation regarding a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia for the Egyptian continues to intensify as the summer window approaches.
Meanwhile, both Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa have failed to cement regular places in the starting lineup this year.
If a transfer materialises, the 23-year-old could become the next record-breaking acquisition to arrive at Anfield.
The Miami Heat are set to waive Terry Rozier before the conclusion of the regular season to open a roster spot for their upcoming NBA playoff campaign.
The 30-year-old guard has been absent from the franchise since his arrest in October as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling.
He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering.
Draft compensation agreed
The controversial trade that initially brought the playmaker to Florida from the Charlotte Hornets in January 2024 has been under intense scrutiny.
Questions were raised regarding whether the Miami hierarchy should have been informed of ongoing federal and league investigations before finalising the exchange.
To resolve the dispute, the Hornets have agreed to send a second-round pick in this summer’s NBA draft to the Eastern Conference side.
Miami still owes a protected 2027 first-round selection to Charlotte as part of the original transaction.
Unprecedented situation
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the complexity of the legal proceedings during a news conference at the NBA Cup in Las Vegas last December.
“It is an unprecedented situation.”
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
The former Charlotte star’s $26.6m (£21m) salary expires this summer, with the funds currently held in escrow pending the resolution of his legal case.
Because his contract is expiring, the impending release must be officially completed by 9 April.
Clearing waivers before the regular season ends on 12 April will allow the Heat to finalise their postseason squad.
Tottenham Hotspur host Nottingham Forest on Sunday in a critical Premier League encounter that could dictate their top-flight survival.
The two sides are separated by just a single point as they hover precariously above the relegation zone.
Former England international Paul Merson believes the fixture is one of the most significant in the North London club’s recent history.
“Sunday is one of the biggest games Tottenham have played. This is the club’s future on the line.”
Relegation fears become reality
A victory for Forest would see them leapfrog Igor Tudor’s side in the league table.
Furthermore, if West Ham United win away at Aston Villa, the Europa League holders would plummet into the bottom three.
It has been a disastrous domestic campaign for a team that should ordinarily be challenging at the top end of the division.
A staggering 20 defeats across all competitions have been recorded since their famous European night against Manchester United last May.
Data analysts Opta currently estimate the probability of relegation for the hosts at a concerning 12.3 per cent.
“If they get relegated, I don’t know if they are coming back. Everyone will want to beat Tottenham.”
Building on fragile momentum
Despite the looming threat of dropping into the Championship, recent performances have sparked a renewed sense of optimism.
Richarlison’s late equaliser recently salvaged a valuable point at Anfield against Liverpool.
The squad then produced a spirited midweek victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Although that result was not enough to reach the quarter-finals, it provided Tudor with his first win as manager.
Key figures stepping up
The home crowd played a pivotal role on Wednesday night by rallying an injury-ravaged squad to a vital win.
Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel provided a constant attacking threat against their Spanish opposition.
Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin looked commanding during his first Champions League start alongside a confident Xavi Simons.
The club must now channel that fragile momentum into what is effectively a cup final this weekend.
Inter Milan are planning a summer transfer move for Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, easing Aston Villa’s fears over the future of Emiliano Martinez.
The Italian shot-stopper has experienced a challenging campaign in north London, but his underlying pedigree continues to attract suitors from his homeland.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the 28-year-old features prominently on the Serie A champions’ shortlist ahead of the upcoming window.
Formal discussions between the Milan giants and Ange Postecoglou’s side are expected to take place in the near future.
Martinez remains at Villa Park?
This development will serve as a significant boost for Unai Emery’s squad in the West Midlands.
Recent speculation had suggested the Nerazzurri were preparing an audacious swoop for World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
However, Romano has clarified that the former Empoli custodian is currently the primary target for Simone Inzaghi’s recruitment team.
Tottenham face major squad decision
Losing their established number one would present a significant headache for the Premier League club as they look to rebuild for next season.
Spurs must now weigh up whether to cash in on the international star or rebuff any formal approaches from San Siro.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has revealed he was minutes away from managing Leicester City in April 2023 before a surprise call from US Soccer altered his career path.
The former Leeds United manager was finalising visa formalities at Leicester’s training facility when the United States Men’s National Team made contact.
Expecting to succeed Gregg Berhalter as the American head coach, the 52-year-old abruptly ended negotiations with the Foxes.
Late change of heart by US Soccer
However, officials ultimately decided to reappoint Berhalter, leaving the experienced tactician without a managerial role.
The USMNT position has since transitioned again, with former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino taking charge in September 2024.
Despite the unexpected setback, the Wisconsin native harbours no regrets regarding the collapsed Premier League return.
“I got a call from US Soccer when I was literally being fingerprinted at Leicester,” Marsch explained.
“I was ready to take that job, so it changed the trajectory of my life.”
Preparing Canada for a home World Cup
Following his departure from Elland Road in February 2023, the American coach has found a new balance managing international football alongside a quiet life in Italy.
He now spends his mornings cultivating an olive farm near Pisa before shifting his focus to North American time zones in the afternoon.
His primary objective is preparing the Canadian national squad for the 2026 World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside the United States and Mexico.
“I think things happen for a reason, and I’m happy with where I am right now,” he added.
Team USA suffered a 3-2 defeat to Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final after controversial pitching restrictions prevented closer Mason Miller from entering a tied ninth inning.
A late rally sparked by Bryce Harper had levelled the scores, shifting momentum towards the Americans in Miami.
However, manager Mark DeRosa was forced to leave his most dominant relief pitcher in the bullpen during the decisive final frame.
The San Diego Padres had explicitly instructed the national side to only use their highly-valued asset in a definitive save situation.
Frustration over major league interference
With the game tied, Garrett Whitlock was instead called upon and ultimately surrendered the championship-winning run to the South Americans.
DeRosa admitted after the game that he was simply honouring the wishes of the 26-year-old’s major league employers.
“Had we taken the lead, he was coming in, but I wasn’t going to bring him into a tied game.”
The sixth instalment of the international tournament has been hailed as a commercial success, but strict usage limits imposed by club executives continue to undermine the on-field product.
Venezuela overcome similar hurdles to claim title
The victorious manager, Omar López, faced intense pressure from multiple franchises regarding the availability of his own relief corps.
After leaning heavily on his bullpen to eliminate Italy in Monday’s semi-final, the 47-year-old woke up to text messages demanding he rest key pitchers for the showcase event.
“Oh God, here we go again.”
Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, the Caribbean nation successfully navigated the restrictions to deliver a monumental victory for a country currently enduring unprecedented political turmoil.
Insurance issues and spring training injury fears remain significant stumbling blocks for the global showcase, preventing several elite stars from participating altogether.