Lewis Hamilton is aiming to eradicate recent costly errors as he looks to launch a second-half title challenge for Ferrari against Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli, starting at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion currently sits second in the Drivers’ Championship as the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes.
He trails Antonelli by 50 points at the halfway stage, with a maximum of 12 races remaining to close the gap.
The Scuderia are desperate to end a 19-year wait for a drivers’ title, while also pressuring Mercedes in the constructors’ standings.
Eradicating costly mistakes
Despite regaining second place from former team-mate George Russell before the summer break, the British veteran has been frustrated by his own recent errors.
A string of uncharacteristic penalties heavily disrupted his momentum during the final European double-header.
A false start at Silverstone and a collision with Russell at Spa-Francorchamps were followed by two further infractions in Hungary.
A grid penalty for blocking Oscar Piastri cost him a crucial front-row start, before a pit-lane speeding violation further hindered his race.
Seeking second-half perfection
Finishing fifth in Budapest led the grid’s most successful driver to openly acknowledge his recent shortcomings.
Ultimately these last few races have been costly with mistakes from myself.
The former Mercedes star described his first half of the campaign, which included a maiden Ferrari victory in Spain, as merely acceptable.
I’ve really got to work hard to try to figure out how I can do better in the second half.
He also vowed to stop giving race stewards any opportunity to issue further sanctions as the championship battle intensifies.
While the Mercedes duo of Antonelli and Russell have dropped points through mechanical unreliability, the Ferrari challenger knows he must deliver a flawless run to conquer the championship leader.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed Ketel Marte on the restricted list after the All-Star infielder failed to report for Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
The franchise provided no immediate explanation for the sudden move.
Arizona management was forced to delay posting their starting lineup until just 15 minutes before the scheduled first pitch in Boston.
Infielder Jose Fernandez has been recalled from the minor leagues to fill the vacant roster spot.
Knee issues and recent form
The three-time All-Star has been a vital offensive contributor this season, recording 21 home runs and 67 RBIs across 118 appearances.
His physical condition had already been a topic of concern for the team’s medical staff in recent days.
The Dominican infielder was forced out of Friday’s victory over the Atlanta Braves in the very first inning due to left knee soreness.
However, the versatile switch-hitter appeared to have recovered quickly and returned to action during Sunday’s 5-3 defeat.
Previous absences
This is not the first time the seasoned professional has required an unexplained leave of absence.
He spent time on the restricted list exactly a year ago following a burglary at his property during the All-Star break.
On that occasion, he publicly apologised for missing three fixtures after flying back to his home in the Dominican Republic to deal with the incident.
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and long-time team adviser O.J. Brigance has died at the age of 56 following a 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Brigance famously won a Super Bowl with the franchise during the 2000 season before serving as a profound inspiration to the organisation for nearly two decades.
He was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition in 2007 at the age of 37 and was initially given a life expectancy of just two to five years.
Defying the odds
Despite losing his ability to speak and requiring a motorised wheelchair, the former defensive stalwart remained a constant and uplifting presence at team facilities.
He utilised eye-tracking technology to communicate with players, regularly sending motivational notes during their most challenging periods.
Baltimore owner Steve Bisciotti described the 56-year-old as a beloved mentor whose infectious smile endeared him to everyone he touched.
We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance.
Steve Bisciotti
General manager Eric DeCosta echoed those sentiments, praising his unwavering optimism and grit in the face of immense adversity.
We never once saw O.J. angry or frustrated by his disease; instead, we all witnessed a hero who influenced so many people.
Eric DeCosta
A unique place in Baltimore history
On the field, the Houston-born athlete secured a unique legacy in North American professional sports.
He remains the only player in history to win both a Canadian Football League Grey Cup and an NFL Super Bowl representing the same city.
The linebacker lifted the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995 before writing himself into Ravens folklore.
During their Super Bowl XXXV victory over the New York Giants in January 2001, he notably made the first tackle of the game on the opening kickoff.
Inspiring a generation of players
His courageous fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease had a profound impact on several of the sport’s most legendary figures.
When Hall of Fame middle linebacker Ray Lewis lifted the AFC Championship trophy in 2013, he publicly declared his former team-mate to be his greatest motivation.
Iconic safety Ed Reed also dedicated part of his 2019 Hall of Fame enshrinement speech to the beloved adviser.
You’re the reason why I’m here, man. You’re the reason I became a great professional.
Ed Reed
Head coach John Harbaugh aptly summarised his immense impact, frequently referring to him as the strongest man in the entire organisation.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola heavily criticised former captain Kyle Walker over his mid-season departure to AC Milan, newly released documentary footage has revealed.
The emotional behind-the-scenes series, which chronicles the Spanish tactician’s final two years at the Etihad Stadium, captures the immediate aftermath of the defender’s exit.
The England international secured a loan move to the Serie A giants in January 2025 after requesting a fresh challenge away from the reigning English champions.
Dressing room tensions exposed
Addressing his squad before a Premier League clash with Chelsea, the veteran manager expressed profound disappointment over how the experienced full-back handled his departure.
“It was so easy for him to come to me and say ‘I’m tired’. But you cannot behave as a captain the way he has done it. You cannot, in the toughest moments in our lives.”
“What did you do my friends? What did you do with your captain? Tell me, what did you do?”
The Amazon Prime series also highlights a fiery exchange between the pair following a dismal defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in December 2024.
During that fixture, the 34-year-old defender lost possession to Luis Diaz, leading directly to a penalty won by the Colombian winger.
Anfield argument and tears
“Kyle has to know that if you lose the ball it’s a goal.”
That post-match dressing room assessment drew a furious reaction from the Sheffield-born player.
“Every meeting, it’s my name.”
When his manager suggested the intense scrutiny came with wearing the armband, the former Tottenham star fired back, claiming his boss had never wanted him to lead the team.
City players had voted to give him the captaincy for the 2024-25 campaign, supported by a leadership group containing Kevin de Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
Guardiola’s emotional plea
The documentary reveals the immense pressure on the Catalan coach during a sequence of four consecutive defeats, which occurred shortly before he signed a contract extension.
Following his clash with the club captain, a tearful Guardiola pleaded with his remaining players to communicate openly if they felt he was the root of their problems.
“I won’t stay here just for the money, or just for the fact to stay. I extended the contract because I want to be here with you, I want to win a fight in that position.”
“But if you feel, captains first, then the other ones, that there’s a problem, tell me. It’s not going to change the love I have for all of you – not one second. But I want to fight. That’s all. I’m sorry.”
The defender’s departure brought an end to a highly successful era in Manchester, having amassed 316 appearances and six league titles since his £50m arrival in 2017.
However, that final campaign ultimately ended in disappointment, with the Manchester side finishing a season without a major trophy for only the second time under their legendary manager.
The Buss family have agreed to sell their remaining ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to a group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, ending Jeanie Buss’s tenure as team governor.
The historic NBA franchise will see its long-standing dynastic leadership conclude once the 17.8% share transaction is officially completed.
League guidelines dictate that controlling governors must hold a minimum 15% share, meaning the current president will no longer qualify for the role she has held since 2013.
End of an era for basketball royalty
“We have decided as a family to sell the remaining Buss Family Trust shares to the Bob Iger group as part of the ongoing transaction,” the family said in a statement.
“We love the Lakers, Laker fans and will continue to support Los Angeles; but it is time to use this opportunity to move on and exit gracefully while we still can.”
The family trust required four votes from the six siblings to trigger a tag-along provision from Mark Walter’s previous sale to the incoming owners.
This latest agreement values the 17-time NBA champions at an astonishing $12.5bn (£9.5bn).
Walter’s turbulent and brief reign
The decision follows a controversial period after the family initially sold a majority stake to Walter last June at a then-record $10bn valuation.
Multiple siblings reportedly felt pressured into that initial agreement and were frustrated by what they considered a rushed process orchestrated by their sister.
While the original deal allowed the long-time executive to remain as governor until 2030, her siblings were subsequently removed from their operational positions within the organisation.
Walter’s tenure as majority owner lasted less than a year after his bid was unanimously approved by the league last October.
The TWG Global chief executive is currently facing federal investigations regarding alleged tax fraud connected to other companies tied to his financial empire.
What happens next for the new owners?
Kushner and former Disney chief Iger are already purchasing approximately 65% of the Californian franchise directly from Walter.
Acquiring the additional shares from the founding trust will boost their total ownership stake to roughly 83%.
The monumental takeover still requires formal ratification from the NBA’s board of governors.
This approval process may be delayed until the next board meeting in New York, scheduled for mid-September.
Furthermore, Kushner must successfully divest his existing limited equity in the Miami Heat before the final green light can be given.
Fifa chief operating officer Kevin Lamour has left the global governing body after publicly accusing president Gianni Infantino of deceiving staff over his now-abandoned World Cup plans.
The 46-year-old departed his role following a two-year stint at the international organisation.
His exit follows explosive comments made to the Associated Press in July regarding the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal.
The former executive claimed the project was driven solely by one person and urged football leaders to urgently intervene.
‘I will sleep well tonight’
In a previous statement addressing his potential dismissal, Lamour acknowledged the severe professional risks of his public dissent.
“If that means I lose my job, then so be it.”
“I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
According to reports from the New York Times, the outgoing official also voted against the enterprise plan during a meeting held just hours before the World Cup final.
Fifa confirms swift departure
The governing body released a brief statement confirming the termination of his contract while refusing to elaborate on the circumstances.
“Fifa can confirm that the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as Fifa’s Chief Operating Officer has ended.”
“Fifa thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter.”
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has since notified all remaining staff via email regarding the high-profile departure.
Infantino’s leadership continues to face intense scrutiny as the fallout from the abandoned proposals reverberates through world football.
Chelsea shareholders Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are in negotiations to sell their stakes in the Premier League club to majority owners Clearlake Capital.
The proposed agreement would value the West London side at more than £5bn, according to financial reports.
This development arrives four years after the BlueCo consortium purchased the Stamford Bridge outfit in a £2.5bn takeover.
Consolidating control at Stamford Bridge
Clearlake, a California-based private equity firm, currently holds a commanding 61.5% majority stake in the club.
The remaining 38.5% is divided equally among the American businessmen and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
It remains unclear whether the 90-year-old Wyss also intends to offload his shares during these ongoing boardroom discussions.
The ownership structure has faced intense scrutiny following a prolonged period of heavy spending and disjointed performances on the pitch.
A shifting strategy under Alonso
Despite investing nearly £1.5bn in player transfers since May 2022, the former European champions have struggled to secure major silverware.
Supporters have increasingly voiced their frustration over rising ticket prices and the wider multi-club strategy implemented by the consortium.
First-team manager Xabi Alonso is now tasked with ushering in a new era following the recent departure of Liam Rosenior.
The Blues have already spent £348m on new recruits this summer, while balancing the books with £138m in outgoing sales.
Balancing youth and experience
Signalling a noticeable shift in recruitment policy, the club recently secured the signatures of veterans Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
The experienced duo provide a stark contrast to the previous ownership strategy of exclusively signing long-term prospects.
“For sure, we need to have the right balance in everything. The right balance in physicality, the right balance in talent and experience.”
Alonso explained, highlighting the need for maturity within his youthful squad.
The newly assembled side will begin their domestic campaign away against local rivals Fulham next Monday.
Rangers are theoretically only obliged to offer Celtic a mere 50 tickets for their upcoming Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
The historic Glasgow rivals were drawn against each other in the last eight, raising immediate questions regarding stadium safety and security.
Disorder marred the previous cup encounter between the two Scottish Premiership giants at the same venue in March.
Speculation has been mounting over whether the Parkhead club will be granted an entire stand as they were during that previous fixture.
Strict SPFL rules outline minimal obligations
A detailed review of the Scottish Professional Football League Cup Competition Regulations reveals a surprising baseline for visiting allocations.
Under Section 11 of the competition rulebook, the home side is only strictly required to provide a handful of complimentary passes to their opponents.
“The Home Club shall forward to the Visiting Club ‘without charge’ tickets… 10 for Directors’ Box, 40 for the Stand.”
Consequently, the strictest interpretation of these regulations means the Ibrox hierarchy could effectively deny a meaningful away support.
Custom and practice expected to dictate terms
Despite the written legislation, broadcasting demands and the global profile of the Old Firm derby typically force a more pragmatic approach.
Clubs traditionally default to standard league parameters to ensure a vibrant atmosphere for sponsors and neutral television viewers.
Regular SPFL guidelines demand a reasonable number of visiting supporters be admitted based on advance mutual agreement.
Should the Glasgow heavyweights fail to reach an accord 14 days prior to kick-off, broader league interventions may be required to resolve the standoff.