Mercedes driver George Russell has revealed he feels unexpectedly grounded in his first Formula 1 world title fight, attributing his calm mindset to lessons learned during his childhood karting career.
The 28-year-old officially opened a new karting facility at Silverstone on Wednesday, bringing his two-decade motorsport journey full circle.
When the Briton joined the Silver Arrows in 2022, he anticipated an immediate championship battle alongside then team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
However, his promotion from Williams coincided with a significant dip in the team’s dominant form following their controversial 2021 campaign against Max Verstappen.
Focusing on the daily process
Now that the Brackley-based squad are finally back at the front of the grid, their lead driver insists his approach remains entirely unchanged.
“I was a bit surprised about that myself. I’m just going about my process day to day.” George Russell
“Every time I get in a race car, I don’t think about the big picture, which is winning the championship.”
Instead of fixating on the overall standings, the former junior champion prioritises extracting maximum performance during qualifying and executing flawless race starts.
He acknowledges the unique intensity of the current season but maintains that his psychological approach is entirely natural rather than a forced coping mechanism.
Childhood lessons endure
“It’s just the mentality I’ve always had since I was a kid. Probably what my father ingrained in me, fighting for karting championships as a 10-year-old.” George Russell
Having outperformed the seven-time world champion Hamilton in two of their three seasons together, the current title contender clearly thrives under intense pressure.
Although the sporting stakes in motorsport’s premier class are exponentially higher, the fundamental requirements to win remain identical to those early days on the kart track.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli has formally suggested to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup amid ongoing military tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The unprecedented request arrives during a temporary ceasefire in the escalating conflict between the United States and the Middle Eastern nation.
While Infantino recently insisted there is no contingency plan to remove the Iranian national team, uncertainty continues to cloud their tournament participation.
Azzurri offered an unlikely lifeline
Zampolli confirmed his radical proposal to the Financial Times, advocating for the four-time world champions to take the vacant spot if one arises.
“As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri competing in a tournament hosted by the United States,” Zampolli stated.
“With four titles, they have the history and stature to warrant inclusion.”
The European heavyweights failed to qualify for the tournament after suffering a shock play-off defeat against Bosnia last month.
Gattuso departs following qualification failure
That devastating loss in the European qualifiers prompted head coach Gennaro Gattuso to immediately resign from his post.
“With pain in my heart, having failed to achieve the target we set ourselves, I am bringing an end to my experience as national team boss,” the former midfielder told fans.
Despite the high-profile American backing, Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi has dismissed the prospect of a late tournament entry as highly unlikely.
Diplomatic tensions overshadow Group G
The Iranian squad are currently scheduled to begin their campaign against New Zealand on 15 June.
Group G also features challenging fixtures against Belgium and Egypt for the Asian powerhouse.
Trump caused a diplomatic stir last month by urging the team to stay away from the North American tournament for their own safety.
Tehran responded defiantly to the American president, suggesting the co-hosts should withdraw from their own competition instead.
England have appointed former Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott as their new men’s head coach ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
The 56-year-old succeeds Shaun Wane, who stepped down from the national role in January.
He will balance international duties on a part-time basis alongside his current position as an assistant coach at Australian NRL club Gold Coast Titans.
Beating stiff competition
The Yorkshireman was selected by the Rugby Football League from a highly competitive five-man shortlist.
Warrington’s Sam Burgess, current Leeds manager Brad Arthur, St Helens’ Paul Rowley and former England coach Steve McNamara were all considered for the post.
Hull KR’s treble-winning chief Willie Peters had also previously expressed interest.
However, he ruled himself out of the running by accepting an offer to join the new Papua New Guinea Chiefs franchise at the end of the season.
A proven track record
The ex-marine brings tremendous pedigree to the international setup following a trophy-laden eight-year spell at Headingley.
During his tenure with the Rhinos, he secured four Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and a World Club Challenge.
Rugby league great Kevin Sinfield recently described the former Bradford forward as the best coach he had ever played under.
‘Building belief in the group’
The new international boss stated his immediate priority is establishing a winning culture within the squad.
“I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”
“My focus now is on creating an environment where players can perform with confidence, represent the shirt with pride, and give themselves the best chance of going deep into the tournament.”
“I’ve always been hands-on and close to the detail, and that will be important in this role. My job now is to get the standards right, build belief in the group, and make sure we’re ready when it matters.”
World Cup campaign begins
The national side will travel to Australia this autumn to begin their latest quest for global silverware.
Their opening fixture takes place against Tonga in Perth on 17 October.
Subsequent group stage matches against France and Papua New Guinea will follow shortly after.
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks have heavily criticised the officiating after the Phoenix Suns suffered a 120-107 play-off defeat against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
The loss leaves Phoenix trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series against the reigning title holders.
Booker, an 11-year league veteran, was particularly angered by a technical foul he received in the third quarter.
The Phoenix star singled out crew chief James Williams by name, suggesting the integrity of the sport is at stake.
“It’s bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as a WWE if they’re not held responsible.”
Devin Booker
Brooks questions physicality
Suns forward Brooks also expressed immense frustration after fouling out in the closing moments of the contest despite scoring 30 points.
The Canadian international directed his ire towards the whistle blown for his national team-mate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning Most Valuable Player, scored a game-high 37 points and converted all nine of his free-throw attempts.
“He’s a little frail, and that’s what the refs are going to call. I got to be smarter about it, but this is the playoffs. It’s a man’s game.”
Dillon Brooks
The former Memphis Grizzlies defender pleaded for a return to the physical style of past play-off eras, questioning why flopping is tolerated.
Gilgeous-Alexander unfazed
Despite the verbal barbs, Gilgeous-Alexander refused to be drawn into a war of words with his summer international colleague.
The Oklahoma City standout had previously attempted 17 free throws in his team’s blowout victory in Game 1.
He insisted his sole focus remains on securing victories for his franchise as they look to defend their crown.
“I can’t control what Dillon or anybody else on the other side is going to complain about. All I can do is try to go out there and win basketball games for my team.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder guard concluded by praising the energy his opponent brought to the court, noting that he loves the competitive nature of their match-ups.
NFL franchises will make defining roster decisions on Thursday night as the highly anticipated three-day NFL Draft gets under way in Pittsburgh.
The annual selection event represents the culmination of a rigorous scouting period that began last August.
Hundreds of executives and coaches have spent thousands of hours analysing collegiate prospects in a desperate bid to predict future success.
The Seattle Seahawks currently sit at the pinnacle of the sport following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, and rival franchises are now eager to emulate their roster-building blueprint.
Excitement and pressure on draft day
The selection process provides a constant source of debate and contrasting predictions, fuelling the relentless popularity of America’s premier football competition.
Rick Spielman, currently a senior advisor with the New York Jets, believes the immense pressure of the event is unmatched across the sporting landscape.
“Besides maybe getting married to my wife, it’s the most exciting day of the year every year.”
Rick Spielman
The veteran executive has previously overseen life-changing decisions during his lengthy tenure as the Minnesota Vikings general manager.
He successfully drafted legendary running back Adrian Peterson with the seventh overall pick in 2007.
The former Minnesota shot-caller also seized the opportunity to select Justin Jefferson in 2020, with the dynamic playmaker now widely regarded as the finest wide receiver in the league.
The search for hidden gems
Front office executives constantly wrestle with the dilemma of whether to risk draft capital on potential superstars or accumulate solid contributors on cost-effective rookie contracts.
“The players get 17 games, but as a general manager, you only get one game and this is it.”
Rick Spielman
Comprehensive draft boards are finalised well before the event begins, leaving teams to meticulously run through countless strategic scenarios.
While the opening rounds dominate the global headlines, the latter stages on Saturday belong entirely to the regional scouting departments.
These final selections are where hidden gems are frequently unearthed, providing crucial foundational depth for teams harbouring genuine championship aspirations.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams sustained a left hamstring injury during a 120-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, overshadowing his team’s 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.
The breakout star was forced to leave the court with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter after attempting a contested fast-break layup.
He immediately grabbed his leg, motioned toward the bench, and intentionally committed a foul shortly after to ensure a swift exit to the locker room.
Injury woes continue for All-NBA forward
“We think he aggravated his left hamstring,” head coach Mark Daigneault said.
“We’ll take a look at it in the next couple of days, and we’ll update you guys appropriately.”
Before his premature departure, the former third-team All-NBA selection had already registered 19 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting display in just 23 minutes of action.
His dominant form followed a spectacular series opener where he amassed 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to help Oklahoma City seize early control of the matchup.
A history of physical setbacks
This latest setback adds to a frustratingly fragmented campaign for the dynamic scorer, who was restricted to a mere 33 appearances during the regular season.
He missed the opening 19 games while recovering from surgery on a torn wrist ligament, a severe issue he bravely played through during Oklahoma City’s postseason run last year.
The talented wing also endured two extended absences earlier this year due to a separate strain in his right hamstring, which he notably aggravated against Phoenix in February.
The Western Conference contenders will now anxiously await medical updates as they prepare to travel to Arizona for Game 3 on Saturday.
With Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers already relegated, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United face a tense fight to avoid the final drop zone spot in the Premier League.
Leeds United and Nottingham Forest now appear to have secured their top-flight status for another season.
Daniel Farke’s side reached the coveted 40-point mark following a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser from Sean Longstaff at Bournemouth.
That crucial point leaves the Yorkshire club nine points clear of the bottom three.
Opta predicts misery for struggling Spurs
According to the Opta Supercomputer, the North London club are the firm favourites to suffer relegation for the first time since 1977.
Roberto de Zerbi’s men are given a 56.93% chance of slipping into the Championship.
In contrast, their London rivals are viewed as slightly safer, holding a 38.58% probability of finishing in 18th place.
Forest also look increasingly secure, boasting just a 4.27% chance of the drop after a vital weekend victory over Burnley.
De Zerbi remains defiant despite dismal form
The former Brighton manager struck a bullish tone after his team drew with his old club on Saturday.
We are able to win five games in a row.
Roberto de Zerbi
However, recent statistics paint a remarkably bleak picture for the capital club.
The relegation-threatened outfit have failed to secure a league victory in their past 15 attempts.
They remain winless throughout 2026, having managed just two top-flight victories since late October.
Farke refuses to celebrate survival early
Despite going seven matches unbeaten across all competitions, the Leeds manager is taking nothing for granted.
I am experienced long enough in this world, we will celebrate when it’s mathematically done. It’s too early.
Daniel Farke
A victory over Championship-bound Burnley at Elland Road could mathematically guarantee survival for the Whites.
Until then, the tense scrap at the bottom of the table looks destined to go down to the wire.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has been named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year after a historic season coming off the bench.
The seventh-year veteran became the first player in franchise history to score at least 1,000 points as a substitute in a single campaign.
His impressive total of 1,081 points ranked as the second-highest among all reserve players in the league this year.
A challenging transition
The move to a reserve role was initially difficult for a player who had started 205 games over his first four professional seasons.
Following a 2022-23 campaign where he led the Texas franchise with a career-high 22 points per game, former head coach Gregg Popovich asked him to step out of the starting five.
The American forward admitted his ego took an initial hit upon hearing the news, but he ultimately trusted the coaching staff’s vision.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but it never deterred me, never steered me away,” Johnson told ESPN.
“Being Sixth Man of the Year is just a testament to that, to my supporting cast, to the Spurs and how much they’ve trusted and believed in me.”
‘The soul of this team’
His teammates and coaches were quick to praise his selfless attitude and relentless physical energy on the court.
Star centre Victor Wembanyama, who was recently named Defensive Player of the Year, highlighted the crucial impact of his veteran teammate.
“He has sacrificed more than anybody on this team in my opinion in terms of stats and playing time,” Wembanyama said.
“He brings energy, no matter what time of the day, and he deserves to be the Sixth Man of the Year.”
Historic statistical impact
The longest-tenured player on the roster registered 13 performances of 20 points or more as a substitute during the regular season.
That achievement tied for the third-most in franchise history and is the highest total since Manu Ginobili’s renowned 2006-07 season.
He also ranked in the top five among all NBA bench players in total rebounds, free throws made, and plus-minus statistics.
Current Spurs coach Mitch Johnson described the dynamic wing as the absolute heart and soul of the roster.
“He puts his body in harm’s way for the betterment of the team every game,” the coach noted.
Rookie guard Dylan Harper echoed those sentiments, calling the veteran a vital unifying presence within the locker room.
“The role he’s taken and how he thrives in his role is the best thing ever for us,” Harper concluded.