Max Verstappen’s long-standing Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has reportedly agreed a lucrative deal to join Formula 1 rivals McLaren for the 2028 season.
The Frenchman, affectionately known as ‘GP’ within the paddock, is expected to depart the Milton Keynes-based outfit at the conclusion of his current contract next year.
This development represents a significant blow to the Dutch driver, who has relied on Lambiase’s crucial guidance over the team radio since his promotion to the senior squad a decade ago.
Exodus continues at Red Bull
According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, this impending switch to Woking is intrinsically linked to the anticipated departure of current McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.
Stella has been heavily associated with a future move to Ferrari, potentially paving the way for Lambiase to step into a senior management role.
The experienced engineer had previously stated he could not envision acting as a race engineer for any driver other than the reigning world champion.
However, making the transition into a team principal or directorial position represents an entirely different career proposition, and one that reportedly comes with a substantial financial increase.
Familiar faces await at Woking
A move to the reigning Constructors’ Champions will allow Lambiase to reunite with several former colleagues who have already made the identical transition.
Chief designer Rob Marshall and chief strategist Will Courtenay both recently traded Red Bull for McLaren, strengthening the technical structure at the British marquee.
These latest structural shifts compound a highly challenging 2026 campaign for the energy drink giant, which has already endured a disappointing start to the new track action.
Mounting pressure behind the scenes
The Milton Keynes operation has witnessed a mass exodus of senior personnel over recent years, beginning with the departure of long-time team principal Christian Horner in the summer of 2025.
Commercial and communications directors Oliver Hughes and Paul Smith swiftly followed Horner out the door, while key technical figures like Guillaume Dezoteux were subsequently poached by Ferrari.
With technical director Pierre Wache now reportedly facing mounting internal pressure, questions will inevitably continue to swirl regarding Verstappen’s own long-term commitment to the struggling project.
Conor Benn believes Zuffa Boxing will receive maximum value from his £11.19m one-fight contract when he faces Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
The 29-year-old makes his highly anticipated Netflix debut on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s heavyweight clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov.
He returns to the ring for the first time since securing a dominant points victory over domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr in November.
Lucrative new partnership
The undefeated welterweight shocked the boxing world in February by leaving long-term promoter Eddie Hearn to sign with the newly formed promotional entity.
Zuffa Boxing represents a powerful joint venture between UFC chief executive Dana White and Saudi Arabian advisor Turki Alalshikh.
This unprecedented financial agreement currently expires immediately after the 150lbs catchweight contest against former two-time world champion Prograis.
However, the London-born fighter has strongly hinted that his relationship with the promotional powerhouse could extend further.
“Zuffa wanted to make noise – and that’s exactly what they’ve done,” said the British fighter.
“I don’t see much bigger announcements that have gone so viral off an announcement of a signing, not even a fight.”
“After Saturday I’ll be a completely free agent, but obviously Zuffa are in the driving seat because of the way they’ve looked after me so well.”
Healing the Matchroom rift
The sudden departure created significant tension with Matchroom Boxing chairman Hearn, who had carefully guided the fighter’s entire professional career.
Hearn previously described the email notification of the split as a “dagger in the heart” after supporting his client through a high-profile doping suspension in 2022.
Despite the acrimonious exit and a public dispute over a £550,000 loan, the boxer insists the generational wealth on offer was simply impossible to refuse.
“What I do know, what I can say, is my kids are set up for life. What I can say is this changes my kids’ kids’ lives.”
“What I can say is this an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, irrelevant of all the noise, irrelevant of everything.”
The ambitious contender now hopes to secure a world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in September.
Before looking ahead to future challenges, he remains completely open to reconciling with his former promoter in London this weekend.
“Hopefully we can sit down and I hope he does knock on my changing room door, because I love Eddie,” he added.
Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National this week to defend his Masters title with renewed motivation after completing the career Grand Slam last year.
The Northern Irishman ended an 11-year major drought in dramatic fashion 12 months ago, defeating Justin Rose in a tense play-off to secure the iconic Green Jacket.
That historic victory made him just the sixth male player to win all four of golf’s modern major championships.
A new era of motivation
Many observers questioned whether conquering his ultimate golfing Everest would diminish his competitive drive.
However, the defending champion insists he has embraced the unique pressure of returning to the first tee as the reigning title holder.
McIlroy arrived at the prestigious Georgia venue earlier than usual to fulfil his new obligations, including his debut as host of the traditional Champions Dinner.
“It has been a little bit of a mix of business and pleasure, I would say,” McIlroy said.
Enjoying the ultimate privilege
The former world number one admitted he previously feared he might never earn a place at the exclusive Tuesday evening gathering of past winners.
“All of us in that room were the envy of the sports world,” he added.
“Everyone else would love to be in that room, and I certainly don’t ever want to take it for granted.”
Determined to savour the moment, the grand slam chaser approached the elite gathering with a highly grounded perspective.
“I tried to treat it as if it was the only time I would host a dinner. Hopefully it’s not but, if it is, I tried to do it the right way.”
Finding the next destination
Prior to last year’s triumph, McIlroy had openly viewed an Augusta victory as the final destination of his illustrious career.
Having now joined an elite club alongside the likes of Tiger Woods, his focus has shifted towards defining his ongoing legacy.
His refined preparation strategy now blends meticulous course reconnaissance with a conscious effort to enjoy the tournament atmosphere.
“I’m just going to try to keep enjoying my week, but I know to do that I just have to go out there and play good golf – that’s what I’m focused on.”
Newcastle United are bracing for a transformative summer transfer window as head coach Eddie Howe faces mounting scrutiny following an inconsistent Premier League campaign.
The Magpies currently languish in 12th place in the top flight, a stark contrast to the jubilation of ending their seven-decade trophy drought with an EFL Cup victory in March 2025.
A recent damaging derby defeat against Sunderland saw St James’ Park empty rapidly, with booing replacing the adulation the English manager previously enjoyed.
Chief executive David Hopkinson has indicated that the hierarchy expects a strong finish to the campaign to alleviate the growing tension.
Boardroom expectations and financial realities
The Tyneside outfit boast the eighth-highest wage bill in the division and recorded a net spend exceeding £100m during the previous summer window.
Club executives will carefully review whether they are receiving an adequate return on that substantial investment when the current season concludes.
While the former Bournemouth boss retains credit for his past achievements, ownership remains steadfast in their ambitious objective to establish the team among the global elite by 2030.
We are not having those conversations about a change of manager at the moment.
David Hopkinson, Chief Executive
Fan unrest and looming squad overhaul
The shifting atmosphere on the terraces is palpable, with supporters demanding tangible signs of progress to justify continued faith in the current sporting project.
Long-time supporters are acknowledging the dichotomy between gratitude for recent domestic success and the immediate necessity for improved league performances.
What he’s done in the past doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the man for the future. There’s a lot riding on this end to the season.
Adam Stoker, Season Ticket Holder
Significant changes to the playing squad are already in motion as the recruitment department prepares for a defining off-season.
Trippier departure signals new era
The recent announcement that veteran defender Kieran Trippier will depart at the end of the current campaign serves as a clear indicator of the impending roster evolution.
Backroom staff are currently drafting alternative transfer strategies depending entirely on whether European qualification can be salvaged.
Failing to secure continental football would likely necessitate further high-profile player sales to balance the books and sustainably rebuild the squad.
Overview
Six-time major champion Nick Faldo has urged Jon Rahm to pay his outstanding DP World Tour fines to ensure his eligibility for next year’s Ryder Cup.
The Spanish two-time major winner faces penalties exceeding £2m for participating in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments.
Until the financial dispute is resolved, the former world number one remains barred from European calendar events and the 2025 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
LIV Golfers strike deals but stalemate remains
Eight of his fellow breakaway players, including European teammate Tyrrell Hatton, have already accepted agreements to clear outstanding dues and commit to mandatory tour appearances.
However, the 29-year-old has steadfastly refused to pay, despite recently withdrawing his formal legal appeal against the sanctions.
“Yes, we keep talking with the DP World Tour trying to figure out a solution that works best,” said Rahm when asked about his Ryder Cup hopes.
“I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody so I have faith in us and the DP World Tour that we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”
Faldo demands ‘gratitude’ from LIV rebels
European golf legend Faldo believes those who departed for vast Saudi-backed riches need to tread carefully regarding their ongoing demands.
“The real bottom line is these guys have got to show a bit of gratitude,” stated the 66-year-old Englishman.
“Don’t get full of your own importance, if you take six months off, golf would move on, wouldn’t it?”
“He is an important member to the last couple of Ryder Cups, but if he’s not there, he’s not there, so if you want to be there, pay up, my goodness.”
Autumn swing ambitions hang in the balance
The reigning Masters champion still hopes to compete in upcoming autumn events, including the Spanish Open, Irish Open, and BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Dismissing claims of scheduling freedom, Faldo noted that signing lucrative breakaway agreements naturally restricts a player’s ability to pick and choose traditional tour stops.
“All they’ve asked for was to play a couple of designated events, you earn a boat load of money so give back, because it’ll pay forward, it’s as simple as that,” Faldo concluded.
“As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September,” added the Spaniard.
Defending champions the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the best regular-season record in the NBA and home-court advantage throughout the play-offs with a 128-110 victory over the LA Clippers.
Chet Holmgren dominated the contest in Inglewood, California, registering 30 points and 14 rebounds.
The towering centre was instrumental in establishing an early 25-point lead, scoring 24 of his points in the first half alone.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supported the offensive effort with 20 points and 11 assists before resting in the fourth quarter.
That milestone extended the Canadian guard’s record-breaking streak to 141 consecutive games with at least 20 points.
Champions hit form at perfect time
Jalen Williams added 18 points as the title-holders improved their impressive overall season record to 64 wins and 16 losses.
The franchise have now won seven consecutive matches and 19 of their last 20 outings to fend off a late surge from the San Antonio Spurs.
This late-season momentum ensures they claim the Western Conference’s top overall position for a third successive campaign.
Their suffocating defence completely stifled the hosts, who failed to register a single fast-break field goal throughout the night.
Clippers face crucial Portland showdown
For the defeated Californian outfit, Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points to extend his own streak of 20-point games to 56.
The veteran forward also remains on track to reach the 65-game threshold required for end-of-season award consideration.
Brook Lopez contributed 16 points for the eighth-placed side, who had previously won seven of their last nine fixtures.
The Los Angeles team were without Darius Garland as they continue to manage his toe injury following a trade involving James Harden from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They must now travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday in a decisive battle for post-season positioning.
The victor is almost guaranteed to finish eighth, while the loser will drop to ninth and face a demanding path through the play-in tournament.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy begins his quest for back-to-back victories at the 2026 Masters as world number one Scottie Scheffler targets a third Green Jacket at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam at last year’s tournament after defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.
He will now attempt to retain his title against a 91-player field in the opening major of the year.
Scheffler leads the challengers
Scheffler arrives in Georgia as the pre-tournament favourite despite a recent dip in form.
The American has failed to register a top-10 finish in his last three PGA Tour outings.
Heavyweight contenders Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele are also expected to feature prominently on the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Cameron Young is looking to become the third consecutive player to win The Masters immediately after claiming victory at The Players Championship.
English hopes and perfect conditions
A strong English contingent features Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood.
The trio are all bidding to become just the third Englishman in history to triumph at the iconic venue.
Competitors will be greeted by flawless weather conditions throughout the four tournament days.
Forecasters predict dry skies and steadily increasing temperatures, peaking at a hot 29C (85F) over the weekend.
Atletico Madrid took control of their Champions League quarter-final tie with a 2-0 first-leg victory over Barcelona after defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off following a pivotal VAR review.
The match-defining incident arrived in the 44th minute with the Spanish rivals locked in a tense, goalless stalemate.
Giuliano Simeone appeared to be bearing down on goal when he was tripped by the teenage centre-back.
Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs initially opted to show a yellow card, judging that the attacker was not in full control of an airborne ball.
VAR intervenes to overturn DOGSO decision
Video assistant referee Christian Dingert subsequently advised an on-field review for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Replays clearly indicated that without the foul, the Argentine forward would have progressed into the penalty area with a clear chance to score.
Kovacs reversed his original call and dismissed the Spanish international, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
Former Premier League referee Andy Davies praised the intervention, describing it as a positive and correct use of the technology.
Atletico capitalise to take first-leg advantage
The visitors ruthlessly exploited their numerical superiority almost immediately.
World Cup winner Julian Alvarez curled home a delightful free-kick from the resulting set-piece to break the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.
Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth later added a second to secure a commanding lead for Diego Simeone’s side.
The Catalan giants now face a daunting task in Tuesday’s return leg at the Metropolitano Stadium to keep their European hopes alive.