Formula 1 races take an unpredictable turn as McLaren boss Zak Brown revels in ‘best season’

Formula 1 races take an unpredictable turn as McLaren boss Zak Brown revels in ‘best season’
Verstappen’s dominance in 2022 and 2023 broke records. He still leads the standings but his last win was in June. (AP)
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Updated 16 September 2024
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Formula 1 races take an unpredictable turn as McLaren boss Zak Brown revels in ‘best season’

Formula 1 races take an unpredictable turn as McLaren boss Zak Brown revels in ‘best season’
  • There have been six different winners in the last eight races, representing four different teams
  • Verstappen’s dominance in 2022 and 2023 broke records

LEBANON: After a thrilling Azerbaijan Grand Prix, it seems like nearly half the field is capable of winning races in Formula 1.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown, whose driver Lando Norris is Max Verstappen’s closest title challenger, says he’s enjoying the best show he’s seen in his eight years in F1.
There have been six different winners in the last eight races, representing four different teams. Verstappen, whose dominance in 2022 and 2023 broke records, still leads the standings but his last win was in June.
“I think this is the best season I can think of ever in Formula 1 since I’ve been here,” Brown told The Associated Press from the IndyCar season finale at Nashville Superspeedway in Tennessee.
Could it even be better than the 2021 fight between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, which was decided on the final lap of the year and helped fuel F1’s Netflix boom? Brown thinks it might be.
“That was mega exciting, but it’s just two guys, two good guys. Now you’ve got four good teams in today’s race,” he said.
“To have four teams that can win any weekend, and (Sergio) Perez was obviously back on form today, eight drivers going into Singapore and we’re going ‘I don’t know which of these four teams might win. I don’t know which of these eight drivers might win,’ I can’t recall Formula 1 having that level of competitiveness.”
There was non-stop action Sunday.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took the win in Baku, but only after a daring overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Perez was in the mix for Red Bull until he and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. collided, handing third to Mercedes driver George Russell.
Further back, Norris surged through the field from 15th on the grid to finish fourth ahead of Verstappen and take another bite out of the champion’s standings lead.
Teams’ performances fluctuate week by week, depending on upgrades from the factories, track conditions and setup changes, like the one which Verstappen blamed for ruining his weekend in Azerbaijan.
Even a change of tires can turn an also-ran into a contender, Russell said Sunday.
“Just in this one race, we had a car that could have won if you took the pace from half of the race and a car that should have been outside the top 10 from the other half,” he said, adding: “So I hope we’ve got the faster version” for next week’s race in Singapore.
The Singapore street track hosted one of the most competitive races of an otherwise Red Bull-dominated 2023 season. On worn tires, Sainz held off Norris’ McLaren and the two Mercedes of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and Russell, who crashed from third on the last lap.
Piastri is F1’s on-form driver with the most points of anyone in the last seven races. He knows just how many moving parts are involved in success this year, and how quickly it can all change.
“We’ve been in with a chance everywhere, and I think today was definitely one of those days where we weren’t necessarily the quickest, but we had a car that could put us in the fight,” the Australian said.
“We had a pit stop that could put us in the fight. We had some teamwork that put us in the fight. And it all managed to pay off.”


Fit-again Yadav named in India's squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Fit-again Yadav named in India's squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
Updated 14 sec ago
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Fit-again Yadav named in India's squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Fit-again Yadav named in India's squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
  • Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t played cricket since hernia surgery in November 
  • India retain most of their players who competed at 2023 ODI World Cup

NEW DELHI: India named fit-again spinner Kuldeep Yadav in a 15-man squad for next month’s Champions Trophy on Saturday with Rohit Sharma leading the team into the eight-nation tournament.

Kuldeep hasn’t played competitive cricket since his hernia surgery in November but could play pivotal role on slow pitches of Dubai, where India will be playing all its games. The left-arm wrist spinner has been building up his workload at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

The Indian squad also includes fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

India retained most of its players who competed at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shreyas Iyer and Lokesh Rahul have retained their places while Shubman Gill was named as the team’s vice-captain. Rishabh Pant is the second wicketkeeper chosen in the squad as Sanju Samson couldn’t make the 15.

Fast bowler Mohammad Shami also returns to ODI cricket, having last played the 50-over format at home in the 2023 ODI World Cup where he picked up 24 wickets and was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. Left-arm fast bowler edged out Mohammed Siraj after his impressive performances in white-ball cricket.

India is placed in group A alongside host Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
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Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.


Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw

Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw
Updated 19 January 2025
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Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw

Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw
  • Earlier Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bambo Diaby also faced racist abuse in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon

MADRID: Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde complained of racist abuse aimed at him from Getafe supporters in a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Saturday.
After Hansi Flick’s side were dealt another set-back in the title race at Getafe’s Coliseum stadium Balde reported the abuse in a post-match interview.
“I received various racist insults from some fans today, and I think that’s something I should say here. I think it’s something that should not keep happening,” Balde told Movistar.
The defender said he informed the referee during the game, who activated Spain’s racism protocol — leading to a public announcement to supporters in the stadium to desist.
Flick said those shouting racist abuse should not come to matches.
“There’s no space for this in football or in life, this is unbelievable, in the time (we live in now) it’s totally wrong,” Flick told reporters.
“They have to stay at home. Not go to the match, they have to stay at home.
“I think we have to fight against them, it’s the best thing, and the people around them can also do something... I think everyone can do it.”
Earlier Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bambo Diaby also faced racist abuse in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon.
There have been numerous instances of racism in Spanish football stadiums in recent years, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior often targeted for abuse.
In November three fans were arrested after racist abuse was aimed at Balde and his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal in the Clasico against Real Madrid.


Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match

Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match
Updated 19 January 2025
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Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match

Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match
  • Victory marked their fourth consecutive triumph, keeping them undefeated in the tournament

DUBAI: The Desert Vipers showcased their dominance in this year’s DP World International League T20 with a resounding 53-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their annual Sustainability Match at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

The win marked their fourth consecutive triumph, keeping them undefeated in the tournament and firmly at the top of the standings.

The special match highlighted the franchise’s commitment to environmental awareness, with the team promoting sustainability initiatives and the role of sports in reducing ecological impact.

On the field, the Vipers delivered a commanding performance. Alex Hales led the charge with a dynamic 58 off 36 balls, his first half-century of the tournament. Dan Lawrence added a robust 49, while Sam Curran contributed a quickfire 35, propelling the Vipers to an imposing 193 for five.

The spin trio of Nathan Sowter, Wanindu Hasaranga, and debutant Dhruv Parashar starred with the ball, dismantling the Knight Riders’ batting lineup.

Sowter claimed three wickets, Hasaranga took two, and Parashar chipped in with one. Their efforts, combined with sharp fielding, restricted the opposition to 140 in 17.4 overs.

The fielding display was capped by an electrifying moment from Luke Wood, who took three outfield catches and played a pivotal role in a spectacular boundary-line assist. His effort to flick a catch to substitute fielder David Payne to dismiss the dangerous Andre Russell earned him the player of the match award.

Spin bowler Nathan Sowter, who claimed three wickets, lauded the team’s start to the season.

“We’re flying; it’s a great start to the tournament. Last year, we only managed four wins, and now we’re four from four. If we can keep this momentum and go into the break with six wins, we’ll be well-positioned to finish in the top two and control our destiny,” he said.

He also highlighted Wood’s brilliance as a game-changing moment.

“We practised these catches during warm-ups. Moments like that change games, and hats off to Woody – he worked hard and got his rewards today. He fully deserved the player of the match award,” Sowter said.

Reflecting on his own performance, Sowter admitted it wasn’t his best day but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of cricket.

“Tonight, I got three wickets despite not bowling as well as I could. It’s a fickle game, but you take the wickets and move on to the next one,” he said.

The Vipers' next challenge comes with two matches in three days, a test that could solidify their spot at the top and edge them closer to playoff contention. With momentum on their side, the Vipers are proving to be the team to beat in this year’s DP World ILT20.


Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback

Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback
Updated 18 January 2025
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Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback

Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback
  • Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz
  • There was an agonizing finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz

LONDON: Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major setback as they blew a two-goal lead in a damaging 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them in control at the Emirates Stadium.
But the Gunners collapsed midway through the second half as Youri Tielemans’ first league goal this season handed Villa a lifeline before Ollie Watkins bagged the equalizer.
Boyhood Arsenal fan Watkins was about to be replaced by Jhon Duran before his 10th league goal this season put a huge dent in the north Londoners’ hopes of catching Liverpool.
There was an agonizing finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz.
Second-placed Arsenal are now six points behind Liverpool as their bid for a first title since 2004 continues to splutter.
Darwin’s Nunez’s stoppage-time double for Liverpool sealed a 2-0 win at Brentford just half an hour before Arsenal kicked off, with groans audible from the stands as the result reached fans at the Emirates.
And with Liverpool holding a game in hand on Arsenal, Arne Slot’s men are firmly in control of the title race.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win against north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday had ended a damaging run of three games without a win in all competitions.
That frustrating streak included the FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and a League Cup semifinal first leg loss to Newcastle.
There was a pre-match blow for Arsenal as French defender William Saliba was ruled out with a “minor issue” and Villa eventually exploited his absence.
Villa had ruined Arsenal’s title bid last term, beating them twice in the league including a crucial 2-0 victory in north London in April.
Despite partially avenging those losses with a win at Villa earlier this season, Arsenal found themselves frustrated by their former boss Unai Emery again.
Despite being penned deep inside their own half for most of the opening 10 minutes, Villa should have taken the lead when Ian Maatsen’s fierce strike from 12 yards forced a fine save from David Raya.
Arsenal’s pressure was rewarded in the 35th minute as Leandro Trossard whipped a cross into the six-yard box and Martinelli got in front of Maatsen to stab past Martinez, whose save couldn’t quite stop the ball crossing the line before he clawed it out.
Havertz headed over from Martin Odegaard’s free-kick, but the much-maligned German finally ended his recent struggles to double Arsenal’s lead in the 55th minute.
Trossard cleverly shifted the ball away from Villa defender Matty Cash and whipped a low cross toward Havertz, whose close-range finish eluded Martinez’s weak attempted save.
The 25-year-old’s first goal in four games took him to 13 in 29 matches in all competitions this season, but he would still finish as the villain.
Tielemans led Villa’s instant fightback, getting in front of Merino to meet Lucas Digne’s cross with a diving header from six yards in the 60th minute.
Arsenal were rocking and Tielemans nearly equalized 90 seconds later with a snap-shot that smacked back off the post.
Martinelli volleyed wide from Gabriel’s lofted pass, foreshadowing the pain to come for Arsenal in the 68th minute.
Cash’s cross arrowed into the Arsenal area and Havertz couldn’t head clear, giving Watkins the chance to guide a clinical finish into the roof of the net from close-range.
Merino briefly thought he had spared Arsenal’s blushes but his strike from the edge of the area was disallowed for the clear contact with Havertz’s arm.
In a thrilling finale, Merino hit the post before Martinez made a superb save to repel Trossard’s effort from the rebound as Arteta held his head in disbelief.


Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier

Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier
Updated 18 January 2025
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Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier

Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier
  • Kane said he hoped the club would extend Dier’s 2025-expiring deal
  • “He’s come in the last couple of games and done really, really well, and got two clean sheets”

MUNICH: Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to extend Eric Dier’s deal at the club, saying he would “love” to continue playing with his former Spurs and England team-mate.
Dier was a surprise signing when he arrived from Spurs in January 2024 but has gone on to play 31 games for the German giants.
The 31-year-old center-back has started three of his past four league games for Bayern despite competition from central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
Speaking to AFP and other media after Bayern’s 3-2 home win over Wolfsburg on Saturday, Kane said he hoped the club would extend Dier’s 2025-expiring deal.
“Eric’s been great, he’s been waiting patiently, obviously Upa (Upamecano) and Min-jae have been fantastic this season, so Eric’s just had to bide his time.
“He’s come in the last couple of games and done really, really well, and got two clean sheets, so, yeah, of course I’d love Eric to stay.
“I guess that’s between him and the club, I haven’t had any conversations with him, so we’ll have to see.”
Including matches for Bayern, Tottenham and England at junior and senior level, the duo have played 386 games together.
Bayern went trophyless for the first time in 11 seasons in 2023-24, continuing Kane’s run of never having won a team trophy, but the England captain backed Bayern to break through this year.
“Last year there were games where we were struggling but we just found a way to win.
“It’s been a bit different this year... we’ve been dominating every game we’ve played.
“We’re becoming a really dominant team in Germany and in Europe.”