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F1 Belgian GP live updates: Follow latest from today's sprint race and qualifying

F1 Belgian GP live updates: Follow latest from today's sprint race and qualifying

New York Times26-07-2025
The Athletic
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the iconic home to the Belgian Grand Prix, and one of seven tracks that featured in the inaugural World Championship in 1950 — but that is only part of the reason why this place exudes all that F1 has to offer.
The 19 turns make up the longest lap on the calendar, the greatest elevation changes, and weather that can differ from lap to lap, sector to sector.
From the climb through Eau Rogue and Raidillon to the exhilarating Pouhon, Spa has it all. It is why the drivers love this place, and why it usually makes for an epic race.
Here are the key circuit facts: Circuit length: 7.00 km (4.35 miles)
(4.35 miles) Laps: 44
Lap record: 1:44.701 (Sergio Perez, 2024)
(Sergio Perez, 2024) First GP: 1950
As F1 prepares for its final doubleheader before the summer break, Madeline Coleman 's circuit breakdown briefs you with everything you need to know about the Belgian track famed for its dangerous nature.
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Belgian GP track breakdown: Spa's iconic layout blends F1 beauty with danger
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Everton are tepid and tentative. They are a team still crying out for additions
Everton are tepid and tentative. They are a team still crying out for additions

New York Times

time10 minutes ago

  • New York Times

Everton are tepid and tentative. They are a team still crying out for additions

David Moyes has spent most of the summer sounding alarm bells. After the 2-1 Premier League Summer Series defeat to his former club West Ham United, the Everton manager warned that 'until we add to this squad, we're going to be up against it. The league starts again and we're not ready for it'. Everton have strengthened their squad since then, notably bringing in midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish — the latter on loan from Manchester City — but Moyes' words ended up being prophetic. Advertisement At Elland Road on Monday night, Everton were not ready. Far from it, in fact. There will be much talk about the contentious decision to award Leeds United a late penalty, after a deflected shot struck captain James Tarkowski on the arm. Speaking afterwards, Moyes and Tarkowski both criticised the decision and they had a point. We spend so much time hearing about silhouettes and 'unnatural body' positions, but the central defender's arm was by his side. 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Moyes would also like the strengthen in central midfield and at full-back, yet injuries to Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson left the stocks looking bare. The absence of Adam Aznou, the 19-year-old summer addition from Bayern Munich, has so far not been explained. Asked by The Athletic post-match if Aznou or Mykolenko had a chance of featuring in Saturday's home game against Brighton & Hove Albion, Moyes remained non-committal. It left Moyes with only one fit full-back in his squad, 36-year-old club captain Seamus Coleman, and Everton lacking width — both there and in more advanced areas. Jake O'Brien and James Garner were both deployed as makeshift full-backs but struggled to muster the requisite quality, particularly in attack. Advertisement The reshuffle also seemed to disrupt the balance elsewhere, notably in midfield. Put simply, Everton did not compete. They lost the physical battle and were bullied at times. 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Vera Clinic Is an Official Partner of the Houston Rockets for 2025-2026 NBA Season
Vera Clinic Is an Official Partner of the Houston Rockets for 2025-2026 NBA Season

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Vera Clinic Is an Official Partner of the Houston Rockets for 2025-2026 NBA Season

Istanbul, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - August 18, 2025) - Vera Clinic, the 2021 European Medicine Award Winner for Medical Excellence in the Hair Transplant Surgery category, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Houston Rockets for the 2025-2026 NBA season. As the exclusive hair transplant provider for the Houston Rockets, the clinic has drawn attention across the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. Vera Clinic is an Official Partner of the Houston Rockets for 2025-2026 NBA Season To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Vera Clinic was founded in 2013 in Istanbul by Kazim Sipahi. Since then, it has become a global name in hair restoration, known for its signature Sapphire FUE technique, Oxycure post-operative therapy, and transparent treatment packages trusted by over 40,000 patients worldwide. Rather than working with a local sponsor, the Houston Rockets selected a clinic based in Istanbul, reflecting the growing recognition of international providers in global healthcare. This moment reflects a shift in how Turkey is being seen on the global healthcare map. Once known mainly for budget-friendly treatments, Turkey is now attracting international attention for its medical quality, innovative procedures, and certified specialists, particularly in the fields of cosmetic surgery, hair restoration, and regenerative therapy. The partnership builds global trust by placing Turkish medicine on a world stage. It highlights innovation by showcasing Turkish contributions to medical science, such as Sapphire FUE and Oxycure. It repositions the narrative, shifting perceptions of Turkey from simply affordable to medically advanced. It contributes to national growth, with Turkey's medical tourism sector contributing over $2.5 billion annually as of 2024, fueled by cross-border partnerships and international certifications. "Partnering with the Houston Rockets is a reflection of what has been built over the last decade," said Kazim Sipahi, the CEO of Vera Clinic. "From day one, transparency, science, and ethical care have been priorities. To be acknowledged by an institution like the Rockets means the standard is global." When a top NBA team places its trust in a clinic, fans and followers take notice. For patients who travel to Istanbul, Vera Clinic offers full-package solutions. Airport transfers, hotel stay, translator services, surgery, post-operative checkups, and medications are bundled into one fixed price, ranging from €2,500 to €6,000 depending on technique and graft count. Vera Clinic is an Official Partner of the Houston Rockets for 2025-2026 NBA Season To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The collaboration was based on medical outcomes and clinical trust, rather than promotional endorsements. The Houston Rockets and Vera Clinic agreement reflects a larger trend in which medical credibility is transcending borders. A basketball team is investing in scientific care, clinical transparency, and global outcomes; not just sponsorship optics. Patients are increasingly searching for clinics with real metrics, therapies backed by measurable outcomes, and partnerships that signal clinical trust rather than financial arrangements. The collaboration between the Houston Rockets and Vera Clinic aligns with that model. Contact Info:Name: Mouheb BouzgarrouEmail: mouheb@ Vera ClinicAddress: Kartal Polyclinic: Kordonboyu, Turgut Ozal Blv. No: 47, 34860 Kartal/IstanbulPhone: +90 542 743 54 08Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio

Xabi Alonso's €180m Real Madrid rebuild: How wounded Spanish giants transformed this summer
Xabi Alonso's €180m Real Madrid rebuild: How wounded Spanish giants transformed this summer

New York Times

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Xabi Alonso's €180m Real Madrid rebuild: How wounded Spanish giants transformed this summer

Real Madrid's La Liga opener against Osasuna later today marks the latest key moment in the club's exciting restart with Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Last season was a deeply discouraging one for everyone at the Bernabeu, with no major trophies won and regular disappointments leading to Carlo Ancelotti's exit as coach. Advertisement In response, club president Florentino Perez hired Alonso and sanctioned around €180million (£155m; $210.5m) to be spent on new players, including defenders Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with exciting young Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono. Alonso's attempts to revitalise a team which appeared moribund by the end of Ancelotti's time as coach actually began at the Club World Cup, a tournament that offered Madridistas some optimistic signs but also reinforced more painful realities. Here, informed by numerous sources working at Madrid or closely connected to the club (all wished to speak anonymously to protect relationships), is the story of Real Madrid's summer rebuild. Madrid's squad planning for 2025-26 began well before Ancelotti's departure to take up the Brazil job at the end of May. Some of the Italian's long-held concerns were shown up over last term — especially during heavy and embarrassing defeats by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals (5-1 on aggregate) and Barcelona domestically (16 goals conceded in four defeats across three competitions, including the Copa del Rey final). Alonso, 43, played under Ancelotti at Madrid and Bayern Munich and understood his former manager's views on the team's strengths and weaknesses. Before officially taking over on May 26, Alonso also canvassed views from friends working at the club, including his former team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa (now coaching Real Madrid Castilla) and Luis Llopis (staying as first-team goalkeeper coach). From his time as a player, Alonso knows well how Madrid works under Perez. The 78-year-old remains the ultimate decision maker, signing off on all big moves. Other key figures include chief scout Juni Calafat, who identifies targets (especially younger players), prepares detailed reports, and builds relationships with agents and families. Long-serving director general Jose Angel Sanchez, meanwhile, is the link from those below up to Perez, and conducts all negotiations. Advertisement Ancelotti's input to transfer planning in recent years had been limited, which frustrated the Italian at times. Sources say Alonso has been much more closely involved in identifying targets and persuading them to join. Others argue that everyone up to Perez has finally come to share many of Ancelotti's impressions and accepted that significant investment was required, particularly in defence. The impulse to sign Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool dated from well before Ancelotti left, with the England international's availability seen by the club as a 'market opportunity'. The decision to pay €10million so the English right-back could play the Club World Cup also fit the hierarchy's idea of using that tournament to move on from last season (Alonso's appointment ahead of that competition was also similarly motivated). Alonso was more involved in moves for ex-Bournemouth centre-half Huijsen and former Benfica left-back Carreras. Both players fit with his plan to move from Ancelotti's deeper defensive block and introduce a more proactive, high-pressing tactical approach. Initial reservations over paying Huijsen's £50m (€58m, $67.5m) exit clause were overcome, especially with just one other fit centre-half — 22-year-old back-up Raul Asencio — available in the build-up to the Club World Cup. Madrid's sporting directors and coach also agreed on Carreras — a Madrid youth player from 2017-2020 — but a deal could not be done in time for the tournament. Decisions over players out of contract this summer were also ultimately down to the club hierarchy. Jesus Vallejo was always set to leave, while ultimately neither of Alonso's former team-mates Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez were offered new deals. The Club World Cup provided Alonso with a big challenge. He had to get to know his new squad, build an all-new defence, while introducing the compact team organisation, quick counter-pressing and rehearsed patterns of play which had worked so well for him at previous club Bayer Leverkusen. During training in Miami, the Basque manager was a constant presence, on players' shoulders feeding the ball into exercises, or teeing them up to shoot during finishing drills. A full month together in the United States was also useful in establishing new personal relationships with his squad. 'Spending so much time together, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, helps build those bonds of confidence which are so important for the future,' Alonso said in a press conference during the tournament. The fresh approach was symbolised by fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez combining physical preparation with practising particular match situations, different from predecessor Antonio Pintus' more old-school, hard-running methods. Another innovation was the recording of each session using drones, and having analysts produce short but detailed videos for Alonso to show players exactly what he wanted from them. 'The main objective was to change the dynamics,' a coaching staff source told The Athletic. 'With more videos, more personalisation, more detailed analysis and more focus on things like punctuality and intensity.' One of the novelties this year with Xabi Alonso and his staff: training sessions are recorded with a drone@TheAthleticFC — Mario Cortegana (@MarioCortegana) June 25, 2025 Individual and collective performances improved as the tournament progressed, at least until the semi-final. Ancelotti's 4-3-3 shape was mostly maintained, but a three-man defence was also trialled. Alonso's positive influence on the team was most clearly on show during knockout victories against Juventus (1-0) and Borussia Dortmund (3-2). The new coach's in-game tactical tweaks impressed with key players Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Alexander-Arnold used in different positions in different moments. Advertisement More trust was also shown in younger players. Last season's benchwarmer Arda Guler became a regular starter, while 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia made the XI ahead of Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz. Both decisions paid off, with Guler impressing in a new deeper playmaking role, and Gonzalo scoring four goals in six games in the U.S.. The 4-0 semi-final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain was embarrassing and hurt a lot, but it also brought useful lessons for Alonso and the club hierarchy. Awful individual errors by Asencio and Antonio Rudiger showed more defenders are still needed. A 4-3-3 shape with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on the wings was ruthlessly exploited and punished by Luis Enrique's superbly organised Champions League winners. 'There's a lot of room for improvement,' Alonso said in his post-match press conference. 'It hurts today, but it will also serve us as a guide for where we need to improve.' After the Club World Cup, Madrid's players flew off on holidays, but back at the Bernabeu, the planning continued. Alonso was also in close contact with club figures during his holidays in his home province of Gipuzkoa. Promising Argentina international Mastantuono was soon to arrive, an investment by the club of €63.2m and a signing in which Alonso was closely involved. It was also decided to return for Carreras to upgrade at left-back. A deal with Benfica was closed for €50m, with a separate transfer agreed for 21-year-old Castilla left-back Rafael Obrador to go the opposite way. Sources said the Madrid hierarchy were still open in theory to more signings, while noting that many of Alonso's requests had already been granted, and that the squad already had 24 senior players (out of the maximum of 25). A big issue with any further changes, though, was that none of the first team wanted to leave. Spanish newspaper Marca reflected the situation on August 1 with a front cover that portrayed nine Madrid players — Andriy Lunin, Fran Garcia, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, Garcia, Endrick and Rodrygo. None were central to Alonso's plans but all wanted to stay. Advertisement Rodrygo was the obvious one who could be sold for a big fee, however finding a buyer has proved difficult. Ideally for Alonso, any money raised would be spent on a top new midfield 'organiser' — the role played by Guler at the Club World Cup. Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri's name has been mentioned around the club, but there have never been any plans to make a move for him this summer. Another experienced centre-back would also be very useful, especially to be able to play three if together required. But the biggest tactical issue coming from Madrid's time in the United States, especially the PSG defeat, was how to fit both Mbappe and Vinicius Jr into the XI within Alonso's non-negotiable high-energy, high-pressing approach. This is a super sensitive issue. Negotiations over a new contract for Vinicius Jr have stalled, with the Brazilian's dip in form since missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or trophy concerning the Madrid hierarchy. Meanwhile, Mbappe was allowed to inherit Modric's No 10 even though usual club policy dictates longer-serving players get first call on the coveted jersey. A need for balance was also demonstrated with 19-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick getting the No 9, while young homegrown rival Garcia has signed a new contract and will be part of the first team for 2025-26. Meanwhile behind the scenes, manoeuvrings at the Valdebebas training centre continued. Madrid's medical services were overhauled with the aim of improving the club's injury record. Pintus moved away from day-to-day training into a 'performance manager' role. Last season stretching into July at the Club World Cup meant Madrid had just 15 days of training before their 2025-26 start. Real Madrid TV pundits howled angrily against La Liga for denying the team a longer break, another reminder of the acrimony and noise around the club last season. Travelling to play a friendly against WSG Tirol in Austria last Tuesday also complicated the preparations. According to staff sources, arranging the match was not suggested by the coaching team. Such challenges come with the manager's job at Madrid, where nothing is ever simple. What is different this summer — especially compared with recent years — is how Alonso has had a significant influence in shaping the squad and setup. Advertisement Above any of his galactico players, Alonso is now openly identified as the leader of what the club hopes is a new exciting project. That brings a welcome measure of control for the coach, who firmly believes he can return the team to competing for the very biggest trophies, and that real progress has already been made in that direction. But there are also personal risks involved for a still very young manager, especially if things do not go as he wishes once the new season starts. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle

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