F1's Spa weekend kicks off a new era for Red Bull
The Briton's sudden sacking after a 20-year reign of rare success, including the most dominant of seasons in 2023, has had the sport buzzing for weeks with plenty of questions to be asked in Belgium.
A Saturday sprint will be the first race of new boss Laurent Mekies' tenure and the change, and how it affects four-times world champion Verstappen's future, remains the big talking point of the moment.
Horner has made no public comment and Red Bull's preview for the 13th round of the 24-race season made no mention of him.
"I was back at the factory last week to spend some time in the sim(ulator) with the team and I'm looking forward to working closely with Laurent," Belgian-born Verstappen was quoted as saying.
Mekies, promoted from Racing Bulls who have handed over the reins to Alan Permane, arrives with Red Bull fourth overall and Verstappen a distant third in the drivers' standings behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
That intra-team title battle is likely to have some extra sizzle at Spa-Francorchamps as Norris seeks a third win in a row -- new territory for the Briton -- and the chance to take over at the top.
The sprint format offers more points than usual and Norris, whose mother is Belgian, is only eight behind the Australian going to a high-speed track that is a favourite for most drivers.
Piastri, despite his generally unruffled exterior, may also be still simmering at the 10 second penalty that cost him a win in Britain and handed victory to Norris.
He will want to hit back as Formula One kicks off a Belgium/Hungary double-header -- the first fast and often wet while the second is twisty and hot -- before the long August break.
George Russell, his contract expiring at the end of the season and in danger of losing his Mercedes seat to Verstappen or having him as an uncomfortable teammate, is also not short of motivation.
The Briton was stripped of victory last year at Spa when post-race checks found his car to be underweight, handing victory to then-teammate Lewis Hamilton in what remains the seven-times champion's most recent win in F1.
Ferrari have yet to triumph, other than a Shanghai sprint, since Hamilton moved from Mercedes to Maranello in January but they are gathering momentum.
The Italian team are second overall and Charles Leclerc has secured three podiums in the last five races while Hamilton was fourth at Silverstone.
Nico Hulkenberg will also be getting back to business at Sauber after an emotional first podium at the 239th attempt at Silverstone ended his unwanted record of most races without a top three finish.
Sauber, the future Audi works team, are on the move and have scored the fourth most points of any outfit on the grid over the last four races.
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Daily Mail
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fans heap praise on England heroes Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton for passionately saying they're 'proud to be English' in Euros victory interviews
England's penalty queen Chloe Kelly has won a legion of new fans after she used her victory interviews to repeatedly evangelise about her pride at being English. The 27-year-old declared that the Lionesses' victory over Spain was proof that you should never 'write the English off'. While goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two Spanish penalties, said: 'We've got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die'. Kelly smashed home the winning penalty as England won back-to-back European titles in Switzerland last night. Moments after winning the title, Chloe was asked about whether she 'could believe' the Lionesses had beaten Spain. Instead of talking about her ice cold penalty, she declared: 'This team shows exactly what it's like to be English. I'm so proud to be English. She went on: 'This team is made of magic and is made of steel. When we were down against Sweden, down against Italy, we f***ing showed grit and determination and we came back. You can't write the English off. '[We are] history makers once again. We have an unbelievable manager behind us and staff. And the fans, who have been incredible the whole tournament. I'm so proud to be English'. She was asked about inspiring young footballers, she added: 'It's a huge. Every girl out there with that dream: you can do it. Keep shooting for the stars'. She added to BBC Sport: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' Chloe Kelly led the Lionesses as they partied through the night after another extraordinary Euros win in Switzerland. Princess Charlotte 's beaming smile and jubilant celebrations perfectly captured the nation's mood last night as England sealed a dramatic victory over Spain on penalties. The champions are set to be honoured with a Downing Street reception today followed by a victory parade through London tomorrow. But they could be a little worse for wear this morning after a boozy bash that was going strong way beyond 4am. The Lionesses, manager and staff had filed off the coach clutching the trophy and glasses of wine before being were met with roars from their loved-ones, who were waiting to greet them at the team hotel. Sarina Wiegman and her captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake before the dancing began in wild scenes shared on social media. Many of the Lionesses were belting out tunes on a karaoke machine as people bopped on a packed dancefloor. England are European Championship winners again after a penalty shootout win against rivals Spain. The game was 1-1 after 90 minutes and remained tied through 30 minutes of extra time. Another nerve-shredding penalty shootout followed with Chloe Kelly yet again scoring the winning penalty sparking jubilant scene in the stadium in Basel and in millions of homes back in the UK. Sarina Wiegman 's side are victorious once again, cementing their place in footballing history. Earlier in the evening, fans draped in St George's flags watched with bated breath alongside the Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte in Basel, Switzerland — all seen holding their heads in their hands as Spain took the lead just before half-time. But the Lionesses roared back in the second half, with Arsenal striker Alessia Russo heading home a brilliant equaliser in the 57th minute, sending millions back home into raptures. With the score still tied after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout — where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two huge saves before Chloe Kelly, once again, became the hero of the hour, calmly dispatching the decisive spot-kick to seal a 3-1 shootout win. Now, the Football Association has confirmed the victorious squad will celebrate in style with a victory parade on an open-top bus through central London on July 29, culminating at The Mall. It is understood a royal reception with Prince William and King Charles is also being planned to honour the team's incredible achievement. Chloe Kelly was seen on camera shaking Prince William's hand and receiving her medal before turning to the camera and shouting 'f***ing come on! Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Sadly, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. The England team celebrated long into the night at an after party in Switzerland, where players joined family and friends to let their hair down. Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. After the match Prince William and Charlotte penned a personal note to the team, marking the first time the Princess has ever signed off an official message. It said: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte.' Fans across the country were pictured standing on tables, waving flags, throwing drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer watched on from the stands in Basel, Switzerland. Speaking after the match Chloe Kelly gushed that she was 'so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge' and 'so proud to be English'. William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him - including his daughter Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win - posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Followed quickly by a message from King Charles to offer the team with his most 'heartfelt congratulations'. It read: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the EUROS 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales 's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. Charlotte has been pictured this afternoon standing close to her father in a sweet blue polka dot dress England fan celebrates winning the penalty shootout England's Alessia Russo (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with Chloe Kelly Sir Keir Starmer is seen in attendance with his wife Victoria Starmer Princess Charlotte of Wales during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final match The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. He was also joined by Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Defender Lucy Bronze shocked fans by revealing she played the entire Women's Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia — an injury she had kept secret until after the final. The 33-year-old was taken off at half-time in extra time during Sunday's final, which ended 1-1 before England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel. But when asked about the new knee injury she picked up during the game, Bronze casually disclosed that she had already been playing through far worse. 'I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia,' she told BBC Sport. 'And then I have hurt my knee on my other leg. 'That's why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I've been in a lot of pain. If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do. Very painful.' The previously undisclosed injury sparked an outpouring of disbelief and admiration across social media on Sunday night. Joe Bunney uploaded a post to social media today which he captioned 'Big day ahead. Redemption time. Come on girls' in reference to the team's nailbiting loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final. Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 England fans show the strain at Newcastle's St. James' STACK as they watch the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 England fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the Women's Euro final England fans during a screening of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final match between England and Spain The big screen showing the record overall tournament attendance figure during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final In a post uploaded to X this morning the Royal Family shared a clip of guardsmen performing the iconic England anthem 'It's coming home' outside Buckingham Palace. The accompanying caption read: 'Let's go girls!! Wishing the very best of luck to the Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.'
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Ella Toone's emotional tribute to late father moments after Euro 2025 final win
Ella Toone paid tribute to her late father Nick moments after England won Euro 2025, in what was the midfielder's first trophy since he passed away in September last year. Toone was in tears after England's shootout victory over Spain and looked towards the sky as she was hugged by Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood. Toone later posted on Instagram that there happened to be a spare seat next to her mum during the final, adding: 'If that's not a sign I don't know what is'. The 25-year-old also uploaded a picture with Beth Mead, who lost her mother June to ovarian cancer 18 months ago, saying: 'We did it for our angels in the sky'. Toone and Mead have shared a special bond during the tournament by supporting each other through grief and posed with their Euro 2025 medals. 'My dad, I went up to see my family and my mum she said there was a spare seat next to her,' Toone later said. 'He was there and that was the sign I was looking for today. My family, my dad, everyone who has got me here today, they have been my support network from the very start.' Manchester United midfielder Toone is now a two-time European champion with England after starting the Euro 2025 final against Spain. 'The girls who have won twice, for the ones who've never won it before, I'm so happy for them,' captain Leah Williamson said. 'What an honour to be in this time. 'I believe it but I'm struggling. Everything we say, try and live by, we do, and every single person who shows up every time. We stuck to the game plan. 'So many players that have done so much, they give everything, before we even get to the football bit. 'I feel I should be saying something monumental, but I just don't have the words. I'm so proud, and I feel so lucky. Everyone turned up today, and that's what happens. It's staying home.'
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Poll of the day: Should England's Euro 2025 win be marked with a bank holiday?
The Lionesses' dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final has sparked nationwide celebrations – and renewed calls for a bank holiday to celebrate the historic win. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made a surprise appearance at the stadium in Basel alongside his wife Victoria, describing the Lionesses as 'history makers' after watching them defend their European title. Their victory has been hailed not just as a footballing triumph but also as a cultural milestone in the ongoing fight for equality and recognition in sport. Sir Keir previously backed calls for a 'proper day of celebration' when England reached the Euro 2022 final, saying the team's success should be honoured with a nationwide event to promote women's and girls' participation in football. Now, many are asking whether this latest win should spark the same conversation. The FA confirmed there will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial. However, an official bank holiday has not been announced. So – should the Lionesses' Euro 2025 win be marked with a bank holiday, or are there better ways to honour their legacy? Vote in our poll and tell us what you think in the comments below.
