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New York Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New York Times
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are contrasting characters — but neither will fade quietly
Welsh poet Dylan Thomas famously wrote, 'Do not go gentle into that good night, / Old age should burn and rave at close of day; / Rage, rage against the dying of the light.' Fernando Alonso, now 44, is always worth listening to — every bombastic declaration, every pointed comment. The man who used a ripe peach to undermine cleanliness-obsessed Ron Dennis says nothing carelessly. Advertisement Even long past his career peak and days of clashing with a fastidious former McLaren boss, Alonso is still using every moment in the spotlight to grab any edge he can. It's a unique brand of raging within the inevitable. Now, a mere mortal like myself evoking one of the great poets when discussing a sports star's twilight years might seem patronizing. After all, sporting triumphs are metaphors for life's struggles. But try telling that to a man who skipped FP1 and needed extra cockpit padding just to make it through his 418th Formula One weekend. Everything Alonso has shown in 25 years at this level tells me he won't slink off the stage quietly. He'll take the hyperbolic approach to the very end and sing the sun absolutely in flight. So, if you'll allow it, I'll do the same. Alonso's excellent Hungarian Grand Prix weekend came a week on from Aston Martin's drubbing in Belgium. In Budapest, he and teammate Lance Stroll were unlikely qualifying stars. They then converted their high grid spots into solid points. The winner in Hungary, Lando Norris, followed the same one-stop strategy Alonso and Aston Martin targeted to pull off their best result of 2025 so far: A fifth-place finish. Aston was better because Hungary was the first visit to a maximum downforce track since Monaco. There, Alonso had been on for sixth but for his engine faltering. Low-speed tracks mean teams don't have to set up their cars to find an aerodynamic compromise (especially around rear wing sizes) for best performance on long straights or in fast corners. Spa demands exactly the kind of aerodynamic compromise Hungary didn't, making it a tougher test for cars like Aston Martin's that prefer maximum downforce conditions. As far back as the 2023 season, the car hasn't been the best in straight-line performance and Alonso has wanted improvements in this regard ever since. But even with this issue negated at the technical Hungaroring, the result — fifth and seventh — was still something of a surprise for Aston. Advertisement Alonso said afterwards that he and the team 'don't know why' they were so good in Hungary, but praised the new front wing the team fully unleashed, as well as other recent updates working exactly as the factory had hoped. The turnaround leaves Alonso heading into the summer break buoyed after leaving Belgium fearing a difficult season run-in. The max downforce packages returning immediately at Zandvoort on the break's far side undoubtedly adds another boost. 'Big change in one week,' he said when The Athletic's Luke Smith asked if he now had hope heading into the season's remaining races. 'I will not lie, I was worried for the second part of the year. 'Everyone in the team was a little bit down in terms of motivation. These seven days, I think it changed 180-degrees. We are now looking forward to the 10 remaining races.' Other things had Alonso gushing. Max Verstappen had been his biggest threat going into Sunday's race — the Red Bull starting only eighth to Alonso's fifth. But Alonso's careful tire management and impressive pace meant Red Bull's undercut attempt to jump Verstappen past both him and Bortoleto, who started seventh, backfired. Verstappen was mired in traffic and ended up behind Stroll and Liam Lawson, too. Alonso relishes the challenge of racing the world's best drivers. The fifth-place finish will have been all the more satisfying given Verstappen was ninth. Enjoying a perfect 14-0 qualifying record in the intra-Aston battle and basking in the average pure pace gap of 0.336s on Stroll will have Alonso purring. It's the little things in frail deeds, to return again to Dylan Thomas. Alonso's Hungary weekend and media appearances contrasted sharply with the sport's other veteran champion, Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was downbeat to the point of despondency in Budapest. He called himself 'useless' after qualifying. When he finished the grand prix in the same place he qualified (12th), he alluded to 'a lot going on in the background that is not … great.' The latter comment was reminiscent of his often gloomy attitude with the media during his final, listless season at Mercedes in 2024. But the tone is strikingly honest. One style of public self-reflection isn't necessarily better than another. When asked about his former driver's comments, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reminded reporters how this has long been Hamilton's way. 'That is Lewis wearing his heart on his sleeve,' he told reporters. Such strong, public self-criticism has come from other drivers (Charles Leclerc and Norris probably the best examples of late). And being open in a world where smoke and mirrors are preached ad infinitum is to be welcomed. Hamilton's words are really only being scrutinized so much because they came from F1's greatest ever driver — statistically and culturally. Advertisement Yet, the forces driving that candor — and how Alonso and Hamilton respond — differ markedly, reflecting the contrasting demeanors of these two long-time rivals. Alonso taking on Stroll each week is very much not Hamilton racing a rapid Leclerc. And Alonso has desperately chased that elusive third F1 world title for nearly 20 years. It's his default, at this point, to push on, to blaze forward through difficult years behind the wheel. The last time the Spaniard came close to winning a title was in 2007, when he lost by one point. Hamilton, only five years removed from his latest championship glory, is still adjusting to title-less days. It's only been four years since the record eighth title slipped through his fingers. Alonso kept his desire burning by winning in other championships, like the World Endurance Championship and the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and may return to those categories once he's finally done in F1. Hamilton? You sense not. Only the highest of motorsport peaks will do. The toll of toiling to get back to something as impressive as Brazil 2021, one of Hamilton's greatest performances, cannot be underestimated. There, Hamilton went from last to first against Verstappen's fiercest defense (and much paddock politicking) to keep his most recent title challenge alive. Losing so infamously three rounds later in Abu Dhabi no doubt still stings. In the print media pen after the Hungarian GP, Hamilton said he was 'looking forward to coming back' after the summer break, but cryptically added, 'Hopefully I'll be back, yeah.' That, of course, has sparked wild speculation that Hamilton somehow might not see out the current season with Ferrari. But it's worth remembering his own raging words before the Spa weekend, where he vowed, 'I refuse' to be another failed champion at Ferrari — directly referencing Alonso's own unsuccessful stint with Scuderia from 2010 to 2014, as well as that of Hamilton's friend, Sebastian Vettel. Advertisement Both of these veteran racers are waiting on 2026 for one more shot — probably one last shot — with the coming major changes in car design rules. Hamilton clearly hasn't ever jelled with these ground-effect cars. They sap confidence under braking and all through his title years that was his main driving strength. It is surprising, however, that he hasn't adapted better. Alonso is the master adapter — he once changed his whole driving style in one off-season pre-2007 when going from Michelin tires to Bridgestones. That was the year this pair were McLaren teammates. Their careers intertwined and forever altered. What comes next should be savored and the memories preserved. (Top photo of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso:,)
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Azure waters and cobbled streets in hidden gem 'loveliest village in England'
The village of Mousehole in Cornwall has been a popular holiday spot for centuries - and is always being named one of the prettiest places in the entire country Taking a holiday on British shores has never been more fashionable than in recent years - and quite rightly so. The charming hidden fishing villages dotting our coastline rank amongst the most beautiful globally, with one particular gem standing out as an essential destination that's absolutely worth the journey. Cornwall has naturally become a magnet for staycations, boasting sparkling azure waters, pristine sandy beaches and scenic harbours that make visitors feel they've been whisked away to an exotic tropical paradise. Nestled in Cornwall's western tip and merely 12 miles from the bustling centre of St Ives sits the enchanting village of Mousehole, which is certainly no newcomer to recognition. Initially, the village rose to fame after Welsh poet and author Dylan Thomas proclaimed it "the loveliest village in England" following his honeymoon stay there, reports the Express. More recently, it earned a spot on Conde Nast Traveller's roster of England's finest seaside destinations for 2025, with the publication describing it as "one of the county's most picturesque fishing villages" and an ideal retreat to "escape the hustle and bustle of city life". The village boasts a delightful harbour, breathtaking coastal panoramas and serves as a paradise for food enthusiasts - housing not one but two establishments that have captured Michelin's attention. Beautiful whitewashed cottages border its narrow winding cobblestones, offering numerous artisan craft boutiques and cafés to occupy visitors during their stay. For those seeking adventure, the crystal-clear waters provide an ideal spot to grab a kayak and enjoy a gentle paddle, and there's no better way to refuel afterwards than tucking into a traditional cream tea - prepared in the distinctive Cornish fashion. Visit Cornwall described the location: "Mousehole is considered one of Cornwall's prettiest fishing villages, with two small sandy beaches inside its harbour quays, only accessible at low tide, and a long pebble beach running east toward Penlee Point. "For keen swimmers, there's the Mousehole Rock Pool; a natural tidal pool and the perfect spot for a wild sea swim and a chance to spot seals out in the bay. "There's an assortment of car parks in and around the harbour, free parking on the road coming into the village, and a good bus service from Penzance." The village boasts glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, with one five-star assessment declaring: " A beautiful place to enjoy the local food, scenery and history. We visited several villages/cities in Cornwall prior to visiting this location so the expectations were high, spending the day here didn't disappoint." Meanwhile, another satisfied visitor seeking relaxation commented: "We really enjoyed our visit to Mousehole harbour, watching the boats go and out. Very relaxing, with plenty of place to sit down."
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Bob Dylan announces three 'phone-free' shows in Swansea
Bob Dylan announces three 'phone-free' shows in Swansea The US singer-songwriter will play Swansea Arena in November Bob Dylan has won 10 Grammys during his hugely successful music career (Image: Getty Images North America ) Bob Dylan has announced he will perform in Swansea three times this November as part of his "phone free" 2025 UK and Ireland tour. The 'Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour' will visit the Building Society Arena on November 9, 10 and 11 after four years on the road. Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Wednesday, July 16, for presale and general sale will start at 10am on Friday, July 18. You can sign up to the venue presale here, or visit Ticketmaster. Tickets will start at £82.77, with a £3.95 transaction fee. The 84-year-old's Swansea performances will happen an impressive four years into his tour which has already seen him complete a first leg in the UK where he took to the stage at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here This year's Swansea shows may well be a nod to Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who Bob Dylan famously took his surname from. However, it's important to note that concert-goers will not be allowed to take their phones into the auditorium and will instead have to put them in a locked and secure phone pouch when they arrive at the venue. They will then be able to keep their phone on them for the rest of the evening but be unable to access it through the pouch. Bob said he had implemented this because "it creates better times for everyone in attendance". Fans have been reassured they will be able to use their phones in an emergency, but only by visiting a dedicated area intended for phone use. Bob Dylan's UK and Ireland tour dates: November 7 - Brighton Centre, Brighton November 9 - Building Society Arena, Swansea November 10 - Building Society Arena, Swansea November 11 - Building Society Arena, Swansea November 13 - Building Society Arena, Coventry November 14 - First Direct Arena, Leeds November 16 - Armadillo, Glasgow November 17 - Armadillo, Glasgow November 19 - Waterfront, Belfast November 20 - Waterfront, Belfast November 23 - INEC, Killarney November 24 - INEC, Killarney November 25 - 3Arena, Dublin Here are those ticket details again Article continues below July 16, 10am - presale - visit Swansea Arena July 18, 10am - presale - visit Ticketmaster
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- The Guardian
‘Dizzying coastal paths, quiet beaches and dolphins': readers' highlights of the UK coastline
Between Aberystwyth and Cardigan the quiet coastline is sublime, with incredible sunsets, dizzying and spectacular coastal paths, gorgeous quiet beaches and dolphins. Start in Dylan Thomas's old stomping ground, New Quay, and follow the coastal path south along cliffs and past Cwmtydu beach before finishing at gorgeous Llangrannog, where you get two beaches for one (perfect Cliborth beach requires a lower tide to access). Kayaking and surfing are great, and the Pentre Arms provides refreshments with a Lunt The Leas near South Shields (a few miles north of Sunderland) is a beautiful stretch of limestone cliffs and coastal grassland that is a haven for sea birds and wildflowers. There are footpaths and bridle paths across the Leas, so it attracts cyclists, dog walkers and runners all year round. The local parkrun uses the paths and it must be one of the most scenic in the country. The rock stacks along the coast are a great place for spotting cormorants, fulmars and kittiwakes among others. No matter the weather I love to walks these paths and feel the fresh sea breeze through my hair. A wonderful Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Fife is a glorious peninsula bordered by a brilliant coastal path that takes in a variety of beaches, fishing villages and is an area rich in wildlife and diverse landscapes. The area from Crail to St Andrews is of particular beauty, with several gorgeous places to stop for lunch, such as Cambo Gardens cafe near Kingsbarns and the Cheesy Toast Shack at East Sands in St Andrews. There are loads of places to stay and use as a base to explore the region. The larch-clad cabins at Kinkell Byre offer the opportunity to rest in style. And farther north are the wonderful forest trails and sand dunes of Tentsmuir. Stevie Kirkwood Wander the banks of the River Fal and Helford River in south Cornwall, through ancient Celtic rainforest, where the trees meet the sea. This rare habitat gives us a glimpse of prehistory, with lichen-laden branches, crisp, damp air and some of the UK's rarest wildlife. It feels otherworldly, yet oddly familiar. Amy Penmon Point on the easternmost point of Ynys Môn is a great place to watch for sea birds. The stunning Trwyn Du lighthouse looks out to Puffin Island, and if you're lucky, one might fly right past you. But we have seen even more magic there when it gets dark. If conditions are just right, the waves light up electric blue with bioluminescent plankton as they crash over the pebbles. For refreshments, the Pilot House Cafe is nearby and has a fantastic view from its garden. Chris Jones You need to consult your tide tables before visiting Sunderland Point on Morecambe Bay. This extraordinary place of sea-sucked mudflats, salt marsh and vast skies is cut off daily at high tide. I cross the causeway in May when the sea pinks (sea thrift) are flowering and the air is bright with the cries of birds – oystercatchers, curlew and redshanks. It feels remote, but in the 18th century Sunderland Point was a bustling port for Lancaster's transatlantic trade, which brought prosperity but also inhumanity. A walk round the peninsula leads to the grave of an unknown child slave abandoned here in 1736, now adorned by visitors with painted stones. Its bleak beauty will break your Reavley Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion I've been walking my dog on the same stretch of coast for four years and I never tire of the sheer strangeness of it. Culmore Point is where Derry's River Foyle meets the North Atlantic. Some days you can see a line in the water where the silt-filled Foyle meets the sea. Beautiful old-money houses look out across the water to a power station and chemical plant. Farther downstream the weird treeless landscape of the reclaimed land of Eglinton Embankment catches the eye. Spare a thought too for the young men who trained on these river beaches in May 1944 for the Normandy assaults a month From West Kirby on Wirral, you can walk across the tidal flats of the Dee estuary to the red sandstone formations of Little Eye, Middle Eye, and Hilbre Island, a string of uninhabited islands offering naught but spectacular nature. In summer you can spot grey seals hauling themselves on to sandbanks, and three types of terns (common, little and sandwich) darting past. Listen out for skylarks and meadow pipits too. For an extra challenge, search for the Triassic-era Chirotherium footprint. Always check tide times carefully, and for extra awe, time your return to the sun setting low, framed by the distant Welsh Cycling along the North East Coastal Trail from Portsoy to Macduff in Aberdeenshire is my idea of heaven. In stunning coastal countryside you cycle through charming fishing villages with historic harbours. I've spotted dolphins, porpoises and seals on the route. On a rocky coastline just beyond Macduff, there's an old tidal pool at Tarlair. Though no longer used for swimming, its beautifully restored art deco tea pavilion is the perfect spot to refuel before your journey back. While there, take a short wander to the secluded Salmon Howie beach tucked behind the cliffs – it's such a beautiful Diender When, as a child, I read Z For Zachariah, I imagined a landscape with the exact fin-du-monde energy of the East Yorkshire beach from Ulrome to Bridlington. On this stretch of Holderness, you'll find neither the Norfolk chalk boards of iced latte and shakshuka nor the monastic ghosts of farther north. But if six miles of uninterrupted beach walk – in the company of nothing more glamorous than pure air, weather and proper decay (not the genteel sort) – is your thing, this is a place you should visit. Morcheeba soundtrack optional. Tired legs and a cleansed soul Ainley
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- The Guardian
‘Dizzying coastal paths, quiet beaches and dolphins': readers' highlights of the UK coastline
Between Aberystwyth and Cardigan the quiet coastline is sublime, with incredible sunsets, dizzying and spectacular coastal paths, gorgeous quiet beaches and dolphins. Start in Dylan Thomas's old stomping ground, New Quay, and follow the coastal path south along cliffs and past Cwmtydu beach before finishing at gorgeous Llangrannog, where you get two beaches for one (perfect Cliborth beach requires a lower tide to access). Kayaking and surfing are great, and the Pentre Arms provides refreshments with a Lunt The Leas near South Shields (a few miles north of Sunderland) is a beautiful stretch of limestone cliffs and coastal grassland that is a haven for sea birds and wildflowers. There are footpaths and bridle paths across the Leas, so it attracts cyclists, dog walkers and runners all year round. The local parkrun uses the paths and it must be one of the most scenic in the country. The rock stacks along the coast are a great place for spotting cormorants, fulmars and kittiwakes among others. No matter the weather I love to walks these paths and feel the fresh sea breeze through my hair. A wonderful Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Fife is a glorious peninsula bordered by a brilliant coastal path that takes in a variety of beaches, fishing villages and is an area rich in wildlife and diverse landscapes. The area from Crail to St Andrews is of particular beauty, with several gorgeous places to stop for lunch, such as Cambo Gardens cafe near Kingsbarns and the Cheesy Toast Shack at East Sands in St Andrews. There are loads of places to stay and use as a base to explore the region. The larch-clad cabins at Kinkell Byre offer the opportunity to rest in style. And farther north are the wonderful forest trails and sand dunes of Tentsmuir. Stevie Kirkwood Wander the banks of the River Fal and Helford River in south Cornwall, through ancient Celtic rainforest, where the trees meet the sea. This rare habitat gives us a glimpse of prehistory, with lichen-laden branches, crisp, damp air and some of the UK's rarest wildlife. It feels otherworldly, yet oddly familiar. Amy Penmon Point on the easternmost point of Ynys Môn is a great place to watch for sea birds. The stunning Trwyn Du lighthouse looks out to Puffin Island, and if you're lucky, one might fly right past you. But we have seen even more magic there when it gets dark. If conditions are just right, the waves light up electric blue with bioluminescent plankton as they crash over the pebbles. For refreshments, the Pilot House Cafe is nearby and has a fantastic view from its garden. Chris Jones You need to consult your tide tables before visiting Sunderland Point on Morecambe Bay. This extraordinary place of sea-sucked mudflats, salt marsh and vast skies is cut off daily at high tide. I cross the causeway in May when the sea pinks (sea thrift) are flowering and the air is bright with the cries of birds – oystercatchers, curlew and redshanks. It feels remote, but in the 18th century Sunderland Point was a bustling port for Lancaster's transatlantic trade, which brought prosperity but also inhumanity. A walk round the peninsula leads to the grave of an unknown child slave abandoned here in 1736, now adorned by visitors with painted stones. Its bleak beauty will break your Reavley Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion I've been walking my dog on the same stretch of coast for four years and I never tire of the sheer strangeness of it. Culmore Point is where Derry's River Foyle meets the North Atlantic. Some days you can see a line in the water where the silt-filled Foyle meets the sea. Beautiful old-money houses look out across the water to a power station and chemical plant. Farther downstream the weird treeless landscape of the reclaimed land of Eglinton Embankment catches the eye. Spare a thought too for the young men who trained on these river beaches in May 1944 for the Normandy assaults a month From West Kirby on Wirral, you can walk across the tidal flats of the Dee estuary to the red sandstone formations of Little Eye, Middle Eye, and Hilbre Island, a string of uninhabited islands offering naught but spectacular nature. In summer you can spot grey seals hauling themselves on to sandbanks, and three types of terns (common, little and sandwich) darting past. Listen out for skylarks and meadow pipits too. For an extra challenge, search for the Triassic-era Chirotherium footprint. Always check tide times carefully, and for extra awe, time your return to the sun setting low, framed by the distant Welsh Cycling along the North East Coastal Trail from Portsoy to Macduff in Aberdeenshire is my idea of heaven. In stunning coastal countryside you cycle through charming fishing villages with historic harbours. I've spotted dolphins, porpoises and seals on the route. On a rocky coastline just beyond Macduff, there's an old tidal pool at Tarlair. Though no longer used for swimming, its beautifully restored art deco tea pavilion is the perfect spot to refuel before your journey back. While there, take a short wander to the secluded Salmon Howie beach tucked behind the cliffs – it's such a beautiful Diender When, as a child, I read Z For Zachariah, I imagined a landscape with the exact fin-du-monde energy of the East Yorkshire beach from Ulrome to Bridlington. On this stretch of Holderness, you'll find neither the Norfolk chalk boards of iced latte and shakshuka nor the monastic ghosts of farther north. But if six miles of uninterrupted beach walk – in the company of nothing more glamorous than pure air, weather and proper decay (not the genteel sort) – is your thing, this is a place you should visit. Morcheeba soundtrack optional. Tired legs and a cleansed soul Ainley
