Lewis Hamilton third in opening practice in Monaco as crash ends session early
Lewis Hamilton was third in opening practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended early after Alex Albon crashed out. Hamilton, armed with a major Mercedes upgrade, finished the first running in Monte Carlo behind only Carlos Sainz, who topped the order for Ferrari, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Hamilton was ahead of both Red Bulls – with Sergio Perez fourth and world champion Max Verstappen, who complained on multiple occasions about the handling of his Red Bull, sixth. The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc split the Red Bull pair. The red flags were deployed in the closing minutes when Albon lost control of his Williams through the opening Sainte Devote corner. The London-born Thai slammed into the wall, but, despite admitting to banging his knees, he emerged relatively unscathed from the 100mph accident. The same could however, not be said for Albon’s Williams following significant damage to the left-hand side of his machine. After giving up on this season’s car on the eve of the opening race, Mercedes have arrived for the sixth round of the season in the sun-cooked principality with a new concept. The Silver Arrows have abandoned their controversial zero-sidepod design, and introduced a new front suspension, new floor and cooling system in a change of development on a car which has contributed to the longest losing streak of Hamilton’s career. On Sunday, it will be 539 days since Hamilton last stood on the top step of the podium at the penultimate round of the contentious 2021 season in Saudi Arabia. And although Hamilton ended the opening running 0.663 sec behind Sainz, the seven-time world champion and his Mercedes team might take confidence from finishing ahead of both Red Bull drivers. Verstappen and team-mate Perez are the only men to have won a race this year, but their rapid Red Bull is not necessarily suited to the narrow and slow-speed confines of the unique Monte Carlo configuration. Sainz lapped a third of a second quicker than Alonso, with Verstappen 0.872 sec off the pace. Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was only 15th, 1.6 sec back. Elsewhere, Lando Norris finished seventh for McLaren as Nico Hulkenberg completed the fewest laps after he spun his Haas at the chicane on the exit of the tunnel. Second practice gets under way at 1700 local time (1600 UK). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lewis Hamilton: Racist abuse of Vinicius Junior really hits home for me Bernie Ecclestone would be surprised if Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes Lewis Hamilton insists right decision is made as Emilia Romagna GP cancelled
1970-01-01 08:00
Russian attack on Ukrainian clinic kills two and wounds 23, Kyiv says
By Olena Harmash and Max Hunder KYIV (Reuters) -A Russian missile hit a clinic in the eastern Ukrainian city of
1970-01-01 08:00
Kelsey Grammer, 68, locks lips with wife Kayte Walsh, 44, after romantic dinner in Beverly Hills
Kelsey Grammer married Kayte Walsh in 2011 just two weeks after his divorce from his wife Camille Grammer was finalized
1970-01-01 08:00
Celine Dion cancels 2023-2024 shows over health
Pop icon Celine Dion on Friday cancelled all her remaining shows scheduled for 2023-2024, saying she was not strong enough to tour as she...
1970-01-01 08:00
A measure of inflation that is closely tracked by the Federal Reserve increased in April
A key index of U.S. prices ticked higher in April as consumer spending rebounded, a sign that inflationary pressures in the economy remain high
1970-01-01 08:00
'OK if she hates me': Sabalenka faces no Ukraine handshake at French Open
Aryna Sabalenka said Friday that "it's OK if she hates me" as the Belarusian star braced to face Ukraine rival Marta Kostyuk in...
1970-01-01 08:00
Japan unveils policy blueprint featuring childcare, no mention of funding
By Tetsushi Kajimoto and Yoshifumi Takemoto TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan on Friday announced its mid-term economic policy framework, featuring Prime Minister
1970-01-01 08:00
Erik ten Hag backs Jadon Sancho to build on progress at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag says Jadon Sancho’s progress and potential is one of the reasons Manchester United have a “good base” to kick on from next season. The 23-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 in a £73million deal following a prolonged pursuit. Sancho has shown flashes of his outstanding talent but has yet to fully live up to the billing, with the United winger falling out of the England reckoning as a result. Ten Hag has worked carefully with Sancho, who went on an individual winter fitness programme in the Netherlands rather than travel to the squad’s World Cup camp in Spain. Back then the patient United boss said the player was “not in the right status or fitness state”, but he has since made strides and the Dutchman expects even more from him. “He did very well on the right side and I think he played a very good game,” Ten Hag said after Thursday’s 4-1 defeat of Chelsea. “I think Jadon Sancho is one of the players who made progress in the season and there were many players in our squad who made good progress. I think it’s a good base to build further on.” Asked if he preferred Sancho on the right or left, Ten Hag said: “He can do both. “I think he prefers to play on the left, but we have seen today he is very good on the right as well.” United’s win against Chelsea sealed qualification for next season’s Champions League with a game to spare. Ten Hag immediately underlined that summer signings are needed, but also stressed there is far more to come from the likes of Sancho. “Still, we can also improve with this squad, as we did this season,” the United boss said. “I said (signings) is one part of it. The other thing is progress in the current squad and the current players. “That is the job that I have to do, in togetherness with that squad and with my coaching staff. “As (of) now, I think we make huge progress during the season. The team, many individuals play a fantastic, great season. “Now we have a good base but, as I just mentioned, I think there is still a lot of room for improvement also in this squad. “But then when you get the right players in, that will help and even give you more depth and a better standard and level. “Then you have more chance to be in the top four and then it gives you more chance to win titles and trophies.” United have already won the Carabao Cup this season and return to Wembley to face Manchester City in a mouth-watering FA Cup final on June 3. But first comes the Premier League season finale against Fulham – the last home match before long-serving David De Gea’s contract expires. Both parties have spoken positively about agreeing new terms but talks have dragged on, although Ten Hag downplayed the suggestion Sunday could be the goalkeeper’s last Old Trafford appearance. “I think we want him to stay and he wants to stay, so I think we will find each other,” he said of the Premier League Golden Glove winner, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011. “I never will give a comment about that, about how negotiations are going.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jonny Hill urges Sale to seize the moment in Premiership final against Saracens Man City claim title for third successive time – The 2022-23 season in pictures From Conte and Tuchel’s clash to Kane’s heroics – Premier League best moments
1970-01-01 08:00
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel says season will not be 'satisfactory' even if team wins Bundesliga
Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel says this season has been one to forget for the Bavarian powerhouse, even if still manages to pip Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title on Saturday
1970-01-01 08:00
NBA Draft 2023: 3 teams who could trade up into the top 10
At least one team is already signaling a willingness to trade down in the NBA Draft. Who could make a deal with them and jump into the top 10?With only three teams still alive in this year's postseason, most of the league is paying attention to the NBA Draft and free agency. The NBA Draft, ...
1970-01-01 08:00
USMNT news: Adams to Man United, Musah supports Vinicius, champion Reyna
Today's USMNT news includes Tyler Adams being linked with Manchester United. Yunus Musah has supported Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian suffered terrible racist abuse in La Liga. Also, Gio Reyna could become a Bundesliga champion this weekend if his Borussia Dortmund side defeats Mainz.USM...
1970-01-01 08:00
Ron DeSantis: A quick guide to the Florida governor
He wants to be US President but he's got a fight with Donald Trump - and Mickey Mouse - on his hands.
1970-01-01 08:00
