Max Verstappen beats Oscar Piastri to sprint race pole in Belgium
Max Verstappen will start on pole position for Saturday’s sprint race after beating McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to top spot by just 0.011 seconds. Verstappen qualified fastest here on Friday for Sunday’s Grand Prix, but he will line up in sixth after serving a grid penalty for a gearbox change. But for the 15-lap dash in the Ardennes, the Red Bull driver begins from the front after edging out the impressive Piastri in wet-dry conditions at Spa-Francorchamps. Carlos Sainz finished third, just 0.025sec adrift of Verstappen, with Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc fourth. Lando Norris took fifth for McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who appeared to trip over one another in the closing moments, only seventh and 10th respectively for Mercedes. “It was difficult, but we stayed calm,” said Verstappen. “The gap to second was not as big as yesterday, but there was no need to risk it all. “My second sector was a bit careful – turns eight and nine were very slippery so I left a bit of time on the table – but I am still on pole and that is what counts. “Let’s see if it rains in the afternoon. I will try to have a clean start and have good vision and that is very important when it is wet.” The start of qualifying was delayed following heavy rainfall in the area, but the sun suddenly broke through allowing the action to get under way 35 minutes later than advertised. The final running took place on an almost dry track and the times tumbled as grip improved and the clock ticked down. Rookie Piastri, 22, looked to have done enough to take the spoils when he crossed the line fastest, only for Verstappen to steal his thunder “There wasn’t much left in that lap,” said Piastri over the radio. “Probably 11 milliseconds.” Verstappen is on course to gallop to his third world championship in as many years and the Dutch driver will be expected to extend his 110-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez later on Saturday, with the Mexican only eighth on the grid. Eight points are awarded for the winner of the 15-lap dash, with a sliding scale down to to eighth place. The result of Saturday’s sprint, which could take place in the wet with more rain forecast, has no bearing on Sunday’s 44-lap main event. Lance Stroll’s gamble to switch from wet rubber to slicks with a couple minutes of Q2 remaining backfired as he crashed out. The Canadian driver lost control of his Aston Martin through the left-hand ninth corner, skidding through the gravel and into the tyre barrier. The front of Stroll’s machine was heavily damaged in the accident and the running was suspended. His crash meant team-mate Fernando Alonso, who turned 42 on Saturday, did not post a time, leaving him a disappointing 15th on the grid. Saturday’s race is due to get under way at 5:05pm local time (4:05pm BST). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How Max Verstappen and record-breaking Red Bull compare to Formula One greats I held my breath – Lewis Hamilton enjoys ‘extraordinary’ run to pole in Budapest Max Verstappen gives hope to rivals after coming 11th in Hungarian GP practice
1970-01-01 08:00
Oriol Romeu admits surprise towards Barcelona return
Oriol Romeu reflects on his surprise return to Barcelona.
1970-01-01 08:00
A rebounding Pope Francis adds an overnight visit to France to his busy travel schedule
The Vatican says Pope Francis will make a two-day trip to Marseille, France, in late September
1970-01-01 08:00
Wagner could help migrants cross into Poland, PM Morawiecki warns
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has been accused of facilitating the migrant flow into the EU.
1970-01-01 08:00
Russia-Ukraine war – live: Putin missiles hit Dnipro apartment block as children injured
Russian missiles have hit an apartment block and a Ukrainian security service building in Dnipro, leaving two children injured, officials have said. President Vladimir Putin’s forces injured at least nine people, including two teenagers aged between 14 and 17, in the strike on the central city on Friday evening, according to Serhii Lysak, the head of the region’s military administration. Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov said it was the third time the SBU security service building had been targeted. Both buildings were largely empty - the residential building because it had just been completed and units were being put up for sale. Pictures posted on social media showed part of one building reduced to rubble and debris strewn across a large courtyard. Russia says it does not target civilian sites. Its troops have intensified evening and night-time missile attacks on a variety of targets - focusing in particular on port facilities around the city of Odesa after Moscow pulled out of an agreement allowing grain shipments from Ukraine's ports. Meanwhile, Kyiv has made progress in driving back Russian troops, the commander on the southern front said on Friday, as its counteroffensive appears to be ramping up. Read More Even Putin admits Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russia’s forces – but progress will be slow Putin promises grain aid to Africa despite withdrawing from Ukraine deal Ukrainian fencer disqualified from world championships for refusing handshake with Russian opponent Russian defence minister meets Kim Jong-un during visit to arms exhibition in North Korea
1970-01-01 08:00
Ukraine moves Christmas to December 25, distancing itself from Russian tradition
Ukraine has passed legislation moving its official Christmas holiday to December 25, further distancing itself from the traditions of the Putin-aligned Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates the holiday on January 7.
1970-01-01 08:00
England race out of blocks in second innings of 5th Ashes Test
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett got England off to a blistering start in their second innings in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval on Saturday with...
1970-01-01 08:00
US pledges to help Australia manufacture guided missiles by 2025
The United States says it will expand its military industrial base by helping Australia manufacture guided missiles and rockets for both countries within two years
1970-01-01 08:00
Who is Sandi Morris' husband? World Athletics Championships contender found love with fellow Olympian Tyrone Smith
Sandi and Tyrone's relationship blossomed in 2016, and it became even more special when they attended the 2016 Olympics together
1970-01-01 08:00
England veteran Rachel Daly concerned by ACL issue at Women’s World Cup
England veteran Rachel Daly revealed she blocks out the frightening possibility of becoming a victim of the devastating injury crisis besetting women’s football and the World Cup. Midfielder Keira Walsh was stretchered off with a suspected knee injury in the first half of the Lionesses’ 1-0 group-stage victory over Denmark on Friday, later appearing on crutches and sparking concern she might join England’s Beth Mead and Leah Williamson on a long list of players ruled out of the 2023 tournament with the same anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that disproportionately affects women. There was no update on Walsh’s condition as of Saturday night in Sydney, three days before the Lionesses play China in Adelaide with a target of escaping Group D in top spot. Daly said: “I don’t think you can think about it, for me, those three letters scare the absolute you-know-what out of me. “Fingers, toes, everything crossed for Keira, but that’s football isn’t it, it’s tough, you have your highs and your lows and you just hope that everything is all right and she’ll be all right for the future. It’s a tough one but I hope she’s all right. “I think losing anyone is tough but a player with the ability of Keira is a tough one to lose. She’s such an integral part of the way we play and it’s tough, but that’s why Sarina’s built a squad, we’ve got depth, and [Laura Coombs] came on and did really well. So it’s obviously disappointing and heart-breaking for Keira but hopefully it’s nothing too serious.” England boss Sarina Wiegman did not make any changes to her starting XI during the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning campaign, but on Friday opted for two from England’s 1-0 tournament-opening win against Haiti. Women’s Super League (WSL) Golden Boot winner Daly, who was named as a forward for this tournament, returned to left-back where she started every game of the European Championships, while Chelsea’s Lauren James got the nod on the left wing in place of Lauren Hemp. It proved a prescient swap after Daly set up James’ first World Cup goal after six minutes against Denmark, that strike also ultimately enough to maintain England’s 100 per cent record and place them in prime position to finish top of Group D with a point against China. Daly said: “I say it all the time but it’s an honour to put on this shirt whenever I can. I’ll play in any position. It’s not the one I’ve been playing in regularly for my club but it’s something that’s still familiar. “I think I did all right, there’s tweaks I need to make on my game in that position but that’s OK, I learn from it, I’ll go and analyse it, I’ll fix it and move onto the next game. For me, it’s just getting onto the pitch, and doing what I can for the team.” The 31-year-old Aston Villa striker also heaped praise on James, a decade her junior, hotly touted as the future of this England squad and backed by Blues boss Emma Hayes to be a vital force for the Lionesses in their quest for a maiden World Cup. Daly said: “Yeah, LJ’s just a strength on her own, she’s phenomenal, and you saw what she can do, glimpses of what she can do. I can’t take any credit for anything she does, she’s just an unbelievable person and player.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Allan Saint-Maximin confirms Newcastle exit ahead of expected Saudi Arabia move Louise Quinn keen for Republic of Ireland to end World Cup on a high Nathan Ake extends Manchester City contract to 2027
1970-01-01 08:00
FC Cincinnati advance in Leagues Cup behind Brandon Vazquez hat trick
Brandon Vazquez's hat-trick propelled FC Cincinnati to the next phase of the 2023 Leagues Cup.
1970-01-01 08:00
DraftKings UFC 291 Promo: Bet $5, Win $150 INSTANTLY Betting Poirier vs Gaethje!
Dustin Poirier takes on Justin Gaethje tonight to headline a thrilling UFC card and DraftKings Sportsbook has a fantastic exclusive promo to celebrate: Bet $5, Win $150 INSTANTLY on ANY bet! Whether you win or lose, you'll get $150 just for trying.See below how to sign up and claim this off...
1970-01-01 08:00
