“I was lucky to receive world-class care in Melbourne”: Magda Szubanski says her disease is very rare, but new treatments are always emerging

Beloved comedian Magda Szubanski, star of classics like Babe and Kath & Kim, has revealed serious news about her health: she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 blood cancer.

In an emotional video shared on social media, the 64-year-old actress disclosed that she is facing a “very rare, very aggressive, and very serious type of lymphoma.”

“It’s quite a confrontation… but new treatments are constantly being offered,” Szubanski shared, maintaining an optimistic outlook.

The Battle Against Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Szubanski has begun the Nordic protocol, an aggressive chemotherapy regimen commonly used to treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL).

MCL is a rare type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. It is one of about 60 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, affecting a type of white blood cell called B-cells, and develops in the mantle zone (the outer ring) of the lymph nodes.

In a statement accompanying the video, the actress emphasized: “I was lucky to receive world-class care in Melbourne.”

She acknowledged the challenging nature of this fight: “I won’t sugarcoat it: this is very tough. But I remain hopeful. I am being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I have never felt so completely enveloped by the people around me.”

Wave of Love from the Entertainment World

Szubanski’s announcement immediately generated a strong wave of support from her Australian entertainment peers.

TV personality Rove McManus sent well-wishes: “Sending so much love and support to you, beautiful.”

Julia Zemiro expressed that she is sending Szubanski “so much love, courage, and hugs.”

Chef and TV author Poh Ling Yeow wrote: “Oh Mags, I’m so sorry to hear this… you are a huge inspiration to so many of us, an all-time icon.”

Former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, shared “warm, immune-safe virtual hugs,” along with the wish: “Sending you all the love in the world.”

Artistic Legacy and Social Advocacy

A glittering career spanning over two decades has established Szubanski as an icon. She achieved international acclaim with her role as Esme Hoggett in the film Babe and captured Australian audiences as the netball-loving character Sharon Strzelecki in the hit sitcom Kath & Kim.

Born in Liverpool in 1961 and moving to Melbourne in 1966, Szubanski has won seven Logies, including being named the most popular personality on TV twice (2003 and 2004).

Beyond her comedy career, she is an active social advocate. Through her memoir Reckoning (2016) and the ABC series Magda’s Big National Health Check, Szubanski has spoken out against weight stigma and diet culture, detailing her personal struggles with body image.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, rivalries drive the narrative as much as the cars themselves. But rarely has a personal feud spilled over into the public domain with such raw, unfiltered honesty as the one between Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff and his longtime adversary, Christian Horner. In a recent exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Wolff unleashed what can only be described as a devastating autopsy of Horner’s character and his dramatic exit from Red Bull Racing in July 2025.

For years, the paddock whispered about the tension between the two titans of the sport. Now, Wolff has confirmed what many suspected, pointing to a specific, fatal flaw that he believes ultimately unraveled Horner’s 20-year legacy: a blinding sense of entitlement.

The “Total Gap” in Personality

Wolff’s assessment of his former rival was not merely professional; it was deeply personal. He identified a “total gap” in Horner’s personality—specifically, an inability to be introspective or to show compassion for an opponent. According to Wolff, this wasn’t just a minor quirk but a fundamental absence of the qualities required for leadership at the absolute highest level.

“I think that the ability to be introspective or be able to see the other side with some compassion is a total gap in his personality,” Wolff stated bluntly. This damning critique centers on Horner’s refusal to ever acknowledge the controversial nature of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a decision by race director Michael Masi handed the title to Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton in the final lap.

Wolff revealed that in all their years of battling, Horner never once admitted that the events of that day were wrong or unfair. “He was never able to admit it,” Wolff said. To the Mercedes boss, this lack of empathy wasn’t just bad sportsmanship; it was a symptom of a much deeper issue that would eventually cost Horner his job.

The Power Struggle That Ended an Era

The most shocking revelation from the interview was Wolff’s insight into why Horner was sacked by Red Bull earlier this year. While the team’s performance had dipped—languishing in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship at the time of his dismissal—Wolff argues the root cause was political.

“It’s the sense of entitlement he has,” Wolff declared. “And that bit him in the end because he felt entitled to all the power and Red Bull didn’t want to give him that power.”

This paints a picture of a man who, buoyed by six Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ Championships, believed he was bigger than the organization. Reports suggest that Horner’s final years were plagued by an internal power struggle where he sought total control, a move that the company’s ownership ultimately rejected. It serves as a cautionary tale: even the most successful figures are not immune to the consequences of overreach.

The Shadow of Abu Dhabi 2021

Four years on, the scars of the 2021 season finale remain fresh for Wolff. The interview made it clear that the animosity stems largely from Horner’s reaction—or lack thereof—to that historic controversy. Wolff offered a fascinating “what if” scenario that cuts to the core of his frustration.

He argued that if the roles had been reversed—if Red Bull had lost the title due to a rule misinterpretation by the race director—Horner’s reaction would have been “catastrophic.” Wolff envisions a scenario filled with “all kinds of insults” and aggressive posturing, contrasting this with the dignified silence and grace shown by Lewis Hamilton in defeat.

Interestingly, Wolff attempted to offer a nuanced view, admitting that from a season-long perspective, Red Bull deserved the 2021 title. “I try to look at it from the other side… the outcome of that race is a fair representation of the performance levels during the season,” he conceded. Yet, he immediately withdrew this olive branch when reflecting on Horner’s inability to reciprocate that understanding. It is this asymmetry—Wolff’s willingness to see Red Bull’s side versus Horner’s absolute refusal to see Mercedes’ side—that fuels the fire.

A Strange Nostalgia

Perhaps the most surprising twist in Wolff’s revelations is his admission of missing Horner. With Laurent Mekies now at the helm of Red Bull, relations between the two teams have become “harmonious.” The toxic barbs and public spats are gone, replaced by professional courtesy.

Yet, Wolff confessed to missing his “old enemy” on the grid. The rivalry, toxic as it was, provided a unique intensity and motivation. It elevated the stakes. “Competition loses something when a worthy opponent disappears,” the article notes, suggesting that Wolff thrived on the conflict. It’s a classic case of a hero needing a villain; without Horner to push against, the victory doesn’t taste quite the same.

The Human Cost: Hamilton’s Decline

The interview also shed light on the lingering impact of 2021 on Lewis Hamilton. Since that fateful night in Abu Dhabi, the seven-time champion has won only two races in four years. Wolff’s continued defense of Hamilton’s legacy suggests that he views the driver’s decline not just as a sporting slump, but as a psychological consequence of a “stolen” title.

Wolff’s attacks on Horner can be seen as a proxy war—a way to continue fighting for his driver, whose record-breaking eighth title was snatched away. By attacking Horner’s character, Wolff is validating the injustice he feels his team suffered.

What’s Next for Horner?

Despite the brutal firing and the character assassination, Christian Horner may not be done with Formula 1. Rumors are swirling that he is eyeing a return to the grid as early as 2026, armed with a rumored $100 million settlement from Red Bull. Speculation links him to teams like Aston Martin or Alpine, potentially in a role that offers the very thing he covets most: an ownership stake.

The irony is palpable. The man fired for wanting too much power is now reportedly seeking a position that guarantees him even more of it. If these rumors prove true, the paddock could be set for a sequel to the Wolff-Horner saga—one that promises to be just as explosive as the first.

Conclusion

Toto Wolff’s interview is more than just gossip; it’s a rare glimpse into the psychological warfare of elite sports. It reveals that behind the polished press releases and corporate speak, these are men driven by ego, pride, and profound grudges. Wolff claims Horner’s downfall was written in his character—a “total gap” of empathy and an excess of entitlement. Whether you view this as a harsh truth or a final twist of the knife from a bitter rival, one thing is certain: the shadow of Christian Horner still looms large over Formula 1, and Toto Wolff isn’t ready to let the past die just yet.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, speed is usually the ultimate currency. But for Christian Horner, the architect of the sport’s most dominant modern dynasty, the race that ended his career wasn’t fought on the asphalt of Silverstone or Suzuka. It was a silent, brutal war of attrition fought in boardrooms and via encrypted messages, culminating in a dismissal that has shattered the paddock’s status quo. After two decades, six constructors’ championships, and the transformation of an energy drink marketing exercise into a racing powerhouse, Christian Horner is out.

The announcement of his dismissal on July 9, 2025, just days after the British Grand Prix, sent shockwaves through the sport not because it was unexpected, but because of the sheer magnitude of the collapse. The man who seemed untouchable, shielded by majority ownership and an impenetrable track record, was removed with ruthless corporate efficiency. His exit, accompanied by a staggering settlement reportedly between $75 million and $100 million, marks the definitive end of an era and the resolution of a power struggle that has been festering since the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.

The Vacuum of Power

To understand the fall, one must look back to the height of the team’s success. In 2023, Red Bull Racing was operating in a league of its own, winning 21 of 22 races. It was a masterpiece of engineering and management. Yet, beneath the champagne spray, the foundation was rotting. The passing of Mateschitz removed the ultimate arbiter, the patriarch whose word was law. In his absence, a rift opened between the Austrian faction of the company—controlled by his son Mark Mateschitz and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff—and the Thai majority owners, the Yoovidhya family.

For 18 months, this corporate schism defined the team’s reality. The Austrian side, alongside motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, viewed Horner with increasing suspicion, pushing for his removal. They were blocked, however, by Chalerm Yoovidhya. The Thai patriarch became Horner’s political shield, protecting him through the storm of the early 2024 investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior. While Horner was cleared of those specific grievances, the damage was done. The “civil war” had begun, and the battle lines were drawn not over racing strategy, but over control of the team’s future.

The Shield Drops

Horner’s survival strategy relied entirely on this Thai protection. It allowed him to weather public attacks from Jos Verstappen, who famously declared the team would “explode” if Horner remained, and to withstand the departure of design genius Adrian Newey. But political protection is a fragile thing. On May 20, 2025, the dynamic shifted overnight. In a move that looked like routine financial housekeeping but acted as a guillotine, Chalerm Yoovidhya transferred a personal 2% stake to a Geneva-based trust.

This transfer equalized the direct holdings between the Austrian and Thai families at 49% each. The message was clear: the shield was gone. Whether the Thai family tired of the conflict or were convinced by the Austrian faction’s dossier of alleged manipulations by Horner, the result was the same. Horner was left exposed. The Austrians, who had been patiently building their case and waiting for an opening, finally struck. Five weeks later, the most successful team principal in Red Bull’s history was escorted out of the building.

The Brain Drain and On-Track Collapse

The tragedy of this corporate saga is the collateral damage inflicted on the racing team itself. The instability didn’t just cost Horner his job; it stripped the team of its soul. The departure of Adrian Newey in May 2024 was the first domino. Newey, the man who can visualize airflow like others see colors, left for Aston Martin, citing the toxic atmosphere. He wasn’t alone. Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley left for Audi, and Chief Designer Rob Marshall went to McLaren.

The impact on performance was undeniable. The car that was once on rails became unpredictable. Correlation issues between the wind tunnel and the track—once unheard of at Milton Keynes—plagued the 2024 and 2025 seasons. By the time Horner was fired, Red Bull had slipped to third in the constructors’ championship, watching helplessly as McLaren and Ferrari feasted on their remains. Max Verstappen, trapped in the middle of the warring factions, fought valiantly to a second-place finish in the 2025 championship, but even his brilliance couldn’t overcome a fractured organization.

Scorched Earth

The changing of the guard has been absolute. Laurent Mekies has stepped in from Racing Bulls to lead the team, but he inherits an organization in recovery. The “clean sweep” initiated by Mintzlaff saw the removal of Horner’s closest allies, including communications director Paul Smith. But the most stinging rebuke came from Helmut Marko.

Announcing his own retirement in December 2025, the 82-year-old advisor didn’t mince words. He described the final years of the Horner regime as “unpleasant” and rife with “dirty games.” Marko’s revelations painted a picture of a team principal who, in a bid for survival, attempted to secure an equity stake in the team—a move that would have made him an owner rather than an employee. This ambition, Marko suggested, was the final straw for the Austrian ownership. They weren’t just firing a manager; they were neutralizing an existential threat to their control of the asset.

A New, Uncertain Dawn

As the dust settles, the question remains: Can Red Bull Racing survive without its architect? The 2026 season looms large, bringing with it new regulations and the debut of the in-house Red Bull Powertrains engine, developed with Ford. This project, initiated under Horner, will now be executed by his successors.

The team still possesses world-class facilities and the singular talent of Max Verstappen. But the “magic” of the Red Bull era—that alchemy of Newey’s genius, Marko’s ruthlessness, and Horner’s steady hand—has been dissolved. The story of Red Bull Racing is no longer about an energy drink company taking on the world; it is a cautionary tale of how quickly an empire can crumble when internal politics supersede the pursuit of victory. Christian Horner has walked away with his millions, and potentially a future at a rival team, but the scars left on the team he built may take years to heal. The dynasty is over; the rebuild begins now.

 LABOUR HUMILIATED: Fɑrɑge RIPS the Heɑrt Out of Stɑrmer’s Northern Strongholds — Working-Clɑss Revolt Leɑves Westminster Reeling

Reform UK has bagged another by-election win that could pave the way for greater gains in Labour’s heartland.

Reform snatched victory from Labour in a Sunderland by-election this week in a dramatic swing, taking home 45.2 per cent of the vote.

Sir Keir Starmer’s party, meanwhile, slipped to third place in the Hetton ward by-election, with a share of just 22.7 per cent of the vote, falling behind an independent candidate who finished up on 25.6 per cent.

The results will come as a blow to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, whose Houghton and Sunderland South constituency encompasses the Hetton ward.

Why the win is so significant

The seat is regarded as a ‘bellwether’ ahead of Sunderland City Council’s May elections.

Bellwether seats are constituencies where the local result tracks a wider voting trend.

Reacting to the by-election results, GB News’ deputy political editor, Tom Harwood, said: “I spoke to the candidate in this by-election on Wednesday.

“Sunderland goes to vote in May, and Reform were looking to the Hetton by-election for clues in terms of how that might go.

“Looks likely to be another Durham moment.”

Reform swept to victory in the by-election held in Bridget Phillipson’s constituency

Mr Farage said it was a “huge result” for his party.

“Labour pushed into third place. Bridget Phillipson would lose her seat if this was repeated at the next election,” the Clacton MP wrote to X.

“No wonder Keir Starmer can’t stop attacking me!”

Hetton, Sunderland

As set out in our analysis above, Reform stormed to victory in the Education Secretary’s consistency, with candidate Ian McKinley elected.

Reacting to his win, Mr McKinley said: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the residents of Hetton ward for putting your faith in me to represent you on Sunderland City Council.

“I will absolutely not let you down!Thank you also to my Reform colleagues, I will never forget all you have done for me, and I look forward to working with you all in May.”

The full results:

Reform: 45.2 per cent
Independent: 25.6 per cent
Labour: 22.7 per cent
Lib Dem: 4.2 per cent
Conservative: 2.3 per cent

Reform candidate Ian McKinley (middle) took home the majority of votes in the by-election

Good things come in twos

Reform marked a second by-election victory in the Hunstanton ward on King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council, filling a previously independent-held seat.

The election had been called following the resignation of long-time councillor Paul Beal due to ill health last month.

Reform candidate Fred Pidcock bagged 29.2 per cent of votes, followed by the Lib Dems with 25.6 per cent.

Labour, meanwhile, plummeted to last place, with 3.2 per cent.

The full results:

Reform: 29.2 per cent
Lib Dems: 25.6 per cent
Independent: 18.2 per cent
Conservative: 17.8 per cent
Independent: 6.1 per cent
Labour: 3.2 per cent

Fred Pidcock bagged 29.2 per cent of votes in the Hunstanton ward by-election

Barnoldswick, Lancashire

It was a Lib Dem hold in the Barnoldswick ward on Pendle Council in east Lancashire.

Sir Ed Davey’s party stormed ahead, with candidate Bryony Hartley winning almost 60 per cent of the votes

Reform meanwhile fell behind with 26.2 per cent, while Labour again came in last place.

The by-election was triggered after the previous representative, Mick Strickland, decided to stand down from his role.

The full results:

Lib Dem: 59.8 per cent
Reform: 26.2 per cent
Conservative: 10.1 per cent
Labour: 3.9 per cent

Princess Anne isn’t the hardest-working royal of 2025 – here’s who beat her

The Princess Royal, who carried out 478 engagements this year, was beaten by another family member for the hardest-working title

The King has knocked the Princess Royal off the top spot as the hardest working royal of the year, despite still undergoing cancer treatment.

Charles, 77, clocked up a total of 532 engagements over the last 12 months, 50 more than his sister, Princess Anne, who often takes the hardest-working title, according to research conducted by royal expert Patricia Treble for The Mirror, which included engagements up until 18 December.

As well as engagements across the UK, the King has also travelled abroad to Poland, Canada, Italy and Vatican City.

While Anne, 75, took second place with 478 engagements, the Duke of Edinburgh, 61, was third with 313 and his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, with 235.

The King’s siblings have travelled all around the world this year, with the Princess Royal visiting South Africa, Ukraine where she met President Zelensky, Australia where she celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals as its Colonel-in-Chief and Singapore to mark to 60 years of relations with the UK.

© Alamy Stock Photo
Princess Anne with President Zelensky

Among their many solo trips, Prince Edward and Sophie have visited Nepal and Japan together.

Queen Camilla, 78, is the fifth hardest-working royal with 228 engagements, followed by the late Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, 81, who has notched up 212.

According to the research, the Prince of Wales, 43, carried out 202 engagements in 2025, with the future King visiting troops in Estonia in March and travelling to Vatican City for Pope Francis’ funeral in April.

© Getty Images
Prince William at Christ the Redeemer in Brazil

In June, Prince William flew to Monaco to attend the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, and in July, he attended the Lionesses’ matches during the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, with the royal accompanied by his ten-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, for the final against Spain.

William’s final overseas visit of the year was to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for his annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, which aims to find solutions to repair the planet.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Gloucester, 79, carried out 113 engagements this year, followed by the Duke of Kent, 90, who racked up 77, and finally, the Princess of Wales, 43, with 69 engagements.

© Getty Images
The Prince and Princess of Wales at the US state banquet

Kate announced at the beginning of the year that she is in remission from cancer and has made a gradual return to her public duties. While she has not travelled overseas this year, she has played major roles at all three state visits for the French, US and German Presidents.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were deployed to greet each of the three leaders first during their respective state visits, showcasing their growing responsibilities on the world stage.

“IF THEY WANT US TO FALL APART, THEY’LL HAVE TO TRY HARDER.” — Eamonn Holmes & Katie Alexander Stun at Christmas Lunch With Defiant Show of Unity That Silences the Rumours

Eamonn Holmes and his girlfriend Katie Alexander looked blissfully smitten as they arrived at the annual TRIC Christmas Lunch on Friday — even as the broadcaster continues to navigate fragile health, a complicated divorce, and scrutiny over his new romance.

The 66-year-old presenter used his walker for support as he stepped out of a taxi outside The Londoner Hotel, smiling warmly beside Katie, 43, who stayed close to him throughout their arrival. She looked striking in a black bejewelled satin blazer paired with a delicate lace camisole, flared velvet trousers and silver strappy heels.

Eamonn, helped from the taxi by an aide, opted for a smart navy pinstripe suit as they joined the star-studded guest list inside. The festive TRIC luncheon brought together TV, radio and online personalities for comedy performances and West End carols, raising funds for Bright Young Dreams and Refuge while marking 100 years of British television.

Inside the ballroom, the couple joined fellow big names including Lizzie Cundy — who turned heads in a red lace corset mini-dress — and Dame Mary Berry, who made a rare appearance to accept the TRIC Outstanding Achievement Award for her decades of influence in British broadcasting. Anita Dobson, Bonnie Langford, Russell T Davies, Angela Rippon and Tina Daheley were also in attendance, as Doctor Who and Points of View received special Legend Awards.

But despite the glamour, Eamonn’s personal life continues to shadow his public outings. His romance with Katie is said to have “gone down like a lead balloon” with some family members, particularly amid long-standing rumours that the pair first exchanged flirty messages over a decade ago. Both insist nothing happened until after their respective marriages had ended.

For fans, the end of Eamonn and Ruth Langsford’s 14-year marriage came as a shock — though insiders say signs of strain had been visible for years, from Eamonn’s declining health to his acrimonious 2021 exit from ITV, which he later described as a “sly move” by executives.

He is now waiting for his divorce to be finalised, as well as for his share of the £3.6 million marital home in Weybridge. Sources claim that once that payout arrives, “it will be the moment Eamonn shows Katie whether he’s ready to settle down with her for good — or not.”

Insiders also say Eamonn has been showering Katie with gifts during a “rocky patch” in their relationship, including Premier League match tickets and a romantic trip to Belfast, though he reportedly pulled out of a £550,000 house purchase for her in West Yorkshire when tensions grew.

Still, at the TRIC Christmas Lunch, none of that showed. Eamonn and Katie held close to each other, smiling as they took their seats — a united front amid a year of upheaval, speculation and life-changing adjustments.

King Charles’s nod to daughter-in-law Princess Kate as location revealed for Christmas message

Buckingham Palace has shared the location for the monarch’s fourth festive message of his reign – and it’s not a royal residence

The King’s Christmas broadcast features a subtle nod to his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, as the location of his fourth festive message of his reign has been revealed.

For the second-year running, Charles, 77, has chosen to record his speech outside a royal residence, speaking from the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey in London.

In the background of the broadcast are twinkling Christmas trees that have been repurposed from Kate’s Together at Christmas carol concert, staged at the Abbey earlier in December before the King’s message was filmed.

A number of the trees used at the service have been repurposed or donated to charities, including The Passage homelessness organisation and the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton.

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The Abbey’s Lady Chapel is the location for Charles’ broadcast, a late medieval construction built for Henry VII and the burial place of 15 kings and queens, including Charles II, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, and it is also the official chapel of the Order of the Bath.

Out of view above the King’s head are the colourful banners of the chivalry order’s knights, hanging beneath the chapel’s spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling.

© PA
Christmas trees from Princess Kate’s carol service can be seen in the background

It is understood the monarch asked for a filming location away from a royal setting and suggestions were made by the BBC, which produced the broadcast this year, and the royal household.

Westminster Abbey has a long history as a site of pilgrimage for those paying homage at the tomb of Edward the Confessor, whose shrine lies at the heart of the Abbey built in the King’s honour.

© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
The Wales family during Kate’s fifth carol service at Westminster Abbey

Edward, who reigned for 24 years before dying in 1066, was said to be a monk-like monarch believed to have the power to heal and was canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1161 – with his tomb attracting pilgrims over the centuries.

It comes after Charles recorded his message at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, a former sacred space of the demolished Middlesex Hospital where Diana, Princess of Wales opened London’s first dedicated Aids ward. It has seen a surge in visitor numbers for exhibitions and open days since the broadcast on Christmas Day 2024.

What time can you watch the King’s speech?

The King’s message is one of the rare occasions when he does not turn to the Government for advice and is able to voice his own views.

Written by the monarch, it usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and sometimes draws on their own experiences.

The message will be transmitted on both television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day.

The allure of the Prancing Horse is undeniable. It is a siren song that has called to the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, promising immortality, passion, and the adoration of the Tifosi. Yet, for nearly two decades, the gates of Maranello have functioned less like a gateway to paradise and more like a revolving door of broken promises and tarnished legacies.

As we close the book on the 2025 Formula 1 season, the motorsport world is left reeling. What was billed as the “transfer of the century”—Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, leaving his empire at Mercedes to restore glory to Ferrari—has unraveled into a season of frustration, confusion, and despair. It feels eerily familiar. It feels like a re-run of a horror movie we watched just five years ago.

The question currently dominating the paddock, social media forums, and post-race debriefs is a painful one: Who had the worse final straw at Ferrari? Lewis Hamilton in 2025, or Sebastian Vettel in 2020? To answer this, we must look beyond the points tally and delve into the psychological toll, the operational failures, and the sheer tragedy of talent wasted.

The Ferrari Meat Grinder: A History of Hope and despair

To understand the magnitude of Hamilton’s disastrous 2025 campaign, we must first contextualize the environment he walked into. Since 2008, Ferrari has been a team seemingly at war with itself. The DNA of winning that defined the Michael Schumacher era has been replaced by a cocktail of mismanagement, corporate politics, and a crushing weight of expectation that suffocates its drivers.

Fernando Alonso was promised a championship-winning car; he left years later with empty hands and a weary soul. Sebastian Vettel arrived with dreams of emulating his idol Schumacher; he departed humiliated, fired before the season even began, and driving a car affectionately known as a “tractor.” Charles Leclerc, the chosen one, has spent years oscillating between brilliance and the pit wall’s baffling strategic blunders.

And then came Lewis. The move was supposed to be the final, glorious chapter of the greatest career the sport has ever seen. Instead, 2025 became a case study in how to break a legend.

Hamilton’s 2025: A Symphony of Errors

Hamilton’s season began with the highest of hopes in Australia, but the cracks appeared instantly. Qualifying P8 was underwhelming, but the race itself was a descent into midfield purgatory. Stuck in dirty air, victims of a car sensitive to turbulence, Hamilton spent his debut in Red staring at the gearboxes of cars he used to lap.

But it was the glimmer of hope that made the subsequent failures hurt more. In China, the pace was finally there. A commanding performance seemed to signal the turning of the tide. Yet, in a twist of cruel irony that is distinctly “Ferrari,” his P5 finish—already a compromise—was wiped from the books. A disqualification for excessive plank wear. The team had run the car too low in a desperate bid for downforce, sacrificing legality for pace. It was a rookie mistake from the most storied team on the grid.

The European leg of the season offered no respite. Spain saw Hamilton completely lacking pace compared to teammate Charles Leclerc, a harsh reality check for a driver used to being the benchmark. Silverstone, usually Hamilton’s fortress, teased redemption. In mixed conditions, the old magic returned; Hamilton was the fastest man on track, dancing through the rain. But as the track dried, the strategy crumbled, and the car ate its tires. No podium. Just another “what if.”

Perhaps the nadir of the season was Spa-Francorchamps. A “suspension upgrade” somehow turned the car backward, flicking a switch that seemed to dim Hamilton’s confidence entirely. He qualified 16th—a stat that looks like a typo next to his name. Even a spirited recovery drive to 7th couldn’t mask the stench of failure.

Then came the rage-inducing climax in Mexico. Finally qualifying in the top three, Hamilton looked set for a podium. Enter Max Verstappen. A clumsy overtake attempt by the Dutchman pushed Hamilton wide. Hamilton, refusing to be bullied, cut the corner, only to be slapped with a penalty that ruined his race. It felt personal. It felt like the universe conspiring against him.

By the time the season wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton’s 2025 campaign could be defined by one word: Rage-bait. He was baited by a car that worked only sporadically, baited by a team that fed him useless data, and baited by rivals who sensed blood in the water.

Vettel’s 2020: The Long Goodbye

If Hamilton’s season was a tragedy of errors, Sebastian Vettel’s 2020 season was a tragedy of neglect.

Vettel entered 2020 knowing he was a dead man walking. Ferrari had essentially fired him via phone call before the engines even fired up in Austria. The mental toll of driving for a team that has already discarded you cannot be overstated.

And then there was the car. The SF1000 was a disaster of engineering—draggy, slow, and unstable. In Austria, Vettel spun, a symptom of a driver pushing a bad car beyond its limit and terrified of its unpredictability. The humiliation deepened in Styria when he and Leclerc took each other out on the opening lap—a double DNF that symbolized the team’s implosion.

Strategy calls were comically bad. In Spain, Ferrari left Vettel out on 50-lap-old tires, ignoring his questions, only to ask him mid-corner what strategy he wanted. Vettel had to drive the car and run the pit wall simultaneously, dragging the car to 7th through sheer willpower and anger.

Yet, amidst the gloom of P13 finishes and Q1 exits, there was Turkey. In treacherous, wet conditions—the great equalizer—Vettel reminded the world who he was. Starting 11th, he vaulted to 3rd on the first lap and held his nerve for two hours. On the final corner, as Leclerc ran wide attempting a move on Perez, Vettel slipped through to snatch a podium. It was a final flicker of the four-time champion’s brilliance, a middle finger to the management that had written him off.

The Verdict: Who Suffered More?

Comparing these two seasons is like choosing between drowning and burning. Both are excruciating, but the nature of the pain differs.

Lewis Hamilton in 2025 suffered from the shock of the new reality. He arrived with expectation, only to be met with incompetence. His suffering was “active”—fighting for results that were snatched away by disqualifications, crashes, and penalties. His pace was often there, but it was suffocated by circumstance.

Sebastian Vettel in 2020, however, suffered from “passive” neglect. He was driving a tractor, unwanted and unloved. His confidence was shattered not just by the car, but by the explicit rejection of the team. When he drove poorly, it was fear. When he drove well, the team often failed to capitalize.

So, who had it worse?

Strictly looking at the driving and the machinery, Sebastian Vettel’s 2020 was the deeper hell. He was fighting a car that fundamentally didn’t work, while being publicly ostracized by his employer. He scored a fraction of the points Hamilton did. He looked like a broken man for most of the year.

However, Hamilton’s 2025 carries a different kind of tragedy. Vettel was leaving; his pain had an end date. Hamilton has just arrived. He is contracted for the future. The realization that he may have trapped himself in a sinking ship for the final years of his career adds an existential dread to his season that Vettel didn’t have to face in 2020.

In the end, the real loser isn’t Hamilton or Vettel. It’s the fans, and the sport itself. We have watched Ferrari take two of the greatest talents in history and reduce them to frustrated, mid-field drivers pleading with their engineers for a strategy that makes sense.

As we look toward 2026, one has to wonder: Can the Prancing Horse be healed? Or will the red garage remain a graveyard for legends? For Lewis Hamilton’s sake, we must hope for the former. But if history—and the ghosts of 2020—are any indication, hope is a dangerous thing to have in Maranello.

Tess Daly is swept off her feet by Aljaž Škorjanec as a ‘goodbye gift’ from the judges on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special – and Claudia Winkleman is left floored by grand gesture from show legend

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are both left amazed by their parting gifts while bowing out of the BBC show for good.

The pair – who announced their joint exit earlier this year – grace the ballroom one last time in the pre-recorded Christmas special.

It sees the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke and Motsi Mabuse – give Tess, 56, a special Christmas gift.

The presenter, who has been with Strictly since day one, is treated to an Argentine Tango with pro Aljaž Škorjanec – who sweeps her off her feet.

Meanwhile, Claudia, 53, is given a grand goodbye by the show’s musical director Dave Arch.

The pair have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’, with Dave bidding farewell to Claudia in the style of beloved romcom Love Actually.

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Tess Daly is swept off her feet by Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec in the show’s upcoming Christmas special

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Claudia receives a special Love Actually-inspired parting gift from the show’s musical director Dave Arch

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Strictly Come Dancing previously unveiled a first look at Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s farewell during the Christmas Special

Dave, 63, holds up hand-written cue cards reminiscent of the famous scene featuring Andrew Lincoln and Keira Knightley.

In a first-look at the upcoming festive special, Tess and Claudia turned heads as they posed together beneath the glitterball.

Tess looked incredible in a white suit adorned with silver sequins on the blazer, while Claudia wowed in a flowing blush maxi dress.

During the pair’s last-ever live final, former Lioness Karen Carney won the series alongside pro partner Carlos Gu. 

However, the momentous episode also featured a message to Tess and Claudia from a very notable fan.

The tribute, delivered by Craig Revel Horwood, was from none other than Queen consort Camilla.

Long-standing judge Craig read out: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.

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Tess – who has been with Strictly since day one – receives an Argentine Tango with Aljaž as a Christmas gift from the judges

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Strictly Come Dancing viewers know Claudia and Dave have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’

‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.

‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.

‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’

Tess and Claudia were overwhelmed by the tribute as they struggled to contain their emotion after the heartfelt letter.

Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: ‘I can’t speak now. What an honour.

‘Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.’

Claudia replied: ‘That is amazing, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.

‘We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.’