Hungarian Grand Prix Preview: Contract Drama, Mercedes Woes, and the Battle for 2026

Race week is upon us once again as the Formula 1 circus heads to the iconic Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Amidst the thrilling anticipation of racing action, there are several compelling storylines unfolding behind the scenes that could shape not only this weekend’s outcomes but the very landscape of the sport for the coming years. From contract dramas involving Max Verstappen to Mercedes’ sudden dip in form and Ferrari’s upgrade struggles, the F1 paddock is buzzing with tension and intrigue.

Max Verstappen’s Contract Saga: Red Bull Holds Firm

One of the biggest off-track stories revolves around Max Verstappen and his future with Red Bull. Following the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s performance clause expired, sparking speculation about potential moves. The Mercedes camp, despite recent setbacks, reportedly prepared a massive €100 million buyout bid to lure Verstappen. However, Red Bull’s front office appears confident that they have secured Verstappen’s services for at least another season, putting to rest rumors of a major summer transfer shakeup — for now.

This development leaves the rest of the grid in a complicated position. Should Verstappen stay, Red Bull maintains their formidable front-runner, while Mercedes and others must continue to plot alternative paths forward. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how this will impact rivalries and team dynamics going into the final stretch of 2025 and beyond.

Mercedes’ Crisis Deepens: What Went Wrong?

Mercedes, once the epitome of dominance in Formula 1, finds itself in unfamiliar territory. After a strong start to the season, recent weekends have revealed a car struggling with balance and drivability. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton’s performances have suffered accordingly, with Russell acknowledging the car’s growing unpredictability and increased difficulty.

Key to this downfall is a technical directive introduced around the Barcelona Grand Prix. The FIA clamped down on flexible front wings—a trick Mercedes and McLaren heavily exploited in prior races to gain aerodynamic advantages. Previously, flexible wings allowed the car to generate high downforce in slow corners, aiding rotation and control, while flexing at high speeds to reduce drag and oversteer. The new restrictions have effectively removed this crucial compromise, leaving Mercedes with a setup that now feels less stable and more challenging to drive.

Both Russell and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have pointed out that the car’s current state is “far trickier” than earlier in the year. Mercedes even convened a team meeting at Brackley to diagnose the root causes, highlighting the urgency to find solutions before the performance gap widens further. Russell recalls how the directive from Barcelona was a turning point and suggests that subsequent upgrades may not have helped as intended.

The Rookie Rumble: New Talent and Tough Lessons

While the veteran stars face challenges, the new generation of drivers is under intense scrutiny. Mercedes’ young driver, Kimmy Antonelli, has experienced a rollercoaster season, with his points haul dwindling after an early podium in Montreal. Critics question whether Antonelli is faltering or simply a victim of a less competitive car, but Russell defends his teammate, emphasizing that much depends on machinery quality rather than driver capability alone.

Elsewhere, other rookies like Ollie Bman have encountered setbacks, such as a costly qualifying error at Spa due to on-track incidents involving Yuki Tsunoda. These rookie challenges underscore how difficult it remains to break through consistently in the hyper-competitive environment of F1, where even small mistakes can drastically impact race results.

Yuki Tsunoda and Red Bull’s Dry Pitstop Drama

Speaking of Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver was notably vocal after Spa about his team’s pitstop strategy. Tsunoda was running well and closing on points-scoring positions when a pit call came just after he passed the pit entry, forcing him to complete an extra lap and lose significant track position. Frustrated, Tsunoda openly criticized the team’s communication and pit strategy execution, highlighting the fine margins that can decide races.

Max Verstappen also weighed in on the weekend’s wet weather racing, lamenting how safety protocols and cautious stewarding often diminish the excitement of classic wet races. Verstappen’s candid remarks sparked debate among drivers, with some favoring safety and caution, especially at notoriously tricky corners like Radillon, while others share his desire for more daring wheel-to-wheel battles regardless of conditions.

Ferrari’s Upgrade Puzzle: Progress or Puzzle?

Ferrari, often seen as perennial title contenders, have had a mixed season with their latest upgrades. The team introduced new brake components at Canada, but incidents like Pierre Gasly’s crash and Lewis Hamilton’s lockup during qualifying have raised questions about reliability and adaptation to the changes.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted that some upgrades require fine-tuning, especially in terms of brake performance, ride height, and car balance. Vasseur also revealed that the decision to bring the latest upgrades at Spa—amidst unpredictable weather—was not entirely his choice but a collective decision influenced by technical staff and drivers pushing for improvements.

Despite Ferrari’s ongoing efforts, their car remains a step behind McLaren, who have impressively capitalized on the technical directive changes and show strong pace across a variety of circuits. Ferrari’s focus now appears to be shifting more toward preparations for the 2026 season, with major regulation changes on the horizon promising a fresh start for many teams.

The Road Ahead: Strategy, Upgrades, and Next Season’s Blueprint

As the season progresses, several key questions remain unanswered. Can Mercedes reverse their slide and regain the dominance they once enjoyed? Will Red Bull’s stronghold on Verstappen continue to intimidate rivals? How quickly can rookies like Antonelli and Bman find consistency? And can Ferrari close the gap to McLaren before 2025 ends?

Technical regulations, team strategies, and driver performances all intertwine in a complex dance that makes Formula 1 so captivating. The Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be another chapter filled with high stakes, rapid developments, and moments that could alter the championship narrative.

Moreover, with 2026’s radical regulation overhaul looming, teams are balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term planning. Every upgrade and development is scrutinized not only for its short-term gains but also for how it positions each outfit in the new technical era.

Conclusion

Formula 1 in mid-2025 is a fascinating blend of established stars defending their legacies and new talents forging their paths. Contract battles like Verstappen’s, technical challenges for Mercedes, strategic missteps from teams, and the relentless pursuit of speed and consistency make this one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in recent memory.

As the grid prepares to tackle the twisty Hungaroring, fans should brace for a weekend where every decision on and off the track counts. Whether it’s a triumphant comeback or a confirmation of struggles, one thing is certain: the storylines in Formula 1 remain as intense and enthralling as ever.

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Lewis Hamilton’s Belgian Grand Prix Outburst: A Glimpse into Formula 1’s Brewing Storm

Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 world champion and one of the sport’s most iconic figures, rarely loses his composure. Yet at the Belgian Grand Prix qualifying session, the usually composed Brit found himself unable to contain his frustration. The unexpected elimination in Q1 — a shock in itself — was made worse by a controversial FIA decision that disallowed his fastest lap for allegedly breaching track limits at turn four. This moment wasn’t just a matter of lost seconds or a missed opportunity; for Hamilton, it was a deep insult, a symbol of an inconsistency in the sport’s governing body that threatens to erode the fairness at the heart of Formula 1.

A Moment of Raw Emotion

The scene was dramatic: cameras caught Hamilton’s scathing remarks immediately after Q1 ended. His lap time, which should have seen him comfortably into Q2, was struck off the records because all four tires supposedly crossed the white line at a critical corner. The penalty dropped him to 16th place — an almost unthinkable result for a driver of his stature.

Hamilton’s reaction was both emotional and direct. He openly criticized the FIA’s application of the track limits, calling it overly strict and inconsistently enforced. “I don’t agree. But yes, I’m out,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration and disbelief. More than just a sporting grievance, Hamilton framed the incident as a fundamental question of fairness. He pointed out that earlier in the session, he had pushed the same corner multiple times without penalty. Why, then, was his final, decisive lap suddenly invalidated?

The Cold Reality of Racing at Ferrari

Hamilton’s disappointment was palpable. His race engineer, Ricardo Adami, delivered the disqualification news in a stark, emotionless tone: “Track limits. Turn four. You’re out.” Unlike Hamilton’s previous years at Mercedes, where his race engineer Peter Bonnington provided not only technical guidance but also emotional support, the relationship between Hamilton and Adami seemed distant and formal.

Veteran journalist Ted Kravitz highlighted this divide, noting the lack of warmth in Adami’s communications during such a pivotal moment. Drivers don’t just need cold data — they need encouragement and psychological support, especially when battling setbacks. The contrast between Hamilton’s current environment at Ferrari and his past at Mercedes underscores a deeper cultural and emotional rift within the team.

A Tale of Two Ferraris

While Hamilton’s corner of the Ferrari garage was fraught with tension and uncertainty, the other half of the team showed signs of promise. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s young star, delivered a strong qualifying performance, securing third on the grid. Leclerc praised the team’s technical updates, particularly to the rear suspension, signaling that despite ongoing challenges, there was clear progress.

Leclerc’s calm, measured demeanor contrasted sharply with the frustration emanating from Hamilton’s camp. The Italian team, it seems, is at a crossroads — balancing the demands of its experienced driver with the hunger and optimism of a rising star.

Ferrari’s Strategic Shift: Eyes on the Future

Hamilton’s early exit and Leclerc’s steadier pace fuel speculation about Ferrari’s broader strategy. The SF25 car has struggled to keep pace with Red Bull’s power and McLaren’s consistency, revealing the limitations of Ferrari’s current approach.

Insiders suggest Ferrari is increasingly focused on the 2026 season, investing in long-term development rather than chasing fleeting success this year. This shift explains Hamilton’s somber admission that “that seems to be it for this year’s upgrades.” For the seven-time champion, the message is clear: the season may already be lost, and the team is pivoting to future competitiveness.

The Spa Factor: A Track of Unpredictable Drama

Yet in Formula 1, nothing is ever truly over until the checkered flag falls. Spa-Francorchamps is notorious for its fickle weather and unpredictable races. The forecasted rain for Sunday presents a wild card — an opportunity for drivers to overturn the odds.

Hamilton, known as the “rain maestro,” has a reputation for thriving in chaotic conditions. His experience and racecraft could turn the tide, even after a demoralizing qualifying session. His quiet but resolute statement, “I don’t know about tomorrow,” conveys a cautious hope. Despite frustration, the door remains open to redemption.

The Larger Issue: FIA’s Track Limits Controversy

Hamilton’s outburst has reignited a broader debate about FIA’s handling of track limits. Many drivers and fans argue that the regulations are too rigid and inconsistently applied, compromising the natural flow of racing and penalizing drivers unfairly.

Is Hamilton’s incident an isolated case or indicative of systemic problems? Given his status, his vocal criticism shines a spotlight on issues that other drivers might be hesitant to express so publicly. The sport’s governing body faces increasing pressure to clarify rules and apply them with greater consistency, or risk alienating competitors and fans alike.

What This Means for Formula 1

Hamilton’s frustration and Ferrari’s internal dynamics reflect a sport in transition. With regulatory changes on the horizon and fierce competition intensifying, teams must manage not only technical performance but also the human element — trust, communication, and morale.

Hamilton’s experience at the Belgian GP highlights the delicate balance between sport and spectacle. It’s a reminder that beyond split-second decisions and high-tech machines, Formula 1 is driven by passionate individuals whose careers and emotions are deeply entwined with every lap.

Conclusion

The drama at Spa is far from over. Lewis Hamilton’s emotional reaction to the FIA’s decision has exposed fault lines within Ferrari and the sport itself. As teams prepare for the unpredictable race day, the controversy surrounding track limits remains a hot topic.

Hamilton’s journey this weekend — from early elimination to cautious optimism about the rain race — captures the essence of Formula 1’s blend of heartbreak, hope, and high stakes. Whether the FIA will address these criticisms and restore trust remains to be seen. For now, fans watch with bated breath, knowing that in Formula 1, the story is never finished until the final lap.

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Chaos at Spa: Rain, Fog, Drama, and a Silent Revolution Named Oscar

Spa-Francorchamps has always delivered. It’s one of those iconic Formula 1 circuits that feels alive—dangerous, mystical, and capable of anything. But no one expected the latest race weekend to turn into a blend of meteorological drama, strategic wizardry, and one young driver throwing the grid into a skillet and cooking them Hell’s Kitchen style.

This was the Grand Prix of miscommunication, misty weather, and McLaren magic. It was about rain tires, visibility concerns, team radio drama, and one driver who stayed quiet and just dominated. Step forward, Oscar Piastri.

Formation Lap Therapy and Missing Vibes

The race was set for a 3:00 p.m. start, but Spa had other plans. The clouds opened up, the fog rolled in, and the FIA appeared to vanish into the mist—both literally and metaphorically. Instead of racing, we got four formation laps, a red flag, and what felt like a group therapy session for the stewards.

Drivers were divided. Lando Norris said visibility was manageable. Max Verstappen dismissed the concerns entirely. Everyone else? Too busy trying to see anything. Meanwhile, the FIA seemingly waited for divine intervention—or maybe just better vibes.

It wasn’t until lap five that the race truly began. The safety car peeled off. And Oscar Piastri pounced.

Piastri Cooks While Others Panic

Piastri didn’t tiptoe. He didn’t hesitate. He launched like a missile down the Kemmel Straight, slicing past Lando Norris like he was a school bus on a slow Monday. It was cold, calculated, and merciless.

McLaren’s strategy team then activated their inner grandmasters. With the rain dancing around the circuit and grip levels shifting like sand, the tire game turned into four-dimensional chess. Piastri dove into the pits early. McLaren nailed it. Norris hesitated, stayed out for one more lap—and paid the price.

When Norris emerged, he was 9 seconds behind his teammate. To make matters worse, he was hit with battery deployment issues. His engineer reassured him, “It’s coming back up.” Maybe it was. Or maybe they were just gaslighting him harder than a reality TV therapist. Either way, the damage was done.

From P13 to Predator: Hamilton Hunts

While McLaren sorted their 1-2, Lewis Hamilton turned up the heat from the shadows. Starting from P13, he activated shark mode—slicing through Sainz, Albon, Gasly, and more like a knife through soggy croissants.

His Mercedes may not have had the pace of yesteryears, but Lewis was dialed in. He overtook a Haas and even his teammate Russell like they were scenery. He didn’t have a shot at the podium, but it was vintage Hamilton—ruthless, clinical, relentless.

Leclerc: Zen Mode Activated

At the front, Charles Leclerc was trying to become one with the universe. With Verstappen looming behind him, Charles calmly radioed, “Leave me alone, please.” You could practically hear the incense burning in the cockpit.

Despite complaining about dead tires, Leclerc somehow kept Max behind. That Ferrari rear suspension—overhyped all weekend—finally did something right. It wasn’t enough to close the gap to Piastri, but it earned him a podium and a much-needed spiritual boost.

Norris’s Comeback and the Ice Cream Tragedy

Norris wasn’t done yet. He clawed back, reducing the gap to Oscar from 9 seconds to under 4. Spa started to believe. A McLaren battle on the horizon? Maybe even a pass?

And then it happened. La Source. He locked up. Wide. Time lost. Momentum shattered. Watching it was like seeing someone drop their ice cream in slow motion. You could hear the collective groan from McLaren’s pit wall in five languages.

Silent Assassin: Oscar Piastri

Meanwhile, Piastri remained unfazed. No radio chatter. No fumbles. Just pure execution. Every lap was a message: I’m here, I’m fast, and I’m not messing around.

He crossed the finish line for his sixth win of the season, leading McLaren’s sixth 1-2 finish. No drama. No chaos. Just domination. Norris followed in P2, still likely wondering if McLaren’s pit strategy team had swapped notes with a prank show crew.

Verstappen: A Quiet P4, For Once

Max Verstappen finished fourth. No tantrums. No miracles. Just a quiet, uncharacteristically subdued afternoon. Maybe it was the lack of Christian Horner—Red Bull’s team principal missing from the paddock for the weekend.

Instead, we got a calm, bakery-manager-style vibe from the Red Bull garage. No hallway brawls. No shouting. Just… peace? Except for poor Yuki Tsunoda, whose pit stop fumble once again exposed the curse of the Red Bull second seat.

Ferrari’s Upgrades: All Talk, Little Grip

Ferrari came in hyped about their new rear suspension setup like it was a cheat code from F1 2004. It wasn’t. Sure, Leclerc made the podium, but he was 20 seconds behind Piastri. That’s a lifetime in F1 terms.

Carlos Sainz? Invisible. Ferrari’s upgrade plan continues to feel like mixing Red Bull into your espresso and expecting horsepower. Enthusiasm? Yes. Execution? Not quite.

Antonelli’s Nightmare and Mercedes’ Rookie Woes

Then there’s Kimi Antonelli. Starting from the pits, finishing P16. Confidence shattered. The Italian rookie looks like he’s speedrunning a meltdown. If Mercedes isn’t careful, their prodigy might morph into the next Latifi. They need to patch his morale—fast.

Final Results and a Quiet Revolution

Oscar Piastri – P1. Silent killer.

Lando Norris – P2. Fast, but frustrated.

Charles Leclerc – P3. Zen warrior.

Max Verstappen – P4. Calm, quiet, contained.

George Russell – P5. There, but forgettable.

Lewis Hamilton – P7. Still fast, still stuck.

Pierre Gasly – P10. Drove a tractor to the points.

And Logan Sargeant? Somewhere off track, possibly wrestling a gravel trap. Again.

Conclusion: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised—But It Will Be Quiet

Oscar Piastri didn’t scream. He didn’t shout. He didn’t need to. He just showed up, turned the grid into a frying pan, and cooked every single one of them. While others whined, slid, and fumbled, he stayed cold, precise, surgical.

This isn’t just the rise of a new generation—it’s a revolution in silence. If he keeps this up, McLaren won’t just have a star on their hands. They’ll have to rename Woking to Little Melbourne.

And honestly? He’s not even loud about it. He just wins.

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Is the FIA Killing Wet Racing? The Controversy Surrounding Spa and Formula 1’s Growing Fear of Rain

The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps has once again spotlighted a growing issue in Formula 1: the FIA’s overly cautious approach to wet weather racing. What once was considered one of motorsport’s greatest equalizers—the rain—has now become a source of delay, frustration, and controversy. Drivers, teams, and fans alike are voicing increasing concern over what they perceive to be excessive interference from the sport’s governing body.

The Spa Controversy: A Race Lost to Inaction

Spa, one of the most iconic and challenging tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, was once again met with heavy rain this year. However, what should have set the stage for a classic rain-affected race quickly turned into a strategic farce. Despite wet weather being forecasted well in advance, race control delayed proceedings repeatedly. The rationale? Safety concerns, low visibility, and standing water on the track.

While safety is undeniably paramount, many within the F1 paddock believe the FIA has now veered into the territory of overregulation, neutering what could have been a thrilling wet-weather battle. Teams had set up their cars for wet conditions, only to be told to wait until the track was dry enough for intermediates—effectively nullifying their strategy and compromising performance.

This not only upset the strategic planning of multiple teams, including Red Bull and Ferrari, but also deprived fans of a genuine wet-race spectacle. It felt like the race was being choreographed around ideal conditions rather than the unpredictability that defines motorsport.

The Wet Tyre Debate: A Technology Ignored

One of the most vocal criticisms came in the form of confusion over tire selection. Despite the presence of full wet tires—marked by their distinctive blue stripe—not a single car opted to use them during the race, not even during formation laps. Instead, teams mounted intermediate tires (green-striped), even when the track was clearly not suited for them.

This glaring omission raises an important question: Why aren’t wet tires being used?

Pirelli’s wet tires are designed to clear up to 85 liters of water per second, a technical marvel that, on paper, should allow for safer racing in heavier rain. And yet, they remain untouched. Drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, have long criticized the poor performance of full wets, citing them as ineffective and irrelevant unless under extreme monsoon conditions. Verstappen even commented, “Why do we even have them if we never use them?” That’s a question many fans are starting to ask as well.

If the FIA and Pirelli want the wet tire to play a role in wet-weather racing, the product needs improvement—and its use must be mandated under certain conditions.

A Cultural Shift: Is Formula 1 Becoming Too Cautious?

Max Verstappen didn’t mince words when expressing his disappointment: “They are way too cautious now. If we wait for the rain to stop, then what are we even doing here?”

And he’s not alone. Lewis Hamilton, a veteran with seven world championships, echoed similar frustrations. He criticized the FIA’s decision to go with a rolling start rather than a standing start, stating, “It was dry enough. We definitely could have had a proper start.”

This points to a broader shift in F1’s racing philosophy—a pivot from calculated risk to safety-above-all-else conservatism. The tragic deaths of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 and Dilano van ‘t Hoff in 2023 have certainly intensified safety measures, particularly at Spa. However, the pendulum may have swung too far.

F1 has always carried inherent risk. It’s part of the sport’s DNA. The best drivers in the world are supposed to prove themselves not only under sunny skies but in treacherous downpours, mixed conditions, and everything in between.

Is Spa on the Chopping Block?

There’s a darker undercurrent to all of this—concern that Spa could soon be rotated off or removed from the calendar altogether. With Formula 1 aggressively expanding into new markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, traditional circuits like Spa and Monza face uncertainty.

The FIA’s recent handling of Spa adds fuel to speculation that they’re positioning themselves to reduce reliance on tracks that are prone to unpredictable weather. Spa’s microclimate makes it a wildcard every year, and if F1 continues to show reluctance to race in adverse conditions, the event’s long-term viability comes into question.

The Bigger Problem: Manipulation and Mistrust?

Beyond operational mishandlings, there are whispers of deeper mistrust. Did the FIA, either deliberately or through mismanagement, manipulate the conditions to control the narrative of the race? Several drivers and engineers have hinted at a sense of being misled—being told to prepare for wet racing only for the FIA to wait until conditions resembled a dry race.

If true, this undermines the competitive integrity of the sport. Formula 1 thrives on preparation, strategy, and adaptability. When those pillars are shaken by bureaucratic interference, the product suffers.

Where Do We Go From Here?

To prevent similar controversies in future events—like the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, where rain is once again forecast—some key reforms are necessary:

Mandated Use of Wet Tires: If the full wets exist, give them a purpose. Whether through technical improvement or stricter tire regulations, they must be integrated more meaningfully.

Empowering Drivers: Let the drivers have a greater say. After all, they are the ones in the car, and many of them feel comfortable racing in conditions that race control deems “unsafe.”

Transparency in Decisions: The FIA needs to communicate clearly and consistently about race management. Vague explanations only breed frustration and conspiracy theories.

Investment in Visibility Tech: One of the biggest concerns in wet racing is poor visibility due to spray. Innovations like LED rain lights, aero improvements, and tire spray diffusers could mitigate this issue.

Track Design Reviews: Some argue that Spa’s layout contributes to poor drainage and dangerous runoff areas. While no one wants to change classic tracks unnecessarily, continuous safety reviews are vital.

Conclusion: Time for the FIA to Recalibrate

The FIA is at a crossroads. Either it recalibrates its approach to wet weather racing—balancing safety with the sport’s inherently risky nature—or it risks sterilizing Formula 1 into a shadow of its former self.

Spa was a wake-up call. Whether the governing body hears that call remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: fans, teams, and drivers want answers, and more importantly, they want racing—rain or shine.

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John Torode and Celebrity MasterChef winner Lisa Faulkner tied the knot in 2019 and are set to star in an ITV series together later this year

John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner has broken her online silence in the wake of her husband’s sacking from MasterChef. It was announced that Torode’s contract on the BBC series would not be renewed following a historic allegation of racism.

In a video shared on her Instagram Stories this evening, the actress told fans: “Hi there, I just wanted to check in and say hello. I’m here and just thank you for all your lovely comments because they really, really mean a lot. So thank you.”

Faulkner, 53, tied the knot with Torode in 2019. It is the second marriage for both stars, with the former Holby City actress previously with Chris Coghill, known for his role as Tony King in ‘EastEnders’, with whom she shares an adopted daughter named Billie.

Lisa shared a video to her Instagram thanking her fans
Torode’s former spouse is a woman named Jessica, and together they share two children. The former MasterChef star, 59, is also a father to two older children from a previous relationship.

Faulkner and Torode first crossed paths when Lisa competed on Celebrity MasterChef’ in 2010, striking up a solid friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. The pair clicked right away, maintaining their friendship post-filming, but Lisa maintains there was no initial romantic spark.

“He was a judge on a show I loved and I was petrified of him.He was brilliant and gave us all tips so you didn’t want to let him down,” she recalled.

“All I could think was, ‘That sauce hasn’t worked’. I didn’t see anything but food for three months. After I won, we did The Good Food Show and stuff. John and I always got on, but I never thought about me and him.”

Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK confirmed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005.

Lisa shared a short clip on her Instagram account
Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.

A statement from Banijay UK said: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.

“This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”

The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.

Torode confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.

A BBC spokesperson said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.

“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.

“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”

Despite Torode’s MasterChef axe, he has still appeared on screens with Lisa for their own TV show. A source close to ITV confirmed to the Mirror their schedules for John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen ‘remain unchanged’ despite John’s sacking from MasterChef.

As rumours of peace talks between Harry and King Charles continue to swirl, a royal expert has claimed that there are two senior royals who will find it difficult to forgive Prince Harry’s disloyalty

A royal author believes that two major royals will “never forgive” Prince Harry’s damning allegations against the Firm(Image: BBC)

A royal author has claimed that two senior royals will find it difficult to forgive Prince Harry as rumours of peace talks between the Sussex camp and the royal family continue to swirl. Speculation of a royal reconciliation between Prince Harry and King Charles first emerged when senior aides for both parties were spotted having a meeting in London.

While it is not known who initiated the talks, many believe the Duke of Sussex has reached out to his father to mend their rift ahead of Prince Harry’s trip to the UK in September. Many royal commentators are hoping that the relationship between the father and son can be patched up, however, others are not convinced that the royal family at large will be so quick to forgive.

A royal author believes that two senior royals will not be quick to forgive Prince Harry(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

An one has claimed that two senior royals will “never forgive” Prince Harry after his years of damning exposés against the Firm, including his tell-all interview with Oprah alongside Meghan Markle, and his explosive autobiography Spare.

Royal author Robert Jobson believes that both Prince William and Queen Camilla will have a hard time letting go of the accusations made against them in Harry’s 2023 memoir. Jobson told The Sun : “He’s asking for forgiveness. Well, you know, I think that his father probably will in the long term. I think he probably will. I just don’t see William and Camilla doing it.”

Jobson added that while Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana, also authorised a tell-all autobiography about her time in the royal family, she did not make any profit from the memoir. He said: “She didn’t monetise it for herself. He made a fortune out of it.”

In Spare, Harry mentioned Queen Camilla on more than 60 occasions, often branding her as “the Other Woman”. He also accused the Queen of being “dangerous” and leaking negative stories to the press, allegedly “sacrificing him on her personal PR altar”.

Royal author Robert Jobson claims Queen Camilla and Prince William will “never forgive” Harry’s disloyalty to the Firm(Image: Getty Images)

He also pondered whether she would become his and William’s “wicked stepmother” before her marriage to Charles, as they continued to grieve the loss of their mother.

Prince Harry also referenced his brother Prince William on several occasions, detailing instances throughout their childhood and their ongoing rift. He even made claims that the brothers had a physical altercation.

In his bombshell interview with the BBC back in May, Harry said that “some members of my family will never forgive me” for writing his memoir. But he added: “It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now. If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.”

Royal expert Jennie Bond also believes that it will be difficult for Princess Anne to forgive Prince Harry if the peace talks come to fruition, given his “extreme disloyalty” to the Firm since he quit royal life and relocated to California.

Bond told the Mirror : “To Anne, loyalty is paramount, and I suspect she feels that Harry has been extremely disloyal to his father, his brother and the monarchy. She might well find that hard to forgive.”

The Loose Women panel began to interrupt each other when discussing the controversy surrounding millionaire porn star Bonnie Blue

The Loose Women panel erupted into a massive row on Monday when discussing controversial porn star Bonnie Blue.

ITV’s lunchtime chat show returned at the start of the week with Ruth Langsford as anchor, and she was joined by Mariella Frostrup, Frankie Bridge and Brenda Edwards on the panel. The ladies began to discuss pornographic film actress Bonnie, 26, who infamously had had sex with 1,057 men in 12 hours earlier this year, and the mass stunt became the inspiration for the title of a new Channel 4 documentary, 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story.

The move has made the former NHS recruitment officer into a millionaire. A day before the tell-all documentary on Bonnie airs, the Loose Women discussed her motives. Brenda said that she’d never ‘get her bits out’ for any amount of money, “I just think…ew! I’m just a bit…you can’t use the word morals,” but Ruth cut in to remind her that everyone has a different moral compass. ”

Brenda shot back: “Her mother wouldn’t have changed her mind [about the situation] if she wasn’t being paid by her daughter. Tell her to go into the room where it’s all happening, and I bet you she wouldn’t!”

The Loose Women stars were divided over the situation regarding Bonnie Blue(Image: ITV)

This Morning host Ruth reasoned that Bonnie’s mother was likely trying to ‘support’ her daughter. Mariella then chimed in calling the whole thing a ‘very tragic story’ and that she ‘feels sorry’ for the family because money does not bring happiness. She added: “Isn’t it about what you care about? We live in a world now where everything seems to be okay if you become famous or make loads of money for it. She’s getting a documentary on a public-funded platform, which is Channel 4.”

Ruth tried to bring the topic back to what Bonnie has been saying about the situation, and Mariella snapped: “I don’t care about her. I’m talking about us. I’m not saying she can’t be happy, she says she’s scared to go out, doesn’t lead a normal life, but more importantly I think it’s awful that we’re even talking about it because I just think it’s inflating something that’s really distasteful and is really just a sad, sad story. We have all lost our moral compass.”

Former Saturdays singer Frankie tried to argue that parents are more likely to ‘stand by’ their children even if they disagree with their choices, but the ladies began to talk over each other in disagreement as Brenda rolled her eyes and slammed it as ‘disgraceful’ that money is being made from such a venture. She added: “Do it behind closed doors, I just don’t need to see it!”

The heated nature of the discussion did not go unnoticed by fans, and they flooded social media with comments begging them to stop interrupting one another. One viewer wrote on X: “Only Mariella’s opinion counts,” whilst another said: “Shut up mariella , stop interrupting,” and a third said: “Mariella gets so intense on this panel.”

Bonnie Blue’s controversial Channel 4 documentary airs this week(Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4)

Another asked: “Have to shut off when Brenda starts her rants. The arm waving is irritating as well as her voice” but another viewer agreed with the former X Factor star and simply said: “Well said Brenda” after listening to her opinion.

At a screening of the documentary, Bonnie insisted she is “very happy” with her life. But her notoriety, and her boasts of sex with married men, who, she says, should not feel guilty about cheating on their wives, come at a price. In the film, Bonnie, whose real name is Tia Billinger, says: “The last time I went out by myself was probably about six months ago. Now it is not that safe.

Mariella Frostrup said Bonnie Blue was not worthy of discussion (Image: ITV)

“I get 100s of death threats a day, so it is not that safe when I walk around. I say, ‘It is going to happen at some point, someone will come and give me stick’ and fair play to her, at least they are getting up off their sofa. My worst one is acid, if someone did acid, and I could see some spiteful girl doing that.”

Bonnie has split from her husband and her closest friends seem to be Josh, who posts her videos, and a stylist. She says: “My sort of circles got smaller, but my team are also my best friends.”

Director Victoria Silver followed Bonnie for six months, gathering footage of her having sex, and was at her January marathon for a couple of hours.

Hot sauce founder Brooklyn Beckham has been holidaying with his wife Nicola Peltz’s family as he keeps his distance from his famous parents David and Victoria Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham has been holidaying with Nicola Peltz’s family(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Brooklyn Beckham’s fallout with his famous mum and dad shows no signs of slowing down as he appears to reap the benefits of his billionaire father-in-law. The hot sauce founder, 26, has been locked in a family fallout with David and Victoria Beckham as he continued to stand with his wife Nicola Peltz.

Things haven’t been rosy between the Beckhams since Brooklyn and Nicola skipped David’s 50th birthday celebrations in May. Brooklyn went on to issue a series of snubs when it came to Father’s Day and David’s long awaited knighthood achievment.

The fallout seems to have spilled down the family as both Brooklyn’s younger brothers Romeo and Cruz have unfollowed him on social media. Brooklyn appears to be surrounding himself with his in-laws amid the drama and has even headed on holiday with them.

Brooklyn and Nicola have been holidaying on a huge vessel thanks to her dad

He sailed into Saint-Tropez on a £85million, 80 metre yacht called Project X as he lapped up the luxury getaway. It had been rented by Nicola’s parents, Nelson and Claudia Peltz, and set them back a staggering £1.2million a week.

Brooklyn avoided a run in with his parents as they arrived in the same French dock just two days later – which he reportedly was unaware of. They turned up on a £16million, 40 metre vessel named Seven.

“Brooklyn’s yacht dwarfs the one owned by David and Victoria. It’s a financial flex,” a source told the Sun. “Their relationship is beyond soured now but Brooklyn has really landed on his feet.

“Nicola and her parents, Nelson and Claudia, are his family now. And he’s clearly enjoying the spoils.” David and Victoria, who own their yacht that’s half the size of Brooklyn’s in-laws rented boat, are in Saint-Tropez with their sons Romeo and Cruz as well as daughter Harper.

However, a source told the Mirror that Brooklyn was unaware that David and Victoria were arriving in Saint-Tropez two days later. They added the couple had a lovely time and enjoyed the hospitality provided by Nelson.

Brooklyn, meanwhile, has been keen to share snaps of his own trip as he drank a bottle of beer next to Nelson. One moment showed Brooklyn leaning towards Nelson, who had his arm around his son-in-law, whilst another showed the in-laws embraced in a hug by a table.

David and Victoria have their own yacht that they holiday on(Image: victoriabeckham /Instagram)

Brooklyn has attracted attention over spending time with his in-laws lately amid claims he “doesn’t really feel like he fits into” his own family. A source told the Mirror that he’s also grown “so close” to Nicola’s family.

They said: “He just doesn’t feel his family have treated Nicola well and now that he’s grown so close to her family in the States, he doesn’t really feel like he fits into the Beckham family right now.”

Amid rumours of tension between Brooklyn and his parents, he is said to have met up with godfather Sir Elton John, who tried to act as “peacemaker”. He is said to have caught up with Brooklyn and Nicola over lunch in Cannes.

Elton is said to “adore” Brooklyn and have a “laugh” with Nicola, who he believes has a “great” sense of humour. A source told the Sun: “[Elton’s] utterly neutral in this row. Elton and David think the situation is terribly sad, and has gently suggested to all involved that life is short – and to patch things up.” The source said that the group had a “really fun long lunch” despite the tough conversation.

Tom Parker’s widow, Kelsey Parker, has taken to Instagram to post a poignant family photo one month after the heartbreaking loss of her third child

Kelsey Parker breaks silence with poignant family photo after tragic baby loss(Image: ITV)

Kelsey Parker has broken her social media silence to post a gorgeous family photo over a month after announcing that her third child was stillborn.

The proud mum announced the tragic news that her third-born child was stillborn – and that it was a little boy, named Phoenix. The podcast host, 34, who was expecting her third child with her partner Will Lindsay, broke the devastating news on her Instagram on June 22.

Over one month after the tragic loss, Kelsey has taken to Instagram to show off a glimpse of her much-needed family holiday after an incredibly tough couple of weeks.

Kelsey took to Instagram on Sunday to post the sun-soaked snap of herself, Will, and her two children Aurelia, six, and Bodhi, four, as they all gazed out over the ocean. Though she didn’t share the exact destination, she credited the airline for the smooth journey, writing: “Exactly what we needed. Thank you @jet2 for making it so easy. X”

Kelsey Parker has broken her social media silence to post a gorgeous family photo(Image: @being_kelsey/Instagram)

Kelsey’s family holiday comes after she paid a heartbreaking tribute to her son last month. The tribute included one simple heartbreaking caption: “Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved”, alongside a moving poem, entitled For Phoenix, Born Sleeping, Forever Loved.

The poem read: “The world grew quiet as you arrived, So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light, Born with wings, took silent flight.

“We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light Though we never heard you cry, You’ll live in hearts that won’t ask why. No breath you drew, no eyes to see, Still, you mean everything to me. You’ll journey with us, softly near, In every sigh, in every tear.”

Kelsey announced the tragic loss of her son Phoenix last month(Image: @being_kelsey/Instagram)

In a second Instagram story, Kelsey wrote: “Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes, I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share.

“But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space. Love always, Kelsey, Will, and the Parker Family.”

Kelsey had happily showed off her baby bump as she attended the Elio UK Gala screening at Vue Cinema in London’s Leicester Square with her children on Sunday 17th June.

Kelsey and Will named their son Phoenix(Image: Jam Press)

The family outing came after Kelsey shared her appreciation for Will earlier this month in an Instagram post, in which she said she was ‘’full of gratitude’ for her partner and thanked him for his help with her young children.

She included a series of loved-up photos of them together, including one of them on holiday, and photos of Will with Aurelia and Bodhi.

Kelsey wrote: “Appreciation post. I know you’re not a fan of being on my social media, but I can’t help it – this moment deserves to be shared.

“We’re just a month away from meeting our baby, and I’m so full of gratitude. Thank you for everything you do – for me and for the kids. We love and adore you more than words can say I can’t wait to start this next chapter with you. Honestly, I think you’re going to find the newborn stage a breeze after handling a 5 and 4-year-old.”

Kelsey and Will have taken a family holiday after the devastating loss(Image: Jam Press)

Kelsey shares children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with The Wanted star Tom Parker, who tragically died from brain cancer in 2022 at the age of 33, four years after they married.

She had opened up to the Mirror in January about her excitement at welcoming a third child into the family home in South East London which she now shares with tree surgeon Will, after finding love again last September.

Confessing that the baby, which would have been Will’s first child, was a “happy accident”, Kelsey said she was gently preparing Aurelia and Bodhi for a new sibling, and sharing the joyous news with Tom’s family.

Loose Women host Janet Street-Porter has slammed Gregg Wallace’s ‘disastrous’ response to the MasterChef scandal, and says there are many more ‘nauseating’ people working in TV

Loose Women panel(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

As both a TV executive and as a contestant, Loose Women star Janet Street-Porter has some history with MasterChef. She reached the final three in Celebrity MasterChef in 2013, losing out to a “boring” effort from comedian Ade Edmonson, before returning victoriously in 2020.

Janet has strong views on Gregg Wallace, most of them negative. His response to the growing scandal that has surrounded him has been “disastrous, absolutely disastrous,” she said – adding that he’s by no means the only problematic person in British TV.

“There are plenty of people like that,” she said on the Off Air with Jane and Fi podcast, “there are plenty of people who are quite nauseating to work with. But you know, we just get on with it.”

Janet has had a long media career, both behind and in front of the camera(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park)

Still slightly resentful about having been denied a MasterChef win in 2013, Janet says that the dessert she invented for the final was later adopted by John Torode’s restaurant.

“I got to know John and Gregg pretty well then,” she recalled. “I already knew Gregg because he delivered vegetables to my partner’s restaurant. We knew him as Gregg the Veg from the year dot. Then I did MasterChef the second time, which was a Christmas one, which I’m very pleased to say I won.”

During her second stint on the show, Janet says she noticed “a bit of a distance” between presenters Gregg and John, adding that “they weren’t quite so pally with each other.”

Janet says she detected a growing distance between John Torode and Gregg Wallace(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

The MasterChef controversy erupted late last year, after a number of people, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, alleged that Gregg made inappropriate sexual comments behind-the-scenes.

After the story broke, Sir Rod Stewart weighed in with an accusation that Wallace of “humiliated” his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, and Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby claimed he had been “extremely unpleasant” to her when she appeared on the BBC show.

Former presenter Melanie Sykes later claimed that a “jaw-dropping” interaction with Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef had made her decide to quit TV.

Torode and Wallace have consistently denied the most serious allegations against them(Image: PA)

In response, Wallace posted a video to Instagram suggesting that the allegations had all come from “middle-class women of a certain age”, prompting backlash from former Celebrity MasterChef contestants including Ulrika Jonsson, Kirstie Allsopp and Emma Kennedy.

Following the outcry, Wallace backtracked, apologising for any “offence” or “upset” his remarks had caused, and said he had “been under a huge amount of stress” when he posted his video.

Earlier this month, following his formal dismissal from MasterChef and the results of an investigation being published, Wallace posted another video in which he said he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations” against him, while apologising for some jokes he had made, which he accepted had been inappropriate “at times.”

He hinted that he “wouldn’t go quietly” after being axed from the show.

Janet says she believes MasterChef should carry on(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

An allegation of racist language being used by Wallace’s co-presenter John Torode emerged at around the same time. Torode insisted that he had “no recollection” of the incident and was “shocked and saddened” by the news, adding that he knows any racially-offensive language “is wholly unacceptable in any environment”.

Both Torode and Wallace continue to deny the claims made against them, and will no longer be presenting MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef.

But despite the recent controversies around the series – and the two hosts’ behaviour – Janet agrees that the already-shot new series featuring Gregg and John should be transmitted.

She explained: “I think the reason why it should be put out is, number one, it will be absolutely edited to remove anything that could cause offence or be construed in an unacceptable way.

“Secondly, the time and effort that the contestants put into MasterChef is tremendous. And I think that to deny them their airtime and their moment in the spotlight is cruel, because what happened was nothing to do with them.”

Janet appeared on the show with Katy Brand, Heidi Range and Jo Wood in 2013(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

Janet added that the BBC has a duty to salvage as much as it can, given that the money has already been spent on shooting the episodes.

The Loose Women host admits that she made her own mistakes during her time as a TV producer: “I was a BBC executive,” she said. “I was in charge of Junior MasterChef for about five minutes till they took it off me for being slightly overbearing to the contestants.”

Janet was unwilling to go into much detail about her own personal MasterChef controversy, beyond saying that she “made some child cry because I said something about kiwifruit with a pork chop.”