It started quietly. There was no flashy press release, no dramatic teaser video featuring a silhouette of a car speeding through the Italian countryside. Instead, the revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock came during a simple Christmas lunch in Maranello. Amid the clinking of glasses and festive cheer, a few careful words from inside Ferrari painted a picture of a future so radically different that it threatens to turn the sport upside down.

What Ferrari has discovered about its 2026 challenger isn’t just a minor technical hiccup or a clever loophole. It is a fundamental shift in the DNA of Grand Prix racing. As the sport barrels toward the most significant regulatory overhaul in recent history, the team’s findings suggest that the old rules of engagement—where bravery and raw horsepower reigned supreme—are effectively dead.

The End of the Horsepower War

For decades, the formula for winning in F1 was relatively straightforward: build the biggest, baddest engine and strap it to the most aerodynamic chassis you can design. But the 2026 regulations have thrown that playbook into the fire. The new rules are not a mere update; they are a hard reset. Ground effect is out, active aerodynamics are in, and most critically, the power unit is undergoing a metamorphosis.

For the first time, the electric component of the engine will be just as powerful as the internal combustion engine—a 50/50 split delivering roughly 1,000 horsepower in total. On paper, it sounds like the perfect marriage of petrol and electric power. But as every race fan knows, paper doesn’t race on Sundays.

Enrico Gualtieri, Ferrari’s Power Unit Technical Director, dropped the bombshell that this single change turns the entire philosophy of engine building on its head. The MGU-H—the complex piece of engineering wizardry that used exhaust heat to recharge the battery—is gone. That safety net, which teams have relied on for years to keep the energy flowing, has been ripped away.

Now, drivers are left with only the MGU-K and braking zones to harvest energy. The problem? The new batteries, while physically larger, drain at a terrifying rate. On high-speed tracks with long straights and few braking zones—tracks where Ferrari has historically struggled—the fear is that cars will run out of juice, forcing drivers into a humiliating game of “lift and coast” just to make it to the finish line.

Software: The New Battleground

This is where Ferrari’s “discovery” changes everything. Gualtieri made it clear that the answer to this crisis isn’t found in hardware anymore. You can’t just bolt on a bigger turbo or a lighter piston. The savior of 2026 will be software.

Ferrari is pivoting its entire focus to developing aggressive, intelligent algorithms that decide when to harvest energy and when to unleash it. The active aerodynamics won’t just be there to make the cars go faster; they will be used to compensate for energy shortages, reducing drag when the battery runs dry. It’s a game of 4D chess played at 200 miles per hour.

This shift explains why Ferrari isn’t chasing raw speed anymore. They are chasing control. The team that masters the code will master the championship. It’s a realization that strips away the romance of the sport; the roaring V12s of the past have been replaced by lines of code and energy deployment maps.

The Hamilton Warning

While Ferrari fights to control the future, they are also struggling to understand the present—a struggle personified by Lewis Hamilton. His high-profile transfer to the Scuderia was supposed to be the final glorious chapter of a legendary career. Instead, it has been a season of frustration. No Grand Prix wins, no consistent podiums, and a painful deficit to his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur openly admitted a hard truth: he underestimated the challenge. “It’s not that we are doing things worse or better,” Vasseur explained. “It’s that we are just doing things differently. Different software, different systems, different people.”

For Hamilton, who spent two decades inside the Mercedes ecosystem, the shock was profound. In modern F1, missing a setting or misunderstanding a system by a fraction of a second is the difference between pole position and the midfield. Vasseur recalled a painful memory from Budapest, where a single tenth of a second separated Hamilton from Leclerc—and destroyed the Briton’s entire weekend strategy.

This is the warning for 2026. If a seven-time world champion can struggle to adapt to a new system today, what happens when the entire grid is thrown into the chaos of the new regulations?

Verstappen’s Brutal Truth

Adding salt to the wound, Max Verstappen offered a candid analysis of Hamilton’s situation that borders on cruel but rings true. The reigning champion noted that leaving a “second family” like Mercedes for a completely foreign environment is incredibly difficult. But then came the line that hurt the most: “Age is not on your side.”

Verstappen pointed out that while Hamilton isn’t necessarily getting slower, he isn’t getting faster either—whereas his younger teammate Leclerc is still on the ascendancy. It’s a stark reminder that in F1, time waits for no one. Ferrari’s new obsession with “systems” and “control” over raw driver instinct seems to validate Verstappen’s point. If the car requires a PhD in software management to drive, the instinctive brilliance of the older generation might be neutralized by the tech-savvy adaptability of the new guard.

Panic Behind the Scenes?

Despite Gualtieri’s calm demeanor, rumors have swirled that panic has set in at Maranello. Stories of failed material choices—switching cylinder heads from steel to aluminum due to reliability issues—and the departure of senior figures have painted a picture of a team under siege.

Gualtieri insists the project is on schedule, but he admits the engineering reality is “brutal.” Every manufacturer is struggling. The new sustainable fuel burns hotter and offers less cooling, putting immense stress on engine components. Combined with a lower minimum car weight, parts are failing, overheating, and breaking on test benches across the world.

The Silent War Begins

As the F1 world looks toward the car launches in January, fans will be scrutinizing the bodywork, the wings, and the sidepods. But the real Ferrari—the one that will decide the fate of the 2026 championship—will be invisible. It will be hidden deep within the electronic control unit, a ghost in the machine.

Ferrari knows that the learning curve will be vicious. Teams will fail fast, and those who cannot fix their flaws immediately will be left behind permanently. The days of winning by bravery alone are over. The 2026 season won’t be won by the driver with the heaviest right foot, but by the team that understands its own weaknesses the best.

It is a cold, calculated future for a sport built on passion. But as Ferrari has found, in the new era of Formula 1, losing by a tenth isn’t just unlucky—it’s fatal.

 STRICTLY FINALE TEARS!  Viewers are overcome with emotion as beloved hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly present Strictly Come Dancing for the final time ever — bringing fans everywhere to their feet and many straight to tears as the iconic duo take their last live bows after decades of cheering on contestants and lighting up screens.

Strictly viewers admitted they were a complete mess after hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly walked out for the final time tonight (December 20).

The iconic presenting duo announced in October that this year’s series will be their very last, where they said it “feels the right time” to walk away from the BBC One dancing competition.

Tonight, either Amber Davies, George Clarke, or Karen Carney will be crowned a winner. However, aside from who will hold up the Glitterball Trophy, viewers are well aware that it will be the final live show for Tess and Claudia, and it seems to be a moment many have been dreading.
Tess and Claudia are presenting their final show tonight on Strictly (Credit: BBC)

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly present Strictly for the last time

Following a dynamic performance from this year’s pro dancers and finalists, Tess and Claudia were introduced for the very last time.

While walking down the iconic stairs, Tess was joined by Aljaz Skorjanec. Meanwhile, Claudia was in the company of Johannes Radebe.

The live studio audience was full of emotion and remained on their feet, applauding. The camera even panned to Tess’ husband Vernon Kay and their oldest daughter, Phoebe.

For their final show, Tess opted for a shimmery, sequined dress, while Claudia wore a black suit with “Keep Dancing” written on the back in white.

Wth an overwhelming response, Tess and Claudia appeared to be holding back their emotions and powered through like the pros they are.

That said, viewers at home were not shy about admitting how they really felt.
Viewers were immediately emotional after Tess and Claudia stepped out (Credit: BBC)

‘I’m already crying’

“5 mins in and I’m already crying,” one user wrote on X.

“I’m already a puddle on the floor,” another person shared.

“WOW, OUR LAST TIME SEEING THESE TWO !!!! I DON’T KNOW HOW I’M GONNA COPE AFTER TONIGHT. AND THIS IS JUST THE INTRO,” a third remarked.

“I can’t believe this is Tess and Claudia’s last ever #Strictly. There’s going to be a lot of tears,” a fourth said.

“I already miss Tess and Claudia,” a fifth person expressed.

“I’m already crying at this being Tess and Claudia’s last live show,” a sixth shared.

On Christmas Day (December 25), Tess and Claudia will also present the Christmas special, which has already been pre-recorded.

Read more: Heartbreaking ‘real reason’ Tess Daly is leaving Strictly following shock announcement

Rachael Carpani’s family is officially going to court to fight over her massive fortune, but 95% of her assets have already been left to one person—that person is…

EXCLUSIVE:
Rachael Carpani’s family has officially filed court documents to challenge the distribution of her estate, igniting a legal battle over what sources describe as a substantial fortune. However, newly obtained records suggest that 95% of her assets had already been designated to a single individual, a revelation now at the center of intense scrutiny.

According to people familiar with the filings, the dispute stems from disagreements over the validity, timing, and intent behind the final estate arrangements. While the family is seeking a full review, court sources say the documents on record appear unusually clear in directing the overwhelming majority of Rachael’s assets to one named beneficiary—whose identity has not been officially confirmed by the court.

Legal experts following the case note that such a lopsided allocation is not illegal, but it often raises questions, particularly when changes are made close to the end of someone’s life. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the decisions reflected Rachael’s long-standing wishes or whether circumstances surrounding the paperwork warrant closer examination.

A source close to the family stated:

“They’re not disputing her right to choose. They want to understand why nearly everything went to one person, and whether she was fully informed and protected when those decisions were made.”

Attorneys involved have declined to comment, citing ongoing proceedings. Meanwhile, the court has ordered a temporary hold on asset transfers until preliminary hearings are completed, ensuring that no irreversible steps are taken while the matter is under review.

As the case unfolds, attention is expected to focus on who the primary beneficiary is, how their relationship with Rachael evolved, and whether the estate documents withstand legal challenge. For now, the question remains unanswered—who was the one person entrusted with nearly everything?

Britain is left stunned after an explosive live television clash as Katie Hopkins launches a relentless and brutal takedown of Labour leader Keir Starmer, exposing what she calls a hollow, scripted politician riddled with hypocrisy. In a blistering monologue, Hopkins tears into Starmer’s record on immigration, economic decline, and leadership failure, portraying him as a powerless puppet of the establishment. The fiery exchange sends shockwaves across the nation, forcing viewers to reassess Starmer’s credibility and political identity.

In an explosive live television appearance that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Katie Hopkins unleashed a blistering 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒶𝓊𝓁𝓉 on Labour leader Keir Starmer, exposing what she calls his “dark secret” and dismantling his credibility with relentless, scathing critique. Hopkins’ unfiltered tirade laid bare Starmer’s inconsistencies on immigration, leadership failures, and political theatrics, igniting a firestorm of controversy and sparking widespread debate across Britain. This is a moment of political reckoning no one saw coming.

Katie Hopkins did not hold back. Her searing commentary accused Starmer of hypocrisy, particularly on handling illegal immigration, highlighting his past promises versus current stances. She ridiculed his flip-flopping policies and chastised him for prioritizing migrant housing over British citizens, striking at the heart of his touted border control commitments. Her remarks shattered any illusion of firm Labour leadership on this heated issue.

The confrontation grew intensely personal and politically ruthless as Hopkins dissected Starmer’s public persona, branding him as a hollow leader lacking genuine conviction. She painted an image of a political figure desperate to maintain control yet paralyzed by indecision. Hopkins’ vivid descriptions likened him to a confused bureaucrat overwhelmed by public expectations and political pressures.

Starmer’s attempts at political positioning were laid bare as Hopkins called out his overly cautious, risk-averse style. She compared his leadership to a “one-man show” of monotony, criticizing his inability to offer clear solutions on economic growth, education reforms, and law enforcement. Hopkins’ cutting sarcasm left no part of his platform untouched, exposing a pattern of empty promises and vague policies.

Immigration policy rapidly became a focal point for Hopkins’ 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒶𝓊𝓁𝓉. She contrasted Starmer’s inconsistent messaging with praise for tougher border control measures implemented abroad, particularly by Italy’s migration strategy. Hopkins further questioned why Starmer’s promises to control the UK border felt more like revolving doors than any real deterrence, challenging his credibility as a leader capable of decisive action.

Economic issues came under fire as well, with Hopkins highlighting Labour’s financial mismanagement under Starmer’s watch. She lambasted the party’s spending decisions and questioned the sustainability of their pledges. Her wit dissected Starmer’s lack of an authentic economic vision, portraying him as a leader trapped in bureaucratic paralysis rather than bold policymaking.

Hopkins also spotlighted Starmer’s wavering stance on foreign policy and international diplomacy. She mocked his diplomatic attempts as repetitive and void of genuine conviction, describing his international presence as ineffective and uninspiring. This added layer of critique painted a comprehensive picture of a leader struggling on all fronts.

The Labour leader’s personal image came under unrelenting scrutiny as Hopkins alluded to rumors and personal controversies, intertwining them with analysis of his public leadership failures. Her unapologetic tone and sharp observations struck a nerve, elevating the confrontation beyond standard politics into a raw exposé of character and competency.

Upon witnessing Hopkins’ verbal onslaught, Starmer appeared visibly unsettled—a man 𝒄𝒂𝓊𝓰𝒉𝓉 off-guard and unable to mount an effective response. His usual calculated composure gave way to hesitant, convoluted replies that seemed only to deepen public doubt about his readiness to lead. This moment, broadcast live, has been hailed as a dramatic turning point in political discourse.

Hopkins concluded her take-no-prisoners critique by condemning Starmer’s environmental policies as mere “political window dressing,” accusing him of trimming commitments to appease donors. She further derided his education proposals as vague abstractions disconnected from the concerns of students and educators alike. This comprehensive takedown painted a vivid portrait of political paralysis and distraction under Starmer’s leadership.

The reaction across social media and political commentary circles was immediate and intense. Supporters of Hopkins praised her fearless honesty and lauded the exposure of Starmer’s perceived weaknesses. Meanwhile, Starmer’s camp scrambled to manage damage control amid mounting pressure to clarify and defend his leadership strategy following this televised debacle.

In this pivotal showdown, Katie Hopkins has not only challenged Keir Starmer’s policy positions but disrupted the carefully curated public image he has cultivated. Her relentless live TV barrage represents a significant moment of political confrontation, highlighting deep divisions and unresolved tensions within Britain’s political scene as the nation watches closely.

Marc Priestley has shared his memories of F1 Christmas parties including Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 title celebrations where the British driver DJed at a nightclub with Nicole Scherzinger

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Lewis Hamilton doesn’t get anywhere near Michael Schumacher when it comes to partying(Image: Clive Rose, Getty Images)

Marc Priestley, a former engineer at McLaren, has shared his experiences of partying with Lewis Hamilton during their time together at the Woking-based team. He revealed that after winning his first World Championship, Hamilton ‘took over the decks’.

Hamilton was a sensation in his early days at McLaren. After narrowly missing out on an unprecedented rookie title in 2007, he clinched the Drivers’ Championship in 2008, snatching the crown from Felipe Massa on the final lap of a tumultuous Brazilian Grand Prix.

This victory sparked wild celebrations in the McLaren garage, and according to Priestley, the festivities continued well into the night. Speaking to Casino Uden Rufos, he said: “Fernando Alonso did not turn up to our Christmas parties, as you can imagine with how it ended with McLaren.

“Lewis Hamilton can be great at the parties. I remember when he won his first world championship in 2008, he brought his girlfriend at the time, Nicole Scherzinger. Hamilton took over the decks at a nightclub we were at and was DJing most of the night. Scherzinger got onto the mic and started singing, with Hamilton joining in, I’ve seen all sides of him!”.

However, while Priestley looks back fondly on Hamilton’s parties, the seven-time world champion is not the F1 star known for the wildest celebrations. That distinction is shared between Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.

“I can imagine Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher would had some good fun but I don’t think it would have been anything like the Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen parties, which I went to a few of,” he continued.

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Lewis Hamilton enjoyed some wild parties during his McLaren days(Image: Getty)

“Raikkonen was a great guy, he took his racing and partying to extreme levels. He would drive his car amazingly with record lap times, but he would party like crazy. Raikkonen was like a 22-year-old kid but also a millionaire.

“It was the way to be, and it was a good time. Lots of these drivers coming through now are still very young, like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, but they need to have a bit of fun. But, awareness of being recorded will always be in the back of their minds, and the old drivers never really had to worry about it.

“If a photographer took a picture of something a driver wasn’t supposed to do, they’d ask if the photographer could give them the picture or film and it would never go any further. Now, if someone takes a picture on their phone, it’s online forever.”

In the high-octane world of motorsport, there is an unwritten rule: you start young. Usually, that means four years old, barely out of diapers, gripping a steering wheel before you can even read. You spend a decade grinding through the karting ranks, burning through money and tires, hoping that by the time you hit your teenage years, someone, anyone, notices you. It is a slow, brutal, and often heartbreaking ascent.

But rules, as they say, are meant to be broken. And Alba Larsen didn’t just break them; she shattered them into a million pieces.

At 16 years old, this Danish phenomenon has just achieved what most drivers spend a lifetime chasing: a spot in the Ferrari Driver Academy. For the 2026 F1 Academy season, she won’t just be another driver on the grid; she will be the face of the Prancing Horse, carrying the weight of the most iconic brand in motorsport history on her shoulders. But the truly shocking part isn’t where she is—it’s how fast she got there.

The Three-Year Miracle

To understand the magnitude of Larsen’s achievement, you have to rewind to 2020. The world was in lockdown. While most of us were learning to bake sourdough bread or binge-watching TV series, Alba Larsen decided to try karting. She wasn’t a toddler with a racing lineage; she was a pre-teen starting from scratch.

In a sport where experience is the only currency that matters, she was technically bankrupt. Her rivals had been racing since they were four. They had thousands of laps, hundreds of race starts, and years of muscle memory banked away. Alba had none of that.

Yet, by 2023, just three years after sitting in a kart for the first time, she entered the FIA Girls on Track shootout. The catch? She had zero experience in a single-seater car. None. It should have been a disaster. It should have been a humbling learning experience where she was outpaced by the veterans. Instead, within days, she was matching professional reference lap times.

This wasn’t just talent; it was a freakish ability to adapt. While others struggled with the transition from karts to cars, struggling with the weight transfer and the braking points, Alba simply figured it out. It was this specific trait—this “adapt or die” mentality—that caught the eye of the scouts. Ferrari saw someone who didn’t need ten years to learn a track; she needed ten laps.

The Raw Speed of a Rookie

Fast forward to her rookie season in the 2025 F1 Academy. The expectations were managed; after all, she was still arguably the least experienced driver in the field. But the data told a different story.

Alba Larsen proved to be a “Qualifying Queen.” In motorsport, Saturday pace is often considered the purest measure of a driver’s raw talent. You can learn racecraft, you can learn tire management, but raw, blistering speed over a single lap? You either have it, or you don’t. Alba has it.

On her debut in Shanghai, a track known for its technical difficulty, she grabbed P3. It was a statement. Later, in the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, she missed out on P2 by a microscopic 0.017 seconds. These aren’t the stats of a rookie finding her feet; these are the stats of a predator finding her range.

However, raw speed comes with its own volatility. Her weakness, as exposed in that same Las Vegas weekend, has been race management under extreme pressure. While leading the race, a brush with the wall ended her day. It was a heart-stopping moment, a reminder of the razor-thin margins of street circuits. But even in that failure, there was a silver lining. Ferrari doesn’t mind a driver who crashes while pushing for the win; they worry about the driver who is slow and safe. You can teach a fast driver to stop crashing, but you can’t teach a slow driver to be fast.

The Magnussen Connection

No driver makes it to the top alone, and Alba has a weapon in her arsenal that few others can claim: Kevin Magnussen. The F1 veteran and fellow Dane isn’t just a distant figurehead; he is an active mentor.

This relationship goes beyond simple PR photos. Magnussen, known for being one of the grittiest, hardest-to-pass drivers on the Formula 1 grid, is teaching Alba the “dark arts” of racecraft. How to defend when your tires are gone, how to position your car to make yourself wide, how to psychologically break the driver behind you—these are lessons you can’t learn from a simulator.

Speaking of simulators, Alba’s induction into the Ferrari Driver Academy grants her access to the hallowed grounds of Maranello. She is now plugging into the same data streams, the same engineers, and the same simulator technology used by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This is an education that money literally cannot buy. It turns a trendy, raw talent into a lethal, driven weapon.

The Pressure of the Red Suit

The transition to 2026 is not just a change of year; it’s a change of identity. In 2025, Alba raced under the developmental branding of Tommy Hilfiger. It was prestigious, sure, but it wasn’t Ferrari.

In 2026, the car turns red. The suit turns red. The expectations turn heavy.

Ferrari is not a team that celebrates participation. They celebrate victory. The P4 finishes that were impressive in her rookie year will no longer be enough. The roadmap is clear and brutal: dominate the F1 Academy, graduate to Formula 3, and keep climbing toward the ultimate ceiling that has held firm for decades.

The last time a woman entered a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend was in 1992. That is a drought of nearly half a century. Ferrari, a team that loves history more than any other, wants to be the one to break that streak. They have placed their bet on Alba Larsen.

The Road Ahead

Alba knows that 2026 is the “make or break” year. To prepare, she is undertaking a punishing winter schedule. She is racing in the F4 UAE championship and returning to the brutal proving grounds of the British F4 championship. She is quite literally doing double the work of her peers, logging more miles, facing more starts, and experiencing more chaos to ensure that when the lights go out for the F1 Academy season, she is ready.

This is a high-stakes gamble. Ferrari is banking on the idea that her steep learning curve hasn’t plateaued. They believe that the girl who went from lockdown hobbyist to pro racer in three years has another gear left to find.

Is the pressure of the Prancing Horse too much, too soon? Perhaps. But if there is one thing we have learned about Alba Larsen, it’s that she doesn’t care about timelines. She doesn’t care about how long it’s supposed to take. She only cares about how fast she can go. And right now, she looks unstoppable.

In the cut-throat world of F1, mental health is often overlooked, but there is a new generation of drivers tapping into the power of psychology to unlock performance on the racetrack.

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Lando Norris and George Russell both make use of sports psychologists(Image: Mario Renzi – Formula 1 via Getty Images)

When Lando Norris crossed the line in Abu Dhabi to seal his maiden F1 Drivers’ Championship title, he did so having recovered from a frustrating first half of the season with the help of his McLaren team and the help of a psychologist behind the scenes.

The 26-year-old Brit, who has been open in the past about his struggles with mental health and coping with the pressure of F1 earlier in his career, spent much of the first half of the campaign berating his mistakes and struggling to contain his frustration when in front of the TV cameras.

In the second half of the year, Norris was much more measured, never getting carried away when things went against him, and staying grounded at his peaks, even after putting one hand on the World Championship trophy with back-to-back wins in Mexico and Brazil.

In a global sporting landscape where the one per cent matters and marginal gains are everything, harnessing the power of the mind is now an invaluable key to F1 success, and some of F1’s biggest stars are turning on to the potential benefits.

Norris is far from the only star seeking help from mental health professionals. Mercedes star George Russell has been vocal about his approach, telling Men’s Health in 2023: “I haven’t always been into my mental health. I only started getting into it about a year and a half, two years ago, when I started to speak with a psychologist, mainly for my on-track personal performance.

“It was only through those conversations that I felt like this is giving me more than just the on-track benefits. I’m coming away from these sessions feeling better about myself, feeling like there had been a weight lifted off my shoulders.

“Sometimes I went into these sessions with not a lot to talk about, thinking it would only last five or 10 minutes, and I was there well over an hour, and since then it has been something I have felt strongly about.”

Yuki Tsunoda, who was axed by Red Bull at the end of the season, also benefited from the services of a sports psychologist. The Japanese racer admitted that he was prone to getting “overheated, especially in my brain”, while driving. Working with a mental specialist allowed him to develop a better temperament behind the wheel.

According to former Haas racer Romain Grosjean, the work of psychologists can have far-reaching benefits, too. “I’ve been seeing a psychologist since September 2012 and Spa-Francorchamps,” he said, looking back at the lap-one crash that saw him receive a one-race ban from the FIA.

“It has helped me a lot to become a better driver, a better father and a better man. We use engineers to set up the car, and we use coaches to improve our physical performance. Why wouldn’t you use a psychologist to improve your brain and the way it works? That’s why I did it.”

‘He Never Mentioned My Burns’: Katie Piper marks 10 years with the man who looked beyond her pain and saw her heart. Ten Years, Two Kids, One Miracle Love Story: Katie Piper’s Life Today Is Proof That Hope Wins

Loose Women star Katie Piper melted hearts online as she marked her 10th wedding anniversary with husband Richard Sutton by sharing a series of adorable photos and a heartfelt message.

The 41-year-old presenter, who survived a horrific acid attack in 2008, took to Instagram on Thursday (November 6) to celebrate the milestone. Wearing matching white robes, the couple smiled lovingly for the camera, looking just as close as ever.

Alongside the snaps — which also showed off a delicious anniversary cake — Katie wrote: “10 years married – and he still makes me laugh (and rolls his eyes when I take too many photos). Love you, always.”

Fans flooded the comments with well-wishes. One wrote, “Happy 10-year anniversary, you gorgeous couple,” while another said, “You two are the definition of couple goals.”

Katie and Richard first met in 2013 after being set up by a mutual friend. Reflecting on their early days, Katie told MailOnline that Richard “was chatty, witty and looked me squarely in the eye.” She added that his kindness made her feel “relaxed and buzzing with confidence” — especially because he never once mentioned or stared at her burns.

The couple married in 2015 and are now parents to two daughters, Belle (born 2014) and Penelope (born 2017). Earlier this year, the family also welcomed a new furry member — a rescue dog named Sugar from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Katie shared at the time: “The girls have wanted a brother or sister for so long, and we wanted to make this happen. Our gorgeous girl came from Battersea and we are so happy to make our home, her new home.”

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock and left rival teams scrambling to reassess their future strategies, Aston Martin has officially declared war on the grid. The Silverstone-based outfit has announced that Adrian Newey, widely regarded as the greatest technical mind in the history of the sport, will not merely be designing their cars—he is taking over. As of the 2026 season, Adrian Newey will serve as Team Principal, assuming full leadership of the team in a restructuring that promises to redefine the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

The Keys to the Kingdom

This announcement is far more than a simple title change or a corporate reshuffle; it is a fundamental shift in the philosophy of running a Formula 1 team. Newey, who joined the team as Managing Technical Partner, will now hold the reins of the entire operation. He replaces Andy Cowell, the man famous for his engine mastery at Mercedes, who will transition into a new, crucial role as Chief Strategy Officer. Cowell’s focus will shift specifically to the integration of the incoming Honda power unit and the management of key supplier relationships.

But make no mistake: the headline is Newey. Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has effectively handed the keys to the kingdom—design, development, budget allocation, and on-track performance—to one man. It is a level of consolidated power rarely seen in modern Formula 1, harking back to an era where singular visionaries led teams to glory. The message from Silverstone is crystal clear: Aston Martin is no longer just participating; they are plotting a hostile takeover of the podium.

Panic in the Paddock

When the news broke, the reaction across the sport was palpable. Sources report that the paddock “paused then buzzed,” a testament to the sheer gravity of Newey’s new position. For established giants like Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas, and McLaren, the ground has shifted beneath their feet.

The fear among rivals is well-founded. Adrian Newey did not build his legendary reputation simply by refining fast cars; he built it by dominating eras of change. His career is defined by an uncanny ability to decode complex regulation shifts faster and more effectively than anyone else. From the active suspension Williams cars of the early 90s to the blown-diffuser Red Bulls, every time Formula 1 hits a “reset” button on the rules, Newey emerges with a machine that is often seconds, not tenths, ahead of the competition.

With the sweeping 2026 regulation changes on the horizon—changes that involve major overhauls to both chassis and power unit regulations—placing Newey in the Team Principal seat is akin to unleashing a grandmaster on a chessboard where everyone else is still learning the rules. Rival engineers are reportedly already losing sleep, fully aware that Newey’s mandate now extends beyond aerodynamics to the holistic construction of a championship contender.

A Technical Revolution, Not Just a Shakeup

This restructuring addresses a critical question that has hovered over Aston Martin: how to transition from an ambitious midfield team to a genuine world power. The team explicitly stated that this move is about “optimizing individual strengths.” While Cowell is an exceptional leader, his specific expertise lies in powertrains—a critical component for 2026 as Aston Martin becomes a works team with Honda. By moving Cowell to focus on the Honda integration, Aston Martin ensures that the engine partnership is seamless.

Meanwhile, Newey’s elevation to Team Principal ensures that the car’s design philosophy is not diluted by bureaucratic hurdles. In this new structure, the car design, aero philosophy, chassis suspension geometry, and even the layout of the 2026 budget will run directly through Newey’s vision. There will be no “too many cooks” in the kitchen regarding the car’s concept; Newey is now both the head chef and the restaurant manager.

This move also definitively silences the rumor mill regarding Red Bull’s Christian Horner. Speculation had been rife that Horner might be eyeing a top job at Aston Martin, but Newey’s promotion slams that door shut. Lawrence Stroll has made his choice, and it appears the team is committing to a future where technical brilliance leads the charge, rather than traditional team management.

The 2026 Vision: Rocket Ships and Championships

The timeline for this “technical revolution” is aggressive. The goal is not just to be competitive; it is to dominate. If the pieces fall into place—if Newey nails the 2026 regulations and the Honda power unit delivers the expected performance—the synergy between chassis, aero, engine, fuel, and tires could be devastatingly effective.

The team’s internal projections are ambitious: podiums from race one in 2026, establishing themselves as a regular front-runner by 2027, and becoming a genuine title contender by 2028. For drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll (or whoever occupies the seats in the new era), the prospect is tantalizing. They could find themselves strapped into a “rocket from Silverstone,” a car that benefits from the same “Newey effect” that powered Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to multiple world championships.

The Risks of a One-Man Show

However, the strategy is not without its perils. Critics and skeptics argue that the “Team Principal” role requires a skillset vastly different from that of a Technical Director. There is a risk of leadership overload. Managing the political, logistical, and human resource aspects of a massive F1 organization could distract Newey from what he does best: drawing fast cars.

There is a “worst-case scenario” whispered in the corners of the paddock: Newey’s radical ideas could become unchecked without a traditional team boss to rein them in, leading to reliability issues or concepts that are fast but fragile. If the Honda integration stumbles, or if the burden of leadership stifles Newey’s creativity, Aston Martin could end up as the “most expensive midfield team ever built.”

The Verdict

Yet, history favors the brave, and it certainly favors Adrian Newey. His track record of turning underfunded or struggling teams into powerhouses is unmatched. He has consistently delivered when it matters most, thriving under the pressure of regulatory upheaval.

The smart money, according to insiders, is on the first scenario: success. Aston Martin has stripped away the layers of middle management and empowered their greatest asset to reshape the team in his image. This is a gamble of the highest order, but with the highest possible reward.

As the F1 world looks toward the 2026 shakedown, one thing is certain: the war has just begun. Aston Martin has mobilized its forces, and with Adrian Newey at the helm, they are no longer asking for a seat at the table—they are coming to take the head of it.

 STRICTLY IN CHAOS!  Viewers Cry ‘RIGGED’ as Karen Carney LIFTS the 2025 Glitterball

During tonight’s (December 20) Strictly final, Karen Carney was crowned this year’s winner. And sadly, not everyone is happy.

On Saturday night, West End performer Amber Davies, social media personality George Clarke and former Lioness Karen Carney performed in the final. The judges gave their scores as usual. However, it did not impact the public vote.

As Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented the hit BBC show for the very last time, they announced at the end of the episode that Karen and her dance partner Carlos Gu were this year’s winners of the 23rd series.

The pair were overwhelmed by the result and shared a huge, passionate hug. Carlos thanked Karen for “being so incredible this whole journey” and for “changing his life”.

Following a huge series, Amber, George and Karen competed in this year’s final (Credit: BBC)

Strictly fans react to Carlos and Karen winning

With tough competition, fans immediately reacted to Karen and Carlos’ victory.

“Ah, well deserved to Karen and Carlos. She’s amazing, to be fair,” one user wrote on X.

“And the crowd goes wild! Karen and Carlos, the right result,” another person shared.

“Can’t complain about that result! Absolutely fabulous,” a third remarked.

“Goes to show how popular football is in this country. Well done, Kaz and Carlos,” a fourth said.

“The right winners,” a fifth expressed.
Karen and Carlos were announced as this year’s winner of the 23rd Strictly series (Credit: BBC)

‘Absolutely gutted for George’

Meanwhile, many were hoping for George and his dance partner Alexis Warr to win.

“You’ve gotta be joking,” one declared.

“GEORGE WAS ROBBED,” another insisted.

“Absolutely rigged,” a third remarked.

“You best believe I’m gonna be that person to say rigged……I’m sorry but HOW has George not won with all the crazy support he had from fans, YouTubers, families, etc. I find it very hard to believe,” a fourth said.

“Absolutely gutted for George, he deserved it so much,” a fifth added.

“Every poll had George as the clear winner. The most rigged show,” another insisted.

Next Thursday (December 25), the hit BBC show will return for its Christmas special. Tess and Claudia will host the pre-recorded episode.

Read more: Strictly star Amber Davies shares ‘loud and clear message’ as she hits back at unfair backlash