In the high-stakes world of modern hip-hop, the word “loyalty” is thrown around constantly, often losing its weight in a sea of corporate branding and social media posturing. However, every so often, a story emerges that reminds us of the raw, visceral, and sometimes tragic reality of street culture and its intersection with the music industry. The unfolding saga between NBA Youngboy and 21 Savage is not just another headline; it is a Shakespearean tragedy of brotherhood, betrayal, and the impossible choices demanded by the code of the streets.

To understand how we reached this point, where crews are reportedly “crashing out” and ready to slide on one another, we have to look back to 2017. At that time, both NBA Youngboy (YB) and 21 Savage were hungry young artists carving out their legacies. Their connection wasn’t a product of an A&R meeting or a forced collaboration for the charts. It was an authentic bond formed between two men who had lived through the struggle. YB, hailing from the rugged streets of Baton Rouge, and 21 Savage, the cold and calculated voice of Atlanta, found in each other a kindred spirit.

The depth of this bond was solidified by a gesture that remains one of the most significant signs of respect in street culture. NBA Youngboy chose to permanently ink “4L” (For Life) onto his neck—a direct homage to 21 Savage’s brand and movement. In this world, getting another man’s symbol tattooed on your body isn’t “fan behaviour”; it is a declaration of family. It was YB’s way of telling the world that 21 Savage was his brother for life. At the time, the trust was so absolute that 21 Savage was one of the few people who could tell YB to “put the strap away” when he pulled up to a neighborhood. YB felt safe enough to be unarmed around 21, a level of vulnerability he rarely showed elsewhere.

However, as their careers skyrocketed, the landscape of their friendships became increasingly complicated. While 21 Savage maintained his bond with YB, he was also growing closer to Lil Durk and the Only the Family (OTF) camp in Chicago. Durk, being slightly older, took on a mentor-like role for 21, navigating him through the treacherous waters of the industry while maintaining street credibility. For a time, 21 Savage successfully walked the tightrope of maintaining both friendships. But in the rap game, neutrality is a luxury that few can afford when blood is shed.

The turning point came on the fateful night of November 6, 2020. The killing of King Von, Lil Durk’s protégé, outside an Atlanta hookah lounge changed everything. The incident involved Quando Rondo, one of NBA Youngboy’s closest associates. Suddenly, the line was drawn. In the eyes of the OTF camp, you were either with them or you were with the people responsible for Von’s death. The grief was fresh, the anger was volatile, and 21 Savage found himself in an impossible position.

21 Savage has always been vocal about his philosophy: “Before I be fake and be in the middle, I’d rather squash it.” He believes that if you “mess with one person a little harder,” you naturally gravitate toward that side. When forced to choose between his long-standing bond with YB and his deepening brotherhood with Durk and the grieving OTF family, 21 chose the latter. He didn’t just drift away; he severed the ties completely.

For NBA Youngboy, this was the ultimate betrayal. The “4L” tattoo on his neck, once a badge of honour and brotherhood, was transformed overnight into a permanent reminder of a friend who chose his enemies. The pain of this betrayal has played out publicly and explosively. From legendary Clubhouse confrontations where YB directly trolled 21, to YB bringing out Lil Tim—the man allegedly involved in the King Von incident—on stage to perform “I Hate Youngboy,” the disrespect has reached a fever pitch.

Interestingly, 21 Savage has recently revealed that he didn’t let the friendship die without a fight. He disclosed that he attempted to broker peace, having conversations with both YB and members of Durk’s camp to try and “squash the beef” for the sake of the culture and to prevent further loss of life. But his efforts were met with a wall of resistance. YB wasn’t looking for a peace treaty; he was looking at the man who abandoned him when the stakes were highest.

The tragedy of this situation is that 21 Savage’s greatest virtue—his unwavering loyalty—became the catalyst for this destruction. His “kryptonite,” as some industry insiders call it, is his refusal to play the middle. By being 100% loyal to OTF, he became 100% an enemy to YB. It is a stark reminder that in this environment, loyalty to one person often necessitates the betrayal of another.

As we stand today, the consequences of this fallout are no longer confined to Instagram captions or diss tracks. Real lives have been lost, and federal investigations are closing in on multiple parties involved in this wider conflict. Lil Durk is currently facing serious legal battles, Quando Rondo is embroiled in federal charges, and the cycle of violence shows no signs of slowing down.

The story of 21 Savage and NBA Youngboy serves as a grim cautionary tale. It is a narrative of how two young men who found brotherhood in the struggle ended up as symbols of a larger, deadlier war. The “4L” tattoo remains on YB’s neck, a silent witness to a trust that was meant to be for life but ended in a bitter, irreversible divide. As the hip-hop community watches from the sidelines, the question is no longer if this will get deadly—it already has. The only question left is how many more legacies will be buried before the cycle is broken.

The mid-day sun beat down on the cracked asphalt of a half-dead gas station on the edge of Fresno, California. I was just Mike, a guy smelling of grease and metal after finishing a job, stopping for a quick coffee and a moment of silence. No drama, just caffeine. But drama found me, lurking in the shadows of an old, broken dog food vending machine near the back wall. It was ancient, rusted, and forgotten. I heard a faint, dull thud from inside, and initially dismissed it as a shifting soda can, until I stepped closer and saw them: not painted mascots, but real, wet, terrified eyes staring back at me through the cloudy plastic.

I froze. My keychain flashlight shook as I aimed it, revealing the unbelievable horror: a German Shepherd puppy, no more than three months old, crammed into the dispenser, wedged between the hopper and the back panel like a piece of refuse. His steel-black fur was matted with grime, his ears pressed back, and one small paw was twisted and stuck in the dispensing tray at an unnatural angle. He didn’t bark, didn’t move—just watched me, silent, as if he had already surrendered to his fate. I dropped my coffee.

Kneeling down, I whispered, “Hey, hey little guy,” desperate not to spook him. His eyes followed my voice, distant and slow. That’s when I saw it—a scrap of greasy paper taped inside the machine, barely visible behind his tiny, trembling body. Four chilling words, printed in capital letters: ONLY ONE GETS TO EAT.

I couldn’t breathe. My stomach twisted with pure rage. The old padlock was rusted shut. My hands fumbled through my tool bag until I found my bolt cutters. With a desperate heave, I crushed the lock. But the warped metal door wouldn’t budge. I saw the image of someone violently shoving that puppy inside and jamming the door shut, and it fueled me. I wedged the cutter into the seam and wrenched it until the door groaned open. The puppy collapsed out, light and limp in my arms, too thin, too quiet. His paw was swollen and raw, but he still made no sound. I held him close and whispered a name I hoped he could grow into: “Bolt. You’re going to be fast and strong one day.”

I laid him gently in my van, wrapping him in a towel. His breathing was shallow, his ribs fluttering like leaves. I floored it down Highway 99 toward the nearest clinic, talking to him the whole way, telling him he wasn’t a product or a toy. The vet staff rushed him back immediately. While I stood in the antiseptic hallway, staring at the dried blood on my hands, I kept thinking about the person who did this. What kind of cruelty takes time to tape a note inside a machine?

When I went back to the gas station later, something nagged at me. I searched the area like a detective, and tucked between the back of the machine and the wall, I found another piece of paper. It was the same size and greasy texture, but the handwritten message made my skin crawl: BOLT PRODUCT NUMBER 19 STATUS EXPIRED. This wasn’t just heartless dumping; it was an organized system. Bolt was inventory. The number “19” implied there were others.

I called the shelter, comparing notes, and the truth hit like a punch. They had found other puppies over the last six months, all labeled with codes like “P-series.” One was found in a locked crate labeled “damaged item.” Another, with burns, was found with a tag reading “P-11.” A pattern emerged: these animals were being dumped in locations that symbolically tied them to consumption or merchandise—in a freezer, a microwave box, a shopping cart with barcode tape. They were treating living creatures like expired goods in a grotesque game.

Following the map of these abandonment sites, I drove back to the gas station and found a detached storage unit nearby. Scratched onto the metal door was the confirmation of the system: “P-SERIES INTAKE DO NOT REUSE.” This was their staging ground. And on the dirt beside the door, I found another small tag, no collar attached: P-22. They weren’t hiding; they were marking territory, leaving breadcrumbs, daring someone to follow.

I realized I wasn’t just dealing with neglect; I was dealing with a calculated theater of cruelty. But they made one crucial mistake: they let Bolt live.

That night, I posted everything online—Bolt’s story, the tags, the map. The silence broke. People from across the state reached out, confirming the pattern: P-15 found in a cereal box, a puppy from a claw machine. The collective horror turned into a movement.

Bolt’s recovery was slow. He’d always favor his paw, but he stood up and started watching the world, no longer blank, but searching, trusting. I signed the adoption papers, and Bolt officially became mine. The rage I felt finally found a direction.

We started small. I built weatherproof food containers, painted them bright red, and stenciled them with Bolt’s face—the photo of him, a survivor, with his paw still bandaged. The message was simple: REAL FOOD FOR FORGOTTEN DOGS. We bolted them to walls near struggling shelters and park corners. No locks, no money slots—just food for anyone who needed it.

Bolt rode with me, his ears flapping in the wind, his body warm and steady. He would limp beside me as I screwed the bins into place. He became a magnet for people: the kids who drew him capes, the man who whispered to Bolt about being thrown out himself. He wasn’t a symbol of pity; he was a symbol of survival.

On the day we placed the fifth and final bin, Bolt walked beside me, his stiff paw now just a scar. I finished tightening the last bolt, looked at him, and reached into my pocket for the cold, empty tag: P-19. I dropped it into the bottom of the bin, burying the evidence of the cruelty beneath a mound of clean, fresh kibble. The people behind the labels may never have been found, but they lost their silence, and their system was replaced with a community of care. Bolt, the German Shepherd puppy stuffed into a machine like garbage, didn’t just survive an attempt to erase him. He became the reason everything changed, reminding us all that no one is just a number.

In a move that has sent tremors of excitement and controversy through the global motorsport community, Formula 1 has confirmed the Portuguese Grand Prix will make a triumphant return to the calendar for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The race, which will be held at the much-loved Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, better known as Portimão, is a victory for purists and a sign that the sport’s leadership is finally listening to the calls from its most vital stakeholders: the drivers and the dedicated fans. However, this resurgence of a modern classic comes at a significant cost, as the two-year deal is set to replace the popular Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after 2026. This calendar shake-up is more than a simple venue swap; it is the physical manifestation of the high-stakes, deeply emotional battle currently being fought for the very identity of Formula 1.

The circuit at Portimão, a sprawling 4.653 km masterpiece carved into the southern Portuguese landscape of the Algarve, is famed for its “roller coaster” topography. Its dramatic, sweeping elevation changes, blind crests, and challenging, undulating corners test every facet of a driver’s skill, demanding bravery, precision, and a willingness to push the limits of physics. It is, unequivocally, a “true driver’s circuit,” a place where natural talent is rewarded, and mistakes are swiftly punished. It is an old-school thrill ride wrapped in a modern facility, and its inclusion on the calendar is a clear nod to the kind of visceral, white-knuckle racing that many feel has been eroded by the sport’s recent commercial focus.

The track first stepped into the limelight during the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully hosting races in 2020 and 2021. In that brief tenure, it quickly cemented its status as a fan and driver favourite. It was here, in 2021, that Lewis Hamilton secured his 92nd career victory, surpassing the legendary Michael Schumacher’s all-time win record, etching the Algarve circuit into the history books forever. His success, coupled with the sheer spectacle the track provided, created a powerful legacy that few temporary venues ever achieve.

The news of Portimão’s comeback contrasts sharply with the direction Formula 1 has appeared to be taking, a trajectory characterized by the proliferation of street circuits. These new, often temporary tracks—frequently located in major global city centers—are undeniably essential for attracting new audiences, massive sponsorship revenue, and providing the dazzling, glamorous backdrop the sport increasingly craves. Yet, for many drivers and long-time followers, these “bland, soulless street circuits” feel like a compromise on sporting integrity, a move that places marketing spectacle above pure racing excellence.

This divide—between the traditionalists who champion historic venues like Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, and Suzuka, and the modernizers who push for expansion into new, lucrative markets—is the defining conflict of contemporary Formula 1. The return of Portimão is, without question, a win for the traditional camp, signaling that the tide may be turning, and F1 is “starting to realize that it needs to find a better balance between tradition and innovation, between sport and entertainment.”

The voice of the drivers, often diplomatic and constrained, has become increasingly outspoken on this issue. Leading the charge is four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, who has been one of the most consistent and outspoken critics of the current calendar. Verstappen openly stated that if he had control, the calendar would look drastically different, focused purely on sporting grounds. His personal list of indispensable circuits—Spa, Silverstone, Imola, Suzuka, Interlagos, and even the outgoing Zandvoort—is notably devoid of any of the newer street tracks. The Dutchman’s preference for “old school circuits” and his frustration with the sport’s commercial drift is clear.

Verstappen is far from alone. The frustration is both “real and widespread.” Young Haas driver Oliver Bearman recently made headlines with a rare moment of honesty, calling the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit “sketchy” and the “least enjoyable street track he has ever driven.” Such comments cut directly to the heart of the drivers’ complaints: the new street circuits are often less challenging, characterized by a lack of grip, unforgiving walls, and bumpy surfaces. They want circuits that “test their skills to the limit,” not those designed primarily to “look good on TV.” Alpine driver Pierre Gasly summed up the opposing ideal perfectly, praising Silverstone as one of the best circuits for a driver in terms of “pure driving sensations.” The drivers are craving the thrill, the push to the edge, the feeling of being alive that classic tracks provide.

The sport’s leadership is caught in the middle. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, acknowledged the immense interest and demand to host a Grand Prix—a testament to the sport’s burgeoning global popularity and commercial success. Yet, in confirming Portimão’s return, he expressed delight because the circuit “delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the checkered flag.” This is a tacit recognition that the “balance has shifted too far in favor of the new street circuits” and that the sport risks “losing its identity” and becoming “too much like a traveling circus and not enough like a serious sport.” The decision to bring back Portimão is a crucial attempt to redress this imbalance, recognizing that commercial interests must be balanced with sporting integrity.

Of course, the business reality of F1 is inescapable. The Portuguese government and Turismo de Portugal have made significant financial investment to secure this two-year deal, viewing the Grand Prix as a powerful engine for tourism and a way to showcase the stunning Algarve region to a global audience. As Manuel Castro Almeida, Portugal’s Minister of Economy, noted, hosting the race will have a direct, beneficial impact on economic activity throughout the local chain. F1 is a complex ecosystem, constantly balancing the needs of fans, drivers, sponsors, and race promoters, all within the constraints of a finite calendar.

The fact that the calendar has already swelled to 24 races—leading to complaints from drivers about the physical and mental toll of such a long season—only heightens the tension surrounding every decision. The exchange of Zandvoort for Portimão signals a willingness to rotate venues, perhaps ensuring that even established, but less commercially dominant, races are not immune to being replaced by circuits that offer a higher sporting spectacle or a more critical strategic entry point for the business.

The immediate future remains clouded in uncertainty. While Portimão has secured its place, the long-term futures of other cherished classics like Spa-Francorchamps and Imola are still precarious. Meanwhile, whispers of new races in locations like South Africa and Thailand continue to circulate, keeping the pressure on existing venues and forcing the discussion over expansion to continue.

The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix to Portimão is thus more than just an itinerary update; it is a profound philosophical statement. It is a moment where the heart of the sport—the passion for pure, challenging, high-octane racing—has momentarily triumphed over the relentless pursuit of commercial expansion. It is a “small victory for the traditionalists,” but as the debate over the F1 calendar rages on, it is a battle that will define the sport’s very essence for years to come. It forces every fan and stakeholder to confront the central question: should Formula 1 focus on maintaining its classical roots and sporting purity, or should it continue to aggressively expand its global market footprint, even at the risk of losing its soul? For the next two years, at least, the “roller coaster” ride of Portimão suggests a compromise is possible.

Princess Kate and Prince William take George, Charlotte and Louis to King Charles’ Christmas lunch

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Buckingham Palace to enjoy a festive lunch with members of the royal family

he Prince and Princess of Wales were among the guests to head to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday afternoon where they enjoyed a festive meal with King Charles ahead of Christmas. The royal couple were seen joined by two of their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Other royals who were seen heading to the event included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, the Duke of Kent, Lady Sarah Chatto and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who were seen smiling as they arrived in their car.

Eugenie and Beatrice had both been absent from Kate’s carol concert, which was hosted on 5 December. Although their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been stripped of his royal titles due to his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, it’s believed that the King isn’t seeking to punish the royal ladies for their father’s actions.

The King typically hosts a meal for his family ahead of going to Sandringham, where the royals like to spend Christmas Day. The monarch will no doubt be delighted by William and Kate’s attendance, with the pair and their children absent from last year’s proceedings.

HELLO! understood at the time that the Prince and Princess of Wales were already in Norfolk when the King held last year’s meal. The couple were spending time with their children after they had broken up from school.

The monarch has continued the tradition that was started by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted her family before she headed down to Sandringham for her official Christmas break. The event is usually attended by wider members of the royal family who don’t traditionally travel down to Sandringham to celebrate with the King.

Scroll down to see the best photos from the event…

1/14

© Max Mumby

The young royal looked forward to the event

Prince William and Charlotte

Prince William was in charge of driving his family to the event, with Charlotte sitting at the front at one point. She was joined by brothers Louis and George, and their nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.

2/14

© Max Mumby

The pair were seen smiling

Beatrice and Eugenie arrive

Beatrice and Eugenie were also among the royals on the guest list, and the sisters were seen arriving together.

3/14

© Max Mumby

The royal was glad to be there!

Beatrice’s smile

Beatrice was seen grinning from ear to ear as she pulled in.

4/14

© Max Mumby

Sophie always looks amazing

Duchess Sophie

The Duchess of Edinburgh was seen arriving alongside her husband, Prince Edward, and their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor. The royal looked so elegant in an emerald dress.

5/14

© Max Mumby

Edward arrived with Sophie and Lady Louise

Prince Edward

The Duke of Edinburgh was seen arriving alongside his wife and daughter for the festive gathering.

6/14

© Max Mumby

The King has a close relationship with his sister

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence

The Princess Royal was also seen attending the event alongside her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

7/14

© Max Mumby

Eugenie’s husband also attended the gathering

Jack Brooksbank

The royal sisters weren’t alone when they arrived at the event, as Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, was seen alongside his wife.

8/14

© Max Mumby

The Duke of Kent joined his wider family

Duke of Kent

The King made sure that the Duke of Kent was in attendance after the royal lost his wife, the late Duchess of Kent in September.

9/14

© Max Mumby

Lady Sarah was joined by her husband and one of her sons

Lady Sarah Chatto

The King’s cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, was seen arriving alongside her husband, Daniel, and their eldest son, Samuel Chatto.

10/14

© Max Mumby

David arrived in style!

David Armstrong-Jones

While many of the royals arrived in cars and black cabs, the King’s cousin, David Armstrong-Jones instead opted to bike to Buckingham Palace. The 64-year-old wore a bright orange ho-vis jacket to keep himself safe while cycling in the low light.

11/14

© Max Mumby

Lady Helen wrapped up warm

Lady Helen Taylor

Also among the royal guests were Lady Helen Taylor, the daughter of the Duke and late Duchess of Kent. The royal wrapped up warm for the event with a gorgeous scarf.

12/14

© Max Mumby

Alexandra waved to crowds waiting outside

Princess Alexandra

The late Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra, was also in attendance at the event. The 88-year-old royal waved at crowds as she arrived.

13/14

© Max Mumby

Flora is currently 61st in line to the throne

Flora and Timothy Vesterberg

Many members of the King’s extended family also arrived. Flora Vesterberg, the granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, and her husband, Timothy, were seen arriving together.

14/14

© Max Mumby

Sophie’s daughter smiled for the camera

Sophie Winkleman

Sophie Winkleman was seen heading to the event with her husband, Lord Frederick Windsor. One of their daughters was seen smiling for the camera as their car pulled in.

The history of Formula 1 is littered with tales of fierce rivalries on the track, but rarely does the drama reach the level of the civil war that tore apart the dominant Red Bull Racing empire. For years, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko were the undisputed “power duo”—the charismatic team principal and the ruthless motorsport advisor who forged a winning dynasty first with Sebastian Vettel and then with Max Verstappen. Họ là kiến trúc sư của kỷ nguyên vàng của Red Bull, là đội đua phải bị đánh bại, là chuẩn mực của sự xuất sắc. Yet, behind the triumphant veneer, a bitter and toxic power struggle was brewing, one that involved cold calculation, alleged fabrication, and ultimately, a betrayal that may have cost Max Verstappen a world championship.

Now, for the first time, Helmut Marko has pulled back the curtain on this explosive internal conflict. In a bombshell interview with the Dutch newspaper Dindberger, Marko has exposed the full, unvarnished story of Christian Horner’s downfall, painting a picture of a team consumed by infighting, led by a man who would stop at nothing to consolidate his personal power. The revelations are staggering, sending shockwaves through the F1 paddock and suggesting that the final, critical two-point deficit that separated Verstappen from the championship title was not the result of poor engineering or bad luck, but of a poisonous atmosphere fueled by political ambition.

The Cold Calculation: Positioning for the Power Vacuum

The seeds of the power struggle were sown, rooted in the tragic decline in health of Red Bull founder and visionary, Dietrich Mateschitz. Mateschitz was the figurehead, the risk-taker, and the man who established the entire Red Bull empire and its Formula 1 machine. His looming absence created a massive power vacuum, and according to Marko, Christian Horner began positioning himself for this void with shocking calculation.

Marko recounts a moment at a party before the Austrian Grand Prix where Horner allegedly remarked of Mateschitz, “He won’t make it to the end of the year.” Marko describes this as a “cold calculated assessment” that exposed where Horner’s mind was truly focused: on the future of power, not the health of the founder. From that moment forward, Horner allegedly began to cozy up to Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai co-founder of Red Bull, in a concerted effort to shift the balance of power.

When Mateschitz passed away, Horner made his definitive move. With the backing of Yoovidhya, he attempted to seize complete control of the team, seeking to reorient the power base from the traditional Austrian headquarters to Thailand. It was a bold and audacious play. If successful, Horner would have become the undisputed boss of Red Bull Racing, wielding complete control over its direction, its substantial budget, and its future. For Marko, who had founded the team with Mateschitz and had always been the one to make the big decisions, this was an existential threat. It was a fight for the very “soul of Red Bull Racing,” a desperate battle to preserve the original vision against an aggressive corporate takeover.

The Era of “Dirty Games” and Fabrication

The conflict quickly devolved from a corporate political battle into a clash of values and personalities. Marko, the “old school racer,” was driven by performance, while Horner, the “polished corporate operator,” was allegedly more interested in PR and politics. As tensions mounted, the atmosphere within the team became undeniably toxic. Marko claims that Horner’s campaign against him escalated dramatically, involving “dirty games and lies about all sorts of things” in a blatant attempt to force him out.

The allegations leveled by Marko are nothing short of stunning. He claims Horner’s camp fabricated a story that Marko had made racist comments about Sergio Perez, suggesting “Mexicans were less focused than Dutch or German people.” Marko vehemently denies ever uttering such a remark. It was, he asserts, a deliberate, malicious effort to damage his reputation and make him appear unfit for his role. Had the story gained traction, it could have easily led to his swift dismissal.

But the dirty tricks didn’t end there. Marko also alleges that Horner tried to have him suspended by spreading a false rumor that Marko had leaked confidential information about Red Bull’s engine development being behind schedule and that the team would subsequently lose Ford as a partner. Leaking confidential information is a cardinal, sackable offense in Formula 1. Marko calls this a “serious allegation,” another “fabrication,” and another “dirty trick” designed to ensure his exit.

The Driver’s Intervention: Max Verstappen Saves His Mentor

The plot to oust Marko was thwarted not by internal HR intervention or boardroom politics, but by the ultimate power player in the team: Max Verstappen. Marko says that the only reason the suspension did not occur was because the reigning World Champion stepped in to support him.

In Jeddah, Verstappen made it abundantly clear to the management that if his long-time mentor, Marko, was suspended, there would be “consequences.” It was a public, unwavering show of loyalty from the driver to the man who had guided his career, a testament to the strength of their bond. In a move that underscored the driver’s immense influence, Verstappen’s decisive stance saved Marko’s job, at least temporarily. These allegations, if true, reveal a team principal willing to cross ethical and professional lines to win a political war off the track, a stark contrast to the charming public image Horner cultivated.

The Ultimate Price: A Lost Championship

The ultimate and most tragic consequence of this internal chaos, according to Marko, was the team’s declining performance. After years of unprecedented dominance, Red Bull found itself struggling to keep pace with McLaren. The car’s development direction was flawed, upgrades failed to deliver, and the pervasive internal strife directly impacted on-track performance.

Marko is certain that the toxic environment created by Horner’s power struggle was a critical factor in the team’s failure to secure the title. “We had to do something because performance on the track was lagging,” Marko stated, before making the stunning declaration: “Had we done that earlier by the way we would have gotten it on track faster and Max would have become world champion, I’m absolutely convinced of that.”

The two-point deficit to Lando Norris, the margin that denied Verstappen another title, was not merely a racing metric; it was, in Marko’s eyes, the direct cost of distraction, lies, and internal politics.

The Fall of the King

Eventually, the weight of the allegations proved too heavy for even Christian Horner’s political maneuvering. Marko managed to prove to Yoovidhya that Horner had been “lying more and more often,” fabricating stories and twisting the truth. Once the Thai co-founder was presented with the evidence and realized the extent of the deception, he fundamentally changed his position and agreed to dismiss Horner.

The decision was finalized after the British Grand Prix. Horner, who had been an integral part of the team for over two decades, was out. The king was dead. Yet, Marko did not celebrate. He views the entire episode not as a victory, but as a “necessary evil,” the only viable path to saving the structure and integrity of Red Bull Racing.

An Uncertain Future: The Beginning of the End?

The drama, however, did not conclude with Horner’s exit. Just a few short months after the dismissal, Marko himself announced his departure from Red Bull. The architects of Red Bull’s success are now both gone, leaving behind a profound power vacuum and a palpable sense of instability.

Red Bull faces a colossal challenge moving forward, particularly with the critical new engine project reportedly behind schedule and struggling with new technology. The new corporate leadership under Oliver Minslaf, who lacks the “racing DNA” and “ruthless edge” of his predecessors, steps into a volatile environment. Without the operational brilliance of Horner and the hard-nosed enforcement of Marko, the team is vulnerable.

The most crucial question hangs over Max Verstappen. The reigning champion is contracted, but his deal is believed to contain performance clauses. If the new, unstable Red Bull cannot deliver a championship-winning car, Verstappen will undoubtedly be looking for an exit, with giants like Mercedes and Aston Martin waiting hungrily in the wings.

The dirty laundry has been aired, the truth has been told, and the consequences of the Red Bull civil war will be felt for years to come. This is no longer just a story of a dominant F1 team; it is a captivating, dramatic study in corporate ambition, betrayal, and the shocking price of unchecked power. The future of Red Bull Racing is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the most fascinating chapter of its history is just beginning.

Marvel fans left frustrated by latest Avengers: Doomsday teaser: “What am I even looking at?”

“These kinds of posts DO NOT make me excited for these movies.”

Marvel fans have been left feeling frustrated following the release of the latest Avengers: Doomsday teaser. Back in October, the Russo brothers shared a mysterious picture to social media, urging fans to “look hard” at the image of an unidentified figure.

Following on from that post, which had fans feeling both excited and angry, the brothers have shared yet another cryptic post, which has proved even more divisive than the first.

As we patiently wait for the first Doomsday trailer to drop, the duo at the helm of the upcoming MCU offering took to Instagram to share a baffling black and white image.

What to Read Next

13 huge Coronation Street spoilers for next week (17 to 21 November)

Avengers: Doomsday first-look set photo leaves Marvel fans confused, annoyed and excited

Avengers: Doomsday trailer looks like it’s coming very soon and here’s how long it is

Along with the unidentifiable and blurry image, the Russo’s simply shared the caption: “#AvengersDoomsday.”

Over on Reddit, frustrated Marvel fans discussed the post, with one fan questioning: “What am I even looking at?”

Jesse Grant//Getty Images

 

“These kinds of posts DO NOT make me excited for these movies,” penned another, while one person added: “This makes me want to tune out any marketing about the movie even regardless of spoilers.”

One fan said: “Russo bros needs to let the marketing team to do their job of hyping the movie alone coz Russo bros are not good at making anyone excited.”

On Instagram, fans tried to figure out what the image was, with some questioning whether it was an upside down outline of Robert Downey Jr as villain Dr Doom.

This content is imported from instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

“Flip it upside down. Doom silhouette between the heads of whoever are leading the teams,” one fan theorised, with another adding: “Wait… IT’S A SILHOUETTE OF DOOM?! If we tilt the photo upside down.”

With the release of the film’s highly-anticipated first trailer imminent, there has been some suggestion that it will be attached to the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash in cinemas on 19 December, though it could drop online before that.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Avengers: Doomsday could receive four different teaser trailers in cinemas, with the site speculating that each trailer would play for one week before moving on to the next.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released on 18 December 2026. Secret Wars is set for the year after. All four current Avengers movies are streaming on Disney+.

I’m a Celebrity’s Angry Ginge forced to return prize and won’t get any cash

The social media personality beat Tom Read Wilson and Shona McGarty to be crowned King of the Jungle

TV’s I’m a Celebrity winner was finally crowned last night after three rollercoaster weeks of laughter and tears. Angry Ginge walked away as King of the Jungle on Sunday, December 7.

The TikTok star beat Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson and former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, who came in second and third place respectively, as the last camp mate standing.

Angry Ginge took over from reigning champion McFly’s Danny Jones. Similar to the musician, Angry Ginge, who has millions of social media followers, will have to return his floral crown and wooden sceptre before even leaving Australia and heading back to the UK.

Sam Thompson, who won the show prior to Danny, also revealed how he had to hand back the items, with “nothing to show” for his victory.

Home Bargains £1.58 item keeps windscreen spotless

ITV Coronation Street Jane Danson issues emotional marriage news as fans rush to support

View 4 Images

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Angry Ginge

Speaking about it on This Morning at the time, he said: “I didn’t get to keep anything. They wouldn’t let me keep anything.”

Get the latest Liverpool Echo breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

As the winner of the show, Angry Ginge received a flower crown and a wooden sceptre.

However, the last campmate standing does not receive a cash prize for winning the competition itself, and that is because there is a pre-arranged appearance fee, which can range from tens of thousands to over a million pounds, depending on their level of fame.

View 4 Images

The final three campmates enjoying the last dinner(Image: 2025 Shutterstock)

All contestants receive this fee as long as they stay in the jungle for a minimum of 72 hours, regardless of where they finish in the public vote.

Shona is estimated to earn around £95,000 for the show, Tom is in the region of £60,000 to £80,000 and Angry Ginge is believed to be pocketing £100,000 for his appearance.

Angry Ginge said: “I didn’t do it to become King. I did it for the experience.” His sister, Tasha Burtwistle, said for him to be on a show was a bucket-list moment.

View 4 Images

Shona McGarty finished third in this year’s show

She told the BBC: “I knew it was on his bucket list, something he never thought he’d actually get to do, so I was just really happy for him.”

Tasha, who got to briefly visit her brother in the jungle along with their mum, said he was “smashing it” and she was “proud of how far he’s come”.

Donald Trump’s administration will urge Sir Keir Starmer to address Britain’s mass migration crisis, GB News can exclusively reveal.

An official American communique, seen by The People’s Channel, will be issued to governments across Europe and the West, stating: “We encourage your government to ensure that policies protect your citizens from the negative social impacts of mass migration, including displacement, sexual assault, and the breakdown of law and order.

The US State Department issued the memo to American Embassies in Europe, including Britain, telling officials to “urge governments to positively respond to their citizens’ growing discontent related to unmitigated migration”.

The memo also cited “organised rape gangs in the United Kingdom” as an example of how mass migration has damaged European nations.

Responding to the bombshell document, ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman told GB News: “It speaks volumes when Washington has to remind our own government of its basic duty to protect the British public. Trump is right to call out Starmer’s disastrous record on mass migration.”

“Britain must follow our US allies with unapologetically firm border control: decisive deportations for anyone who has no legal right to be here, a zero-tolerance approach to foreign nationals who break our laws, and a system that finally puts British people first.”

“Until more people are leaving than arriving, we cannot pretend our borders are secure.”

US officials are now required to report on “violent crimes and human rights abuses perpetrated by migrant populations,” and note “policies that unduly favour migrants at the expense of local populations, such as by leniency in punishment of migrant crimes, or displacement of local populations from housing to accommodate migrants”.

Rotherham grooming gang leader admits to raping girl aged 13 | NCA

The new State Department policy will put pressure on governments across Europe to tackle issues related to mass migration, including national security, public safety, and human rights.

The memo takes aim at Britain specifically over the rape gang scandal, and criticises “two-tiered systems that provide disproportionately lenient punishments to migrants for their crimes”, an accusation that has dogged Sir Keir throughout his premiership.

The Trump administration also highlighted the issue of migrants displacing local populations, and raised concerns around “legal consequences for criticizing mass migration”.

The memo comes after Lucy Connolly served nine months in prison for an online post calling for mass deportations and to “set fire to all the f**king hotels full of the b******s for all I care, while you’re at it take the treacherous government politicians with them”.

Former President Donald Trump, flanked by former first lady Melania Trump | Reuters

State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott said: “Mass migration has resulted in waves of violent crime and terror attacks, the proliferation of sex trafficking gangs, and the destabilisation of communities.”

“The United States calls on Western governments to productively respond to their citizens’ concerns and stands ready to assist in addressing this crisis. We are ending the era of mass migration.”

Robert Bates, research director for the Centre for Migration Control (CMC), also said: “The Trump administration is right to point out that mass migration represents a threat to the British public.”

“It is a permanent shame on Labour and Tory governments that they have tarnished Britain’s international reputation through scandals like the rape gangs.

“The UK has seen large-scale abuse of British women and girls by certain migrant populations.”

“Whether it’s the Pakistani rape gangs or the fact a quarter of sexual assault convictions are of foreign nationals, our political class have unforgivably allowed for a proliferation of terror and misery of Britain’s streets.”

Research from the CMC shows that foreign nationals accounted for around a quarter of all rape convictions last year, despite only accounting for just 10.9 per cent of the British population.

The American communique also states that “numerous countries impacted by mass migration have seen a troubling increase in sexual assaults and related violent crimes by people of a migration background, including against children.”

The Trump administration has been proactive in criticising European governments over issues like freedom of speech and mass migration.

Vice President JD Vance told a security conference in Munich last year that freedom of speech is “in retreat” across Britain and Europe, and told continental leaders that there is “nothing more urgent than mass migration”.

The US cable affirmed that the Trump administration “stands ready, willing, and able to assist countries in solving the global mass migration crisis”.

Rebecca Wilcox shared a heartbreaking update about her mother’s health. Picture: Alamy/Getty

Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter has issued a heartbreaking update, revealing that the beloved broadcaster is no longer responding to treatment for her terminal illness.

Rebecca Wilcox, the middle child of the iconic 84-year-old TV presenter and Childline founder, shared the emotional news during a candid interview with 5 News. The veteran broadcaster, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023 after discovering a lump under her arm, had been placed on a promising new medication to slow the disease’s progression — but tragically, it has now stopped working.

Medical supply delivery

“I really wish that was true but I don’t think that’s the case anymore,” Rebecca admitted, when asked if the drug was still helping her mother’s condition.

Dame Esther Rantzen is battling terminal lung cancer. Picture: Alamy

“I just wish people understood that all the Assisted Dying Bill is… is a choice. A choice for those who want it,” she said. “It’s not about forcing anyone, it’s about giving people like my mum some control, some peace of mind — and that peace of mind is everything right now.”

The veteran broadcaster has spoken out in favour of assisted dying. Picture: Alamy

Rebecca described the harrowing emotional toll the uncertainty has taken on their family.

“I’m a witness to the trauma. The trauma of uncertainty. Of not knowing what her final days will look like — the pain, the exhaustion, the symptoms to come,” she said. “She’s someone who’s spent her whole life fighting for others, and now she has no control at all.”

Dame Esther, who famously hosted That’s Life! for over two decades on the BBC, had previously considered an assisted death at Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic. But as Rebecca revealed, even that option is now out of reach.

“Frankly, Dignitas is out of the window for us as well,” she said. “You have to be relatively well to travel and go through with it. If she had gone, she would’ve had to leave months ago — long before her natural passing would occur here.”

In a separate interview with The Today Podcast on BBC Sounds, Dame Esther said that if the UK were to legalise assisted dying, it would allow her to face death “with confidence” and “without fear.”

“The only way to ensure a pain-free death right now is to go to Dignitas without your family — because if they go with you, they could be investigated by police for murder or coercion,” she said bluntly.

Now, as the cancer progresses and options narrow, the family continues to advocate for change — even as they face the most painful chapter of their lives.

“If you don’t give up, life has a way of surprising you.” Hamza Yassin just revealed the unbelievable truth behind his nine months living in a car — and how the toughest chapter of his life led to his biggest triumphs.

For millions of Countryfile viewers, Hamza Yassin is the gentle, brilliant cameraman who brings Britain’s wildest landscapes to life. But behind the calm smile and breathtaking footage lies a story few ever imagined — a story he kept hidden for years.

In a deeply revealing interview, the 35-year-old Strictly Come Dancing champion confessed that, long before fame found him, he spent nine months living out of his car, completely alone, and surviving on determination, dyslexia-driven creativity… and hope.

“I Woke Up in That Car Every Morning Pretending I Belonged Somewhere.”

Hamza recalled a routine that would break most people.

“I’d wake up at 8am pretending I was catching the ferry,” he told The Times, explaining how he created believable patterns so no one would question why he was parked in the same place every night.

“They didn’t ask questions,” he said. “They were curious, not suspicious.”

He showered at campsites.
He had no fridge.
He lived day to day.

From that makeshift life, he built the career he has today — 17 years in the Scottish Highlands, eventually buying the tiny Hebrides-style cottage he now calls home.

 THE DREAM NO ONE THOUGHT WOULD LAST

Hamza’s move to the countryside seemed like a phase to his family.

“They thought I’d be back in two weeks,” he said with a laugh.
His father believed hunger, cold, and dirty clothes would send him running home.

But that “phase” became eleven years, a life, and eventually a national platform.

When he joined Countryfile in 2021, he quickly became one of its most beloved presenters — then skyrocketed to nationwide fame after winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 with partner Jowita Przystał.

 THE MOMENT THAT BROUGHT HIM TO TEARS

This week, Hamza hit another milestone — one so emotional he could barely speak.

In Sunday’s Countryfile episode, he helped conservation teams release three wildcats— one of Britain’s rarest predators — back into the wild.

Being the first person outside the project staff to do so left him stunned.

“That’s a real honour,” he said softly as one wildcat slipped out of its enclosure and into the forest.

For a man who once slept in a car with nothing but a dream of filming wildlife, it was a full-circle moment few could appreciate more deeply.

 BUT COUNTRYFILE ISN’T ALL BEAUTY AND WILDLIFE THIS SEASON

This year has brought some of the show’s darkest, most emotional moments.

Viewers were shaken earlier this month when a guest broke down on camera, confessing he had battled suicidal thoughts amid rising pressure on farmers — especially in light of the Government’s drastic inheritance tax changes introduced last year.

Farmer Charles Rees, diagnosed with cancer in February, revealed his son could face a £1 million inheritance tax bill due to new rules taxing agricultural assets that were once exempt.

Lying in a hospital bed, Charles admitted:

“Sometimes I think, what’s the point?
If nothing changes by next April… I’d probably top myself.”

His words shocked presenter Charlotte Smith.

Overwhelmed, Charles excused himself and left the table in tears.
His wife Ruth followed soon after, visibly shaken as she explained the crushing emotional and financial weight their family had been carrying.

Thankfully, since filming, Charles has undergone surgery and is now recovering.

A STORY OF SURVIVAL — IN EVERY SENSE

While Countryfile covers Britain’s landscapes, wildlife, and farming communities, this season has revealed the stories that live behind the scenes:

A beloved presenter who lived in a car for nearly a year

A conservation mission giving a species a second chance

Farmers fighting for their land, their families, and their lives

Hamza Yassin’s journey — from sleeping in a vehicle to releasing wildcats on national television — is a reminder that even the calmest faces often hide the hardest battles.