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  • Mike Tyson was lined up for ‘boxing match’ against WWE legend at WrestleMania

    Mike Tyson was lined up for ‘boxing match’ against WWE legend at WrestleMania

    Mike Tyson was once lined up for a boxing match against a WWE legend, with the bout set to take place at Wrestlemania.

    Mike Tyson was once lined up for a boxing match against a WWE legend, with the bout set to take place at Wrestlemania.

    On July 20, Tyson will return to the ring to face Jake Paul, four years after his last exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr and 19 years since his last professional fight in 2005.

    Tyson, once the youngest-ever heavyweight champion and the first heavyweight to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, will take on the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Texas.

    Paul, who is 30 years Tyson’s junior, has thus far competed in 10 professional fights and registered a record of nine victories and one defeat against heavyweight Tommy Fury.

    Years before Tyson agreed to fight Paul, he had been lined up to take on another superstar in a peculiar crossover bout.

    Triple H, one of the WWE’s most notorious heels, was once in discussions to take on Tyson in a six-round boxing match at Wrestlemania 17, with Stone Cold Steve Austin versus the Rock also set to be on the same card.

    However, Iron Mike was allegedly asking for too much money for the company.

    “We were going to do six rounds. I don’t remember if it was going to be full boxing rules, or whether I was wearing gloves,” Triple H told WWE.com.

    Triple H is one of the most notorious heels in wrestling history (Getty)
    Triple H is one of the most notorious heels in wrestling history (Getty)

    “But it ended up being a deal where the whole thing just would have been a ludicrous amount of money, and it got pushed off.”

    Tyson did appear in WWE while serving a suspension from boxing for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear off.

    Iron Mike allegedly had no money coming in at the time and was offered $3.5million (£2.78million) to appear as the special guest referee at WrestleMania 14 and several appearances in the run-up to it.

    Strangely, Tyson’s notoriety only grew with his controversial attack on Holyfield and with WWE billing him as ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ ratings skyrocketed.

  • Mike Tyson’s Youngest Son Morocco Stuns With His Outstanding Boxing Ability And Ambition To Conquer The World UFC At The Age Of 15

    Mike Tyson’s Youngest Son Morocco Stuns With His Outstanding Boxing Ability And Ambition To Conquer The World UFC At The Age Of 15

    **Title: Mike Tyson’s Youngest Son, Morocco, Stuns with Outstanding Boxing Ability and Ambition to Conquer the UFC World at the Age of 15**

    Mike Tyson’s youngest son, Morocco Tyson, is making waves in the world of combat sports with his remarkable boxing skills and an unwavering ambition to conquer the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at the tender age of 15.


    Morocco Tyson, born with the DNA of a boxing legend, has been honing his boxing prowess from a young age, following in the footsteps of his famous father. While many teenagers are still discovering their passions, Morocco has already displayed a level of dedication and talent that sets him apart.

    His journey into the world of boxing began at a young age, with his father as his primary mentor and source of inspiration. Growing up in the Tyson household, Morocco was exposed to the intricacies of the sport, learning valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, and determination. Mike Tyson’s guidance and mentorship have played a pivotal role in Morocco’s rapid development as a budding boxing sensation.

    What sets Morocco Tyson apart from his peers is not just his famous last name but his undeniable talent and commitment. He has been training rigorously, combining his natural athleticism with the knowledge passed down from his father. His dedication to the sport is nothing short of remarkable, often spending countless hours in the gym perfecting his technique and conditioning.

    At just 15 years old, Morocco Tyson has already impressed boxing enthusiasts and experts with his extraordinary boxing ability. His speed, power, and ring IQ reflect a level of maturity and skill well beyond his years. He has participated in numerous amateur bouts, consistently delivering impressive performances that have garnered attention from the boxing world.

    However, Morocco Tyson’s ambition doesn’t stop at the amateur level. He has set his sights on conquering the UFC, one of the most prestigious and challenging organizations in mixed martial arts (MMA). His dream is to become a world-class fighter, just like his father did in the world of boxing.

    While the road to the UFC is undoubtedly filled with challenges, Morocco’s determination, and the support of his legendary father, give him a significant advantage. The boxing world is eagerly watching his progress and eagerly anticipating his transition into MMA, where he aims to make a name for himself and carry on the Tyson legacy in a new arena.

    In conclusion, Morocco Tyson, the youngest son of boxing legend Mike Tyson, is capturing hearts and attention with his remarkable boxing ability and unwavering ambition to conquer the world of UFC at the age of 15. With his dedication, talent, and the guidance of his iconic father, Morocco has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports, inspiring a new generation of fighters along the way.

  • When asked about who she wanted to share coaching duties with, Reba McEntire decided to pick this guy

    When asked about who she wanted to share coaching duties with, Reba McEntire decided to pick this guy

    Reba McEntire Makes Case for Niall Horan To Be Her Double Chair Partner on ‘The Voice’

    Throughout the seasons of The Voice, the show welcomed stars like Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, and even Kelly Clarkson as coaches. While the lineup of coaches has changed over the years, on the premiere of season 25, the show introduced a new way of looking at the coaches. Showcasing the first double chair, The Voice revealed that the duo group Dan + Shay would be taking the seats. Already proving they are looking to win on their first season, recently, Reba McEntire shared the singer she wanted if given the double chair.

    Reba McEntire | Latest News, Stories, and Commentary

    Videos by American Songwriter

    Given the decades Reba spent performing on stage, the singer has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in music. When asked about who she wanted to share coaching duties with, she decided to pick Bruno Mars. Having sold over 130 million albums worldwide and winning 15 Grammy Awards, the singer seemed more than qualified for the job.

    While Reba already revealed her dream partner, she eventually walked back on the statement. Needing more time to think, the singer decided to make a substitution, naming Niall Horan as her new partner. Although a hypothetical question, she explained how she and Horan would be like “two little kids” if given the chance to work together.

    Reba McEntire Sneaks Into Niall Horan's Dressing Room

    Reba McEntire Shares How She Would Do If Competing On ‘The Voice’

    Looking at what fans had to say, some loved the idea, writing, “The fact that she changed her chair choice would love to see Niall back on the show…That clip of her blocking the boy brought back the memories.” One comment included, “Knew someone would pick Niall. Wasn’t expecting Reba to be the one, though. But it’s so true what she says about Niall and she as a team.”

    Back in September, Reba wondered how she would do if she competed on The Voice. At the time, she admitted, “I don’t think anybody would turn around for me. Honestly, I don’t. If they would, I’d be thrilled to pieces. But what an opportunity these kids are having, and some of [them] aren’t kids. Some are 16, 17 years old, and some people that come on The Voice are in their 30s and want to give it a go and are having fun with it. But what an opportunity to be seen by that many people all over the world for just a few minutes..”

    Reba McEntire Reacts to Rumors She's Leaving 'The Voice' | Entertainment Tonight

    Don’t miss The Voice, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on NBC.

    (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

  • British star George Russell has a HUGE crash on the last lap of the Australian Grand Prix as chaos hits race and stewards launch investigation

    British star George Russell has a HUGE crash on the last lap of the Australian Grand Prix as chaos hits race and stewards launch investigation

    George Russell has walked away unhurt after smashing his Mercedes in a huge crash on the last lap of the Australian Grand Prix.

    The Briton’s car was left teetering on its side in turns six and seven after he slid through the gravel and into the barriers at high speed while battling Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

    Russell was seen moving freely straight after the impact, which left debris strewn across the track and forced the race to be completed under the virtual safety car.

    ‘I am OK,’ he told his Red Bull team via radio.

    Russell's car was an absolute wreck after he smashed into the barriers at high speed while battling Fernando Alonso on the last lap

    Russell’s car was an absolute wreck after he smashed into the barriers at high speed while battling Fernando Alonso on the last lap

    The British star and his Spanish rival are being investigated by stewards over the incident, with suspicions that Russell may have been brake-tested by the Aston Martin ace

    The British star and his Spanish rival are being investigated by stewards over the incident, with suspicions that Russell may have been brake-tested by the Aston Martin ace

    Despite the heavy impact, Russell was seen moving freely straight after the crash and emerged unhurt from the wreckage

    Despite the heavy impact, Russell was seen moving freely straight after the crash and emerged unhurt from the wreckage

    Stewards are investigating the incident amid suspicion that the Spaniard could have brake-tested the Englishman.

    The crash occurred on the same part of the track where Williams’ Alex Albon crashed heavily during practice, and race winner Carlos Sainz appeared to be wary of that section when he asked about Russell’s condition after winning the race ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.

    ‘He had a big one, no?’ Sainz said of his Mercedes rival.

    ‘I said it about this corner, it is too much.’

    Russell was caught up in a social media scandal before the race when two Australian influencers were slammed for posting footage of him using a urinal at Albert Park in a shocking invasion of privacy.

    He also crashed out on the final lap of last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, with the accident costing him a spot on the podium.

    Sainz made a remarkable comeback from surgery to win the dramatic race, after Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen’s bid to equal his own Formula One record went up in smoke.

    Two weeks after he was sidelined from the Saudi Arabian race due to appendicitis, Sainz claimed the third win of his F1 career, and first at Albert Park.

    Carlos Sainz later voiced his concerns about the section of track where Russell's race ended - the same series of high-speed corners where Alex Albon wrecked his Williams on Friday

    Carlos Sainz later voiced his concerns about the section of track where Russell’s race ended – the same series of high-speed corners where Alex Albon wrecked his Williams on Friday

    Sainz overcame appendix surgery just two weeks ago to lead home his Ferrari teammate in Melbourne and give the Prancing Horse a badly needed one-two finish (pictured)

    Sainz overcame appendix surgery just two weeks ago to lead home his Ferrari teammate in Melbourne and give the Prancing Horse a badly needed one-two finish (pictured)

    Russell's exit capped off a disastrous weekend for Mercedes, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton also retiring on lap 17 due to engine failure

    Russell’s exit capped off a disastrous weekend for Mercedes, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton also retiring on lap 17 due to engine failure

    The Spaniard took the chequered flag ahead of Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, with McLaren’s Lando Norris finishing third.

    McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri came in fourth, continuing the run of an Australian driver having never made it on the podium in Melbourne.

    Verstappen’s bid to win a 10th straight race for the second time in less than 12 months ended after he suffered a car fire early in Sunday’s race.

    After cantering to wins in the opening two races of the season, Verstappen was a red hot favourite to go back-to-back after winning at Albert Park for the first time last year.

    The three-time defending world champion started on pole but Sainz, who qualified second, overtook him on the second lap.

    The race was blown wide open when Max Verstappen was forced to retire on lap five after his Red Bull caught fire thanks to a faulty right rear brake

    The race was blown wide open when Max Verstappen was forced to retire on lap five after his Red Bull caught fire thanks to a faulty right rear brake

    The world champion said the brake was 'locked on' right from the start of the race, making it seem like he was driving 'with the handbrake on'

    The world champion said the brake was ‘locked on’ right from the start of the race, making it seem like he was driving ‘with the handbrake on’

    Verstappen then began complaining on team radio about ‘losing the car’.

    Soon afterwards, smoke appeared at the rear of the 26-year-old’s car and he was forced into the pits on lap three, with no hope of a return.

    ‘My right rear brake basically stuck on from when the lights went off,’ Verstappen said.

    ‘The temperatures (in the car) just kept on increasing until the point that it caught fire.

    ‘They (mechanics) could see what was going on but they don’t know what what caused it.

    ‘We had a lot of good races in a row, I knew that the day would come when you end up having a retirement and unfortunately that day was today.’

    It continues a mixed relationship with Australia for Verstappen, who was forced to retire in the 2022 edition.

    Verstappen had won nine straight races, dating back to the Japanese Grand Prix last September.

    Sainz was the last driver, in Singapore last September, other than Verstappen to win a F1 race.

    Victory at Albert Park would have taken Verstappen level with his own record, set with his 10 straight wins from Miami to Monza last year.

    Britain's Lando Norris (right) is pictured spraying Sainz with champagne after he finished third

    Britain’s Lando Norris (right) is pictured spraying Sainz with champagne after he finished third

    The victory was the third of Sainz's career and comes after the shock news Hamilton will be replacing him at the Italian team next year

    The victory was the third of Sainz’s career and comes after the shock news Hamilton will be replacing him at the Italian team next year

    Verstappen won 19 races last season – the most in F1 history – on his way to a third straight title to completely dominate the rest of the field.

    The Dutchman had also converted his last 18 poles into a race win.

    Verstappen wasn’t the only big name to suffer mechanical issues, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton forced to the back of the field on lap 17.

    Hamilton, who started 11th after his worst qualifying session at Albert Park since 2010, headed to the garage in another disappointing race in his last season with Mercedes before his switch to Ferrari next year.

    It was the first time Verstappen and Hamilton – F1’s two most successful drivers of the past decade – had withdrawn from the same race due to mechanical failures.

    Australian veteran Daniel Ricciardo, who missed last year’s Melbourne race, finished 12th with his new team, RB.

  • ‘Voice’ Fans Are Shocked After Reba McEntire Reveals Major Season 25 Change

    ‘Voice’ Fans Are Shocked After Reba McEntire Reveals Major Season 25 Change

    ‘Voice’ Fans Are Shocked After Reba McEntire Reveals Major Season 25 Change

    Three new coaches plus a change-up to the teams that no one saw coming!

    preview for Reba Looks Back At Her Most Iconic Moments
    There was a lot to love about season 24 of The Voice, but one of the biggest things was the powerhouse that was Reba McEntire, who joined the show as a coach for the first time, replacing longtime coach country singer Blake Shelton. And although season 25 will have viewers seeing their favorite fiery redhead back in the coaching chair for a second round, this new season is facing a few changes that might leave longtime viewers surprised.

    Not only will season 25 have their first two-person coaching duo, with Dan + Shay taking over for Niall Horan, who departed the show due to conflicts with his tour, as well as former coach Chance the Rapper returning to replace Gwen Stefani, but Reba recently confirmed that teams will be much smaller than in years past.

    “Season 24 was 14 positions, and now we only have 10,” Reba said in a video shared in collaboration between the official Instagram of The Voice and Reba’s account. “So you really have to be selective, you really have to make sure that person is one you want on your team because the competition is really stiff.”

    Fans were, of course, super surprised by the change. “Why are teams only going to be 10 people now?,” one person asked. “Only 10 on each team?! 😟 I swear these seasons are getting smaller and faster,” someone else wrote. “Why only 10 per team? What’s the obsession with shortening every season more? The show is better when you get to know the contestants for longer,” another said.

    However, the disappointment couldn’t stall the happiness viewers felt when they learned Reba would be back.

    “It’s going to be a fun season and I can’t wait to see you in the Coach chair Reba!! Go #TeamReba!!!❤️,” someone commented on that same clip. “Maybe an obvious observation but…Blake was so great and had such an outsized role in the show. It was hard to imagine how someone could ‘take his place’. . .ENTER REBA! Seamless,” another chimed in. “I am so glad you are back for another season,” a different person said.

    One thing for sure? With three new coaches in the mix and a major team size change-up, viewers can be sure they’re in for a new season of surprises all around.

     

  • ‘The Voice’ Coach Reba McEntire Creates Hilarious New Dance With Chance The Rapper

    ‘The Voice’ Coach Reba McEntire Creates Hilarious New Dance With Chance The Rapper

    ‘The Voice’ Coach Reba McEntire Creates Hilarious New Dance With Chance The Rapper

    With a slew of aspiring singers looking to make history, The Voice returned this week with season 25. First airing back in 2011, the show has not only gained a sizable following but it helped launch the careers of singers like Bryce Leatherwood, Javier Colon, and Maelyn Jarmon. While coaches Chance the Rapper, John Legend, Reba McEntire, and Dan + Shay take over for former coaches Blake Shelton and Niall Horan, the new season is already heating up. But between blocking coaches and trying to build the perfect team, it appears some of the coaches are having a great deal of fun.

    Reba McEntire Joins 'The Voice' as Coach for Season 24

    For Reba, this marks her second season on The Voice. Already knowing how the competition works, she gave newcomers Dan + Shay a crash course when she blocked them from snagging a contestant with a voice for country. And while competitive on screen, the coaches have nothing but love for each other as Chance the Rapper decided to give the country icon some dance lessons.

    First stepping into country music back in 1975, Reba knows more than enough when it comes to entertaining fans. But wanting to learn a few new moves, the singer decided to get some tips from Chance the Rapper. Posting the video on Instagram, the two displayed their dance moves for the world.

    Chance the Rapper Talks Coaching On ‘The Voice

    Gaining over 24,000 likes, fans loved the friendship shown between the two stars. One person wrote, “This is my next favorite buddy crime movie. I can feel it in my bones.” Another fan loved the new lineup of coaches, “It been awhile since I LOVE EVERY JUDGE on one Season. I just want to say thank you The Voice all these judges Dan and Shay is just what this show needs, Queen Reba (America just love this woman) and now 4 count them 4 EXTREMELY good and sexy men..all 4 walk with that swag (well love you John, but his swag walk is poise) Dan and Shay you have a new fan here.”

    The Voice': Chance the Rapper wins over four-chair singer NariYella

    Discussing the opportunity to coach on The Voice, Chane the Rapper explained the real joy of the job.  He said, “We’re surrounded by great Artists, being with the Coaches is inspiring, and so is the crew. Everybody’s funny! That’s the cool thing is we’re always joking around, we’re always doing some dumb stuff, and it’s like, whether you’re on camera or not on camera, there are great moments that we have.”

     

     

     

    (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

     

  • Top 5 Coaches on ‘The Voice’ of All Time

    Top 5 Coaches on ‘The Voice’ of All Time

    Top 5 Coaches on ‘The Voice’ of All Time

    When the reality TV singing competition The Voice debuted in the United States in 2011, it didn’t take long for the show to become a hit with audiences. It stood out from other popular singing competitions like American Idol, X-Factor, and Nashville Star for its unique format.
    Videos by American Songwriter

    The show features blind auditions that showcase each singer’s talent over physical appearance. Coaches have to decide if they want to compete to have a contestant on their team before the singer is ever revealed.
    Another wonderful aspect of the show is the relationship between coaches and contestants. Megastars like Reba McEntire, CeeLo Green, Nick Jonas, Shakira, and Miley Cyrus have all graced the coaching panel, cementing the show’s legacy.

    Over the years, the celebrity coaches on The Voice have proven to be exceptional mentors. As accomplished artists in their own right, they bring a wealth of expertise to the show. Sure, everyone is in it to win it, but most coaches seem to genuinely work hard to help singers discover their strengths, face their fears, and hone their vocal abilities.
    Some of the coaches seem to have had a bit more of an impact than others, though. Here are our picks for the Top 5 coaches of all time on The Voice.

    1. Blake Shelton

    With nine wins under his belt, country music star Blake Shelton is the undisputed king of the coaches. Not only is Shelton one of the originals, but he was a mainstay on the program for 23 seasons. From the first episodes, Shelton distinguished himself as a caring and supportive mentor dedicated to helping his team members grow as artists.

    Why Blake Shelton Left The Voice After Season 23 | NBC Insider

    Shelton often competed to get the standout country singers on his team, including winners Cassadee Pope, Sundance Head, Danielle Bradbery, and Craig Wayne Boyd. However, he also embraced many other music styles, especially genres with complementary to country, such as gospel, folk, rock, and soul.

    His earliest win was with R&B singer Jermaine Paul, and he later coached rock musician Chloe Kohanski and jazz singer Wendy Moten to success as well.
    Contestants who teamed up with Shelton consistently described him as a funny, down-to-earth mentor who respected their musical identity. Working with him helped each singer shine in their own way, and Shelton is well known for continuing to support his team members after the show.

    2. Adam Levine

    Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine is just as well-loved for his charming banter with Blake Shelton as he is for being an enthusiastic coach. As another original, Levine participated for 16 seasons and racked up three wins with contestants Javier Colon, Tessanne Chin, and Jordan Smith.

    Voice Coach Alum Adam Levine's Albums, Movies, and TV Shows | NBC Insider

    During his time on the show, Levine chose some of the most musically diverse teams. After winning the first season, he had a string of losses to Shelton, which fueled their playful rivalry. His intensity about choosing a strong team brought tons of comedic relief to the show, and he often shamelessly campaigned for contestants to pick #TeamAdam over #TeamBlake.

    Contestants have frequently praised Levine’s deep musical knowledge and insights into vocal techniques, stage presence, and song selection. His passion shone through in every episode, and he pushed his team members to take risks and make their mark on the Voice stage.

    3. Kelly Clarkson

    By the numbers, Kelly Clarkson is the most successful coach on The Voice, with a nearly 50 percent win rate. Out of nine seasons, she achieved four wins with contestants Brynn Cartelli, Chevel Shepherd, Girl Named Tom, and Jake Hoot. Not only did Clarkson win her first three seasons as a coach but she was also the first to lead a music group to victory.

    Is Kelly Clarkson Taking Over Ellen DeGeneres' Talk Show?!?

    As someone who launched her own iconic career from the singing competition American Idol, Clarkson could relate to the contestants’ experience better than anyone else. Kelly’s stunning vocal range and songwriting talent made her well-equipped to help her team members with their artistic development in every way.

    Watching Clarkson was a treat for viewers as well. Her warm personality created a fun, positive environment, and she was known for being lively and outspoken when choosing contestants or cheering on her team.

    4. John Legend

    Like Kelly Clarkson, John Legend is one of the few people to win in his first year of coaching. Out of seven seasons, though, he netted just the one win, with folk singer Maelyn Jarmon. Before becoming a coach, he also served as an advisor for Adam Levine’s team, helping contestants come up with the perfect musical arrangements for their battle performances.

    Team John Legend: The Voice Season 24 photos, bios, artist rankings - GoldDerby

    Legend has fantastic chemistry with the other coaches and is known for the amusing ways he competed to win the right contestants for his team. Legend famously came up with funny team songs for himself and the other coaches and even sang a duet with one contestant to get her to join his team.

    As a coach, Legend was incredibly encouraging to the contestants and never held back his excitement when he was impressed with someone. Contestants who worked with him describe him as an attentive and approachable mentor who always had valuable and constructive feedback to offer. Legend also has a reputation for continuing to offer guidance and support to his teammates in their pursuits after the show.

    5. Christina Aguilera

    Christina Aguilera is another original coach who helped to make the debut season a must-see. As a powerhouse pop singer herself, Aguilera was especially drawn to pop, soul, and R&B musicians with exceptional raw talent. In her coaching, Aguilera was able to help contestants improve their vocal control and encouraged them to take risks with more vocally challenging songs.

    The Voice': Why Christina Aguilera was 'ready to move on' by 2016

    Out of six seasons, Aguilera earned one win. In her final season, she coached the winning contestant, pop, country, and rock singer Alisan Porter, ending her run on a triumphant note.
    Given her remarkable singing ability, Aguilera was skilled at providing very refined feedback on pronunciation, phrasing, and overall performance, and her contestants often showed significant progression over the course of the competition.

  • AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX WINNERS AND LOSERS: Max Verstappen has a day to forget while Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes suffer DOUBLE DNF finishes… but Carlos Sainz proves he’s a class apart to win it for Ferrari

    AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX WINNERS AND LOSERS: Max Verstappen has a day to forget while Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes suffer DOUBLE DNF finishes… but Carlos Sainz proves he’s a class apart to win it for Ferrari

    This was an Australian Grand Prix full of drama and shock retirements – throwing the field wide open for an enthralling contest.

    Once reigning three-time world champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire his car, with his right rear tyre on fire, the gloves were off for the rest of the field, with Ferrari in particularly sniffing a rare race win.

    The Italian team have looked quick all weekend and they profited with Carlos Sainz claiming victory, while team-mate Charles Leclerc finished second.

    It was a disastrous weekend for Mercedes, who saw both drivers fail to finish, and the inquest is ongoing as to how things unravelled for the Silver Arrows.

    Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT gives his winners and losers for the Australian Grand Prix.

    Carlos Sainz (left) toasted victory in the Australian Open after a brilliant day for Ferrari

    Carlos Sainz (left) toasted victory in the Australian Open after a brilliant day for Ferrari

    It was a nightmare afternoon in Melbourne for Max Verstappen as he was forced to retire

    It was a nightmare afternoon in Melbourne for Max Verstappen as he was forced to retire

    Sainz ended Verstappen's nine-race winning streak

    It was another frustrating day for Lewis Hamilton

    Sainz ended Verstappen’s nine-race winning streak while it was another frustrating day for Lewis Hamilton

    WINNERS

    Carlos Sainz – 9

    To come back from appendix surgery and win a Formula One grand prix in the space of two weeks is truly remarkable.

    Some will take a bit of shine off his win given that Verstappen was a non-factor following his retirement but that would be grossly unfair.

    An impressive – and deserved – win and one that should send a signal to team principals throughout the paddock. Sign this man up for 2025.

    Lando Norris – 8

    He may not have had enough to overtake the Ferrari pair ahead of him but this was a splendid drive from Lando Norris.

    When McLaren instructed team orders for Oscar Piastri to let his team-mate past, the partisan home crowd weren’t happy at all to see the popular Aussie playing second fiddle.

    But McLaren knew what they were doing and the quicker driver ultimately secured them a podium finish. Bravo.

    To come back from appendix surgery and win a Formula One grand prix in the space of two weeks is truly remarkable

    To come back from appendix surgery and win a Formula One grand prix in the space of two weeks is truly remarkable

    Lando Norris (left) impressed to finish third but this was all about the resolve of Sainz (right)

    Lando Norris (left) impressed to finish third but this was all about the resolve of Sainz (right)

    Yuki Tsunoda – 7

    This was a statement performance in Australia from Tsunoda and one that should not be overlooked.

    The Japanese driver has had a good start to 2024 but here were his first points of the season with an eighth-placed finish.

    ‘Yeah I’m very happy, first points for our new team, wasn’t easy but at the same time for sure we deserved it,’ he said.

    ‘Last two races we had a pace, but we had a very frustrating races so I’m very happy that we able to score points here.’

    Nico Hulkenburg + Kevin Magnussen – 7

    We’re combining the Haas drivers as their ninth and 10th-placed finishes make it the first time since 2022 that the team have secured a double points finish.

    That may seem a low bar to those who support a driver up front, but there will be plenty of celebrations in that Haas garage this evening – and rightly so.

    It was the first time since 2022 that Haas had both drivers finishing inside the top 10 for points

    It was the first time since 2022 that Haas had both drivers finishing inside the top 10 for points

    LOSERS

    Max Verstappen – 1

    While he could have done very little to stop it, this went about as badly as it could have done for the world championship leader.

    He could have had a nightmare last night and this would still have been worse.

    His car caught fire inside three laps and there was nothing he could do from there.

    ‘S*** happens,’ he said. It does indeed, Max.

    Lewis Hamilton – 2

    Things weren’t much better for Verstappen’s long-time rival Lewis Hamilton once his engine failed and he was sent packing back to the garage.

    You just can’t escape the feeling that this is going to be yet another miserable season for Hamilton in what is his final one with Mercedes.

    I bet he enjoyed watching his soon-to-be new team Ferrari get the one-two finish though…

    George Russell – 4

    Hamilton’s team-mate was on course for a seventh-placed finish heading into the final lap and while that would have been nothing to write home about, it got even worse when he crashed in pursuit of Fernando Alonso.

    Mercedes are livid and are claiming Alonso brake-tested Russell.

    George Russell crashed on the final lap meaning Mercedes suffered two DNF finishes

    George Russell crashed on the final lap meaning Mercedes suffered two DNF finishes

    Mercedes were furious and claimed that Fernando Alonso had brake-tested Russell's car

    Mercedes were furious and claimed that Fernando Alonso had brake-tested Russell’s car

    The issue is now in the hands of the stewards.

    Sergio Perez –  5

    Given he is in the best car on the grid and Verstappen was out of the race, so much more was expected of Perez than his fifth-placed finish.

    It just shows the car alone can’t get it done.

  • ‘Frustrated’ Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes are going ‘through the motions’ in ‘challenging’ season as Australian GP retirement makes this his WORST start ever in Formula 1

    ‘Frustrated’ Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes are going ‘through the motions’ in ‘challenging’ season as Australian GP retirement makes this his WORST start ever in Formula 1

    Lewis Hamilton conceded that Mercedes are a million miles off fighting for race wins after retirement at the Australian Grand Prix condemned him to his worst ever season start in Formula One. 

    The seven-time world champion is on eight points after three races, even worse than the meagre 14 points he managed to start the 2009 season.

    Hamilton’s race was run here when engine failure put paid to any hopes of a finish, and he watched his soon-to-be new team Ferrari record a one-two finish with Carlos Sainzthe man he will replace in the team next season, taking victory.

    Hamilton is trying not to get too down about things and tried to stress afterwards that he is feeling ‘pretty good’ even in the face of history-making adversity for him.

    ‘I mean, this is the worst start to season I’ve ever had,’ he said.

    Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is officially enduring his worst ever start to a Formula One season

    Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is officially enduring his worst ever start to a Formula One season

    The seven-time world champion was forced to retire with engine failure before 20-lap mark

    The seven-time world champion was forced to retire with engine failure before 20-lap mark

    Asked if it has been ‘even worse than the last two’, he replied: ‘Oh, yeah, for sure. And it’s worse than 2009 I think.’

    ‘Surprisingly,’ he continued, ‘I feel pretty good. I’m trying to keep things in perspective, you know, this like, could be so much worse.

    ‘I’m really grateful. I’ve really enjoyed my time here in Australia, I’m still enjoying working with a team.

    ‘Of course, I’d love to be fighting for wins and actually finishing races.

    ‘It’s never a great feeling when you come all this way, and you don’t see even half of the race, but what I know is that we will bounce back, we will eventually get there, we just have to continue to chip away.’

    It was a day that went from bad to worse for Mercedes when Hamilton’s running mate George Russell suffered a DNF on the final lap following a crash.

    Speaking in the media pen at Albert Park, Hamilton admitted that such poor results are demoralising for everyone involved in the Mercedes team.

    ‘I think it’s tough on the spirit,’ Hamilton said.

    ‘I think for everyone in the team, when so much work is going on throughout the winter for everybody, you come in excited, motivated and driven, and then you’re with the mindset that you’re going to be fighting for wins.

    ‘And then obviously that’s not the case. And then you’re like, ‘Okay, maybe second, third’. No, it’s not the case, and it cascades a bit further down. And you just go through the motions. It’s challenging.

    ‘But I continue to be inspired by the people I’ve worked with. They continue to put in the effort and show up and that’s the most important thing.’

    Mercedes' woes continued when George Russell sorted a final lap DNF after hitting the barrier

    Mercedes’ woes continued when George Russell sorted a final lap DNF after hitting the barrier

    His car was left in a bad way as he hunted down Fernando Alonso at the Australian Grand Prix

    His car was left in a bad way as he hunted down Fernando Alonso at the Australian Grand Prix

    The Brit added: ‘I think it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and be focused on this one thing but the bigger picture is definitely the focus of the moment, and also just realising that you can’t control everything.

    ‘Like you get frustrated because you don’t have control, you can just let go and just be in the moment and that’s really… it’s not great, I’m not happy, but I’m gonna have a great day tomorrow.’

    A Mercedes spokesperson went on to confirm that it was a power-unit failure that caused Hamilton’s early DNF before the 20-lap mark.

    Now attention turns to the Japanese race next up where they will look to finally ignite their season.

  • Brutal call robs Aussie Oscar Piastri of third place at his home grand prix – as Daniel Ricciardo has yet another shocking result

    Brutal call robs Aussie Oscar Piastri of third place at his home grand prix – as Daniel Ricciardo has yet another shocking result

    Oscar Piastri was on course to become the first Australian to record a podium finish at his home grand prix before his McLaren team ordered him to let his teammate Lando Norris past on Sunday.

    The 22-year-old was third behind the Ferraris of winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc on lap 29 before the team made the call that saw Norris finish third.

    Boos were heard from the patriotic crowd at Albert Park as Piastri obeyed the order – although the Aussie was diplomatic about the incident after the chequered flag, saying Norris had out-qualified him and was the quicker of the two during the race.

     

    Piastri started fifth, with Norris fourth, but managed to get past his teammate during the first round of pit stops.

    Piastri was on the verge of becoming the first Aussie to record a podium finish in his home grand prix before McLaren made a very tough decision

    Piastri was on the verge of becoming the first Aussie to record a podium finish in his home grand prix before McLaren made a very tough decision

    His teammate Lando Norris (right) finished a strong third behind the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc (left) and winner Carlos Sainz (second from right)

    His teammate Lando Norris (right) finished a strong third behind the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc (left) and winner Carlos Sainz (second from right)

    Piastri (pictured in action during the race) overtook Norris during the first round of pit stops but was outpaced by the British star during a tough middle stint

    Piastri (pictured in action during the race) overtook Norris during the first round of pit stops but was outpaced by the British star during a tough middle stint

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    ‘I would have loved to have been one spot up but no, pretty happy with that,’ he said after the race.

    ‘Few little things that I could’ve done a bit better in that race. I think I just struggled a little bit in that middle stint on the hard [tyre].’

    He later had a moment that saw him leave the track on the second-last corner and lose up to four seconds, but still finished more than 20 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in fifth.

    The fourth place was the best result an Australian has recorded at a home grand prix.

    ‘That must feel especially horrible in your home race,’ F1 commentator David Croft said after Piastri gave way.

    ‘But as we’ve often seen with Oscar Piastri, when the team asks you to do something, he does it, he doesn’t complain.’

    Daniel Ricciardo struggled badly for the third straight race this year. He could only manage 12th as his teammate Yuki Tsunoda came eighth

    Daniel Ricciardo struggled badly for the third straight race this year. He could only manage 12th as his teammate Yuki Tsunoda came eighth

    The poor race result came after the Aussie was knocked out in the first qualifying session - and admitted he had no idea why Tsunoda has consistently been faster than him

    The poor race result came after the Aussie was knocked out in the first qualifying session – and admitted he had no idea why Tsunoda has consistently been faster than him

    The Melburnian got a standing ovation when he crossed the line, but the fans were far from happy when he and Norris changed places.

    ‘I have to tell you that went down like a cold flat white with the crowd,’ commentator Ted Kravitz said.

    The other Aussie in the field, Daniel Ricciardo, struggled for the third race in a row this season as he was once again easily beaten by his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

    The 34-year-old was on the ropes after having his best qualifying time deleted for exceeding track limits, and he could only manage 12th while Tsunoda was eighth.

    Before the race, Ricciardo confessed that he couldn’t understand why he lacked so much pace compared to the Japanese star.

    His latest result – coming after he finished 13th in Bahrain and 16th in Saudi Arabia – is sure to increase the pressure on him as he tries to put himself in line to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull.

    On Saturday Red Bull’s Helmut Marko bluntly stated the Aussie is ‘too slow’ in races – and that impression has only strengthened after the chequered flag at Albert Park.