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Carlos Sainz will strive to bounce back at the Canadian Grand Prix after matching his worst finish as a Williams driver to date with P14 at home in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The 30-year-old joined Williams in the 2025 F1 season after Ferrari released Sainz to create a space for Lewis Hamilton’s arrival. After a slow start, he had also started to find his feet in Grove with Sainz scoring points in four successive Grand Prix before heading home to Spain.

But the difficulties that Williams have faced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in recent years continued this term and saw Sainz fail to score a point at home for the first time. The Madrid native had scored points in each of his 10 previous visits to Montmelo before 2025.

Now, Sainz heads to the Canadian GP this week keen to respond after only securing a 14th-place finish in the Spanish GP. It matched his worst finish for Williams to date of P14 in the Japanese Grand Prix, and snapped Sainz’s scoring streak featuring two P8s, a P9 and a P10.

Photo by Clive Rose – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Williams ‘fear’ Carlos Sainz is running out of time for a top-five finish ahead of the Canadian GP

The P8 finishes that Sainz achieved in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix are his best results with Williams so far. Yet a better finish may be on the cards at the Canadian GP, as the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve’s heavy braking zones suit Williams’s FW47.

However, according to AS, the Canadian GP could even mark a last-chance saloon for Sainz to join Williams teammate Alex Albon in securing a top-five finish all year. Albon has scored 42 of the Grove team’s 54 points this term, helped by his P5s in Australia, Miami and Imola.

Williams will target another top-five result at the Canadian GP, as Albon and Sainz can take advantage of Montreal’s slow corners. But the ‘fear’ in Grove is that while Williams can put P5 as their target this weekend, Sainz is running out of time to maximise the FW47’s speed.

Sainz needed four rounds to get up to speed with Williams’ car after leaving Ferrari for the Grove crew this year. He has also suffered from strategic mistakes and the ‘fear’ in Grove is that Aston Martin and Sauber could now overtake Williams as they develop their 2025 cars.

Williams fear Aston Martin and Sauber surpassing them before Carlos Sainz has shone

Williams are fully focused on the 2026 F1 regulations and will only drip-feed upgrades to the FW47, if at all. So, Sainz may face his last chance to score a top-five finish in 2025 this week at the Canadian GP as Aston Martin and Sauber both showed in Spain their improved speed.

Fernando Alonso scored the Aston Martin driver’s first points of 2025 in the Spanish GP with P9 after qualifying in P10. But the story of the day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was Nico Hulkenberg used Sauber’s upgrades to take his best finish in six years with P5 in Spain.

Sauber have frustrated Red Bull recently, as well, with the Milton Keynes natives annoyed by the progress that the Swiss crew have made with their pit stop speed and consistency since Red Bull’s former sporting director Jonathan Wheatley took over as Sauber’s team principal.

In a whirlwind statement in Derby yesterday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves launched her much-anticipated Spending Review, pledging to “renew Britain” through colossal investment in the NHS, defense, affordable housing, and green infrastructure. Clocking in at £113 billion in capital investment and an extra £190 billion over day-to-day public services, it is billed as a break from austerity—but critics are already blasting it as a thinly-veiled “spend now, tax later” gamble thetimes.co.uk+15ft.com+15thesun.co.uk+15.

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🏥 NHS: Health on the Frontline

Reeves declared the NHS is getting a massive windfall, with £29 billion annual boost and a 50% increase in digital healthcare funding, enhanced scanners, ambulances, and support systems for doctors, nurses, and emergency services . Dubbed a transformative upgrade, it potentially converts the UK into a quasi-“National Health State,” with NHS and social care eating up nearly half of departmental budgets by 2029 theguardian.com+1ft.com+1.

Yet while the applause rolls in, analysts warn this health-heavy focus leaves education, local government, and social care underfunded. Ruthless cost-cutting may loom in less visible but essential sectors labourhub.org.uk+9ft.com+9theguardian.com+9.

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🛡️ Defence & Security: An Ironclad Promise

Stored under pandemic-era fiscal rules, Reeves dedicated 2.6% of GDP by 2027 to defense, including £280 million annually for border security and a boost for defence procurement and nuclear deterrents reuters.com+4thetimes.co.uk+4thetimes.co.uk+4. The move seeks to reassure allies amid global uncertainty, but it epicenters private sector gains—raising eyebrows among critics who say high-cost contractors, not everyday citizens, will benefit most .

🏠 Housing: Hope or Hype?

The centerpiece is a £39 billion commitment to social and affordable housing over 10 years—the biggest such commitment in half a century, said Reeves ft.com+6apnews.com+6ifamagazine.com+6. But on closer inspection, short-term funding remains modest. Initial annual allocations average around £3 billion—barely above pre-existing levels—and ramp up only after 2029, casting doubt on immediate impact theguardian.com+4ft.com+4theguardian.com+4. Critics argue this is more flash than substance, with supply-side moves unlikely to significantly slash prices .

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🚆 Infrastructure & Green Power

Reeves’s ambitious agenda includes £113 billion in capital investments: covering public transport upgrades, nuclear energy projects (notably Sizewell C), local connectivity schemes, and clean tech theguardian.com+5costar.com+5thesun.co.uk+5. Market analysts give a thumbs-up to the potential lift for property and local economies, though some warn the promised “industrial boom” may be too centre-heavy—ignoring underfunded local services .

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📉 Growth and the Debt Dilemma

Reeves did her best to sidestep alarm over economic malaise: April showed 0.3% GDP contraction, yet Q1 grew by 0.7%, making the UK the fastest-growing among G7 nations—though economists caution this growth may trail off later in 2025 .

Still, any economic slowdown could undercut Reeves’s fiscal plan. Borrowing is projected to hit £140 billion over the review period, prompting critics to predict inevitable tax hikes by autumn to maintain current-budget balancing rules thetimes.co.uk+11ft.com+11thesun.co.uk+11. The IFS warns that a “fiscal edge” leaves little room for error thetimes.co.uk+1thetimes.co.uk+1.

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💬 Voices from the Side

Industry reaction: Real estate firms like Avison Young hail the infrastructure boost as “good news for long-term growth” costar.com.

Polly Toynbee (The Guardian): A welcome “build build build” budget, yet lacking in vision for social justice—tone too repair-focused theguardian.com.

Critics (e.g., Kirsty Major): Call the housing pledge misguided, arguing it misreads the crisis as supply-driven theguardian.com.

Jonathan Portes (former economist): Tax rises are “very likely” by autumn given borrowing forecasts independent.co.uk+1thetimes.co.uk+1.

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🧩 What Comes Next?

Autumn Economic Forecasting: Official economic forecasts will shape whether planned spending holds firm—or demands tax adjustments.

Council Tax Limits: Local authorities are expected to raise COUNCIL TAX by up to 5% annually, shifting burden locally independent.co.uk+2thetimes.co.uk+2thetimes.co.uk+2.

Service Delivery Watch: Real test lies in actual delivery—NHS wait times, housing rollouts, public transport improvements.

Next Budget Moves: The looming Autumn Budget might include unpopular measures to plug fiscal gaps—VAT, inheritance tax, benefits, or fuel duty.

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🧠 Final Verdict: Bold Renewal, But at What Cost?

Reeves’s Spending Review is undeniably sweeping: bold muscled investments in health, housing, and strategic infrastructure paired with a hard fiscal guardrail. It marks a clear departure from austerity, reflecting ambitious political intent theguardian.com+1costar.com+1thetimes.co.uk+12theguardian.com+12theguardian.com+12.

Yet underneath the headlines lies a razor’s edge: high borrowing, fragile growth, deferred housing investment, and under-resourced local services. If forecasted revenues don’t materialize, the Chancellor may have to confront the inevitable—or leave the bill to the public.

This is a make-or-break moment for Reeves—and for the faith in “renewal.” Can promised change reach living rooms, hospitals, and high streets—or collapse under economic realities?

Ferrari’s Future and Charles Leclerc’s Contract: What Lies Ahead?

The 2025 Formula 1 season has brought with it intense speculation about the future of Ferrari and its star driver Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc’s multi-year contract officially runs until 2029, murmurs within the paddock suggest that this may not be as ironclad as once thought. With Ferrari’s recent struggles and the evolving competitive landscape of F1, the possibility of an early exit clause being activated by Leclerc at the end of 2026 is increasingly discussed. Let’s delve into what this means for the Scuderia, Leclerc, and the sport overall.

Charles Leclerc: The Ferrari Prodigy with Doubts

Since joining Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has been seen as the future of the team—a young talent with immense potential who grew up dreaming of racing for the iconic Italian marque. Leclerc himself has often stated that Ferrari is the team he envisions racing for “forever.” Yet, the ongoing underperformance of the Ferrari SF-25, especially in the current challenging season, has raised questions about whether Leclerc’s loyalty will hold.

Leclerc’s contract runs until 2029, but insiders reveal the presence of an exit clause allowing him to terminate the agreement as early as the end of 2026. This would enable him to test his prospects with other teams as the first regulatory cycle of the new F1 regulations unfolds. The rationale? Leclerc wants to avoid a fate similar to past Ferrari champions like Jean Alesi, who never managed to secure the extra leap needed to challenge for the championship despite being immensely talented.

By 2029, Leclerc will be 31, still in the prime of his career. If Ferrari cannot provide him with a competitive car in the coming seasons, he might seek greener pastures at teams like Mercedes or Aston Martin—both currently strong contenders. This would be a significant blow to Ferrari but a realistic possibility given the competitive nature of the sport and Leclerc’s ambitions.

Team Management and Strategic Uncertainties

Leclerc is not the only one facing uncertainties at Ferrari. Technical director Laurent Mekies (referred to as “Vaser” in some translations) has been under scrutiny after a disappointing season start. Speculation about a management reshuffle involving Antonio Kleta, currently head of Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship program, hints at the possibility of a leadership change within Ferrari’s F1 team. Although Kleta himself denies an imminent F1 role, the rumors reflect Ferrari’s urgency to improve.

With Mekies’ position under pressure and results below expectations, the team’s capacity to deliver consistent podiums and challenge for championships is in question. Ferrari’s internal dynamics are complex, with some insiders suggesting that leadership struggles and conflicting priorities have hindered development and race strategy.

Recent Performance: Glimpses of Hope Amid Challenges

Despite the setbacks, Ferrari has shown moments of promise. The team secured podium finishes in Monaco and Barcelona, fueling optimism for a strong showing at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. However, qualifying remains a weak point, with the Ferrari car lagging behind rivals like Mercedes in single-lap pace. Team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized the need to “squeeze the most” out of the SF-25, particularly before planned upgrades at Silverstone or Austria.

The technical challenges Ferrari faces are not just about aerodynamics or chassis performance but also relate to the power unit. Ferrari’s hybrid engine, especially its electric motor component, has been a limiting factor, notably the “clipping” phenomenon where power delivery is restricted to manage reliability. This issue impacts the car’s top speed and overall competitiveness. The freezing of power unit development since 2022 places additional pressure on Ferrari to maintain reliability while maximizing performance with limited upgrades.

Insights from Former Drivers and Analysts

The Ferrari predicament has drawn comparisons from past drivers. Jean Alesi, Ferrari’s 1995 Canadian GP winner, has publicly noted parallels between his career and Leclerc’s: both gifted drivers hindered by uncompetitive machinery unable to deliver a championship. Alesi has also been critical of Vasseur’s leadership, contrasting it unfavorably with past Ferrari technical directors who could exert more influence on the team’s direction.

David Coulthard, former F1 driver and commentator, weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s chances in this era, comparing Hamilton’s current struggles to Michael Schumacher’s return to Mercedes after Ferrari. Coulthard expressed skepticism about Hamilton winning an eighth title under current circumstances, underscoring how critical the car’s performance is to a driver’s success.

The Power Unit Challenge and Reliability

Ferrari’s power unit is a recurring theme in discussions about the team’s shortcomings. The hybrid system’s electric motor has been identified as a bottleneck. At the Canadian GP, where 73% of a lap is done with the throttle open, the engine’s turbo and electric components are heavily taxed. Cooler temperatures favor performance, but as the track heats up, energy deployment must be carefully managed to avoid “clipping,” which hurts top speed.

With the F1 regulations freezing power unit development and limiting teams to four power units per season to avoid penalties, Ferrari must strike a delicate balance between performance and durability. Regularly replacing internal components such as the motor generator units and turbochargers is critical to prevent reliability issues that could jeopardize races and championships.

The Current State of Racing: Artificial Overtaking and Regulations

Beyond Ferrari, there’s growing discontent among drivers about how racing unfolds on track. Max Verstappen recently criticized Formula 1’s overtaking as “artificial,” heavily reliant on drag reduction systems (DRS) and calculated maneuvers rather than natural wheel-to-wheel battles. Drivers like Alex Albon and Cristiano Ocon echoed these concerns, emphasizing the precision and limitations required to make overtakes at speeds exceeding 250 km/h.

The highly regulated nature of overtaking and track limits forces drivers to give back positions or face penalties, which some argue detracts from the sport’s excitement. Former Red Bull technical director Jonathan Wheatley also spoke about the immense pressure on stewards to get decisions right, often leading to conservative rulings that stifle racing creativity.

The consensus among many in the paddock is that Formula 1 needs a freer, less artificial racing environment. This includes cars with less dirty air generation to promote closer racing and more overtaking opportunities.

Technical Scrutiny and Social Media Dynamics

Ferrari has also faced scrutiny over possible technical infringements. After Red Bull’s performance dip in 2024 and accusations against McLaren over asymmetric braking systems, Ferrari’s cars were checked for similar issues during the Spanish GP but passed all technical inspections without problems.

On a different note, social media’s impact on drivers’ public personas is increasingly significant. George Russell recently commented on the gap between social media portrayals and drivers’ private lives, highlighting the pressures and expectations placed on modern F1 stars to engage with fans and sponsors online. This dynamic affects how drivers are perceived and can overshadow on-track performance.

The Road Ahead: Canada and Beyond

Looking ahead, Ferrari hopes to capitalize on upgrades expected around Silverstone and Austria to boost their car’s competitiveness. Lance Stroll’s return to Aston Martin for his home race in Canada ensures a full grid of talent eager to capitalize on opportunities.

For Leclerc, the next few seasons are crucial. Whether he decides to honor his contract through 2029 or exercise the exit clause at the end of 2026 will have major ramifications not only for Ferrari but for the wider F1 ecosystem. The decision will hinge on whether Ferrari can deliver a car capable of challenging for titles or if Leclerc must seek a new team to fulfill his championship ambitions.

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Above: CCTV still captures the moment Genevieve Chenna bravely confronts the thief

In a terrifying yet awe-inspiring moment captured on CCTV, Bridgerton actress Genevieve “Gen” Chenna fought back against a phone thief in a bustling London coffee shop — a bold act that’s now making headlines across the UK and beyond.

The incident, which unfolded in a matter of seconds, highlights the growing epidemic of mobile phone theft in the UK. But it’s Chenna’s instinctive reaction and bravery that have sparked national debate about what to do when faced with street crime — fight back or give in?

Caught on Camera: The Moment of Truth

At exactly 2:02 PM on a quiet Thursday afternoon, CCTV footage shows Chenna sitting casually at a café, scrolling on her phone. Suddenly, a man approaches from behind, snatches the phone, and turns to flee.

But in a split-second response, Chenna leaps from her seat, lunges forward, and grabs hold of the suspect, dragging him down to the ground in a flurry of limbs, adrenaline, and pure instinct.

“I didn’t even think,” Chenna later told This Morning. “It was all muscle memory. I saw him run, and something in me just snapped into action.”

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Five Minutes of Chaos: A Real-Life Action Scene

Though the CCTV clip only shows the initial encounter, the struggle was far from over. Witnesses say the ordeal lasted over five minutes, spilling out of the shop and around a street corner.

“He wasn’t alone,” Chenna revealed. “Another person was with him. At one point, I was told I’d be stabbed. I had to fight like it was life or death.”

As the fight escalated, Chenna used her leg to kick back, creating space in case the suspect drew a weapon. “I just kept thinking, ‘He could have a knife, a syringe… anything.’”

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Trained to React: Actress and Fighter

While most victims freeze in such moments, Chenna’s response can partly be explained by her background. Growing up with three brothers, she developed quick reflexes — and her acting work includes fight choreography and ABA boxing training.

“Still, I wouldn’t recommend others do what I did,” she cautioned. “It was instinct — not strategy.”

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Repeat Offender with a Machete Past

Above: Prior footage of the same suspect brandishing a machete during a 2023 robbery of singer Aled Jones

In a chilling twist, the same suspect had reportedly attacked Welsh singer Aled Jones in 2023 — that time, brandishing a machete. “Seeing that photo after the fact was horrifying,” said Chenna. “He didn’t look dangerous. That was the scariest part.”

The attacker was previously placed in a youth detention center but was back on the streets — raising questions about the justice system’s handling of repeat offenders.

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The Hidden Aftermath: PTSD, Anxiety, and Isolation

Despite her victory, the emotional toll of the experience has been immense. “I couldn’t go outside,” Chenna admitted. “I’d stand in a queue, and my hands would shake. I was constantly looking over my shoulder.”

What’s more, she realized how many people — especially women — live in a constant state of alertness. “We already have to be cautious. This just amplified it.”

Former Chief Superintendent Parm Sandhu, also appearing on This Morning, praised Chenna’s courage but warned against fighting back.

“You’re worth more than your phone,” Sandhu said. “You don’t know what the attacker is carrying. It could be a knife, acid, or worse. And many thieves operate in pairs — if one gets in trouble, the other will step in.”

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Phone Theft Epidemic: A National Crisis

The statistics are staggering:

Over 100,000 phones stolen in the UK last year alone

78,000 thefts in London, making it the UK’s hotspot

A 150% rise in mobile thefts in just the past 12 months

Almost 1 in 3 Brits has had a phone stolen. And this isn’t just about losing a device — it’s about access to personal data, banking apps, and even identities.

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What You Can Do: Expert Advice

Chief Superintendent Sandhu offered several key tips to protect yourself:

Be aware of your surroundings, especially when using your phone in public.

Use phone cases with wrist straps to deter snatchers.

Avoid texting while walking, especially in urban areas.

Activate Find My Phone features and know your IMEI number (found under Settings > General > About).

If stolen, immediately contact your provider, your bank, and the police.

Always report theft, even if you think nothing can be done. This helps police map high-crime areas and allocate resources.

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Life After the Fight

Above: Chenna now taking a break from London, reflecting on her experience

Since the attack, Chenna has stepped back from London’s fast-paced acting life. “It shook my confidence to the core,” she shared. “But I’m healing — taking time to reset.”

Her story has already inspired thousands, and she’s been flooded w

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Chenna’s story sits at the crossroads of heroi — a symbod.

Still, in a time when people often record rather than react, Ge —

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If you’ve been affected by mobile theft or need advice, contact your local police or visit ww f

🔒 Stay safe. Stay alert. And remember — you are

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Images are for illustrative purposes only. All rights reserved to original sources.
© 2025 UK Times Digital. All content is editorial and based on publicly aired interviews and footage.

Photo: © IMAGO

Lewis Hamilton has dropped his F1 movie review alongside an outrageous claim about the quality of the film.

Whilst the F1 movie has dominated recent headlines, there are plenty of racing films fans have enjoyed long before Brad Pitt’s blockbuster.

From documentaries that follow the lives of F1 legends, such as Senna and Superswede, to the James Hunt and Niki Lauda biopic Rush, the racing world has been extensively covered on film.

However, Hamilton – who also produced the upcoming F1 movie – has stated that Pitt’s venture tops them all, and named it as the ‘best racing movie’ that has ever been made.

“If you look at previous racing movies. It’s very hard to create the authentic racing feel,” he said to Variety.

“This is the best racing movie that’s ever been made.”

When will the F1 movie be released?

The F1 movie will be released internationally on June 25, and will be available to watch in the US and Canada on June 27.

F1 stars Pitt and Damson Idris as team-mates Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce at fictional racing team APXGP, as the older driver navigates his return to motorsport alongside the promising young rookie.

The film is also directed by Joseph Kosinski, who used advanced camera technology to capture the stunning reality of F1 racing, with real F2 cars used on iconic tracks such as Silverstone and Monza.

“Lewis said to me in the beginning, ‘I’ve never seen footage in film that captures what it’s like to drive in one of these cars,’” Kosinski said.

“That’s the challenge he gave me.”

The challenge appears to have paid off according to Hamilton, who was given an early viewing of the film with the rest of the F1 grid before the critics or the general public.

F1 was produced in part by Hamilton’s very own production company, Dawn Apollo Films, which was launched in 2022.

“Is He Mad at Me?” — The Silent Breakdown of Trust Inside Ferrari’s F1 Team

It was just five words — simple, human, devastating — yet when Lewis Hamilton radioed, “Is he mad at me?” during a critical moment of a Grand Prix, those words landed like a grenade broadcast to millions. What no official press release would ever admit was suddenly exposed: something inside Ferrari, one of Formula 1’s most storied teams, was broken.

In the high-speed chaos of a Grand Prix, Hamilton should have been locked into strategy mode — calculating every tenth of a second, every tire temperature, every braking point. Instead, he was wondering if the man on the other end of the radio even liked him. It wasn’t sarcasm or frustration. It was fear. Fear that his vital lifeline — the voice guiding him through corners, the unseen partnership between driver and race engineer — had gone cold.

In Formula 1, the engineer-driver relationship is sacred. It’s more than just communication; it’s clarity in the storm, the invisible connection that wins championships. For years at Mercedes, Hamilton had this bond with Pete Bonington, his race engineer and strategist. Bonington wasn’t just feeding data; he was translating chaos into calm, reading Hamilton’s voice for signs of fear, fatigue, or confidence, and responding with exactly what Lewis needed — no more, no less.

But now at Ferrari, that rhythm is gone.

Ricardo Adami, Hamilton’s new race engineer, has the credentials and experience, but he lacks the connection. Every second of radio silence, every clipped answer, every delayed response makes it painfully clear. The voice inside the helmet doesn’t calm Hamilton anymore; it confuses, rattles, and isolates him. In a sport where milliseconds matter, confusion is fatal.

Hamilton knows this because he’s lived it. Months of vague instructions during crucial moments, sluggish data delivery when timing mattered most, cold tones that made him feel like a stranger, not a teammate. These aren’t isolated missteps — they are symptoms of a deeper disconnection, a pattern forming that signals something personal and political beneath the surface.

When Hamilton asked for delta times at Monaco — the precise gap needed to execute a risky overcut strategy — he didn’t just need numbers, he needed trust. The delayed and garbled response that finally came was too late; the opportunity was gone. The cars behind closed in, strategy collapsed, and Hamilton’s lap times reflected the damage: tighter steering, cautious braking, subtle hesitations. A driver like Hamilton doesn’t lose time by accident — he loses it when he loses trust.

Inside Ferrari, the problem goes beyond race-day communication. The team’s engineering department is steeped in decades-old tribal loyalties and politics. Adami isn’t just an engineer; he is a gatekeeper, chosen not for his synergy with Hamilton but for his loyalty to the Ferrari institution. This culture clash leaves Hamilton sidelined from decisions, filtered out of feedback loops, and isolated in a system that values tradition over adaptation.

At Mercedes, transparency was gospel. Every member of the team collaborated openly; data flowed freely and decisions were made collectively. Hamilton was part of a decision-making engine — a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.

At Ferrari, information is compartmentalized. Loyalty is inherited, not earned. Communication is clipped and rehearsed. Hamilton, a driver whose greatness depends on feeling every detail, every nuance, finds the wall of silence suffocating.

The contrast couldn’t be starker. While Max Verstappen’s Red Bull team bombards him with aggressive real-time data and constant strategic feedback, Hamilton is left alone in the dark, forced to make split-second decisions with incomplete information.

This silent breakdown is a slow-motion collapse — more painful and dangerous than any crash. Hamilton’s final shot at greatness is not just threatened by the car’s performance or the competition on track but by the erosion of trust within the team itself.

The fallout is not just tactical but emotional. Hamilton’s radio message — “Is he mad at me?” — revealed the raw human cost of a fractured relationship. It’s a question no driver should have to ask, a crack in the invisible bond that holds a racing team together.

Formula 1 is a high-stakes symphony of precision and pressure. Every corner, every pit stop, every communication counts. Without trust, that symphony falls into dissonance, and even the greatest driver can lose his way.

As Hamilton fights to reclaim that connection, Ferrari faces a reckoning. Can the team overcome its internal divides and rebuild the partnership that drives success? Or will the silence persist, and with it, the unraveling of a once-great collaboration?

In the fast lane of Formula 1, trust is the ultimate fuel — without it, even a champion can stall.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales had a tough 2024

Prince William and Kate Middleton are “under pressure” to up their workload in 2025, according to reports.

Palace staff are reportedly getting increasingly frustrated at how little William and Kate are allegedly working at the moment.
Do Prince William and Kate Middleton need to work more? (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince William and Kate Middleton risk angering staff over ‘aversion to work’

Last year saw the Waleses take a brief step back from royal duties following Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

However, even before the Princess of Wales’ diagnosis, there were reportedly suggestions that she had been labelled as a “part-time royal” by palace staff. Royal commentator Camilla Tominey has made these claims in The Telegraph.

They may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the Firm.

Courtiers also reportedly noted that William has found time to indulge in his own personal passions when travelling to Germany for the Euros and South Africa for his Earthshot prize.

Kate has returned to royal duties since her diagnosis. However, she is reportedly “determined” to be a hands-on mother to George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Kate’s number of engagements dropped in 2024 following her diagnosis (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Staff want William and Kate ‘to work more’

According to Tominey, William and Kate are “under growing pressure to increase their workload”.

It comes amid “concerns they may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the Firm,” according to Tominey.

Last year reportedly saw Kate make 11 royal engagements over the course of the year. Of course, the small number was down to her cancer diagnosis and treatment. In 2023, which is a much fairer example, she did 128 royal engagements.

Prince William, meanwhile, did 71. This was down from the 172 he did in 2023. But, of course, there were mitigating circumstances last year.

In comparison, Princess Anne, regarded as the hardest-working royal, did 217 engagements last year.

Charles, meanwhile, did 186 despite his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
Kate could be in for a quiet month, according to an astrologer (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Princess of Wales prediction for June

Speaking last month, astrology expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Fruity King, predicted that Kate would go “missing from public view” in June.

“The 5 of Pentacles card suggests that Catherine is missing from public view for a few weeks,” she said.

“This doesn’t appear planned and there seems to be no statement made. But the princess is just resting following a busy period that includes travel and excitement. This is a well earned, quiet break,” she added.

William, meanwhile, could be in for a busy month, according to Inbaal.

“The Queen of Wands card predicts an interesting work partnership, seeing William team up with a lady known for her charity endeavours, and also for her glamorous approach to life,” she said.

“They create a conservation effort near the southern part of Africa to benefit both the local population and the natural wildlife.”

It has been a busy month for William so far. Last week, he visited the Army Air Corps (AAC) in Suffolk for the first time in his capacity as the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief.

He also made an appearance at the Royal Cornwall Show on Friday (June 6), alongside his aunt Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

 

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It’s the third time the DIY SOS host has said ‘I do’

Nick Knowles and Katie Dadzie have shared more pictures of their stunning wedding, which took place over the weekend.

DIY SOS host Nick, 62, wed lingerie boss Katie, 34, at the luxurious Braxted Park Estate in Essex on Saturday (June 7).

It’s thought the ceremony – which is the third time Nick has married – cost a six-figure sum. Now, as they settle into life as husband wife, more pictures of their big day have been shared.

The pair said their vows under a flower arch (Credit: Instagram)

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Nick Knowles and Katie Dadzie’s wedding

Nick Knowles wore a dapper pale pink tuxedo with black lapels, as well as matching black trousers and a black bow tie to wed Katie.

The wedding looked to be a black tie event, with Nick’s pals and groomsmen all kitted out in black tuxeudos. Katie’s bridesmaids, meanwhile, also wore black dresses and carried pink bouquets that matched perfectly with Nick’s jacket.

The event appeared to be a black tie affair (Credit: Instagram)
Katie, meanwhile, dazzled in not one but two dresses. She married Nick in a full-length white gown with a sweetheart neckline. The unusual dress was emblazoned with blue flowers. They said their vows inside the country estate underneath an arch of stunning flowers.

Wedding breakfast details

One of Nick and Katie’s guests also shared details of the wedding breakfast part of the day. Guests were welcomed ahead of the meal by a sign that showed who wears the trousers in Nick and Katie’s relationship.

In big lettering, the sign said: “Welcome to Katie’s wedding.” Underneath, in smaller lettering, it added: “Featuring TV’s Nick Knowles.” Their guests were then told: “We’ll eat, drink and dance the night away – enjoy!”

Guests were offered four mains – ox cheek, chicken, lamb kofta or aubergine parmigiana. Sides included rosemary roasted potatoes, green beans, tabbouleh and flatbreads. And, as they welcomed the newlyweds into their wedding breakfast, guests celebrated by waving blue and white napkins – which matched Katie’s dress – in the air.

Later, the also had the chance to tuck into a slice of the couple’s three-tier wedding cake.

The bridesmaids also wore black (Credit: Instagram)

Party time!

In the evening, Katie was clearly in the mood for dancing as she slipped into a white mini dress. She teamed it with trainers and a bejeweled hat with the word bride on the front.

Nick also kicked off his shoes, changing from his smart black ones into trainers – but not before he’d taken Katie for a Strictly-style spin around the dance floor for their first dance.

Nick showed off some of the moves he learnt on Strictly for his first dance (Credit: Instagram)
The pair could be seen dancing to a live band, with Nick tipping Katie backwards before going in for a kiss. He also picked his stunning bride up at the end of the routine.

The party looked raucous, with the bride and groom dancing the night away and downing shots. There was also a photobooth, with Katie jumping in for a series of snaps, the DIY SOS host dressing up in a sombrero.

Katie changed into a mini dress for her evening do (Credit: Instagram)

Celebrity guests

Although it was reported that Nick invited his pals from Strictly Come Dancing, there doesn’t appear to have been any in attendance.

One of his DIY SOS pals was in the pictures, though. Nick’s long-time pal Billy Byrne was seen enjoying the festivities in the gardens of the venue. And was later seen posing with Nick and another celeb guest – Popstars judge Nicki Chapman.

DIY SOS favourite Billy Byrne and TV presenter Nicki Chapman attended the wedding (Credit: Instagram)

Relationship timeline

The happy couple met in 2021, after his youngest son Eddie befriended Katie’s daughters at a play centre. There’s a 27-year age gap between them.

He then popped the question in 2023.

This will be the third time DIY SOS star Nick has been married. He and first wife Gillian, who share children Tuesday and Charlie, divorced in 2000.

He then married Eddie’s mum Jessica Moor in 2012, but they split in 2016. Nick is also dad to son TJ from his relationship with dancer Paula Beckett.

Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari Future in Jeopardy: Could Mercedes Be His Next Home?

The 2025 Formula 1 season has taken a dramatic turn, not on the track but behind the scenes—and at the center of it is none other than Charles Leclerc. The Monégasque driver, long considered the golden child of Ferrari, is reportedly growing disillusioned with the Italian outfit’s direction. While he remains under contract until 2029, insider whispers and growing tension have fueled speculation that Leclerc may activate an exit clause, potentially paving the way for a shocking move to Mercedes.

Ferrari’s Missed Opportunities: A Pattern of Underperformance

Leclerc has been fiercely loyal to Ferrari, having joined the Scuderia in 2019 and secured eight wins along the way. Yet despite flashes of brilliance, Ferrari has repeatedly failed to provide a car capable of challenging consistently for championships. In 2025, the situation appears dire again—despite podiums in Monaco and Barcelona, the SF-25 has shown little promise over the season as a whole.

There’s a recurring pattern: Ferrari overpromises and underdelivers. The team’s technical upgrades have often failed to yield real-world performance gains. Hopes placed in new regulations or “unlocked potential” have too frequently turned out to be mirages. For a driver in his prime, chasing not just wins but titles, this continued lack of progress is more than frustrating—it’s career-defining.

Mercedes Waiting in the Wings

Amid Ferrari’s faltering, Mercedes appears to be perfectly positioned to pounce. According to multiple sources, including Corriere della Sera, Leclerc’s camp is in exploratory talks with the Brackley-based team. Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, has publicly expressed confidence in a future lineup of George Russell and teenage prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli. However, behind closed doors, the team is also keeping tabs on top-tier alternatives—particularly Leclerc and Max Verstappen.

While Mercedes was initially assumed to be laser-focused on Verstappen amid Red Bull’s internal turmoil, the emergence of Leclerc as a viable option has reshaped the playing field. Wolff reportedly sees Leclerc as a worthy successor to Lewis Hamilton, whose own move to Ferrari has yet to deliver the results many had hoped for.

A Shift in Ferrari’s Internal Dynamics

Leclerc’s dissatisfaction is not just about the car’s performance; it’s about Ferrari’s vision—or lack thereof. Insiders report that both Leclerc and Hamilton have become increasingly critical of the team’s strategic decisions and communication. There is a growing disconnect between what the team promises and what is actually delivered. Despite pouring resources into development, the results simply aren’t showing.

Leclerc has gone on record suggesting he has “little to no hope” for a 2025 title fight. That kind of public admission from a team’s lead driver speaks volumes. If Ferrari leadership, under Frédéric Vasseur and Benedetto Vigna, continues to delay necessary structural and technical changes, they risk losing one of their most valuable assets.

The Russell Dilemma

If Leclerc were to make a move to Mercedes, what happens to George Russell? Though considered a long-term fixture at the team, Russell’s future isn’t as rock-solid as it once seemed. While his performances have been commendable, particularly in qualifying, Russell hasn’t fully asserted himself as Mercedes’ definitive team leader. A decision between Leclerc and Russell might not be imminent, but the pressure is now mounting.

It’s not just about talent—both are incredibly capable. It’s about opportunity and timing. Leclerc brings with him experience, raw speed, and a proven ability to win in less-than-ideal machinery. If Mercedes believes their 2026 package will return them to championship contention, pairing that with a driver of Leclerc’s caliber could be the final puzzle piece.

Verstappen, Leclerc, or Both?

What’s even more intriguing is how Leclerc’s availability could influence the Verstappen saga. The reigning champion has remained noncommittal about his long-term future at Red Bull, and Mercedes has been seen as his most likely destination should he leave. But with Leclerc now in the mix, Toto Wolff may have the luxury of choice—either leverage the situation to force Verstappen’s hand or lock in Leclerc before Verstappen makes his move.

In a scenario where both Verstappen and Leclerc become viable options, Mercedes could suddenly find themselves with an embarrassment of riches. The real question becomes: does Wolff risk destabilizing the harmony of a young Antonelli–Russell duo to chase a superstar, or does he make a bold move for the immediate championship payoff?

What’s Next for Ferrari?

If Leclerc leaves, Ferrari would face an existential crisis. His belief in Vasseur’s leadership had been a cornerstone of their rebuilding plan. A departure would signify a total lack of faith in that vision. It would also leave Ferrari scrambling to find a replacement of equal caliber—a task easier said than done in today’s competitive F1 environment.

Names like Antonello Coletta have been floated as possible leadership alternatives, though he’s previously declined such roles. Ferrari’s recent approach to Lewis Hamilton shows they’re willing to think outside the box, but the question is whether they’re prepared to take bold enough action internally to stop the bleeding.

Meanwhile, Hamilton himself is reportedly frustrated with Ferrari’s 2025 campaign. If both of Ferrari’s star drivers become disillusioned at the same time, it might signal a full-blown organizational reckoning.

Final Thoughts: Leclerc’s Career-Defining Choice

Charles Leclerc stands at a crossroads. On one path lies continued loyalty to Ferrari, where he risks wasting his prime in hopes of a turnaround that may never come. On the other is a leap of faith to Mercedes, a team with proven championship DNA and a fresh vision for 2026.

In many ways, this mirrors Lewis Hamilton’s own gamble back in 2013 when he left McLaren for Mercedes—a decision that, in hindsight, defined a generation of F1 dominance.

Will Leclerc take a similar leap? Or will he choose to remain the face of Ferrari, hoping to lead them out of the wilderness?

One thing is certain: the next chapter in Leclerc’s career—and in the ever-evolving F1 power balance—is about to be written. And it could be his boldest yet.

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‘As soon as my mum died, he stopped talking to me,’ she said

Former This Morning host Fern Britton has claimed that her ex-husband, Phil Vickery, stopped communicating with her following the tragic death of her beloved mum.

The couple tied the knot in the spring of 2000 and remained married for 20 years. In January 2020, they announced they had split. However, according to Fern, it appears things were going south for a while before the official announcement…

After 20 years of marriage, Fern and Phil split in 2020 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Why did Fern Britton and Phil Vickery split up?

“After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways,” Fern shared in a statement.

“We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.”

Fern has three children from her previous marriage to television executive Clive Jones – twins Harry and Jack and daughter Grace. Phil Vickery acted as a stepfather to them. She also shares daughter Winnie, 23, with Phil.

During a 2020 appearance on Good Morning Britain, Fern said that when both her parents died, her marriage “fell apart”. And, while talking to Woman & Home magazine, Fern insisted they both “needed to follow our own paths”.

However, now she’s revealed more particularly heartbreaking details.

Fern Britton says husband Phil Vickery ‘stopped talking’ to her when her mum died

In a new interview Yours magazine, Fern explained that she and Phil are no longer on speaking terms, and haven’t been for years.

“He hasn’t spoken to me for six years now. As soon as my mum died, he stopped talking to me,” the former Celebrity Big Brother star said. Fern’s mum, Ruth, died in 2018, two years before they announced their divorce.

Fern admitted their daughter, Winnie, “adores” her dad Phil and added: “So I’m not going to bad-mouth him in front of her; at least, I try very hard not to. I was the child of divorced parents and my mum never bad-mouthed my father,” she said.

As Fern continues to promote her new novel, A Cornish Legacy, the TV star insisted she is not looking for sympathy from the public.

“Like many people, I’ve been through divorce so I have an understanding of it. And that made it easier to write about in the new book,” she continued.

ED! has contacted Phil’s reps for comment.

Fern doesn’t want to get married again (Credit: ITV)

‘I don’t want to ever marry again’

While speaking to Woman & Home last year, Fern confessed she’s not interested in exchanging vows again.

“I don’t want to ever marry again. I don’t ever want to live with anyone again. It’s enough to look after myself and I’ve done enough looking after other people,” she declared.

“I haven’t dated anyone properly for 25 years. It’s been a long time!”