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‘A tsunami of sadness hits’

Kate Garraway has revealed she is still battling a “tsunami of sadness” following husband Derek Draper’s death.

Derek sadly passed away in January 2024. The former political advisor suffered from serious health complications after contracting Covid-19 in 2020 – during which Kate cared for him at home.

Since then, the GMB star has been open about life without Derek. And now, Kate has reflected on the mental toll that caring for Derek had on her, in his final years.

Kate cared for Derek during his health battle (Credit: ITV)

Kate Garraway on life without husband Derek

Following the death of Derek – who Kate married in 2005 – she has had a tough 17 months.

In March of last year, Kate confessed that she was in debt after paying £16,000 a month for Derek’s healthcare.

2024 also saw Kate’s eldest child, Darcey, 18, move out of the family home for university.

And in a new interview, Kate shared that over a year after Derek died, she is suffering from nighttime panic episodes.

Kate has opened up over a year since Derek’s death (Credit: YouTube)

Kate reveals ‘suffering’ at night

“I still wake up in the middle of the night panicking that I haven’t given him his medicine. Or that I have forgotten to move him every hour to prevent the painful contractions in his limbs,” she told The Sun.

Revealing she is often hit with a “tsunami of sadness,” Kate added: “The next second I realise he no longer needs that care. There is a moment of relief – that I did not let him down – before a tsunami of sadness hits.”

Kate also shared: “Caring takes over your whole life. You don’t begrudge it, but you suffer because of it.”

Kate’s hospitalisation amid caring for Derek

Back in September 2023, and during Derek’s health battle, Kate was rushed to hospital due to stress.

TV presenter Kate recalled the terrifying moment she thought she was having a heart attack after suffering “excruciating” chest pains.

Hospitalised after heading to work despite a “sharp and excruciating” pain in her chest, Kate underwent a series of medical tests.

And while she didn’t suffer an attack in that moment, the telly star was warned by a cardiologist that heart issues could not be dismissed.

Wynne told his side of the story

Opera singer and presenter Wynne Evans appeared on This Morning today to give an exclusive interview following his Strictly scandals.

Over the past couple of months, Wynne has remained in the headlines for his behaviour behind the scenes. Earlier this year, he left the Strictly tour after he allegedly made inappropriate comments to Janette Manrara.

Around the same time, he gifted his Strictly co-star Jamie Borthwick with a sex toy. During his time on the show, he was also accused of inappropriately touching his pro dancer, Katya Jones. Last month, Wynne announced his radio show had been axed by the BBC.

On Wednesday (June 11), Wynne, 53, joined This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard to tell his side of the story.

Wynne Evans gave an exclusive interview on This Morning (Credit: ITV)

Wynne Evans in exclusive This Morning interview

Last year, the beginning of Wynne’s scandals took place while being filmed for Strictly.

In an uncomfortable clip aired, the dad-of-two was captured slowly putting his hand further and further around Katya’s waist. Katya, 36, was then seen putting her hand over Wynne’s hand and moving it back towards her hip.

Following a huge backlash from viewers, Wynne told Cat and Ben that he could understand why it looked bad and apologised.

“I totally understand why people were upset by that,” he said. Describing himself as “naive”, Wynne insisted that Katya told him to put his hand across her body for her to move it back, sharing that she wanted to see if an “amateur” body language expert “picks it up”.

“And boy did they pick it up!” he said, adding that Katya told him they should stand at the front “so everybody sees it”.

After there was immediate outrage, Wynne claimed he told Katya Jones: “We need to make an apology video.” After making the video, which was initially 50 seconds long, Strictly bosses allegedly told Wynne it was “too long” and told him to “make it 10 seconds”.

Wynne continued to insist the whole situation was a “body language experiment that was picked up on”. He said the longer video he wanted to post would have looked more sincere than the short one that was uploaded.

Ben then read out a message from the BBC which said that the apology video was recorded twice and that everybody agreed that the second video filmed was better “suited for social media”.

Ben tried to point out that people have a short attention span, which could be why the longer clip wasn’t needed.

Wynne claimed Katya told him to touch her for a ‘body language experiment’ (Credit: ITV)

‘I wanted to end my life’

As the interview continued, Wynne got emotional after Cat Deeley asked about his mental health.

“I’ve had clinical depression since 2016,” he said. While hoping to help others, Wynne said the scandals took him to a dark place. “I was at my lowest. I wanted to end my life, and I would have if I weren’t surrounded by people.”

Wynne explained that he told his girlfriend Liz Brookes, to whom he announced his engagement, that he wanted to die. He said he managed to get through it over the past couple of months after being supported by his family.

Since being suspended from the BBC, Wynne insisted they haven’t spoken to him, only his lawyers. Ben read a statement from the corporation that said it would offer him support if he wanted any.

Despite loving the dancing aspect and pro dancer Katya, Wynne said he wouldn’t do the show if he could go back, stating it “wasn’t a safe environment” for him. “It was a pressure cooker,” he admitted.

‘This whole interview is uncomfortable’

Following the exclusive interview, viewers were divided.

“This interview isn’t doing him any favours imo,” one user wrote on X.

“This is a car crash interview,” another person shared.

“Man alive, this whole interview is uncomfortable,” a third expressed.

“These channels need to stop giving Wynne airtime,” a fourth said.

The interview was met with a mixed reaction (Credit: ITV)

‘Let him move on’

On the other hand, many believed Wynne shouldn’t be judged harshly.

“Good luck Wynne, keep going, it’s pathetic how things get blown up out of hand. As for the BBC, they are a disgrace,” one person said.

“You’re a manly man, Wyn. Respect and love from Ireland. Keep Hustlin and [bleep] the haters,” another remarked.

“I say let him move on,” a third insisted.

“Feel sorry for him personally,” a fourth user shared.

Trigger Point series 3 is coming in 2025, with another terrifying bomb threat for Lana Washington and her team to diffuse – here’s everything you need to know, including plot, start date, and number of episodes.

Every since the drama first landed in 2022 with the first series, fans have jumped fully onboard the Trigger Point train. In fact, series 2 became the most watched ITV1 drama of 2024 – with Mr Bates vs The Post Office unsurprisingly taking the number one slot.

So it’s no surprise that ITV recommissioned the explosive thriller. So what’s Trigger Point series 3 about, when does it start, and how can you watch it? Here’s your guide to the upcoming episodes…

Vicky McClure as Lana Washington in Trigger Point, which is coming back for a series 3 [Credit: ITV]

Is there a Trigger Point series 3?

Great news for Trigger Point fans, as the ITV thriller will be returning for a series 3 in 2025.

In February 2025, the channel confirmed that filming had commenced on the third series of the drama. This wasn’t much of a surprise, though, considering the popularity of series 1 and 2.

Series two which aired in February 2024 – two years after the first – averaged a whopping 8.1m viewers and was streamed 30m times on ITVX.

Series 3 will once again follow Vicky McClure’s Expo Lana Washington in the series produced by Jed Mercurios’ HTM Television.

What’s the plot?

Like the previous two seasons, Trigger Point series 3 follows a team of bomb disposal officers, known as Expo’s. They dedicate their lives to keeping the capital safe from explosive devices and terrorist threats. Those who are up to date with the drama will know that some have already lost their lives in the call of duty. RIP Joel Nutkins (Adrian Lester), a fellow bomb disposal expert who worked alongside Lana Washington very briefly in series 1.

The third series sees Lana Washington and her team investigate a bomb threat that soon reveals itself to be the start of a sinister vendetta… A synopsis tells us: “Someone is targeting individuals and demanding revenge. Working alongside the Police Counterterrorism Unit, the Bomb Disposal Squad race against time to find the bomber before they claim their next victim.”

Expect very tense scenes as Lana and her team try to diffuse explosive devices with just seconds to spare – and lives hanging in balance. Well, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?!

Eric Shango plays Danny, a key part of the bomb disposal unit [Credit: ITV]

How many episodes is it?

Like series 1 and 2, the upcoming series of Trigger Point will be six episodes of an hour each, including ads (which kind of spoil the tension).

ITV has not yet announced if the series will drop as a boxset, or if viewers will have to wait every week to watch.

Who’s in the cast of Trigger Point series 3?

Actress Vicky McClure will return as bomb disposal expert Lana Washington. Of course, actress Vicky is best known for her roles in This Is England, Line of Duty, and Broadchurch. More recently, she’s played Mrs Jones in the kids’ spy drama Alex Rider.

Vicky McClure said: “Trigger Point is back! We’re all so excited to get going. Having had such a positive response to the previous two series, we want to make this new series even more exciting, keep everyone on the edge of their seats whilst getting to know even more about the brilliant characters in the show. Lana is such a complex character to play, it’s a joy for an actor to play a role with as many layers as Lana.”

Eric Shango will return as Lana’s partner Danny. It’s Eric’s biggest role to date, having previously starred in one episode of Suspicion, and On the Edge respectively.

Blue Light‘s star Nabil Elouahabi will also return. He plays Hassan Rahim in the cast. Meanwhile, Outlander’s Natalie Simpson will reprise her role as DS Helen Morgan, and DI Ray‘s Maanuv Thiara comes back as DI Amar Batra.

Jason Flemyng will guest star in series 3 of Trigger Point, although his character has not yet been revealed. He’s famous for his roles in Pennyworth, A Town Called Malice, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He recently played Stephen Patrick Nield in the thriller Prime Target.

Danny and Lana will be back in Trigger Point series 3 this autumn [Credit: ITV]

Trigger Point series 3 start date – how can I watch it?

Trigger Point series 3 will air on ITV1 and STV, and stream on ITVX and STV Player. Series 1 and 2 available to watch now on ITVX.

ITV has not yet confirmed the start date for the upcoming episodes, but we do know that it will air in the autumn schedule in 2025.

In June 2025, ITV confirmed that filming had concluded on the third series, which had been in production across London since January.

The queen and Philip had a beautiful love story

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had a quick-witted response to her husband, Prince Philip, after he allegedly branded her a “silly woman”.

Today (June 10) would have seen Philip turn 104 years old. He died in April 2021 at the age of 99, two months shy of his 100th.
The queen and Philip were married for 74 years (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Queen Elizabeth’s ‘clapback’ at husband Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip enjoyed a long romance.

After tying the knot in 1947, they shared a 74-year-long marriage before Philip’s death in 2021.

However, despite their strong bond, they were no strangers to the occasional bicker!

One notable argument reportedly happened during the pandemic, when they were both isolating in Windsor Castle.

Speaking to the Daily Mail once, a member of palace staff claimed he’d overheard the couple arguing, before Elizabeth allegedly shut her husband down.

I couldn’t believe my ears, but I was told this was how they always were with one another.

“They bickered with one another,” the unnamed source claimed.

“It was sweet but so unexpected. On one occasion, I heard the duke say, ‘Oh, do shut up, you silly woman,’ and the queen replied, ‘I am not a silly woman, I am the Queen,’” they added.

“I couldn’t believe my ears, but I was told this was how they always were with one another.”

Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

The royal couple tied the knot in 1947 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

The queen and Philip’s ‘tiffs’

The queen’s own private secretary, Lord Charteris, once confirmed that the monarch had a tendency to shut her husband down.

“It is not unknown for the queen to tell the duke to shut up,” he once revealed.

In 1997, during their golden wedding anniversary, Philip revealed the secret behind their long and happy marriage.

“I think the main lesson we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient in any happy marriage,” he said during a toast.

“It may not be quite so important when things are going well, but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult. You can take it from me, the queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.”
Philip died in 2021, at the age of 99 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Queen’s touching tribute to Philip after his death

In April 2021, Prince Philip’s death was announced. Tributes poured in from around the world; however, none were as heartbreaking as the queen’s.

During her Christmas broadcast that year, the queen paid tribute to her late husband.

“Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially, I understand why,” she said at the time.

She then went on to say that she felt the spirit of her “beloved” and “irrepressible” husband over the festive period.

“That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him,” she said.

“But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings. And as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas,” she added, remembering his “capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation”.

When the queen died in September 2022, she was laid to rest next to her husband at Windsor Castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel in the Royal Vault.

Myleene is taking a huge step

Myleene Klass has shared photos from the inside of a St John’s Ambulance, as she is supported by friends and celeb pals.

The 47-year-old TV presenter has shared a series of images on Instagram, thanking followers for their “love and support” as she revealed her huge news.

Myleene Klass has been an ambassador for St John’s Ambulance for a while, but has now taken her role to a whole new level, as she announced that she has completed her training to be a on-site volunteer.

Myleene shared photos from the ambulance (Credit: Instagram)

Is Myleene Klass a St John’s Ambulance ambassador?

Since March 2024, Myleene Klass has been St John Ambulance’s very first celebrity ambassador. However, before that she had partnered with them, getting herself and her children trained in first aid.

Since then, Myleene made the decision to get more involved in the hard-work. Behind the scenes, she has been training to be officially part of the first aid team.

Taking to Instagram, Myleene shared a series of snaps from an ambulance, revealing the news.

She penned: “Check out my new office. Thank you for your countless messages of love and support.

“I am so proud to be a part of the St John’s Ambulance family, serving my community officially and as an ambassador. I don’t think anyone (myself included) realises how much work and study goes into it.”

Myleene continued: “It’s easy to take the guys in green coats for granted thinking they just volunteer for events and sporting fixtures. But honestly, the practical and written exams, the A&E doctors training and testing you, the kit prep alone and the weekly top-up reminder classes, whilst a lot are also massively reassuring. And all actions are carried out with dignity to the patient as the priority at ALL times.

“I can safely confirm, you and your loved ones are in the best of hands.”

Myleene went on to give a safety tip to her followers, revealing that singer Chappell Roan’s song Pink Pony Club is “perfect” timing for CPR.

The news comes one day after Myleene revealed she once had to save both of her daughters from choking. And that’s one of the many reasons St John’s Ambulance means a lot to her.

Myleene has been an ambassador for years (Credit: Instagram)

Celebs support Myleene’s new venture

In a different Instagram post, she shared: “I saved both my girls from choking. One as a baby, and one as a tween. It was absolutely terrifying. But the only thing worse would have been not knowing what to do.”

Since sharing the news, Myleene has been flooded with messages of support and love from celeb pals and fans.

Davina McCall commented a series of clapping hands emojis, adding: “Yes Myleene!”

Loose Women co-star Penny Lancaster wrote: “Great achievement!”

Meanwhile, Nicole Appleton penned: “Wonderful!!” and Natalie Anderson praised: “Well done.”

Fans also praised her for using her status to raise awareness for something important.

One fan commented: “With all the things celebrities do in their spare time, you choose this? Absolute legend.”

“This is why we love you. So amazing” another penned.

It’s unknown if Myleene will work on progressing up the ranks even more, but it looks like she will be taking her followers along on her new journey.

‘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!”

Sophie and the king attended the Royal Windsor Flower Show on Saturday

Royal watchers were left gushing over a touching moment between King Charles and his sister-in-law, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, during their visit to the Royal Windsor Flower Show on Saturday, June 7.

In a clip shared on social media, Duchess Sophie, 60, was seen performing a deep curtsy to the monarch. With a warm smile, she dropped low in front of her brother-in-law, nearly losing her shoe in the process.

King Charles, 76, held her arms to steady her as the two then exchanged a cheek kiss.

“Beautiful moment between the Duchess of Edinburgh and the king,” one X (Twitter) user captioned the viral clip.

Fans quickly took to social media to praise the visible warmth and ease between the two royals.

“Duchess Sophie’s curtsy is perfection,” one fan wrote. “Elegant, respectful and full of heart.”

“They really do have a wonderful relationship, and her respect for him as king says so much,” another gushed.

Duchess Sophie dropped into a deep curtsy to greet the monarch (Credit: Cover Images)

What is Duchess Sophie’s role in the monarchy?

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has steadily become one of the most active and trusted members of the royal family.

A full-time working royal and wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, she represents the Crown at both high-profile events and community events.

Beautiful moment between the Duchess of Edinburgh and the king.

Her work spans causes including women’s rights, support for the visually impaired and military families.

Sophie’s steady presence and down-to-earth nature have earned her admiration from the public and trust from King Charles.

Her recent string of engagements with senior royals, including the monarch himself, signals her rising profile.

Sophie attended the Royal Windsor Flower Show on Saturday (Credit: Cover Images)

Royal Windsor Flower Show 2025

The Royal Windsor Flower Show, held at the York Club in Windsor Great Park, marked its 118th edition at the weekend.

Charles, an avid gardener, is the show’s patron. The theme for this year’s event is Patterns in Nature, and was inspired by Charles’ 2010 book called Harmony: A New Way Of Looking At Our World.

Sophie officially opened the event, and her curtsy to the king became one of the day’s most talked-about moments.

In photos, King Charles can be seen beaming in a pale grey checked suit and burgundy brogues. Meanwhile, Sophie, in a blue floral maxi dress, maintained her poise even as her shoe nearly slipped off during her graceful kneel.

The duchess has had a busy week of engagements, including a rare double appearance with Prince William the day before the flower show.

The two visited Wadebridge in Cornwall as patrons of the Royal Agricultural Association.

William and Sophie’s close relationship was praised as they were filmed joking around. In one interaction, William jokingly scolded Sophie for sipping too much gin during a tasting session.

“You’re not allowed to finish it,” he teased, before turning to the vendor. “You’ve got to watch her.”

Sophie wore an olive green jacket with a brown suede skirt and accessorised with a green handbag and soft makeup.

‘Spotted looking loved up,’ tabloid report claims

TV presenters Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones are ‘continuing to grow close off screen’, a tabloid report has claimed.

The Morning Live stars have been linked in the past few weeks. And now, according to The Sun, their “flirty antics” have been taking onlookers by surprise.

That’s because, according to the newspaper, were recently spotted “looking loved up” as they visited a country club and spa.

Could Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton be an item? (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

What has been reported about Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones?

The Sun claims Gethin Jones, 47, took Helen, 41, to the venue near his home – with sources indicating they did not appear to be spending time together as pals. In fact, according to onlookers, it wasn’t just the steam room that was raising temperatures…

An unnamed insider is said to have alleged: “Gethin and Helen were all over each other. They are clearly super comfortable with each other and it wasn’t just like two friends hanging out.

Gethin and Helen were all over each other.

“Helen was really laughing and smiling as they spent time together before heading off in the late afternoon.”

Mum-of-three Helen, who split from her ex-husband Richie Myler in 2022, is believed to be based in Cornwall. Morning Live, however, is filmed in Manchester.

Gethin, meanwhile, was formerly linked with TOWIE cast member Lucy Mecklenburgh, and was also engaged to singer Katherine Jenkins.

ED! has approached representatives for Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones for comment on The Sun’s story.

Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones were reportedly ‘spotted at a spa’ (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Is Gethin Jones in a relationship with Helen Skelton?

Neither Gethin nor Helen have indicated or confirmed they are in a relationship with one another.

According to reports, however, the TV presenting duo could be more than just good friends. And those claims ramped up after Helen and Gethin appeared to attend the TV BAFTAs together last month.
An unnamed source claimed to MailOnline in May: “Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there’s a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection.”
The insider is also said to have claimed: “They’re both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there’s no denying their closeness both on and off screen.”

Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton were dressed up to the nines for the TV BAFTAs (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Recently, Helen told Hello! that she is close to her co-stars Gethin and Michelle Ackerley when the cameras stop recording.

“I’ve done this job for a long time and I feel very lucky that every now and again you land on a group of people and a crew that really clicks,” she explained.

Helen added: “If you have to go to work and you like what you do and you do it with people that are like an extension of your family, then you’re very lucky and I definitely feel like that at Morning Live.”

Additionally, amid the unsubstantiated rumours, fans have their own theories about whether Gethin and Helen might be dating or not.

In the Paddock: Ferrari’s Technical Crossroads and Hamilton’s Challenging 2025 Start

As the Formula 1 circus unfolds in 2025, the mood in the Ferrari paddock is thick with debate, anticipation, and, above all, uncertainty. The storied Italian team faces not just the relentless pressure of competing for wins but also a crucial crossroads about its future direction and technical ambitions. At the heart of these discussions, high-profile voices from within and outside the team are weighing in on what it will take for Ferrari to reclaim its place at the front in a rapidly evolving sport.

Montoya’s Critique: “Ferrari Must Build for Hamilton”

Juan Pablo Montoya, never one to mince words, has sparked controversy with his blunt assessment of Ferrari’s predicament. In a candid episode of his podcast, the Colombian ex-racer argued that if Ferrari is serious about championship contention, they must stop tailoring their car exclusively to Charles Leclerc’s preferences. Instead, Montoya insists, the focus should shift decisively to their new superstar, Lewis Hamilton.

Montoya’s reasoning? While Leclerc’s performances have often masked the SF-25’s inherent weaknesses—earning praise even from team boss Fred Vasseur—Montoya believes only a car built around Hamilton’s technical feedback and racing instincts offers Ferrari the best hope of a sustained title push. He describes Hamilton’s input as “clear and decisive,” arguing that the seven-time champion’s proven development skills are unrivaled. Cautioning about Ferrari’s complex political ecosystem, Montoya notes that if Ferrari does not decisively back Hamilton—making him the technical cornerstone—they risk falling into the familiar trap of “neutral” car development, failing to maximize either driver.

Binotto: “Hamilton is a Symbolic, Not Strategic, Choice”

Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, however, offers a coldly pragmatic counterpoint. With decades spent inside Maranello, Binotto questions the wisdom of signing Hamilton at this career stage. He bluntly suggests that while Hamilton’s legacy is unquestionable, Ferrari’s priority should be on nurturing a younger, more long-term leader—much like Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Grounded in the practicalities of Formula 1’s demanding environment, Binotto highlights the challenges of integrating even the greatest drivers into new technical and political settings. Reflecting on Ferrari’s operational improvements and lessons learned since his departure—including tighter pit stop execution and strategic upgrades—Binotto doubts that Hamilton, now past his prime in his view, can deliver the transformative impact many hope for.

Sainz: “Adapting Takes Time, Even for Champions”

Carlos Sainz, now racing for Williams but uniquely attuned to Ferrari’s inner workings, offers a more sympathetic perspective. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Sainz underscores the reality that drivers, regardless of past glories, need time to adapt to new teams and machinery. Using his own career—and famously tricky transition to Ferrari’s evolving technical package—as an example, Sainz argues the F1 ecosystem often underestimates the complexity of this process.

He points to Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles at Renault and McLaren, comparing them to Hamilton’s early difficulties in 2025. Sainz emphasizes that while headline results can lag behind talent, true champions eventually unlock a car’s secrets through technical assimilation and mental adjustment, shining when expectations are tempered by patience.

Hamilton’s Rocky First Season: Learning to (Re)Lead

For Hamilton, the stakes of this transition could not be higher. After a glittering 12 years with Mercedes, capped by six world titles in silver overalls, he now finds himself in the unfamiliar role of needing to deliver results while also helping to lift Ferrari’s development game. Despite a sprint victory in China and a podium in Miami’s sprint, the main race weekends have exposed communication strains with his engineer, notable hierarchy ambiguity, and a persistent lack of the one-lap and race pace expected from a car built for a champion.

Broadcast tensions on the team radio and increasingly critical public statements reveal the depth of Hamilton’s discomfort. External observers like David Coulthard, reflecting on Hamilton’s struggles, see a work in progress: a great driver not yet at one with his machinery or his place inside the team’s operational structure.

Ferrari’s Technical Struggles in the 2025 Arms Race

Technically, Ferrari have found themselves frustrated by the latest regulatory tweaks—specifically, FIA’s TD018 directive on flexible wings, which was intended to homogenize performance. Hopes that rivals like McLaren would be pegged back have not materialized. In Spain, McLaren’s scientific approach and adaptability outclassed Ferrari’s efforts, with Scuderia’s latest front wing and associated aerodynamics upgrades failing to yield the desired stability or pace.

Frederic Vasseur promises a major upgrade for September, but the competitive threat posed by McLaren, now cruising on the back of meticulous technical preparation, remains daunting. Ferrari’s struggle isn’t a lack of resources or theoretical expertise, but rather the inability to anticipate and interpret new regulations as deftly as their closest rivals.

The Commercial Reality: Ferrari and F1’s Big Business Growth

Off the track, Ferrari remains a commercial powerhouse, second only to Mercedes in sponsorship revenue ($450 million in 2025). With 319 sponsor brands and driver endorsements led by Leclerc and Hamilton, Ferrari’s visibility and economic magnetism are undimmed, even as victory on Sundays remains elusive. Engagement metrics—Hamilton’s massive following and the growing popularity of drivers like Oscar Piastri—show that, increasingly, the battle for supremacy is about image and reach as much as raw speed.

Wider F1: Regulation, Testing, and the Future

Against this backdrop, F1 as a whole is at a regulatory crossroads. The return of track testing with previous-generation cars (TPCs) has raised fresh cost and fairness debates, with the sport’s governing body struggling to balance development freedom with economic sustainability and competitive parity. Calls are growing for more regulated, collective testing sessions—a move that could ease costs, improve transparency and give fans better access, but will require buy-in from all stakeholders.

Alonso and the Ghosts of Unfulfilled Promise

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the paddock, Fernando Alonso’s bittersweet home Grand Prix in Spain serves as a reminder of both the endurance and cruelty of F1. Breaking an eight-race points drought but still mired in a winless streak that stretches 12 years, the two-time champion exemplifies how even extraordinary talent can be thwarted by circumstance.

Conclusion: The Cost of Adaptation and the Price of Progress

Back at Ferrari, the conundrum is as psychological as it is technical. Can Hamilton bend Maranello’s might to his will? Will Ferrari choose decisively between its two drivers? Or will strategic ambiguity, political caution, and technical conservatism again keep Italy’s greatest sporting institution a step behind its upstart rivals?

As 2025 advances, the answer to these questions may well dictate not just Ferrari’s fortunes, but the very shape of Formula 1’s future. In this paddock, the discussion continues—and the stakes have never been higher.

Photo: © IMAGO

F1 icon Sebastian Vettel has completed a milestone outside of motorsport after committing a £10,000 investment to the cause.

The four-time champion has now completed a Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports course at the renowned Harvard Business School, a feat which could stand him in good stead to return to the sport in a role away from the track.

The former Red Bull star has recently been named by the team’s F1 advisor Helmut Marko as his ideal successor once Marko relinquishes responsibilities with the former constructors’ champions.

Th 82-year-old praised Vettel and his potential to replace him once the time comes for the Austrian to leave Red Bull, although Marko did say no official conversations had taken place, perhaps on account of the fact that he still feels ‘relatively fit’ to continue in the role.

Vettel on the other hand certainly knew when his time in the sport was up, announcing his shock retirement from F1 in 2022 and stepping away from the paddock to focus on environmental projects and initiatives to help push for female equality in motorsport.

Vettel furthers education as Red Bull return remains on the table

The German racer’s latest accomplishment came from completing a four-day course at the Harvard Business School, thought to have cost £9,400 ($12,750).

Vettel’s motivation to further his education came as no surprise given that late last year he also confirmed his involvement in an agricultural course.

Sebastian Vettel has been tipped to succeed Helmut Marko
“I’m doing a little training in the field of agriculture,” he said during an appearance at an awards ceremony in Braunschweig.

“It is practically a compressed form of it and if I pass, I would be able to run my own business,”

“I find it extremely exciting when it comes to the future of agriculture and what potential it has with regard to the climate and its changes and challenges,” Vettel added.

Whether his further education is being pursued with his own business in mind or the potential for a future return to Red Bull, the 37-year-old’s new skills could certainly come in handy should he receive the call-up to replace Marko one day.