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The games will next be held in Birmingham in 2027

Prince Harry had reason to celebrate this week following a report about the Invictus Games 2025.

The games, launched by Harry in 2014, took place in Canada earlier this year. And, judging by the report, they were a resounding success!

The news comes after Harry and his wife Meghan Markle faced backlash recently. It came from a video Meghan posted showing herself and Harry dancing and twerking in a hospital video four years ago, when their daughter Lilibet was born.
The Invictus Games 2025 appeared a success (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince Harry has cause to celebrate with the Invictus Games 2025 report

On Monday (June 9), a report about the Invictus Games in Canada was published.

The games became a financial success in Canada, according to the reports, bringing in $86.1 million (£63m) in economic activity in British Columbia. $81.3 million (£60m) of which was in the Vancouver area.

The report also claims that a total of 125,000 spectators attended the games. Over 900,000 Canadians watched the games on TV.

The report also announced that the games have received a $5.5 million (£3.7m) legacy fund for the ongoing rehabiliation of the injured, sick, and wounded members and Veterans before, during and after the Games managed by the True Patriot Love Foundation in Canada and the Invictus Games Foundation internationally.

Scott Moore, Vancouver Whistler 2025 CEO said: “Our Games not only changed lives, they saved them and their legacy is an enduring and meaningful contribution through programs and resources now and for years to come supporting the host communities and those injured through their military service.”
Harry issued thanks in a statement (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince Harry’s statement on the Invictus Games report

The report also featured a quote from Prince Harry, who took the opportunity to thank all those involved.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making these extraordinary Games possible, most of all the Four Host First Nations who welcomed us into their land,” he said.

“To the tens of thousands who packed the stands, I thank you for creating an unforgettable atmosphere for our competitors and their families. To everyone who gave it their all for their country and the Invictus Games, thank you and I salute you,” he continued.

“From start to finish, there was a special kind of hospitality and energy about these Games and Canada absolutely delivered once again.”
Harry launched the games 11 years ago (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Did Prince Harry really create the Invictus Games?

Yes, he did. The duke first got the idea for the games during a trip to the US in 2013. Whilst out there, he watched the Department of Defense’s Warrior Games.

“Sport was the magic that I witnessed,” he once said, recounting his visit. “Having just come back from Afghanistan myself, seeing the wounded, injured and sick and seeing the effect this was having on all the families, and just the weight—the load on defense and on the individuals and on the rehabilitation programs. There just wasn’t enough being done.”

Upon returning to the UK, Harry decided that he wanted to expand the Warrior Games model. He admitted it was “stolen from the Americans and made bigger and better”.

The first Invictus Games were first held in September 2014 in London. They’ve since been hosted in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, Dusseldorf, and Vancouver. The 2027 edition will be held in Birmingham in the UK.

She has to be honest

In Coronation Street spoilers for next week, Debbie Webster collapses as she’s forced to tell her loved ones about her dementia diagnosis.

Elsewhere, Brody suffers an epileptic fit as Lisa Swain withholds his medication.

All this and more in Coronation Street spoilers.

Coronation Street spoilers next week 1. Dee-Dee bonds with Laila

When James complains that Laila kept him up in the night, Dee-Dee offers to help look after her and ends up bonding with her.

Later on, Dee-Dee opens a letter and finds out that Laila needs her vaccinations. But, she realises she’ll have to take her on her own as James is away.

Dee-Dee finds the appointment emotional, later returning back home and realising she might not be strong enough to go through with her planned radio interview on black women’s maternity experiences.

 

Later on, both James and Dee-Dee clash over Laila. But, what’s really affecting Dee-Dee here? And will she confide in her brother?

2. Lisa’s stern with Brody

With Brody annoying Daniel and frustrating Lisa Swain, Lisa ends up arresting him for harassment.

While at the police station, Brody empties his pockets and hands over some white pills. He doesn’t inform Lisa of what they are though.

Brody’s then left alone as he tries to let Lisa know that he needs his medication.

However, he then ends up having an epileptic fit in his cell…

Coronation Street spoilers next week 3. Debbie lashes out

Bernie suggests a few drinks at the hotel to Debbie so that they’ll keep their distance from Ronnie.

The friends then spot Brody and his mate having a drink. When Debbie asks Brody for his ID, he fails to show it.

Frustrated, Debbie grabs the drink off Brody and smashes it on the bar…

4. Maria accuses Lou

Maria heads to the salon and tells him she’s been released pending further investigations. She then accuses Lou Michaelis of reporting her to the police.

With Lou promising Gary that she didn’t report Maria, Gary tries to keep the peace by offering to buy her a drink. But, will this actually make things worse?

5. Todd wants answers

Todd heads on a drunken night out with Sean and Billy and takes a photo of the three of them, posting it online. Sean checks the dating app on his phone and is stunned to see Theo’s profile on there.

Todd and Theo then have words, with Theo then suggesting that someone is messing with them in a bid to split them up. Later on, Todd takes Theo to the Rovers’ Drag Night.

Todd’s not happy with Theo being preoccupied responding to Millie’s messages, while Theo’s not happy to learn that Todd and Billy used to be an item. Todd acts by switching Theo’s phone to airplane mode…

Theo’s furious when he finds out what Todd’s done, realising that Danielle has been trying to contact him because Millie’s in hospital.

6. Millie wants her dad back

Back at No.11, Millie tells Theo that she’s unhappy living with Danielle. Theo then suggests that she stays with them for longer.

Afterwards, Millie makes it clear to Todd that she’ll stop at nothing for her dad to return home to their family. Should Todd be worried?

Coronation Street spoilers next week 7. Debbie collapses

Debbie’s got a lot on her plate as she forgets to pay at the cafe, before rearranging the awards ceremony to be held at Speed Daal due to a flood at the hotel.

Debbie has her eyes on both Leanne and Ronnie, and Abi and Carl before collapsing.

Kevin and Abi both tell Debbie that she needs to go to hospital. But, Debbie tries to stop their panic by telling them that she already knows what’s the matter with her – she has dementia. How will her loved ones react to this news?

‘Truly one of a kind,’ the TV star shared

An emotional Gok Wan has shared his “utter heartbreak” as he announced the death of his dog Dolly on Instagram yesterday (June 9).

Telly fave Gok, 50, paid tribute to Dolly in a lengthy address, hailing his companion as: “My partner, my love, my baby and most of all my best friend.”

Fans may have recognised Dolly, who was 13 years old, from her appearances on screen alongside Gok over the years on shows such as Loose Women and Stand Up to Cancer.

Dolly the dog has sadly passed away (Credit: YouTube)

Gok Wan pays tribute to late dog Dolly

In the caption to a black-and-white shot of Gok and Dolly together, Gok wrote: “I love you with all my heart little Dishcloth.”

He went on: “You taught me to care and to love in a way I didn’t know was possible. I am utterly heartbroken and devastated that it’s your time to go to the park in the stars, but I know you’ll be happy chasing all the squizzles for as long as your little heart desires.

“You nestled your way into a space in my heart that will always be just for you. Thank you for 13 and a half years of the purest love, the deepest cuddles, the belly laughter and for being the best and most beautiful companion any person could ever wish for. I already miss you with every inch of my being.”

I already miss you with every inch of my being.

Gok summed his thoughts up: “You brought so much happiness to me and anyone who had the pleasure to love you. You truly were one of a kind my sweet Dolly. Time for bed darling. I love you baby girl. Na night.”

Gok Wan taking Dolly for a walk in 2013 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

How followers reacted

Sympathetic celeb pals and followers were quick to offer their thoughts and best wishes to Gok on his sad post.

“Oh no my darling. I am so so sorry. Sending you so much love and so many hugs,” Gaby Roslin told him.

“Love you Goky. Here for you. That grief is big. We all love you and are here to support you,” wrote Fearne Cotton.

Lisa Snowdon added: “Oh darling Gok. This is unbearably sad to hear. Wrapping you up in love and hugs.”

Meanwhile, Danny Beard offered: “Oh darling! Sending you so much loveeee!”

Dolly the dog made appearances on TV herself (Credit: YouTube)
And another fan, speaking on behalf of many other moved commenters who shared anecdotes about their pets who have passed away, contributed: “Oh Gok I’m so sorry to hear for your loss. I’m heartbroken reading this. She brought so much to joy to everyone’s day with her little face and her regal/duchess attitude. She will be missed by all of us. Sending my love to you.”

The news arrived just in time for Ryan’s birthday!

TV star Ryan Thomas has announced that he and his two brothers are launching a new podcast together.

Ryan, who is celebrating his 41st birthday today (June 10), is no stranger to working alongside his younger brothers. Earlier this year, he presented the new ITV game show 99 to Beat alongside Adam Thomas, 36.

Previously, Ryan and Adam hosted their own podcast with their other brother, Scott Thomas, 36, titled Mancs On The Mic. However, in their latest update, Ryan and his siblings have revealed they be treating fans to a whole new podcast.

Ryan and his brothers Adam and Scott have announced a new podcast (Credit: Splashnews.com)

What is the Thomas Brothers’ podcast called?

In an Instagram post shared last night (June 9), the Thomas brothers announced their At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast.

“As three brothers we’ve always wanted to bring this podcast to life from the comfort of our own home and give you an access all areas pass in to what it’s like to be part of this CRAZY family of ours! It’s unfiltered, it’s raw and it’s ruthless!” Ryan, Adam and Scott announced.

“But underlying it all is some serious brotherly love! We can’t wait to launch this on Wednesday and invite you into the Thomas Bro household! We’re not holding anything back so don’t miss it!!!”

The first episode will be released tomorrow (June 11).

‘Can’t wait boys’

Following the exciting news, fans rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.

“I used to love your old podcast Mancs On The Mic! Buzzing for you to be recording again,” one user wrote.

“Awww this is so amazing! I can’t wait to watch I’m proud of you all. My fav family xxx,” another person shared.

“Yeah finally!!! I loved it when you had your other podcast can’t wait for this!!!” a third remarked.

“This is going to be unreal,” a fourth said.

“Can’t wait boys,” a fifth person commented, adding the flame emoji.

Corrie’s Sue Cleaver – who played Ryan’s on-screen mum Eileen Grimshaw – added: “Oh god all together? At the same time?!”

Members of the royal family are not strangers to wild conspiracy theories or odd rumours. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex opened up over the hate and baseless rumours they faced when they were in The Firm many times before, but it seems they show no signs of stopping just yet. Meghan Markle is now facing a new rumour that she was ‘kicked off’ from Jimmy Kimmel Live – but it’s just another false story doing the rounds.

The alleged incident caused widespread outrage and arguments between social media users, when the story itself is quite lacklustre.

We take a look at the wild rumour and debunk the myths surrounding Meghan Markle and Jimmy Kimmel.

The Duchess of Sussex has been subject to cruel rumours (Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images)

Rumours claim Meghan Markle was kicked off Jimmy Kimmel

The latest case of a rumour getting out of hand involves Meghan Markle herself and the talkshow host Jimmy Kimmel.

Last week, there were reports the Duchess of Sussex was kicked off the late-night TV show after getting into a row with the host.

They claimed she was asked to leave the set following the ‘argument’ with the comedian.

But, it never happened, and royal fans have been duped once again. It’s similar to when Prince Harry followers were tricked into believing an extract from his memoir about bowling had been leaked ahead of its release.

The rumour, is just that. A rumour. Meghan Markle has not appeared or recorded a segment for Jimmy Kimmel.

Although she has been giving interviews and been in the public eye more over the past few months, following the launch of her brand As Ever and her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, her press schedule did not include the late night TV show.

Instead, the mum-of-two featured on Drew Barrymore’s chat show, and has done exclusive interviews with Vanity Fair and appeared on her first podcast interview with Jamie Kern Lima.
The Sussexes have not been on the show (Credit: ZUMA Press/Cover Images)

Late night host mocked the Sussexes

While the Sussexes have not appeared on his show, it doesn’t mean he’s never spoken about them.

Jimmy Kimmel has made brutal jibes at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s expense in the past.

This included a savage joke about the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.

He condemned the allegations over how the former Suits actress was treated in the royal family before joking: “Meghan claims she was silenced during her time in the U.K. and after watching this last night, I have to say, I believe it.

“Imagine after centuries of inbreeding all of a sudden these people are concerned about the colour of a baby’s skin.”

“And by the way, they should hope that the kid looks more like Meghan than Harry”.

He added: “No offence, but I mean, Harry kind of looks like the guy who played Screech, may he rest in peace.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were mocked by Jimmy Kimmel on his TV show (Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images)

Jimmy Kimmel did mock Prince Harry

Then in January 2023, after the release of Harry’s memoir Spare, he cracked another joke at the Duke.

He mocked the prince by reading a parody picture book called The Prince and The Penis, in reference to the segment in his biography where Harry wrote about suffering frostbite on his nether regions.

Jimmy Kimmel said to his live audience: “Prince Harold’s [book] is so popular, they’re now releasing a version for kids. It’s a twist on The Princess and the Pea, it’s called The Prince and the Penis.”

The American funnyman then read aloud from the fake book: “At the chilly North Pole, a silly young codger took a walk in the snow, and froze his wee todger.

“‘Oh Mummy! Oh Mummy!’ He cried with a scream, and from then up on high she appeared with some cream. My poor little prince, put this on your willy. It will lessen the ache and make it less chilly.

“Mummy knelt down and gave him a squirt, into his trousers where his winkle still hurt.

“Back to her cloud his mother went soaring, and said this aloud, ‘should you ever have icy-chills on your hard-on, give it a rub with Elizabeth Arden.”

The Princess of Wales has visited the newly-opened V&A East Storehouse in East London, where she was given a behind-the-scenes tour and spent time viewing the incredible objects stored there

The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at a brand new cultural attraction, where she was treated to a behind the scenes tour. Kate visited the brand new V&A East Storehouse in East London, where she wore a chic navy suit that exactly matched her host Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A’s, own suit in the same colour, to celebrate the joy found in creative expression.

The future Queen joined members of the public today for a two hour tour of the building. The three-storey attraction on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London, has put more than half a million exhibits and archives from the V&A collections on show – which are usually hidden out of sight.

The Princess of Wales on a visit to the V&A East Storehouse in East London today (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

Kate, who scored a degree in arts history at University of St Andrews, mingled with some of the first tourists and visitors after the storehouse opened its doors on May 31, and even asked for five exhibits to be brought out so she could study in more detail.

Her tour began behind the scenes where thousands of exhibits are being cared for before going on display she marvelled at a William Morris designed screen she said “wow ” and “love the twist here”.

Speaking to Tim Reeve, deputy director at the V&A, she said: “What a fantastic idea. What an opportunity for everyone to see these historic pieces in first person.” And added: “It’s so eclectic. And all parts of the process of displaying and curating.”

The V&A East Storehouse has more than half a million artefacts including 350,000 library books, 250,000 objects and thousands of letters, posters and flyers – including the Glastonbury Festival archives.

Kate was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the items stored there by V&A director Tristram Hunt(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

It also contains some dresses which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Keith Moon’s drum kit, shoes designed by Zahra Hadid and a petal from the London 2012 opening ceremony cauldron.

Visitors can also see a section of the 1960s Robin Hood Gardens housing project, in Poplar, East London, which has now been demolished. In September it will open the David Bowie Centre after securing his estate’s archives including letters, instruments and costumes.

During her tour behind the scene Kate pulled on protective gloves to caress a 19th century riding habit and she said: “It’s so delicate.” Then as she was shown a 1970s photogram dress she said: “It’s really interesting as fashion designers are also using screen prints and photographs.”

Fashion fan Kate also immediately identified a black and gold coat dress was by British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. She said: “You see a certain shape and you know the designer.”

Kate visits the photography studio during a visit to the V&A East Storehouse(Image: PA)

The princess, who is patron of the V&A, also joined staff collecting new photos for the archive and online search portal. The team needed to photograph a 1943 ballet shoe worn by Alice Markova at a performance of Giselle at the Old Vic. The inside sole of the shoe had been signed by the ballerina who had also penned a message.

Watching how it was photographed for the collection, Kate said: “Gosh it’s so small and I like the fact you can see her handwriting.” Venturing into the public area, which was thronged by visitors unaware of the princess’s unannounced visit, she marvelled at the largest Picasso artwork in the world.

Joined by Mr Hunt, she marvelled at the 10.4m by 11.7m fabric which was backdrop for the 1924 Ballets Russes production of Le Train Bleu, and signed by Picasso. Mingling with the public in the vast Weston Collections Hall she looked impressed at the previously locked up artefacts out on show for visitors.

Kate stands on the see-through flooring (Image: PA)

Wearing stiletto heels Kate held onto the glass railing as she walked the metal grid floor. The V&A website recommends visitors wearing practical clothing and flat shoes saying the metal grid flooring is not suitable for stilettos or kitten heels.

The storehouse also allows visitors to book online to view up to five objects in a study room. The princess had her own private viewing time with five items which the press were allowed in.

But speaking afterwards Tim Reeve said the princess requested to see a musical instrument, some William Morris fabric samples and items relating to nature. Cristina Juan, Head of Philipine Studies at SOAS, was working in one of the rooms after ordering five textiles for research.

She told Kate: “It’s amazing as I’ve been waiting for three years.” Speaking afterwards she said: “I didn’t know she was coming. Now they’ve opened this and I can order online they take out of storage whatever you like. Now it’s as easy as ordering from Uber.”

Inside the V&A East Storehouse, which only opened at the end of last month (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

The idea of opening up the storehouse to the public was dreamed up after the V&A learned in 2015 it had to move its archives from an old building. Speaking afterwards Tim Reeve hailed the “eclectic magic” of the collection.

He celebrated the V&A East Storehouse for “pulling back the curtain” on all of its collection. And speaking about their royal visitor he said: “There’s no doubt about it she is a great supporter of the arts.

“She has been really interested in this project and it’s clear she loves the idea of what we are trying to do here with back of house and to be a member of the public seeing behind the scenes. She really wanted to see it as the public saw it and didn’t want to impose.

Carol McGiffin was one of Loose Women’s original panellists, having first appeared on the series in 2000 before she quit in 2023 after she claimed she was ‘unhappy’ with her contract

Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin has lifted the lid on what she says was the worst part of working on the ITV talk show.(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin has lifted the lid on what she says was the worst part of working on the ITV talk show. The no-nonsense presenter, 65, was one of the show’s original panellists, having first appeared on the series in 2000 before she left in 2023 after she claimed she was ‘unhappy’ with her contract.

Carol, who was once married to TFI star, Chris Evans, was part of the Loose Women line-up for 20 years, on and off, and has now said that the show’s ‘strict dress’ code left her ‘exhausted’. Claiming show bosses had “ludicrous policies” for the ladies, she said: “I did Loose Women for almost 20 years and the mandated dress codes used to exhaust me.”

Carol McGiffin was one of Loose Women’s original panellists, having first appeared on the series in 2000(Image: ITV)

Speaking to Best magazine, she continued: “We went from wearing our own clothes to being bought stuff to adhere to ludicrous wardrobe policies like, ‘No arms on show,’ presumably because our ageing biceps were morphing into bingo wings, which the (male) boss at the time had decided were offensive.

“Another female (!) boss once ordered all the women to wear high heels as well. I always loathed being ‘dressed’ or ‘styled’ as they preferred to call it.”

Carol also blasted ITV for getting rid of outfits that had “mostly” only been worn once by the presenters.

She said: “You always had to be co-ordinated up to the eyeballs in nice slacks, wrap dresses or boiler suits.

“It used to make me shudder, nearly as much as the insane amount of waste on unimaginable amounts of clothes that had mostly only been worn once.”

Carol first joined Loose Women in 2000 and remained on the show until 2013, and returned in 2018. Five years later she left the panel, claiming she was left “upset” after being “forced” into the decision due to being unhappy with her contract, which she claimed was “totally unjust and unworkable”.

Prior to Carol’s departure, a disagreement is said to have broken out between the presenter and bosses at ITV over free speech and expression.

During an interview with TNT talk radio, Carol said: “I always look back at when I started working in television and radio as the good old days because they were much less policed, I suppose. Much less restricted and it was a freer place to be.

“When I look back at the old Loose Womens I used to do from 2000 all the way until I left in 2013, they’re completely different. There is so much offence. People take so much offence at so much and they never used to.”

Tensions reportedly began to grow between Carol and her employer over comments she made in suggestion that the news organisation had been ‘brainwashing’ the public over the risks of coronavirus.

The panellist also suggested that Matt Hancock attempted to import Covid patients to the UK from France to fill empty hospital beds as the pandemic was in full swing.

In 2023, Carol confirmed that she would be parting ways with the ITV show after a two-month absence and insisted she was “upset” to leave.

‘That boy is unbelievable’

Katie Price has shared that she’s had to send her son Harvey back to college earlier than planned after a “sad” incident at home.

The TV star, 47, shares 23-year-old Harvey with ex Dwight York. Harvey is blind and autistic and has septo-optic dysplasia.

When he’s not with mum Katie, Harvey – who was also born with Prader-Willi syndrome – lives at a residential college in Cheltenham.

But now, Katie has told fans she’s had to send Harvey back to the college a day earlier than planned, after he smashed up her £3,000 TV

The model has recalled a ‘sad’ incident at home (Credit: Good Morning Britain)

Katie Price reveals Harvey smashed up her TV

Katie recently took to her Snapchat and spoke about the incident, revealing she was woken up by Harvey smashing the TV at around 6am.

Filming Harvey’s face as she questioned him on his actions, Katie asked him: “What has Mummy just heard?”

He replied: “Smashing the TV.”

In the video, captioned “can’t believe he’s done this”, Katie then said: “You was going to college tomorrow to get some new meds [medication]. But now when are you going? You are going now.”

Harvey responded to the news and said: “Oh god!” Katie replied: “Because now Mummy’s got to get a new TV.”

Reflecting on the situation, Katie added: “Sad. You’ve been so good Harve.”

Harvey then apologised to his mum as he promised he “would not do it again”.

She said: “Hmm, well you’ve got to go to college now.”

He smashed up Katie’s TV (Credit: Snapchat)

Katie ‘so tired’ after incident

Katie then shared a follow-up video, captioned “send help”, showing her smashed TV.

“So it’s nearly half six in the morning I could hear banging, and Harvey decided to go for the TV,” she told her fans.

Looking at the TV, Katie added: “I can see the handprints there.”

Later on, Katie issued an update to her followers and said: “I’m knackered. I am so tired.”

She added: “JJ [Slater, her boyfriend] has taken Harvey back to college. I have come back to bed after clearing up all the mess in the kitchen. That boy is unbelievable and now I have to find another TV.”

Katie was forced to send Harvey back to college early (Credit: SplashNews.com)

What is Harvey Price diagnosed with?

Harvey has Prader-Willi syndrome, autism and septo-optic dysplasia.

He has battled with weight-related health issues his entire life. One symptom of his disability is that it causes Harvey to have an excessive appetite.

In April, Katie shared that he is dangerously close to suffering a heart attack after his weight soared to nearly 30 stone.

Speaking candidly on The Katie Price Show podcast with her sister Sophie, Katie was asked about her fears for the future.

Katie admitted: “Not knowing what will happen to Harvey next. He’s just under 30st and that’s huge,” she said.

“He’s on the verge of a heart attack. He won’t have a long life if he carries on putting more and more weight on. That’s obviously a massive worry for me. But we’re doing something about it with the doctors.”

Photo: © IMAGO

Max Verstappen’s sim racing team, Team Redline, have reportedly been disqualified from a major esports event after they were found to be using a loophole in the rulebook.

The reigning F1 champion’s Esports team were taking part in the virtual 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, with Verstappen joining the live stream of the event to answer questions from fans.

The Red Bull F1 star was not competing this time around at the iconic track despite achieving success there both virtually and in reality in the past.

Three GT3 cars were entered into the 2025 event for Team Redline who dominated qualifying at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The No. 71 Porsche of Gustavo Ariel, Enzo Bonito and Edoardo Leo took pole position with an 8:06.803, 0.149 seconds off the time of the No. 69 sister Porsche of Sam Kuitert, Luke McKeown and Cooper Webster.

Their No. 20 BMW was driven by Florian Lebigre, Chris Lulham and Diogo Pinto, who finished qualifying in seventh position.

Team Redline’s broadcast featured commentary from Luke Crane, who was joined by Verstappen, but things did not go to plan for his virtual outfit after critics quickly noticed them benefitting from an iRacing loophole.

Why was Verstappen’s Team Redline investigated?

Instead of starting from first, second and seventh on the grid after qualifying, Team Redline reset to the garage during their warm-up lap having gone out with as little fuel as possible and rain tyres despite dry conditions.

Upon returning to the garage, the team switched to slicks and filled up the tank, adjusting the ride height of their vehicle and handing them a significant advantage over their rivals.

Although the move is technically possible in iRacing, this strategy was not allowed during the 24-hour event and Team Redline’s exploitation of the loophole caught the attention of many on the live stream.

Following immediate complaints, the live stream ended and the three Team Redline cars were investigated by iRacing for allegedly violating two elements of the official sporting code.

Under article 8.1.1.4 (cheating), the code states: “Members may not cheat or otherwise engage in conduct deemed by iRacing to be in conflict with the spirit or intent of the Simulation or Sporting Code.”

Alongside this, the team were investigated for violating article 8.1.1.9 (nefarious tactics) which says: “Drivers may not use nefarious tactics to gain an advantage in Qualifying or Racing. iRacing.com will determine what constitutes an advantage.”

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Breakthrough: The Incredible Impact of the SF-25’s New Floor

After months of speculation and intrigue around Ferrari’s development program for 2025, the results are finally in—and they are nothing short of astonishing. Deep inside Maranello, surrounded by secrecy and eager anticipation, Ferrari engineers have unleashed a radical new floor for their SF-25 Formula 1 car. According to insiders, this single upgrade has delivered a transformative step that could change everything for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari in the season ahead.

The Quiet Revolution Beneath the Car

It’s no exaggeration to say that the floor of a Formula 1 car is its invisible powerhouse. Modern F1 floors are sculpted masterpieces designed to manage the airflow beneath the car, manipulating ground effect to generate massive downforce with minimal drag. For Ferrari, the original SF-25 floor had become both a performance bottleneck and a source of unpredictable handling—problematic for any driver, but especially for Hamilton, whose strength comes from his ability to drive on the limit with confidence.

After several unpublicized simulation runs, wind tunnel sessions, and clandestine on-track tests behind closed doors in Maranello, Ferrari’s engineering team pinpointed their weakness: turbulent airflow beneath the car was disrupting the rear diffuser and causing the kind of instability that plagued Hamilton’s first half of the season.

A Dramatic Redesign—And Shocking Early Results

The new floor, first tested in anger at the Red Bull Ring prior to the Austrian Grand Prix, has changed all that. Ferrari re-profiled the central Venturi tunnels, carefully contoured the floor edge, and revised the central keel. These updates have had a radical impact: airflow under the car is now far more stable, staying attached even during aggressive cornering and elevation changes that previously triggered mid-corner stalls.

When Charles Leclerc and a Ferrari junior driver completed their initial runs, the telemetry fed back into the Maranello factory triggered immediate excitement. The differences were described as “night and day”: the rear of the car felt significantly more planted, the nervousness that induced sudden grip loss was gone, and both drivers could attack apexes with newfound confidence.

Technical Insights: Why the New Floor Works

What makes this floor so special? It’s all about controlling the air:

Venturi Tunnel Redesign: The shape and geometry of the underfloor tunnels now allow smoother, faster airflow, which in turn generates more consistent ground effect downforce across a wider range of circuit types.
Diffuser Integration: The interaction between the diffuser and gearbox casing has been optimized, ensuring a more coherent exit flow from under the car. This has led to improved high-speed balance and stability under braking.
Thermal Benefits: Improved airflow has drastically reduced rear tire overheating, a persistent problem. Early data suggests tire wear is down by up to 17% per stint, fundamentally altering Ferrari’s race strategies.

The Hamilton Factor

Although Lewis Hamilton has yet to fully experience the new configuration in a Grand Prix weekend, every shred of feedback and every lap time improvement paints a clear picture: he is about to inherit a very different SF-25. Gone is the unpredictable, edgy machine that forced him to tiptoe into corners; in its place is a car that finally aligns with his natural, fluid driving style—precisely the condition under which Hamilton excels.

Engineers are whispering that Silverstone could see a pivotal moment for Hamilton. With confidence restored in the rear end, he can brake later, trail longer, and rotate the car precisely as he did in his dominant Mercedes years. For a driver who thrives on consistency and balance, this change is transformative.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Evidence from simulated race stints is compelling. Depending on tire compound and fuel load, lap times improved by 0.3 to 0.6 seconds over the previous specification. In the hyper-competitive world of modern Formula 1, that’s not just competitive—that’s championship challenging. Moreover, these gains have come without sacrificing reliability or cooling, both sensitive Ferrari concerns after recent publicized retirements.

Qualifying performance is expected to improve as well: the SF-25 can now run lower ride heights for more downforce, without destabilizing the rear. On tracks like Silverstone and Spa, where high-speed aerodynamic performance is king, that advantage could be critical.

Phase Two: The Suspension Upgrade

What’s even more exciting is that this is only the beginning. The new floor was specifically designed as a foundation for Ferrari’s upcoming rear suspension overhaul, set to debut at Silverstone. The new “no-roll” layout is expected to further stabilize the chassis through bumpy sections and quick direction changes—two areas where Hamilton previously lost time relative to rivals. When paired with the revised floor, the SF-25 will effectively become a B-spec car: reworked, reimagined, and race-ready.

A Shift in Mindset

Perhaps the most significant effect has been psychological. Hamilton, who has been patient and positive in the media despite frustrations behind the scenes, now feels a resurgence of hope. Morale in the garage is up; for the first time all season, a sense of belief permeates the team. The team isn’t just managing expectations—they’re openly talking about race wins and an assault on Red Bull and McLaren at the sharp end of the field.

The Road Ahead

If the data holds and the upgrades work together as intended, the narrative of Hamilton’s first year in Ferrari red will shift from “what might have been” to “what might be.” Where once the SF-25 was an unpredictable beast, it is now an aerodynamic weapon ready for a title fight. Other teams have been put on notice: Ferrari and Hamilton are back, and they’re coming for victories.

In Formula 1, revolutions sometimes start not with headlines, but with silent, surgical brilliance deep in the factory. For Maranello, the story of 2025 could be remembered not for its rocky start, but for the moment when a new floor—hidden beneath the car—transformed everything. And for Lewis Hamilton, it could be the spark that lights a new chapter in his legendary story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChlNmMSS7ro