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The New Generation of Formula 1 Drivers: Breaking from Fame, Not Speed

Formula 1 has long been a crucible of speed, skill, and intense competition. But the newest generation of drivers isn’t just breaking records on the track—they’re breaking from the very nature of fame itself. In today’s F1 world, the spotlight no longer shines only on racing glory. Instead, it glares with the relentless pressure of constant surveillance, digital abuse, and psychological strain. And according to Lewis Hamilton, one of the sport’s greatest, it’s not the cars destroying drivers anymore—it’s the crowd.

The Dark Side of Digital Fame

In the past, fame in Formula 1 meant adulation from fans, headlines about race wins, and the occasional scandal that faded with time. Now, drivers live under a microscope 24/7. Social media has transformed fandom into something far more invasive and unforgiving. For rising stars like Jack Doohan, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alex Dunne, this change has been brutal.

Jack Doohan’s story is a stark example. After being dropped by Alpine and replaced by Franco Colapinto, Doohan became the target of vicious online mockery. The abuse wasn’t just about his racing performance; it extended to his family, with doctored images of his father—MotoGP legend Mick Doohan—circulating with sarcastic captions. Jack’s plea for the harassment to stop highlights the new reality: online abuse is no longer background noise but a force with real, damaging impact.

Yuki Tsunoda, once a fan favorite, has faced public vilification over minor incidents on track. His calm request for fans to direct their energy more positively underlines the desperation behind the smile. Meanwhile, Alex Dunne, a teenager in Formula 2, was forced to delete social media entirely after a crash at Monaco triggered an onslaught of cruelty. What should have been constructive criticism morphed into personal attacks that left him retreating from the world he loves.

Lewis Hamilton’s Warning: The Crowd Is Crushing Drivers

Lewis Hamilton, with his seven World Championships and unparalleled experience, is sounding the alarm. He acknowledges the evolution of pressure in Formula 1. “When I got into the sport, it felt like being thrown into the deep end… but at least there wasn’t the online stuff you could see,” Hamilton explains. The mental strain of today’s drivers extends far beyond the race weekend—into their hotel rooms, their homes, their private lives.

The schedule itself compounds the problem: a 24-race calendar, relentless travel, and media obligations leave little time to breathe. “There are probably even more demands on drivers today—outside the car—than ever before,” Hamilton says. The challenge is no longer just physical stamina; it’s psychological resilience against an audience that feels entitled to every moment, every emotion, every mistake.

This relentless scrutiny can break even the fastest and most talented. Yet the sport often dismisses this as “part of the job.” Hamilton, however, insists it is not sustainable and calls on the community to recognize the human toll behind the glamour.

Formula 1’s Transformation into a Content Machine

The sport has evolved—or devolved—into a content machine, where perfection is demanded at all times, and the cost of failure is harsh judgment. Fans crave “raw personalities” but punish every authentic moment. Yuki Tsunoda’s radio outburst is labeled immature, Jack Doohan’s family gets mocked, and Alex Dunne’s mistakes lead to merciless hate. This is not passion; it’s rot.

Unless fans, teams, and organizers change how they engage with drivers, the sport risks alienating the very talents it needs. Hamilton warns that the next generation may not quit out of fear of speed—but fear of the crowd.

The Quiet Shift in F1 Leadership

Beyond the drivers, Formula 1 is undergoing a subtle but seismic shift in leadership. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s principal, highlights a fundamental change in the sport’s culture. When he entered F1, it was dominated by larger-than-life figures like Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Frank Williams, and Flavio Briatore—entrepreneurs who built their empires with grit, vision, and sometimes ruthless tactics.

Today, many team principals are career managers—safe, polished, corporate executives who represent brands more than embody them. While some, like Toto Wolff, still own stakes and show fierce competitiveness, many others function as controlled assets, focused on keeping shareholders happy rather than breaking new ground.

Horner’s critique is clear: championships aren’t won by safe hands but by those willing to take risks and challenge conventions. Yet the political landscape of modern F1 means much of the real racing happens off the track—in boardrooms, committees, and media negotiations.

The Red Bull Power Shift: Vettel’s Next Chapter

Amid this evolving landscape, an intriguing development is unfolding within Red Bull Racing. Sebastian Vettel, four-time World Champion and central figure of Red Bull’s first dynasty, appears poised for a new role that could reshape the sport’s future.

Though Vettel retired from racing in 2022, whispers now suggest he’s in talks with Red Bull about a leadership position, potentially succeeding the legendary Helmut Marko. Marko has long been the hard-nosed architect of Red Bull’s driver development, responsible for building the pipeline that produced Max Verstappen and others. His ruthless approach has also seen mid-season cuts and tough decisions, making him one of the most influential figures behind the scenes.

Vettel represents a potential evolution of that role. Unlike Marko’s fear-driven style, Vettel brings a diplomatic, modern approach—one focused on resilience and humanity alongside ruthlessness and speed. Red Bull’s current culture, feared but not respected by many, desperately needs this balance to survive mounting challenges.

The timing is critical. With Verstappen’s dominance still intact but the team’s ecosystem shifting—losing Sergio Perez, juggling a revolving door of second drivers, and facing stronger competition—Red Bull needs a leader who understands both the chaos of youth development and the intricate politics of today’s F1 paddock.

What This Means for the Future of F1

Formula 1 is at a crossroads. The new generation of drivers battles not just rivals on track but a toxic culture of surveillance and abuse fueled by social media and relentless public scrutiny. Meanwhile, the leadership that once drove innovation and passion is giving way to corporate management, risking the sport’s soul.

Yet there’s hope in the emergence of figures like Sebastian Vettel, who might bridge the gap between old-school tenacity and modern empathy. If Vettel’s quiet takeover of Red Bull’s driver program succeeds, it could herald a new era where talent is nurtured with care, resilience is valued alongside speed, and the sport remembers that behind every helmet is a human being.

But if the current trends continue unchecked—if fans don’t rethink their relationship with drivers, and if the sport prioritizes optics over authenticity—the cost could be steep. The next generation of champions may walk away, not from fear of speed, but from fear of the crowd.

Conclusion

Formula 1’s greatest challenge today isn’t the technical arms race or the speed of the cars—it’s preserving the humanity of the sport. The new generation of drivers is breaking from fame’s old trappings, facing a new kind of pressure fueled by online abuse and relentless scrutiny. Lewis Hamilton’s warnings are a wake-up call: the sport must change before it breaks its brightest stars.

At the same time, leadership is shifting. The sport risks losing the fiery entrepreneurs who built it in favor of managers who maintain rather than innovate. Yet, the quiet rise of Sebastian Vettel behind the scenes may offer a path forward—one that balances ruthlessness with respect, and tradition with transformation.

Formula 1’s future depends on how it reconciles these forces. Because in the end, the fastest cars mean nothing without the humans brave enough to race them—and the fans wise enough to support them.

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Red Bull protested George Russell’s victory at the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks ago and now the Mercedes driver is advocating for an increased fee to lodge such complaints

George Russell believes more can be done to stop frivolous post-race protests in F1(Image: AP)

George Russell believes Formula 1 teams should have to put up a significant amount of money to protests the result of a race, to deter them from attempting long-shot appeals. It comes after the Brit’s victory at the Canadian Grand Prix was protested after the race by Red Bull.

Max Verstappen finished second and had complained over the radio about how Russell was driving behind the safety car in the final few laps. His Red Bull team decided to escalate that and accused the Mercedes racer of “erratic” driving which they felt warranted a penalty.

After a lengthy investigation which left the race result in doubt for more than five hours, the stewards rejected the complaints. The result of the race was made official and Red Bull lost the money that they had to put up in order to make that appeal – all £1,700 of it.

For a company the size of Red Bull Racing, such an amount is a mere drop in the ocean. And Russell pointed that out as he suggested teams should have to put a six-figure sum on the line if they want to make an official protest, in order to deter any nuisance complaints.

Asked if he felt an increased fee would have that effect, he replied: “Yeah, 100 percent. When you look at the financial penalties for using swear words in the heat of the moment, or touching a rear wing, €2,000 for a team making nine-figure profits is not even going to touch the side.

“It’s not even going to be thought about, so yeah, potentially, if it was a six-figure sum to be put down, maybe they would think twice about it. You do get your money back if you win a protest, so it’s basically your own risk. At the moment, €2,000 for a Formula 1 team is not even a consideration.”

Speaking the day after the Montreal race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said he had “absolutely no regrets” about the decision to launch the appeal, pointing out that they had the right to submit the protest and so “that’s what we chose to do”.

Verstappen wasn’t willing to comment on the situation, when asked about it in Austria on Thursday, other than to say: “I think everything has been said about Montreal. I have nothing to add from that race. It doesn’t help anything to keep talking about it.”

Russell absolved his rival of any blame for the frivolous complaint and said: “It was nothing, and it all came from Red Bull, as opposed to Max – I don’t think he was even aware of the protest.

“It was pretty clear there wasn’t going to be any penalty. My personal view is that they wanted to go and be offensive to protect Max in case he got a penalty for going ahead of me during the Safety Car incident. My personal view is that it was just a bit of a faff and not really necessary.”

Formula 1 Mid-Season Analysis: Penalties, Progress, and Performance Upgrades Ahead of Austria GP

As the 2025 Formula 1 season barrels toward its mid-point, tension is rising both on and off the track. With key championship contenders walking a fine line on penalties, teams refining their machines, and drivers battling for supremacy, the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix promises to deliver action and intrigue.

Penalty Points and the Raceband Threat

One of the most pressing issues heading into the Red Bull Ring concerns the penalty point system, particularly surrounding Max Verstappen. The reigning world champion is dangerously close to accumulating a race ban, with just one more penalty point away from a mandatory suspension for a race weekend. Given his dominant form and competitive spirit, Verstappen will undoubtedly seek to avoid such a setback, especially with Silverstone, a historically fruitful venue for him, looming shortly after Austria.

Max’s key rival, George Russell, is meanwhile riding a wave of momentum. After a stunning performance at Montreal, Russell has demonstrated his capacity to challenge the Red Bull ace, suggesting the title fight remains wide open.

McLaren’s Driver Duel: Norris vs Piastri

McLaren’s intra-team dynamics have also become a hot topic this season. Oscar Piastri, now in his second full season, has surged in form, appearing on the Q3 grid more consistently than his teammate Lando Norris. Out of the 10 rounds so far, Piastri has made Q3 appearances in nearly every session, whereas Norris has struggled to replicate the same pace.

The Canadian Grand Prix incident between Norris and Piastri brought added scrutiny to their relationship. Piastri was involved in a collision where he was hit from behind by Norris, yet both drivers remain focused on their championship ambitions. Piastri acknowledges the clash was “not ideal” but emphasizes that racing between teammates remains fair game so long as the constructors’ championship is secured—a target McLaren confidently claims to have achieved.

Carlos Sainz, who has observed the situation, has noted Norris’s current lack of confidence in the car compared to previous seasons. This psychological edge has seemingly played into Piastri’s hands, allowing him to capitalize when Norris has struggled.

It’s clear that this is not simply a story of Piastri’s improvement, but also Norris experiencing a performance dip. This shift has come somewhat unexpectedly, defying earlier season predictions. Yet, the battle remains dynamic, with hope still alive for Norris to rediscover his form in the closing half of the season.

Ferrari’s Technical Gamble: The SF25 Floor and Rear Suspension Updates

While the McLaren story unfolds, Ferrari faces its own technical challenges. The Scuderia is pushing a significant upgrade package at Austria, featuring a new floor design aimed at improving qualifying performance—a key weakness for the SF25 thus far.

The floor update is part of a larger development plan, which includes anticipated rear suspension changes slated for later in the season, possibly debuting at Silverstone or even Spa-Francorchamps. The floor changes are subtle but crucial, targeting better aerodynamic efficiency and more consistent cornering behavior.

Key modifications include a more rounded vertical element in the Venturi channel entrances and a redesigned flow deviator on the floor side, now with a wavier shape aimed at energizing airflow beneath the car. Although the famous floor edge remains unchanged, refinements to vortex generators and diffuser components have been introduced to increase downforce and stability.

Ferrari’s engineers have been painstakingly adjusting these elements since early in the season, responding to data from races like Bahrain and China. The goal is to provide Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz with a platform that can deliver a stronger qualifying performance—vital in the current era where track position is often decisive due to the difficulty of overtaking in dirty air.

The Qualifying Championship of 2025

One of the defining themes of the 2025 season has been the growing importance of qualifying. With the aerodynamic regulations making it tough to follow closely and overtake, starting position has become paramount. Drivers like Verstappen, Russell, and Leclerc have demonstrated that a strong qualifying can translate directly into race wins or podiums.

Ferrari’s update package at Austria is explicitly aimed at closing the gap to Red Bull and Mercedes in qualifying trim. Their previous car, the SF24, was known for its raw race pace but was compromised by tire wear and qualifying struggles. The SF25 aims to strike a better balance, and the new floor upgrade is a crucial first step.

Mercedes, meanwhile, are relying on their usual consistency and Hamilton’s experience to keep the pressure on, especially at tracks like Silverstone where Lewis Hamilton has historically been formidable.

Looking Ahead: Austria, Silverstone, and Beyond

The Austrian GP weekend schedule is set with practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday afternoon, and the race Sunday afternoon local time. The Red Bull Ring, known for its mix of high-speed straights and challenging corners, is a venue where aerodynamic efficiency and power unit performance are tested thoroughly.

Following Austria, Silverstone looms as a crucial round—especially for Verstappen to protect his penalty point tally and for Hamilton to extend his remarkable podium streak at his home race.

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s development race will continue, with the rear suspension upgrade expected sometime between Silverstone and Spa. This means that Ferrari’s title challenge, although currently out of reach this season, may gain momentum as 2025 progresses.

Even with the championship seemingly sealed in the constructors’ battle, the drivers’ fight remains tantalizingly open, with multiple storylines—McLaren’s internal rivalry, Verstappen’s push to avoid penalties, Ferrari’s technical renaissance—poised to shape the next chapter of this intense season.

Conclusion

As the F1 circus heads to Austria, the drama extends beyond the track. Penalty points hang over championship hopefuls, McLaren’s teammates jockey for supremacy, and Ferrari fights to regain qualifying strength through subtle but important technical upgrades.

With qualifying increasingly decisive in 2025, and mid-season upgrades influencing race results, every detail matters. The next few races could prove pivotal in shaping the championship narrative — and fans will be watching closely to see which teams and drivers rise to the occasion.

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F1: The Movie is out now in cinemas but without a scene including Brad Pitt and Max Verstappen, which the Red Bull Formula 1 star reportedly refused to take part in

Lewis Hamilton helped produce the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris(Image: WireImage)

Max Verstappen is said to have refused to film a scene with Brad Pitt for the new Formula 1 movie. Out now in UK cinemas, the movie years in the making was largely filmed at real-life F1 events which means a plethora of drivers, including Verstappen, make cameo appearances.

That includes one scene which was heavily used in marketing materials for the film which shows Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, line up for the national anthem at the British Grand Prix. In the same shot is Verstappen, along with several other drivers, in a scene filmed at the 2023 Silverstone race.

But Verstappen has been among the least enthusiastic of the drivers about their participation in the making of the Hollywood blockbuster. That has become clear by his unwillingness to change his travel plans in recent weeks to help the promotion of the movie.

The Dutchman declined an invitation to a special screening of the film in Monaco last month, choosing instead to stay at home and take part in an online sim race. Explaining why, he later said: “I told Formula One Management way in advance that I would not be there that evening. They knew about that.”

Verstappen, a new father to infant daughter Lily, added: “I just wanted to spend more time at home. It wasn’t a mandatory event either, it was just my private time. And I prefer to spend that private time at home, especially because in Formula 1 you’re away from home so much already.

“Wanting to spend more time at home on days like that is pretty normal, I think. Now that the family is growing, then I definitely prefer to spend more time at home.”

Verstappen also decided against jetting to New York City on the Monday after the Canadian Grand Prix, for the global premiere of the film in Times Square. He was also absent from the European premiere in Leicester Square on Monday this week, though most other drivers also did not attend that event.

But the Red Bull racer’s apathy towards the projects seems to have been on full display at a much earlier point in the process. It seems he declined the chance to get more involved in the filming of the movie after its writers had come up with a scene giving the four-time F1 champion more time in the spotlight.

According to The Telegraph, Verstappen “apparently declined to film an extra nightclub scene with Brad Pitt”. It is unclear how long the scene would have been or how much extra screen time it would have given the Dutchman but, clearly, it wasn’t something that piqued his interest.

While most drivers were in the background of the movie, a couple of them did agree to play slightly bigger parts. Lewis Hamilton is the most obvious having been an executive producer, helping film-makers with the authenticity aspect of the film, while Fernando Alonso spent time filming a scene in the media pen where he interacts with Pitt’s character.

A tense moment in the FIA press conference before the Austrian Grand Prix weekend saw Max Verstappen voice his frustration at one particular line of questioning

Max Verstappen was in no mood for one question in particular(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Safe to say Max Verstappen is well and truly fed up of questions about his Formula 1 penalty points situation. He made as much very clear as he snapped at a question in the FIA press conference held on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

He heads into the Spielberg race still very much walking a disciplinary tightrope. He has 11 penalty points to his licence and one more picked up this weekend will see him reach the dozen needed in a 12-month period to trigger an automatic race ban.

Verstappen was in the same situation a fortnight ago in Canada and reacted badly to being questioned about it. In Montreal, he said he was “p***ed off” with people asking him about it and said it was “childish” to keep bringing the subject up.

But it arose again on Thursday as Verstappen took part in the media day press conference and immediately voiced his continues frustration over the line of questioning. It first came up when he was asked if it would change his approach to racing at the Red Bull Ring.

In response, the four-time F1 champion fumed: “You’re joking… Is this like a trap? I’m getting this question every single time, every weekend. Sorry, this is the last one. I have nothing to add.”

If he were to pick up another penalty point in Austria, then Verstappen would be banned for next weekend’s British Grand Prix. If he manages to keep his nose clean, then he will earn a little breathing space with two of his current points set to expire next week, prior to the Silverstone event.

But that question about his penalty situation was not the only thing that seemed to irritate Verstappen in a tense press conference. Another topic that seemed to get on his nerves was his long-term future, amid never-ending speculation that he might choose to walk away from Red Bull if they fall completely away from contention at the very front of the grid.

He has been regularly linked with the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes, despite having a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 campaign. And on Thursday he waved away another question about that subject with another blunt response.

He said: “Oh, I’ve had that question before as well in my life… You want me to repeat what I said last year? I don’t even remember what I said last year, really. It’s just driving on, trying to push the performance and then we focus on next year.”

Championship leaders McLaren come into Red Bull’s home race as the favourites for victory and Verstappen said of his chances: “We’ve had a lot of great races here… also unexpected wins. I’m here to do the best I can and, of course, I hope to be on the podium.”

Lance Stroll: The End of the Road at Aston Martin?

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where milliseconds can define legacies and driver contracts can hinge on a single race, few figures are more polarizing than Lance Stroll. The Canadian driver, son of Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll, has long drawn criticism for his continued presence in F1 — not necessarily due to talent or lack thereof, but due to what many see as the protective bubble around him, fueled by nepotism and a seemingly unshakable seat at Aston Martin.

As the team gears up for the seismic changes arriving in 2026 — with Honda supplying engines and Adrian Newey rumored to join the fold — the question now being asked louder than ever is: Can Aston Martin afford to keep Lance Stroll in the cockpit?

The Growing Firestorm Around Lance Stroll

Criticism of Stroll has never been subtle. From F1 fans to seasoned pundits to former drivers, many are questioning how long the team can justify his spot on the grid. The issue isn’t just performance — although that’s a significant part of the discussion — but a combination of attitude, public engagement, and what some see as an indifference to the responsibilities that come with being an F1 driver.

In press conferences, Stroll has often appeared disengaged. A recent example in Canada saw him dodge questions about his physical condition, citing medical privacy, while giving journalists monosyllabic answers. According to Sport Bild, his average of just 3.72 words per answer during that weekend left reporters visibly frustrated. This passive disinterest doesn’t help a driver already under a microscope, especially when the pressure on the team is mounting.

A Team with Big Aspirations

Aston Martin has rapidly transitioned from a midfield presence to a team with front-running ambitions. With Fernando Alonso leading the charge and outperforming Stroll week after week — despite being in the twilight of his career — there’s a growing belief that the team is being held back by the number two driver. In Barcelona, for instance, Stroll’s failure to escape Q2 with a half-second deficit to Alonso was a stark reminder of his underperformance.

This wasn’t an isolated incident either. In Qatar 2023, after a similar underwhelming qualifying session, Stroll was caught on camera physically pushing his trainer in frustration. It was a moment of raw emotion, but one that many interpreted as an entitled tantrum from a driver whose seat is all but guaranteed, regardless of performance.

The Nepotism Factor

At the center of the controversy is Lawrence Stroll, team owner and father of Lance. While it’s not uncommon for F1 teams to show loyalty to certain drivers, the Stroll-Stroll dynamic is a rare and complex case. As long as Lawrence controls the team, many believe that Lance’s seat is secure, irrespective of results.

Former driver Timo Glock summed it up well, stating: “If you look at Stroll’s record in qualifying duels, he’s never had the upper hand… Over the course of a whole year, he’s simply too far behind.” Glock went on to say he wouldn’t retain Lance for 2026 under any circumstances — a sentiment echoed by others in the paddock.

The Impending Shift: 2026 and Beyond

The 2026 season is shaping up to be a reset button for F1. New regulations, engine suppliers, and technical partnerships are on the horizon. Aston Martin is positioning itself as a major player, especially with the involvement of Honda and potentially Newey — the architect of Red Bull’s recent dominance.

But these ambitious plans come with expectations. Honda, in particular, has made it clear that they want to be part of the driver conversation. Their influence in the Red Bull driver program is well-documented, and if they have similar leverage at Aston Martin, changes could be forced. Yuki Tsunoda, a Honda protégé, may not be a sure bet, but Honda’s say in the matter could shift dynamics quickly.

Max Verstappen’s name also floats around as a potential long-shot target for Aston. While his commitment to Red Bull is firm for now, changes in team dynamics and dissatisfaction with Red Bull’s form could open the door. And if Aston Martin gets serious about courting Verstappen or even George Russell, then tough questions about Lance’s position will inevitably follow.

Internal Discord and Low Morale

Perhaps the most worrying sign for Aston Martin isn’t just the numbers — it’s the vibe inside the garage. While Alonso remains upbeat and enthusiastic about upgrades and team direction, Stroll’s comments paint a different picture. After a recent race, he bluntly stated that he felt “slow” and had no confidence the situation would improve. In a sport driven by marginal gains and relentless optimism, that kind of mindset is toxic.

These morale issues become even more pressing when paired with underwhelming performance and a poor media presence. Sponsors, fans, and manufacturers alike want a driver who elevates the brand. Right now, Alonso checks all those boxes. Lance does not.

What Comes Next?

Realistically, unless Lawrence Stroll decides to put the team ahead of his son, Lance Stroll’s position at Aston Martin remains secure. But the external pressure is growing — and fast. Honda’s expectations, the technical overhaul, and the increasingly competitive driver market all point toward an eventual reckoning.

If Aston Martin truly wants to fight for championships, they need two consistently competitive drivers. Keeping a second seat locked down by a driver who is inconsistent, emotionally volatile, and lacking media charisma is a liability.

Even if Lance shows flashes of pace — and he has, at times — the modern F1 landscape demands more. Teams can’t afford passengers, especially when the difference between victory and mediocrity can be as small as a tenth of a second.

Conclusion: A Fork in the Road

The future of Lance Stroll in Formula 1 hangs in the balance. While his father’s backing has kept him afloat for years, the tide is turning. Aston Martin is no longer content being a mid-pack team. Their sights are set on the very top. And to get there, they’ll need every possible edge — including a driver lineup that strikes fear into the competition.

If Lance can turn things around, embrace the challenge, and improve his performances both on and off the track, there’s still a seat for him in F1. But if not, Aston Martin may have no choice but to move on — family ties or not.

What do you think? Is it time for Aston Martin to make the tough call, or does Lance still deserve a place on the grid? Let us know.

Full Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxL55c_b-fA

‘It still brings me to tears’

Carol Vorderman has issued a heartfelt tribute to her late “TV husband” Richard Whiteley on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Countdown legend Richard died in June 2005 at the age of 61. Carol appeared on the long-running Channel 4 show alongside Richard from 1982 until his death. Richard was the host and Carol the resident mathematician.

And this week, Carol paid tribute to Richard as she looked back on their two-decade friendship.

Richard died 20 years ago (Credit: Shutterstock)

Carol Vorderman on ‘wonderful’ Richard Whiteley

On Thursday (June 26), Carol took to her Instagram and paid tribute to her late pal Richard Whiteley.

The I’m A Celeb star uploaded several photos of the pair over the years, and in the caption, she described the photo.

“RICHARD WHITELEY DIED 20 YEARS AGO TODAY,” Carol began her lengthy post. She added: “The funny, wonderful, party animal, loving, nonsensical “TV husband” of mine for 23 years.

“I thought it would be nice to see some hairstyles and jokes, but they are a tiny part of the job all of us Countdowners (including everyone who watched) shared over the many years.”

Carol Vorderman issues heartbreaking tribute

Describing each photo, Carol Vorderman said: “1. Hairstyles!! 2. FIRST Countdown – the first show ever on Channel 4. Millions tuned in for the start of this new channel (a huge event in 1982). We made TV history. Then the next day we made history for a second time as we had the highest % ever who switched us off! We laughed about it for years.

“3. Richard with me (just numbers back then) and Kathy Hytner (who did the letters) back in the early 1980s. Countdown became Channel 4’s biggest show across all of the network for years. We recorded it at Yorkshire TV in Leeds (I lived in Leeds) so it had that Northern mischief. We loved everyone who came to be in audience.

Carol continued: “4. Lovely. 5. Richard, me 8 months pregnant (1990s), with Terry Wogan and Ken Bruce. 6. Cover of SAGA magazine – cuddling away as ever. 7. Dick’s favourite joke. 8. Part two of THAT joke. 9. Christmas show where he wore a tie with the word COUNTDOWN painted down it… nobody noticed in recording BUT the day after it went out he was front page of the newspapers. Richard sat behind the desk and the DOWN bit of the tie disappeared. He’d covered the letter O in COUNT with his microphone. Leaving [explicit] visible for the whole happy Christmas show. OMG.”

Carol reflected on her time with her late pal (Credit: ITV)

‘It still brings me to tears’

Carol also shared snaps of Richard’s later years.

She wrote: “10. Our last time together at the British Book Awards just 2 months before he died. If only we’d known. 11. Richard’s last 60 seconds on Countdown before he suddenly fell ill.

“Richard’s memorial filled York Minster, with thousands watching outside too. People had travelled from all over the UK to pay their respects – he was so well loved.”

Finishing off the emotional post, Carol said: “I grieved heavily for him. It still brings me to tears and laughter whenever I think of him. I changed my life after that, not caring so much for telly as nothing would ever feel that good.

“Through marriages, divorces, pregnancies, laughter and tears… and I would not change any moment of our time together for all the world. Thanks Whiters, I still love you xx.”

Someone’s out to get Gary

Coronation Street has confirmed that missing Gary Windass is in hospital and is now in a coma following an attack.

With Maria and Liam Connor concerned for Gary’s whereabouts, they’re right to be worried.

Tomorrow’s episode (Friday, June 27) will show an unconscious Gary lying in hospital after a mystery attack.

Gary’s in a bad way (Credit: ITV

Coronation Street confirms Gary Windass hospital fate

After Lou’s blackmail, Gary packed his bags and told Maria that he was off to stay at his mum’s for a few nights. However, with Gary not even returning home for Liam’s birthday, his family are concerned.

They have no idea that he’s lying in a coma in hospital, with these scenes airing tomorrow. This episode will be first available from 7am on ITVX.

Maria then decides to report Gary as a missing person to Kit Green as she finds out there’s an unidentified coma patient, fearing it’s him.

Gary’s attacker goes to deep lengths to cover up their crime, even changing his name and claiming to be his next of kin.

With Kit telling Maria that the person in the coma isn’t Gary, the investigation continues as Gary’s condition worsens.

Scenes will then reveal what led to Gary’s attack and who was involved…

Samia has teased what’s to come (Credit: ITV)

Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon teases what’s to come for Maria and Gary

Speaking about what’s to come as Maria finds out that Gary’s been attacked, Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon teased: “Maria and Gary are going through a bit of a rough patch at the minute and initially she’s upset that he’s left but doesn’t think too much into it. As soon as Gary misses Liam’s birthday, she has a gut feeling that something isn’t right and fears something awful might have happened to him.

“Maria’s mind is spiralling, but she doesn’t stop for a second to think who actually attacked Gary, she’s aware he has a lot of enemies from over the years who could have potentially wanted to take revenge on him.”

But, who attacked Gary? And, what was the reason behind it?

The pair have been together for years

Rochelle and Marvin Humes are one of the UK’s beloved showbiz couples – but their love story hasn’t always been a walk in the park.

The iconic TV couple – who host The Hit List together – first got together back in 2010 and tied the knot in 2012.  Since then the JLS singer and Saturdays star have welcomed three beautiful children together – Alaia-Mai, Valentina and Blake.

But when did they first split up? And what exactly happened when Rochelle suffered a ‘sex mishap’? Keep reading to find out…

The pair are a beloved showbiz couple (Credit: SplashNews.com

Marvin and Rochelle Humes’ shock split

Marvin – on ITV’s DNA Journey tonight (June 26) – and Rochelle first struck up a romance in 2010.  However, a year into dating and Marvin called it quits with Ninja Warrior host Rochelle.

Speaking to Tolly T on Bumble’s podcast My Love Is…, Marvin revealed he originally ended things after he got cold feet.

He confessed: “We had a little split about a year in. It was my doing. You know what the weirdest thing is I got cold feet for some reason and just panicked.

“I called it off with Roch and when I did that, I knew that second it was the biggest mistake I’ve made,” he added.

When asked why, he said: “I was in a relationship previously, but what I learned in that relationship was it went on too long and I didn’t have the balls to call it off and I was quite young.”

Marvin noted how this had the “reverse effect” when it came to Rochelle. He explained: “When I was with Roch, I just panicked and was like, I wanna call it off. When I did it I knew I was making a mistake. Broke Rochelle’s heart.”

The couple have gone from strength to strength (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Rochelle Humes admits ‘lack of intimacy’

In 2013, Rochelle and Marvin welcomed their first daughter, Alaia-Mai. However, it wasn’t all easy as Rochelle previously confessed it played havoc with her emotions and sex life too.

She told Cosmopolitan in 2014: “I’m not too proud to admit that having a child affects the intimacy in a relationship at first.

“I hate it when you hear people say they were at it again days later. I don’t believe it!” Rochelle continued: “For the first few months, you’re so tired you just want to go to bed, I was so emotional.

“One day, Marvin asked me what I wanted for breakfast and even that set me off. I just wailed ‘cereal’ across the house. We still joke about it now!”

The pair have been together for years (Credit: ITV)

Truth about Marvin and Rochelle’s sex mishap

Back in 2013, Rochelle got plenty of people talking when she admitted that she was forced to dash to A&E after sustaining an eye injury during ‘cuddles’ with Marv.

The singer let the revelation slip during a game of Never Have I Ever on Capital’s breakfast show a few years back, appearing with her The Saturday’s bandmates.

When the presenters of the time raised the topic “Never have I ever sustained an injury during special cuddles”, Rochelle replied: “I have!” While the blushing singer didn’t elaborate any further on the story, her bandmates were fast to fill in a few gaps.

“Rochelle went to A&E over this,” Una Healy piped up.

“I remember her calling me about this and I was like: ‘How do I know what to do?’” Mollie King added.

However, when the presenters at the time, Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon, tried to get Rochelle to spill the tea, the singer went very quiet. Keen to know more, Dave tried to put words into Rochelle’s mouth.

“You’re telling me our friend, DJ Marvin Humes, has injured my second favourite member of the Saturdays? Was it a household object?” he asked.

A little rattled, Rochelle replied: “Certainly not.” But that stern reply didn’t put the nosy presenters off trying to dig deeper. “Was it something you bought in an adult shop?” Lisa Snowdon probed. “Did you pull a muscle or is it much worse?”

Eventually, Rochelle finally revealed that she had injured her eye during her romantic tussle.

Marv sets record straight

However, it wasn’t just Rochelle who was left blushing. So too was Marv – who seemed rather taken aback about the revelation.

In an interview that followed, he played down the whole affair, admitting the ‘sex’ mishap was not true… “It’s 150% not true.”

Speaking at the time, he said: “It just came out of nowhere. It was all a bit of friendly banter between the girls. They made something up and then it all just escalated and got out of hand. As I said, it’s not true at all.”

He added that he had been left cringing by the exchange on the breakfast show and laughed it off, admitting: “It’s just one of those things. But you have to be careful what you say because people will believe everything.”

She revealed the rule she and her JLS star husband Marvin stick to at home (Credit: ITV)

Rochelle’s strict rule

Talking to Closer in October, Rochelle opened up about how she and Marvin try to maintain a healthy work/life balance. “We try to set boundaries, and we make sure that we don’t talk shop at home once we’re all done for the day,” Rochelle said.

She went on: “We’ll let that roll into tomorrow. I think it’s important to protect it. If it all rolls into one, then we’ll be up working on something all the time. At least by five o’clock, by the time kids are having dinner, we’ll make sure that work questions are done.”

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have continued to support each other amid rumours of a rift in his family, with him paying tribute to her once again in a recent post

Brooklyn Beckham paid tribute to his wife Nicola Peltz in a post shared with fans this week(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

There’s been a further tribute to Nicola Peltz from her husband Brooklyn Beckham following a special occasion earlier this week. It comes amid the couple attracting much attention over the rumoured rift in the Beckham family.

Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 30, have made headlines in recent weeks over speculation of a ‘feud’ with his family, including his parents David Beckham, 50, and Victoria Beckham, 51. The couple, who have now been married for three years, have continued to publicly support each other throughout.

Earlier today, Brooklyn shared a photo of himself and wife Nicola with his followers on Instagram. The photo showed actor Nicola leaning against her husband, who appeared to pay tribute to his wife in the accompanying caption.

Expressing his love for Nicola, whom he tagged, Brooklyn teased in the caption that she’s his world. He wrote “my” alongside an emoji depicting the globe. Beside a heart emoji, he also commented over the photo: “My absolute angel.”

Brooklyn Beckham (right) paid tribute to his wife Nicola Peltz (left) in a post this week(Image: Brooklyn Beckham/Instagram)

Just hours later, Brooklyn shared a message for David’s mother Sandra Beckham. He marked his grandmother’s birthday with a post that included a photo of him beside her. Brooklyn wrote: “Happy birthday nanny xx love you so much.”

It’s said to have marked him reaching out for the first time to his family on social media. It was reported earlier that it’s thought to be the first time he’s publicly acknowledged his family amid the speculation of tension among them.

Despite the attention on them, it’s been reported that Brooklyn and Nicola are “solid” in their marriage. The couple have paid tribute to each other on social media in recent months, having most recently done so just days ago.

Brooklyn celebrated the anniversary of his proposal to Nicola in a post on Instagram earlier this week. They got engaged in 2020 and later tied the knot two years later in a star-studded wedding ceremony that was held in the US.

Alongside a selfie of them, he wrote to his wife: “It’s been 5 years since I asked this beautiful woman to marry me.” He continued in the post: “Best decision ever.” Brooklyn concluded by writing to Nicola: “I love you so much.”

The couple have continued to support each other amid rumours of tension with his parents David Beckham (left) and Victoria Beckham (centre)(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hugo Boss)

Nicola also marked the occasion on her page. She wrote in a message for her husband: “5 years ago we got engaged. I love living life with you baby.” She concluded by writing in her post just a few days ago: “I loveee you so muchhh.”

Although met with support, the couple also received negative responses at the time. A source however suggested to the Mirror that Brooklyn and Nicola are stronger than ever, adding that they are “enjoying their lives together”.

The source told us earlier this week: “For every unkind comment, there are just as many full of love, but people so often choose to dwell on the negative. Brooklyn and Nicola are solid, and the idea that a heartfelt anniversary post warrants this level of scrutiny is frankly a bit ridiculous.”

They added: “It’s disheartening to see so much energy spent trying to tear down a young couple simply enjoying their lives together. They want no part in the public’s narrative.”