Philippa Kaur

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    F1 champion Max Verstappen tells Lando Norris why he’s failing to keep up with Oscar Piastri in McLaren title race

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has weighed in on the struggles of title rival Lando Norris compared to his McLaren team-mate so far this season.The Brit was favourite to end Verstappen’s four-year winning streak, but so far he has been pipped by the less experienced Oscar Piastri.Max Verstappen has offered some words to title rival Lando NorrisThe Dutchman told Norris to find some consistency or risk missing out on the title to PiastriNorris, 25, won the first race of the year in Melbourne to underline why he was the bookies’ top billing in the lightning quick MCL39.But he has yet to take another Grand Prix victory since, with Piastri winning four of the last five rounds to move 16 points ahead in the standings.And Verstappen has offered some words of wisdom for Norris ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.The four-time world champ, 27, told The Telegraph: “Honestly, I think both of them are very good. READ MORE F1″Lando, I think, has the pace. It just hasn’t really come out yet over a sustained period of time. “But I think it’s still going to be a tight championship for them. I don’t know where I’m going to be. “I’m just trying to maximise every result. At the end of the day, we can’t rely on them to make mistakes. It has to come from us.”The Dutchman made it clear he thinks Norris, whom he beat to the title by 63 points last year, has to find more consistency.Most read in MotorsportAussie Piastri has enjoyed a breakthrough leading role this seasonVerstappen is the only other driver to have managed a race win so far in 2025, coming at Suzuka’s narrow track after qualifying on pole.And the Red Bull star remains within touching distance with the McLarens, despite the obvious troubles with the RB21 this term.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerThe best driver of his generation has been more consistent, particularly in qualifying, than Norris – who has the quicker car.After starting on pole, Verstappen failed to make it to the podium last time out at the Miami Grand Prix, after burning up his tyres in a pointless defensive battle with the McLarens.Afterwards, Norris said: “He’s fighting hard, but it’s up to him to do that. He’s ruining his own race. He’s not racing very smart.”Verstappen, who seems to have softened after becoming a first-time dad this month, refused to respond to the Brit’s jab.Qualifying and pit strategy will be crucial again at Imola, as the more traditionally narrow track makes overtaking harder. More

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    Former F1 team boss makes secret return to Imola GP paddock just days after resigning following brother’s arrest

    FORMER Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has made a shock return to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix paddock days after handing in his resignation.The Brit, 37, quit his team principal role this month after his brother, a fellow motorsport director, was arrested and charged with “transferring criminal property”.Oliver Oakes was spotted in the Emilia Romagna GP paddock only days after his resignationCredit: GettyOakes was spotted behind-the-scenes in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 paddocks in Imola, where he will continue to serve as a director of junior team Hitech GP.His younger brother William, a fellow boss at Hitech, was arrested at Silverstone Park on May 1 after he was found “in possession of a large amount of cash.”Oakes resigned from Alpine two days after the Miami Grand Prix and flew straight to Dubai, rather than travelling with the team back to England.It’s been a hectic month for Alpine, with driver Jack Doohan dropped for Franco Colapinto, who crashed in the first practice session on Friday.READ MORE IN F1Racing director Dave Greenwood has assumed team principal duties, but consultant Flavio Briatore is the de facto boss because he doesn’t hold a required F1 licence.Meanwhile, a third director, Michael William Charles Sanwell-Lewis, has been appointed to the Hitech GP board.While some were surprised to spot Oakes, who only took charge of Alpine in July 2024, he remains committed to Hitech, the team formerly led by Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin.Formula 2 and Formula 3 are only invited to support a few F1 weekends a year, so the timing for Oakes is unfortunate.Most read in Motorsport Start of F1 races will look very different in 2025 with major change for first time in over a decadeWilliam of Rugby, Warwickshire, was remanded in custody after appearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on May 3.SunSport has reached out to Hitech for comment. More

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    TV giants set to disappear from sports broadcasting after more than a DECADE

    BT SPORT could be set to disappear from football broadcasting after more than a DECADE.BT is in advanced talks to sell its 50 per cent stake in UK broadcaster TNT Sports to US joint venture partner Warner Bros Discovery, according to the Financial Times. BT Sport could be set to disappear from football broadcastingCredit: GettyIt would end BT’s involvement in sports broadcasting after more than ten years, having entered the market in 2012.Warner Bros Discovery are said to have an option to buy out BT before the end of next year. Striking a deal will give the US media giant better control over the future of the sporting channels – which key for its business in Europe.BT and WBD declined to comment to FT. READ MORE IN football TNT channels — which have the rights to some exclusive Premier League football games — have been identified as non-core by BT chief executive Allison Kirkby.Kirkby has instead looked to refocus the company on its traditional mobile and broadband offering.TNT Sports was created after BT merged its sports division with Warner Bros Discovery’s Eurosport UK business in 2022.The company has a four-year contract to air 52 live Prem matches per season until 2029 and a four-year deal to show the FA Cup from 2025. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarner Bros Discovery (WBD) are rebranding streaming service Max – already live in a number of European countries – back to HBO Max this summer.And it will also set to launch in the UK and Ireland by 2026. How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesThe HBO Max streaming service is due to incorporate content and live streams currently on Discovery+, including TNT Sports.  More

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    in Soccer

    Why Marc Guehi’s Ivorian passport could be key to Newcastle and Chelsea missing out on transfer

    MARC GUEHI’S new Ivorian passport could spell an end to Chelsea and Newcastle’s pursuit.Since Brexit, British players are now considered non-EU citizens, prompting Jude Bellingham to apply for an Irish passport ahead of his move to Real Madrid.Marc Guehi has fast risen to become a leader at Crystal PalaceHe is also a key man for England with consistent top performancesCredit: GettyChelsea will get a fee if Palace were to sell him this summerCredit: GettyGuehi’s decision to renew his Ivorian passport which he qualifies for through his dad falls under the Cotonou Agreement.This agreement allows players with African nationality to be regarded as Spanish nationals, giving them a distinct advantage for La Liga clubs.Spanish sides are restricted to just three non-EU players in their matchday squads.Guehi, 24, has just one year left on his deal with interest from Newcastle, Chelsea, and Tottenham.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS But Real Madrid and Barcelona have also kept tabs on his progress – and the lure of a dream move to Spain could prove too much.Chelsea have a sell-on clause that will allow them to get a fee for the defender they sold to the Eagles in 2021 and they wouldn’t want him to leave on a free.Last summer, the Eagles turned down a fee reported to be in the region of £65million for the defender but with just a season left on his deal chairman Steve Parish has a decision to make.Guehi, who was born in the Ivory Coast, moved to Lewisham when he was just one year old.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs with most kids with dual nationality, he could benefit from holding two passports.Especially with Spanish teams limited to just three non-EU players in their matchday squads, this development could give him an edge if he decides to run down his contract and move to Spain next summer.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyPalace signed Guehi from Chelsea for an initial £18million four years ago, and his rapid rise has seen him become a key figure.The Eagles are well aware that he could move on, and they have a history of selling young talents for the right price. More

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    Eberechi Eze in FA Cup final transfer audition with Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham all targeting move

    CRYSTAL PALACE’S Eberechi Eze could be auditioning for a move to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.The 26-year-old delivered a masterclass in the semi-final, scoring a stunning goal to lead his side to a 3–0 victory over Aston Villa.Eze is the star man of the Palace team going into the FA CUP finalCredit: GettyThe midfielder gets on very well with Palace manager Oliver GlasnerCredit: GettyThe Crystal Palace midfielder is rising star in English footballCredit: PAHis performance not only secured Palace a place in the final against Pep Guardiola’s side but also reignited transfer speculation linking him with several Premier League giants.Throughout this campaign, the midfielder has been a standout performer for Palace, recording 12 goals and 11 assists.SunSport understands that Eze has long been on the radar of top clubs, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal, all of whom have expressed interest in acquiring his services.Tottenham Hotspur in particular are believed to hold a strong advantage in the race for Eze.READ MORE NEWS However, with Kevin De Bruyne’s future imminent exit Guardiola’s side may suddenly find themselves in need of a midfielder with Eze’s skill set and Premier League experience.Sources suggest Eze is determined to play Champions League football and will take his time in deciding his next move.Arsenal have also been monitoring Eze’s progress. While not as aggressive in their pursuit, the Gunners are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.As the transfer window approaches, Eze’s future remains uncertain however, a decisive performance in the FA Cup final would undoubtedly increase his stock.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLast summer, Crystal Palace turned down several offers from Newcastle for defender Marc Guehi.But the centre-back is entering the final year of his contract – and is prepared to run it down to land a dream transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupPalace are well aware that Eze has been incredibly professional, staying loyal when Michael Olise left for Bayern Munich and has since established himself as a key figure under Oliver Glasner.But this summer will test chairman Steve Parish’s resolve. More

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    Dean Huijsen completes £50m Real Madrid transfer on five-year contract as Bournemouth say goodbye in classy statement

    DEAN HUIJSEN has completed his £50million move to Real Madrid. SunSport were the first to reveal the LaLiga giant’s interest in the Dutch-born Spanish international back in January. Dean Huijsen has completed his £50million move to Real MadridCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut they were joined by Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle in keeping tabs on Huijsen’s situation. The player always had his heart set on a return to Spain – having come through the Malaga academy as a youth player. And both Bournemouth and Madrid confirmed a deal had been struck. The Cherries said in a classy statement: “Everyone at AFC Bournemouth is looking forward to working with Dean for the remaining two games of the Premier League season, before he embarks on the next step of his career.”READ MORE IN football Madrid said: “Real Madrid CF and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who remains tied to our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.”Huijsen also came through Juventus’ youth before eventually progressing into their first-team – also having a stint on loan with Roma. He signed for Bournemouth in July 2024 from Juventus and enjoyed a breakout Premier League season. Huijsen has made 34 appearances in total this season – scoring three league goals – and only missing seven club games. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 6ft 6in defender has helped Andoni Iraola’s side climb to tenth in the table and impressed in the air as well as a solid tackler and interceptor. Huijsen pledged his international allegiance to Spain in 2024 – having moved there aged five with his family from the Netherlands. The centre-half has two senior caps while also playing from Under-17 to U21 level. Zirkzee to Inter?! Why Man Utd Flop Could Shine in Italy More

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    Fans spot horrified Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘face of regret’ as he watches Man Utd set humiliating record at Chelsea

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE watched in horror at Chelsea as Manchester United set another embarrassing record. Ruben Amorim’s strugglers left Stamford Bridge beaten 1-0 thanks to a second-half Marc Cucurella header. Sir Jim Ratcliffe watched in horror at ChelseaCredit: GettyUnited broke yet another unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt puts Chelsea back up to fourth in the race for Champions League football next season. But for United, they went a club record EIGHT Prem games without a win – with owner Ratcliffe left grimacing in the Stamford Bridge stands. And fans reckon he had a face of regret as one said: “This is the moment he realised he has invested in the wrong club.”Another added: “The man has regretted investing in this club.”READ MORE IN football Ratcliffe – who became a minority shareholder in United in 2024 after previously being linked to a Chelsea takeover – has seen his season go from bad to worse. They sit 16th – two places above the relegation zone – and matched their all-time worst-ever tally for home league losses in a single season with 11. In January, they also lost six of their opening 12 leagues games in a season for the first time since the 1893-94 campaign.Amorim’s job appears safe for now as they prepare for a Europa League final against fellow flops Tottenham next Wednesday. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the under-fire Old Trafford manager admitted defeat at Chelsea will help him decide who plays in Bilbao. Amorim said: “I won’t talk about the summer. How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles”The good news is in the Europa League, we are scoring many goals. We will prepare for the Europa League game.”We have to deal with a lot of things in the summer, but today it was a really good game to prepare for the final. “If we put some players out in the feeling of the last game, almost 10 days without playing, it would be a mistake. “It was a good thing for them to play, that they feel they can do it, that we can have possession and can push the opponent. “In this club, you need to win and we are not winning games. It helped me a lot to choose the starting 11 for the final. So we’ll see.”Ruben Amorim looks dejected from the Stamford Bridge benchCredit: Alamy More

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    Arsenal left Eberechi Eze crying in his room for a whole week before becoming £60million Crystal Palace and England star

    EBERECHI EZE almost didn’t make it as a footballer.By the time he was 20, the midfield maestro had become “used to the feeling” of being released.Eberechi Eze is preparing to face Man City in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe likes of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall brushed him aside.But now, at the age of 26, he is considered among the best English players in the Premier League.His journey hasn’t been straightforward – but his setbacks have clearly made him stronger.And he is now preparing for an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ‘not so nice part’ of GreenwichEze grew up in a ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich in London and first established his love for the beautiful game in a football cage on his estate.Speaking to The Independent in 2020, he explained: “It wasn’t the easiest life and you don’t have as much as other kids around you.”The first place we’d go after school is to the cage. We’d stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night.”There wasn’t really anything else to do. But that’s where the love comes from. Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”You don’t realise it’s actually how you’re learning your trade.”His talent would eventually set him apart from many of his peers, resulting in Eze being scouted by Arsenal while at secondary school.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goalArsenal heartacheEze’s time with the Gunners did not last long and he was released at just 13 years old.The setback left him devastated – so much so that he was close to tears the next time he played against Arsenal during his spell at Fulham.After unsuccessful trial spells with several EFL clubs, Eze was signed by QPRHe recalled to The Independent: “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.”Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again.”We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.”Following a series of unsuccessful spells at Fulham, Reading, Millwall, Sunderland, Bristol City and Swansea, Eze almost gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer and even prepared to take a part-time job at Tesco.However, his sheer determination helped him to secure a place at Queens Park Rangers.QPR breakthroughWhile studying at college, Eze enjoyed a successful trial with QPR and impressed the club’s technical director, Chris Ramsey.He officially signed in August 2016 and made his first-team debut five months later in an FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.The midfielder enjoyed four years at QPRCredit: Getty Images – GettyThat was his only senior appearance that campaign and he went on to join Wycombe Wanderers on loan the following season.There, he made 22 appearances and scored five goals before returning and featuring regularly for the Hoops.In 112 outings for QPR, Eze scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists.Then, his Premier League dream came true.Crystal Palace move & England debutIn August 2020, the midfielder completed a £17million move to Crystal Palace.He made his debut two weeks later against Southampton in the opening match of the Premier League season and scored his first goal – a free kick – a few months later.Eze has established himself as a fan favourite at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old has scored 38 goals for Palace so farCredit: AlamyEze earned his first England call-up in 2023Credit: GettyEze quickly established himself as a fan-favourite and became one of the club’s most-important players.The 26-year-old has 38 Palace goals and 28 assists to his name from 164 appearances.He was also handed his first England cap in 2023 as a result of his impressive form.And now he is valued at around £60m, with some of England’s biggest clubs interested in a transfer.Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have all expressed an interest.SunSport understands Crystal Palace are open to letting him leave this summer in order to fund a squad overhaul.Final countdownWith his future at the club up in the air, Eze will be eager to potentially end his time at Selhurst Park on a high by winning the FA Cup.The England international scored once to help Palace to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final last month.And he is set to start when the Eagles face Man City in the final at Wembley.Read More on The SunFrom the ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich to Wembley, it’s been quite the journey for Eze so far…And the best is likely yet to come.Eze is now being linked with a huge transferCredit: Getty More