Mercedes have a new driver on their books – and remarks he made in the past may not sit too well with George Russell or Kimi Antonelli

George Russell has a new teammate at Mercedes – and the outspoken young driver has not been shy about sharing his views on Kimi Antonelli in the past. Earlier this week, the Silver Arrows confirmed the signing of former Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire, who claimed the F2 title in 2023.

The Frenchman joins Mercedes in a development role and will act as reserve driver to Russell and Antonelli, who are set to begin their second season as Formula 1 teammates next weekend. This marks Pourchaire’s third stint as an F1 reserve.

He previously served in the same capacity for Sauber in 2024 and Alfa Romeo in 2023, although he is still waiting to make his race debut in the competition.

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During the 2024 campaign, Pourchaire argued that it was “unfair” for drivers who had not won the F2 championship – such as Antonelli and Haas driver Oliver Bearman – to be promoted to F1 ahead of those who had secured the title.

“I did my best on track,” Pourchaire told MotorSport. “Sure, some people say I won the championship in my third year of F2 and it doesn’t sound great, but I won it when I was 20. I’m the youngest race winner in F2 and F3, so I have nothing to prove. I just need an opportunity, that’s all.”

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Just one of the last four F2 champions have succeeded in securing a seat in F1, with 2024 winner Gabriel Bortoleto being signed by Audi Revolut ahead of the 2026 season.

The most recent F2 champion to successfully establish themselves in F1 was 2021 champion Oscar Piastri, who was subsequently signed by McLaren as a reserve driver before landing a permanent seat with the team in 2023.

“From the outside, for sure, if you’re in my shoes, it seems unfair,” Pourchaire added. “Like I think it’s unfair for [2022 F2 champion Felipe] Drugovich, for example, who won the title. That’s how it is, that’s the world of F1. I’m just happy to be in the paddock again. And like I said, I really hope to get my chance one day. I’m ready to give everything.”

Pourchaire finished runner-up in F3 in 2020 and replicated the achievement in F2 two years later. In 2023, he went one step further by claiming the F2 title.

However, as a member of Sauber’s junior programme at the time, he was unable to obtain a place on the F1 grid for the following season. Having been barred from continuing in F2 as a former champion, Pourchaire sought alternative avenues to further his career, joining Team Impul in Japanese Super Formula.

His time there proved brief, however, as he stepped away after just one round when an IndyCar opportunity came knocking.

He subsequently turned his attention to the World Endurance Championship, taking part in last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the time being, though, his sights are firmly set on Mercedes – and on finally achieving his long-awaited F1 breakthrough.

Breaking into the race seat at Mercedes could prove an enormous challenge, with both Russell and Antonelli delivering impressive performances last season.

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Russell finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship – matching the finest result of his career – whilst Antonelli claimed seventh place, just six points behind Lewis Hamilton, the man he succeeded following the Brit’s headline-grabbing switch to Ferrari.

Antonelli’s campaign was widely considered one of the most outstanding debut seasons in recent Formula 1 history. This further highlights the enormity of the task confronting Pourchaire should he harbour hopes of forcing his way into the Silver Arrows’ line-up.

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In response to the strikes, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, with explosions reported in Israel and Gulf states. Airspace has been closed in multiple countries, including Iran, Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, causing widespread disruption to international flights.

Britain, France and Germany have issued a joint statement threatening to ‘destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source’

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The UK will help the US in its military action to bomb targets in Iran, but Prime Minister Kier Starmer stressed they will “not join offensive action”. This follows a US request to use British military bases to strike Iranian missile sites.

The UK Prime Minister said in a statement on Sunday evening: “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons.”

Mr Starmer said it “remains the case” that the UK is not involved with the strikes on Iran, but Britain will allow the US to use British bases to support its operation.

He said “partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them”, adding that “it’s my duty to protect British lives.”

“We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations. Which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source. In their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles,” Mr Starmer continued.

“The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request. To prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved.

“The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives.”

The PM said while the UK is “not joining these strikes”, Britain “will continue with our defensive actions in the region.”

“And we will also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own counter drone expertise, to help our Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.”

He concluded: “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons. We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now.

“But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy, so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region, because that is our duty to the British people.

“It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.

“This is the British government – protecting British interests and British lives.”

In a joint statement with France and Germany, the UK suggested it could join attacks on Iranian soil for the first time.

The statement read: “We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.”

“We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.” Iran continues its assault on the Middle East in revenge attacks for the joint US-Israeli operation yesterday which saw missiles rain down on Tehran, Star reports.

Additionally more than 96,000 Brits stranded in the UAE and other Gulf hotspots have already signed up with the government for help, with numbers expected to soar into the hundreds of thousands. Most are holidaymakers or passing through, and with airspace still shut, officials are telling people to stay put for now.

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However, plans are being drawn up for a huge evacuation through Saudi Arabia if flights remain grounded. The Foreign Office is reportedly in talks with all major airlines as it faces its biggest-ever operation to track and assist British nationals abroad.

This comes as a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Middle East after US and Israeli military strikes against Iran on Saturday (February 28) triggered a rapid escalation of conflict across the region. In retaliation, Iran has launched a barrage of missile attacks targeting US military bases and cities throughout the Gulf, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.

“At the moment people are being told to stay put but the government is working on plans to evacuate people through Saudi Arabia if the airspace remains closed for a prolonged period,” The Times’ Steven Swinford shared today (March 1) on X (formerly Twitter).

The political editor added: “The government is also in contact with all the main airlines in the region. The scale of the FCDO operation is unprecedented – never before has it registered so many people in so many countries.

“And it’s only just beginning.” An estimated 250,000 UK citizens are believed to be living in or visiting the region.

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When scrolling through auction lots soon to go under the hammer there are the expected rundown houses in need of renovation, empty commercial buildings looking for new purpose, chapels and churches that have lost their congregation, and plots of land too.

But some auction lots are much more unusual and likely to produce a stall in the scrolling for most people, and surely this one in Merthyr Vale is one of them.

Have a rummage around google maps and a plot of land on a main street leading to the village trains station and for years it has been a concrete five-a-side football pitch with basketball hoops positioned above the goals. For more property stories sent to your inbox once a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

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But an opportunity for the facility to have a rebirth into something else, and maybe just as much fun, is possible as it is going to auction with full planning permission for a padel court project ready for development, designed to meet the fast-growing demand for padel facilities.

The auction sale includes the concept, layout, and full development potential of a modern padel court, ideal for private clubs, sports centres, hotels, resorts, or standalone commercial use and more details can be found via planning application P/25/0335 submitted to Merthyr Tydfil County Council .

Padel combines social play, accessibility, and fast learning curves, making it attractive to all age groups. The sport is currently experiencing an explosive rise in popularity across the UK, with Wales emerging as a key hotspot for new, large-scale developments in Cardiff and Swansea. Read about the development of padel in Cardiff here.

According to figures published by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) more than 400,000 adults and juniors across Great Britain played padel at least once in 2024. That’s up from 15,000 in 2019, 89,000 in 2021, and 129,000 in 2023.

Gemma Vaughan, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the property, says: “With padel rapidly becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, this project offers strong commercial appeal and long-term revenue potential as demand continues to outpace supply in many regions, positioning this project as a high-growth investment with excellent scalability.

“This is a blank-canvas opportunity: the buyer can customise finishes, branding, and surrounding amenities to match their target market.”

The auction house goes on to state that the positive aspects of the sale include that the site is suitable for indoor or outdoor installation if a cover is put over it.

The court might lend itself to memberships, hourly rentals, coaching programs, and tournaments with low operating costs with high usage potential and could be a tempting auction lot for first-time investors or expansion of an existing sports business.

The plot of pad with padel potential is going to online auction with Paul Fosh Auctions starting at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 10 and ending from 6pm on Thursday, March 12, call 01633 254044 to find out more. For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.

Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford): Two goals and a wonderful assist for Igor Thiago gets you in the team. Brentford lost control in the second half but if he didn’t have the first half he had, his side lose the game.

Joao Gomes (Wolves): His best performance in a Wolves shirt to date. He was a monster both with and without the ball. I wonder if Wolves can keep him next season? But for now, give him credit, he hasn’t quit yet.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Bruno, Bruno, Bruno. Every season people write off his importance to Manchester United. Year after year he reminds you why he’s the captain and leader of the team. It was a wonder ball in for the winner and his penalty was as calm as ever.

Harry Wilson (Fulham): Has anybody had a more impressive season than Wilson? Goals, assists and consistent performances throughout the season, I think you would been hard pressed to find somebody who has delivered as much as Harry, I really do. Fulham have to tie him down to a new contract.

The Met Office has given its forecast for the week ahead in Belfast

It is set to be a sunny start to the week on Monday morning in Belfast although there will be more rain later in the afternoon.

The Met Office has given its forecast for the week ahead in Belfast saying that it will be a bright and sunny start on Monday, March 2, although there will be showers of rain later in the day, although not the persistent downpours that we have seen for most of 2026.

The forecaster has said that Tuesday, March 3, is likely to be sunny and dry, although it has warned of frosty conditions in places with a drop in temperatures.

This dry weather is set to continue until Thursday, March 5, when there could be a few showers of rain.

The Met Office said: “Dry with some sunshine in the morning. Clouding over in the afternoon with some showery rain spreading to the west. Maximum temperature 10C.

“Tuesday and Wednesday begin frosty but stay dry and sunny. Early rain on Thursday then bright with the odd shower.”

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An air ambulance, fire crews, police officers, paramedics and a technical response unit were all on the site between Junction 20 at Rochdale and Junction 19 at Heywood.

National Highways shared that there had been a “very serious collision” and that they anticipated “accident investigations will be required” following the crash.

The road was closed for around three hours while emergency services worked on the scene with a diversion in place.

Earlier on Sunday, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) shared that officers were responding to the incident.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just after 3:20pm today (Sunday 1 March), fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the M62 between Junction 19 and Junction 20.

“Three fire engines from Heywood, Chadderton and Whitefield stations, alongside the Technical Response Unit from Ashton attended the incident involving three vehicles.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene and are currently working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service. They remain in attendance at this time.”

At the time of reporting, there has been no information released around any casualties or if any arrests have been made.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been contacted for comment.

We will bring you updates on our website as we have them.

Burns blasted the controversy surrounding the derelict ground and warned the GAA will not be knocked off course.

GAA chief Jarlath Burns has vowed: We WILL rebuild Casement Park — no matter who stands in the way.

The Belfast stadium has been left to rot for a staggering 13 years — but Burns insists the long-awaited resurrection is coming.

And he fired a defiant message at political opponents after fierce resistance from unionist voices. Burns blasted the controversy surrounding the derelict ground and warned the GAA will not be knocked off course.

He said: “It is a sad reflection on society in the North that providing a ground for Gaelic games should be such a contentious issue.

“When we saw only recently the debate in the Executive about how profits in Casement Park would be targeted — with one party going to the trouble of organising a full debate to try and force the GAA to give back any profit — it gives you a glimpse into the incredibly fraught environment.

“Ulster GAA, Antrim GAA and the people behind the Casement Park project cannot be faulted for the delays and obstacles which have kept the gates closed in West Belfast.”

But Burns delivered the ultimate rallying cry to GAA fans — insisting Casement WILL rise again.

He added: “We remain committed to having a new home for the GAA in Ireland’s second city.

“And there WILL be a Casement Park.”

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The history of Arsenal vs Chelsea over the last 25 to 30 years tells a curious story of both clubs enjoying long spells of dominance and the balance of power currently lies in north London. 

Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal, with the help of the odd Sylvinho screamer here and Nigel Winterburn rocket there, were Chelsea’s bête noire around the turn of the century.

Chelsea went 10 years without a league win against Arsenal between 1995 and 2005, but things started to change after Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003 and Wayne Bridge’s goal at Highbury in 2004 which knocked Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ out of the Champions League. 

Wenger’s only victory against Jose Mourinho came in the 2015 Community Shield, with Arsenal winning just two Premier League games at Stamford Bridge between 2005 and 2020. The nadir for Arsenal came when they lost 6-0 at Chelsea in Wenger’s 1,000th game in charge. 

Following Mikel Arteta’s appointment in 2019, and BlueCo taking over at Chelsea in 2022, the tables have turned again. Arteta has lost just twice in 16 meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, with the most recent defeat coming in 2021 when Romelu Lukaku was up against Pablo Mari and Rob Holding.

For Arsenal, this afternoon’s game is about the title race rather than bragging rights. Man City’s victory at Leeds cut the gap to two points with both clubs having played 28 games. Arsenal will have played a game more by close of play and their lead could be five points. Chelsea, Brighton away, Everton at home and Bournemouth at home are Arsenal’s fixtures before their game at the Etihad on April 18. At a minimum, you feel Arsenal need to keep the current state of play intact going into that match.

Chelsea are without Estevao and Marc Cucurella because of injury but Reece James, who missed both legs of the League Cup semi-final between these teams, is fit. Arteta has the chance to pick an unchanged team from the north London derby, where Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres shone, but he could have Kai Havertz back on the bench.

Full team news on the way shortly.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one

Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling the team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

Phyllis Rose ALDERTON

Of Cambridge. Passed peacefully to rest at home on Sunday 1st February 2026, aged 86 years. Beloved wife to Gerald (Tony). Much loved Mum to Susan and John. Nanna and Nanny to 9 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. Funeral service to be held at 11:15am, Newmarket Road Cemetery Chapel on Monday 2nd March 2026, followed by burial. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to Arthur Rank Hospice may be left at the service or forwarded to:- Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309.

Sidney BUCHS

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Buchs, Sidney of Great Bradley, formerly director of Abbott Travel at Cambridge and Newmarket, died peacefully age 90 at Brampton Manor after a lengthy illness on 26 February 2026. Donations please to East Anglia Air Ambulance c/o Southgate Funeral Directors, Newmarket CB8 8AG.

June Elizabeth COATES

Formerly of Newmarket. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 17th February 2026, aged 92 years. Beloved wife to the late Neville and a much loved mother to the late Andrew, Graeme and wife Tammy. Funeral service to be held at The Brinkley Woodland Cemetery on Friday 6th March at 2:00pm. Family flowers only please. All Enquiries sent care of Southgate of Newmarket Funeral Directors, 25 Duchess Drive, Newmarket, CB8 8AG. T: 01638 662480.

Stuart Leslie EDEN

Of Sevenoaks, Kent, sadly passed away from a heart attack on 12th February 2026 aged 65. Stuart was born in 1960 to Fred and Brenda Eden and grew up in Soham, Cambridgeshire. After living in Manchester and London, Stuart moved to Sevenoaks in 1998, where he remained until he died. He will be sadly missed by his children, Eleanor and Joseph Eden, sisters Karen, Wendy and Melanie, and many long-time friends, including his former wife, Judith. Stuart will be remembered for his sharp wit, his love of spirited debate, his dedication to his work, and his great taste in music. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday 10th March at 2.00pm at Kent & Sussex Crematorium (Cemetery Chapel), Tunbridge Wells. Stuart’s family would like to thank the emergency responders who cared for him in his final moments. Donations in lieu of flowers directly to the British Heart Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth (Betty) GOUGH (Nèe St Ledger)

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Risby Park Nursing Home, Bury St Edmunds on Monday 9th February 2026, aged 86 years. Betty (formerly of Bourn, Cambridgeshire and New Ross, County Wexford), beloved Wife of the late Matt Gough, Mum to Matt, Stephen (deceased) and Sandra. Grandma to Lewis & Ruby, will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. The Funeral Service will be held at 2.30pm on Monday 9th March at St Helena & St Mary Church, Bourn, followed by a committal in the Churchyard. Flowers welcome. Alternatively, donations may be made to Risby Park Nursing Home via Betty’s online donation page at www.peasgoodandskeats.co.uk or sent c/o 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA 01223 415255

Richard HUNT

Of Cherry Hinton, Cambridge. Passed away peacefully on Monday 9th February 2026 at Addenbrookes Hospital, aged 85 years. Devoted Husband. Dearly loved Father and Grandfather. Richard shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Thursday 12th March at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston at 10:30am followed by the committal at The Arbory Trust Woodland Burial Ground. Donations, if desired, to the benefit of EACH may be made online via Richard’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk All other enquiries to:- 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255

Josef IWANKO

Of Sawston. Beloved husband of Felicity, much loved dad to Dak and Sophie, brother to Michael and Ann, loved brother-in-law and uncle. Passed away in Addenbrookes Hospital on Sunday 8th February 2026 after an illness bravely fought. Aged 74 years. Service at Cam Valley Crematorium on Thursday 5th March at 11.00am. Donations in memory of Josef for SARCOMA UK can be made via his ‘In Memory’ page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk or sent to: c/o Peasgood & Skeates 48a High Street, Sawston CB22 3BG.

David KING

Of Cambridge. Passed away on Friday 30th January 2026 at home, aged 85 Years. Devoted Husband to Chrissie. Dearly loved Father to Kevin and Paula and Step-Father to Steve and Michelle. Treasured Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Pops. Dave shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Friday 6th March at Cambridge City Crematorium, West Chapel at 11:15am. Donations, if desired, to the benefit of Dementia UK may be made at the service or online via Dave’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk. All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255

Raymond OSLAND (Ray)

(Ray) Suddenly at home on Monday 9th February 2026, aged 80 years. Husband of the late Diane, much loved dad of Amanda, Paul, Ian and Helen, and a loving grandad. Funeral service to be held at Cambridge Crematorium East Chapel on Tuesday 10th March at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations may be made at the service for the British Heart Foundation. Enquiries c/o Weyman Funeral Service, 26, Abbey Walk, Cambridge CB1 2QJ

Keith Stephen TABER

Emeritus Professor of Science Education, Homerton College, Cambridge died at home on 29th January 2026, aged 65 years. Devoted husband of the late Philippa, cherished son of Roy (deceased) and Phyllis, brother to Karen. Keith’s funeral service takes place at Cambourne Church (CB23 6AF) on Friday 6th March at 2.00pm. All enquiries please c/o Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road St Neots PE19 2BX Tel (01480) 471001

Mrs Pat TURNER

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Funeral on Monday 2nd March at 10:30 am in Cambridge Crematorium, East Chapel. Floral tributes can be sent to Co-op Funeralcare 34 James Street, CB1 1HX. Bright flowers please, no lilies. Donations, if so desired, can be made to Alzheimer’s Society. Please wear bright clothing, no black, as per Pat’s wishes.

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.