Sports
Ashes in India? Cricket Australia leaves door open for landmark 150th Test | Cricket News
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has said the board would be open to exploring the possibility of staging the landmark 150th anniversary Ashes Test in India, underlining the growing importance of the Indian market to world cricket. Australia and England are scheduled to play a one-off Test in March next year to commemorate 150 years of the historic Ashes rivalry. While there are no current plans to take the match outside Australia, Greenberg admitted the idea of hosting it in India could be considered in the future. His comments come at a time when Cricket Australia is expanding its footprint in India. This December, the Big Bash League will stage a match in Chennai, where Melbourne Renegades will face Perth Scorchers, marking another step in bringing Australian cricket closer to Indian fans. The prospect of an Ashes Test in India also reflects the commercial significance of the country’s cricket market. India remains the sport’s biggest audience, and hosting a marquee contest between Australia and England would generate enormous interest while creating fresh commercial opportunities. Greenberg said Cricket Australia would not rule out the idea, citing its strong ties with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “We’d have to be open to consider all options,” Greenberg told the BBC’s Stumped podcast. “Our relationship with the ECB, but also the BCCI, is very strong. And clearly, there are opportunities in India to put more content into certain areas. That’s not something we are currently planning, but it would certainly be open for consideration.” India’s influence on the global cricket economy has continued to grow in recent years. The ECB, for instance, is expected to post substantial profits from the eight white-ball internationals it hosted against India recently, despite England winning six of those matches. The financial returns are expected to surpass what the board anticipates from staging both the men’s and women’s Ashes series next year. Despite his openness to the proposal, Greenberg acknowledged that scheduling a five-day Ashes Test in India would be far from straightforward. The Indian calendar is already packed with international cricket and the IPL, which is expected to begin earlier than usual next year to avoid the extreme heat towards the end of May. Finding a suitable window for another marquee event would therefore be a major challenge. “I think Test cricket between us, England and India, is still very strong, probably bucking the trend as to other parts of the world. So we want to make sure we continue to grow it and strengthen it. “The challenge for all of us in global cricket is there are only 365 days in a schedule, and we probably need another month or two if we actually can generate the content we want to,” he said.
Saskatchewan Roughriders fans held ballcaps in their hands, while some wiped away tears, as the team on Thursday honoured a player and another man killed in a highway crash.
Before kickoff at the matchup against the Edmonton Elks, video screens at Mosaic Stadium played tribute to Roughrider linebacker Jayden Dalke, 30, of Leduc, Alta., and Bhishma Rajyaguru, 22, of Regina.
Attendees stood as the screens showed photos of Rajyaguru with his family and friends, and a video of him dancing played.
A voiceover said Rajyaguru was a gifted percussionist and was always there for his friends and family.
A video of Dalke then played on the screens. It showed him interacting with his teammates and fans, while a voiceover from a player described him as being the team’s glue.
A helmet with the initials ‘JD’ sat on a table behind the players’ bench.
Fans clapped once both presentations were over. There was then a moment of silence, lasting about one minute.
“What a loss,” said one man after the tributes were over.
On July 18, Dalke was reportedly driving on the wrong side of a divided highway at night when his SUV smashed into another SUV that Rajyaguru was driving. The vehicles had no passengers.
RCMP have said alcohol and cannabis were found in Dalke’s SUV, which had pulled out of a gas station with unpaid fuel about a half-hour before the crash.
Both Dalke and Rajyaguru died at the scene on Highway 11 near the town of Lumsden, northwest of Regina.
The Roughriders lost Thursday’s game 36-34. Throughout the match, fans cheered good plays while also booing referee decisions they didn’t agree with.
Roughriders Quarterback Trevor Harris later told reporters the team gave everything it had despite the circumstances of the crash.
“I was proud of the guys in that,” Harris said. “I hope both families that we honoured are proud and could take some solace in the pre-game tribute to them.”
Corey Mace, the team’s head coach, said it’s been an emotional week.
“Just being out there and seeing both people, both victims, being represented and seeing a little bit about both gentlemen – man, it’s just so sad,” Mace said.
Cody Fajardo, the quarterback for the Elks, told reporters his team had expected the Roughriders to be emotional.
“We try to put ourselves in their shoes, the empathy in their shoes as if we lost one of our teammates, just how much you want to rally around each other,” he said.
Since police released details of the crash, some fans had headed to Thursday’s game with conflicting emotions.
Some had said they were apprehensive about going to the game, while others felt they needed to be there for the team.
At tailgating parties outside the stadium Thursday, the crash was among the topics of discussion.
Lynn Kaglea of Pilot Butte, outside Regina, said she shed a few tears.
“It’s a little bit more sombre than it’s been at other tailgating events,” Kaglea said.
She said she’s been in contact with Dalke’s parents and is planning to make them a quilt.
“I just think it’s a terrible tragedy,” Kaglea said.
Sandra Poitras of Candle Lake, northeast of Saskatoon, said she’s grateful the team honoured both men.
“Jayden was on the wrong side of the road and whatever else happened was very, very unfortunate,” she said.
“We all make mistakes, and you can’t mourn him any less just because he was the one that made the mistake.”
But the gatherings outside the stadium were also like any other.
Fans were grilling meat or eating watermelon, while others sipped beer or pop. Some were doing activities, like tossing bean bags in a hole or racing in potato sacks.
Many were wearing green and white, including colourful face paint, beads, and vibrant wigs. Some wore black Roughriders T-shirts.
“I think everyone’s doing OK,” said Shawn Fiedelleck
“I was on social media. Big mistake, you know. I’m waiting for all the facts to come out.”
Some in Rider Nation have been embroiled in online debates over the circumstances of the crash.
On various social media platforms and team fan forums, some have speculated whether Dalke was driving while impaired.
Mounties have said autopsies and toxicology tests are being conducted. A spokesperson with Saskatchewan’s justice ministry has said such results are not publicly released because they contain personal health information.
Gerri Sernick, an administrator with the Saskatchewan Roughriders Fan Page on Facebook, said she has had to remove nasty comments about Dalke, including that he doesn’t deserve to be honoured by his team.
“It was truly awful. Since I started that page, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Sernick said in a message earlier this week.
“Regardless of the circumstances, two young men are not going home to their families, and that is where our focus should remain.”
To keep decorum, other fan pages and forums closed comment sections on some posts.
Kerri Ludvigsen said Wednesday police set off a “firestorm” when they released the details about alcohol and cannabis found in Dalke’s SUV.
“People grieving (now) have to see … messages that are so hurtful and disrespectful,” she said.
At the tailgating party Thursday, Kaglea said people have been “crucifying” Dalke over something that hasn’t been proven.
“As a parent, it just hurts me that people are saying those things, that his parents are seeing it,” she said.
The Roughriders have shared a GoFundMe page for Rajyaguru’s family, which had raised more than $92,000 as of Thursday night, to cover the cost of repatriating his body to India.
Rajyaguru came to Canada from the Indian state of Gujarat as an international student in 2022.
Detroit Tigers officials are essentially on the clock and must decide soon whether they will be adding or selling at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. It’s possible that the emergence of second-year starting pitcher Troy Melton could have an impact on that decision. The 25-year-old is on the mound Thursday for a 6:40 p.m. ET first pitch against the visiting Kansas City Royals. That’s the last game on a light five-game slate. It seems like a good night to go see “The Odyssey.”
Detroit is a strong -229 money-line favorite for MLB betting on Thursday, with Kansas City +192 in the latest MLB odds, and you can wager on Royals vs. Tigers on all the top sports betting apps. The Over/Under for total runs scored in the game is 8.5.
Royals-Tigers MLB same-game parlay
- Detroit money line
- Under 1.5 first-inning runs
- Alt Under 10.5
FanDuel: SGP price: +148
Earlier this week, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged his club had been essentially playing must-win baseball for weeks in terms of convincing the front office to keep two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize and others at the deadline or ship them out and focus on 2027.
“We’ve been playing Game 7 since May,” Hinch said Monday. “We know what’s ahead. We know what the conversation around our team is. Tarik is in the news every single day because someone has a dream trade to make up — yet we have a game to win that night.”
The schedule is quite easy leading into the deadline, starting with four at home against the AL Central last-place Royals and then three at Comerica Park vs. the mediocre Orioles before heading out on a West Coast trip on July 31. Circle that day as likely when a decision will be made about selling or not.
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There are two ways to look at this regarding Melton, in my opinion, if he’s the real deal at 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in nine starts after an equally promising 2025 rookie campaign. He was the franchise’s No. 13 overall prospect entering last year. If Melton is a future ace, you feel better about dealing Skubal because you have the replacement and you can beef up the farm system. But on the flip side, a rotation of Skubal, Mize and Melton could do some damage in the postseason should Detroit get there.
At 48-54, the Tigers are 4.5 games out of the AL’s final wild card spot, but it might be easier to simply win the weak AL Central, where they are 6.5 games back. For the postseason, Detroit is +350 with No at -450, while the SportsLine Projection Model gives the team a 24.1% chance.
Melton was sidelined for the first two months of the season due to elbow inflammation (the team was 21-33 when he debuted). He appears to be getting stronger, as in three July starts he is 1-0 with a 0.52 ERA. Last time out, he became only the fifth pitcher in franchise history age 25 or younger to record back-to-back nine-strikeout efforts, joining Skubal, Rick Porcello, Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Thompson.
This season, Melton is throwing his cut fastball 20.5% of the time and batters are hitting just .083 off it with a 26.0% whiff rate. In 2025, Melton threw the pitch 10.8% of the time with a .368 OBA and a 12.8% whiff rate. The cutter is averaging 92.2 mph in 2026, up from 90.9 mph. Overall, he uses six pitches but his curveball the least at 2%.
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Bettors who wagered $100 on each of Melton’s nine starts for Detroit to win would be up $444. His lone outings vs. the Royals were last year when Melton was largely a reliever, and he allowed one run and five hits over three innings in two appearances with no decisions. The model has him at 5.6 innings, 4.3 strikeouts, 5.1 hits allowed and 2.7 earned runs tonight.
Nothing to see here for the Royals as they will be selling ahead of the deadline. Franchise player and All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. landed on the injured list Wednesday for the first time in his career, ending any AL MVP chances Witt had. The 26-year-old was batting .279 with 13 home runs, 39 RBIs and an American League-leading 30 steals.
Looks to be a bullpen-type night on the mound for K.C., led by veteran Randy Dobnak, who has a 1.93 ERA but no decisions in 14.0 innings this year. No joke, his birthplace is South Park … Pennsylvania. The only active Tigers batter to have seen him is Gleyber Torres (0-for-2, two BB).
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Wednesday’s parlay of backing Houston at home, Under 1.5 first-inning runs and alt Under 10.5 full game cashed easily at +137. Let’s go right back to the well on this one at a better price. Doesn’t look like a great hitters’ night at Comerica Park with winds blowing in a bit and not too hot. The model has Tigers 5.2-4.0. Check out other expert picks in the SportsLine daily newsletter.
Following a decisive attack in the closing stages, Richard Carapaz claimed victory on Stage 18, leaving all his rivals trailing in his wake. He finished ahead of Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid and the American Matteo Jorgenson, who crossed the line 45 seconds behind him. Today, the riders face another mountain stage, with over 3,000 metres of elevation gain.
Sports
Enzo Maresca press conference LIVE Rodri latest and transfer updates as Man City unveil new head coach
Hello and welcome to coverage of Maresca’s first press conference as City head coach. The Italian is only the Blues’ eighth permanent boss this century and today is a milestone for this new era. Guardiola’s exit at the end of last season leaves Maresca with big shoes to fill.
City’s decision-makers agreed that Maresca was the right man to replace the legendary manager. That should give City fans some comfort as they embark on this new adventure.
Today is an opportunity for Maresca to set his stall out. His responses to questions about replacing Guardiola and the futures of some of his City stars will be studied closely, as will his approach to transfers.
City fans can expect to end today with a better understanding of what the next chapter looks like.
Stay tuned for updates…
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams have unveiled two alternate uniforms designed to connect the current team to its rich California history.
At an event for season-ticket holders next to SoFi Stadium on Thursday night, the Rams revealed a new uniform that pays tribute to their 1951 NFL championship team with a yellow jersey and blue satin numerals in the style used 75 years ago. The Rams then introduced a white alternate uniform with blue numerals emulating the Rams’ primary look during the 1960s, an era best known for the team’s Fearsome Foursome defensive front.
The uniform with yellow jerseys and white pants is dubbed “Classic Sol,” while the all-white alternates with blue numerals are called “Fearsome White.” The Rams will still wear the three uniforms they used last season as well, including their main home and away looks along with their all-black “Midnight Mode” Rivalries uniform.
The Rams will debut their Classic Sol look on Monday night at home in Week 2 against the New York Giants, and they’ll come out again for a high-profile Thursday night home showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in December. The Fearsome White uniforms will come out on Thanksgiving Eve for a home game against the Green Bay Packers.
While designing these long-anticipated alternates over the past several years, the Rams’ creative team focused on creating throwbacks with modern twists that will remind and educate the 21st-century fan about the franchise’s roots.
Cory Befort, the Rams’ creative executive director, said fans have repeatedly expressed interest in uniforms that would amplify the historic achievements of a franchise that has relocated several times, but still spent most of its existence in Southern California.
“It felt like it was time, but we wanted to do it with intention and meet the moment,” Befort said.
The Rams spent 49 years in Southern California before former owner Georgia Frontiere moved them to her native St. Louis in January 1995. New owner Stan Kroenke brought the Rams back home in 2016, and he opened their multibillion-dollar stadium complex in Inglewood in 2020.
The Rams were founded in Cleveland in 1937, but moved out west in 1946 to become Los Angeles’ most significant major professional sports team to that point. They subsequently won the city’s first major pro sports championship in 1951, beating the Cleveland Browns in the NFL title game at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
That team celebrated its victories at a bar called Tom Bergin’s in the Fairfax district, and it even donated a championship banner to the still-operating Irish tavern. The wordmark used in the Rams’ Classic Sol throwbacks is pulled directly off that banner, and the numerals are designed to mimic the 1951 jerseys.
Even the blue numerals and shoulder stripes themselves are throwbacks: The creative team decided to use authentic satin, which doesn’t stretch like modern uniform material, so the satin stripes are sewn individually onto pieces of gold polyester to prevent excessive ripping and tearing.
“These uniforms are a celebration and reminder of the moments and people that built the Rams into what and who we are today,” Rams chief marketing officer Kat Frederick said. “Every detail was intentionally designed to honour the grit and greatness of our history while delivering a modern look for today’s players and fans.”
The Fearsome Whites are topped by a helmet with a white horn and a white facemask in a departure from the usual blue facemask, while the jersey shoulders have their own small numerals and a continuous blue stripe, just like the 1960s look. The blue chest numerals are outlined in black on the new jerseys.
The Rams launched a rebranding in 2020 for the opening of their new stadium, but never introduced their full NFL complement of five uniform alternatives — a “closet,” in league parlance — until now.
The Rams already unveiled a revamping of their primary uniforms from that rebranding earlier this year, notably eliminating the jersey numerals’ unique colour gradient — the fade on the colours at the bottom of the numbers — and dumping the nearly-white uniform colour called “Bone” in favour of a traditional white shade. The creative team also simplified its Ram head logo and monogram logo.
The team will alter its game presentation depending on which uniforms are being worn at SoFi, Befort said, with new field paint and stencilling along with additional changes that won’t be revealed until September.
Jurgen Klopp will make his return to management for the first time since leaving Liverpool as the new head coach of the Germany national team, it has been confirmed.
Klopp cited fatigue when he left Liverpool in 2024 but said he is now “recharged”. The 59-year-old has been appointed in the aftermath of Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which saw them exit at the last-32 stage following a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.
Given the manner of their exit, former coach Julian Nagelsmann was asked to resign by the German football association DFB who then pursued talks with Klopp to become the next head coach.
“The national team brings us Germans together like almost nothing else can. That’s what makes this task so special for me,” Klopp said at his unveiling in Frankfurt on Friday morning.
The DFB announced that Klopp had reached “an agreement on the key points” of a deal to take over the national team on Saturday 11 July, following talks in New York, with a contract up to the 2030 World Cup now signed.
Klopp managed Liverpool for nine years taking charge in October 2015 before departing at the end of the 2024 season having won both the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds
His most recent role was as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, a position he held since January 2025, overseeing Red Bull’s network of clubs—including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls.
Most recently he has been working as a pundit during the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada and created headlines by suggesting that Deniz Undav should start ahead of Jamal Musiala and then saying that “Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now.”
Klopp was called out over the “for now” comment by former German players and apologised saying he felt like “punching himself in the face”.
Following these incidents and ahead of Nagelsmann’s resignation, the 59-year-old played coy about the prospect of replacing him by saying: “I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form but it’s not the moment to really talk about it.”
Klopp’s national team ambitions were well known during the World Cup and his contract with Red Bull included a special exit clause designed specifically so that he could take on the Germany job should it become available.
More to follow…
LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 parent company Liberty Media, which also promotes the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has agreed to a settlement of about $3 million to end a class-action lawsuit brought by spectators regarding the inaugural 2023 race.
The opening-night practice session on Nov. 16, 2023, was halted after nine minutes when Carlos Sainz Jr. drove over a water valve cover that severely damaged his Ferrari. Practice didn’t resume until the early morning hours of Nov. 17, ending at about 4 a.m. local time.
Fans were removed from the viewing areas before the 90-minute session took place.
Those who had tickets for only that practice session or bought three-night tickets are eligible for compensation under the settlement. Claims must be filed by Aug. 27.
Liberty Media and the Las Vegas Grand Prix did not admit fault under the settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4 at the U.S. District Court of Nevada.
The $500 million race in 2023 was supposed to be F1’s coming-out party on the Las Vegas Strip, and the practice-night crash, as well as the disruptions to Las Vegas-area residents during months of preparation, didn’t make for a promising start.
But the race itself was among the best on the circuit that season, and Max Verstappen sang “Viva Las Vegas” as he crossed the finish line for his 18th victory that year.
F1 announced a 10-year extension last month that will keep the circuit in Las Vegas through at least 2037.
Sports
How to Watch Red Sox vs. Blue Jays Tonight: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Friday MLB Game
How to Watch Red Sox vs. Blue Jays Tonight: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Friday MLB Game originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Red Sox will look to start a new winning streak when they meet the Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Friday night.
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Boston fell to Baltimore in the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday, suffering its first loss since July 1. The Red Sox were unable to set a new franchise record with a 16th consecutive victory, but their recent run of success has pushed them into the playoff picture.
Left-hander Patrick Sandoval is projected to make his third start of the season for Boston, and Toronto is expected to send out right-hander Trey Yesavage.
Here is everything you need to know about Red Sox vs. Blue Jays, including TV and streaming options for Friday’s game.
How to watch Red Sox vs. Blue Jays tonight: TV channel, live stream
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Red Sox vs. Blue Jays will not air on traditional television Friday. The game will be available to stream on Apple TV as part of the “Friday Night Baseball” package.
New subscribers get their first week of Apple TV for free. After that, they can subscribe for just $12.99/month.
Subscribers can watch “Friday Night Baseball” with the Apple TV app, which is available on select smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV and gaming consoles.
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays start time
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 24. The game will be played at Fenway Park in Boston.
Boston Red Sox schedule 2026
Here is the upcoming schedule for the Red Sox:
|
Date |
Opponent |
Time (ET) |
|
July 24 |
vs. Blue Jays |
7:10 p.m. |
|
July 25 |
vs. Blue Jays |
4:10 p.m. |
|
July 26 |
vs. Blue Jays |
1:35 p.m. |
|
July 27 |
at Athletics |
9:40 p.m. |
|
July 28 |
at Athletics |
9:40 p.m. |
Toronto Blue Jays schedule 2026
Here is the upcoming schedule for the Blue Jays:
|
Date |
Opponent |
Time (ET) |
|
July 24 |
at Red Sox |
7:10 p.m. |
|
July 25 |
at Red Sox |
4:10 p.m. |
|
July 26 |
at Red Sox |
1:35 p.m. |
|
July 27 |
at Nationals |
6:45 p.m. |
|
July 27 |
at Nationals |
6:45 p.m. |
More Red Sox
Sports
‘I am not taking it for granted’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record | Cricket News
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi believes his record-breaking maiden international half-century has given him the confidence he needs after a difficult start to life in international cricket.The 15-year-old announced his arrival in style by smashing an 18-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in men’s international cricket.The knock marked a dramatic turnaround for the teenage opener, who had endured a disappointing debut series against England. Sooryavanshi managed just 42 runs across his first three T20I innings, scoring 14 off 10 balls, 13 off five deliveries and 15 off 10 balls.After helping India secure a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Sooryavanshi said the innings would play a key role in boosting his self-belief at the start of his international journey.“When you are in the starting phase of your career, and you get such an innings at the start, you get confidence for the next matches. It felt like I was in my zone and I backed my own strength,” Sooryavanshi said in a video posted by the BCCI.At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed a long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian batting legend was 16 years and 213 days old when he scored his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in the Faisalabad Test in 1989.Harare has become a particularly memorable venue for the youngster. Earlier this year, he lit up the same ground with a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls against England in the final of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup. Months later, he returned to the venue to produce another innings that underlined his immense potential.Despite enjoying success in Harare, Sooryavanshi insisted he is not taking any venue or opportunity for granted and remains focused on making meaningful contributions wherever he plays.“There are some grounds where you like to make runs. I am not taking it for granted. I am just trying to play wherever I can, give my best, contribute to the team and do well,” he said.The teenager also acknowledged the role played by those who have supported him throughout his rise, dedicating the milestone to his family and coaches.“I will dedicate myself to my family, to my coaches, to everyone who supported me in my journey,” he concluded.Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock laid the foundation for India’s comfortable chase of Zimbabwe’s 125 for seven, with the visitors sealing victory by seven wickets and taking an early advantage in the three-match T20I series.
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“You have to do it” – Lando Norris admits F1 drivers are “paid millions” to adapt to 2026 F1 cars
Drivers have been vocal about how the complex energy deployment needs of the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars have impacted how they have to be driven, with the reliance on energy harvesting causing a big mental shift in how to approach faster corners.
Mercedes driver George Russell is one driver who has struggled to gel with his machinery this year, which has come more naturally to his championship-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
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Norris, whose McLaren team has only finished on the podium four times this year as it tries to reel in Mercedes, appeared to have little sympathy for Russell’s plight in what is still F1 fastest car in 2026.
“I mean, I’ve had to change my driving style every single year of my life,” Norris said in Hungary. “I guess for him it’s worked for 20 years, for me it’s not worked. My driving style worked back in 2018 when I did my test year. That’s probably about it. Ever since then I’ve had to change.
“I think the more experience you have in Formula 1, the better equipped you should be. If you’re not ready to adapt to a different car, then you’re not at a good enough level. It’s our job, it’s what we’ve got paid millions to do. It’s to drive any car you get given, whether it’s a good one, a bad one, an easy one or a hard one. You have to do it.”
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Norris particularly struggled over the first part of the 2025 season to wring the most out of his McLaren on the limit in qualifying, before finding technical and driving style solutions that helped him get back in the title race. That constant adaptation process hasn’t stopped yet with the 2026 car.
Mercedes’ George Russell is having to dig deep to get on top of the 2026 Mercedes and try to match Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes’ George Russell is having to dig deep to get on top of the 2026 Mercedes and try to match Kimi Antonelli.
“Every single race I come into at the minute, I feel like I have to completely forget the last weekend and learn how to drive a new car, because that’s how it is for us,” he said. “Every driver is different. But for me, my whole career in F1 has been about how I can change my driving style every season.”
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The controversial energy deployment rules are so complex that the power units rely on machine learning software to control them. It has left drivers unimpressed because the power units are so sensitive to inputs that a car can easily lose several tenths down the straight because of a slight deviation in the previous corner. As Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri put it in Spa, at times it feels like qualifying results are being decided by “computers behaving or misbehaving”.
While it has become harder for the outside world to judge driver performance and isolate it from the power unit, and Norris shares the general frustration over how random the power unit behaviour feels, he disagreed with Max Verstappen‘s opinion that a driver can’t make as much of a difference anymore.
Read Also:
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Max Verstappen: “At first they said I was complaining – now more people see what F1 2026 is like”
“You certainly can [make the difference],” Norris said. “Obviously, some corners get a little bit more eliminated. Maybe it tightens up, but if you’re a better driver, most corners are still corners to try and gain an advantage on everyone. You’re still going to be ahead.”
While some faster corners are now used to recharge energy, Norris felt the reduced downforce levels of the 2026 cars are now turning medium-speed corners into a much bigger challenge.
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“At the very fast tracks, like Silverstone and Spa, there are fewer corners where you can gain lap time. But on a track like this, I don’t think that’s true at all,” he explained. “Some of the corners this weekend are going to be bigger corners than they were ever before, because the top speed into Turn 11 and Turn 4 is higher than last season, with less grip. In fact, it’s almost the opposite. It’s a chance for you to make more of a difference as a good driver.”
Read Also:
George Russell: Data shows software calibration behind recent F1 struggles, not driving style
Mercedes introduces new 612hp F1 safety car
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