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Image source: ReutersByAndrew BenjaminF1 Correspondent24 Minutes ago14 CommentsGeorge Russell had to wait four more years than he anticipated for this and now that it has finally arrived, he says he feels a way he never expected. As fate would have it the location of our interview brought Russell full circle. The Mercedes driver will officially open the British Grand Prix track’s new karting center on a beautiful spring evening in Silverstone. Russell began his motorsport career with karting more than 20 year ago. He is now in the place he dreamed of when he first started. He just thought it would come sooner. When Russell, 28, joined Mercedes, he was already a rising star after impressive performances at back-of-the grid Williams. His graduation came following a run eight consecutive world titles for Mercedes and his then teammate Lewis Hamilton’s titanic title fight with Max Verstappen. His arrival at Mercedes coincided a dip in the team’s form. Now, Mercedes is back at the top. Russell claims that he feels nothing has changed. “I was surprised myself,” he says. “I just go about my daily process. Every time I get into a racecar, I don’t consider the big picture of winning the championship. “I only think about the present moment, like going out to qualify. How will I drive the fastest possible lap for the race? How can I get the best start to the race, the best race? I’m not going to try and stand on the top step of the podium, just go about doing my business. “I know we’re in a fight, but I don’t even think about it. I know that to win the championship you have to go through these processes. “This is what sports people say all the time. The Briton will only acknowledge that this year has been different by saying “there is definitely a slight difference in intensity”. This mentality is a common psychological trick for sportspeople, but he insists that it is not forced. “It’s the mentality that I’ve had since I was young,” he says. “Probably what my dad instilled in me when I was 10 years old, fighting for karting titles. “I’ve done this, not in Formula 1 but in all those championships as a child. I knew then what it took to win these championships. “The stakes today are higher.” When I was in F4 and fighting for the championship that was the most important thing in my life. At the time, it felt like F1. It was this that allowed me to fight hard for these victories. “Image source, Getty ImagesThe start of the season was good for Russell. He won the pole position in Australia and the sprint race in China, and he also took the pole in Australia. But since then, things have gone wrong. A technical problem in grand prix qualifying in China allowed 19-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli to slip in and take the pole position, from which the Italian took his first victory. In Japan, two weeks after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled, bad timing with a safety vehicle relegated Russell to fourth place and promoted Antonelli. The Italian won again. Russell says that at the moment they are battling each other. “Last season, if two cars qualified a few tenths apart, there were probably four or five in between. “If you had a bad start you couldn’t just climb back up the front like we are doing now. We were punished for making mistakes. So far this year, we haven’t been punished for our mistakes. Russell is too cute to say that the last comment is a reference Antonelli’s race in Japan where a poor start dropped him to the back of the field, before he recovered. Russell is quick to point out that Antonelli has had bad starts in all three races. I saw it last season. He showed signs of great speed. It’s still early days, and I’m certain it will be close. “Would Russell like it to remain this way or does he wish for another team to improve enough to have their drivers get involved?” “I love the competition,” he admits. It keeps things exciting. “I love to win when there is a lot of competition. It’s the same every day. I want my opponent to have everything because I’m going to be able… I want to win knowing that they have given their all. That’s what motivates me. My view is that the more the better. Verstappen’s Red Bull team has had a tough start to the season, and it is obvious that he is not in the title fight this year. Does Russell wish that he were in the fight? “Yeah,” he replies.It is no secret that Verstappen and Russell have not always been on the same page. They’ve had several very public disagreements during which they both expressed their views about each other’s character. Russell says, “They’re fine.” “We have a little respect for each other.” I admire what he is doing on the track. And I respect what’s he doing right now. “He’s racing his GT cars and enjoying himself. If I were a four-time champion, I would probably be doing the exact same thing. He’s already achieved what I am striving for now. “I would not forgive myself if I looked back and saw that I had been distracted from a championship match by other activities. If you’ve achieved all that he has, then good for him. “[embedded text]Verstappen was the most outspoken driver of all about the new rules introduced into F1 in this year, giving Mercedes the opportunity to leap back to first place. Verstappen’s catchy phrases to describe these new cars with engines that are 50-50 internal combustion and electric power include “Mario Kart”, Formula E on steroids”, and “anti-racing”. They require energy management throughout the lap and have been criticised because they prevent drivers from going flat-out during qualifying. Even though there have been more overtakes, this hasn’t always been viewed as a good thing, as some of them are due to the vastly different battery charge levels that are inherent in the new rules. Verstappen is not the only driver who has criticised the new rules. Russell, however, has a different opinion. “I don’t agree with that at all,” he states. “I personally enjoy the car. The engine and power-unit are definitely different. It just needs some fine tuning to optimise it. It’s given the chance to fight harder and do back-and forth racing. “We’re at a kart-track now. Lewis made an excellent point: in a kart racing, you overtake a corner, and he overtakes it back. They overtake again. No one has ever called it Mario Kart, yo-yo race or whatever else you might call it. We call it great racing and pure racing. Russell, as the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association led the drivers’ representations to the rule makers that the cars needed a change so qualifying could become more flat-out – hence some rule changes this week. But he believes that even that has been overstated. He says that anyone who believes drivers are slowing down in corners so they can be faster on straights is wrong. “There are a few small quirks that the FIA has done its best to eliminate. These are complicated details that fans don’t need to know. “From this race on, these minor changes will make our lives easier. We won’t need to lift off during a qualifying lap because we’ll be running flat out on the straights. “He also points that what’s going on in the cars this season should be seen within the context of F1 history. “I remember listening to the engines roaring 20 years ago, and it was amazing. But I didn’t see a single overtake,” says he. “That was arguably the purest Formula 1 that we’ve ever witnessed. The racing was boring. “I think we only remember positive things. In the present we tend to focus on the negative. There are many positives to this new regulation and these new cars. “I spoke to a Formula 1 racer from the ’80s or ’90s who said that they would have had a boost button which would give them an extra 300bhp, but at the end straight, when they lifted off, they would run out of gas. “So, this has always been there in some way. It’s obvious that things are different now, but it is important to remember the positives from the past. “Image source, Getty ImagesRussell and Verstappen’s relationship on and off the track has always had an extra bite because Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff made no secret about his admiration for Verstappen. Verstappen ended up staying where he was this year and Russell signed a contract. Is there a doubt that Russell will remain with Mercedes in 2027? “Apart from me announcing this here on your camera right now,” he says “there is no need to worry.” “Yes, there are options in the contract but they are based on performance. The performance is strong at the moment so the things will continue. “Is ‘performance’ a reference to a certain championship position? Russell says “Yes”. His future is secure and he has only one goal in mind. “To win,” says Russell. “Simple as. “The championship? “Every race. “Every race.

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Image source: Getty ImagesByBen BloomBBC Sports22 April 2026Updated three hours agoMiles Chaley-Watson remembers the moment when he sat at his Met Gala dinner table nine years ago. With Madonna on his right and Rihanna to his left, a London-born American fencing champion was the unexpected filling of a sandwich of pop royalty. Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, was also at his table. Hamilton has since become Chamley Watson’s “bestie”. “I was like, ‘Wow! What am I doing?'” Chamley-Watson recalls. “It was amazing – I had watched these people, listened to them as a child and now I was sitting at the same table. “You realize that everyone here is the best in their field. It was really, really awesome. It was my first taste at celebrity stardom. “I was probably one of the only people at the table who everyone thought: Who the hell is this 6ft 5in blonde guy that fences?” After that, everything changed for me. “Chamley Watson, 36, is one of the top fencers in the world. He has been a leading fencer for more than 10 years. He has competed in three Olympics and won team bronze in 2016. He was the first American to win an individual title when he won foil gold in 2013. His latest dream is to take the sport mainstream with this week’s launch of his World Fencing League. He has a new dream: to make fencing mainstream. This week, he launched the World Fencing League. “My life has become so crazy,” he admits. “I’d like to tell my teammates and talk to them about this, but it is just too unrelatable. Even for me, this is crazy. “Image source, Getty ImagesIt’s a far cry away from his humble origins and unusual path into the sport. Chamley-Watson was raised in London before his family moved to New York at the age of nine. He describes himself as “a bad kid” growing up. He was required to choose between badminton, tennis or fencing in order to focus. He chose fencing. “If you think of fencing, we are sword-fighting,” says an Arsenal fan whose English accent remains evident decades after leaving London. “I was like, ‘Sick! This is the coolest sports there is. “His schoolwork was better and he discovered he had a natural affinity for fencing. Chamley-Watson, however, says that he felt he “didn’t belong”. “I grew up thinking that there was no one who looked like me.” he said. “But as soon as I started winning it didn’t matter where I was from. We’re all the exact same when we put on our masks. “That’s what makes fencing so unique. It’s almost like Bruce Wayne becoming Batman. When you put on your mask, you feel like you can do whatever you want. “But I didn’t feel comfortable at any time. I’ve dealt with racism in the sports since I was 14 years old. “Those experiences have played a significant role in his creation of the World Fencing League, which launches on Saturday in Los Angeles.His hope is for the competition to take the sport mainstream so that “boys, girls, brown, black, anyone from all walks of life” are inspired to try fencing.The inaugural event sees 12 of the world’s top fencers split into two teams, competing for a prize pot of $100,000 (PS74,000) – an amount unheard of in a sport that struggles for professionalism.Employing modified scoring and new AI blade-tracking technology to allow viewers to see the swords’ rapid movements, the aim is to make fencing “shorter, easier to understand and more visually appealing”.Not everyone is onboard, with some traditionalists unsupportive of the new format. “Unfortunately, it is necessary to upset some feathers in order to make a major change in a sport like fencing, which is so traditional,” says Chamley Watson. “We can change a sport for ever. “Seven-time Olympic Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles was among the high-profile sports and entertainment personalities who posted about the event on Facebook, with a multitude of VIPs expected to attend Saturday’s event. Will Ferrari driver Hamilton be at the event? “He’s a good friend of mine, so what does a friend do?” Chamley-Watson. “When you have someone as good as that, you will support each other even when you are not working. There will be no F1 race on that weekend, so there is your answer. “Fencing will soon become more glamorous. Related topicsOlympic GamesFencing

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Image source: Getty ImagesByHarry PooleBBC Sport Journalist2 hours agoJess Judd doesn’t remember much of that night in Rome. It has been a long, difficult journey since then, but the 31 year-old speaks with admirable calmness about the traumatic experiences which have led “I feel very fortunate to have had a second chance in running.” Warner Judd told BBC Sport that he was lucky to have a second chance. “I remember really horrible conversations after trying to restart track season and it didn’t happen. The doctors were brilliant and said that I would have to retire from track if I continued to try before I received therapy because my body wouldn’t cope. “The distressing details about what unfolded in Stadio Olimpico were vividly recalled by her husband Rob who witnessed the entire event from the stands along with Warner Judd’s father and Coach, Mike, in 2024. The lack of coordination. The veering into lanes 2 and 3. Her distress was becoming more visible. Warner Judd continued to struggle until, with 600m left, she collapsed. Image source, Getty ImagesIt wasn’t until late at night that Rob and Mike could finally visit Warner Judd. She apologized for not finishing the race in hospital, but was unaware of how serious the situation was. She had an undiagnosed seizure. She had another seizure after she was taken off the track in a stretcher. This time it was so severe that she needed to be sedated. “That really made me realize that this was a very serious situation,” says Rob. It also made me realize that there are other things in life besides running. At that point, I was like, I don’t care if she never races ever again, as long as she’s OK.”The first indication had arrived a few months earlier when, at a low-key 10,000m race in California, Warner Judd failed to cross a finish line for the first in her career.She had suffered a similar mid-race seizure there but, because epilepsy is difficult to diagnose and seizures are often the only symptom, subsequent medical tests were unable to identify the cause.This time, Warner Judd got an answer when she was diagnosed with focal epilepsy, meaning her seizures typically start in one side of the brain and cause unusual feelings, sensations or movements.Unsure then what the future might hold, her journey back has proven far from straightforward.Trapped nerve and wee stops – running a marathon 22 weeks pregnant1 day agoGB’s Cairess out of London Marathon with injury15 AprilWith an Olympic Games on the horizon, Warner Judd attempted an immediate return to running but soon discovered that her body was not up to the task. It took Warner Judd 12 minutes to complete her first mile. She had a personal best of under two minutes for 800m. Warner Judd says it was difficult to fall in love with running again. “I used to run to clear my mind and feel better. It was my safe place. Then, to have this association between racing and having seizures… I was terrified that it would happen again. “It helps you to refocus your goals and outlook on life. In terms of running, I did it just for myself. “If I do well and achieve great things, that’s fantastic. But it’s a very secondary goal. You never know when you’ll lose it, so I want it to be as good as I can. “Image source, Getty ImagesWarner Judidd has settled into her new home in Rob’s hometown of Clitheroe. Warner Judd reversed her decision to never run another race within 24 hours. She also accepted the offer to race in London, just a few miles from her hometown of Canvey Island in Essex. Warner Judd has left the door open. It was once thought impossible. But she’s now ready to return. Warner Judd admits, “I want to get back to it.” “But before I wanted to go to it to prove that I was able to do it. I think that part is gone now. “Now, if I am going to enjoy this and feel like I can run well, I would like to go back. “I feel there is still unfinished business. It’s not goodbye for good – just now. “Related TopicsAthletics

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ByShamoon HafezManchester City reporter at Turf Moor8 minutes ago10 CommentsIt took just five minutes for chants of “we are top of the league” to ring out around Turf Moor from the visiting supporters.Manchester City beat Burnley 1-0 to hit the summit of the Premier League for the first time in eight months, when they led the way after thrashing Wolves in the opening week of the season.During the intervening period Arsenal sat at the top looking down on all below them, but they have had a nine-point lead evaporate in the past 11 days.Mikel Arteta’s men could have gone 12 clear and possibly out of sight on 11 April, but suffered a shock home defeat by Bournemouth and City took full advantage with three straight wins, including a monumental one over the Gunners on Sunday.Despite the victory and going top, will City rue being unable to find a more clinical edge against a team relegated down to the Championship?With each goal potentially proving crucial in a tense title race, City may view a victory with a solitary Erling Haaland goal as a missed opportunity to boost their goal difference. Guardiola said, “We had opportunities.” “Not for the future, but to win the match.” It was obvious that [Martin] Dubravka, Burnley’s goalkeeper, was good. But the last part of the shooting was often fatigue. “I felt that if we scored 2-0, then we would be more relaxed and composed in the final third. They have done a great job in terms of what I asked from the team, the plan and focusing on our task. “He added, “We played a good game. Unfortunately, we missed many chances. We had fewer problems and defended better during the second half. “I wasn’t frustrated, why should I be? We are the top of the league, having won three points. We can do better, but the guys did it all. Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender, said on Sky Sports that the players, coaches and Arsenal fans watching this game will be thinking: “Will Manchester City play this way against other better teams?” They could stumble. Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, must stop the yo-yo effect. But can they? Burnley can stop the yo-yo effects if they want to. Nedum Onuoha, a former City defender, told BBC Radio 5 Live that not many Arsenal players expected Burnley to win today. However, if you’re an Arsenal fan or player, you’d be happy with a 1-0 defeat for Burnley. “Arsenal will play Burnley in just a few weeks, and they won’t waste their chances like City with so much at stake.” City will be chasing Arsenal before you know it. I don’t believe it matters much psychologically. “Now that they have played against each other, the talk about the title-decider in April is over. You have five games and they have five games. Arsenal could win the league title if you win your games and do well. “They must believe in themselves. This 1-0 loss to City, despite the fact that they had 28 shots on goal, could be just what they need to change their form. “Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Krul said: “Arsenal has been so close to winning the last few seasons, I think we’re all hoping they do. You can’t exclude Manchester City. “My money is on City. Just because of their experience. They are serial winners, and the best manager in football is looking after them. You can’t ignore them. “A psychological boost?” Phil Johnson, a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society division of sport and fitness, told BBC Sport that Guardiola’s strong emotional connection to his players, staff, and fans is one of his gifts. This is vital to the culture of the club. He gets players to perform well, even if they are considered to be past their best. “What we see with Arsenal is what I often see working with swimmers and runners. They are so close to winning that for a brief moment, they think they have already won. Their bodies and brains relax a little more and they lose. “We saw the energy of the team drop when Arsenal was nine points ahead of City. They were slower and less focused. They were not offensive in terms tackling or regaining possession except when they were pushed. “I don’t think Arsenal is communicating as well as Man City right now. Communication is all about keeping a team together and focusing on this goal. Managers can influence the focus and mission of a group. “I believe momentum is important and that’s where City have been especially good. Momentum is a concept, an idea. But it has a tangible feel. You can literally feel the sense of control. “I often use queen bee analogy as a way to demonstrate leadership. She has a pheromone, which is like an energy that keeps the bees content. She touches the bees using her own pheromone as she travels around. “This keeps everyone together.” It’s as if Guardiola is the queen at Manchester City, and has the right pheromones flowing through his hive. “Related topicsPremier leagueManchester CityFootballMore about this storyLatest Manchester City News, Analysis and Fan ViewsAsk about Man City: What do you want to learn?

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