# australia sport (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover australia sport. Page: Feed: --- ## [Arthur Fils blasts past Flavio Cobolli to reach first Masters final in landmark win](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/23/arthur-fils-blasts-past-flavio-cobolli-to-reach-first-masters-1000-final) _2026-08-22 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ French youngster beats No 7 seed 6-3, 6-4 in Cincinnati Jessica Pegula battles past Swiatek to reach women’s final In the middle of a tense, erratic start to a rain-delayed semi-final day in Cincinnati, Arthur Fils found himself locked in defence and miles behind the baseline on his serve at 3-3. He scurried from sideline to sideline, lunging toward the ball at full stretch, seemingly with no real… ## [Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper out of US Open as injuries take their toll](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/21/jannik-sinner-out-of-us-open-tennis-with-knee-injury) _2026-08-21 · PA Media · Tennis | The Guardian_ World No 1 makes ‘difficult decision’ to miss slam Draper still recovering from bone bruise in left arm Jannik Sinner will miss the US Open with a right knee injury. The world No 1 has not played a match since beating Alexander Zverev last month to successfully defend his Wimbledon title, missing the Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati. Great Britain’s Jack Draper is also out of the… ## [Can Aryna Sabalenka find a way to repair her collapsed form? | Tumaini Carayol](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/20/can-aryna-sabalenka-find-a-way-to-repair-her-collapsed-form) _2026-08-20 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ With one semi-final in her last seven tournaments, the coming months will define the next stage of her career Towards the end of a messy first set tie-break late on Wednesday, Aryna Sabalenka wildly sprayed another painfully nervous backhand before slamming her racket to the ground. As the racket connected with the acrylic floor, its vibration dampener detached from the strings and rolled off in… ## [‘Here we go’: Carlos Alcaraz confirms US Open return after four-month injury absence](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/20/carlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-wrist-injury) _2026-08-20 · PA Sport · Tennis | The Guardian_ Seven-time major winner has not played since April Spaniard missed French Open and Wimbledon US Open announces record $108m prize fund Carlos Alcaraz has won his battle to be fit for the US Open. The seven-time grand slam champion has not played on the ATP Tour since April due to an ongoing wrist issue, but enlisted the help of football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano to announce his comeback.… ## [US Open singles champions will take home record $5.5m as prize money jumps by 20%](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/20/us-open-2026-prize-money-tennis) _2026-08-20 · Agencies · Tennis | The Guardian_ Total prize pool for tournament will be $108m Players guaranteed $140,000 for making first round The US Open singles champions will earn $5.5m, the highest winnings in grand slam tennis history. Overall compensation for the tournament is rising to a record $108m, a 20% increase from last year and a 44% jump since 2024. The financial details were announced on Thursday by the US Tennis Association,… ## [‘Why would you want to retire me?’: Novak Djokovic is still driven by doubt](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/20/novak-djokovic-wolf-in-winter-documentary-jason-hehir-interview) _2026-08-20 · Richard Deitsch · Tennis | The Guardian_ A revealing Prime Video documentary out Thursday explores the stubbornness, childhood scars and siege mentality still driving Novak Djokovic at 39 The moment comes roughly 20 minutes into the thoughtfully done Prime Video documentary, Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter , where Djokovic, winner of 24 grand slam titles and owner of the most-ever total weeks atop the ATP rankings (428), gets to the… ## [Teenage ace Rafael Jódar endures defeat by Cobolli but his star is rising](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/jodar-beaten-cobolli-teenager-continues-impress-cincinnati-open-tennis) _2026-08-19 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ Spaniard loses narrowly in fourth round of the Cincinnati Open yet the buzz around him will only get louder As Rafael Jódar slowly trudged from the court, he could only bring himself to wave at his adoring crowd for no more than a millisecond. The 19-year-old was appropriately devastated after he had come within two points of victory on numerous occasions before losing 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the… ## [Tennis grand slams unite to establish player council in attempt to defuse prize money row](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/tennis-grand-slams-player-advisory-council-prize-money-row-us-open) _2026-08-19 · Exclusive by Matt Hughes · Tennis | The Guardian_ Move could be confirmed along with $100m US Open pot Slams have been in dispute with players for 18 months The grand slam tennis tournaments have agreed to establish a formal Player Advisory Council in a move aimed at defusing the row over prize money. The joint venture could be confirmed on Wednesday as part of US Tennis Association’s announcement of this year’s US Open prize money, which is… ## [Nick Kyrgios suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/nick-kyrgios-suspended-from-tennis-after-testing-positive-for-cocaine) _2026-08-19 · Matt Hughes · Tennis | The Guardian_ Australian reveals ‘huge mistake’ in Instagram post Kyrgios tested positive at ATP 250 event in June The former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been suspended after testing positive for cocaine. The 31-year-old Australian revealed on Instagram on Wednesday that he had “made a huge mistake”. His suspension was confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) shortly afterwards.… ## [Williams sisters come unstuck in Cincinnati in first doubles outing together since 2022](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/18/tennis-venus-serena-williams-sisters-cincinnati-doubles) _2026-08-18 · Tumaini Carayol at the Lindner Family Tennis Center · Tennis | The Guardian_ Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns beat American pair 6-2, 1-6, 10-8 Serena and Venus enjoy ‘fun’ on-court reunion despite defeat One game into the family reunion of the decade, Venus Williams launched herself inside the baseline in her single-minded pursuit of a puffball second serve. For a brief moment the Cincinnati Open was transported back 15 years. Williams pounded her forehand return directly… ## [AI Summaries & Audio Briefings (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/EvnS2qZQ2iA0) _2026-08-18 · **Sponsored**_ Read AI summaries and listen to concise audio briefings for the latest stories. ## [Arthur Fery gives Alex de Minaur stern test before bowing out in Cincinnati](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/arthur-fery-gives-alex-de-minaur-stern-test-before-bowing-out-in-cincinnati) _2026-08-17 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ Wimbledon semi-finalist loses 7-5, 7-6 in third round Disappointment on day of GB Davis Cup squad call-up The most pertinent question surrounding the rapidly blossoming career of Arthur Fery is exactly how far he could possibly take his game. Fery’s unexpected breakthrough run at Wimbledon last month was immense, but now he faces the intriguing challenge of seeing how he stacks up against the… ## [Elena Rybakina leads call for changes to 2028 calendar after schedule chaos](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/16/elena-rybakina-leads-calls-changes-2028-tennis-calendar-schedule-wimbledon-olympics) _2026-08-16 · Tumaini Carayol · Tennis | The Guardian_ Olympic tennis event begins three days after Wimbledon Rybakina: ‘It’s crazy … hopefully something will change’ Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and a number of top tennis players have called for changes to the calendar in light of the “crazy” and “ridiculous” news that the tennis competition in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will begin just three days after Wimbledon ends. The LA28 Olympics… ## [Djokovic’s medical malaise in Cincinnati exposes fraying edges of ageing great’s game](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/16/novak-djokovic-cincinnati-open-2026-tennis-us-open) _2026-08-16 · Tumaini Carayol at the Lindner Family Tennis Center · Tennis | The Guardian_ First-round exit for 24-time grand slam winner made for a difficult watch but there is an emerging pattern of saving his best for the big occasion Novak Djokovic walked from the ­stadium court in Cincinnati to the corridor reserved for post-match press interviews practically without breaking stride. The 39-year-old had been cruising up a set and well on his way to a seemingly comfortable victory… ## [Novak Djokovic suffers in Cincinnati heat as Thiago Agustín Tirante inflicts shock defeat](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/15/novak-djokovic-suffers-in-cincinnati-heat-as-thiago-agustin-tirante-inflicts-shock-defeat) _2026-08-15 · Tumaini Carayol at the Lindner Family Tennis Center · Tennis | The Guardian_ Argentinian powers to 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory Heat and humidity take toll on Djokovic Britain’s Fery holds off Duckworth 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 The scoreboard did not yet indicate that anything was awry, but even as Novak Djokovic led by a set in his opening match at the Cincinnati Open, he was already struggling badly. From the second set onwards, he spent much of his time between points squatting and… ## [Struggling Venus Williams suffers 14th straight defeat in Cincinnati rout](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/14/venus-williams-emilia-arango-cincinnati-masters-tennis) _2026-08-14 · Guardian sport and agencies · Tennis | The Guardian_ Seven-time major champion beaten 6-2, 6-2 Williams, 46, loses 11th match of the season Tsitsipas advances as Dimitrov squanders lead Colombian Emilia Arango handed Venus Williams a 14th straight loss dating to July of last year, defeating the fading seven-time grand slam champion who is currently ranked 615th in 66 minutes by 6-2, 6-2 at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. The 46-year-old Williams was… ## [Iga Swiatek takes swing at critics after ending title drought in Canada](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/14/iga-swiatek-takes-swing-at-critics-after-ending-title-drought-in-cincinnati) _2026-08-14 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ Pole beats Rybakina to win her first title in 11 months but is angry about disapproving voices from her own country It came as no surprise that almost a year of pent-up emotion exploded from Iga Swiatek the moment she slotted her final backhand winner to clinch the Canadian Open title by defeating Elena Rybakina in two clean sets on Thursday night. As she screamed towards her team members on her… ## [Ben Shelton prevails in all-American final to retain Canadian Open title](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/13/ben-shelton-brandon-nakashima-canadian-open-final-tennis) _2026-08-14 · Agencies · Tennis | The Guardian_ American wins second straight Masters 1000 title Shelton improves to 6-0 against fellow American Norrie advances as Draper falls in Cincinnati Ben Shelton broke onto the scene by winning his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 championship a year ago in Toronto. He earned his second crown at that level ⁠by successfully defending his Canadian title on Thursday, defeating fellow American Brandon Nakashima… ## [Jack Draper ‘in difficult place’ after defeat by Martín Landaluce at Cincinnati Open](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/13/jack-draper-tennis-cincinnati-us-open-martin-landaluce) _2026-08-13 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ Former world No 4 slumps to 6-3, 7-5 first-round loss Draper still recovering from long-term arm injury The minuscule amount of confidence and self-belief Jack Draper currently has to call upon in the most difficult period of his career was underscored in the first game of his opening match in Cincinnati. Draper began his service game by shanking a forehand into the back fence, which he followed… ## [Jack Draper: ‘When you reach rock bottom like that you can come back up again’](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/12/jack-draper-tennis-us-open-canadian-open-emotions) _2026-08-12 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ Former world No 4 reflects on emotional reaction in Canada and rebuilding after the most difficult period of his career Those painful images have relentlessly spread to all corners of the internet. Deep in the final set of the first-round match at the Canadian Open against Térence Atmane just over a week ago, 15 months of pent up emotion erupted. Two games from defeat, Draper spent the entire… ## [Arthur Fery ready to test himself at Masters level after Wimbledon run](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/11/arthur-fery-cincinnati-open-wimbledon-2026-tennis) _2026-08-11 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Tennis | The Guardian_ Briton reached SW19 semi-finals as a wildcard World No 36 has first-round bye in Cincinnati Arthur Fery believes he is at the start of a new chapter in his career as he returns to competition for the first time since his surprise run to the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wildcard. The Briton will compete for the first time in a month at the Cincinnati Open this week, after opting to take a short… ## [Finnish Seedboxes — Up to 20Gbps (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/ukHSx0LxGLyr) _2026-08-11 · **Sponsored**_ Private Finnish seedboxes with 1–20Gbps speeds, RAID storage and 14‑day refund ## [Vondrousova’s antics put tennis doping tests in spotlight – a far cry from football’s view | Tumaini Carayol](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/10/marketa-vondrousova-doping-ban-tennis-wada-mykhailo-mudryk-chelsea-fa-return-football) _2026-08-10 · Tumaini Carayol · Tennis | The Guardian_ Former Wimbledon champion’s suspension comes as Mykhailo Mudryk returns for Chelsea, exposing stark contrast in processes In the months between the first announcement of Marketa Vondrousova’s doping test refusal and the release of the full reasoned decision after her four‑year ban, the 2023 Wimbledon champion did her best to grab hold of the narrative. Between her social media posts and later… ## [‘I’m not ready to compete’: Jannik Sinner pulls out of Cincinnati Open](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/09/tennis-not-ready-compete-jannik-sinner-pulls-out-cincinnati-open) _2026-08-09 · AFP · Tennis | The Guardian_ World No 1 withdraws because of knee injury Italian trying to stay fit for US Open that starts 30 August The World No 1, Jannik Sinner, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open because of a knee injury. “After consulting my doctors and my team, I have to announce I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament,” he said in a statement posted on the ATP website. “My right knee has been bothering… ## [I started pickleball in my 50s. Here are my beginner tips – and the best gear – to get on the court](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/04/best-beginner-pickleball-gear-according-to-pros) _2026-08-07 · Tobey Grumet Segal · Tennis | The Guardian_ We asked the experts for their picks for the best pickleball paddles, balls, running shoes and more to improve your game as a beginner Will these $23 socks last my entire life? I took 150,000 steps to find out Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things Maybe it was the contrarian in me, or maybe just the tennis player, but I must confess that I spent… ## [Photographs of drama and emotion – the career of Chris Smith](https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/aug/06/photographs-of-drama-and-emotion-the-career-of-chris-smith) _2026-08-06 · Jim Powell and Greg Whitmore · Tennis | The Guardian_ The late photographer has left behind memorable images of many of the larger-than-life characters who peopled the last four decades of the 20th century: Muhammad Ali, Paul Gascoigne, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Aretha Franklin, Seve Ballesteros and Daley Thompson Chris Smith obituary Continue reading... ## [Game, set, Chat: how tennis players use AI to scout opponents and run their lives](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/05/ai-chatgpt-robots-tennis-players-scouting-technology) _2026-08-05 · Tumaini Carayol · Tennis | The Guardian_ The emergence of GenAI has led to a generational shift with stars conflicted on the impact of technology on their sport Not so long ago, Emma Raducanu was on her phone when she found herself wondering what her comprehensive usage of ChatGPT said about her own character. “I use Chat a lot,” Raducanu says, laughing. “Every small thing I do it and I got this idea. So, you know how Spotify do a… ## [Doubts grow over Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open defence after latest withdrawal](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/05/carlos-alcaraz-injury-us-open-defence-cincinnati-masters-1000) _2026-08-05 · Reuters · Tennis | The Guardian_ World No 2 pulls out of ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati Spaniard has been sidelined since April with ongoing wrist injury Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to an ⁠ongoing wrist injury, casting fresh doubts over the Spaniard’s fitness ahead of his ⁠US Open title ⁠defence this ​month. The seven-times Grand Slam champion has been sidelined since withdrawing from the… ## [‘Our new champion’: Philippines swept up in tennis fever after Alex Eala’s historic win](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/05/alex-eala-philippines-tennis-fever) _2026-08-05 · Natasha May in Bangkok · Tennis | The Guardian_ WTA event win earns 21-year-old a presidential reception in the Philippines as interest in tennis surges in home country The Philippines has been swept up in tennis fever after 21-year-old rising star Alex Eala delivered a historic win, drawing praise from the president who hosted a reception in her honour. On Monday, Eala became the first player from the Philippines to win a Women’s Tennis… ## [Tearful Jack Draper loses on comeback from injury at Canadian Open](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/04/tennis-tearful-jack-draper-loses-canadian-open-terence-atmane) _2026-08-04 · PA Media · Tennis | The Guardian_ Briton withdrew from Wimbledon with bruised bone Draper in tears during 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 loss to Térence Atmane Jack Draper was in tears during a first-round comeback defeat by Térence Atmane at the Canadian Open. The Briton was competing for the first time since pulling out of Wimbledon with a recurrence of a bruised bone in his left arm, and was beaten 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in Montreal. Continue reading... ## [Breakout star Alexandra Eala continues rise with first WTA title at DC Open](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/03/alexandra-eala-dc-open-title-philippines) _2026-08-03 · Reuters · Tennis | The Guardian_ Filipino sensation beats Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-0 Fritz beats Jodar in men’s final for first title of season Alexandra Eala became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title and Taylor Fritz ⁠claimed his first trophy of the season after both rain-delayed DC Open finals were completed on Monday. Eala stunned top seed Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 ⁠6-0 after the… ## [Emma Raducanu to miss US Open with leg injury in latest fitness setback](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/03/emma-raducanu-leg-injury-us-open-tennis) _2026-08-03 · PA Media · Tennis | The Guardian_ 2021 US Open champion out with stress fracture in leg Raducanu also missed Wimbledon through injury Emma Raducanu will miss the US Open because of the stress fracture in her right leg that she sustained during the grass-court season and forced her to pull out of Wimbledon. It is understood that following consultation with her medical team, Raducanu has concluded she will be unable to play in New… ## [Pirate.io on Google Play (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1aVAhHbbGSnv) _2026-08-03 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Pirate.io listing on Google Play to view the app’s details. ## [‘People are loving it’: Formula One chief Domenicali hits back at critics of regulations](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/29/formula-1-stefano-domenicali-regulations-critics) _2026-07-29 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ Chief executive says fans don’t care about technology Season may finish in Europe due to war in Middle East Stefano Domenicali has issued a stout rebuttal to critics of Formula One’s new regulations, claiming most fans are enjoying the sport more than ever and are unconcerned by driver complaints. The Formula One chief executive also confirmed that this season’s finale would be staged in Europe if… ## [F1 summer report card: from top of the class Mercedes to the team that must do better](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/28/f1-summer-report-card-from-top-of-the-class-to-the-team-that-must-do-better) _2026-07-28 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ As the paddock disperses for its traditional mid-season three-week break, the race is on to catch Kimi Antonelli Mercedes came into the season as favourites and have lived up to the billing. Their car has been dominant with eight wins from 11 meetings, a strike rate greater perhaps even than the team had expected. Despite the rather skewed conclusions of the Aduo engine assessment, which declared… ## [McLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after win](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/27/mclaren-team-principal-maturity-lando-norris-f1) _2026-07-27 · Giles Richards in Budapest · Formula One | The Guardian_ ‘He’s more in control of his emotions,’ says Andrea Stella World champion won his first race of season in Hungary Lando Norris is at the peak of his powers after his win at the Hungarian Grand Prix demonstrated the world champion has a stronger psychological approach to driving, according to the McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella. Norris took his team’s first win of the season on Sunday with a… ## [Oscar Piastri swore at his McLaren crew in frustration in Hungary, but any Formula One revival is up to him](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/27/oscar-piastri-hungary-grand-prix-gp-f1-analysis) _2026-07-27 · Jack Snape · Formula One | The Guardian_ While some of his struggles have been out of his control, Piastri now must prove he can adapt to a new era in the sport Blasphemy from Oscar Piastri had to be censored on more than one occasion during his frustrating Hungarian Grand Prix . But it was the Australian’s use of the M-word that will fuel speculation about his future at the halfway mark of a disappointing Formula One season. “Mate, just… ## [‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title race](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/26/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-formula-one-hungarian-grand-prix-lando-norris) _2026-07-26 · Giles Richards at the Hungaroring · Formula One | The Guardian_ Hamilton questions strategy after finishing fifth Briton lost place after penalty for speeding in pit lane Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with his Ferrari team after he dropped points in the title battle against Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Lando Norris returned to form with the defending world champion claiming his first race victory of the season . Hamilton… ## [F1 Hungarian GP: Lando Norris wins his first race of season to end McLaren’s drought – as it happened](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jul/26/hungarian-grand-prix-formula-one-live) _2026-07-26 · John Brewin · Formula One | The Guardian_ The reigning champion was in supreme form as he scored his first race victory of the season at the Hungaroring Lando Norris is eating what appears to be rice pudding , doubtless with extra protein protection. It’s hot out there, with Bono saying it’s 50 degrees on track, though there’s also a wind picking up. Martin Brundle starts his own dance . Laurence Stroll, Mr Aston Martin, is there, and… ## [Lando Norris wins F1 Hungarian GP for first victory of season as Piastri retires](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/26/lando-norris-takes-f1-hungarian-gp-for-first-victory-of-season-as-piastri-retires) _2026-07-26 · Giles Richards at the Hungaroring · Formula One | The Guardian_ World champion wins from pole; Piastri’s gearbox fails Verstappen second, championship leader Antonelli third Lando Norris finally had reason to celebrate after a testing opening to the season, as McLaren’s defending Formula One world champion took his first win of the year at the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, while the victory was thoroughly deserved in an incident-packed race, there was an all… ## [Lando Norris grabs F1 Hungarian GP pole while Hamilton and Antonelli are penalised](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/25/mclarens-lando-norris-snatches-pole-from-hamilton-at-hungarian-grand-prix) _2026-07-25 · Giles Richards at the Hungaroring · Formula One | The Guardian_ Defending champion takes first pole of 2026 by 0.012sec Hamilton and Antonelli receive three-place penalties The margins were tiny and for a moment it seemed Lewis Hamilton had finally found his edge in qualifying, only for the seven-time champion to be beaten by but a breath. The defending world champion, Lando Norris, pipped him to pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix in a thrilling, dramatic… ## [Hungarian F1 GP qualifying: Lando Norris takes pole as Lewis Hamilton faces penalty – as it happened](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jul/25/hungarian-grand-prix-qualifying-formula-one-live) _2026-07-25 · Philip Cornwall · Formula One | The Guardian_ ️ Qualifying gets under way at 3pm BST ️ Share your thoughts with Philip via email And how do the constructors’ ones look? 1 Mercedes 358pts 2 Ferrari 285 3 McLaren 195 4 Red Bull 151 5 Alpine 61 6 Racing Bulls 61 7 Haas 21 8 Williams 11 9 Audi 10 10 Aston Martin 1 11 Cadillac 0 Continue reading... ## [‘I’m living every lap and every corner’: Allan McNish on guiding Audi into F1 from pitwall](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/25/allan-mcnish-formula-one-audi-motor-sport) _2026-07-25 · Giles Richards at the Hungaroring · Formula One | The Guardian_ Racing director believes his career behind the wheel can help the team deliver where others have failed as new entrants in the top tier of motor sport There is nowhere to hide in Formula One, a sport where deficiency is brutally exposed week in, week out. It is an environment where success must be fought for tooth and nail yet one where the former driver and multiple Le Mans winner Allan McNish is… ## [Lando Norris hits out at Formula One for putting money ahead of drivers](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/24/lando-norris-hits-out-at-formula-one-for-putting-money-ahead-of-drivers) _2026-07-24 · Giles Richards at the Hunagroring · Formula One | The Guardian_ Many drivers also unhappy with new regulations ‘F1’s gone too heavily led by the fact it’s a business’ Lando Norris has delivered a scathing critique of Formula One and its management for prioritising making money over sporting considerations when forming the sport’s new regulations. The world champion argued that the drivers should have been more involved in the process. Norris is among many… ## [‘Eyes forward now’: George Russell upbeat after Mercedes solve engine problem](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/23/george-russell-mercedes-engine-problem-formula-one-hungarian-grand-prix) _2026-07-23 · Giles Richards at the Hungaroring · Formula One | The Guardian_ Electrical fault had damaged Briton’s world title hopes ‘I’m glad we found it. Spa and Silverstone exposed issue’ George Russell believes his Mercedes team have identified the problem with his engine that damaged his world championship hopes over recent races and left the driver fuming when it played a key role in him being knocked out of Sunday’s round in Belgium. Russell has been struggling with… ## [F1’s algorithms spark driver fury as number neuters thrills of Spa-Francorchamps | Giles Richards](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/20/f1-algorithm-driver-fury-engines-spa-francorchamps) _2026-07-20 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ Computer-controlled energy deployment now dictates races – it turns out drivers don’t like Skynet controlling their cars Another race down another classic circuit, in this case Spa-Francorchamps, left neutered for drivers and so their slow, dissonant discontent rumbles ever onward. In the wake of the Belgian Grand Prix , there was an overwhelming sense they wished to simply escape. Not so much… ## [Russell’s Mercedes problems ‘100% on us’, says Toto Wolff after Belgium blow](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/19/george-russell-toto-wolff-mercedes-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-belgian-grand-prix-f1-formule-one) _2026-07-19 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ Russell clipped by Hamilton on lap one after power loss British driver 50 points behind Antonelli in standings Toto Wolff, the Mercedes principal, has admitted the team let George Russell down at the Belgian Grand Prix. The British driver failed to score a point after a clash with Lewis Hamilton that Russell attributed to his car’s performance not being up to scratch. The race was won by Kimi… ## [Formula One 2026: Kimi Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix to extend title lead – as it happened](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jul/19/formula-one-2026-belgian-grand-prix-live) _2026-07-19 · Yara El-Shaboury · Formula One | The Guardian_ Kimi Antonelli saw off the challenge of Charles Leclerc to get back to winning ways at Spa as his teammate and title rival George Russell failed to finish Lap 2 of 44: The Safety Car is deployed after the dramatic opening-lap, neutralising the race as marshals recover Russell’s stranded Mercedes from the gravel. Russell climbs out of the car and walks away unharmed, but his race is over. The… ## [Kimi Antonelli tightens F1 title grip with Belgian GP win after Russell crashes out](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/19/kimi-antonelli-f1-title-grip-belgian-grand-prix-george-russell-formula-one) _2026-07-19 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ Russell out on opening lap after clash with Hamilton Antonelli has 50-point lead on Mercedes teammate Victory in the Belgian Grand Prix could not have been sweeter for Kimi Antonelli, but it has cruelly exposed something of an inexplicable faultline within his Mercedes team. The Italian teenager’s joy stood in stark contrast to his teammate George Russell, who was knocked out on lap one after a… ## [Formula One 2026: Kimi Antonelli takes pole at F1 Belgian Grand Prix – as it happened](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jul/18/formula-one-2026-belgian-grand-prix-qualifying-live) _2026-07-18 · Philip Cornwall · Formula One | The Guardian_ The championship leader earned pole position at Spa-Francorchamps from Max Verstappen Q1 here we go. David Croft and Martin Brundle discussing Red Bull tactics: can Hadjar, on a bottomless penalty, give Verstappen a helping hand in Q3? After the heat of the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, temperatures are barely above 20C in Belgium this weekend. Continue reading... ## [Mercedes’ Antonelli outpaces Verstappen to grab F1 Belgian GP pole](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/18/mercedes-antonelli-outpaces-verstappen-to-grab-f1-belgian-grand-prix-pole-position) _2026-07-18 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ Russell will share second ​row with Ferrari’s Leclerc Norris ‌third fastest ‌but has a 10-place grid penalty Kimi Antonelli has suffered a run of no little bad luck of late, but the Italian teenager demonstrated it had left him entirely unfazed as he produced a dominant lap to secure pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix. The 19-year-old’s composure and control at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday… ## [George Russell ready to keep chasing down championship leader Kimi Antonelli at Spa](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/17/george-russell-kimi-antonelli-formula-one-belgian-grand-prix) _2026-07-17 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ Antonelli’s lead in the F1 drivers’ standings looked insurmountable after Monaco, but now Russell is potentially within one race win of wiping it out Squaring off at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Formula One’s leading title protagonists Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are embroiled in an increasingly tense head to head.The teenager and his experienced Mercedes teammate facing each other as… ## [Lando Norris vows to overcome 10-place grid penalty at Belgian Grand Prix](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/16/lando-norris-mclaren-ten-place-grid-penalty-belgian-grand-prix-formula-one) _2026-07-16 · Giles Richards · Formula One | The Guardian_ McLaren’s fourth change of power unit exceeds regulations Reigning champion eyes overtaking opportunities Lando Norris believes he can still be competitive at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, despite a 10-place grid penalty. The defending world champion will nonetheless have his work cut out at Spa after his McLaren team took a new battery for his car, the fourth, one more than is allowed.…