MONACO: Red Bull denied Sergio Perez a chance to race for the win in Spain with team orders that left the Mexican star unsettled.
Assured that he’d be allowed to race for wins this season, Perez moved on to the Monaco Grand Prix with Red Bull’s disappointing decision in his rearview mirror. Then he scored his first Formula One victory of the season.
Perez rebounded from the Red Bull team orders one week ago to pick up the win Sunday in the rain-marred Monaco Grand Prix.
The third win of Perez’s career came after a questionable strategy call by Ferrari that cost pole-sitter Charles Leclerc a win on his home circuit. Although Leclerc finished the race for the first time in four tries, he finished fourth and allowed reigning world champion Max Verstappen to extend his lead in the standings.
Carlos Sainz Jr. finished second for Ferrari and Verstappen was third for Red Bull. But Ferrari protested both Perez’s win and Verstappen’s finish, alleging the Red Bull drivers failed to stay to the right of the yellow line at pit exit following their stops.
The FIA race stewards were examining the Ferrari protest.
“We made the protest because we believe it was right to seek clarification,” Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said.
Verstappen has a nine-point lead over Leclerc in the standings; Leclerc has two wins this season, Verstappen and Perez have combined for five victories as Red Bull and Ferrari have claimed all seven races.
The win on the slick city streets of Monaco went to Verstappen’s teammate just one week after Perez was ordered to cede the lead to Verstappen during the Spanish Grand Prix. Leclerc had dropped out of the race with an engine failure and Red Bull chose to capitalize by manipulating the finish to get Verstappen the win in Spain.
The team promised Perez he’d be allowed to race for wins and held its word Sunday.
“You dream of winning this, and after your home race, there is no place more special to win,” Perez said after waving the Mexican flag. He is third in the standings and only six points behind Leclerc.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner patted Perez on the back as he walked alongside him. Perez is in a contract year and both Red Bull and Perez have said discussions on an extension would ramp up over the summer months.
“Checo was sensational,” said Horner, who joined Perez on the podium and as the driver struggled to hold back tears and wiped his eyes as the Mexican anthem played. Perez is the first Mexican driver to win Monaco.
“It’s a massive day for myself and my country. I am very happy. I was wearing a Pedro Rodriguez helmet,” Perez said. “I am sure he was looking down on me and hopefully he would be very proud. I’m the only Mexican or Latin-American driver on the grid. It just shows how difficult it is for us to make it into the sport.”
Rodriguez, a Mexican driver who won two F1 races, died in 1971.
Verstappen celebrated with Perez, whom he considers the best teammate of his career. Verstappen told Perez after the race that the win “might help, just a little bit,” in Perez’s contract talks.
Leclerc led from the pole and screamed in rage when told to pit for a second tire change on Lap 22 — at the same time as Sainz. His engineer realized the mistake and yelled “stay out!” but it was too late and Leclerc returned to the track in fourth.
“What are you doing?” Leclerc shouted.
After the race, he lectured Ferrari again.
“No words, no words. We cannot do that,” he radioed.
“It was a freaking disaster today,” Leclerc said after. “The win was clearly in our hands. We had the performance, we had everything. I just don’t really understand the call.”
Binotto accepted the team made the wrong call for Leclerc.
“I know he’s not happy. It’s normal that he’s not happy because we only made mistakes. If you’re first and end up fourth it’s obvious something didn’t work,” Binotto said. “We should have stayed out. We’ll look at why we made that decision.”
Leclerc also won the pole a year ago but never got to start because he crashed at the end of qualifying, and the car’s gearbox failed moments before the start. In 2018 and 2019, Leclerc had retired from the race with crash damage.
The race was delayed by 70 minutes for heavy rain and began from a rolling start behind a safety car.
It was then red-flagged on Lap 30 after Mick Schumacher’s heavy crash three laps earlier sliced his Haas car in two. He was uninjured.
George Russell finished fifth for Mercedes ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and the Alpine of Fernando Alonso. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton was eighth for Mercedes — extending his winless run with the Silver Arrows to eight races — while Valtteri Bottas was ninth for Alfa Romeo and Sebastian Vettel 10th for Aston Martin.
“Crazy afternoon. I thought the rain would make it more exciting but we struggled still on our cars,” Hamilton said. “Probably one of the worst (starts to the season).”
Relentless rain drenched the track 20 minutes before the scheduled start at 3 p.m. local time.
The field initially lined up and completed a delayed formation lap behind the safety car. But drivers climbed from their cars when the rain intensified and it became clear Sunday’s start would be delayed.
“With the length of the race, and the delays and interruptions, it felt more like an NFL game than a Grand Prix,” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said. “The rain at the beginning was torrential, then there was an issue with the connectivity for the TV broadcast which meant we couldn’t get going.”
When the rain subsided enough to start the race, Leclerc led the field on a rolling start and started clocking fastest laps.
Then came a team order that played straight into Red Bull’s hands and left Leclerc despondent in Monaco.
Once again.
Perez wins chaotic Monaco GP, Ferrari blows it for Leclerc
https://arab.news/jybgy
Perez wins chaotic Monaco GP, Ferrari blows it for Leclerc
- The third win of Perez’s career came after a questionable strategy call by Ferrari that cost pole-sitter Charles Leclerc a win on his home circuit
- Although Leclerc finished the race for the first time in four tries, he finished fourth and allowed reigning world champion Max Verstappen to extend his lead in the standings
Hosts Switzerland beaten 2-1 by Norway in their Women’s Euro opener
- The hosts had plenty of opportunities to grab what would have been a famous victory but the Norwegians dug deep to snatch a narrow win
- The victory puts the Norwegians top of Group A, with Finland second after their 1-0 win over Iceland earlier in the day
BASEL, Switzerland: Switzerland took the lead against Norway but fell to a 2-1 defeat on home soil after scoring an own goal on the opening day of the Women’s Euro 2025 Championship on Wednesday, with Norwegian captain Ada Hegerberg netting the equalizer and missing a penalty.
The hosts had plenty of opportunities to grab what would have been a famous victory but the Norwegians dug deep to snatch a narrow win, their third over the Swiss by a single goal in 2025.
Having lost to the Norwegians twice in the Nations League this year, the home side dominated the opening 45 minutes and Geraldine Reuteler came close to giving them the lead in the 24th minute with a shot that cannoned back off the crossbar before Nadine Riesen struck four minutes later to send the St. Jakob-Park Stadium into raptures.
Riesen reacted quickly to an attack that broke down, rattling the ball past Vilde Boe Risa and off the near post into the net to send the Swiss fans at St. Jakob-Park into raptures.
However, it was a different story after the break and it was Norway’s Hegerberg who turned the page.
After barely featuring in the first half, she leveled nine minutes into the second with an emphatic header from a corner that briefly silenced the home crowd and four minutes later, under pressure from Hegerberg, Switzerland’s Julia Stierli turned a low cross from Caroline Graham Hansen into her own net.
Reuteler was sparkling throughout for the Swiss but despite a number of golden chances, she could not get the goal both she and her team deserved, and she conceded a penalty which Hegerberg missed in the 70th minute.
Switzerland were awarded a spot-kick of their own that was overturned after a VAR review and, as the Swiss poured forward, the Norwegians hung on grimly for a victory that puts them top of Group A, with Finland second after their 1-0 win over Iceland earlier in the day.
“This was important, this means a lot for us... the goal was euphoria for me but it was damn important for the team as well,” Hegerberg told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.
“It is very strong of us to manage to turn it around. It may not happen in the prettiest way. We were told forcefully during the break that we did not run enough, then we saw two clips, a defensive and offensive, about how to take them, I think we managed to do that,” vice-captain Graham Hansen said.
Swiss coach Pia Sundhage was unhappy that her side did not manage to get more out of the game.
“I think it’s very heavy, a defeat like that. Our game plan was good and we even scored a goal... today it’s tough but tomorrow we’ll see a smile and start working,” she told broadcaster SVT.
NEOM and McLaren light up Trafalgar Square with bold vision and design
- The Formula E partners unveil bold new look for their cars during McLaren Racing Live: London, a two-day event in the British capital
- The new look introduces vibrant tones inspired by Oxagon, a reimagined industrial city within NEOM focusing on clean, connected manufacturing
LONDON: In a celebration of speed, innovation and cross-continental ambition, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team on Wednesday unveiled a bold new livery, marking a major moment in their partnership.
Their redesigned Formula E car — wearing a vivid blue “away kit” inspired by NEOM’s industrial hub Oxagon — was revealed at Trafalgar Square as part of McLaren Racing Live: London, a two-day public experience in the city packed with fan interactions, high-tech exhibits, and team appearances.
It represents more than simply a new paint job; it is a visual embodiment of a partnership that aims to accelerate sustainable transformation and push the boundaries of sport, tech and industry.
The new look, developed jointly by NEOM and McLaren, retains the team’s signature papaya touches but introduces vibrant tones inspired by the identity of Oxagon, a reimagined industrial city within NEOM focusing on clean, connected manufacturing.
“This isn’t just about a new look,” said Ian James, the managing director and team principal of McLaren Electric Racing. “It symbolizes the deeper connection between McLaren’s racing heritage and Oxagon’s vision for clean, connected industry.
“NEOM has been with us since the very beginning and now, with this second bespoke livery, we have another opportunity to showcase what the partnership truly represents.”
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, James praised the enthusiasm he has witnessed among the Saudi youth and said the partnership with NEOM continues to inspire and have a real impact.
“What’s incredible about NEOM is that it really is a blueprint for how we can live in the future,” he said. “It’s all about sustainable innovation, something we at McLaren strive to embody through our own technology and engineering.”
James also touched on the success of the Oxagon x McLaren Accelerator business-development program.
“Some of the startups we’ve supported are already piloting next-gen tech, like predictive maintenance systems and robotic container handling,” he said. “These are not just ideas; they’re becoming reality.”
Team drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard also shared their views on the partnership with NEOM. Bird, a seasoned Formula E competitor, said the collaboration fits seamlessly with McLaren’s own mindset.
“This partnership works so well because NEOM’s core values of pushing boundaries, innovation and technology mirror what we believe in at McLaren,” Bird said.
“Every time I visit NEOM I’m blown away by how fast it’s expanding and the scale of ambition.”
He also hinted at what lies ahead: “I know NEOM is developing a bespoke race track as part of a new car club — and if we ever got to race there, that would be unbelievable.”
Barnard, one of the team’s younger talents, noted the ways in which the partnership has influenced his own developing career.
“Formula E is about future-focused racing, and NEOM is the very definition of a future-focused project,” he said. “Being part of something like this is not only exciting for us drivers, it has the potential to inspire a whole new generation, especially in Saudi Arabia.”
Reflecting on his visits to NEOM, Barnard added: “It’s a fascinating environment, and as a young driver it makes me optimistic. This kind of global collaboration shows what’s possible when sport and innovation work hand in hand.”
Vishal Wanchoo, the CEO of Oxagon said: “When you combine McLaren’s performance DNA with Oxagon’s clean industrial mission, you don’t just build cars, you shape the future of industry.”
The team’s takeover of Trafalgar Square was not just about the spectacle. It offered Londoners, and visiting international fans, the chance to get up close with McLaren racing cars used in F1, IndyCar, Formula E, and more. Children from local schools took part in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, and fans of all ages had a chance to try out racing simulators, pit-stop challenges, and virtual reaction walls.
With the ABB FIA Formula E season finale set to take place in London on July 26 and 27, the NEOM McLaren team is not just chasing results on the track, it aims to redefine what racing partnerships can look like in a changing world.
As the crowd gathered beneath the towering lions of Trafalgar Square, one thing was certain: this was about more than motorsport. It was a statement. A platform. And if NEOM and McLaren have their way, it will be just the beginning.
Liverpool defender Quansah signs for Bayer Leverkusen
- The transfer fee for the 22-year-old could go up to $47m
- “We are very happy to be able to sign Jarell Quansah, one of the most promising English central defenders,” said Rolfes
MUNICH: Center-half Jarell Quansah has joined Bayer Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool for a reported club record fee, the Bundesliga side announced on Wednesday.
According to British and German press, the transfer fee for the 22-year-old could go up to 40 million euros ($47 million), including 10 million euros in add-ons.
German specialist media Kicker and The Athletic also reported the inclusion of a 60-million-euros buy-back clause in the contract, which Liverpool could activate from summer 2027 to re-sign Quansah.
“We are very happy to be able to sign Jarell Quansah, one of the most promising English central defenders,” said Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rolfes.
“He made a very impressive contribution to a Liverpool defense full of world-class players. Jarell will give our defense extra dynamism, tempo and strength.”
Quansah becomes the most expensive signing in Leverkusen’s history, following on from the previous record arrival of midfielder Kerem Demirbay for 32 million euros in 2019.
The 2025 European under-21 champion with England joined Liverpool’s academy as a five-year-old, and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut in 2023.
He went on to appear 58 times for the Merseysiders, winning the League Cup in 2022 and 2024, as well as the Premier League title last season.
After playing second fiddle to first-choice defensive duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate for much of the 2024/25 campaign, Quansah arrives at Leverkusen to replace departed former captain Jonathan Tah at the heart of the Bundesliga club’s defense.
“The ambitious targets here were clearly explained to me during the negotiations. It’s a great role and challenge for me to be part of the current Leverkusen rebuild,” said Quansah.
After creating league history by winning the Bundesliga undefeated in 2024, Leverkusen endured a difficult title defense last term, finishing 13 points adrift of winners Bayern Munich.
Stars of their league-and-cup double from two seasons years ago, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, have recently gone in the opposite direction from Quansah, joining Liverpool from Leverkusen this close-season.
India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket clash likely on September 7 in UAE — report
- Uncertainty prevailed over Asia Cup after India and Pakistan’s military conflict in May worsened already strained ties
- Asia Cup to follow group stage, Super Fours format, meaning both can play each other at least twice, says report
ISLAMABAD: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are likely to face each other in the upcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament on September 7 in the UAE, a report by an Indian publication said on Wednesday.
According to a report in Indian publication ‘Times of India,’ the Asia Cup is likely to start on September 5 with the title clash taking place on September 21. It said that all participating nations, including official hosts India, are close to getting clearances from their respective governments for the tournament which is set to be played in the UAE.
Already-soured relations between India and Pakistan further worsened after four days of intense fighting before a ceasefire was announced in May. Bilateral cricket has been suspended since 2013 between the Asian neighbors, who play each other only in multi-team events as per an International Cricket Council arrangement.
“The 17-day window has been almost finalized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and India are set to take on Pakistan on September 7 as per the initial schedule,” a report by the Times of India said.
The tournament is set to feature hosts India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and UAE, the report said, adding that it is set to follow the group stage and Super Fours format. This means fans will witness the India-Pakistan contest at least twice, and the second contest could take place on September 14, the report said.
Uncertainty has clouded over the Asia Cup after the two countries were locked in conflict in May. Political tensions have always adversely affected cricket ties between the two countries.
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year and played all their matches, including the March 9 final, in Dubai.
India will host the women’s 50-overs World Cup this year but Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement made by the International Cricket Council.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is against playing Pakistan even in neutral venues but will follow whatever the BCCI decided, he said in May.
Real Madrid quarterfinal just a bonus for ‘overperforming’ Dortmund
- Kovac came out on top in May when he pitted his wits against new Real coach Xabi Alonso when the Spaniard was in charge at Bayer Leverkusen
ATLANTA, Georgia: Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said a date in the Club World Cup quarterfinals against Real Madrid was just a bonus for his overperforming team, who held off a second-half comeback from Monterrey to win 2-1 in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Two goals from Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund well on top at halftime and Kovac was pleased with how hard they battled after their Mexican opponents stormed back in the second half.
Although Dortmund lost 2-0 to Real in the 2024 Champions League final, they have experienced something of a revival since Kovac took over from Nuri Sahin in February.
They earned a spot in next season’s Champions League with a victory over Kiel in their last match of the Bundesliga season and have continued to improve at the Club World Cup.
Kovac came out on top in May when he pitted his wits against new Real coach Xabi Alonso when the Spaniard was in charge at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Croatian might be downplaying their ambitions of going further but Real would be wise to take their challenge seriously, especially if they can replicate Tuesday’s first-half performance.
Key quotes
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: “We are happy. I think we overperformed. We passed the group stage. This is now on top. This is a bonus for us, and now playing against the biggest team and biggest club in the world is a good challenge.”
“I think that for us, Borussia Dortmund, and also for German football as a whole, this is a big, big deal.”
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: “We know (Xabi Alonso) very well. So he worked two and a half years in Germany, and he did a fantastic job.
“Now he’s implementing everything he had in Leverkusen at Real Madrid. So we’re expecting the same what we had in Leverkusen, only with different players.
“We’re looking forward to it but you have to play football for 90 minutes, and if we put everything onto the pitch, same performance as we saw today, I think that we will have a good chance.”
