Motorsport photoMaxVerstappen says he is "feeling good" about his place in Formula 1 as he detailed his mindset about Red Bull and the regulations heading into the summer break.Verstappen and Red Bull have not had an easy ride this year with a RB22 chassis that has fallen short of expectations and has been tricky to set up and drive. At the same time Red Bull-Ford Powertrains delivered above expectations with its first-ever power unit, although its place atop the pecking order of the convoluted ADUO upgrade system means Red Bull isn't allowed to improve its engine.As Red Bull heads into the summer breakwinless and fourth in the standings, which could see Verstappen trigger get-out clauses from his 2028 deal, the other concern has been the Dutchman's bitter discontent with the 2026 power unit regulations, which has been another element to take into account as he weighs up his future.Despite the usual mid-season speculation aroundVerstappen's future, little appears to have moved in recent weeks, and with few credible alternatives the expectation is that the four-time world champion will simply stay put at Red Bull for another year.As he heads into the summer break,Verstappen has offered the latest insight into his thinking, suggesting he can easily walk away tomorrow if he wanted to, but that he's still keen to keep racing on. In that regard Verstappen is still in a different place than 45-year-old veteran Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who said his enjoyment of the regulations will play a big role in deciding his future."Of course, Fernando is 45, so it's probably a bit easier for him to say: 'I quit,'" Verstappen said. "But as a real racer, it's tough, especially when you're not enjoying the regulations and you're not competitive at the moment. Fernando, of course, doesn't deserve to be in P21.Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingLando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing"I'm of course 28 years old, so it's a little bit different. I mean, of course I can easily stop, it's not a problem, but I love racing, and I'm just trying to deal with what we have, even though what we have at the moment is not what I like."The two sticking points forVerstappen are still the same, with some hope that both Red Bull's own performance and F1's controversial regulations, which will be tweaked further for 2027, can be improved enough for an extended stay in the series to be desirable. But speaking on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen insisted his focus was squarely on the former.A confusing Budapest weekend in whichVerstappen and team-mate Isack Hadjar both struggled for confidence in an unpredictable car, but Verstappen still had strong race pace to finish second, perfectly encapsulated Red Bull's 2026 campaign."I am feeling good from my side, but I'm saying that there is nothing to say because there is nothing going on,"Verstappen explained. "I'm just focused on trying to get the most out of the car and that's already complicated enough to deal with."This team is like a second family to me. I'm just trying to understand our car a bit better, and get back to winning ways. We've been close one weekend, I hope of course a little bit more often than just one weekend, but like I said before, it's definitely on an upward trend, so that's good to see."Read Also:Why progress 'won't satisfy' Red Bull until it can give Max Verstappen a winning carTo read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

It was a breakthrough national championship, highlighted by the Fun' N' Gun offense, a Heisman-winning quarterback and a visor-wearing coach with swagger that stretched from Key West to Pensacola.Florida football won its first national title 30 years ago, capping a 12-1 season in 1996 with a 52-20 win over rival Florida State in the Sugar Bowl.Two of the three statues erected in front of The Swamp played a key role in the championship season. Heisman winner Steve Spurrier, in his sixth season as UF coach, guided a UF offense that lit up scoreboards like a pinball machine. With Spurrier calling the plays, the Florida Gators led the nation in total offense (503.9 ypg) while leading the SEC in scoring offense (47.0 ppg, an SEC record that still stands).Starting quarterback Danny Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy in the 1996 season, passing for 3,625 yards and 39 TDs.Defensively, Florida transformed into a more aggressive, blitzing unit under first-year coordinator Bob Stoops. UF wound up ranking third in the conference in total defense (250.2 yards per game allowed) and third in turnovers forced (2.2 per game).To honor the 30th anniversary of 1996 national title team, the Gainesville Sun will count down the top 30 players from the team in the coming weeks. Here's a look at No. 11:No. 11 Donnie YoungWhy Young is No. 11: As a senior in 1996, the 6-foot-4, 299-pound Young started all 13 games on the offensive line at guard for Florida, earning All-SEC first team honors and the Jacobs Trophy for the SEC's best blocker. Young and the rest of UF's offensive line protected Heisman-winning quarterback Danny Wuerrfel, who passed for an SEC-high 3,625 yards and 39 TDs during the 1996 season. Young played both guard and tackle throughout his UF career and in 2001 played in NFL Europe with the Barcelona Dragons but never got a shot to make an NFL roster.Florida football Top 30 player countdown from 1996 championship teamNo. 30: Cooper CarlisleNo. 29: Ryan KalichNo. 28 Shea ShowersNo. 27 Demtric JacksonNo. 26 Travis McGriffNo, 25 Tim BeauchampNo. 24 Cameron DavisNo. 23 Tremayne Allen No. 22 Jevon KearseNo. 21 Tony GeorgeNo. 20 Zach PillerNo. 19 Mo CollinsNo. 18 Johnny RutledgeNo. 17 Teako BrownNo. 16 Reggie McGrewNo. 15 Terry JacksonNo. 14 Mike PetersonNo. 13 Fred TaylorKevin Brockway is The Gainesville SunsFloridabeat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1.This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football Top 30 players from 1996 | No. 11 Donnie Young

I didnt want to be here.Now, its hard to walk away.My master plan was to keep working as a sports writer at The Flint Journal for 50 years, like colleague Len Hoyes did from 1950 into Y2K. Fifty years would've taken me to age 68, so I wouldn't have been that old.But while working in the daily newspaper business has been an absolute blast for me since I started as an 18-year-old college freshman in 1981, it has offered zero job security for about the past 20 years as readership and advertising have declined.I survived the first bloodletting at The Journal in 2009, but was a victim of massive cuts at the end of 2011 just as I reached my 30-year anniversary.Suddenly, I was a free agent.At the time, I was working part-time in a running store in Flint to offset a large pay cut I got in 2009. I was running seriously at the time, so there was no place else I would rather work if I wasnt writing.Five months later, I was here at the Livingston Daily for the first of what would become three stints. My first go-around lasted only three months, the second 14.I never really felt at home either time and I wasn't thrilled with the office-centric nature of the job. In my heart, I longed to be back in Flint at my old job covering familiar schools and calling my own shots. I continued working in running specialty on a full-time basis and would've been content to keep doing so if the pay was better.When Tim Robinson was set to retire as sports editor here in 2015, he messaged me that the paper would be hiring a sports writer. The conditions of the job would be different in ways that made the third time far more appealing.The editors took a chance that I wasnt a flight risk and hired me in September 2016 after a drawn-out hiring process.Since then, its been all I could have hoped for and so much more.Livingston County hasnt just been a place to work because Plan A didnt pan out. Its a place with which Ive fallen in love at a deeper level than I ever expected.Yes, its helped that the county happens to be strong in two sports Im passionate about, cross country and hockey. I could justify all the time I devoted to those sports because the teams were often among the best in Michigan. Trips to MIS and USA Hockey Arena were highlights of my year.But its the people I will miss the most as I leave the Livingston Daily for the final time, this time to retire in beautiful east Tennessee. I share many of the traditional values held dearly by many of the folks in Livingston County. Y'all are my people.This is a special place, an oasis in this part of the state. Dont let the media or anyone else tell you differently. People arent flocking here for no reason.Parents instill in their children the values of hard work, treating others with respect and being good human beings. Ive had the opportunity to interview hundreds of the young people raised in this area and, overwhelmingly, they are kids any parent would be proud to call their own.I will miss my interactions with them. They not only help keep me young, but restore my faith in todays youth. It has been a privilege to chronicle their achievements at an age when winning a championship or beating a rival is the best day of their life.I cant bid farewell without giving a shout out to two men who have made game nights special for me and greatly elevated our sports coverage, Tim Arrick and Dan Zeppa. Both are extremely talented photographers who have shot the majority of the events Ive covered, especially over the past few years. They have also become two of my best friends. I will miss them immensely now that Im living nine hours away.Both of them photograph high school sports for the right reasons, seeking to capture memories for the kids. They both work extremely hard for very little pay, always coming through when I nag them for a photo at the last minute. While Im retiring, readers and athletes in Livingston County will still benefit from having the photographers dubbed 1A and 1B behind the lens. Zeppa named the three of us The Band.I never would have had a sports writing career if it wasnt for Cy Leder, my journalism instructor at Mott Community College, or Dave Poniers, my sports editor my first 20 years in Flint. Both men have a special place in my heart.As word of my impending retirement leaked, I had some wonderful interactions with parents, coaches and athletes who have wished me well.When Hartland lost to Rockford in the semifinals of the girls soccer state tournament on June 9 in Grand Ledge, I knew that was the last game I would ever cover. My first was in 1979 as a high school junior at the old Fenton Independent.So, I was already feeling emotional when several Hartland parents came up to me on my way out of the stadium to express their gratitude for my coverage over the years. I could not get back to my car soon enough, so nobody saw the tears welling up in my eyes. I'll always cherish that moment. It felt great to be embraced and feel appreciated for simply doing my job.While I still feel energetic and love what I do, its time to move on and devote more time to my wife, Theresa, who has had to deal with her husbands crazy schedule of working late nights and weekends.I get to exit on my own terms, a privilege which isnt afforded many journalists these days. Friday, July 31, was my last day, but you'll still see some of my fall top-five lists for the next week or so.I hope you will continue to support the sports coverage at the Livingston Daily. This is the only media outlet in Livingston County consistently covering local sports. If the Livingston Daily goes away, so does media coverage for the areas young people, especially those who dont play football or basketball. Remember that when someone complains on Facebook about paywalls. We are not a charity or a nonprofit.Thank you, Livingston County, for welcoming me as one of your own. Being here was not my plan, but Ill be forever grateful my path led me here.Contact Bill Khan at billkhan35@gmail.com. Follow him on X@BillKhanThis article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Bill Khan: Livingston County's people made this special place to work

Max Verstappen's GT3 team has won the first GT World Challenge Europe Sprint race of the weekend at the Magny-Cours circuit.While the Formula 1 summer break is already underway, other racing series are still ongoing, giving fans plenty of action to enjoy.The GT World Challenge Europe visits the Magny-Cours circuit this weekend for a Sprint round, where Verstappen's GT3 team was, of course, in action.To begin with, Jules Gounon claimed pole position in the #3 Mercedes-AMG. Together with Dani Juncadella, he then went on to win the sixth round of the 2026 season on Saturday. Chris Lulham was not in action.On social media, the team wrote: "Feels sooo good!!! A long time coming, but P1 in Race 1 here at Magny-Cours."Verstappen added: "So proud. Well done everyone."Juncadella was also over the moon with the victory. "Can confirm #3 wins races! LFG!!! Thank you Verstappen Racing, 2seasmotorsport & Jules Gounon for a mega drive!"The series continues with Race 2 today at the French circuit.Verstappen is on holiday in ItalyMeanwhile, the four-time Formula 1 world champion was pictured in Italy. For the second year in a row, Verstappen was also spotted with Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff.In 2025, the Dutchman explained that the meeting was nothing out of the ordinary: "I love Sardinia, he loves Sardinia. I waved at him, we had lunch together and the kids played together. When you're there, you talk about everything except Formula 1. You can have many pleasant conversations with him and Susie."Wolff also played down expectations last year. The Mercedes team boss did not deny that there had been a meeting, but emphasized that sharing a holiday destination says nothing about a drivers future: "Just because you vacation near each other doesn't mean you'll work together in Formula 1. We've always gotten along well. It just so happens that we also vacation in similar areas."

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Eleven days of multi-sport competition come to an end on Sunday when the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow takes place. As it stands, Australia lead the medal table with 104 medals and 48 goals, followed by Canada and England.The closing ceremony will also feature a handover to Ahmedabad, the Indian city which is set to host the 2030 Games. Heres everything you need to know. When is the closing ceremony?The closing ceremony starts at 9pm BST on Sunday 2 August at the Hydro in Glasgow.How can I watch it?Viewers in the UK can watch the opening ceremony on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 7:30pm BST. It can also be streamed on HBO Max.Who will be performing?A number of artists will take to the stage to provide the musical entertainment, headlined by Scottish rock band Simple Minds. BEMZ, Cammy Barnes and Sandi Thom will also perform, as will Australian singer Delta Goodrem for her third appearance at a Commonwealth Games ceremony after appearing at the 2006 (Melbourne) and 2018 (Gold Coast) opening ceremonies. There will also be a formal handover to the 2030 hosts, Ahmedabad, featuring performances by Shankar Mahadevan and Rashmika Mandanna.

We've officially entered the training camp edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff. With fans needing to wait only 42 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 42.Steelers current No. 42: DB Tamon LynumLynum, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Steelers out of the University of Pittsburgh, is the current No. 42 on the roster.Last 5 Steelers to wear No. 42Tamon Lynum, 2026-presentJames Pierre, 2020-2025Morgan Burnett, 2018Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, 2011-2013John Kuhn, 2006Best No. 42 in Steelers history: RB Dick HoakNo. 42 of the countdown to kickoff takes us to one of Pittsburgh's best running backs from the 1960s: Dick Hoak.Hoak, who played with Pittsburgh from 1961 to 1970, recorded 3,965 rushing yards, 1,452 receiving yards, and 33 total touchdowns in 135 career games.A one-time Pro Bowler, Hoak was hired to become the Steelers' running backs coach in 1972, and he'd go on to win five Super Bowls as part of Pittsburgh's staff.A member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends Team and Hall of Honor, there is no greater No. 42 in team history than Hoak.For up-to-dateSteelerscoverage, including any training camp news and updates, follow us on X@TheSteelersWireand give ourFacebook pagea like.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers RB turned coach leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 42

FC Barcelona is currently studying the potential purchase of a replacement for injured midfielder Frenkie de Jong according to El Chiringuito and SPORT, who both cited anonymous sources.Getty ImagesFC Barcelona is currently studying the purchase of a replacement for injured midfielder Frenkie de Jong according to El Chiringuito and SPORT, who both cited anonymous sources.Gironas Azzedine Ounahi has emerged as a potential candidate, and comes cheap with a $28.8 million (25 million) release clause amid Gironas relegation last term.As for De Jong, the Dutchman is once more injured. After the Netherlands was knocked out of the 2026 World Cup at the last 32 stage by Ounahis Morocco on penalties, De Jongs return to Catalonia soon revealed that he has suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.De Jong is believed to be out for three months, and anything up to six if he ends up requiring surgery.This is terrible news for the defending La Liga champions and manager Hansi Flick, who is left with a short supply of defensive midfielders other than Eric Garcia and Marc Bernal.Such a development could force Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta to head to the market, with the season set to get underway via August 23s away trip to Elche in three weeks time. Ounahi has emerged as a top candidate for FC BarcelonaWith a release clause of just $28.8 million (25 million) as mentioned, Gironas Ounahi is wanted by a number of top European clubs.Ajax currently lead the race for him, as it is in Amsterdam that hed be reunited with former Girona boss Michel, and most probably Bara goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen closing in on a loan deal there.Aged 26, while scoring five goals and providing two assists across 24 league games last seasons, Ounahi also proved that hes still at the peak of his powers during Moroccos run to the World Cup quarterfinals where they were knocked out by France.If Bara decides to make its interest concrete, and manages to get Ounahi, it must be noted that he wouldnt be a direct replacement for De Jong as a pivot.Hes more offensive than the Dutchman, yet would offer manager Flick a number of different roles like Eric Garcia by being able to play in attacking midfield or on the wing.Such an incorporation would probably mean Gavi, Bernal or Garcia playing alongside Pedri to add defensive control for FC Barcelona, as it seeks a threepeat of La Liga crowns in addition to the elusive Champions League title.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery has pledged to donate his brain for research into the damage caused by head injuries having been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).Vickery, part of the side that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, was given a probable diagnosis two years ago, though CTE believed to be caused by repeated brain injuries can only be confirmed after death.The 50-year-old is part of the concussion lawsuit involving more than 1,000 players that accuses World Rugby, Englands Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football League of failing in their duty of care to protect those involved in the game.Phil Vickery toured twice with the British and Irish Lions (PA)Vickery, who toured twice with the British and Irish Lions and won 73 caps for England, has admitted he has considered taking his own life but wants to ensure his brain can be used to further research into neurodegenerative diseases.Is that gonna make someone stand up? Vickery said in an interview with The Observer. I dont know. What a horrible thing to say. But what does it have to take?With the knowledge that we have now, it makes you wanna cry. Because its f****** awful. Brain injuries are with you all the time, 24/7, 365 days a year, and it weighs heavy, and it grinds at you all the time. It wont beat me. You know, I keep going.Vickery retired in 2010 having captained England at the 2007 World Cup four years on from starting the final win over Australia.Steve Thompson, another member of that side, has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE, and has said that he has no memory of the World Cup win.The lawsuit has reached a key juncture with hundreds of cases at risk of being struck out due to a failure in disclosure and an allegation that the solicitor who had led the case, Richard Boardman of Rylands Garth, had provided misleading evidence to the court. Boardmans representation has now been terminated by the claimants.Senior Master Jeremy Cook has reserved judgement on the strike out decision.Despite his brain injuries, Vickery insists he would still do his career all over again if given the choice.Phil Vickery retired in 2010 (Getty)The sports f****** amazing. Rugbys an amazing sport. You know, the sad reality is I sit here today would I do it all again? Oh my God, I would. Im f****** mental, but I would because its amazing, he said.I also sit here knowing there are lots of people out there, I believe, who are suffering because of the sport. And its not about blaming the sport and about getting all nasty and horrible. Lets just f****** help people. There are people suffering, so lets help them.If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

Gattuso Prepares Major Lineup Rotation as Lazio Fans Flock to AscoliAlthough Lazio will be in action for the second day in a row, the starting lineup and the overall scene will be drastically different in Ascoli.Lazio Prepare for Ascoli Friendly on SundayThe Biancocelesti have now played three friendlies this summer, with the latest taking place on Saturday. Less than 36 hours removed from the 6-3 win over Avellino, Gennaro Gattusos men will be hosted by Ascoli at the Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca. So, for the first time in this pre-season, Lazio will play outside of their training ground in Formello.Lazio 6-3 Avellino: Nestas Men Overwhelmed in Saturday Mornings FriendlyLazio Fans Flock to AscoliAccording to Il Messaggero, the clubs revolting supporters will take the opportunity to support the team for the first time since last seasons Coppa Italia final. The organized fan groups have been boycotting the clubs home fixtures since January as part of their protest against unpopular president Claudio Lotito, but vowed to follow the team on the road.Therefore, around 2,700 Lazio supporters are expected in Ascoli on Sunday evening (the game kicks off at 20:45 local time). Interestingly, the away sections capacity is only 900 seats, so two-thirds of the travelling Biancocelesti will have to find a way to access the stadium through other sections.The Expected Starting LineupSince playing two days in a row is an uncommunality in football, Gattuso will drop those who started on Saturday against Avellino, with a few exceptions, namely Christos Mandas, who should keep his place in goal, and Alfonso Pedraza, who appears set to start again at left-back in the absence of the injured Nuno Tavares.Manuel Lazzari, Danilho Doekhi and Oliver Provstgaard should replace Romano Floriani Mussolini, Adam Marusic, and Alessio Romagnoli at the back. Moreover, the young midfield duo of Adrian Przyborek and Reda Belahyane should make way for Nicolo Rovella and Kenneth Taylor.Up front, Gabriele Artistico could take over from Petar Ratkov, while the supporting crew could change from Matteo Cancellieri, Boulaye Dia, and Federico Serra to Tijjani Noslin, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and club captain Mattia Zaccagni.Lazio Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Lazzari, Doekhi, Provstgaard, Pedraza; Rovella, Taylor; Noslin, Dele-Bashiru, Zaccagni; Artistico.