Verstappen bids for 5th title and Hamilton’s at Ferrari as F1 prepares for a close fight in 2025

Verstappen bids for 5th title and Hamilton’s at Ferrari as F1 prepares for a close fight in 2025
Just like the only driver to achieve that feat, Michael Schumacher, Verstappen is a hard racer who isn’t afraid to bend the rules. (REUTERS)
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Verstappen bids for 5th title and Hamilton’s at Ferrari as F1 prepares for a close fight in 2025

Verstappen bids for 5th title and Hamilton’s at Ferrari as F1 prepares for a close fight in 2025
  • Just like the only driver to achieve that feat, Michael Schumacher, Verstappen is a hard racer who isn’t afraid to bend the rules.

Lando Norris will have to defy plenty of history to win the Formula 1 title this year.
There’s his friend-turned-rival Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth title in a row. Just like the only driver to achieve that feat, Michael Schumacher, Verstappen is a hard racer who isn’t afraid to bend the rules — as Norris knows from bitter experience.
Then there’s Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion going for a record eighth title in 2025. It’s his first season with Ferrari, which is itching to end a wait for a drivers’ title going back to 2007.
Norris is the under-pressure favorite
Norris is widely considered the favorite after he and McLaren had a strong second half of 2024 — though not strong enough to beat Verstappen — but it could be the closest season in years.
McLaren seemed competitive in preseason testing last month but Norris has to watch out not only for Verstappen and Hamilton, but also for his own teammate Oscar Piastri, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell. Five drivers from four different teams won the last six races of 2024.
“As much as we want to believe we’re the best, I guess we still want to feel like we’re underdogs. We have a lot to fight for,” Norris said last month. After slipping up from pole position in a few races last season, Norris insists he can thrive as the driver to beat.
“I know, coming into this season that for a lot of people I’m the favorite and as a team we’re the favorites,” Norris said. “I’ve always done much better under pressure. I’m able to think and to focus much more.”
Verstappen shows he’s still hungry
Ever since beating Hamilton to the 2021 title in a race that’s still controversial, Verstappen has been F1’s man to beat.
He’s long been clear he doesn’t want to stay in F1 into his 40s like Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, so could motivation be a factor in the Dutch driver’s bid for a fifth title? Verstappen says last season — when he tested Norris to the limit and sometimes beyond — shows he’s still hungry.
“My motivation is there because I think already last year it was not straightforward,” Verstappen said. “We had of course good wins, but I guess not as many as we would have liked, but we still won the championship.”
After a year when off-track events threatened to overwhelm Verstappen’s Red Bull team and his own father sparred with the management, Verstappen seems more settled at the start of his 11th season in F1. The team feels “like a second family,” he said last month.
Hamilton aims for title No. 8
Another title for Hamilton would break a tie with Schumacher for the most in F1 history.
The British driver proclaimed himself “invigorated” at F1’s glitzy season launch. Expectations from Ferrari’s “Tifosi” fans are so high that he could finally bring success to the Italian team that some cut down a tree to better watch Hamilton test the new SF-25 car.
“I know what a winning team looks and feels like,” he said last month. “The passion here is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship. And it’s just about putting all the pieces together.”
Other contenders for the crown
Mercedes solved long-running car issues to win four of the last 14 races in 2024, including Hamilton’s emotional home win at the British Grand Prix. Three-time winner Russell is joined by 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who starts his career with some valuable advice from Hamilton.
If they can’t challenge for the podium right away, other teams like Aston Martin might opt to switch focus early to their 2026 cars. Next year brings a big change in the regulations and getting a head-start could pay off for years to come.
Off-track tensions
Watch out too for a simmering feud between the drivers and the governing body, the FIA, whose president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to crack down on drivers swearing.
New rules mean fines starting at 40,000 euros ($42,000) and even potential suspensions and point deductions for repeat offenders. Drivers have previously raised concerns about where the money from fines goes, a string of firings of senior FIA staff and Ben Sulayem’s “own tone and language.”


Pakistan fails, Kohli roars and Smith retires: Champions Trophy highlights

Pakistan fails, Kohli roars and Smith retires: Champions Trophy highlights
Updated 10 March 2025
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Pakistan fails, Kohli roars and Smith retires: Champions Trophy highlights

Pakistan fails, Kohli roars and Smith retires: Champions Trophy highlights
  • Virat Kohli silenced critics over poor form in Test cricket by scoring century against arch-rivals Pakistan 
  • Veteran batter Steve Smith called time on his ODI career a day after Australia lost semifinal to India 

DUBAI: India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final of the Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai.

AFP Sport looks at five storylines from the 50-over tournament.

Virat Kohli silenced the critics over his poor form in Test cricket with an unbeaten 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Kohli took time to get into the groove on a sluggish Dubai pitch to anchor India’s chase of 242 with key stands.

His mastery of the conditions, combined with his ability to rotate the strike, took India to victory with six wickets and 45 balls to spare.

Kohli was also India’s savior in the semifinal against Australia when his 84 steered another successful chase.

Opposition skipper Steve Smith called the 36-year-old “arguably the best chaser the game has seen.”

Indian players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the ICC Men's Champions Trophy against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 9, 2025. (REUTERS)

Pakistan hosted a major cricket event for the first time in three decades and excitement there was sky-high, despite India’s refusal to tour and instead play all their matches in Dubai.

But the Pakistan team’s poor showing on the field deflated the spirits of the cricket-crazy nation with successive losses to New Zealand and India.

That signalled the end of Pakistan’s title defense, and to add insult to injury, their dead-rubber final group match against Bangladesh was washed out.

An auto-rickshaw drives past a billboard depicting portraits of the captains of participating cricket teams in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, installed at a roadside, in Lahore, Pakistan, on Feb. 16, 2025. (AP)

One disappointed fan called the tournament a “wedding where you don’t know the bride or groom.”

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips lit up the tournament with his fielding heroics, notably against India in the group phase for the key wicket of Kohli.

Phillips dived full stretch to his right at backward point and somehow held on to the ball to send Kohli back for 11 off fast bowler Matt Henry.

Kohli stood in disbelief for a few seconds before trudging back to the pavilion as the fans in Dubai fell silent.

New Zealand's players celebrate after dismissing India's Virat Kohli during the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and India at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on March 2, 2025. (AFP)

Social media was abuzz with reactions to the catch, with one fan on X calling Phillips “the Superman of the tournament.”

Jos Buttler’s England came into the competition off the back of a 3-0 ODI whitewash in India, but piled on a mammoth 351 in their opener against Ashes rivals Australia.

England still managed to lose as Australia chased down the target to leave Buttler’s side on the brink.

Defeat to Afghanistan put England out of the tournament after just two matches.

Afghanistan's players celebrate after winning the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 26, 2025. (AFP)

Two days later Buttler quit as England’s white-ball captain after three successive flops in ICC events, including their failed T20 and 50-over World Cup title defenses.

England's captain Jos Buttler (L) talks to the media at the start of the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between England and South Africa at National Stadium in Karachi on March 1, 2025. (AFP)

Veteran batsman Steve Smith, 35, called time on his ODI career a day after Australia lost in the semifinals to India.

Smith top-scored for Australia with 73, but his knock was in vain after India overhauled Australia’s 264 and the captain’s innings turned out to be his last in the format.

Another retirement seemed highly likely after the final with intense speculation that India skipper Rohit Sharma would end his one-day career if they won.

India's captain Rohit Sharma poses with the winners trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 9, 2025. (AP)

Opener Rohit top-scored with 76 in the final and declared afterwards that he was not going anywhere, leaving Indian media stumped and fans relieved.


NBA hotshot Stephen Curry reaches 25,000 career points as Warriors crush Pistons

NBA hotshot Stephen Curry reaches 25,000 career points as Warriors crush Pistons
Updated 10 March 2025
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NBA hotshot Stephen Curry reaches 25,000 career points as Warriors crush Pistons

NBA hotshot Stephen Curry reaches 25,000 career points as Warriors crush Pistons
  • The 37-year-old star became the 26th player in NBA history to cross the 25,000 points milestone

SAN FRANCISCO: Stephen Curry became the 26th player in NBA history to score 25,000 career points, reaching the milestone during the third quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ 115-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
“BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!” Curry yelled while running back through the hallway to the locker room following a quick return to the court postgame.
And that was actually a tribute to teammate Draymond Green, who loves to yell “boom” after making a 3-pointer and hit the go-ahead 3 with 35 seconds left. Green secured the game ball for Curry — but Curry said Green would keep it.
“He’s going to keep it for me. I heard he has a little bit of KD’s memorabilia,” Curry said in reference to former teammate Kevin Durant.
Curry, who turns 37 next Friday, surpassed 25,000 with a 3-pointer at the 8:32 mark of the third quarter then received a warm ovation when recognized during a timeout with 5:42 to go.
He finished with 32 points — pushing his total to 25,017 — on 8-for-22 shooting and converted all 12 of his free throws.
Curry wasn’t keeping track of his totals.
“It was a surprise actually. I knew I was coming up on it but I didn’t think about it until I heard it in game,” Curry said. “There’s a list, (broadcaster) Tim Roye told me after the game only 10 guys I think or now 10 guys that have done it with one franchise, so that’s pretty special. And the names that are on that list are synonymous with basketball history. so that’s pretty cool.”
His next remarkable task is becoming the first player in the league to make 4,000 3-pointers. Curry made four Saturday and needs seven more.
“It’s crazy, crazy,” coach Steve Kerr said. “It feels like 25,000 3s actually. It’s dynamite. Just night after night, and tonight was obviously not a great shooting night for him. But I loved that he played through fatigue and a physical defense and got to the line 12 times. He was brilliant on a night when his shot really wasn’t there, he was still brilliant. That’s the mark of a great player.”


Junior Hockey Championship to kick off in Riyadh with eight teams

Junior Hockey Championship to kick off in Riyadh with eight teams
Updated 10 March 2025
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Junior Hockey Championship to kick off in Riyadh with eight teams

Junior Hockey Championship to kick off in Riyadh with eight teams
  • Tournament will feature eight teams representing Al-Tarbiyah, Al-Namouthajiyah and Al-Arqam schools

RIYADH: The 2025 Central Region Boys’ Junior Hockey Championship will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at the indoor sports hall of Al-Manarat International Schools in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Hockey Federation, the tournament will feature eight teams representing Al-Tarbiyah, Al-Namouthajiyah and Al-Arqam schools, competing for the championship title.

The event is part of a series of school tournaments initiated by the Saudi Hockey Federation to promote the sport at the grassroots level.

The federation emphasized that a key objective of the championship was to identify and nurture young talent while enhancing players’ skills.

The initiative aims to develop a new generation of athletes who could represent Saudi Arabia in international competitions in the future, and the tournament aligns with the country’s broader efforts to advance sports development and encourage youth participation in various disciplines. 


Spin attack leads India to Champions Trophy title

Spin attack leads India to Champions Trophy title
Updated 09 March 2025
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Spin attack leads India to Champions Trophy title

Spin attack leads India to Champions Trophy title
  • India finish unbeaten in the eight-nation contest played in Pakistan and UAE

DUBAI: Rohit Sharma made a combative 76 to back up a potent spin bowling display as India beat New Zealand by four wickets to win a record third Champions Trophy title on Sunday.

Chasing 252 to win, India got off to a fast start through their captain’s first half-century of the tournament before KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 34 to help seal victory with six balls to spare in the final in Dubai.

India added to their trophies in 2002 and 2013 to go past Australia, who have two titles. India finished unbeaten in the eight-nation tournament played in Pakistan and the UAE.

In a battle of spin on a sluggish Dubai pitch, New Zealand’s bowlers put India in trouble at 203-5 with Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who hit 48, back in the pavilion.

But Rahul kept calm and along with Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning boundary, steered the team home to loud cheers from a largely Indian crowd in a sea of blue.

India played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.

India played four spinners in their last three matches, which proved telling in deciding the outcome.

Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each to help restrict New Zealand to 251-7 after the Black Caps elected to bat first.

In reply, Rohit came out firing as he took on the pace bowlers with regular boundaries including a six and two fours in one over off Nathan Smith.

The captain reached his fifty in 41 balls to put the pressure on the opposition.

New Zealand’s spinners attempted to pull things back and a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips secured a key breakthrough.

Phillips went airborne to pluck a flying ball at extra cover to dismiss Shubman Gill for 31 off skipper Mitchell Santner.

Virat Kohli fell in the next over, trapped lbw for one off Michael Bracewell’s off spin and the momentum shifted as runs dried up for India.

Rohit, after a maiden over from Bracewell, jumped out of his crease against Rachin Ravindra only to be stumped by Latham as India slipped from 105 without loss to 122-3.

Iyer controlled the chase aided by a dropped catch by Kyle Jamieson but soon fell to Santner.

India lost Axar Patel and Pandya but Rahul stood strong to drag his team over the line.

New Zealand missed their pace spearhead Matt Henry after he was forced out of the final due to a shoulder injury.

Kane Williamson also could not come out to field after his batting effort of 11 due to a quad strain.

Daryl Mitchell hit 63 and Bracewell made a quickfire 53 not out for New Zealand, but it was not enough against an Indian side with considerable batting depth.


Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw

Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw
Updated 09 March 2025
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Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw

Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw
  • It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches

LONDON: Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Marc Cucurella’s rocket sealed a 1-0 win over

Leicester, while Tottenham fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth on Sunday.

Cucurella struck in the second half at Stamford Bridge to lift Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth in the Premier League.

The Blues are two points ahead of City in the race for the top four finish that guarantees a Champions League berth.

It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches.

Maresca believes that should be enough to ensure Champions League action, but Chelsea will have to improve on a spluttering performance against second-bottom Leicester.

Cole Palmer missed a penalty for Chelsea and was later substituted, making it seven league games without a goal or assist amid criticism of the England forward’s frustrated body language.

Maresca left Leicester at the end of last season after leading them to promotion and the Foxes look destined to return to the Championship without him.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have lost five successive league games and sit six points from safety.

Chelsea legends Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Dennis Wise, Kerry Dixon and Ron Harris were on the pitch before kick-off to celebrate the club’s 120th anniversary.

This was far from a highlight moment in Chelsea’s illustrious history however.

Victor Kristiansen’s clumsy challenge pole-axed Jadon Sancho, earning Chelsea a first half spot kick.

Usually such a ruthless penalty taker, Palmer seized the ball as he looked to end his drought, only for Mads Hermansen to deny him with a superb save.

It was the first penalty miss of Palmer’s career and Leicester almost made him pay immediately.

Error-prone Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez completely missed James Justin’s cross and Tosin Adarabioyo’s miscued headed clearance thudded off the woodwork.

Chelsea finally took the lead in spectacular fashion on the hour when Spanish defender Cucurella drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Bournemouth missed a chance to climb into the top four race as the hosts saved boss Ange Postecoglou from another embarrassing defeat.

Tottenham lost 1-0 at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.

That competition represents Tottenham’s last chance of fulfilling Postecoglou’s boast that he always win a trophy in his second season.

Languishing in 13th in the Premier League, Postecoglou’s side have gone three games without a win in all competitions.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke shook off a back injury for his first league appearance since January, while Cristian Romero returned to the Tottenham defense for the first time since December after a thigh injury.

Despite those reinforcements, Tottenham conceded in the 42nd minute, when Marcus Tavernier applied the finishing touch to Milos Kerkez’s pin-point cross after

Pedro Porro carelessly conceded possession.

Postecoglou sent on Son Heung-min at half-time in a bid to spark Tottenham and the South Korean was inches away from equalising as his deflected strike whistled wide.

Bournemouth struck again in the 65th minute as Evanilson raced onto Justin Kluivert’s pass and lifted a composed finish over Guglielmo Vicario.

But Pape Sarr reduced the deficit two minutes later, the Tottenham midfielder catching out Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a misjudged cross that somehow dipped in at the far post.

Tottenham completed their escape in the 84th minute as Kepa conceded a penalty with a desperate lunge on Son.

Son calmly slotted home from the spot for his first goal in 10 games, taking him to 11 in all competitions this season.

Later on Sunday, second-placed Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford looking to close the gap on runaway leaders Liverpool to 13 points.