Paul Mullin cemented his status as Wrexham’s superhero by donning a Deadpool mask to celebrate his goal during the match on Tuesday night.
The Welsh team faced off against Salford City in the Football League Trophy when their star striker scored a stunning goal early in their eventual 2-1 victory.
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Paul Mullin donned the Deadpool mask after scoring against Salford.Credit: X: @RobRyanRed
Mullin skillfully cut onto his left foot at the edge of the penalty area, curling a spectacular shot into the top corner to give Wrexham a 1-0 lead.
This celebration was a nod to his recent cameo in the latest installment of the beloved superhero franchise.
Invited by Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds, Mullin appeared on the big screen in a character named ‘Welshpool’, crafted as an homage to the club.
The film, featuring a star-studded lineup including Hugh Jackman, also highlighted Mullin as ‘his special someone’ in the upcoming film, Deadpool & Wolverine.
Reynolds took to X, confirming Mullin’s role by stating, « You may have noticed one member of the Deadpool Corps was far deadlier than the rest. WELSHPOOL. »
Among the promotional images, Mullin was seen on set with Reynolds, who was in his iconic Deadpool outfit, while Mullin showcased a variant adorned with a Welsh flag.
It’s this superhero persona that has made Mullin immensely popular among Wrexham fans.
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Mullin made a recent cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine alongside Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds.Credit: X: @VancityReynolds
Since joining Wrexham, the 29-year-old has netted an impressive 101 goals in 137 games for the club.
His remarkable scoring record has been pivotal in Wrexham’s ascent from the National League to League One, achieving back-to-back promotions.
Currently sitting at the top of League One, Phil Parkinson’s side aspires to secure a third consecutive promotion to the Championship.
Wrexham’s next challenge is a crucial match against Birmingham City on Monday night, which will be broadcast live exclusively on talkSPORT 2.
Nathan Ake, the Netherlands defender, had to be stretchered off during the Nations League match against Germany due to a non-contact injury.
He appeared to be in significant pain as his teammate Cody Gakpo and German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen assisted him to the ground.
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Nathan Ake fell injured while playing for the Netherlands against Germany Credit: AFP
The medical team from the Netherlands rushed onto the field to tend to Ake, who was taken off on a stretcher just before halftime.
While the extent of Ake’s injury is yet to be determined, it raises concerns about his availability for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday.
Ake joins a growing list of Premier League stars affected by injuries during the international break, following Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who had to leave Norway’s match against Austria on Monday after appearing to roll his left ankle.
Odegaard was seen in distress on the field and later boarded a plane on crutches, leaving Arsenal anxious as they await the results of his medical scans to assess the injury’s severity.
Mike Tyson is gearing up to serve as a commentator ahead of his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul.
The boxing icon will not only provide commentary but also take on the role of analyst for Cage Wars 67.
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Tyson is set for a brand new role as a commentator and analyst at Cage Wars 67Credit: Michelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions
Cage Wars is an emerging Pro/Am mixed martial arts promotion that is gaining significant traction in popularity.
The event is scheduled for Friday at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York, where Tyson will be collaborating with his son, Amir Tyson.
This New York venue is particularly special to Iron Mike, as it is where he made his professional boxing debut in 1985, scoring a first-round technical knockout against Hector Mercedes.
Having hosted his podcast « Hotboxin’ with Eben Britton » for several years, Tyson is no stranger to the commentary scene.
At age 58, he has also performed a one-man show in Las Vegas and on Broadway.
Interestingly, this new role as commentator and analyst is for an MMA event rather than a boxing match.
Tyson is preparing for what could be his final boxing bout as he faces Jake Paul on November 15 at the 80,000-capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 27-year-old YouTube star-turned-boxer, announced the unexpected showdown with the 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion, initially slated for July 20.
However, Tyson’s medical issues caused a postponement, allowing Paul to instead knock out Mike Perry, advancing his record to 11-1.
Paul has expressed no worries regarding Tyson’s fitness and readiness for their fight.
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Tyson will be behind the mic for the event in New York this weekendCredit: IG: cagewarsmma
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It comes as Tyson prepares to face Jake Paul on November 15Credit: Michelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions
Tyson stated, « I don’t have any concerns. He’s doing well. He’s super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great, so that’s our focus, and there isn’t a backup opponent right now. »
Tyson also expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Paul, saying, « Once I catch this guy, he’ll be running around the ring. As soon as I connect, it will be over. »
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« I’m going to make him pay. »
Tyson is widely considered one of the greatest boxers in history, boasting a record of 50 wins, six losses, and two no-contests throughout his 58-fight professional career.
Former American sprinter Justin Gatlin has cautioned against making direct comparisons between rising star Gout Gout and Olympic legend Usain Bolt.
At just 16 years old, Gout has captured international attention by achieving Olympic-standard times.
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Gout is receiving attention following a series of standout performancesCredit: Getty
He achieved an impressive time of 20.60 seconds at the U20 World Championships, just a hundredth of a second shy of Bolt’s record in the same event from 2002.
Bolt is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in history, boasting eight Olympic gold medals along with world records in both the 100m and 200m events.
His 100m record of 9.58 seconds, set in 2009, remains unbroken, as does his 200m record of 19.19 seconds from the same year.
Bolt also holds the world record for the 4x100m relay, clocking in at 36.84 seconds during the London 2012 Olympics alongside his Jamaican teammates.
While there are high hopes for Gout to follow in Bolt’s footsteps, Gatlin cautions against imposing undue pressure on the young athlete, who is just starting his professional career.
Gatlin, who won gold in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics, reminded listeners of Bolt’s remarkable accomplishments at both junior and senior levels, noting that Gout has much to prove before reaching Bolt’s heights.
« If you look back at what Bolt achieved—without undermining Gout or others who are excelling now—Bolt held the junior world record, and back in 2004, he clocked 19.93 seconds, » Gatlin said on the Ready Set Go podcast. « When you compare that to today’s athletes, he outshines them. »
« Claiming someone is the next big thing only fuels bandwagon fans, » Gatlin added.
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Gatlin has called for a reduction in pressure placed on GoutCredit: Ready Steady Go Podcast
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Bolt triumphed in the 100m at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic GamesCredit: AFP
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Gatlin (right) could not unseat a returning Bolt after his suspensionCredit: AFP – Getty
Usain Bolt’s World Records
Usain Bolt’s World Records
Men’s 100m – 9.58 seconds (2009)
Men’s 200m – 19.19 seconds (2009)
Men’s 4x100m relay – 36.84 seconds (2012)
« Let’s not burden these young athletes with expectations that come with extreme stress, » Gatlin emphasized. « Allow them the space to develop. They should proudly declare, ‘I’m Gout Gout, I’m unique’ or ‘I’m [Letsile] Tebogo, I’ll carve my own path.’
Recently, Gout gained fame by securing silver in the 200m final at the U20 World Championships with a remarkable time of 20.60 seconds.
While Gout is positioned for a potentially stellar career, Gatlin hopes the weight of excessive attention won’t obstruct his progress.
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Gatlin, who faced a four-year ban from athletics in 2006 due to a doping violation, later struggled to eclipse Bolt, who continued to dominate the sport during Gatlin’s comeback.
Upon returning, Gatlin secured bronze in the 100m at the London 2012 Olympics and won silver in Rio 2016, both times finishing behind Bolt, who claimed gold in those events.
The Irish Open consistently draws attention, having seen numerous notable champions over the years.
Both McIlroy and Lowry have previously claimed Irish Open titles, with other recent champions including Jon Rahm, Paul Casey, and Sergio Garcia.
Irish Open 2024: Dates and Viewing Information
The tournament runs from Thursday, September 12, to Sunday, September 15.
This iconic event takes place on the Championship Links Course at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
Royal County Down is renowned for hosting prestigious tournaments such as the Senior Open, the Amateur Championship, the Curtis Cup, and the Walker Cup.
Ranked the top golf course in the world by Golf Digest in their 2024 list of the World’s 100 Greatest Courses, it promises an exceptional challenge.
Playing to a par 71, the course will stretch to a maximum of 7,186 yards for the 2024 Irish Open.
Play will commence at 7:30 AM for the opening rounds, with weekend action beginning at 9 AM.
Fans can follow updates from County Down throughout the week on talkSPORT.
You can also tune in via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, smart speakers, and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Live coverage will also be provided by Sky Sports Golf throughout the tournament, available here.
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Lowry is among the star players at the 2024 Irish OpenCredit: Getty
Irish Open 2024: Participants and Leaderboard
Local favorites McIlroy and Lowry lead the impressive field, both having previously claimed this title.
McIlroy’s victory came in 2016 at The K Club, while Lowry won as an amateur in 2009 at County Louth.
Another competitor to watch is Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who has enjoyed a breakout year on the PGA Tour, securing two significant victories, including the Scottish Open in July.
Joining them will be Seamus Power, Erik van Rooyen, Guido Migliozzi, Nicolai Hojgaard, Ryan Fox, and Padraig Harrington.
The complete list of participants, tee times, and pairings can be found here.
McIlroy’s first round is scheduled to start at 1 PM, and he will be paired with Tom McKibbin and Vincent Norrman.
For the latest leaderboard updates from County Down, visit here once play begins.
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Scottish Open champion MacIntyre seeks victory in IrelandCredit: Getty
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Irish Open 2024: Statements from Players
McIlroy expressed, “Playing in the Irish Open has held special significance for me since my first appearance nearly 20 years ago, and this year will be even more meaningful.
“I am thrilled to play in this year’s Irish Open at a course so close to my heart. Royal County Down has such an outstanding reputation, and I fondly remember my experiences from the 2007 Walker Cup.
“The support from the crowds for Irish golfers is unmatched, creating an atmosphere that is unique to any other tournament. Time and again, the fans demonstrate they are among the best in the world, and I can’t wait to see them supporting us again.”
MacIntyre added, “I’m eagerly looking forward to returning to the Irish Open.
“It has been a fantastic season thus far, and winning another historic national open would mean a great deal to me.
“I’ve never had the chance to play at Royal County Down before, and I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it, so I’m genuinely excited for the week ahead.”
Impa Kasanganay has made significant strides since his time in the UFC.
The 30-year-old is perhaps best known as the fighter who suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of Joaquin Buckley’s infamous jumping spinning back kick in October 2020.
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Buckley scored one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
This stunning shot garnered widespread attention, impressing UFC CEO Dana White, former US president Donald Trump, and rapper Kanye West, ultimately changing Buckley’s life forever.
On the other hand, Kasanganay faced a downward trajectory following one of MMA’s most notorious knockouts, leading to his release from the UFC. Nonetheless, he refused to be deterred.
« I don’t remember anything about the knockout, » Kasanganay shared with MMA Junkie at a PFL media event in October 2023. “When I was in the ambulance, my dad told me to check my phone. Once I watched it, I thought, ‘Good shot.’ But I came into MMA to become a champion. If that’s the path for me, then so be it.
“At the time, I didn’t understand why it happened. I never wished for that to occur. I just thought, ‘How do I come back from this?’ My dad always said, ‘To know your glory, people must first understand your story.’ I tell everyone, ‘Play that highlight as much as you want. It was a great shot, credit to him. But when I become champion, play that highlight too.’”
The American fighter, the child of Congolese immigrants, reignited his career by achieving six consecutive victories under the PFL promotion.
In November, Kasanganay solidified his remarkable resurgence by defeating Josh Silveira, securing the PFL light heavyweight championship and a $1 million prize.
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It’s a loss that still haunts KasanganayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Despite that, he’s gone on to achieve great thingsCredit: Getty
Kasanganay now emphasizes that the victory belt holds greater significance than the monetary reward and perceives his UFC exit as a hidden blessing.
He remarked, “I’m grateful the UFC let me go.”
“It was tough to secure fights during that time; I saw all my friends thriving there. I cherish the relationships I built in the organization, with no hard feelings toward them.”
Recently, Kasanganay suffered a controversial split decision loss to Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Elben in early February during a champion vs. champion bout. Since that fight, he has triumphed over three opponents to once again reach the PFL finals.
Before the end of 2024, he will clash with Russian fighter Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov for another chance at a world title and a $1 million payday.
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Brighton vs Ipswich: Match Prediction
Brighton enters this match as the clear favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
The Seagulls have had a stellar start to the 2024/25 season, impressively beating Manchester United and drawing against Arsenal.
Combined with a dominant 3-0 victory over Everton, they currently sit in the top three, aiming to surpass their best finish from the 2022/23 season.
Conversely, Ipswich has only managed to secure one point, placing them precariously above the relegation zone, just ahead of Wolves, Southampton, and Everton.
They need to start accumulating points quickly if they hope to avoid relegation, but they have exhibited glimpses of potential. Notably, they’ve faced Liverpool and Manchester City back-to-back, which could provide them with some momentum to gather points as the season progresses.
📝 Brighton vs Ipswich Betting Tips
Brighton to win and over 3.5 goals – 19/10
Brighton remains the favored choice here, even at lower odds.
They seem to be returning to their form from a couple of seasons ago, where they displayed a combination of offensive strength while occasionally conceding goals.
So far, they’ve benefitted from red cards shown to opponents in two of their opening league matches and one in the EFL Cup against Crawley.
Brighton’s aggressive pressing will likely trouble Ipswich, who may prefer to defend. They cannot afford any defensive errors, particularly against a side like Brighton that has already shown its attacking prowess with three goals against Everton and two against Manchester United.
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Rory McIlroy is set to chase victory at the Irish Open this weekend, competing just a short distance from his home.
As the World No. 3, McIlroy resides only an hour away from Royal County Down, the venue for the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, where he will have abundant support from the local crowd.
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McIlroy is ready to compete in Northern Ireland this weekendCredit: Getty
Just weeks after finishing among the top 10 at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, McIlroy will be searching for glory this weekend.
His most recent victory came at the Wells Fargo Championship in May, so he is eager to add another trophy to his collection.
He knows what it takes to triumph in this event…
Has McIlroy ever won the Irish Open?
Yes, McIlroy has claimed the Irish Open once before, achieving victory in 2016 at The K Club in Kildare.
He finished the tournament at 12-under-par, fending off strong competition from Bradley Dredge and Russell Knox.
However, apart from this win, the four-time major champion has struggled at the Irish Open; he missed three consecutive cuts before his victory in 2016 and hasn’t managed a top-10 finish since. McIlroy did not play in the events of 2019, 2020, and 2022, finishing tied for 16th last year.
During the last Irish Open at County Down, he failed to make the cut, but he’s aiming for a much better performance this time around, nearly a decade later.
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McIlroy’s sole success at the Irish Open came in 2016Credit: Getty
McIlroy at the Irish Open
Previous 10 results
2014: Missed cut
2015: Missed cut
2016: 1st
2017: Missed cut
2018: Tied 28th
2019: N/A
2020: N/A
2021: Tied 59th
2022: N/A
2023: Tied 16th
As he looks forward to the weekend’s events, McIlroy commented: « Being home, staying in my own house and spending time with my friends has been fantastic. I’m really looking forward to this week. I enjoy coming back to play here, whether it’s just with my friends at RCD or Portrush.
« It’s great to compete in a tournament again—I didn’t perform well last time, so I’m aiming to do better.”
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He is excited about the prospect of winning another trophy and recognizes that a victory at home would rank among the highlights of his career.
“To those looking in from the outside, it might not seem as significant as some of my previous wins, » he acknowledged, « but for me, it would be one of the greatest victories I’ve ever experienced.”
McIlroy will compete alongside his close friend Shane Lowry as they headline the competitors at Royal County Down. Other notable players joining them include Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Padraig Harrington.
Throughout his two-decade career, Lionel Messi has confronted some of the world’s top defenders and consistently emerged victorious.
While various opponents have posed different challenges, his toughest competitor is someone many might find surprising.
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Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo impressed one of football’s greatest iconsCredit: Getty
In 2020, when asked about his toughest opponent, Messi named current Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo.
Previously with Manchester City, Maffeo spent three years there from 2015 to 2018 but did not make a league appearance, spending most of his time on loan at Spanish club Girona.
It was during a La Liga match against Barcelona in 2017 that Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, recognized Maffeo as his most challenging opponent.
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Although Messi’s team secured a comfortable 3-0 victory that day, the game was anything but easy for him, as he was unable to score largely due to Maffeo’s relentless defense.
This encounter left a significant impression on the Argentine superstar, who later identified it as his most difficult direct contest.
In a conversation with DAZN, Messi stated, « Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest defender I’ve faced. That was intense! »
« I’ve never been one to complain. I consider physical contact and tackles part of the game. »
For Maffeo, just 20 years old at the time, his approach was simple: stay closely marked on Messi, who had netted 12 goals in eight games prior to their showdown.
Post-match, the former Man City player shared his strategy, saying, “When you mark Messi, you have to remind yourself that he is a regular person with two legs, just like all of us, and you must stay focused.
“Messi told me: ‘I’ll be around you all day’ and I replied: ‘You’re the best in the world; I’m not leaving you alone.’”
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Maffeo’s skill was evident against Barcelona’s talented squad in 2017
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Messi faced numerous competitors on the pitch, but none posed a greater challenge than MaffeoCredit: Getty
Despite the intense match, Maffeo praised the football legend, sharing that Messi took a genuine interest in his career.
He recalled, « He asked me about my age, whether I was on loan from City, and how my experience there was. He mentioned that marking him wasn’t pleasant.
« Messi and I were engaged throughout the match; he asked me a few questions; he’s a genuinely nice person. »
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Despite being silenced by Maffeo that day, Messi would wrap up the league season with an impressive 34 goals in 36 matches, helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title, making his achievements all the more remarkable.
While Maffeo’s performances with Girona didn’t secure him a place at Man City, the two have since crossed paths on the international stage.
Although Maffeo didn’t play in the Premier League, he did see some action for City in cup competitions.
After departing City in 2018, he joined Bundesliga side Stuttgart before returning to Girona on loan, with subsequent stints at Huesca and Mallorca.
Now 27, Maffeo made Mallorca his permanent residence in 2022, where his performances have garnered attention from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Born in Spain, Maffeo represented the country at youth levels but is eligible to play for Argentina through his mother, earning his first call-up in November 2023.
Although he didn’t see the pitch for the reigning world champions, the experience of training alongside his former rival must have been unforgettable.
Upon receiving the call-up, Maffeo expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with Messi in an interview with Argentine publication La Nacion: « It feels surreal.
« To have the opportunity to train, share a dressing room, and participate in training camps with the greatest footballer of all time is incredible.
« I’ve faced him on the pitch; now to be alongside him… that’s just awesome. »
Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of collaborating with Formula 1’s most successful engineer at Ferrari have been dashed.
Adrian Newey, the brilliant designer responsible for 12 Constructors’ Championships and 13 Drivers’ Championships, is set to join Aston Martin starting in the 2025 season.
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Newey will work with Alonso, not Hamilton, from 2025 onwards
Newey, a legend in the motorsport world, has previously worked with Williams, McLaren, and has been with Red Bull since 2006. He announced his departure from Red Bull in May.
This news comes as a disappointment to seven-time champion Hamilton, who publicly expressed his desire to partner with Newey at Ferrari shortly after the announcement of Newey’s exit.
Hamilton referred to Newey as ‘top of his wish list’ and described the potential collaboration as a ‘privilege’ for both the sport’s most successful driver and its top engineer.
While Newey found the compliments ‘flattering’, he admitted in the past that one of his greatest regrets was not having collaborated with Hamilton or his former rival, Fernando Alonso.
Now, he is set to realize that dream by joining Alonso at Aston Martin next year. The 43-year-old two-time world champion recently extended his contract with the Silverstone-based team until 2026, which coincides with the introduction of new sporting regulations.
This partnership might concern Hamilton, who has previously called Alonso his ‘toughest’ competitor.
Despite a resurgence last season, Aston Martin has struggled to maintain competitiveness in 2024 and currently falls short of the top four teams: Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
However, Newey has a proven track record of elevating teams from the back of the grid to championship contenders, as evidenced by his stewardship that led Red Bull to four championships with Sebastian Vettel and three with Max Verstappen.
Initially, it appeared Newey would remain with Red Bull beyond 18 years, as he was engaged in various projects like the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the RB17 production road car.
However, the team faced significant turmoil following allegations of inappropriate behavior against CEO and team principal Christian Horner in February, which the BBC has reported may have affected Newey’s decision to leave.
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Horner has lost arguably his biggest asset, perhaps even more so than Verstappen Credit: Getty
Horner has denied any wrongdoing and was cleared by an internal investigation, but the impact of Newey’s departure is already being felt.
After dominating the 2023 season, Red Bull started the current campaign with Verstappen winning the opening race by a staggering 22 seconds.
Now, with Newey’s responsibilities diminishing leading up to his exit, Red Bull is at risk of losing its Constructors’ Championship lead to McLaren, prompting speculation on a connection between the two developments.
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In the meantime, Hamilton is counting on Ferrari to refine their design with different influences before the 2025 season, following his bombshell move from Mercedes announced back in February.
Newey had been linked as a contender to join Ferrari after it was confirmed that Mercedes and McLaren were out of the running.
Nonetheless, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner commented to talkSPORT that he believed a move to Ferrari was unlikely, despite strong speculation.
“It could be that he doesn’t want to work in Italy or that Aston Martin made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Offers like those can come up unexpectedly,” he mentioned in July.
“I’m not certain he has made a decision yet since it’s flattering when multiple teams want you, allowing you to take your time. But personally, I think a move to Ferrari is very unlikely at this time. They already seem to be building a team, and perhaps commitments have been made to others that Newey wouldn’t fit into.”
“I’m not asserting that he definitely won’t go, but I just think it’s improbable.”
