Verstappen blasts critics, Alcaraz’s nightmare in Paris, ‘clarification’ over Amorim move
Just 47 points now separate Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, and the pressure on the Red Bull driver is starting to tell
The calm after the storm is probably the best way to describe what it’s been like overnight. Some cup action in Spain, a bit of Serie A, and Swiss sides Grasshoppers and Lugano battling it out to a 1-1 draw in the Credit Suisse Super League – a competition that sounds like you need a little black card just to enter.
There are still rumblings over Lisbon and Manchester, with Ruben Amorim either sensibly taking time to decide if he wants any part of the basket case that is Old Trafford, or just playing hard to get. Will he sign, won’t he, honestly the fact it’s even taking this long tells you exactly how far United have fallen.
Speaking of rumblings, Max Verstappen is not taking kindly to being questioned about how he drives – like a petulant child mostly – although the real question should be what’s taken everyone so long to notice. Still, it’s enough that they have, so how about we start there.
F1 title race heats up
You can tell the pressure is starting to get to Max Verstappen ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, because he’s biting back at critics, seeing enemies everywhere and generally reverting to type.
For a sport that faced accusations that Red Bull’s domination made it boring, there is now the genuine prospect of a proper race to the line with just 47 points separating the Dutchman from McLaren’s Lando Norris.
“Some people are just a bit biased,” Verstappen said, as he responded to suggestions he is dangerous and doesn’t know how to race fairly. “I’m a three-time world champion. I think I know what I’m doing.”
The least surprised by the world champion’s antics is Lewis Hamilton, who said little had changed since Verstappen won his first title in the controversial finish to the 2021 season. “All you have to do is just go and look back and listen to some of my radio comments back in the day,” the Mercedes driver added.
Hurry up and wait
First it was Tuesday, then it was Thursday, now Ruben Amorim is promising “clarification” on his future on Friday. The Sporting Lisbon boss is expected to become the next Manchester United manager, but who knows.
