Saturday, 6 June 2026
FP3 REPORT: WHAT HAPPENED IN FINAL PRACTICE AT THE MONACO GP
Kimi Antonelli transformed the picture at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix by topping final practice for Mercedes ahead of qualifying, as Ferrari suddenly found themselves chasing rather than leading.
After Ferrari dominated Friday practice, Antonelli delivered the clearest sign yet that Mercedes had found performance overnight. The championship leader set a 1m 12.720s to finish 0.327 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton third, just 0.004 seconds behind his team-mate.
George Russell was fourth in the second Mercedes, while Max Verstappen completed the top five for Red Bull.
The final Formula 1 practice hour suggested qualifying may not be the Ferrari walkover many had expected after Friday. Antonelli looked confident from the moment the soft tyres went on, and his pace was strong enough to leave the rest of the field with serious work to do before the most important qualifying session of the season.
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| Kimi Antonelli during practice for the 2026 F1 Monaco GP | Mercedes |
Antonelli takes control as Ferrari chase answers
Ferrari had looked like the team to beat after finishing one-two in both FP1 and FP2, but FP3 gave Mercedes a major boost.
Antonelli found time early on the soft tyre and then stayed clear of the field, while Leclerc and Hamilton were unable to match his benchmark when the final qualifying simulations began. Traffic played a role, as it always does in Monaco, but the gap to Antonelli was large enough to suggest Mercedes have made genuine progress overnight.
Leclerc still ended the session second, but the Monegasque driver continued to sound uncomfortable over team radio, with the brake issue he revealed on Friday still appearing to be a concern. That could be crucial at Monaco, where confidence under braking is everything.
Hamilton was third and remained close to Leclerc, but neither Ferrari driver could land a response to Antonelli before the late red flag disrupted the final runs.
Bearman crash interrupts final laps
The session was stopped late on after Oliver Bearman crashed his Haas at Massenet. Bearman lost the rear while climbing the hill, shortly after passing Russell, who had moved as far aside as possible to stay out of the way. The Haas driver clipped the barriers and left debris on the track, bringing out the red flag.
“Sorry guys, it’s the ***** bottoming. I’m so sorry,” Bearman said over team radio.
He climbed out of the car unharmed and later returned to the pit lane, but Haas will need to check the car carefully before qualifying, particularly around the rear and gearbox after the impact.
The marshals cleared the car quickly, but barrier checks meant the session resumed with only four minutes remaining. That gave some drivers time for one final run, although out laps were heavily compromised as the field queued up in classic Monaco fashion.
McLaren still searching before qualifying
McLaren still looked short of the very front after a difficult Friday. Oscar Piastri finished sixth, 0.978 seconds off Antonelli, while Lando Norris was ninth after continuing to play catch up following his FP2 stoppage.
McLaren confirmed before the session that it had broken curfew after Norris stopped at the Nouvelle Chicane on Friday. The team replaced the wiring harness and changed the ESME pack within the permitted allocation as part of its investigation into the issue.
Team CEO Zak Brown admitted a second row start might already be an optimistic target, with McLaren still trying to understand its pace before qualifying.
There was also a late traffic moment between Norris and Hamilton, with neither driver sounding impressed over the radio. The incident was not noted by Race Control, but it served as a reminder of how tense qualifying could become when 22 cars fight for space around the narrowest circuit on the calendar.
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| Nico Hulkenberg during practice for the 2026 F1 Monaco GP | Audi F1 Team |
Audi impress again as Cadillac suffer more issues
Audi continued their strong Monaco weekend, with Gabriel Bortoleto seventh and Nico Hulkenberg 10th.
Both Audi cars had finished inside the top 10 in FP1 and FP2, and their FP3 pace suggested the team could be genuine contenders for Q3 if they execute qualifying cleanly.
Isack Hadjar was eighth as he continued to rebuild confidence after his FP1 crash at the Swimming Pool section. Liam Lawson also had another nervous moment at the same part of the track, catching a slide after the rear stepped out.
Cadillac had more brake trouble after Sergio Perez suffered a brake fire in FP2. This time Valtteri Bottas reported smoke and limped back to the pits, avoiding a stoppage but raising fresh concerns for the team.
The final practice message was clear. Ferrari still have pace, Verstappen remains close enough to threaten, and McLaren are not out of the picture. But heading into qualifying, it is Antonelli and Mercedes who suddenly look like the combination to beat.
- John Smith
FIFA DRAMATICALLY U-TURNS AGAIN AS WATER BOTTLE BAN LIFTED FOR WORLD CUP AFTER HUGE BACKLASH
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| Getty |
FIFA has reversed its controversial decision to ban fans from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums after widespread criticism from supporters, campaign groups and politicians. Concerns over fan welfare, soaring temperatures and the cost of refreshments at venues intensified pressure on the governing body, ultimately forcing a policy U-turn.
FIFA reverses controversial stadium policy
FIFA has restored its original World Cup stadium policy after mounting criticism over a decision to prohibit supporters from bringing empty reusable water bottles into venues, according to The Athletic. The controversy began when FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct shortly before the tournament, removing a clause that had previously allowed fans to carry empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre. Ticket holders were informed of the change by email on June 2.
The move triggered an immediate backlash, with supporters' groups accusing FIFA of putting commercial interests ahead of fan welfare. Concerns were heightened by the prospect of supporters attending matches in extreme heat across the United States, Mexico and Canada while being required to purchase drinks inside stadiums.
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| Getty |
Critics question FIFA’s priorities
The Football Supporters’ Association was among the strongest critics of the policy.
"Yet again with this World Cup, it is fans last and not fans first," the spokesperson said. "The heat and humidity is a real concern for fans’ welfare, it should be this that is FIFA’s main focus and not the ability to sell more bottled water at inflated prices."
The issue also drew criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who questioned the reasoning behind the ban.
"It's just wrong. And I can't help but think that it's about making money," Starmer told LBC. "So you can't bring plastic bottles in but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it'll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune, far too expensive in my view. So the ticket sales are too high. And this is the wrong policy."
Heat concerns proved impossible to ignore
FIFA argued that hydration needs would be supported through cooling tents and misting stations around stadiums. However, that explanation failed to convince many supporters' groups, who viewed the change as an unnecessary restriction introduced at the last minute.
Health concerns became central to the debate. Data from World Weather Attribution suggested that 26 of the tournament's 104 matches could be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, raising fears of heat-related illness among supporters.
The Free Lions England fans' embassy reflected those concerns, stating on X: "What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums? Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab.
"For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to. We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren't charged in the queue!"
Focus returns to fan welfare and the tournament itself
Following the reversal, supporters will once again be permitted to bring a single water bottle into World Cup stadiums, easing concerns over hydration during matches played in challenging weather conditions.
Confirming the news, FIFA states: "All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match."
- Yosua Arya
BRAZILIAN LEGEND DUNGA STILL HOLDS TWO WORLD CUP RECORDS 🔥
Did you know that Dunga still holds two of the most remarkable records in FIFA World Cup history?
At the 1994 World Cup, the Brazil captain completed an astonishing 692 passes, the most ever recorded by a player in a single tournament. As if that wasn't impressive enough, he also made 57 tackles, another all-time World Cup record for a single edition.
What's even more extraordinary is that both records were set in the same tournament.
Dunga was often overshadowed by Brazil's attacking stars, but he was the heartbeat of Carlos Alberto Parreira's side. He controlled the tempo, broke up opposition attacks, organised the midfield and led by example throughout the competition. Every successful team needs a foundation, and Brazil's was built around their captain.
His crowning moment came in the final against Italy in Pasadena. With the pressure at its highest, Dunga delivered a commanding display, covering every blade of grass before becoming the first Brazilian captain since 1970 to lift the World Cup trophy.
The statistics alone are staggering. The context makes them even more impressive.
Most passes in a World Cup tournament. Most tackles in a World Cup tournament. World Cup winner. World Cup-winning captain.
One tournament. One leader. One of the greatest midfield performances football has ever seen.
- 90's Football
NASCAR HALL OF FAMER NED JARRETT HAS PASSED AWAY
The NASCAR family is saddened by the loss of Ned Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, two-time Cup Series champion and one of our sport's greatest ambassadors.
We extend our deepest condolences.
- NASCAR
Friday, 5 June 2026
FIFA CANCELS WORLD CUP TICKETS FOR ABOUT 60 FANS WHO GOT THEM FOR FREE
Mispriced tickets were sold through the official World Cup site ahead of next week’s showpiece event for FIFA.
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| FIFA, headed by president Gianni Infantino, has apologised for the ticket error [Tony Gutierrez/AP] |
FIFA has cancelled World Cup tickets issued to about 60 fans who mistakenly got them for free because of a website error.
The tickets were “allocated at no charge (0 USD) due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process,” FIFA said in a statement on Thursday.
"FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused,” football’s ruling body said. “The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount.”
It is the latest glitch in an often controversial World Cup ticketing programme that the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey are investigating for possible violations of consumer protection laws.
The mispriced tickets were sold through the official World Cup site on May 21, FIFA said in an email message to buyers.
That date was more than three months after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said all 104 World Cup games had sold out.
Tickets are still being sold by FIFA for games at the World Cup, which opens next Thursday in Mexico City. It is unclear if seats for games in less demand will drop in price under FIFA’s surge pricing model, which has been controversial for fans.
FIFA is also operating its own resale platform — and taking 15 percent commission from both buyers and sellers — in order to cut out ticket dealers from the market. However, sales platforms such as SeatGeek were offering widespread availability on Friday for many games.
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are wildly more expensive than any previous edition, which FIFA has justified as helping earn billions of dollars it will give to member federations for developing the game globally.
FIFA took control of pricing and selling tickets as part of bringing World Cup operations in-house. The longtime model at previous editions was working with host nations’ local organising committees.
When the football federations of the United States, Canada and Mexico won hosting rights in 2018, they promised to sell hundreds of thousands of tickets at $21 each for group-stage games. FIFA was selling official front-row tickets for the final for $32,970.
- Associated Press
Thursday, 4 June 2026
BENFICA CONFIRM €15M JOSÉ MOURINHO SWITCH TO REAL MADRID
Real Madrid will have Jose Mourinho as their new manager, barring a shock U-turn. The Portuguese manager is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years after leaving the club, as he again seeks to intervene against a Barcelona that is coming off successive title wins.
For some time, Mourinho has been slated to take over from Alvaro Arbeloa, when it was first reported in late April that President Florentino Perez was pushing for his return. The matter has been delayed by Perez’s decision to call elections, but Perez has continued to make moves despite being midway through elections. On Wednesday night, his campaign channel confirmed Mourinho would be his new manager.
Benfica confirm Real Madrid will pay Mourinho release clause
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| Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images |
Had Perez decided to move for Mourinho before the 26th of May, he could have signed him for just €3m, yet his release clause has risen since to €15m. As Benfica are on the stock market, they are forced to declare their moves publicly, and have thus announced that Real Madrid have activated Mourinho’s clause. He is to join Los Blancos on a three-year deal.
What happens if Enrique Riquelme wins the elections?
It is expected that Perez will emerge victorious in the elections on Sunday, after which Mourinho will be appointed as the new manager. Yet presidential rival Enrique Riquelme has declared that he is not in favour of having Mourinho as manager, and has another option lined up. It has not been revealed whether that is the case, but it would be no surprise if Mourinho’s contract included a get-out clause in case Perez loses the elections. Were that not to be the case, it would certainly be an uncomfortable.
- Ruairidh Barlow
TWO FANS BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER VICTOR WEMBANYAMA SELFIE ATTEMPT DURING NBA FINALS GAME
The first game of the NBA Finals was disrupted on Wednesday night
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| One fan tried to take a selfie with Victor Wembanyama (AP) |
The NBA has handed down lifetime bans to two individuals after a disruptive incident during Game 1 of the NBA Finals saw one person run onto the court and attempt to take a selfie with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
The dramatic intrusion occurred midway through the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's game between the Spurs and the New York Knicks.
A second fan also received a lifetime ban for their involvement in the incident, though the league did not disclose specific details of their role.
An NBA spokesman confirmed the league's decisive action in a news release, stating: "The individual who entered the court area during Game 1 of The Finals was arrested and will be banned for life from all NBA arenas. A second individual will also receive a lifetime ban for his role in the incident."
The fan who ultimately faced arrest appeared to enter the court from the sideline opposite the team benches, running from behind the play into San Antonio's offensive end.
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| One fan tried to take a selfie with Victor Wembanyama (AP) |
Security guards swiftly intervened, pulling the person from the court. There was no apparent physical contact made with Wembanyama any New York players during the brief disruption.
Wembanyama himself seemed unfazed by the event, either as it unfolded or afterward.
"I’ve never been in that situation," Wembanyama said. "I didn’t know how to act."
Play was halted for 1 minute and 29 seconds before resuming with a jump ball, and the individual was escorted out through a baseline tunnel.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson downplayed the incident, remarking, "I don’t think it was an event at all. I thought security got him out of there. I think everybody moved on to the next play."
The second match of the best-of-seven series is due to take place on Friday night, with the San Antonio Spurs aiming to draw level in the series after losing Wednesday’s opening game.
- Tim Reynolds
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