While Perth presented ocean swell, Auckland offers a flatter surface inside the harbour, favourable for reaching higher speeds. However, a low-pressure system east of the North Island and the geography of the Waitematā create gustier and more variable wind conditions.

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These gusts require constant adjustment and narrow the gap between tactical decision-making and technical control. In such conditions, maintaining stability on the foils is as decisive as racecourse strategy.

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Thunderstorms led to the cancellation of official practice on Friday. Organisers brought Sunday’s start forward to 11.30 am local time for safety reasons in light of the forecast strong winds, while Saturday’s racing remains scheduled for 4 pm.

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Last season, ROCKWOOL Racing set a speed record of 103.94 km per hour in Sassnitz. With the ongoing technical development of the F50s and a relatively flat racecourse, Auckland could offer suitable conditions to approach that figure.

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The second stop of the 2026 calendar will serve as a technical and competitive test in an environment where the wind can alter the outcome within minutes. With the F50 rebuilt, home support behind them and a demanding racecourse ahead, the question remains, can the Black Foils turn their home return into a victory?

The technical work did not stop with New Zealand. Switzerland lost part of its bow in the original collision, while Los Gallos, representing Spain and champions in 2024, return after missing Perth due to a pre-season training crash.

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In Spain’s case, the structural damage prevented them from competing and scoring points in the opening round. The technical team rebuilt the necessary components and restored the boat to operational condition. For Spain, Auckland marks the effective start of its 2026 campaign.

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With all teams prepared, the championship could see 13 F50s lined up on the start line for the first time. More boats mean greater congestion on the racecourse and a reduced margin for error.

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Among the teams to watch are the BONDS Flying Roos, winners in Auckland last season and recognised for their strength when the breeze builds. Forecasts indicate winds between 30 and 40 km per hour on Saturday, with gusts potentially reaching 55 km per hour on Sunday, conditions that suit their competitive profile.

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Artemis showed consistency in its debut in Perth, while the United States team finished fifth with clear improvements in strong-wind sailing compared with the previous season. After several internal changes over the past year and a half, the American squad appears to have found stability, an important factor in a discipline that demands constant coordination.

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ROCKWOOL Racing, eighth in Perth under Nicolai Sehested, will compete for the first time under new ownership. The Danish team has been acquired by sports investor and American Magic co-founder Doug DeVos, marking a new institutional phase within the championship.

In Australia, the British team confirmed it remains the benchmark following its winning momentum from Abu Dhabi 2025. They travel to New Zealand aiming to improve on last season’s third-place finish here and to consolidate their early lead in the championship. However, Auckland is not solely about the current frontrunners.

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The host team, New Zealand SailGP Team, suffered a setback in Perth after a collision with Switzerland left its F50 out of action shortly after the start of the event. A precise technical operation followed, with an approximately two-metre structural section of the hull manufactured from scratch in the United Kingdom by SailGP Technologies and shipped to Auckland for final assembly.

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Specialists worked to integrate the new segment, reinstall composite panels and align control systems to ensure the boat met safety and performance standards. The objective was clear, to return the Black Foils to the water for their home event.

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Led by Olympic champions and America’s Cup winners Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, the team restarts its season in front of a crowd estimated at up to 26,000 spectators across the weekend on the Waitematā Harbour. The presence of 13 boats and the expansion of the Race Stadium underline the scale of the event in the city.

Game, set, match: Alcaraz won 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5

Novak Djokovic set the tone early in Melbourne. From the opening games, his intensity was unmistakable. He struck first, breaking Carlos Alcaraz with authority and surging to a 4–1 lead before closing out the set 6–2. The serve was clicking — both first and second deliveries landing with precision — and whenever Alcaraz hinted at a foothold, Djokovic found answers. It was a statement opening, built on control and conviction. But sustaining that level was always going to be demanding. 

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As the second set unfolded, the momentum began to tilt. Alcaraz raised his serving level, injected initiative into the rallies and played with the fearless creativity that defines his best tennis. At 2–2, he forced the break, then backed it up in a grinding deuce game that showcased the full range of his court craft. Another break followed. The Spaniard closed the set 6–2, mirroring Djokovic’s earlier dominance and resetting the match entirely. 

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The third set carried weight. It would either reignite Djokovic’s charge or hand Alcaraz a decisive edge. Aware of the stakes, Alcaraz pressed early, probing Djokovic’s service games. The Serbian responded with guile — a drop shot here, a deep drive there — forcing Alcaraz into defence rather than dictating from inside the court. Djokovic began striking more freely, recalling the authority of the opening set. Yet the margins tightened. A handful of unforced errors crept in, and Alcaraz seized the opening. The break came, followed by a point that lit up the night: relentless retrieval, blistering acceleration and a finish that left both Djokovic and the crowd momentarily stunned. At 5–3, the pressure mounted. A rare double fault betrayed Djokovic’s nerves, and after another tense deuce exchange, Alcaraz claimed the set 6–3. 

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By the fourth, Alcaraz held the advantage. Replicating the clarity of the previous two sets would be enough to see him home. Djokovic, meanwhile, showed signs of physical strain — a step slower, errors arriving more frequently. Alcaraz sensed it, earning six break points in the early stages. Still, Djokovic resisted. At 5–5, the arena rose with him, urging on one last surge in pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam. For a moment, the connection between player and crowd felt powerful enough to turn the tide. But it did not last. Alcaraz held firm, moving ahead 6–5 and forcing Djokovic to serve under maximum pressure. One mistake sent the ball into the net, handing Alcaraz two championship points. Djokovic swung for one final escape, but the ball drifted wide. It was over. In that moment, Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to complete a Career Grand Slam — calm under fire, relentless in belief, and unmistakably ready to define an era.

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Djokovic, iconic in Melbourne

As he stepped forward to speak, Rod Laver Arena rose as one, the chant rolling in rhythm — “Novak, Novak, Novak.” It was one of those rare moments sport reserves for its true greats, an ovation earned over time rather than demanded by victory. Beneath the roar, and watched by a former rival who once shared the very same stage, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic paused to take it in. 

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He began by turning to Carlos Alcaraz, calling the achievement “historic” and “legendary”, adding with a hopeful smile that their paths would cross many more times in the years ahead. He then thanked his family and team for “enduring” him through months marked by injury, uncertainty and persistent retirement rumours. In a gesture heavy with meaning, he invited Nadal into the moment, acknowledging his presence — the first time the Spaniard had watched him play live — before closing with heartfelt gratitude to the Australian crowd, whose support, he said, had carried him through the tournament. 

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The stature of the player was reflected in the depth of his words. Djokovic understands how to honour the moment, how to give voice to both struggle and gratitude. He left the court as champions do — applauded, respected, and very much standing tall.

Connecting with her best tennis: Rybakina’s final set recovery

The world No.1 was never going to fade quietly. This was, after all, an Australian Open final — and the greats tend to settle these occasions in three acts, not two. The decider set began on Sabalenka’s terms. A ferocious backhand exposed a rare flicker of vulnerability from Rybakina and earned the break, which Sabalenka duly consolidated to surge into a 3–0 lead. For a moment, the script appeared written: hold serve, apply pressure, close the door. 

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Yet, Rybakina had other ideas. Drawing once more on the composure and clarity that carried her through the opening set, she began attacking Sabalenka’s serve with intent, turning defence into offence with clinical efficiency. Two breaks followed in swift succession. Sabalenka’s power, now tinged with urgency, drifted into overreach — winner attempts clipping the net rather than the lines. Cold, methodical and unflinching, Rybakina wrestled back control of the final, reshaping the match on her own, unforgiving terms.

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Momentum had firmly shifted. At 4–3 up, Rybakina stepped to the line with composure, held for 5–3, then watched Sabalenka cling on with a nerveless service game of her own. One final test remained. Serving at 5–4, championship point in hand, Rybakina could not hesitate. And she didn’t: she threw an ace down the court and sealed it. In that instant, she claimed her first Australian Open crown and the second Grand Slam title of her career, at 26 years of age.

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The calmness, the momentum-grabbing and the strategy to take out the world No.1 women’s tennis player are traits that will be remembered for years to come in Australia. 

Rybakina’s impeccable first set, Sabalenka’s resilience in the second

Elena Rybakina was the first finalist to strike hard: she broke Aryna Sabalenka’s serve early in the opening set and immediately placed the Belarusian on the back foot. From that moment on in the first set, Sabalenka was forced to chase the scoreboard. Rybakina’s height and clean ball-striking proved decisive, particularly when serving – where the wide delivery repeatedly pulled Sabalenka out of position. The Kazakh played the set with method and restraint, while Sabalenka leaned into her trademark emotional intensity. Calm and composed, Rybakina briefly turned to her corner for guidance on absorbing Sabalenka’s raw power, before introducing the drop shot to disrupt the deep baseline exchanges. Serving at 5–4, Rybakina faced a last push from a desperate Sabalenka, eager to force a tie-break. But that urgency tipped into overreach for the world No.1. A handful of mistimed winner shots followed, and on set point for Rybakina, an errant Sabalenka forehand drifted long, handing the Kazakh player a deserved first set and early command of the final.

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The second set opened with a statement push from Sabalenka, who held serve with authority, sealing the opening game with an ace. On Rybakina’s delivery, she immediately applied pressure, dragging the Kazakh into a long second game that swung back and forth through repeated deuces. Sabalenka’s aggression carved out opportunities, but it was Rybakina’s precision on serve — aided by her opponent’s high-risk shot selection — that allowed her to escape and steady the set. At 3–3 came the point of the match: a sublime exchange of backhand depth, feathered drop shots and frantic net coverage, eventually claimed by Sabalenka, to the delight of Rod Laver Arena. From there, the margins remained razor-thin. Yet at 5–4, with the set slipping away, Sabalenka found one last surge. She broke Rybakina’s serve with fearless intent and carried the momentum through to close out the set, forcing a decisive third and resetting the final.

Brown’s week raises a critical question that modern golf’s schedule hasn’t adequately addressed: Should ambition and opportunity override rest and preparation? The sponsor exemption system exists to accelerate young talent, and Brown’s amateur credentials are undeniable. In 2023, at just 16 years old, he broke Bobby Jones’ 103-year record as the youngest stroke play medalist in U.S. Amateur history. In 2024, he joined Woods and Bobby Clampett as only the third player ever to win medalist honors at both the U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur championships. 

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Despite these achievements, one can observe that accepting back-to-back tournaments, with long travel times between them, with zero practice rounds leaves no margin for error. Brown will compete again, and his foundational brilliance is evident. However, his American Express experience offers a gentler truth: in elite golf, knowing when to rest is sometimes the most competitive decision a young player can make. Talent alone cannot overcome the accumulated cost of eight consecutive tournament days, and it is a lesson that no 18-year-old should have to learn the hard way. 

The contrast with Scheffler’s performance is instructive. The world No. 1 opened the final day one shot back but looked fresh and dominant, posting six birdies in the first nine holes en route to a 6-under 66 and his 20th PGA Tour title. The athlete impressively joins Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in reaching that milestone before age 30.

Brown arrived at PGA West having just finished a Korn Ferry Tour event in the Bahamas 22 hours earlier, completing a T17 finish before flying across the country to California. He then played eight consecutive competitive rounds across eight days, a feat that would ultimately expose the physical limits of even the most talented teenagers. His Friday performance was transcendent: a bogey-free 12-under 60 that made him the youngest player ever to shoot 60 or better on the PGA Tour, surpassing Patrick Cantlay’s 2011 mark. On the par-4 ninth hole, he came within one putt of joining the exclusive sub-60 club. However, his six-footer missed, and golf history remained unwritten. 

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By Saturday, the cracks were showing. Brown made the cut but showed signs of depletion. His third-round 68 required an estimated 45-foot birdie putt on the final hole just to maintain contention. Then, Sunday proved to be the point where he became face-to-face with imbalance.

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Starting just one shot behind leader Si Woo Kim, Brown double-bogeyed the par-5 fifth hole—the course’s most gettable scoring opportunity—and was unable to recover accordingly. 

All eyes will also turn to Mirra Andreeva (No.8) as she prepares to meet Elina Svitolina in the fourth round. It promises to be an explosive encounter. The teenager has swept through her opening matches and already holds a head-to-head victory over the Ukrainian. For some time now, Andreeva has felt on the cusp of a major breakthrough — and this could well be her moment to push deep into the tournament and challenge the upper tier.

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It is also worth keeping a close watch on Amanda Anisimova in the days ahead. She brushed aside Katerina Siniakova with a sublime display (6–1, 6–5), echoing the form that carried her to both Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2025. Hard courts suit Anisimova’s game, and she next faces Linda Noskova. Awaiting beyond could be a quarter-final showdown with the winner of Jessica Pegula versus Madison Keys — a test worthy of Melbourne’s second week.

A final name to have lit up Melbourne has been Daniil Medvedev. After struggling to move beyond the early rounds of Grand Slams last season — and exiting the Happy Slam in round two a year ago — the Russian has returned with renewed purpose. Straight-set wins over De Jong, a four-set battle against Halys, and a remarkable comeback against Fabian Marozsan have marked a steady ascent. Medvedev looks at ease again, reconciled with his game and ready to press on. Next comes a compelling test: a fourth-round meeting with Next Gen ATP champion Learner Tien (No.25), a collision between experience and youth, control and momentum.

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Women’s draw finds its rhythm as Melbourne moves into week two

In our previous report, we explored Iga Swiatek’s form and her pursuit of the Career Slam, alongside Aryna Sabalenka’s commanding presence in Australia — a force impossible to ignore on and off the court. That presence roared once more in Melbourne during her latest duel against Anastasia Potapova. For Swiatek, the opening three rounds have served as a gradual return to rhythm and faces Naomi Osaka next — a player in form and one who may well present her first true challenge in this tournament.

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But a third contender has been quietly building momentum through the opening rounds: Coco Gauff. Straight-set victories in her first two matches were followed by a stern test against Hailey Baptiste, where she dropped a set before responding with authority — a reminder of why Gauff carries the mentality of a Slam winner. Her path, however, offers little respite. Karolína Muchová awaits next, before a potential quarter-final against either Mirra Andreeva or Elina Svitolina — both formidable opponents. Should Gauff steady her mind and tap into the level she displayed at Roland-Garros last year, a semi-final run could be within reach.

Far on the opposite side of the draw stands Jannik Sinner, who across the first two rounds offered exactly what we have come to expect from him at Grand Slams: methodical dominance and ruthless efficiency. He was simply too good. Yet his third-round encounter against American Eliot Spizzirri came as a jolt. Spizzirri claimed the opening set and, for a moment, Sinner looked unsettled in conditions that rarely suit him — soaring temperatures and an open roof. Then the weather intervened. The roof closed, and suddenly we were back in Sinner’s more natural habitat. He recalibrated, raised his level, and dismantled the American point by point, even as Spizzirri continued to fight and entertain. Not this time, thought Sinner. Still, the third round offered the first hint of vulnerability in his campaign. Next up, fellow Italian Luciano Darderi will test whether that door is truly ajar.

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Yet the biggest stories of the past week have not come from Sincaraz. Instead, it is the rest of the top-20 pack that has truly animated the Slam. Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have both progressed to the fourth round without major disruption — although Djokovic flirted with controversy after striking a ball perilously close to a ball girl. The challenges now sharpen. Zverev faces Francisco Cerúndolo (No.18), one of the tournament’s early statement-makers after dismantling heavy hitter Andrey Rublev (No.15).

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Cerúndolo’s forehand is a weapon worth watching, and in Melbourne he has felt anything but foreign, buoyed by vocal Argentine fans that have turned his matches into a Buenos Aires atmosphere. It will be a serious test for Zverev, whose second half of 2025 faltered and whose run here has shown moments of fragility. Djokovic, meanwhile, meets his first genuine test in Jakub Mensik — the young Czech fresh off an Auckland ATP 250 title, striking every ball with unrelenting intensity. A fourth round that promise emotions.

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The main draw has also revealed an almost unrecognisable Alexander Bublik. Now ranked No.10 after lifting the Hong Kong Open, the Kazakh appears to have made the right choices — trusting his game and embracing greater responsibility off court. His third-round clash with Tomás Etcheverry was finely balanced, but Bublik leaned into his full repertoire, mixing thunderous aces with feathered drop shots to decisive effect. In form, brimming with confidence and playing with intent, Bublik is at his most dangerous. His sternest test in Australia awaits on Sunday, when he faces home favourite Alex de Minaur for a place in the quarter-finals.

After Sardinia, more preliminary regattas will follow before the definitive arrival in Naples in July 2027, when the Match will be sailed between Posillipo and Castel dell’Ovo, with two opening races scheduled for Saturday 10 July and a conclusion expected over the weekend of 17 and 18. But in real terms, the road to the Auld Mug begins much earlier, in Sardinian waters.

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Cagliari is not just a technical venue, it is the first competitive filter. The place where words turn into data, where promises are translated into speed, stability and reliability. For the teams, it is the first serious X-ray of the cycle. For the America’s Cup, it is the stress test of its new sporting architecture.

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And for Luna Rossa, it is a historic opportunity. Winning at home, in the first chapter of the road to Naples, would carry enormous symbolic value. It would be the most direct way to remind the world that, for the first time in 175 years of history, the Cup is not only being held in Italy, but could, at last, stay at home.

Moreover, the fact that Luna Rossa will be racing at home adds an extra layer of tension. The Italian team starts with a clear advantage in terms of knowledge of the racecourse, meteorology and logistics, something that could allow them to strike first in this new cycle. It is not a minor detail in a competition where confidence, perception of strength and psychological momentum weigh almost as much as pure speed.

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The preliminary format will follow the familiar structure. Fleet races during the first days, with all teams on the water at the same time, and a final between the two best-ranked teams to determine the winner of the event. It is not only about lifting a trophy, but about sending a clear message to the rest of the Cup ecosystem.

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From a strategic perspective, these regattas also fulfil a key role in the new phase the competition is entering. With the creation of the America’s Cup Partnership, the governance model has shifted towards a more shared structure between the teams, with greater emphasis on media visibility, television rights and the construction of a continuous narrative, not focused solely on the final Match.

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In that context, Cagliari is the first real showcase of this new era. The first opportunity to see whether the America’s Cup can finally break its historic isolation and become a sporting product with continuity, accessible, understandable and attractive beyond the hardcore fan base.

On the other side of the draw, Jannik Sinner is yet to begin his Melbourne run. The Italian is set to open against Hugo Gaston on Wednesday, a matchup that, on paper, points toward a controlled start. A sterner examination could arrive in the third round, where Joao Fonseca looms — a rising name keen to announce himself on the big stage ahead of 2026. Beyond that, the road narrows: from the quarterfinals onward, beginning Sunday 25 January, only top-20 opposition is expected to stand in Sinner’s way.

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Even if that intangible pull points toward an Alcaraz–Sinner final on Sunday 1 February, the wider field still demands attention. Much will hinge on Novak Djokovic’s condition. The Serbian eased past Pedro Martínez earlier today and has deliberately avoided competitive play this year, arriving in Melbourne fully focused on the Slam. A deep run looks likely, fitness permitting. Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti arrive with momentum and genuine ambition. De Minaur, in particular, could be set for a standout quarterfinal against Alexander Bublik, fresh from his Hong Kong Open triumph — a clash that promises fireworks.

The Australian Open has long been Swiatek’s most testing stage. She has yet to progress beyond the semifinals in Melbourne, falling last year to the editions’ winner, Madison Keys. Yet this season feels different. 2026 is not just another start for Iga. Her match against Yue has proven that she has the ability to bring to the hard courts what she’s shown across Wimbledon last year: a game filled with class, precision and power that can take any opponent out.

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Should Iga reach the final this year, the path may well lead her to the tournament’s ultimate test: Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world No. 1. Sabalenka arrives not only in form — fresh from a US Open triumph and a year spent at the summit of the rankings — but on a surface that feels instinctive to her game. All of her major titles have come on hard courts, whether under the lights of New York or the sun of Melbourne. There is a certainty in the way she steps onto these stages, an understanding of where her dominance lies. On this surface, she knows she belongs — and it is why, once again, she enters as the player to beat.

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Lurking along Swiatek’s path are Elena Rybakina and Amanda Anisimova — two players who have asserted their authority on hard courts in 2025. Rybakina seems to possess the weapons to disrupt Iga’s rhythm, and could emerge as the defining obstacle on her side of the draw.

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Men’s tennis: the Sinner–Alcaraz rivalry returns

Drawn on opposite sides, they remain bound by an almost inevitable pull. An energy that gathers pace as each clears his path, drawing them closer with every round. It has become a familiar feeling when a Grand Slam begins and both are fit to compete: the sense that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are once again on course for a final meeting.

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Carlos Alcaraz began his Australian Open with a composed three-set victory over college player Adam Walton, 6–3, 7–6(2), 6–2 — a match that unfolded less as a contest and more as a measure of control. Up next is Yannick Hanfmann (world No. 102) on Wednesday, a pairing that suggests a similar rhythm. Since his second-round loss to Mikael Ymer in 2021, Alcaraz has rarely faltered in the opening rounds of a major. This January, the objective extends beyond progress: Melbourne offers him a first Australian Open crown, and with it, the chance to complete the Career Grand Slam.

The Final itself was effectively shaped before the first mark. Australia were penalised for a pre-start boundary infringement and forced to start behind their rivals. France and Great Britain launched cleanly, but the British afterguard of Fletcher, Hannah Mills and newly appointed wing trimmer Stuart Bithell soon established control. Once in clean air, Emirates GBR were able to dictate the race and avoid unnecessary risk.

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Bithell, who joined the team this season after sailing with Germany, was a focal point throughout the weekend. His integration was evident in a flawless Final, with the British boat recording full flight time despite metre-high waves. Mills highlighted the impact of that cohesion. “Our ability to adapt quickly and communicate clearly made a big difference today,” she said.

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Behind them, Australia and France were left to fight for second. Tom Slingsby and Quentin Delapierre crossed the line almost together, with the officials ultimately awarding second place to the Flying Roos. Slingsby was candid in his reaction. “It hurts losing to the British on home waters, especially twice in a row, but given what we dealt with this week, finishing second is something we can be happy with,” he said.

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The US SailGP Team, tied at the top of the leaderboard after Saturday, slipped out of contention following a series of execution errors. Driver Taylor Canfield struck a balanced tone afterwards. “It wasn’t our best day and we made some mistakes, but we learned a lot. We now know we have a solid base in the big breeze, which is encouraging going forward,” he explained.

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With victory in Perth, Emirates Great Britain have sent an early message to the fleet. This was not a win built on spectacle, but on judgement, experience and collective discipline under pressure. The SailGP circuit now moves to Auckland on 14 and 15 February, where it will become clearer whether this opening statement marks the start of sustained dominance or simply the first chapter of a long and competitive season.

The DS Automobiles SailGP Team France also delivered, rewarding their new naming sponsor with a race win and two second places to remain firmly in contention.

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Behind the leading trio, Australia and Great Britain remain well placed heading into Sunday. The BONDS Flying Roos, helmed by Tom Slingsby, enjoyed a dream start by winning the opening race, but then slipped back into the midfield and ended the day fourth, tied on 24 points with the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team. “After that first race it felt like everything was going to come together,” Slingsby said. “But we got dragged back into the chaos and the results suffered.”

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Racing resumes on Sunday from 1pm local time, with three further fleet races scheduled before the three boat, winner takes all final. The first day in Perth made one thing clear, the 2026 SailGP season has started without deference to past form, and the newcomers have wasted no time in making their intentions clear.

For Switzerland, the focus quickly shifted to recovery. “It all happened very fast,” explained Sebastien Schneiter. “We gybed, the Kiwis reacted, but it was already too late. It was a scary moment. Now everything is about tomorrow. We knew this season would be challenging and what matters is how we respond.”

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With the Fremantle Doctor delivering 12 to 15 knots and relatively flat water off Bathers Beach, conditions were ideal for the F50s to foil consistently at speeds over 40 knots. In that setting, Artemis stood out for the precision of their manoeuvres and the clarity of their tactical calls, catching more established teams off guard.

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The opening day also produced a strong showing from the United States SailGP Team, who matched Sweden and France on 31 points at the top of the table. The Americans were the most consistent team across the four races, although they are still searching for their first race win. “We kept it very solid all the way around the course,” said skipper Taylor Canfield. “We sailed conservatively and probably gave away a point or two, but it was the first day of the season and that approach made sense.”

The intensity was evident from early on. During training, Artemis wing trimmer Chris Draper was injured in a crash that required stitches to his face and mouth. Soon after, the Spanish team Los Gallos were ruled out of the entire event after sustaining major damage to their F50 in a separate incident. Australia also suffered an early setback, with Iain Jensen unable to line up for his first event with the BONDS Flying Roos due to a knee injury.

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Once racing finally got underway, the drama escalated almost immediately. Less than a minute into the first race, New Zealand Black Foils and the Switzerland SailGP Team collided during a crossing manoeuvre, forcing both teams out of the race on the spot. The impact tore away part of the Black Foils’ stern and left a hole in the Swiss boat’s bow. No sailors were injured, but the sporting consequences were significant.

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The New Zealand crew, led by Pete Burling, were deemed at fault and handed an eight point penalty, as well as being ruled out for the remainder of the weekend. “We did everything we could to keep clear,” Burling said. “They gybed and kept increasing the turn rate straight towards us. Their bow went through our boat about a metre away from me. I’m pretty shaken and frustrated, but now we need to assess the damage and see how we move forward.”

Veteran offshore sailor Brian Thompson placed the achievement firmly in historical context. Thousands of boats have crossed from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean since the late 15th century. To be the fastest ever over such a well-travelled route, in a true race environment, is a rare distinction.

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Attention now turns to the monohull fleet, with the Baltic 111 Raven expected to arrive in Antigua on Sunday. Her performance positions her to claim the IMA Transatlantic Trophy as the first maxi monohull to finish, while also setting the reference for the overall IRC corrected-time victory.

Argo’s crew for the crossing combined deep offshore experience with versatility. Chad Corning was joined by Pete Cumming, Sam Goodchild, Charles Ogletree, Alister Richardson and Brian Thompson, all of whom rotated through key roles on board. The approach demanded constant communication and honesty, with crew members stepping back when fatigue set in and others covering without hesitation.

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For Sam Goodchild, who has raced extensively aboard the larger Ultim trimarans, the MOD70 offered a very different dynamic. Lighter, more agile and sailed by just six people, the boat responds instantly, allowing aggressive manoeuvring and sustained sailing close to the edge. Speed comes not from sheer size, but from balance, precision and trust within the crew.

The physical and mental toll of the crossing was significant. Even after docking in Antigua, the crew were still coming down from the intensity of the effort. Long, dark nights with minimal moonlight and a growing sea state demanded absolute focus, as the boat surfed at extreme speeds through heavy Atlantic swell. Corning later described the experience as navigating at full pace with almost no visual reference, relying entirely on feel, instinct and trust in the boat.

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That trust was built well before the start. Argo was based in Lanzarote from September, undergoing a comprehensive refit and inspection programme at Marina Lanzarote. Every mechanical system on board was removed, inspected and either serviced or replaced, with extensive non-destructive testing carried out across the platform.

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The value of that preparation became clear mid-race when Argo developed a serious issue with the port rudder. Vibration and movement were detected just as daylight was fading. Alister Richardson immediately intervened, working over the stern with limited light to secure the system. Without that repair, continuing safely at racing speed would have been impossible.

SailGP’s technical team recovered the boat and carried out a full assessment of the damage. Following inspection, the league confirmed that it would not be possible to complete the necessary repairs in time for competition, ruling Spain out of the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix.

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The absence represents a difficult start to the season for the Spanish team, which entered 2026 with high expectations. Champions in 2024 and fourth overall in 2025, Spain had been aiming for a strong opening result to set the tone for the new campaign. Perth was expected to provide an early benchmark against an expanded and highly competitive fleet.

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Despite being unable to race, the team’s work continues. The Spanish squad will analyse all available data, including telemetry and onboard footage, to determine the precise cause of the failure and prevent a recurrence. “Our focus now is to understand exactly what happened and concentrate on getting the boat ready as soon as possible,” Botín added.

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The priority is to have the F50 Victoria fully repaired and ready for the second event of the season, scheduled for 14–15 February in Auckland. SailGP begins its 2026 campaign in Perth with a sold-out venue, a larger fleet and an increasingly demanding competitive landscape. For Spain, the opening chapter is disappointing, but the season is long and opportunities for recovery remain. In SailGP, fortunes can change quickly, and the 2026 calendar has only just begun.

Against this backdrop of growth and anticipation comes one of the most significant developments of the season’s opening weekend. The Spain SailGP Team will not take part in the Perth event after sustaining serious damage to their F50 during a training session off Fremantle, sailed in strong wind and challenging sea conditions. All crew members are safe and there were no injuries, but the boat suffered substantial structural damage.

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The incident occurred during a gybe in the second training race. As explained by driver Diego Botín, a failure in one of the foils during the manoeuvre led to a heavy impact. “During the gybe, both foil cases were damaged. One of them failed and we suffered a fairly strong impact. The foil case, the foil itself and the hull were all affected,” Botín said following the incident.

The 2026 season will feature a record fleet of thirteen teams, the largest since SailGP was founded in 2018. The line-up includes the newly formed Artemis SailGP Team representing Sweden, led by experienced driver Nathan Outteridge. The expansion of the championship is not only geographical but also competitive, with tighter margins and a higher overall performance level across the fleet.

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Emirates GBR enter the season as defending champions after a landmark 2025 campaign, becoming the first team to secure both the overall championship and the Impact League title. Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos and New Zealand’s Black Foils also begin the year as leading contenders following their appearance in last season’s Grand Final. However, the prevailing view within the fleet is clear, the 2026 season offers no easy races and no guaranteed results.

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The Perth event also coincides with a symbolic milestone for the league, the 50th Grand Prix since SailGP’s inception. In just six years, the championship has grown from six teams and five events into a global competition with major international venues, growing audiences and a well-defined sporting narrative. Perth represents not a culmination, but the next phase in SailGP’s evolution.

Large yachts add another dimension to the fleet. Swan 128 Be Cool will make her maiden transatlantic race appearance, combining refined power with the ability to maintain high average speeds while remaining comfortable offshore. Alongside her, Linnea Aurora, a 128ft Hoek-designed yacht with classic proportions and long overhangs, brings proven racing credentials after inshore success at the Superyacht Cup Palma. Both compete under IRC and for the Superyacht Class Trophy, highlighting how the RORC Transatlantic Race has become a genuine proving ground for superyachts that aim to race seriously, not simply cross oceans.

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The finish in Antigua opens a new chapter for the race and creates fresh opportunities for both monohulls and multihulls to set new elapsed-time benchmarks. The Caribbean destination also allows teams to transition directly into a broader winter racing programme, including the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series and the RORC Caribbean 600 in February. For many crews, few forms of preparation are more effective than a full Atlantic crossing followed immediately by high-intensity racing in the Caribbean.

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Sunday’s start promises to be a spectacle both on the water and from ashore. Following the start sequence off Arrecife, the fleet will round a turning mark off Puerto Calero before heading west into the Atlantic. A spectator boat will be available, alongside family-friendly activities, with all proceeds directed to the Observatorio de Basura Marina, reinforcing the event’s commitment to marine environmental protection.

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With the fleet assembled and final preparations underway at Marina Lanzarote, anticipation is high ahead of the start. The RORC Transatlantic Race 2026 once again places Lanzarote firmly on the map of elite offshore sailing, marking the beginning of an Atlantic passage defined by ambition, endurance and the pursuit of performance at sea.

Among the boats attracting close attention is Palanad 4, a new 50-footer with a canting keel and scow bow, sailed by Antoine Magre. With previous success in the RORC Transatlantic Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race, Magre’s project arrives with clear ambitions and a proven understanding of what it takes to win over long distances.

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The multihull division is expected to deliver one of the most intense duels of the race. MOD70 trimarans Argo and Zoulou headline the fleet, continuing a rivalry that has become a defining feature of recent editions. Capable of sustaining extraordinary speeds for days on end, these boats turn the Atlantic crossing into a high-speed tactical contest, where small gains in sail balance or foil performance can translate into significant advantages over thousands of miles.

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There is also a compelling contest for monohull line honours. Baltic 111 Raven is widely expected to set the pace among the monohulls, bringing a highly advanced offshore design to her first fully competitive transatlantic campaign. Although Raven has already completed two Atlantic crossings, the 2026 race will be her first opportunity to test the entire project under sustained race pressure.

This year’s race brings together a fleet of 21 yachts, both monohulls and multihulls, crewed by around 150 sailors representing up to 19 nationalities. Amateur crews, Corinthian sailors and some of the most experienced figures in offshore racing will line up on the same start line, competing under the IRC rating system, which allows very different boats to race on equal terms for overall victory.

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For more than a decade, Marina Lanzarote has established itself as a natural departure point for this Atlantic crossing. Its strategic location, reliable winter conditions and strong technical infrastructure have made the island a reference hub for teams preparing major offshore campaigns. Many of the boats taking part have spent weeks, and in some cases months, training and refining their systems in Lanzarote before committing to the crossing.

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Once at sea, the race quickly becomes a true test of offshore skill and endurance. The primary target for most monohull teams is the RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy, awarded to the overall winner on IRC corrected time. Unlike line honours battles that focus purely on speed, IRC racing places equal emphasis on strategy, weather routing, reliability and crew performance over many days at sea. Since the inaugural edition in 2014, overall winners have ranged from smaller yachts to the largest in the fleet, underlining the open nature of the competition.

1. Jack Doohan

Remember him? Having only contested six of 2025’s 24 grand prix, it's easy to forget Jack Doohan was even on the grid this year. There’s a strong argument to be made for the placement of an ‘N/A’ next to his name, as the Australian was arguably set up to fail. After debuting at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of the departing Esteban Ocon, Doohan was retained by Alpine for 2025. However, after Flavio Briatore returned to the F1 fold with Team Enstone and granted Colapinto a reserve driver role in January, rumours of Doohan being tied to a six-race deal began to spread. Reports suggested that Briatore favoured Colapinto for the race seat, while other senior figures at Alpine are said to have had their doubts.

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A major internal shakeup came after the Miami Grand Prix. Team principal Oliver Oakes was superseded by Briatore, who duly dropped Doohan before the very next race. It's therefore safe to say Jack Doohan never got a fair shot at F1. However, the 22-year-old didn’t help himself with two major crashes in Australia and Japan. He only outperformed Gasly in two of the five grand prix they contested as teammates, was second best in both the sprints, and failed to get anywhere near the points. Some may consider this harsh, but of the limited evidence we have available, there’s no getting around the fact that Jack Doohan had the least going for him in 2025.  

2. Franco Colapinto

Quick but crash-prone during his brief stint at Williams in 2024, Franco Colapinto did little to impress in 2025. Starting on the sidelines, Colapinto was granted an Alpine race seat at round seven at Imola. A crash in his first qualifying session did his confidence no favours, and Colapinto spent much of the season miles off his teammate, Pierre Gasly. On paper, a rookie trailing an experienced teammate by an average of three-tenths of a second isn’t dire, but failing to beat said teammate in the last nine qualifying sessions of the season certainly is. Granted, the car was underwhelming, but whenever a points finish was possible, it was always Gasly who capitalised as he scored all 22 of Alpine’s points.

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Mild improvements in qualifying, an eleventh-place finish at Zandvoort, and a significant injection of funding from sponsors have kept Colapinto on the grid for 2026. On reflection, he’s done just enough to earn another shot, but should this barren run of form continue, don’t be surprised if the name Paul Aron starts making the rounds next season.

3. Yuki Tsunoda

The latest in a long, long line of capable racing drivers who have fallen victim to that second Red Bull seat, Yuki Tsunoda’s long-awaited shot at the senior team did not pay dividends. A solid start to the season with Racing Bulls saw him take over from the struggling Liam Lawson after just two races. There were signs of initial promise as he made Q3 and secured his first points in Bahrain (two things Lawson never came close to achieving in his limited time with the team), but after a heavy crash during qualifying at Imola, Tsunoda’s season was permanently compromised.

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He may have completed a decent recovery drive to tenth in the race, but he was never on equal footing with Max Verstappen when it came to upgrades, nor did the team trust him to bring the car back in one piece. Tsunoda soon spiralled with a seven-race run of pointless finishes, the most of any Red Bull driver in history. There were flashes of promise as he secured seventh place in Austin, did his part in keeping Lando Norris at bay en route to sixth in Baku, and looked set to provide similar assistance to Verstappen in Mexico before being hit with a 12-second pitstop.

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In the end, however, Tsunoda was too far adrift of the frontrunners for far too long. With an average qualifying deficit of over seven tenths of a second and just 31 points to Verstappen’s 421, it's easy to see why he has lost his seat to a burgeoning Isack Hadjar. Tsunoda has proven himself to be a capable midfield driver in the past, but with this torrid run of form, it's hard to contest the claim that his F1 career is probably over.

4. Lance Stroll

It's the same story every year. Every now and again, Lance Stroll will put in a handful of good performances and remind us all that while he does not occupy his current seat on merit, he has the skill to be of service to a team further down the grid. All before slipping into anonymity for the rest of the season. Needless to say, 2025 has been no different. He held his nerve at the rain-affected season opener in Australia to secure sixth while his teammate crashed out, finished a solid seventh at Silverstone, and repeated the feat at Zandvoort (despite crashing twice over the course of the weekend). But too often we have seen Stroll bogged down in midfield obscurity.

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His penchant for crashes continues to blight his record (best exemplified by that desperate lunge on Esteban Ocon in the Austin sprint), while Stroll’s pace has been well off that of his teammate. He outqualified Fernando Alonso just once in the China sprint, was outraced by him 17 times over the course of the season and ended up six places behind him in the standings, having scored just 37% of Aston Martin’s total points. That’s despite Alonso’s run of bad luck in the early part of the season, during which he recorded three DNFs from the opening eight races.

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Aston Martin have made some big promises as of late. With their state-of-the-art factory now complete, Honda’s backing secured and design legend Adrian Newey hard at work on the 2026 car, the team has all the right ingredients to become a bona fide front runner. Should Aston Martin produce a title-challenging car, it will be interesting to see if Stroll can rise to the occasion and what may become of him if he doesn’t.

5. Lewis Hamilton

Rare and twisted is the individual who takes pleasure in putting Lewis Hamilton in a list like this. Having come into this season atop a wave of fanfare and hype, Hamilton’s first year in red has been a self-described nightmare. That’s not to say it's been all bad, the sprint pole and win in Shanghai speak for themselves, while that opening stint on the intermediate tyres in Belgium – during which he went from 18th to 7th – was nothing short of mesmeric. That said, the uncharacteristic mistakes have been undeniable. Hamilton crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix, ended up 18th after a sprint qualifying spin in Belgium, drove into the back of Franco Colapinto in Brazil, and, while his Q1 exit in Las Vegas was due in part to a miscommunication from the pitwall, the seven-time world champion still clouted a bollard on his warmup lap. He outraced Charles Leclerc just eight times over the course of the season and outqualified him on only seven occasions. As a result, the unwanted records Hamilton has accumulated make for grim reading. He currently holds the record for most Ferrari starts before a first podium at 24. In Las Vegas, he qualified last after getting a time on the board for the very first time in his career and is the only full-time Ferrari driver in history to record three consecutive Q1 exits.

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There have been flashes of the old magic, and with 39.2% of his team’s total points haul, Hamilton has been a credible rear gunner for Leclerc, as was made clear in Austria and Bahrain, where he put in solid drives and finished just one place behind him. But while that may be enough for a midfield journeyman, it's not enough for a seven-time world champion.

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Let’s not forget why Lewis Hamilton is still here. He moved to Ferrari with a very clear objective: win the eighth world title he feels was taken away from him.

As far as that project is concerned, 2025 has been a dismal starting point, and Hamilton has understandably chosen to focus on recentering himself during the winter break. Should he throw in the towel? Absolutely not. But it's no exaggeration to say 2026 will be a make-or-break year for him. Should Hamilton adjust to the new regulations and secure a car that suits his driving style, he will definitely stay on; should Ferrari fail to improve on their shambolic form, there’s a chance the most decorated Formula 1 career of all-time could be nearing its end.

The result carries significant historical weight. The Verdier and VPLP-designed yacht has now claimed line honours five times under four different ownerships, with previous victories in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022. She also remains the holder of the race record, set in 2017 at 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, a benchmark far removed from the slower, more demanding conditions of this edition.

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While the line honours outcome is settled, the Sydney Hobart is rarely defined by a single result. The 80th running once again demonstrated why the race remains one of the most respected offshore contests in the international calendar. Victory does not always belong to the outright fastest boat, but to the crew that makes the right decisions at the right moment. This time, in Hobart, that boat was Master Lock Comanche.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart is far more than a spectacular start or a celebrated finish at Constitution Dock. Since its origins in 1945, when a casual cruising invitation evolved almost by accident into a race, it has become an annual test that demands consistency, meticulous preparation and an honest acceptance of risk. Sponsored by Rolex since 2002, it stands as a cornerstone of the Swiss watchmaker’s nearly seventy-year association with yachting.

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From a technical perspective, this edition once again highlights the importance of routing, weather interpretation and disciplined sail selection. As North Sails experts emphasise, success is not about carrying more sails, but about carrying the right ones, prioritising versatility, durability and broad trim ranges. Each inventory is bespoke, tailored to hull form, righting moment and realistic performance objectives, a philosophy particularly evident among the leading programmes.

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Among the supermaxis, Master Lock Comanche arrives with a new 3Di mainsail designed to withstand extreme loads, Palm Beach XI presents a fully optimised inventory following its recent refit, SHK Scallywag 100 focuses on efficiency in lighter conditions, and Lucky targets consistency and reliability in prolonged downwind legs. Yet, as always in this race, attention is not limited to the giants. The overall handicap prize remains wide open, where well-sailed smaller boats and smart decisions can reshape the outcome entirely.

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The 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is now fully under way and, true to its history, it offers no promises of comfort. What it does promise is a race that is demanding, uncompromising and unforgettable

1. Max Verstappen

He may have lost his crown, but this season has served as perhaps the clearest indication yet of Verstappen’s status as the greatest driver of his era. His campaign wasn’t perfect as he lost his head in Spain and spun out in the wet in Silverstone. Saddled with an uncompetitive car, there was little even Verstappen could do to stop the McLarens from streaking clear in the first half of the season. However, as Red Bull found form after the summer break, Verstappen was soon back to his brilliant best. Dominant drives in Monza and Baku laid the foundation for an unlikely title challenge and rare was the weekend when Verstappen didn’t extract every ounce of performance from the RB21. Podium finishes in each of the last ten grand prix as well as six wins (an unmatched eight in total) meant Verstappen was able to take the fight all the way to Abu Dhabi. He may have lost out by just two points, but there’s little denying who has been head and shoulders above the rest with regard to consistency, mindset and race craft (as was made clear by his pole lap in Japan as well as that turn one overtake at Imola). He may not have the number one on his nose next season, but Verstappen’s place among the pantheon of F1 greats is well and truly confirmed.

2. Lando Norris

Piastri came close, but it was his teammate who stuck the landing. Regarded by many as the pre-season favourite, Lando Norris’ road to a first world championship was far from straightforward. As Piastri hit form in the early part of the season, Norris began to struggle as dissatisfaction with the MCL-39’s cornering abilities left him unable to match his teammate in the opening races. Norris’ woes were compounded by a series of errors in China, Jeddah, Bahrain, and Canada that dented his confidence.

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However, even at his shakiest, Norris was a regular fixture on the podium. Of the first 15 races, he failed to make the top three on just three occasions, and while Saudi Arabia and Canada were down to human error, the engine failure in Zandvoort certainly wasn’t. What’s more, as the season neared its climax, Norris found his feet. Despite trailing Piastri by 34 points after Zandvoort, Norris held his nerve, delivered crushing victories in Mexico and Brazil, kept his head even after the double disqualification in Las Vegas (a weekend that also saw him prevail in a treacherous qualifying session), and did precisely what he needed to at the season finale in Abu Dhabi to secure a thoroughly deserved world championship. It remains to be seen how, or if, Norris’s mindset will evolve going forward, but what is certain is that this championship was one he definitely earned.

3. Oscar Piastri

2025 will, among other things, be remembered as the year Oscar Piastri established himself as one of this generation’s biggest stars. Having played second fiddle to his teammate last season, Piastri’s false start in Melbourne was followed by an inspired run of form. Five wins from the following eight races (including a run of three in a row) saw him emerge as a leading contender for the world championship. During this run, Piastri dispelled the qualifying woes and tyre management issues that hindered him last year, prevailed in multiple wheel-to-wheel exchanges with Max Verstappen and spent a total of 15 races atop the world championship table.

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A loss of momentum in the second half of the season led to a series of mistakes and lacklustre weekends. Piastri endured what he himself described as his worst ever weekend in Baku, crashed out of the sprint in Sao Paulo and was simply unable to contend with his teammate in Austin and Mexico City. That barren second half of the season ultimately cost him a shot at the title; that said, Piastri is nothing if not a quick learner. Let’s not forget, this is only his third season in F1. Should McLaren’s imperious form carry over into 2026, there’s nothing to suggest Piastri won’t emerge as a firm favourite for the world championship.  

4. George Russell

Deciding which of these two should get fourth place was not easy. Both are worthy candidates who have regularly gotten the very best out of their machinery. However, the expectations under which George Russell has performed give him a slight edge. He may have demonstrated his raw speed on more than one occasion, but with Lewis Hamilton now gone, Russell came into 2025 saddled with a fair few questions. Could he rise to the occasion and take on the role of team leader? Could he contend with a rising start in Kimi Antonelli? The short answer to all that has been, absolutely.

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In a year that cemented Mercedes’ middling form in the ground effect era, Russell has been a model of consistency. Nine podiums and 18 top-five finishes meant he ended the season a comfortable fourth in the drivers’ standings. Off-colour performances, such as those at Monaco and Silverstone, were few and far between. On the rare occasions when Mercedes were able to produce a race-winning car, Russell always capitalised and secured two commanding victories in Canada and Singapore. And while Antonelli was able to emerge from his mid-season slump and occasionally outpace Russell in the second half of the season, the 27-year-old was still the team’s standout performer. Preliminary speculation points to Mercedes having the strongest power unit for 2026. Should that turn out to be the case, Russell could find himself in the title-challenging car he so richly deserves.

5. Charles Leclerc

His team may have underdelivered, but Charles Leclerc’s status as one of the sport’s most capable drivers is as robust as ever. The arrival of a certain seven-time world champion could have daunted a lesser driver, but Leclerc has more than risen to the occasion.  

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Dazzling as ever over one lap, the Monegasque claimed Ferrari’s only pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix and bested his teammate in 23 of the 30 qualifying sessions they contested, with an average gap of over two tenths of a second.

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Additionally, Leclerc’s race pace has continued to impress. He resisted the advances of a charging Max Verstappen in Mexico, came agonisingly close to a second home win in Monaco, put on a defensive masterclass when duelling Lando Norris at the U.S. Grand Prix and claimed all seven of his team’s podiums.

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A scrappy performance at Silverstone, where he finished outside the points, was the only major black mark on an otherwise commendable year, as Leclerc scored 60.8% of Ferrari’s total points.

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In his seventh season in Formula 1, Leclerc can now claim to have beaten two of the sport’s greatest drivers in equal machinery, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. However, while his form is undeniable, his team’s certainly isn’t. Yet more underwhelming equipment meant Leclerc went winless for the fourth time in seven years. The 28-year-old has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Ferrari and is rumoured to be contracted to the team until 2029. However, should the Scuderia start the new regulation cycle on the back foot, Leclerc – who has already poured seven of his prime years into this project – will surely start to consider pastures new.

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He's a formidable racing driver who has what it takes to challenge the very best in the business, and Ferrari need to deliver that long-promised championship-winning car soon, if they’re to have any hope in keeping him.

The tournament’s structural significance extends beyond scorecard aesthetics. Now in its third edition, the Grant Thornton Invitational has carved out a specific identity: equal prize purses, equal visibility, equal stakes. That two figures could claim $500,000 apiece for a mixed team triumph would have seemed impossible in professional golf a decade ago. Yet there it stands: precedent. The event hasn’t merely accommodated gender parity; it has made parity the foundation of spectacle rather than an afterthought to it.

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What makes this particular iteration notable is the record-setting margin over previous years. The 28-under total surpasses Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit’s 2024 mark by a full stroke. The scoring trajectory is worth noting. As play becomes more precise and course knowledge accumulates, the benchmarks rise. However, this ascent suggests something beyond equipment or athletic improvement. It indicates that when both tours are granted equal prominence, when the purse structure removes the psychological weight of hierarchical compensation, players perform at a different register entirely.

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The three-team tie for second—Gotterup and Kupcho, McCarthy and Korda, Brennan and Hull—each at 25-under, reveals the tightening of competitive variance in mixed-team formats. The field of 32 produced no outliers, no disasters. Instead, it delivered what strong tournament structures produce: excellence concentrated across the board, with the gap between first and third standing at a mere three strokes. That is precision.

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Novak’s second team title in 2025, following his Zurich Classic triumph, suggests an emerging specialization. Some players excel in team configurations because they think differently when stakes are shared, when accountability extends beyond individual scorecard pressure. His performance pattern suggests he may be among them, a player whose mentality adapts advantageously to partnership dynamics.

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The Grant Thornton Invitational’s trajectory signals something golf’s institutional apparatus is slowly acknowledging: competitive balance and structural equality don’t diminish spectacle, but rather enhance it. Excellence reveals itself most clearly when the playing field itself communicates respect. At Naples, that principle transcended theory and became performance.

Sinner, meanwhile, anticipated the Spaniard’s rise. Two years older than Alcaraz, the Italian was already beating the likes of Alex de Minaur at just 18 in 2019, lifting the Next Gen ATP trophy against the Australian. Yet his ascent proved more measured: Sinner would wait until 2024 to claim his first Grand Slam, at the Australian Open, a reminder that his path to the summit was built on patience and method rather than meteoric rise.

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Together, they have set a daunting benchmark for the generations to come. And as fans begin to ask whether a third force might one day rise to challenge them — as Djokovic once did to Federer and Nadal — the Next Gen ATP Finals may well offer the first clues. It is here that the next wave reveals itself, testing the foundations of the Sinner–Alcaraz era and hinting at what could follow.

Tiburón, atmosphere and stakes

Tiburón’s Gold Course, framed by Florida wetlands and resort architecture, rewards creative angles and confident wedge play, with swing holes on its par 5s that can flip a match in a single surge.  Around it, the setting feels more festival than grind, amplified by the resort backdrop and Live Fest concerts that run alongside the golf.  On paper, the prize fund sits at $4 million with a seven-figure share for the champions; in practice, the week is a referendum on whether mixed-team golf deserves a regular, global place in the sport’s calendar.

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Looking ahead

As the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational kickoff nears in Naples, the unknowns are as intriguing as the field sheet.  Will an established partnership turn prior chemistry into a mini-dynasty, or will a new pairing redraw the blueprint for modern team golf in a single weekend?  Will Tiburón reward raw aggression in scramble or the nerve to survive alternate shot, and which duo will handle a shared spotlight when the final putts fall on Sunday?  For Living Sports readers, the call is simple: stay with the story, follow the shifting alliances and formats, and let this December week in Naples hint at where the game might be heading next.

Another UAE member in 2025, Pablo Polito Pieres, has chosen a move that may be risky but also promising: he will join La Irenita 2026 project with his cousin Pablo Mac Donough, Matías Mac Donough (Jr.), and Paco de Narváez. Why risky? Because due to the points of the latter two, it seems likely that this team will need to go through the Qualification tournament if they wish to enter the Palermo main draw next year.

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Several teams yet to define their official names are nonetheless already qualified for the 2026 Triple Crown based on their lineups. Among them is the team announced by Bautista Bayugar, Joaquín Pittaluga, and Iñaki Laprida — who played for La Hache Cría & Polo in 2025. Joining them will be Alfredo Bigatti of Los Machitos. Two players who have been teammates since 2023 — Victorino Ruiz and Teodoro Lacau — both from Los Machitos in 2025, will join forces again in 2026 with Francisco Elizalde and Gonzalo Ferrari, one of the standout revelations of the 2025 season.

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Another confirmed lineup is La Ensenada, featuring Jerónimo Del Carril and Juan Britos, joined by Juan Martín Zubía from Sol de Agosto and Diego Cavanagh, who played for Los Machitos in 2025. Also expected to compete — and expected to enter through Qualification — is La Zeta Kazak. Nicolás Pieres’ project with Lorenzo Chavanne and Beltrán Laulhé will add Guillermo Sapo Caset.

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It should be noted, however, that the Argentine Polo Association’s Board of Directors is currently holding meetings that could significantly impact the 2026 season. Changes are expected in the format of the Triple Crown and the Qualification tournament. Although nothing is confirmed yet, several proposals are being considered, and they could alter many of the scenarios described in this article — for example, allowing some teams currently bound for Qualification direct access to Palermo, or pushing others to prepare for 2027 instead. The Ranking system and the method for collecting points are also under review. It is a year-end period filled with certainties, but also with enormous anticipation for what lies ahead in 2026.

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This Tuesday, on the other hand, the Argentine Polo Association announced the handicap changes, the most notable being Antonio Heguy’s rise from 8 to 9 goals following a season in which the son of Pepe Heguy proved he can perform in big games and thrive as part of a top-tier team. Other increases from 7 to 8 goals include Lorenzo Chavanne, Lucas Criado (Jr.), Paco de Narváez, Beltrán Laulhé, and Felipe Vercellino; and from 6 to 7 goals: Kristos Magrini, Louis Hine, José Riglos, and Ignacio Viana. The most significant decreases were those of Juan Martín Nero, from 10 to 9 goals, and Jerónimo del Carril and Ignatius du Plessis, from 9 to 8. Finally, after winning the Argentine Women’s Open, Mía Cambiaso — Adolfo Cambiaso’s eldest daughter — was raised from 9 to 10 goals in the women’s handicap.

Hideki’s control and notable mentions

Matsuyama’s closing 64 will live in the highlights, but the win was built on sequencing more than streaks. He started Sunday three behind and front-loaded his move with birdies on two of Albany’s early par 5s, then used the hole‑out from the fairway on 10 as a pivot point rather than a turning point into all‑out attack. From there, he effectively played defense with the lead, accepting pars on the final five holes while leaning on his approach play to avoid stress. This was a conservative finish, underscoring trust in his baseline ball‑striking rather than his putter.

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Noren’s path to the playoff underscored how elite putting can still shift the balance in a ball-striker’s week. His closing stretch, from the look at eagle on 15 to the make on 16 and the decisive birdie on 18, showed a player leaning on feel and rhythm rather than altering the foundations of his tee-to-green game.

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Straka, by contrast, rode an ultra‑aggressive front nine (32 shots) and a third‑round 64. He then paid for a single loose swing with a bogey at 16 on Sunday, which was a reminder that, at Albany, a minor miss with an iron can erase 63‑level golf in one hole.

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For Scheffler, a tie for fourth at 20-under is less a failure than a recalibration point in a tournament he had won twice in a row.  The week reinforced a familiar pattern: Scheffler can contend even when slightly off, but in a 20‑man sprint his putting volatility means any lull, like the missed birdie on 17 on Sunday, turns a potential three‑peat into a respectable but forgettable finish.

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The significance of this Hero

As a continuation of this year’s earlier pieces on Albany, this edition confirmed themes that had been building across the week: the course still rewards high‑end iron control, creative scoring on par 5s and the ability to stay patient while others flash lower single rounds.  More broadly, the Hero World Challenge again previewed a 2026 landscape in which the sport’s top tier is defined less by who can go lowest once, and more by who can turn that level into a reliable ceiling in made‑for‑TV, small‑field shootouts.

But all eyes were on the Alcaraz–Fonseca showdown. After his loss to Tiafoe the previous day, fans expected a sharper response from the Spaniard, even if the mood remained relaxed. Alcaraz edged the first set 7–5 after breaking at 5–5, sealing a marathon deuce with Fonseca refusing to let it go. The second set swung the other way entirely, Fonseca taking control early and sweeping it 6–2 as Alcaraz faded. And the tie-break set the crowd alight: Alcaraz fell behind 0–5 to a superb Fonseca. But something clicked in the Spaniard, and the world No. 1 surged through point by point until he completed yet another remarkable comeback. Chapeau to Alcaraz — and to a fearless Fonseca who pushed him all the way.

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Miami, a desired sports hub

Miami is well used to hosting sports events. Earlier in the year, in March, it staged the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium, where Jakub Menšík was crowned champion over Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula. The city is not only home to one of the most popular Masters of the season among players, but also a base for several of America’s top talents: from Coco Gauff’s residence in Delray Beach, Jessica Pegula’s in Boca Raton, to Amanda Anisimova’s and Taylor Fritz, both moving to the city. It has since firmly positioned itself as an attractive and fast-growing tennis hub.

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The city’s lavish lifestyle and strategic setting are assets, especially when tennis royalty is vacationing in the Caribbean. This year, we saw Alcaraz during his off-season resting in Turks and Caicos, where he played casual tennis with content creators – only a two-hour flight away from Miami. In fact, at the end of November, he was already in the city, crossing over to partake in football. The occasion? To hand the MLS Eastern Conference trophy to Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami. It’s worth remarking that these moments are not coincidental, but rather a sign that Miami is becoming the U.S. hub for international sports, athletes and sports organisations – something worth keeping an eye out for.

La Natividad and La Dolfina, now competing together, have monopolized recent Palermo finals. In 2021, 2023 and 2024, La Natividad claimed the title; in 2022, La Dolfina emerged victorious. For their opponents this Sunday, the picture is quite different. Ellerstina last reached the Palermo final in 2020, and their most recent title dates back to 2012. Indios Chapaleufú last contested this decisive match in 2004, when Eduardo and Alberto Heguy—fathers of Cruz and Antonio respectively—lifted the trophy.

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It is hard to imagine a final margin greater than two goals this Sunday, with La Natividad La Dolfina starting as clear favorites. Even so, Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú’s chances are very real. To make their dream a reality, they will need a top-class defensive performance and a high success rate from the penalty line. If they excel in those areas, they can dare to dream of the title. Otherwise, it will be difficult to deny the Cañuelas side not only the Palermo crown, but also the overall Triple Crown—an achievement not seen since 2015, when La Dolfina pulled off the remarkable feat of winning the Triple Crown three seasons in a row.

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FINAL 132nd ARGENTINE OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP: LA NATIVIDAD LA DOLFINA vs. ELLERSTINA INDIOS CHAPALEUFÚ

La Natividad La Dolfina: Camilo Castagnola 10, Adolfo Poroto Cambiaso 10, Adolfo Cambiaso 10, Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 10. Total: 40.

Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú Vista: Facundo Pieres 10, Antonio Heguy 8, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 9, Cruz Heguy 9. Total: 36.

Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Guillermo Villanueva.

‍Third man: Matías Baibiene.

Behind them, Charles Leclerc briefly seemed well placed to influence this world championship. Starting fifth, the Ferrari driver got past George Russell and briefly pressured Norris during the opening exchanges. A two-stop strategy saw him hold station in fourth, but Leclerc was unable to keep pace with the McLarens. In the end, he came home fourth to cap off a year Ferrari will be keen to see the back of.

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After being hotly tipped to mix it in with the big three, George Russell had a quiet race. The Mercedes driver lost out to Leclerc at the start and soon found himself under threat from Fernando Alonso. Russell eventually prevailed and had a steady run to fifth. A result with which Mercedes have secured second in the constructors’ championship.

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Unable to contend with Russell and Mercedes, Alonso ran his own race and secured his tenth points finish in sixth. With Adrian Newey now on board and a brand-new set of regulations inbound, Aston Martin will be under a great deal of scrutiny going into 2026.

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Esteban Ocon made good on his commendable qualifying performance with seventh. The Haas driver came out on top after an eye-catching duel with Lewis Hamilton on lap 53.

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Hamilton had to settle for eighth but was at the very least, able to complete a noteworthy recovery drive from 16th on the grid.

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Similarly impressive was Nico Hulkenberg, who marked his 250th grand prix start with a rise through the ranks from 18th to ninth. A fitting farewell for the Sauber Team. Lance Stroll took the final points paying position in tenth ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, who couldn’t convert his seventh place starting position into points.

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Ollie Bearman finished 12th ahead of Carlos Sainz, who was one of the first to congratulate Norris on his title success. Instructed by his team to try and defend against Norris, Yuki Tsunoda made two separate movements down on back straight and forced the McLaren driver off the track. The incident earned Tsunoda a five-second penalty, and he eventually finished 14th in his final race for Red Bull.

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Alex Albon finished 15th ahead of Kimi Antonelli, who failed to make progress after a disappointing qualifying. Isack Hadjar finished 17th ahead of Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.

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It's been a long, varied and enthralling Formula 1 season. One in which Oscar Piastri showed the world what he was capable of, and Max Verstappen reaffirmed his status as the greatest driver of his era. In the end, however, it was Lando Norris who made good on both his pre-season potential and solid reputation. The boy from Bristol has just come of age. Lando Norris: your champion for 2025.

After having to complete a second run in Q1 to avoid elimination and struggling for grip throughout, Charles Leclerc did well to secure fifth by the end of Q3. However, with doubts looming over Ferrari’s race pace, it remains to be seen if Leclerc will be able to mix it in with those ahead of him.

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Aston Martin’s solid free practice pace persisted through qualifying as Fernando Alonso claimed sixth after what he described as a “happy day” ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, who equalled his best qualifying performance in seventh. Having endured a middling run of races, the Brazilian is well placed to end his season on a high in what will be Sauber’s F1 swansong ahead of the 2026 Audi takeover.

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Esteban Ocon made Q3 for the first time since Monaco back in May and will start eighth, one place ahead of Isack Hadjar.

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Yuki Tsunoda made it into Q3 but failed to set a time in the final part of qualifying. He will therefore start tenth for his final race as a Red Bull driver.

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After a strong showing in free practice and briefly going quickest in Q2, Ollie Bearman missed out on Q3 by just 0.007s. He will share the sixth row with Carlos Sainz, who starts ahead of Liam Lawson, whose Q3 prospects were curtailed by his teammate.

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Kimi Antonelli ended up a disappointing 14th, having struggled with rear instability throughout. Lance Stroll couldn’t match his teammate and will start 15th ahead of a dejected Lewis Hamilton. After making a series of setup changes after free practice, the seven-time world champion struggled for pace and was knocked out of Q1 for the third race in succession. When asked about his qualifying woes, Hamilton struggled for words and was clearly frustrated with his performance. Alex Albon will start 17th ahead of Nico Hülkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.

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Verstappen has done all he can to keep himself in the running. But with all three contenders at the front of the grid, turn one a potential hotbed for chaos, and 58 laps still left to run, this title is anything but settled.

Verstappen comes to Yas Marina as Norris’ nearest challenger, but with 12 points separating the pair, Verstappen will have to win with Norris fourth or lower if he’s to have any chance of a fifth consecutive title.

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Every full-time driver is required to make way for a rookie in at least two free practice sessions over the course of the year. With Abu Dhabi being the season finale, it was rookies galore in FP1.

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Luke Browning took Alex Albon’s place at Williams and inadvertently impeded Isack Hadjar at turn 13. 31-year-old Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa took to the track for Haas, while Paul Aron made his third appearance for Alpine. The former Formula 2 driver suffered a snap of oversteer out of the final corner en route to P13. Both Aston Martin drivers made way for Cian Shields and Jak Crawford, while Arthur Leclerc joined his elder brother Charles at Ferrari. Ayumu Iswasa took Liam Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls, while Arvid Lindblad, who will be driving for the team next year, took the departing Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull. IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward contested the session for McLaren, which meant Oscar Piastri had to spend FP1 on the sidelines.

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When he finally did return in FP2, the Australian had a largely trouble-free run and ended the final session 0.255s off his teammate in fifth. After being denied victory last time out in Qatar, Piastri now finds himself 16 points off the championship lead. Were he to win, Norris would have to finish sixth or lower for Piastri to be champion. Given his slim title hopes and recent form, Piastri has nothing to lose and is likely to be in the mix going forward.  

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After benching both their drivers in FP1, Aston Martin was the first team out on track in FP2. Lance Stroll briefly topped the timesheets in the final part of practice but eventually ended the session 14th. His teammate Fernando Alonso fared better as he ended FP3 in fourth.

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Haas look strong after free practice. Ollie Bearman vehemently praised his car’s handling in FP2 and ended the final session in 7th, one place behind his teammate Esteban Ocon.  

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Charles Leclerc recorded the eighth fastest time ahead of Kimi Antonelli, who suffered a collision with Yuki Tsunoda in the pit lane.

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Alex Albon struggled with engine issues in FP2 and ended the following session 10th ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg.

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Liam Lawson recorded the 15th fastest time in FP3 ahead of the Red Bull-bound Isack Hadjar. Pierre Gasly ended up 17th ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who suffered a major crash at turn nine in FP3 that brought out the red flag. The seven-time world champion reported a sense of ‘buckling’ at the front end that “snapped the rear”.

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Franco Colapinto finished the session 19th ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, in his final weekend as a Red Bull driver.

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Its advantage: Norris after free practice. However, with Russell having entered the equation and Verstappen and Piastri looming large, it's anyone's guess as to who will take the final, crucial pole of 2025.

Stars and tactical keys

Scheffler leads a field defined by depth and pedigree; it includes multiple major champions, rising international winners, and debutants who arrive with fresh trophies from events like the U.S. Open and Scottish Open. With no cut and a small field, every pairing feels like a feature group. Furthermore, momentum can swing quickly in a 20-player leaderboard where mistakes are magnified and birdie runs travel fast. Tactically, Albany’s 7,400-yard par-72 layout rewards controlled aggression: players must flight irons under the wind, pick smart lines through sandy waste areas, and manage a set of risk-reward par 5s that often decide the tournament.  In gusty conditions, holding greens and lag putting on firm, fast surfaces become as critical as raw power off the tee.

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Venue, atmosphere and stakes

Albany wraps the competition in a private-resort atmosphere. The visuals will be abundant with yachts framing the closing holes, understated galleries, and hospitality structures that turn the finishing stretch into a compact amphitheater. The setting reinforces the event’s dual identity: part elite year-end summit, part Caribbean retreat where sponsors, players, and guests share the same small stage. Beyond prestige, the tournament funnels proceeds to the TGR Foundation, Tavistock Foundation and Bahamas Youth Foundation, which shows initiative to link every birdie to educational and community initiatives. For players, it is a chance to bank ranking points, test offseason tweaks under pressure, and send a message before the new year even begins.

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As the 2025 Hero World Challenge Kickoff looms, the questions sharpen: Can Scheffler carve his name into Albany history with a three-peat, or will a hungry major champion or first-time invitee rewrite the script in the Bahamian wind?  How will the sport’s next wave handle the intimacy of a 20-man field where there is nowhere to hide, every shot is televised, and Tiger’s presence, even outside the ropes, lingers over every swing?

The other ticket to the final will be decided between La Irenita La Hache and Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú. La Irenita comes off a loss in their latest match, against La Hache Cría & Polo, but that did not prevent them from arriving with chances to this decisive Thursday clash. If they win, they will reach the final. Expectations hinge on the return of 13-time Argentine Open champion Pablo Mac Donough, who missed the last two matches due to injury. Alongside him, Hilario Ulloa —the tournament’s top scorer— Francisco Elizalde, and South African Nachi Du Plessis will try to cap their inconsistent season by reaching the most important match on the international calendar.

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Facing them will be Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú, the team that has performed best against La Natividad La Dolfina and has also shown many moments of excellent polo. Finalists in Tortugas, their first goal of the season was to reach the Palermo final; the ultimate goal, the title. The union of two giants of world polo —the Pieres and the Heguys— has yielded results, and on paper they come in as favorites for this semifinal. Facundo Pieres, Antonio Heguy, Gonzalo Pieres, and Cruz Heguy are having a strong Argentine Open, but they know that everything resets on Thursday as they seek a place in the grand final.

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Palermo will also witness key matches at the lower end of the standings: La Zeta Kazak —against Los Machitos on Wednesday— and La Dolfina II —against La Ensenada on Thursday— must win if they hope to qualify directly for the 2026 Triple Crown. If both win, they will face each other in a tiebreaker to determine who will play a Play-off game against La Aguada, the recent winner of the Cámara de Diputados Cup. If both lose, the team earning that spot will be Sol de Agosto, currently in eighth place in the season’s overall standings. If only one of them wins, that team will qualify for the aforementioned Repechaje for a place in the 2026 Triple Crown.

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A truly compelling scenario, with four unmissable matches, and all eyes already set on the grand final this weekend.

A podium in Abu Dhabi will be enough for Norris to win his first world championship; however, with Verstappen and Piastri looming large in his mirrors, Norris’ prospects now look far less secure.

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Behind them, George Russell recovered from a messy opening lap to take sixth, ahead of Fernando Alonso, who survived a high-speed spin to secure his ninth points finish of the season.

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Charles Leclerc capped off a torrid weekend for both himself and Ferrari with eighth ahead of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who did well to salvage a point after starting 16th.

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Alex Albon finished 11th ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who had a lonely run to 12th on a weekend that has seen Ferrari get locked into fourth place in the constructors’ championship. A disappointing result to cap off an underwhelming season for the Scuderia.

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Franco Colapinto finished 14th ahead of Esteban Ocon, who was hit with a five second penalty for a false start. Pierre Gasly’s Q3 appearance came to nought after that collision with Hulkenberg on lap seven; he finished 16th. Lance Stroll failed to finish, as did Isack Hadjar, who was running in the points until a puncture on lap 56. Ollie Bearman endured a torrid race and also failed to finish, while the damage incurred from his tangle with Gasly forced Hulkenberg out of the running.

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With 12 points in hand, a podium in Abu Dhabi will be enough for Norris, but with Piastri still in contention and Verstappen in the form of his life, we are set for a thrilling end to what has been a thoroughly absorbing season.

The key point now is simple, this final was not an ending, it was a line drawn in the water. The calendar reset comes with almost no pause. The 2026 season begins in Perth on 17–18 January and returns to Abu Dhabi for the finale on 28–29 November. Thirteen events, three continents, and a competition scale that will punish any team still adjusting or waiting for momentum to arrive. Sweden enter the league and raise the competitive baseline. Spain will host again, although the choice between Barcelona and Valencia reflects the commercial edge this championship continues to sharpen.

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Great Britain enter the new season not only as champions, but as the benchmark. They have learned that survival on the bad days is as important as brilliance on the good ones. They have learned when to take risk, and when to force others into it. They have learned that pressure, properly understood, is a strategic asset.

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No speeches will change things for Australia or New Zealand. Only upgrades will.

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Everything that matters in 2026 starts from the first start gun in Perth. Every race will carry weight. Every weekend will confront the fleet with the same test, who can live in the red zone without flinching?

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Abu Dhabi did not provide a plot twist, it provided clarity. The best team of the year became the best team when it mattered most. Fletcher did not inherit a crown, he took it, and left the scoreboard to finish the conversation.

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In SailGP, you either arrive first, or you explain why you didn’t. And Great Britain have stopped explaining.

Ferrari’s struggles look set to continue as Charles Leclerc suffered a massive high-speed spin in Q3 and could only manage 10th. Leclerc was at a loss to explain the car’s lacklustre pace stating that he feels as though everything that can be extracted has.

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Nico Hulkenberg missed out on Q3 but will start the race 11th ahead of Liam Lawson, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon. However, Bortoleto will have to serve a five-place gird penalty, which he received for a first corner crash at the previous race in Las Vegas.

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After securing a fine fifth in the sprint race, Yuki Tsunoda failed to get out of Q1 and qualified 16th ahead of Esteban Ocon and a disheartened Lewis Hamilton. After making yet more changes to the setup after a poor showing in the sprint, Hamilton was once again unable to string a clear lap together and could only manage 18th. Lance Stroll qualified 19th ahead of Franco Colapinto.

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The FIA has ruled that no single set of tyres can complete more than 25 laps in Qatar, such is the strain the Lusail International Circuit puts on the tyres. With all teams committing to a minimum of two pitstops, the drivers will have no choice but to push throughout.

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With the three title contenders at the front of the grid, tomorrow looks set to be a pivotal race that could see the crowning of a new world champion.

Behind them, Carlos Sainz took the final points-paying position in eighth, despite losing some bodywork. Isack Hadjar finished ninth ahead of Alex Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto and Oliver Bearman.

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Charles Leclerc suffered a poor start and spent much of the sprint in 13th. Liam Lawson briefly overtook Leclerc on lap 11 but did so off the circuit and was forced to hand the place back. Esteban Ocon finished 15th ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton, who started from the pitlane after only qualifying 18th, and Pierre Gasly. Lance Stroll finished 19th despite pitting for a set of soft tyres on lap ahead of Franco Colapinto.

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This sprint win could not have come at a more crucial time for Oscar Piastri. However, with Norris still the man in possession and Verstappen in with a shout, the rest of this weekend is going to be vital for all three contenders.

In contrast to his teammate’s upturn in form, Verstappen endured a disappointing session. Numerous bouts of excessive vibrations led to an off-road excursion in SQ3. As a result, the reigning world champion only had time for a single fast lap in the final part of sprint qualifying. Clearly unhappy with the car, Verstappen struggled to sixth. With both his title rivals a long way up the road, tomorrow could mark the end of Verstappen’s championship hopes.

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Elsewhere, Kimi Antonelli briefly looked to have failed to get out of SQ2. However, a track limit violation for Hadjar led to his lap time getting deleted, which allowed Antonelli to progress. The rookie eventually secured eighth, one place ahead of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Alex Albon in 10th, rounded off a solid day for Williams.  

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Hadjar’s deleted time relegated him to 12th, ahead of Ollie Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, who suffered a snap of oversteer out of the last corner in SQ2. Esteban Ocon qualified 15th ahead of Lance Stroll, who was unable to match his teammate, Liam Lawson and Lewis Hamilton.

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After struggling in free practice, the seven-time world champion opted for a new, high downforce setup in sprint qualifying. The change in setup did not have the desired effect. A poor lap in SQ1 left the seven-time world champion at risk of elimination, and he was promptly knocked out by Antonelli. Hamilton lamented his lack of pace, stating that he could not get any more speed out of the SF-25. Alpine will occupy the last row of the grid with Pierre Gasly two tenths of a second ahead of his teammate, Franco Colapinto.  

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An ever-changing story that refuses to peter out, this year’s title battle has taken yet another turn. With the leading contenders spread out, tomorrow could see either the end of the road or the arrival of yet another curveball.

Fernando Alonso took third in the dying stages of the session. the Spaniard has been a vical critic of this generation of F1 car and has said he will “treat these last two races as celebratory races” as this is the last year of thw current regulations cycle. Carlos Sainz ended the session fourth ahead of Isack Hadjar, who was the first driver to switch from hard to soft tyres and briefly went fastest with less than ten minutes remaining.

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Alex Albon recorded the seventh fastest time, while Charles Leclerc struggled with balance and steering issues en route to eighth. Lance Stroll underlined Aston Martin’s initial pace by taking ninth ahead of Kimi Antonelli, Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton and Yuki Tsunoda.

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George Russell traded fastest times with Verstappen during his initial runs but eventually had to settle for 14th. Russell has form in Qatar, having taken pole last year and completed a commendable recovery drive to fourth after a first corner tangle in 2023. With all the attention on Verstappen and the McLarens, Russell could upset the established order this weekend.

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Oliver Bearman went 15th fastest ahead of Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto.

McLaren took a knock in Las Vegas; however, if their free practice pace is anything to go by, Norris and Piastri appear to have the car of choice in Qatar. A race that could see the crowning of a new world champion.

Spain, despite being the reigning champions, arrive in the most fragile position. They need a nearly flawless performance and for one of Australia, New Zealand or Great Britain to falter. The truth is that they do not enter as favourites. Their season has lacked the consistency of those ahead of them and they cannot afford mistakes. Still, the respect they command across the fleet is real. Slingsby has openly admitted Spain are the last team he wants breathing down his neck. If the situation demands risk, Botín’s crew embrace it — but their margin is razor-thin.

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Financial stakes add further tension. A total of $3.25 million is on the line: $800,000 for the Abu Dhabi event winner, $450,000 for the team finishing top of the regular season standings and the $2 million jackpot reserved exclusively for the winner of the Grand Final. It is a structure that forces every tactical decision to weigh risk against reward.

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Abu Dhabi’s racecourse is compact, with typically light winds compressing the fleet and reducing recovery opportunities. A mistimed manoeuvre can trigger a swift fall through the standings, with the proximity of the boats magnifying every minor error.

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Emirates GBR also arrive with positive momentum off the water after securing their second consecutive Impact League victory — now they face the challenge of matching that success where it matters most. New Zealand seek their first title. Australia want to reclaim dominance. Spain aim to disrupt the order again.

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History shows SailGP crowns not the most regular, but the team that execute perfectly when everything is at stake. The final sprint across the Gulf will decide who has truly been the best of the season.

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Will Spain defend their title, or will New Zealand, Australia or Emirates GBR seize the glory in Abu Dhabi?

Implications for Tour Players

With only 100 players securing full exemptions for 2026, every swing held heightened implications. Valimaki’s leap to No. 51 in points and Echavarria’s move into the mid-50s highlight how the restructured points system and late-season schedule now amplify the significance of every finish. For Castillo and others hovering at the bubble, the event underscored the brutal arithmetic of the modern Tour; every putt and position holds the potential to define a career.

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The 2025 RSM Classic affirms the PGA Tour’s increasing depth and global reach. New winners from non-traditional markets coupled with competitive volatility reflect golf’s rapidly diversifying talent pool and the unforgiving structure of Tour status battles. As the season closes, the implications for next year are clear: strategic scheduling, adaptability to course requirements, and resilience under pressure are now baseline requisites for Tour survival and success.

Local interest centred on Lanzarote Calero Sailing Team, representing the new Marina Jandía and the Calero family’s latest project in the islands. Starts showed real progress, but penalties and then the steering failure on day three dropped them out of contention. Tactician Alfredo González was philosophical, promising to attack the final races simply to finish the season with good sensations, while owner Daniel Calero described the venue as incredibly demanding and tactical and expressed his pride at closing the season here. For several days Fuerteventura genuinely became the capital of high-performance keelboat racing.

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By the time the final races were completed GeMera’s consistency had told. Marcus Törnqvist’s Swedish crew, who had spent much of the year quietly working on upwind pace with the J2, converted that speed into a complete result. Their 31-point tally put them comfortably clear of Team Nika on 45 and fellow Swedes Artemis Racing on 50, with Aleph Racing, Team Aqua and Peninsula Racing locked together on 58 in the chasing pack.

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In the larger story of the 2025 season, however, it was Nika’s week as well. Second in Marina Jandía was enough for Vladimir Prosikhin to seal the 44Cup title with a score of five points across the year, ahead of Aleph Racing on eleven and GeMera Racing on twelve. Artemis finished fourth overall, just in front of Team Charisma, with Ceeref Vaider, Aqua, Peninsula, Black Star, Lanzarote Calero, Wow! and Warp 5 completing a roster that underlines the depth of this owner-driver fleet.

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From the light, nervous opening day to the final surf down the Fuerteventura swell, Marina Jandía delivered a season finale that matched the backdrop: dramatic, unforgiving and, for GeMera and Nika, unforgettable.

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With Marina Jandía now behind them, the circuit shifts focus to the 2026 season. Racing resumes in Nanny Cay in February, where the fleet will swap Fuerteventura’s Atlantic swell for the lighter Caribbean trades — a venue that exposes any early-season weaknesses. In May the 44Cup returns to Porto Cervo, a course where narrow pressure lanes and sharp shifts traditionally separate genuine title contenders from the rest. The opening block ends in June in Marstrand, Sweden, a demanding arena that delivers some of the closest, most tactical racing of the year.

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What is already clear is that the fleet has never been more evenly matched. GeMera carries real momentum, Nika remains the standard under pressure, and teams like Aleph, Artemis, Charisma and Aqua have shown winning form. Even the newer entrants, like Wow! Sailing Team, are no longer outliers but true disruptors.

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The road to Nanny Cay is already underway — and the 2026 title fight promises to start from the very first gun.

After qualifying 17th and receiving a five-second penalty for jumping the start, Kimi Antonelli’s race looked to be a lost cause. However, a 48-lap final stint, as well as the Mercedes’ formidable race pace, allowed the rookie to surge through the field, finish ahead of Piastri on track and hold on for fifth place. A brilliant result given his Saturday woes.

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Elsewhere, Charles Leclerc enjoyed a rapid first stint on the medium tyres to briefly run as high as fifth. Despite a slight drop-off in pace, Leclerc was able to finish sixth, narrowly missing out on passing Antonelli once the latter’s penalty was applied.

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With no rainfall on race day, Carlos Sainz was unable to hold on to the impressive third he secured in qualifying. However, the Spaniard did enough to hang on to seventh, scoring eight crucial championship points.

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Isack Hadjar enjoyed a few punchy exchanges with Piastri and Leclerc en route to eighth ahead of Nico Hülkenberg, who scored points for the third time in the last four races. After a disappointing qualifying, Lewis Hamilton evaded the opening lap chaos and put in a solid first stint to secure the final points-paying position in tenth, while the two Haas’ of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman came home in 11th and 12th respectively. Fernando Alonso finished 13th ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson (who was forced to make an early pitstop after his first corner collision with Piastri) and Franco Colapinto.

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Alex Albon was forced to retire after damage incurred from contact with Hamilton, while Gabriel Bortoleto lost control at the first corner and took both himself and Lance Stroll out of contention.

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Verstappen may have hit the jackpot in Vegas, but with Norris now 30 points clear, it now seems to be a matter of when, not if, the Brit takes his first world championship. Something he could do at the very next race in Qatar.

Charles Leclerc suffered numerous lockups throughout qualifying and will line up ninth, one place ahead of Pierre Gasly, who was delighted to secure a Q3 spot despite the ‘mental’ conditions. Nico Hulkenberg had the measure of his teammate and will start 11th ahead of Lance Stroll, whose decision to gamble on the intermediate tyres in Q2 did not pay dividends. A disappointing result given the impressive pace he showed throughout Q1. Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman will start 13th and 14th, respectively, ahead of Franco Colapinto, whose spectacular turn 16 save was not enough to secure a place in Q3. Alex Albon hit the wall at the end of Q1 which locked him into 16th.

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Kimi Antonelli struggled for grip on the full wet tyres and could only manage 17th, as did Gabriel Bortoleto in 18th. Yuki Tsunoda failed to make Q2 for the seventh time this season, while Lewis Hamilton set an unwanted personal record. After hitting a bollard while preparing for his final flying lap, a miscommunication with the team meant Hamilton was unable to improve on his initial run. For the first time in his career, the seven-time world champion will start last after setting a time in Q1.

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Free practice left little room for race simulations. As a result, tomorrow’s race will be a step into the unknown. What is certain is that Norris has the opportunity to knock Verstappen out of the title fight and put yet more distance between himself and Piastri.

Looking Ahead

With two rounds remaining, the tournament’s defining questions are coming into focus:

• Can Novak extend a verified two-shot lead into the weekend?
• Will the chasing pack, led by Thompson and Ghim, take advantage of lighter winds ahead?
• Which players hovering near the FedExCup Top-100 mark can produce under pressure?

As the fall series nears its conclusion, Sea Island once again blends strategic complexity with emotional weight. What unfolds over the final 36 holes will resonate well beyond the coastline, shaping careers, calendars, and competitive momentum for 2026.

Despite a lack of rainfall, the track was once again damp come the start of free practice three, so much so that all the early runs were conducted on intermediate tyres.

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Norris was the first to switch to softs but did so prematurely. Implored by his race engineer to exercise caution, the championship leader struggled for grip and could not set a representative lap time. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, had telemetry issues and also failed to get a complete lap in, as a result, the two McLaren drivers ended the session 19th and 20th.

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This may not be indicative of their one-lap pace, but the amount of time lost has put Norris and Piastri on the back foot. As the session neared its end, the track began to dry. Less than 15 minutes remained, which ruled out the possibility of any race simulations; all the drivers ran softs, and the lap times began to tumble. George Russell went fastest with three minutes to go, only to be outdone by Albon and Verstappen in quick succession. Russell regained the initiative but was under threat from Verstappen once again, that was until the Red Bull driver went deep at turn 17 and aborted his final run.

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Verstappen voiced his frustration at the slow-moving cars ahead as he was forced to leave the racing line and take to the damp sections of the track. In the end, it was Russell on top ahead of Verstappen, Albon, Hadjar, Hamilton (who's widely tipped to be a possible podium contender this weekend), Lawson, Stroll and Alonso. Pierre Gasly rounded off the top ten despite an off-road excursion in FP3.

As expected, Mercedes and Red Bull look to have strong pace in Vegas. However, with raindrops falling at the end of FP3 and the track evolution significant, qualifying in Sin City will be a hotly contested affair.

A Refined Perspective on What Lies Ahead

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship remains one of the Tour’s most significant autumn proving grounds, a stage where careers recalibrate and the foundations for future opportunities are quietly built. Schenk’s victory earns him entry into marquee events and marks the beginning of a new trajectory.

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As the fall series progresses, Bermuda’s influence will linger. Its lessons of adaptability, precision, and emotional control are increasingly central to success on today’s PGA Tour. In a season defined by evolving pathways and rising competition, the championship once again demonstrated that mastery lies in the details, and that winning under pressure is as much an art as it is a result.

Behind them, Oliver Bearman capitalised on his eighth-place starting position, pulled off some eye-catching overtakes, came out on top after a memorable tussle with Nico Hulkenberg on lap 48, and eventually secured sixth, his fifth points finish in eight races.

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Once the initial flurry of pitstops had ended and the running order had been established, Liam Lawson found himself in seventh at the head of a very tight DRS train. In the end, seventh through 14th were covered by just 3.1 seconds. Lawson hung on ahead of his teammate, Isack Hadjar, while Nico Hulkenberg was able to take ninth. Pierre Gasly in tenth, secured his and Alpine’s first grand prix points finish since Silverstone ahead of Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Franco Colapinto.

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Lance Stroll tangled with Gabriel Bortoleto on the opening lap and was later spun round by Yuki Tsunoda, who ended up with two ten-second penalties after incorrectly serving his first.

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Ferrari had a race to forget. Charles Leclerc was forced to retire after that lap five collision, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton made contact with Sainz on the opening lap before running into the back of Colapinto. The resulting wing and floor damage caused a significant drop-off in pace, and Hamilton eventually retired on lap 38.

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After missing out on qualifying thanks to a crash in the sprint, Gabriel Bortoleto’s first home race lasted just half a lap. A tangle with Lance Stroll in the middle sector sent him spinning into the barriers, a sad end to a painful weekend for the 20-year-old.

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With three races and a sprint remaining, Norris now has a 24-point buffer to Piastri. If his current form is anything to go by, nothing short of a major implosion can deny Norris the 2025 world championship.

Nico Hulkenberg recovered from his sprint race shunt with a controlled drive to tenth, while Fernando Alonso was “not comfortable in the cockpit” and could only manage 11th. Having struggled with setup issues all weekend, Alex Albon admitted to not having found the ideal operating window. He will start 12th ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who reported rear instability and tire issues in qualifying. Lance Stroll qualified 15th ahead of Carlos Sainz and the session's biggest surprise: Max Verstappen. A new setup, inadequate grip, and subsequent loss of confidence meant the world champion failed to get out of Q1 for the first time since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix. He may have won from 17th on the grid in Sao Paulo last year, but with heavy rain not expected on race day and Norris on pole, this could mark the end of Verstappen’s shaky championship hopes.

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Esteban Ocon in 17th was once again unable to contend with his teammate’s one-lap pace. Franco Colapinto will start 18th ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, who underlined Red Bull’s drop off in pace and mentioned issues with tyre warmup.

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Gabriel Bortoleto did not contest qualifying. After a heavy crash in the sprint race, the Sauber mechanics were unable to fix the car in time for the session.

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It is unquestionably advantage Norris in the title race, but with light drizzle expected on Sunday, Interlagos looks set to deliver yet another absorbing grand prix.

After that aggressive restart, Alonso found himself under pressure from both the Ferraris. Alonso was obstinate in his defence but eventually lost out to Charles Leclerc on lap 22. Alonso came home fifth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, whose sliced his way through the opening lap traffic to climb from 11th to 7th. Pierre Gasly benefitted from the carnage ahead of him to claim the last points-paying position in eighth, ahead of Lance Stroll and Isack Hadjar. Esteban Ocon completed a memorable move on Liam Lawson at turn four on lap 17 en route to 11th ahead of his teammate Ollie Bearman.

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Liam Lawson came home 13th ahead of Yuki Tsunoda. After qualifying last, Carlos Sainz started from the pit lane and recovered to 15th ahead of Nico Hulkenberg. His valiant efforts in sprint qualifying ultimately amounted to very little as he finished 16th. Alex Albon finished 17th after narrowly avoiding a collision with Gabriel Bortoleto, who dove down the inside at the start of the final lap, only to lose traction and spear into the barriers.  With his car severely damaged it remains unclear as to whether or not Bortoleto will be able to partake in qualifying later today.

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This weekend is far from over, but with Norris having had the measure of both his title rivals thus far, it's safe to say Piastri and Verstappen have a lot of work to do if they’re to have any hope of catching him.

Max Verstappen looked to be on the pace during the initial hard tyre runs. However, the reigning world champion was unable to set a representative time on the softs at the end of the session and was therefore classified 17th, just ahead of the two Ferraris. Charles Leclerc’s best time was set on the hards and was only good enough for P18. The same was true of Lewis Hamilton, who also suffered a 720-degree spin in the final sector.

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Yuki Tsunoda found himself at the bottom of the timesheet, thanks in part to a crash early in the session. A wayward moment on the exit of turn four sent him spinning into the barriers. Tsunoda was able to continue despite the resulting contact.  

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McLaren may have taken the spoils in free practice, but with Verstappen’s true pace a mystery, it is difficult to pick a favourite as we head into sprint qualifying.

Lance Stroll underlined Aston Martin’s strong pace with a commendable run to seventh, while Charles Leclerc considered his eighth place to be representative of Ferrari’s pace. Despite a couple of lockups early in the session, Isack Hadjar was able to secure ninth ahead of Nico Hulkenberg.

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Lewis Hamilton endured yet another frustrating session. After failing to secure a place in the top ten after his initial run in SQ2, a late session spin for Leclerc brought out a double waved yellow flag and prevented Hamilton from getting to the line fast enough to set a final flying lap. As a result, Hamilton qualified 11^th but is currently under investigation for failing to slow sufficiently for the double waved yellows and could face a grid penalty for the sprint race.

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Alex Albon qualified 12^th ahead of Pierre Gasly, Gabriel Bortoleto and Ollie Bearman. Franco Colapinto came within two tenths of SQ2 but had to settle for 16^th ahead of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda who couldn’t get to grips with the RB21’s tricky low downforce setup. Esteban Ocon was once again unable to match his teammate’s one lap pace and will line up 19^th ahead of Carlos Sainz who struggled throughout and was the only driver not to break the 1m11s barrier.

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So far McLaren have been the team to beat with Norris the inform driver, but with rain a possibility on both Saturday and Sunday, Interlagos may spring a surprise or two.

Fresh from pocketing his Saudi cheque, Jannik Sinner doubled down and headed to the Vienna Open. There, he faced the usual Grand Slam suspects — Cobolli, Bublik, de Minaur and Zverev — and dispatched them all once again to lift the title before a delighted Austrian crowd. Still, signs of fatigue from a long season were visible early in the final: a brief hamstring cramp raised alarms, even if it didn’t derail his form. Vienna also marked a personal milestone — Sinner surpassed $50 million in career prize money and entered the home stretch of 2025 with momentum firmly on his side.

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But season endings have a way of ushering in new names. In Basel, the indoor Swiss classic, 19-year-old Brazilian João Fonseca (World No. 28) stunned Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-4 to claim his second career title — and the biggest of his young career. His fearless run lit up a quiet fortnight on tour and hinted that 2026 may be poised with more from him.

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The cherry on top of the cake? Alcaraz’s case for a perfect ending

Alcaraz’s season defies easy description. Only he knows the effort it took to reclaim the World No. 1 spot after that gruelling US Open triumph over Jannik Sinner. 2025 has tilted decisively his way, and the Spaniard now aims to close it in style. His Paris Masters campaign begins against Britain’s Cameron Norrie — a match he’s widely expected to navigate — before a possible run through Jiri Lehečka (No. 14), Casper Ruud (No. 8), Félix Auger-Aliassime (No. 9), Taylor Fritz (No. 4) or Alex de Minaur (No. 6). And, if the draw holds, perhaps one final showdown with Sinner to cap the year. There’s added incentive, too: should Alcaraz reach the semifinals, Sinner’s chances of overtaking him as world No. 1 before 2026 will vanish.

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Memories still linger from their last Paris encounter — a five-and-a-half-hour epic in which Alcaraz’s comeback left his Italian rival drained both physically and mentally. That night will surely echo in Sinner’s mind. Yet the conditions at La Défense Arena — hard court and indoors— tilt ever so slightly in his favour this time.

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But talk only goes so far — what we want now is action. Alcaraz takes on Cameron Norrie this evening, while Jannik Sinner opens his campaign against Zizou Bergs on Tuesday night. The Paris Masters final is set for Sunday, 2 November — one last stage for brilliance before the curtain falls on 2025.

There will be plenty at stake beyond the immediate trophy. For cousins Antonio and Cruz Heguy, both 22, this will be their first-ever Triple Crown final. Their teammate Facundo Pieres will be chasing his 12th Tortugas title, which would allow him to equal Pablo Mac Donough as the tournament’s all-time top winner. His brother Gonzalo, meanwhile, will be going for his 11th championship. Ellerstina remains the most successful team in Tortugas history with 13 titles, having first won in 1992 and most recently in 2021. Indios Chapaleufú, on the other hand, has claimed 12 trophies in Tortugas — five as Indios Chapaleufú I, four as Los Indios, two as Indios Chapaleufú II, and one as Indios Chapaleufú.

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As for La Natividad La Dolfina, Adolfo Cambiaso will seek his 10th Tortugas title, while his nephews Barto and Camilo Castagnola will look to lift the trophy for the third time. For Poroto Cambiaso, this could be his first-ever Tortugas championship. Individually, La Natividad owns two Tortugas titles (2022 and 2023), while La Dolfina claimed six consecutive wins between 2013 and 2018.

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LINE-UPS

La Natividad La Dolfina: Camilo Castagnola 10, Adolfo Cambiaso (n) 10, Adolfo Cambiaso 10, Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 10. Total: 40 goals.

Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú Vista: Facundo Pieres 10, Antonio Heguy 8, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 9, Cruz Heguy 9. Total: 36 goals.

Umpires: Gastón Lucero and Guillermo Villanueva.  

‍Third Man: Matías Baibiene.

Venue: Tortugas Country Club, Field #7.

Kick-Off: October 30, 5pm (Argentina).

For the second week in a row, Oscar Piastri has been unable to contend with his teammate. Starting seventh, Piastri spent much of his race stuck behind the Mercedes’ of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The Australian was one of many drivers who decided to switch to a two-stop strategy and pitted on lap 48. After jumping Antonelli in the pits, Piastri overtook Russell on lap 61 but was unable to pass Bearman and had to settle for fifth, relinquishing the championship lead for the first time since April. With Verstappen 34 points behind him in third, Piastri has work to do if he's to rediscover the rhythm and consistency he showed in the early part of this season.

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Kimi Antonelli finished sixth, albeit after a late race swap with a dissatisfied George Russell. Starting fourth, Russell lost out to Verstappen on lap one and soon found himself sandwiched between his teammate and Piastri. Believing himself to be faster than Antonelli, Russell repeatedly urged his team to let him pass, but Mercedes declined to do so until lap 41. After losing out to Piastri, Russell let his teammate back past and later lamented the questionable calls made by the stewards over the numerous corner-cutting incidents.  

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Having lost track position to Verstappen on lap six, Lewis Hamilton locked up and ran wide at turn five. The seven-time world champion failed to follow the escape road and cut across the grass while rejoining the circuit. An incident that earned him a ten-second penalty. A late switch to a two-stop strategy on lap 48 did little to improve his fortunes as Hamilton came home eighth. Although disappointed with the penalty, Hamilton said there were positives to take from his and the car’s performance this weekend.

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Esteban Ocon took ninth to cap off a great weekend for Haas as they leapfrogged Sauber for eighth in the constructors’ championship. A bold move around the outside of Isack Hadjar on lap 53 was enough to seal tenth for Gabriel Bortoleto, who finished ahead of Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon. Hadjar suffered a major drop-off in tyre performance during the latter stages of the grand prix and had to settle for 13th, ahead of Lance Stroll. Pierre Gasly finished 15th ahead of Franco Colapinto, while Carlos Sainz capped off a disappointing weekend with a mechanical failure on lap 67. Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg, and Liam Lawson also failed to finish.

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A single point is all that separates the McLarens. With Verstappen continuing his charge in third, it's safe to say every remaining point will be precious for every remaining contender as the season nears its climax.

Behind him, Kimi Antonelli narrowly avoided a Q1 exit and recovered to a creditable sixth, ahead of Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman showed solid pace throughout qualifying, going so far as to top the timesheets in Q1 and will start the race seventh, one place ahead of another eye-catching midfield runner: Ollie Bearman. Yuki Tsunoda ran a different rear wing to his teammate and missed out on Q3 but will start 10th due to Sainz’s demotion. Esteban Ocon will line up 11th, while Sainz, having gone seventh fastest in Q3, will serve a five-place grid penalty for a collision with Antonelli in Austin.

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Sauber’s solid pace in free practice did not carry over into qualifying as Nico Hulkenberg could only manage 13th, ahead of Fernando Alonso and Liam Lawson. Unable to match his teammate, both Lawson’s Q2 runs fell victim to mistakes. He could only manage 15th and cited a lack of grip as the main concern.

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Gabriel Bortoleto will start 16th ahead of Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, and Franco Colapinto. Any hopes the Argentinian had of escaping Q1 were dashed by a wayward moment at turn three, much to Flavio Briatore’s disappointment.

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With all the recent speculation having revolved around Max Verstappen, an emphatic pole was just the result Norris needed. He’s got the best seat in the house for the race, but given the 890-meter dash down to turn one as well as the tight right-hander at the end of it. It's still anyone’s guess as to who will take the spoils in Mexico.

Normal service resumed in FP2, with Max Verstappen returning to the track and promptly setting the fastest time, despite a lockup at Turn 4. Leclerc ended the session second ahead of Antonelli, fuelling speculation over Mercedes and Ferrari’s true pace. Red Bull have vowed to develop the RB21 until the end of the season in order to give Verstappen the best opportunity to take the title, but the six-time constructors’ champions are one of six teams that have brought upgraded components to Mexico. Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Williams, Sauber, and Alpine have all brought new parts with the primary aim of improving cooling. A major concern, given the thinner air that results from the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez being situated over 2,200 meters above sea level. Russell went deep at turn 10 en route to sixth place at the end of the session, while Oscar Piastri could only manage 12th in FP2.

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Hamilton pushed from the beginning of FP3 and was able to secure P2 with his teammate Leclerc in fourth. Norris posted a time of 1m16.633s with less than 10 minutes to go, a time no one could outdo. Verstappen voiced his concerns over poor grip and inadequate race pace and could only manage sixth come session’s end, one place behind Oscar Piastri, who has looked to be the lesser of the two McLaren drivers thus far. Piastri comes to Mexico in desperate need of a good result, having lost 64 points to Verstappen since the summer break, with Norris just 14 points off the championship lead in second. Kimi Antonelli ended up seventh, ahead of Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda. Sauber look to be in the midfield fight with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg ending the final session in 10th and 14th respectively. Esteban Ocon ended FP3 12th despite a turn error in FP2.

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Carlos Sainz could only manage 15th, while his teammate Alex Albon brushed the wall coming out of the final corner in FP2 and suffered three separate lockups in FP3. Oliver Bearman ended the final session 17th ahead of the two Alpines, while Fernando Alonso ended up last after a team detected “a small issue with the front right” on his Aston Martin.

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Norris and McLaren have laid down the gauntlet in free practice, but with altitude a factor and a plethora of teams in contention already, there’s little telling as to who will take pole in Mexico.  

Balthasar’s triumph marks a point of maturity in Louis Balcaen’s sporting project. After several attempts in major classics, victory in Malta consolidates the Mills 72 as one of the most complete platforms on the offshore circuit. The crew, built around an experienced core with Bouwe Bekking on tactics and Pablo Arrarte overseeing manoeuvres, handled a tactically and meteorologically demanding race with precision. The decisive move came after Favignana, when the team chose to head down towards the Tunisian coast in search of wind, a risky decision that ultimately defined the race. In Balcaen’s words, it was “a race of patience and trust”, where every manoeuvre had to be executed without margin for error. Their win combines strategy, seamanship and the consistency that ultimately prevailed over a world-class field.

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The double-handed division produced its own narrative. Libertine was the first two-handed boat to finish, while Lunatika, skippered by Guido Baroni and Alessandro Miglietti, secured victory on corrected time after waiting until the final morning for Mowgli of Portsmouth to reach the line. The Harris brothers completed the course aboard a 60-year-old sloop without an autopilot, steering by hand for the entire race, an image that fits perfectly with the spirit of the event where tradition and performance coexist on a course that rewards patience, coastal awareness and bold decision-making.

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Beyond the trophies lies the human pulse of the race. Young crews such as JYS Jan gain experience and miles, while veterans like Bouwe Bekking highlight how the key move came from chasing pressure far to the west near Pantelleria. Tacticians and navigators agree that this race demands thinking ahead of the forecast and making decisions before the data fully align, every corner of the course can turn a gamble into either an advantage or a dead stop.

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As evening fell, the Sacra Infermeria in Valletta provided a fitting stage for the closing ceremony. The 16th-century building, once a hospital built by the Knights of St John, overlooks the Grand Harbour and remains one of Malta’s most emblematic spaces. The event was attended by Maltese dignitaries including Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Italian Ambassador, Valentina Setta. Commodore Mark Napier of the Royal Malta Yacht Club congratulated all 117 participating crews and acknowledged the volunteers, organisers and sponsors, including Rolex, whose support has accompanied the race for nearly 25 years.

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Accepting the trophy on behalf of Balthasar, Bouwe Bekking described the race as “one of the great ocean classics”, praising the Maltese organisation and the growing number of young sailors competing each year. His words captured the spirit of a race that continues to blend endurance, seamanship and fellowship. The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race will begin on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Behind him, George Russell tried to reclaim his starting position, but the Mercedes’ lacklustre race pace left him unable to catch Piastri despite the latter’s tyre issues. Yuki Tsunoda made up for his qualifying woes with seventh, despite a skirmish with Ollie Bearman on lap 35. A very late move by Tsunoda at turn 16 forced Bearman to take to the gravel, which caused a spin. Bearman did not mince words in his post-race interviews, stating that there was no point in even speaking to Tsunoda. The incident did not result in a penalty, but Bearman was able to recover to ninth, a deserved points finish given the impressive pace he’s shown all weekend. After colliding with Piastri in the sprint and failing to make Q3 for the race, Nico Hulkenberg was able to make the most of his first set of mediums and come home a valiant eighth.

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Fernando Alonso took the final points-paying position in tenth ahead of Liam Lawson, Lance Stroll, and Kimi Antonelli, all of whom loomed large in his mirrors in the closing stages. Antonelli was spun to the back of the grid after a coming together with Carlos Sainz at turn 16 on lap seven and ended the race 13th, one place ahead of Alex Albon. Esteban Ocon suffered a slow pitstop and could only manage 15th ahead of Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto, who defied team orders and passed his teammate Pierre Gasly on lap 55. Gasly lost out to Gabriel Bortoleto a lap later and was the last car over the line.

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The damage Carlos Sainz incurred from his collision with Antonelli proved terminal, Sainz was deemed to be predominantly at fault will incur a five-place grid penalty at the next race in Mexico.

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With this win, Verstappen is now 40 points behind Piastri in the driver’s championship. McLaren may be upbeat about their prospects heading into Mexico, but with Verstappen on the march and the gap between Norris and Piastri too small to warrant team orders, there’s plenty more to play for in 2025.

Kimi Antonelli made it into Q3 for the 13th time this year and will line up seventh, just in front of Ollie Bearman, who delighted the Haas pit wall with his best qualifying result of the season. A great showing given the fact that Bearman has never before competed at the Circuit of The Americas.

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Carlos Sainz carried the Williams flag in ninth ahead of his compatriot Fernando Alonso.

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There was no repeat of Nico Hulkenberg’s sprint qualifying heroics as he fell just short of Q3 in 11th. Liam Lawson will line up 12th ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, who reported multiple cases of impediment throughout qualifying. Pierre Gasly will start 14th ahead of his teammate Franco Colapinto, who made it into Q2 for only the fifth time this season.

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Gabriel Bortoleto could only manage 16th, 0.011s ahead of Esteban Ocon, who had no answer to his teammate’s one-lap pace. Lance Stroll looked to have gotten out of Q1, only to have his lap time deleted. He ended the session 18^th, but has to serve a five-place grid penalty for causing a collision with Ocon in the sprint race.

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Behind him, Alex Albon, who suffered a similar fate. After securing a spot in Q2 and knocking Franco Colapinto out in the process, Albon was found to have exceeded track limits at turn 15. He will therefore start 18th ahead of the session’s only casualty, Isack Hadjar, who crashed out during his first flying lap in Q1 and failed to get a time on the board. Having aimed for a points finish coming into this weekend, that task now looks all but impossible for the RB driver.

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A long race lies ahead, but with Verstappen on pole, Norris in second, and Piastri down in the midfield, this year’s United States Grand Prix has the potential to blow this championship wide open.

Alex Albon was unhappy with his race pace but nevertheless enjoyed a quiet but commendable run to sixth, ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to thread his way through the carnage at turn one, make up 11 places and secure seventh, despite running over Hulkenberg’s dislodged front wing.

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Kimi Antonelli spent much of the sprint in ninth as he hounded Ollie Bearman for the final points position. A memorable tussle on lap 14 saw Bearman hang on to eighth; however, the stewards concluded that Bearman had retained the place by going off track at turn 16. A ten-second penalty demoted him to 15th and handed Antonelli the final points-paying position.

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A solid showing from Liam Lawson saw him move from 15th to ninth, one place ahead of Pierre Gasly and the sprint’s biggest mover: Gabriel Bortoleto.

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After failing to set a time in SQ1 and starting from the back of the grid, Bortoleto made up nine positions in the sprint. Isack Hadjar finished 12th ahead of Hulkenberg, whose stunning performance in sprint qualifying was undone by the first corner incident. After pitting for a new front wing and rejoining at the back of the field, Hulkenberg had diced with Hadjar on lap 12 but ultimately lost out. Franco Colapinto finished 14th with Bearman last over the line.

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On lap 16, Lance Stroll attempted a lunge on Esteban Ocon but locked up and made contact. The collision forced both drivers out of the race and brought out the safety car behind which the race was concluded.

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With this win, Verstappen has cut Piastri’s championship lead to 55 points and now sits 33 points behind Norris. This marks McLaren’s first double DNF of the season, one their drivers will have to swiftly put behind them as they head straight into qualifying.

Carlos Sainz made up for his free practice woes with a controlled drive to seventh despite the limited running. Ferrari appears to be some way adrift of the frontrunners as both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc narrowly avoided Q2 elimination. The decision to run two flying laps in SQ3 did not pay dividends, with the pair only managing eighth and tenth, respectively. Leclerc admitted to losing time virtually everywhere and did not expect any major improvements in the sprint race. While Hamilton expressed surprise at the drop off in pace relative to free practice and said he had a “mountain to climb” for the rest of the weekend.

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By contrast, Alex Albon capped off an encouraging day for Williams by splitting the Ferraris in ninth, despite struggling more than he did in free practice. Kimi Antonelli missed out on SQ3 by just 0.006s and will start 11th, ahead of Isack Hadjar, who also narrowly missed out on the final part of Sprint qualifying. Pierre Gasly did well to get his Alpine out of SQ1 and will line up 13th ahead of Lance Stroll and Liam Lawson, whose final run in SQ2 was scuppered by a track limit violation at turn 19.  

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Haas look to be in no man’s land ahead of their home grand prix. Ollie Bearman will start 16th ahead of Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda. Traffic was a major issue in SQ1 with a bevy of midfield runners all jostling for the same piece of tarmac on their out laps. As a result, Tsunoda was left frustrated at not being able to set a final flying lap, as was Gabriel Bortoleto, who will start from the back of the grid behind Esteban Ocon. A disappointing result given what the Sauber is clearly capable of.

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It may only be the sprint, but Austin’s infamous first corner is seldom void of chaos. A mixed-up grid headed by the three title protagonists is going to be one to watch on Saturday, as is the remainder of the weekend. Whichever way you cut it, this championship is very far from over.

Isack Hadjar had an unusual miscommunication with his race engineer as he was repeatedly told of Valtteri Bottas’ whereabouts on track, despite the Finn not being on the grid this year. His fastest time was enough for ninth place, one place ahead of Ollie Bearman.

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Esteban Ocon took to the gravel, before reporting that the brake pedal “stayed 100 per cent the whole way” en route to 11th. Gabriel Bortoleto could not replicate his teammate’s heroics and ended the session 12th ahead of Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll, whose off-road excursion at turn 19 dragged debris onto the track and engendered the red flag with 40 minutes remaining. Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Kimi Antonelli filled the remaining positions ahead of the session’s two biggest casualties: Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who both found themselves the victims of mechanical issues.

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Sainz managed to complete just nine laps before suffering a gearbox problem and ending up 19th, while Leclerc’s non-representative time of 1m 36.080 was the slowest of the session. Not the result either driver needed as they look to bounce back after frustrating weekends last time out in Singapore.

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With three drivers in with a shout of the world title and the contractors’ title wrapped up, the typically enthralling Circuit of the Americas looks set to serve up another thriller.

Every October, Malta’s Grand Harbour transforms into the stage for a spectacle that transcends sport. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is not merely a contest of speed, but a celebration of Malta’s enduring bond with the sea, a union of tradition, resilience, and pride.

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The 2025 edition will conclude on Friday, 25 October, with the official Prize Giving Ceremony at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, honouring winners across all divisions and closing a week that unites the global sailing community under Malta’s iconic skyline.

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When the cannons fire tomorrow morning and sails rise against the golden bastions of Valletta, the Mediterranean’s heartbeat will once again belong to the sea, and to the sailors who chase its horizon.

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The 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race will be broadcast live from 10:30 CEST on the official Rolex Middle Sea Race YouTube channel, with expert English commentary supported by Yachting Malta.

There’s also a difference in approach. Most rallies take place over three days and can cover up to 350 kilometres worth of point-to-point stages. The stages themselves can last up to 35 kilometres, and the slightest mistake can ruin an entire weekend’s work. FIA single seater commission president Emmanuele Piro believes that the measured approach required of top-tier rally drivers is worlds away from the flat-out attacking style needed to thrive in circuit racing, and that failure to embrace the former is what causes most circuit racers to crash incessantly when they make the switch to rallying. This was certainly true of Kimi Raikkonen, who famously joined the WRC for two years during his break from F1 in 2010 and 2011. He secured 11 points finishes but was never far from a major shunt.

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Whether the inverse is true remains to be seen, as there are very few instances of successful rally drivers making the switch to Formula 1. The likes of Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, and Sebastien Loeb have all tested F1 machinery, with the latter very nearly securing a drive for Toro Rosso in 2009, but the feasibility of Rovanperä’s switch is up in the air. Super Formula should be a good litmus test, it's a highly competitive series in which the likes of Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson have competed, and while success there would likely warrant a Formula 2 seat for ’27, Rovanperä would have to win the series and finish at least sixth in Formula 2 in order to earn the required 40 super license points needed for Formula 1.

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There’s also the small matter of a seat. If all goes as planned, Rovanperä will be at least 27 by the time of his Formula 1 debut. It’s therefore understandable why some may inquire as to who will give him a drive. Fortunately, Rovanperä has some big names behind him. He is a Red Bull athlete after all, backing that could help land a seat in Formula 2, and if there’s any F1 operation that would be willing to take a punt on an unconventional driver, it's surely Red Bull. Given the ever-changing nature of their driver landscape (Verstappen has had six different teammates in the last seven years, in case you were wondering), the Austrian outfit cannot be ruled out.

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Toyota is another viable option; the Japanese giants signed Rovanperä when he was just 19 and have presided over all his WRC success. Toyota has a history in Formula 1 and returned to the sport in 2024 as a partner for Haas. In addition to supplying a fresh injection of funds (which is reported to be worth tens of millions a year and has allowed the midfield squad to test its old F1 machinery for the first time ever) Toyota has voiced its intention to use this partnership to provide opportunities for its factory drivers. Ritomo Miyata and Ryo Hirakawa have both driven Haas cars this year, and it's hard to imagine Rovanperä not being granted similar opportunities, seeing as how Toyota have agreed to back his circuit racing endeavours.

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So, could Kalle Rovanperä do the unthinkable and make it all the way to Formula 1? Right now, it’s impossible to say. His Super Formula campaign is going to be a revealing one, and while he has some serious backing behind him, the road to F1 is seldom void of obstacles. What is certain is that this is unlikely to be a wasted exercise. Should Rovanperä perform in either Super Formula or Formula 2, he will almost certainly have the chance to compete in the World Endurance Championship.

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Toyota is an entrant in the series’ top Hypercar class and has won the famed Le Mans 24 Hours on four previous occasions. Rovanperä has been vocal in his desire to contest the most famous endurance race of them all, and with Toyota on side, it's hard to see him not making it work, assuming he can adapt to single-seater racing.

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Kalle Rovanperä’s future is as exciting as it is uncertain, but even if he doesn’t go all the way, his exploits over the coming years are going to be worth watching. If nothing else, we are witnessing one of the world’s most talented drivers embark on an unprecedented racing tangent.

At the approach to Miramare, Arca SGR began its final run towards Trieste, sailing at 12 knots past the Faro della Vittoria and finishing after 1 hour, 43 minutes and 42 seconds, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd along the waterfront. The result marked a third consecutive victory for Benussi’s Fast and Furio Sailing Team and confirmed their dominance of the event. In a symbolic gesture, Furio handed the helm to his wife Elisa for the final stretch, completing a true family treble.

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The second place of Marta 07 – formerly the renowned “Morning Glory”, refitted and relaunched by the team earlier this year – carried special meaning. Led by a young skipper and an all–Triestine crew including students from the local Nautical Institute, the boat also won the Generali Women in Sailing Trophy, received by Giulia Ascione in recognition of her leadership and contribution to promoting women’s and mixed–gender participation in the sport. The crew also included Luca Da Prato, Italian Paralympic swimming champion, taking part in his first sailing experience.

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Prosecco DOC Shockwave³, owned by Claudio Demartis and Pompeo Tria with Mitja Kosmina at the helm, completed the podium, followed by Fiamme Gialle Nice, Blue, Shining Marina Portorož and the historic TuttaTrieste 2 and Adriatic Europa. Among the notable participants were Dean Barker, America’s Cup veteran, finishing seventeenth with his RC44 Tangaroa, and Wendy Schmidt, who chose to sail a 24–foot Melges 24, taking first in her class.

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“Such a Barcolana had never been seen before,” said Mitja Gialuz, president of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. “We have returned to pre–pandemic levels of participation and Trieste has once again shown its collective passion for the sea.” His words captured the tone of a weekend that brought together professionals, enthusiasts and families alike.

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The 57th Barcolana reaffirmed what has defined it for over half a century: a regatta that transcends sport, where competition meets community and where the Adriatic remains, unmistakably, at the heart of Trieste.

A vital day for tennis

It was a defining day for tennis — one that broke the usual script. The familiar dominance of Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic faded into silence, leaving space for a different kind of story. This was a day to celebrate the heartbeat of the sport: the players who travel the world chasing progress, testing themselves week after week beneath the glare reserved for the elite. The 2025 Shanghai Masters will be remembered as the tournament that gave us a family affair between two outsiders — a quiet rebellion against hierarchy and a rare moment of tennis redistributing its glory to those who’ve long played in its shadows.

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At the trophy ceremony, Rinderknech could barely find the words — or the energy — to describe what this final had meant for him and his family. Who could have imagined they’d meet across the net on such a stage? Or that the younger cousin would triumph and leap to world No. 40? Not even their families dared to dream it. Stories like this come once in a decade. And for those who tuned in on Sunday found a rare kind of magic: a fairytale of underdog effort and kinship. One that still feels rare amid the beautiful brutality of this sport.

Rinderknech bounced back with some extra motivation

Just after Djokovic’s exit, Daniil Medvedev took to the court to face Arthur Rinderknech. Perhaps the Serb’s shock defeat lingered in his mind — if the world’s greatest could fall to the world No. 204, then rankings suddenly felt irrelevant. For Rinderknech, the motivation was clear: he wouldn’t be facing the legend, but with a win, he might just earn the chance to face his younger cousin.

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Their encounter was charged with emotion — a test of resilience and nerve. Medvedev took the first set 6–4 after a cautious start, capitalising on Rinderknech’s early jitters and a string of unforced errors. As the set concluded, both players headed for a break, but when Medvedev returned promptly to the court, Rinderknech lingered a little longer. At that stage, any tactic to rattle the Russian felt worth a try.

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Rinderknech stormed back with fierce determination to take the second set 6–2. He wasn’t about to miss the chance of facing his own cousin, was he? The match would now be decided in a third and defining set. And the Frenchman didn’t shy away — on the contrary, he rose to the moment. At 4–4, the duel hung finely in the balance, but Rinderknech held firm to lead 5–4 on serve. All he needed now was a break — or the nerve to survive a tie-break. It was the kind of pivotal moment that reminds us tennis is, above all, a mental game. Rinderknech piled on the pressure, pushing Medvedev to 40–30. The Russian flirted with defeat through a double fault, recovered to deuce, but the momentum had shifted. Another double fault sealed it — and with it, a career-defining moment for Arthur Rinderknech: a Masters 1000 final, against his own cousin.

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The family affair is set for Sunday, 12 October — two cousins facing off for the Shanghai title. After the Rinderknech–Medvedev semifinal, they shared a warm embrace; but come tomorrow, one question remains: will family affection give way to fierce ambition, or will this final gift us a duel played with brotherly charm?

A similar scene unfolded in Wuhan, where Emma Raducanu was forced to retire under punishing conditions — 31 °C heat and 67% humidity. The Briton was trailing Ann Li 6–1, 6–1 when play was halted for a medical check on her blood pressure. Moments later, she walked off the court, citing dizziness.

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Many for this have blamed the ATP for lacking what both the Grand Slams and the WTA already enforce: extreme-heat policies designed to protect players from dangerous weather conditions that can force them out of competition. Tennis remains a sport where standards are far from unified, a reality that, as The Guardian’s Tumaini Carayol notes, stems from governing bodies ‘protecting their own interests’. If the sport truly wants to present itself as consistent and player-focused, this week’s events in China suggest that systemic change is long overdue.

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…but didn’t take down the legend

As much as the heatwave posed a serious obstacle for many players, tennis is, after all, a summer sport — high temperatures come with it. We’ve seen them peak at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Yet what unfolded in Shanghai this week demanded something extraordinary — and special praise belongs to the greatest of them all, Novak Djokovic. Even he wasn’t spared of the brutal toll the heat can take on a body returning serves at 200 kilometers per hour.

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Djokovic vomited in two consecutive matches, visibly shaken by the conditions. Against Jaume Munar, he vomited twice and fell to the ground for about a minute — at one point appearing close to giving up. But legends rarely back down. At 38 years old, helped briefly by a doctor and cleared to continue after a vital check, he somehow summoned the strength to prevail 6–3, 5–7, 6–2 over the 28-year-old Spaniard. Two days later, on Thursday, October 9, Djokovic marched on to secure his 10th Shanghai Masters semifinal. When asked afterwards how it felt, his answer was as raw as it was human: ‘I was just trying to stay alive in the court’.

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The other quarterfinals unfolded in equally punishing conditions — a battle of sweaty bodies and stubborn minds. Arthur Rinderknech defeated Félix Auger-Aliassime 6–3, 6–4 to reach his first-ever Masters 1000 semifinal, delivering a clean, first-strike performance in which his superiority at the net gave him the upper hand. Though there were no medical timeouts, the oppressive heat clearly favoured Rinderknech’s quick-point strategy, rewarding those who could end rallies fast.

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Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev faced Alex de Minaur in what promised to be one of the most gruelling duels of the tournament. In the end, the Russian prevailed 6–4, 6–4, advancing to his first Shanghai semifinal since lifting the title in 2019. Medvedev played with intelligence, saving his best shots for the closing moments of each set and mixing in timely net approaches to secure key points. Even so, the sauna-like humidity took its toll — he required a medical timeout for cramping midway through the match, another reminder of how extreme the conditions have been all week.

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Finally, the biggest surprise of the quarterfinals came from Valentin Vacherot, the Monegasque ranked world No. 204, who stunned Holger Rune in a three-set battle — 2–6, 7–6(4), 6–4. Rune missed his chances in the second-set tiebreak, while Vacherot showed remarkable composure in the pressure moments of what has been a breakthrough week in spite of luckily playing Griekspoor instead of Sinner in the Round of 16.

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But what makes Vacherot’s story even more captivating is not just his arrival in a Masters 1000 semifinal, but the possibility of an all-family final. His cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, is on the opposite side of the draw and the idea of a ‘family affair’ final has captured the imagination of fans and media alike.

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Tomorrow, Novak Djokovic will face Vacherot in the afternoon session at 10:30 a.m. EST, followed by Daniil Medvedev against Rinderknech in the night session at 1:30 p.m. EST — a schedule that could deliver either a cousin showdown or perhaps Djokovic’s last Masters 1000 final.

Garrick Higgo, runner-up at 22-under, provided the week’s sharpest contrast, hitting four straight birdies on the back nine offset by a narrow miss on 17 that ultimately decided the outcome. It was a reminder of how Jackson rewards momentum but punishes the slightest lapse, reinforcing its identity as a course that exposes precision lapses with immediacy.

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Fisk’s victory fit the event’s understated character. No spectacle, truly just substance. A 28-year-old realizing potential through calm precision rather than fanfare. In the measured intensity of Jackson, he didn’t just earn a trophy; he confirmed that progress on Tour often comes through control, not chaos.

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Once again, the Country Club of Jackson revealed its truth with quiet clarity: in golf, mastery is found not in noise, but in craft.

As the race unfolded, the three boats were separated by only a handful of metres. The final leg became a tactical battle, not one of speed but of judgement. The Black Foils moved to leeward, trying to gain overlap and a faster exit to the finish. Fletcher read the move perfectly, holding his line with absolute precision and forcing Burling to yield or risk a penalty. That single defensive manoeuvre decided the race.

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Emirates GBR crossed the finish in seven minutes and 31 seconds, only seconds ahead of New Zealand and Germany. It was a measured, clinical victory, the kind that defines champions. “We kept our composure and made the right calls when it mattered,” Fletcher said afterwards, as cheers echoed across the bay.

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The event standings placed Emirates GBR first with 49 points, followed by Germany on 44 and the Black Foils on 42. Spain finished fifth, while Denmark slipped to fourth after their early dominance faded.

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With only Abu Dhabi remaining in the 2025 season, Emirates GBR now lead the overall standings with 85 points, three ahead of New Zealand and five clear of Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos.

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Cádiz crowned a worthy winner. Emirates GBR’s balance of control, patience and tactical clarity showed why they are setting the standard this season. In a bay filled with light, noise and energy, the British crew sailed with quiet authority, proving that precision under pressure remains the finest mark of a champion.

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Fleet Race total

1st, Emirates GBR, 49 pts
2nd, Germany by Deutsche Bank, 44 pts
3rd, Black Foils, 42 pts
4th, ROCKWOOL Racing, 41 pts
5th, Los Gallos (Spain), 35 pts
6th, France, 33 pts
7th, BONDS Flying Roos, 31 pts
8th, United States, 29 pts
9th, Mubadala Brazil, 25 pts
10th, NorthStar (Canada), 23 pts
11th, Switzerland, 21 pts
12th, Red Bull Italy, 12 pts

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2025 Season points to date

With just Abu Dhabi remaining in the 2025 season, the leaderboard reads:

1st, Emirates GBR, 85 pts (three event wins: Sydney, Saint-Tropez, Andalucia-Cadiz)
2nd, Black Foils, 82 pts (two event wins: Dubai, Portsmouth)
3rd, BONDS Flying Roos, 80 pts (one event win: Auckland)
4th, Los Gallos (Spain), 76 pts (two event wins: San Francisco, New York)
5th, France, 61 pts (one event win: Sassnitz (Germany))
6th, NorthStar (Canada), 48 pts (one event win: Los Angeles)
7th, ROCKWOOL Racing (Denmark), 38 pts
8th, Switzerland, 38 pts
9th, Germany by Deutsche Bank, 31 pts (one event win: Geneva)
10th, Red Bull Italy, 22 pts
11th, Mubadala Brazil, 16 pts
12th, United States, -4 pts

Hamilton was placed under investigation for track limit violations and received a post-race five-second penalty that dropped him to eighth.

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After seeing his Q3 efforts scuppered by a slow stop, Alonso converted his frustration into speed. The two-time world champion came out on top after a memorable dice with Isack Hadjar, pressured Alex Albon into a lockup on lap 43 and secured a credible seventh, ahead of Hamilton and Ollie Bearman, who survived a first corner collision with Hadjar to finish ninth.

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After being excluded from qualifying through no fault of his own, Carlos Sainz opted for a lengthy first stint, only ditching his medium tyres on lap 50. The strategy paid off as Sainz was able to snatch the final points paying position in 10th.  Engine trouble meant Isack Hadjar was unable to maintain his eighth-place starting position and slipped to 11th, one place ahead of Yuki Tsunoda. Lance Stroll’s lengthy first stint did not pay dividends as he finished 13th ahead of Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Nico Hulkenberg. The latter spun out of contention on lap 45 and was the last car over the line.

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Verstappen leaves Singapore having gained just three points on Oscar Piastri. However, with tension simmering in the McLaren camp and Norris just 22 points behind his teammate, none of the leading trio can be ruled out completely.  

On an individual note, Adolfo Cambiaso achieved his 16th career victory at the Hurlingham Open, making him the most successful player in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, Barto and Camilo Castagnola and their cousin Poroto Cambiaso now boast three titles each.

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With the Hurlingham Open concluded, the focus now shifts to the Tortugas Country Club Open, the second leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, featuring the same eight teams that competed in Hurlingham. Weather permitting, the tournament will run from Tuesday, October 7, through Saturday, October 25, serving as the prelude to the season’s grand finale: the 132nd Argentine Open Championship in Palermo.

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With its triumph at Hurlingham, La Natividad La Dolfina has struck the first blow and positioned itself as a top contender for the Triple Crown, a feat that has not been achieved since 2015, when La Dolfina completed the remarkable sweep.

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Hurlingham Open Final: La Natividad La Dolfina 12-9 UAE Polo

La Natividad La Dolfina: Camilo Castagnola 10 (8 goals, four penalties), Adolfo Cambiaso (grandson) 10 (1), Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. 10 (2), Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 10 (1). Total: 40.

‍UAE Polo: Pablo Pieres 9 (6, four penalties), Lucas Monteverde (grandson) 9 (2), Tomás Panelo 9 (1), Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 37.

‍Score La Natividad La Dolfina: 1-1, 2-4, 5-5, 8-6, 9-7, 10-7, 11-9, 12-9.

‍Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Gonzalo López Vargas.

‍Third man: José I. Araya.

‍Juan Carlos Harriott Award to the MVP: Camilo Castagnola.

‍Javier Novillo Astrada Award to the Best Player: Camilo Castagnola.

‍Fair Play Award: Juan Martín Nero.

Daniel Kearney Award to the Best Playing Pone: Baysur Clara, played by Adolfo Cambiaso Jr.

AAP Award to the Best Playing Pony: Show Down, played by Bartolomé Castagnola Jr.

Best Argentine Bred: Baysur Clara, played by Adolfo Cambiaso Jr.

Top Scorer of the Final Award: Camilo Castagnola, 8 goals.

Yuki Tsunoda could not make the most of the RB21’s reworked front wing and will line up 13^th ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll. Franco Colapinto outqualified his teammate for only the fourth time this year in 16th, ahead of Esteban Ocon, who has been unable to contend with his teammate’s searing pace; he’ll start 17^th. A mechanical issue at the end of Q1 put an end to Pierre Gasly’s prospects and relegated him to what would have been the back of the grid, were it not for Williams’ misfortune.

Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th and 13th, respectively, only for post-session scrutineering to reveal that the DRS flap on both cars exceeded the 85mm limit on both sides of the rear wing. Both drivers were promptly disqualified, allowing those behind to shuffle up a place. A disastrous end to qualifying, given the solid pace Williams showed throughout free practice.

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Russell’s one-lap pace proved too hot for anyone to handle. But with a long race ahead and at least three teams in with a shout of victory, this year’s Singapore Grand Prix looks set to be an engaging affair.

Ferrari look to be some way off the likes of Red Bull and McLaren. Lewis Hamilton had a hair-raising brush with the wall at turn 14 in FP2 en route to eighth in FP3. Charles Leclerc had an unusual coming together with Lando Norris in the pitlane as both drivers left their respective garages simultaneously before ending the final session in tenth.

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Sauber look to be on form as Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto ended FP3 in ninth and 12th respectively, while the two Haas’s of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearmen had a relatively uneventful run to 13th and 14th.

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Fernando Alonso looked to be on course for a major upset as he topped the timesheets in FP1. However, this pace did not persist as Alonso ended FP3 15th, two places and four tenths ahead of his teammate, Lance Stroll. That said, Alonso still hailed this Friday as among his best of that year.

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Yuki Tsunoda in 18th was unable to capitalise on Red Bull’s reworked front wing, while Alpine look set to bring up the rear. Pierre Gasly ran wide at turn 14 in FP1 and could only manage 19th, while Franco Colapinto nearly hit Verstappen in the closing seconds of FP3 as he made way for his teammate. Sixteenth was all the Argentinian could manage.

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With Verstappen, Mercedes, and McLaren all in the mix, we look set for a thrilling qualifying ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. A race that could prove pivotal in determining the destiny of this world championship.  

Competing in Cádiz brings its own duality. On the one hand, the support of the Marea Roja, the sea of Spanish fans who line the walls of the Baluarte de la Candelaria and the shoreline, provides unmatched motivation. Last year nearly 100,000 spectators turned out to watch, and this season the new Waterfront Grandstand will add over 3,000 seated places with direct views of the racecourse, ensuring an even more electric atmosphere. On the other hand, the home crowd also raises expectations. “We have extra pressure because of course we want to give something back to our people, but at the same time the strength Cádiz gives us is huge,” said Botin. Strategist Nicole van der Velden added, “We want to be on the podium in front of family, friends and the fans. That pushes us to give everything.”

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So far the Spanish team has never managed a podium finish on its own waters, and that is a gap they are determined to close at the most decisive point of the season. The race will also test the latest technical developments, especially the new light air foils introduced in Geneva which allow the F50s to fly in lower wind speeds than before. Cádiz is notorious for its variety of conditions, from gentle easterly breezes to heavy south-westerlies and rolling seas, which makes preparation more complex and rewards adaptability.

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Australia’s Tom Slingsby, helmsman of the BONDS Flying Roos, highlighted his team’s shift in mindset. “Historically we always wanted strong wind and big waves, but now our focus is on being equally solid in light air. We are comfortable in everything, and Cádiz will be the perfect place to prove it.” New Zealand’s Peter Burling, leading the Black Foils, pointed to the unique atmosphere of the Spanish venue. “Cádiz is everyone’s favourite stop, the wind conditions, the fans and the energy on shore make it one of the most special events on the circuit.”

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The broader picture of the season underlines the sense of unpredictability. Seven different teams have won a Grand Prix in 2025, with Spain, New Zealand and Great Britain taking two each. The margins are tiny and any slip can prove costly. For Los Gallos, Cádiz is more than another regatta, it is a chance to reaffirm that last year’s title was no coincidence, and to position themselves as serious contenders for Abu Dhabi.

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Whether the home pressure will weigh them down or drive them forward remains to be seen. What is certain is that Cádiz will once again showcase the fastest sailing fleet in the world, with boats capable of surpassing 100 km/h skimming across the bay in front of a public that has turned this stop into a reference on the international circuit. For Los Gallos, this is a date with history, and Cádiz, once again, will be both judge and stage.

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Racing in Cádiz takes place tomorrow and Sunday 5 October, with the action scheduled between 15:30 and 17:00 CEST.

For many, the event is about more than prize money. Strong results at Jackson shape FedExCup standings, impact exemptions, and influence schedules in the months ahead. It is both proving ground and strategic waypoint, where a week of precision can alter the trajectory of a season or even a career. 

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Beyond the scorecard, the tournament carries the quieter cadence of Jackson itself: southern hospitality, measured intensity, and traditions that frame competition in understated elegance. The championship is not defined by spectacle, but by moments of craft. From a clutch up-and-down to a narrow miss, these are the moments that change everything. They are the details that build reputations and mark milestones in the journeys of players at every stage. 

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As four days of play unfold, anticipation centers on whether Kevin Yu can defend his crown or if a new contender will seize the moment. The Country Club of Jackson will provide the answer, shaping another chapter in golf’s balance of craft, ambition, rivalry, and character.

Last week, Alcaraz turned his ankle in his Tokyo opener against Argentina’s Sebastián Báez. After a medical timeout, he resumed, winning 6-4, 6-2, and dropped only a single set en route to the final. In form and sporting a striking blonde-tinted haircut, Alcaraz powered through to the title, extending his cushion over Jannik Sinner at the top of the rankings. By withdrawing from Shanghai, he will still hold a lead of 1,590 points — even if the Italian triumphs — leaving him poised to return for the year’s final Masters and close 2025 as world No. 1.

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The top seeds set for battle

The Rolex Shanghai Masters, an ATP 1000 event, offers a prime late-season chance for players to capture valuable points and climb the rankings. While Chinese fans will miss the spectacle of Carlos Alcaraz on home soil, the field remains stacked: a host of top seeds are ready to light up the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena with world-class tennis.

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Beyond the usual hard-court contenders — Zverev, Fritz, Auger-Aliassime — one name stands out: Ben Shelton. After an injury cut short his US Open campaign in the middle of a strong season, which also forced his withdrawal from the Japan Open, Shelton returns to action in Shanghai. All eyes will be on whether he can rediscover the fearless game that lit up 2025. If fully recovered, this could be the catalyst to launch a statement 2026 campaign.

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The Shanghai Open runs from October 1st until Sunday, October 12th.

Three wins, nine poles, two pole positions, and third in the overall standings with just one questionable on-track incident to his name. Max Verstappen had come of age.

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Come 2020, the metronomic form showed no signs of easing up. A single ill-timed move in Turkey was the only blemish on an otherwise credible season. Of the 12 races Verstappen finished, he secured podiums in 11 of them. He ended the season third in the championship, just nine points behind Valtteri Bottas, despite the latter being armed with one of the most dominant F1 cars of all time. Were it not for any one of his five DNFs (none of which were his fault), Verstappen could have split the Mercedes’ at the very peak of their powers.

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By the end of 2020, Max Verstappen was ready to challenge for a world championship, and while the pressure of that epic 2021 title fight caused him to occasionally overstep the mark (something of which both he and Hamilton could be accused), Verstappen’s indefensible conduct in Brazil and Saudi Arabia was countered by a bold move around the outside in Mexico and an intelligent, Prost - like defence in Austin.

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There have been controversial moments since then, of that there’s no doubt. But this notion that Verstappen reverts to his old, desperate self every time the pressure is on is laughable. His duels with Charles Leclerc in 2022 were as clean as could be, his moves in Spain 2022 and Imola 2025 were both bold and precise, and that’s before we get to last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Fresh off a reactive, retaliatory lunge on Lando Norris in Mexico, Verstappen produced one of the greatest wet-weather drives of all time. Never mind the surgical precision with which he scythed through the field; not once did Verstappen spin, cause a collision, or force another driver off the track. It was as measured and complete a drive as you are ever likely to see, one that (effectively) sealed a fourth consecutive world title.

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Upon clinching the crown at the next race in Las Vegas, Verstappen’s rhetoric and conduct were worlds away from his 18-year-old self. His trademark bluntness was now mixed in with an admirable sense of perspective, as Verstappen acknowledged both his racing aspirations outside of F1 as well as his desire to prioritise his family.

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Like him or loathe him, Max Verstappen has undergone a distinct evolution both in and out of the car. The immense speed and devil-may-care approach that defined his early years will always be a part of his makeup, but with patience and refinement now in his arsenal, Verstappen is already set for a well-earned spot among the pantheon of Formula 1 greats.

Among the rookies, the BENETEAU prize went to twenty three year old Hugo Cardon of Sarth Atlantique, whose assured victory into Vigo set the tone for a debut that ended with sixth place overall. His elapsed time of twelve days, ten hours, fifty four minutes and eighteen seconds reflected strong execution across all three stages, not just a single breakthrough. The international nature of the event was underlined by Britain’s Oliver Hill with Connected by Water, who claimed the Vivi Trophy as the best non French skipper after a demanding fortnight at sea.

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By the time the gates of the Saint Vaast la Hougue basin opened, the Figaros returned to the pontoons in sequence, tired but smiling, the crowd applauding each arrival. The course from Rouen to Roscoff, then across Biscay to Vigo, and finally the long haul back to Normandy, was classic Solitaire, three acts without hiding places. Eleven different winners across the fleet throughout the season confirmed the depth and competitiveness of the event, yet the headline belongs to Loison, who chased this prize for nearly two decades and at last writes his name into its most exclusive pages.

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Two days later the emotion remains. La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec continues to stretch its sailors to the limit, testing skill, patience and resolve. Loison’s triumph stands as a story of perseverance and detail, Yven’s podium as a landmark moment, and the emergence of Goron, Ducelier and Cardon as a promise of the future. In Normandy, beneath a cold starry sky, the race crowned a champion who finally allowed himself to savour the moment.

The season’s conclusion also provided reassurance about the circuit’s future. With American Magic stepping back as an active programme, at least two new teams are expected to join from 2026, including a new build currently in progress. This ensures that the 52 Super Series retains its vitality and its reputation as the world’s premier monohull grand prix circuit.

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The story of 2025 will be remembered for American Magic’s confirmation as a TP52 legend, for the emergence of ambitious new owners setting their sights on the top, and for the tension of a fleet that continued to deliver open competition right until the final day. The stage is set for the next chapter, and once again the standard has been raised to the very highest level.

Precision and Positional Advantage 

Europe’s superior putting performance proved instrumental, as they averaged 1.67 putts per green in regulation compared to the U.S. average of 1.74. While the margin may appear slight, in the context of match play, this consistency on the greens created a decisive edge that repeatedly shifted momentum and amplified Europe’s advantage. In addition to putting, driving accuracy emerged as another decisive factor, with precision in this key performance indicator further pushing European players into the spotlight. American power hitters such as DeChambeau and Koepka found fewer than half their fairways and subsequently surrendered positional advantage to Europe’s more precise play. 

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Overcoming Psychological Factors 

Psychological factors often take a toll on players in high-stakes tournaments, and many spectators were eager to see how the charged Bethpage atmosphere might affect the European team. The Bethpage Black environment amplified pressure, with home crowds levying heckles particularly against Rory McIlroy. Yet, McIlroy exemplified clutch performance embodied with mental fortitude, scoring 3.5 points out of a possible 4 in the first days. His composure, underscored by remaining undefeated in the team sessions, inhibited potential momentum shifts this weekend. Data illustrates that while crowd fervor energized U.S. players, it did not translate into tactical impact sufficient to shift the overall balance. 

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A Historic and Cultural Milestone 

Europe’s victory here concludes a notable away drought and signals a broader competitive parity shift in global golf. Their fifth win in the last seven Ryder Cups, this 15–13 scoreline highlights the magnitude of Europe’s legendary 2004 triumph at Oakland Hills. Bethpage Black proved a proving ground where talent, tradition, and strategic discipline converge, elevating this Ryder Cup to a lasting chapter within the sport’s rich narrative.

Conclusion

As is so often the case, the truth lies somewhere in between. Verstappen is the in form driver, and Red Bull have found an incredible turn of pace. But whether or not this is a sign of things to come or a flash in the pan remains to be seen. Not least because Singapore is up next, a race that could determine the validity of Verstappen’s championship chances. Singapore has been something of a bogey track for Max Verstappen. It’s the only circuit on the current calendar where he is yet to take victory and was famously the only race Red Bull failed to win in 2023. Verstappen ended last year’s race a distant second, and, rather amusingly, at the time of writing, Antonio Giovinazzi has led more laps around Marina Bay than Verstappen.

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Red Bull have been at their strongest on low downforce tracks, where their skinnier rear wing has allowed for greater straight-line speed. Conversely, they’ve generally been at their worst at the more technical venues. Verstappen’s 9th-place finish in Hungary is perhaps the best example. But let’s assume Verstappen defies the odds in Singapore and goes on an absolute tear for the rest of the season, both McLaren drivers will also have to trip up. Possible, but by no means certain.

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Norris has proved to be nigh on unstoppable when everything aligns for him, and Piastri’s ability to shrug off pressure and go wheel to wheel with Verstappen is undeniable. What’s more, Piastri seems to think it's all business as usual. While Andrea Stella stated that Verstappen is a title contender (a statement that could also be interpreted as an attempt to divert attention away from his drivers), Piastri has said he is “not yet worried” about the Dutchman.

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Realistically, the two McLarens will have to either DNF or have a couple of lacklustre weekends for Verstappen to have a chance. As the world champion himself put it, “I don’t rely on hope”. Whichever way you cut it, Piastri and Norris are still the most viable contenders for the title.

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Can Verstappen pull off a stunning upset and take win the championship? Yes. Will he do it? On balance, the answer is probably no. What is certain is that he will push as hard as he can to catch the McLarens, and that Norris and Piastri will have no choice but to give it all they’ve got to keep him at bay. Whichever way you cut it, we are set for an absorbing end to this 2025 season.

The spotlight falls on familiar figures. Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm lead Europe, with Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau carrying the American team. Just as compelling are the four U.S. rookies stepping in for the first time, namely J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin, and Cameron Young, as their composure under pressure is likely to shape the final turnout. 

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What is at stake cannot be measured in prize money but in pride, memory, and the enduring craft of legacy. The Ryder Cup distills golf into three days of raw emotion, including fist pumps and heartbreak, silence and roar, triumph and despair. Each swing will undeniably carry the weight of a continent. 

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Where thousands of everyday golfers have queued through the night for a tee time, Bethpage’s tradition adds a rare populist thread to its myth. This Ryder Cup, in particular, is a contest both democratic in spirit and exacting in standard. As dawn breaks over Long Island tomorrow, September 26, one truth is certain: Bethpage Black will once again write history. Will victory result in roars from the home crowd or in silence from a European upset?

Among the yachts of tradition, attention will naturally be drawn to Atlantic, the 64-metre schooner first launched in 1903 and rebuilt in 2010. This year marks the 120th anniversary of her legendary Atlantic crossing, a record that stood unbroken for 75 years. Atlantic appears for the first time at Saint-Tropez, joining eight other Big Boats to compete for the Rolex Trophy, awarded this year to the giants of the past. Alongside her will be Cariad, the Arthur Payne ketch of 1896, the 23-metre JI Cambria which won here in 2010, and other icons such as Black Swan and Croce del Sud. Their presence confirms Saint-Tropez as the essential gathering place for classic yachts, restored with dedication and sailed with passion.

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The Maxi division, with 41 entries, is now one of the largest assemblies of racing giants in the world. The contest for the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy will bring together Wally Centos, Farr 100-footers and the latest generation of lightweight rockets. Django 7X, a Wallyrocket 71 of just 12 tonnes displacement, makes its debut, while Leopard 3, world champion in 2024, returns after an absence. Sir Lindsay Owen Jones is back at the helm of Magic Carpet E, designed by Verdier, while Tilakkhana II, formerly Magic Carpet Cubed, reappears with a largely female crew led by Dee Caffari, Marie Riou and Sophie de Turckheim. The Maxis, racing off Pampelonne, will provide the most spectacular images of speed and scale.

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In contrast, the Moderns bring eclecticism. One hundred and twenty five yachts, divided into five classes, range from IRC racers to elegant Tofinou 9.50s. The TP52s remain the benchmark, competing for the BMW Trophy, with the spotlight on Nanoq, helmed by King Frederik X of Denmark, as well as strong French projects like Daguet 5 and Albator 3, the latter fresh from the Admiral’s Cup. New designs such as Maxitude, a Lift 45 with a scow bow and powerful lines, illustrate the evolving culture of race-cruising.

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Beyond the competition lies what gives Les Voiles its character, the Corinthian spirit. Since the first friendly challenge at Club 55 more than forty years ago, the event has embodied the idea that sailing is a game to be enjoyed with elegance, humour and respect for rivals. In 2025 that spirit will be celebrated with the seventieth anniversary of Club 55 itself, the legendary Pampelonne beach restaurant where the Nioulargue was born. The Club 55 Anniversary Cup promises to be a highlight of the week, a nod to the origins and a reminder of the values that underpin the glamour.

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With over 240 yachts spread across the gulf and a poster created by artist Jacques Cordier that captures the intensity of sea and sky, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 is set to extend the golden light of late summer into October. It is a meeting of history and modernity, of sport and lifestyle, and it reaffirms Saint-Tropez as the world’s capital of sailing spectacle.

The mistral shaped the second day in Porto Cervo, providing winds of more than twenty five knots and forcing the race committee to shorten the programme. Alegre led early before being overhauled by Sled and then American Magic, finishing third ahead of a fast closing Paprec. The conditions showcased the spectacle of TP52s surfing downwind at over twenty knots, but also reminded crews of the fine line between control and error.

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After two days the leaderboard reflects a championship nearly settled at the top, with American Magic all but assured of the overall crown. Sled has underlined their consistency to occupy second with confidence, leaving Paprec, Alkedo and Platoon to contest the final step of the podium. The remaining races in the Costa Smeralda promise to resolve the battle, with mistral winds and a demanding racecourse ensuring the 2025 season ends with the same intensity that has defined it throughout.

Another interesting merger for 2025 is Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú, uniting the Pieres and Heguy dynasties. The much-anticipated return of Facundo Pieres to his family’s team after two seasons with La Natividad has delighted Ellerstina fans. Alongside his brother Gonzalo Pieres, he has already won every major polo title in the world. Completing the lineup are young talents Antonio and Cruz Heguy, cousins who impressed in Palermo 2024 and are eager for more.

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One of the big storylines for 2025 is that none of the lineups from 2024 remain intact. At 34 goals, La Ensenada will begin the season without Sapo Caset, sidelined by injury. His spot will be taken by Gonzalo Ferrari, joining Rufino Bensadon, Juan Britos, and Jerónimo Del Carril—a team that will rely on speed and firepower.

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Rounding out the field are three 32-goal teams: La Hache Cría & Polo, Los Machitos, and Sol de Agosto. The latter features the highly anticipated top-flight debut of Paquito de Narváez, fresh off a British Open win and widely seen as one of polo’s brightest young prospects. All three teams will aim to surprise, knowing that their performance this season could determine whether they secure their place in 2026.

The Bay of Cannes offers a racecourse with unique qualities, sheltered by Cap Roux to the west and Cap d’Antibes to the east. Conditions can range from calm zephyrs to mistral-driven seas shaped by pressure systems over the Gulf of Genoa. Recent editions have benefitted from near-perfect weather, something the organisers hope will continue.

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Jean-François Cutugno, president of the Yacht Club de Cannes, said: “After an exceptional summer where our young members claimed multiple national and world titles, it is now time for the Régates Royales, with the most beautiful traditional yachts in the world competing in our bay.”

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The racing is only part of the attraction. Each evening the Regatta Village on the Quai Saint-Pierre will open to the public with concerts, entertainment and social events, ensuring that the atmosphere ashore is as festive as the action at sea.

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Racing begins on Tuesday 23 September with the first starts scheduled for the early afternoon. Wednesday through Friday will feature full days of competition across all classes, with the fleet spread across three courses. Saturday 27 September will mark the final races, followed by the prize-giving ceremony on the quay in the evening. Each day, weather briefings will be delivered at dawn, setting the tone for crews preparing to face the conditions of the Mediterranean.

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For more than 150 years, Cannes has been a natural home for yachting, from the first regattas of 1859 to the rebirth of 1978. The 47th Régates Royales will once again blend heritage and sport, bringing together a fleet of over 120 classics and confirming why this late-September tradition remains a jewel of the international sailing calendar.

Beyond the podium, teams such as Platoon Aviation of Harm Müller-Spreer, Alpha+ of Shawn and Tina Kang and Gladiator of Tony Langley arrive with the intention of finishing the season at their best. Platoon, after a strong performance in Puerto Portals, are confident of maintaining momentum, while Alpha+ recently celebrated their first podium in the competition. Gladiator, winners of the opening regatta in Saint Tropez, are looking to rediscover their form after an eleventh place in Mallorca.

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The Porto Cervo event brings an important addition to the starting line with the return of the South African Phoenix, owned by Hasso and Tina Plattner. The crew will be reinforced by a world-class Australian trio of Tom Slingsby, Kyle Langford and Will Ryan, adding further interest to the fleet.

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In total, ten scoring races are scheduled across five days, preceded by the official training session held yesterday. The September climate in Sardinia introduces an additional element of uncertainty, with the possibility of both strong mistral days and light wind conditions. What remains constant is the setting: the waters of the Costa Smeralda, framed by rocky mountains and islets, provide one of the most spectacular backdrops for sailing.

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The competition can be followed live through the official 52 SUPER SERIES website and its YouTube channel. In Porto Cervo the final chapter of the season begins today, with the champion yet to be confirmed and the podium still open to dispute.

Performance Cruising XL was decided by the narrowest of margins. L’Hippocampe and Spiip both finished on seven points after sharing wins and second places. The tie-break went in favour of the French yacht, which claimed the title in one of the regatta’s most hotly contested categories. Geist was third with ten points, while Cervo finished bottom with sixteen.

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The World Cruising class also ended in a dead heat. Aurelius and Nostromo each totalled six points after trading wins across four races. The overall title went to Aurelius on the strength of its final-day result, leaving Nostromo in second. Karibu finished third with fourteen points, followed by Namuun on fifteen.

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The regatta’s showpiece, the round-Formentera race held on Friday over a 19-nautical mile course, delivered some of the edition’s most memorable scenes. The superyachts sailed in tight formation until Mitjorn Beach, before stretching out past Cabo de la Barberia and racing towards the finish at Punta de la Gavina.

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With this edition complete, Ibiza JoySail further underlines its growth and international appeal. Five distinct champions and a strong fleet consolidate its place as a fixture of the Mediterranean calendar, set against the unique backdrop of Ibiza and Formentera.

On the other side of the Mercedes garage, Kimi Antonelli had his best weekend in recent memory. After holding fourth place off the start, Antonelli thundered past Lawson on lap 22. He was later leapfrogged by Russell thanks to the Brit’s tyre and pace advantage, but with fourth place, Antonelli will leave Baku having scored more points than he has in the last six races combined.

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With all the fanfare surrounding Sainz and Williams, Liam Lawson’s efforts should not go unnoticed. After qualifying a career-best third, Lawson held firm for 22 laps before conceding to Antonelli. Russell’s overcut relegated him to fifth, but once there, Lawson produced the best defensive display of his career to date. In the closing stages, Lawson found himself under attack from Yuki Tsunoda, Lando Norris (on the comeback trail after qualifying P7), and Lewis Hamilton. Of the four combatants, Lawson was the only one without DRS and yet, through some consistent pace and immaculate car placement, Lawson hung on to take a career-best fifth-place finish. Quite the turnaround given his shambolic start to the season.

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Behind that four-way battle, Charles Leclerc was unable to make any significant gains after his crash in qualifying. He may have passed Norris at the safety car restart, but as the race unfolded, his pace tailed off. Leclerc was eventually forced to let Hamilton pass for P8, as the latter tried to catch Norris. Who failed to make the most of his teammate’s misfortune and only finished seventh.

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Isack Hadjar made some early gains and briefly ran as high as eighth, but as Norris and Hamilton got up to speed, the Frenchman was forced to settle for tenth place.

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Gabriel Bortoleto finished eleventh ahead of Oliver Bearman and Alex Albon. The Williams driver originally finished 11th but was handed a ten-second penalty after colliding with Franco Colapinto on lap 17. Esteban Ocon collided with Nico Hulkenberg on the opening lap and finished 14th. Fernando Alonso incurred a five-second penalty for jumping the start and came home 15th, ahead of Hulkenberg, Stroll, Gasly, and Colapinto.

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Verstappen's title hopes remain incredibly slim. However, with Red Bull having found a new turn of pace, Piastri having made a rare mistake and Norris failing to capitalise, this year’s driver's title is anything but a foregone conclusion.

Beyond the results, Geneva raises an unavoidable debate about the identity of the circuit. Conceived as a high-speed spectacle, the weekend on Lake Geneva offered more penalties than flights. For the teams, every manoeuvre became a risk in such light conditions; for the fans, the action fell far short of the usual adrenaline.

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Even so, the Swiss stop will be remembered for two key reasons: Germany’s historic first victory, which confirms their growth into a serious contender, and Switzerland’s podium at home, achieved in front of their supporters despite the challenging conditions. The championship remains wide open and the excitement now moves south to Cádiz, where stronger winds should bring back the speed that defines SailGP.

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Germany leave with their first victory and Switzerland celebrate a historic podium on home waters, but one question lingers: can SailGP afford to choose venues as unpredictable as Geneva, where the lack of wind threatens to dilute the very essence of the competition?

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See you in Andalucía on 4 and 5 October for the next stage.

As the times came in, Verstappen headed to the top of the timesheets with the McLarens in close attendance. Mercedes looked stronger than their free practice pace might have suggested, to the point where both Ferrari drivers were forced to attempt final laps in order to secure spots in Q3. Leclerc clipped the wall on his run but was nevertheless able to go fourth fastest, while Hamilton’s final lap was only good enough for 12th. His fifth Q2 exit of the season. Fernando Alonso qualified 11th ahead of his old rival, while Gabriel Bortoleto, Lance Stroll, and Bearman made up the rest of the Q2 knockouts.

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Having languished in last place in the constructors’ standings for much of this season, Alpine had a disastrous qualifying in Baku.

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As the session neared its end, Pierre Gasly ran wide at turn four and ruled himself out of contention. Seconds later, his teammate Franco Colapinto arrived on the scene and crashed out mere meters away from Gasly. The session was red flagged for a third and final time with Colapinto locked into 16th ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, who crashed out earlier in the session, Esteban Ocon who suffered a puncture, Gasly and Alex Albon. After a solid showing in free practice, the Williams driver clipped the inside wall at turn one, damaged his suspension, and will therefore start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.

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McLaren came to Baku on the verge of constructors’ glory. But after the chaos in qualifying and Verstappen on pole, there are no safe bets ahead of either the race or the world championship.

Mercedes’ pace in free practice suggests they are unlikely to challenge the McLarens. George Russell managed a best result of 3rd in FP2, before enduring a series of lockups in FP3 en route to P6. One place and nine hundredths of a second off his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who comes to Baku in need of a good result after an Italian Grand Prix that Toto Wolff described as ‘underwhelming’.

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Alex Albon had a solid run to seventh in FP3, despite a brush with the barriers at turn four. Ollie Bearman ended the final practice session in eighth, one place ahead of Liam Lawson, who suffered a massive spin at turn 16. Leclerc touched the barriers at turn 16 and ended FP3 in tenth.

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Isack Hadjar went eleventh quickest, despite his concern about stronger winds brought on by overnight rain ahead of Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Yuki Tsunoda, who was once again unable to match his teammate.

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Esteban Ocon locked up at turn 15 in FP1 before finishing the final session 17th, ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly. The Alpine driver scraped the wall at turn four before running wide at turn one, en route to a disappointing 19th, while Lance Stroll ended FP3 at the bottom of the timesheets.

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McLaren seem to have the edge going into qualifying ,but with Ferrari and Verstappen looming large in their mirrors, it's anyone's guess as to whom will claim pole position in Baku.

Third place was taken by Charlotte Yven on Skipper Macif 2023. She became the first woman to finish in Vigo, completing the course in 4 days, 2 hours, 51 minutes and 8 seconds, having covered 561.72 nautical miles at an average of 4.86 knots. She reached the line at 21:51:08 CEST, 36 minutes and 39 seconds after Loison, confirming the high level of a stage marked by very light winds on the approach to the Galician coast. For Yven, this podium was an important step forward and a demonstration of her ability to compete with the leading names of the fleet.

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The stage also provided moments of respite amid the demands of solo racing. Sailors reported encounters with groups of dolphins, feeding scenes with tuna and seabirds, and even the sudden appearance of whales. These images contrasted with the fatigue and concentration required to manage more than four days at sea without a break.

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With the arrivals completed late last night, Vigo has woken up as the centre of ocean racing for the weekend. The race village at Portocultura, supported by the Vigo Port Authority and the Diputación de Pontevedra, is offering a programme that combines sport, culture and gastronomy. The official prize-giving ceremony for this second stage is scheduled for today, Saturday, at 12:00 CEST with the 34 solo skippers and their teams present.

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The rest will be short-lived. Tomorrow, Sunday, at 17:00 CEST the fleet will set off on the third and final stage, the longest and most demanding of this 56th edition. The course of 612 nautical miles, or 1,133 kilometres, will take the sailors from Vigo to Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue in Normandy. It will include the passage around Cape Finisterre, the challenging seas of the Bay of Biscay and the complex currents of the English Channel before the grand finish. It promises a decisive conclusion to the 2025 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, with Alexis Loison defending his lead and rivals such as Hugo Cardon and Charlotte Yven ready to fight until the final miles.

Today’s practice session hinted at the challenges to come. With winds barely reaching 10 km/h, crews had to adapt to near-minimum power conditions. Forecasts suggest a weekend of light, shifting breezes, the kind that can turn races into a constant exchange of places.

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Among the favourites, Australia arrives determined to put things right after finishing only fifth in France, a result that dropped them to third overall. Driver Tom Slingsby admitted the team fell short of their usual standards but insisted confidence remains high: “Our standard is such that we call a fifth place a bad event. We know we are a top team. We made mistakes and we paid for them. Now it’s about fixing those issues and getting back into the top three here.”

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For the three-time SailGP champion, the swift turnaround between events is a blessing: “It’s good to race again so soon, it doesn’t give you time to dwell. If we sail the way we know we can, we’ll be in the fight for the podium.”

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Spectators will have plenty to enjoy across both days. The Race Stadium opens at 14:30 CEST with big screens, food, music and entertainment, while racing is scheduled between 15:30 CEST and 17:00 CEST. The top three teams will then advance to Sunday’s winner-takes-all final to decide the champion of the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix.

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With local support behind the Swiss, Outteridge’s Swedish comeback on the horizon and the ambitions of Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand, Lake Geneva is set to deliver an unforgettable debut. A fresh stage, shifting winds and the energy of a home crowd promise a weekend where anything could happen.