Red Bull’s Max Verstappen beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to pole position in a rain-affected qualifying session at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso took third and fourth, benefitting from approaching rain. The track stayed dry for every driver’s first lap in the final session but Leclerc described conditions as “super-weird” as the wind shifted direction.
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Fernando Alonso has made it clear he is annoyed with claims that he could switch to Red Bull from Aston Martin. Stories that he could replace Sergio Perez emerged in the wake of last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix. Alonso said he was “not enjoying” it, and dismissed the idea as “the normal paddock rumours from people who try to make fun of it and gain some followers”.
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Declan Rice endured a nightmare return to West Ham as Arsenal were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round following a 3-1 defeat. Ben White headed an own goal past Aaron Ramsdale – playing his first club game since September – before Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen secured the win.
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Saudi Arabia is set to host World Cup 2034 after Australia chose not to bid, with Amnesty International demanding human rights commitments if they are confirmed. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia submitted to FIFA its official intention to host the men’s event after football’s governing body restricted the process to countries from Oceania and Asia.
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Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for an eighth time. The 36-year-old was recognised at the ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year. Messi won his record-extending Ballon d’Or award ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
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