Pumas bets everything on Clausura after blow in Concacaf

Russell retains pole in Spielberg despite yellow flag

Spielberg, Austria. — Mercedes’ streak of pole positions in Formula 1 seemed about to end. But George Russell had other plans.

When Max Verstappen spun and went off the track into the barrier in the penultimate corner, a yellow flag was activated. Pilots must reduce speed. Russell took his foot off the accelerator earlier than usual and completed a lap that he described as “incredible.”

Stewards determined that the incident did not require further investigation. Thus, Russell took pole position ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for Sunday’s race, classified as “heat danger.”

The simple yellow flag factor

The key was that there was a single yellow flag in the corner, not a double one. A simple one forces you to reduce your speed appreciably; a double requires abandoning any attempt at a competitive time.

“I didn’t even see the car because the escape zone is so far away. I think a single yellow was the right thing to do, because a double is immediate danger,” Russell explained. “I did everything right to be under control.”

It is Russell’s fourth pole this season, equaling teammate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader.

Antonelli’s advantage is in danger

Minutes before the incident, Leclerc and Hamilton beat Antonelli’s time by less than a tenth. Verstappen, with his improved Red Bull, was also a candidate. Leclerc will start second and Hamilton third. Antonelli was fourth, his worst classification of the year.

His championship lead — 41 points over Hamilton, 50 over Russell — could be reduced for the second consecutive race. In Barcelona, ​​Antonelli broke down while Hamilton won and Russell was second.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called Russell’s move “super clever.” Verstappen’s previous time left him fifth, ahead of the McLarens of Norris and Piastri.

Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic called Serena Williams’ return to tennis “inspiring” and “epic.”

“That’s what I told him,” Djokovic said Saturday at Wimbledon.

Williams, 44, is the center of attention on SW19. He is preparing for his first singles match at the tournament in four years. On Tuesday she will face Maya Joint, world number 53, in the first round.

The American had stepped away from the sport after her farewell at the 2022 US Open. She accepted an invitation to play women’s doubles with her sister Venus, 46. He then also accepted a wild card for singles.

Djokovic, champion of 24 Grand Slam titles, commented on Williams, winner of 23 majors in singles:

“I think I see her in the gym more than I saw her when she was in her prime. That tells me she really wants this to turn out in the best way possible.”

“I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, also that of Venus,” he added.

Williams’ last appearance at Wimbledon was in 2022, when she lost in the opening round to Harmony Tan, then ranked 115th. After losing in the third round at Flushing Meadows to Ajla Tomljanovic, the American described her exit as an “evolution.” Their second daughter was born in 2023.

Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, could face defending champion Iga Swiatek in the third round.

World number 1 Aryna Sabalenka is among those looking forward to next week:

“I heard she said she does it so her kids can watch her play. They’re really excited about it. It’s amazing what she’s doing. Plus, she’s Serena Williams; everyone was talking about it. She’s bringing more eyes to tennis. It’s a good thing for tennis. I really want to see her play.”

No goals, but with guaranteed classification

Colombia and Portugal starred in an intense duel at the Miami stadium, with a full house and a majority of coffee fans. The score did not move: 0-0.

In the first half, Colombia had more possession and generated more arrivals, but failed to score. Portugal stood firm in defense. Cristiano Ronaldo did not have clear options.

The intensity did not decline in the second half. While the Colombians looked for the goal, the Lusitanians responded with danger. However, the tie prevailed.

With this result, Colombia finished leader of Group K with 7 points. Portugal was second with 5 units. Both teams advance to the next round of the tournament.

The match reflected the competitiveness of two teams that chose to secure their place without risking too much.