Mercedes boss Toto Wolff lost his cool in a wild and chaotic defence of the shambolic start to this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. On Formula One’s much-anticipated return to Sin City after more than 40 years away, opening practice was scrapped with just eight minutes on the clock when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was damaged by a drain cover at 210mph. Second practice was delayed by two and a half hours as repairs were carried out. The running then took place in front of empty grandstands after disgruntled spectators were ejected to comply with local employment laws. However, Wolff – whose position at Mercedes is under scrutiny following his team’s abysmal performance at the last round in Brazil – elected to fight Formula One’s corner. “This is not a black eye (for F1),” said the Mercedes team principal. “This is nothing. “It is Thursday night. We have one practice session that we are not doing. They are going to seal the drain covers and nobody will talk about that tomorrow.” A journalist described Wolff’s comments as “absolute rubbish”, leading the Austrian, 51, to hit back: “Did you ask the question? It’s completely ridiculous, completely ridiculous. “How can you even dare to talk badly about an event that sets the new standard? You’re speaking about a f****** drain cover that’s been undone, and that has happened in F1 before. “It is first practice. Give credit to the people that have set up this Grand Prix, and that have made the sport much bigger than it ever was. “(F1’s owners’) Liberty Media have done an awesome job, and just because a drain cover has become undone, we shouldn’t be moaning. “We need to analyse how we can make sure that this doesn’t happen again. But sitting here talking about a black eye for the sport on a Thursday evening… nobody watches that in European time anyway.” Read More Toto Wolff fuelled by ‘personal anger’ to help Lewis Hamilton win eighth title On this day in 2010: Sebastian Vettel becomes youngest ever F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton ‘counting down days’ to end of season after another poor race

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Tori Kelly’s husband has updated fans on the singer’s health after she was rushed to hospital. On Sunday (23 July), the singer was admitted to hospital to reportedly be treated for blood clots in her lungs and legs. According to a report by TMZ, Grammy winner Kelly, 30, was out for dinner with friends when she suffered from an increased heart rate. Kelly reportedly passed out “for a while”. Her friends reportedly drove her to Cedars-Sinai hospital, where she is said to have been treated in intensive care for blood clots around her vital organs. On Wednesday (26 July) night, Kelly’s husband André Murillo shared an update on her condition, explaining that while Kelly was not “out of the woods” yet, her condition was improving. “Tori is smiling again and feeling stronger,” basketball player Murillo wrote on Instagram Stories. “Not fully out of the woods but we see the sun. Just waiting on a few more answers.” Addressing her fans, he added: “Your love and kindness has been overwhelming. Thank you so much!” The Independent has contacted Kelly’s representatives for comment. Following news of her health condition, fans of the Sing 2 voice actor flooded her social media with messages of support. Many said that they were sending prayers to Kelly, who is Christian. “Many prayers for you Tori, prayers for healing and a speedy recovery,” one follower wrote. “I pray in the name of JESUS that Tori gets the help she needs and comes back stronger and healthier than ever,” another commented. One comment read: “I am praying for you!! I had the same thing happen to me!! Passed out in my bathroom December 2020 because of blood clots in my lungs!! I know the power that prayer has and I’m praying hard for you!! You are a goddess and one of my favorite singers!!” Another fan said they were “praying for a miraculous healing” for Kelly. Initially gaining an audience on YouTube as a teenager, Kelly rose to fame on American Idol in 2010. Three years later, she signed with Justin Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun and got a record deal with Capitol Records, under whom she released four studio albums. In 2019, Kelly won two Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song for her 2018 sophomore album Hiding Place. Earlier this year, Kelly announced that she had signed a new deal with Epic Records. Her forthcoming EP, titled tori, is scheduled for release on Friday (28 July). Read More Men have a problem – and it won’t be solved by either Andrew Tate or Caitlin Moran Bethenny Frankel criticises Harry and Meghan’s post-royal lives as a ‘botched job’ Couple files $75,000 lawsuit after finding hidden cameras recording in Airbnb The most unhygienic things in your kitchen revealed – and how to get them clean Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls Sarah Jessica Parker shares rare glimpse into her family life

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