‘Best driver in the world’ needs more than just a Formula One title, claims rival championship boss
Formula One has long been the established championship at the pinnacle of motorsport racing, but that is now all changing in the eyes those involved in another series. Alejandro Agag is chief of the Formula E championship which is now in its ninth season, running a third generation all-electric racecar. Over the weekend, the famous streetrace of Monaco hosted the ninth race of 2023 - just past the midway point in the campaign - and Agag feels the new vehicle is perfectly suited for such an historic and prestigious track. Moreover, Agag says the championship as a whole has progressed to such an extent over the past couple of years that it can now lay serious claim to being a requirement for the best drivers to conquer, the Independent has learned. “It’s a car made for the streets of Monaco. This Gen 3 really takes Formula E to another level,” Agag said on TalkSport’s On Track show. “It takes it to a level where strategy is key. “I think we’ve put it in a place where if you really want to call yourself the best driver in the world, you really need to win Formula 1 and Formula E.” That is a view which has been echoed by several drivers on the FE grid, who feel the added strategy and control required makes it the real pinnacle of motorsport. Dan Ticktum, a British driver with NIO, told the Independent in March that F1 drivers could be picked up on factors including nationality and financial backing - whereas FE drivers were simply there on talent. “All the drivers are here because we’re good. It’s all merit-based,” Ticktum said. “You very rarely get signed because of a nationality. In Formula 1, a lot of people are being signed now who are not actually good enough in my opinion, it’s just where they are born. Formula E doesn’t pay attention to any of that. “The best drivers rise to the top – merit only. There are very few championships in the world where every driver is paid to do their job; from a fans’ point of view I would like that a lot – it’s the best drivers in the world going head-to-head.” At present, the only past Formula E champion currently involved in F1 is Nyck de Vries, in his debut season with AlphaTauri. Several of those on the FE grid have previously been in F1, but the claim would suggest Max Verstappen, F1’s current champion and leader in this season’s championship, would need to also make the switch to unify the titles, as such. ::The On Track show - the only dedicated weekly motorsport show on UK national radio - airs from on TalkSport at 1pm on Tuesday and repeats at 9pm. Read More FIA face scrutiny after Norris almost drives into official in another near-miss Where are Mercedes and Ferrari? Frankly, you don’t want to hear the answer George Russell takes aim at ‘distracting’ razzmatazz before Miami Grand Prix
2023-05-09 23:55
What’s Trending Today: Sum 41 Breaks Up, Nintendo Switch Sales Slow, Emperor’s Watch
Welcome to Social Buzz, a daily column looking at what’s trending on social media platforms. I’m Caitlin Fichtel,
2023-05-09 23:25
Carrefour opens first foreign supermarkets in Israel
French retailer Carrefour inaugurated on Tuesday 50 stores in Israel, becoming the first foreign supermarket chain with branches in the country whose residents struggle with...
2023-05-09 21:22
Katy Perry 'dissing' Meghan Markle's wedding dress resurfaces after coronation gig
Katy Perry's previous comment on the Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress has resurfaced, following her performance at King Charles's coronation concert on Sunday (May 7). The popstar wore a metallic gold ball gown as she took to the stage on the grounds of Windsor Castle to perform her hits including 'Roar' and 'Firework,' which Princess Charlotte could be seen singing along to the former. She was a part of the star-studded lineup that also included Lionel Richie, Take That, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Andrea Bocelli and Sir Bryn Terfel. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter As a result of the 38-year-old's royal performance, her comments from back in 2018 have reappeared once more where she gave her honest opinion of the Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress who got married to Prince Harry that same year. “I would have done one more fitting," Perry told Entertainment Tonight, adding that she preferred Princess Kate's dress when she married Prince William back in 2011. "I’m never not going to tell the truth! One more fitting, but I love you. Kate, Kate, Kate won, Kate won!" Meghan wore a Givenchy dress designed by Clare Waight Keller which had a bateau neckline and five-metre-long veil. In comparison Kate's wore an Alexander McQueen gown designed by English designer Sarah Burton, creative director of the luxury fashion house, and the lace design included a V-neckline, long sleeves, a fitted Victorian bodice. However, Perry did go on to wish Meghan and Harry well and also praised Meghan and the humanitarian work she has done. “I’m so happy for them, and, you know, I don’t know them from Adam, but it’s amazing what she’s doing with all this, her humanitarian efforts. You know, the fact that she’s a proud feminist, I love all that," she added. "I support her as another woman and love her and wish them both well.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-05-09 21:18
Victoria’s Secret Ditches Live Event for Fashion Show Comeback
Victoria’s Secret & Co. will bring its fashion show back as a feature-length film this fall after a
2023-05-09 20:52
Angelina Jolie shares tribute to late mum and urges women with family cancer history to get checked
Angelina Jolie has urged women with a history of cancer in their family to “look after” themselves and “take mamograms, blood tests and ultrasounds”. The actor posted a touching tribute to her late mum on Instagram for what would have been her 73rd birthday. Marcia Lynne ‘Marcheline’ Bertrand – also an actor – died of ovarian cancer in 2007, after also being diagnosed with breast cancer. Jolie underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy in 2013, because she carries a gene called BRCA1 that significantly increases the odds of developing breast or ovarian cancer. The 47-year-old posted: “[My mother] passed away 15 years ago after a long struggle with breast and ovarian cancer”. “In June, I will be a month away from the age when she was diagnosed. I have had preventive surgeries to try to lessen the chances but I continue to have check ups. “My mom loved Hendrix. And would always sign her letters Kiss the Sky. It took on new meaning after she passed. “Sending my love to those who have also lost loved ones and strength to those who are fighting at this very moment for their lives and the lives of those they love. “And to other women, please take the time to look after yourself and go for your mammograms and blood tests or ultrasounds, particularly if you have a family history of cancer.” What the experts say Ovarian cancer affects the two ovaries that store eggs. Its symptoms are often overlooked. According to Target Ovarian Cancer, the four main symptoms are persistent bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; feeling full or a loss of appetite and an increased need to urinate. “The term bloating is often used to describe a feeling of fullness in the tummy, which can often be associated with the lower abdomen looking swollen,” said Dr Susanna Unsworth, women’s health expert and in-house gynaecology expert for Intimina. “Bloating is often a consequence of bowel issues, but it is also recognised as one of the potential symptoms of ovarian cancer. “Ovarian cancer has been described as a ‘silent killer’ as the symptoms can often be mild and may go unnoticed in the early stages of the disease,” she added. “By the time someone consults with a doctor, the cancer may have already become quite widespread. Research done in 2021 by CoppaFeel! found that one in seven women in the UK will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in nine in Ireland. According to the NHS website, you should see your GP if you find a new lump, thickened skin, a change in the size or shape of your breasts, nipple fluid or discharge, lumps or swelling in your armpits, a change in skin texture or nipple appearance or a rash like eczema. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Georgia Toffolo on Jungle exit: ‘You can show your acne and be beautiful at the same time’ Eurovision: Liverpool’s trendsetting musical icons 14 clever ways to make small rooms look bigger
2023-05-09 19:25
Yes, that was Pete Davidson in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'
Amongst the "black hole of sadness" that is Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3., you
2023-05-09 18:23
FIA looking into Lando Norris’ pit-lane near-miss at Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix
Formula One’s governing body has launched an investigation following another near-miss in the pit-lane at Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix. A week after Esteban Ocon almost collided with a cluster of individuals in Azerbaijan, footage has emerged of an official – understood to be a volunteer marshal – walking in front of Lando Norris as the British driver entered the pits in his McLaren. The incident on lap five of the 57-lap race was uploaded to the Sky Sports’ F1 website, but has since been removed. An FIA spokesperson told the PA news agency: “We are aware of the incident and looking into it with local organisers.” The alarming flashpoint followed an FIA review into pit-lane safety after Ocon said the sport narrowly avoided a “disaster” when he stopped for tyres on the final lap at the previous round in Baku. An on-board camera from the French driver’s car showed dozens of people – who had gathered at the entrance to the pit-lane with the race still ongoing – scrambling to get out of his way. Ahead of last weekend’s race in the United States, the FIA updated its rulebook to prevent “mechanics from moving from their garages to the parc ferme”, and “other personnel or VIPs from entering the pit lane, until the last car has taken the chequered flag”. The FIA warned that “any infringement will result in the removal of passes from the team(s) in question from subsequent events, and potential reporting of the infringing team(s) to the stewards”. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-05-09 17:22
'F minus level work': Fans believe Kardashians signed secret multi-million dollar deal with Coca-Cola
Many spotted 'hints' after Coca-Cola bottles were prominently featured in photos Kim Kardashian took during her son Psalm's fourth birthday party
2023-05-09 16:55
Eurovision: Liverpool’s trendsetting musical icons
The Eurovision Song Contest is almost upon us, and the week-long competition will be held in Liverpool. Home to the Beatles and Cilla Black, the Scouse city has a rich musical history. Music and fashion often go hand in hand – and Eurovision will certainly deliver this. Onstage we’ll likely see all manner of sartorial statements, ranging from the glamorous to the slightly ridiculous. Perhaps contestants will take inspiration from some of Liverpool’s most fashionable musical icons for their costumes… The Beatles No list of Scouse musicians would be complete without The Beatles. The band’s music was influential beyond compare, and John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were trendsetters in their own right. Each era of their music had a dedicated aesthetic – from the sharp suits of the early Sixties, to the psychedelic fashion of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Cilla Black With her cropped red hair and dedication to Mod-style mini dresses, Cilla Black – who burst onto the scene with songs Anyone Who Had A Heart and You’re My World – was a Sixties trendsetter. She was unafraid to buck convention – such as wearing a red velvet minidress to marry in 1969. While less of a trendsetter in the decades that followed, Black remained stylish – wearing gowns on the red carpet, showing a commitment to sharp tailoring – and donning a shirt and tailcoat with no trousers on the runway in 2008. Elvis Costello Part of being a fashion icon is having a defining look, and that’s something Elvis Costello has honed to perfection. The Watching The Detectives singer wasn’t born in Liverpool, but has been claimed by the city after living there for a few years as a teenager. Costello is known to be a keen supporter of Liverpool FC. Costello first debuted his signature look of oversized glasses on the cover of his debut album – 1977’s My Aim Is True – and that has continued throughout his career, often paired with a fedora. Mel C As Sporty Spice, Melanie Chisholm – better known as Mel C – wasn’t originally seen as the fashionable one of the girl group. However, her commitment to sportswear was particularly prescient, long before the athleisurewear trend hit the mainstream. Nowadays, Chisholm is bang on trend by combining sportswear into her everyday outfits, while mixing things up with more grown-up accents of tailoring and more glam looks. Atomic Kitten With low-rise trousers, crop tops, butterfly motifs and blue sunglasses, Atomic Kitten’s fashion was the epitome of Noughties fashion – regardless of what combination of Kerry Katona, Liz McClarnon, Jenny Frost and Natasha Hamilton were in the line-up. The band’s fashion ticked almost every 2000s style box you can imagine – with chunky highlights in their hair, cargo pants, mini skirts, trailing scarf belts, flat caps, corset tops and more. And with the resurgence of Y2K fashion, you can now see trends Atomic Kitten championed all over Instagram and TikTok. Rebecca Ferguson Propelled to fame on the 2010 series of The X Factor, Liverpudlian soul singer Rebecca Ferguson will play a role in this year’s Eurovision. She will perform alongside Rita Ora in the semi-final at Liverpool ACC. In terms of fashion, Ferguson is a lover of extremely glamorous gowns – often with sparkles and standout detailing like capes. Her love of dramatic gowns was shown last year when she got married to Jonny Hughes in a sparkly, princess-style gown complete with a tiara and long veil. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 14 clever ways to make small rooms look bigger What’s in store at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show? Woman in ‘living hell’ with brain slipping down her spine after ice-skating accident
2023-05-09 16:26
The resurgent Cambodian martial art nearly wiped out by Khmer Rouge
A repurposed Phnom Penh wedding venue becomes a seething pit of pugilism as the Cambodian martial art of kun bokator roars onto the international...
2023-05-09 14:53
Nearly $100 Billion in Election Promises Carry Potential Economic Risks for Thailand
Thai politicians are trying to outdo each other, promising voters billions of dollars worth of relief and freebies
2023-05-09 14:49