Lando Norris led Oscar Piastri to a McLaren one-two in Italian Grand Prix qualifying, with title rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in seventh. Norris’ second pole in a row – and fifth of his career – combined with Verstappen’s difficult session, was exactly what the Briton needed as he seeks to close the 70-point gap to the Dutchman in the championship.
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Mercedes has finally confirmed its long-expected decision to promote 18-year-old junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to its Formula 1 team next year. The Italian rookie will make his grand prix debut in the seat previously occupied by the most successful driver in the sport’s history, seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, when he leaves Mercedes to join Ferrari. The team made its announcement despite Antonelli’s unpromising start to his F1 career yesterday. Driving his future team mate George Russell’s car in the first practice session, he crashed heavily after just five laps.
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Manchester United have completed the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50.5m. United have paid an initial fee of £42m, but the deal could be worth as much as £50.7m (€60m) including performance-related add-ons. Ugarte was the club’s primary midfield target throughout the window and United are understood to be happy with the deal they have struck for the midfielder.
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Liverpool will face Champions League holders Real Madrid on their return to the competition following the draw for the new-look format. Manchester City and Arsenal both play last season’s semi-finalists Paris St-Germain in their fixtures, while Aston Villa take on Scottish champions Celtic. Each team plays eight fixtures in the ‘league phase’, with this year’s men’s tournament seeing a radical change, including the end of a group stage.
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Ipswich have sealed the £8m signing of Luton winger Chiedozie Ogbene. The Ireland international, 27, has signed a four-year deal at Portman Road and becomes their 10th signing since they returned to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys had been looking for another forward despite spending almost £100m this summer, after winger Wes Burns suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-0 opening day defeat by Liverpool.
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