He said: “I have instructed lawyers to represent me in this matter.
“My lawyers have made contact with the Met Police, and have made them aware of my willingness to co-operate in any necessary investigation.
“My lawyers have not yet received any contact from the Police. It is highly unusual for the police to disclose anything to the media at this stage of an investigation.
“I remain unaware of the specific allegations, but in any event, I deny any wrongdoing.
“The allegations are entirely untrue.”
A civil war erupted in the Reform Party last week as Mr Lowe issued a blow-by-blow rebuke to each of Mr Yusuf’s charges.
The former Southampton FC chairman said it was “highly unlikely” he would return to the party but that he was not intending to stand down.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire
FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.
The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.
GettyThe F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010[/caption]
However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.
However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.
Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.
Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – Mercedes
RexKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes[/caption]
Kimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.
The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories.
This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.
Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.
RexOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024[/caption]
Ollie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.
He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.
Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – Sauber
RexGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championships[/caption]
Gabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.
Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.
They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.
Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.
Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – Alpine
GettyJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael Schumacher[/caption]
Jack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.
Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.
F1 2025 grid
Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
RB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar
Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon
He was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.
Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.
Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing Bulls
RexIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2[/caption]
Isack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.
Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.
Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.
Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.
Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red Bull
GettyLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing career[/caption]
Liam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.
Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.
He only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started.
Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen‘s team-mate.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Retro 90s Ford Capri once raced by member of Royal Family on sale for £120,000 after gathering dust for 36 years
A RETRO Ford Capri 1973 raced by a member of the Royal family and driven by a Formula 1 icon is up for sale for £120k.
The remarkable motor, which remained in storage for 36 years before a mechanical rebuild in 2014, is set to go under the hammer in April.
mediadrumimagesThe Ford was fully restored in 2018, costing 100k[/caption]
mediadrumimagesThe Capri was built in 1973[/caption]
mediadrumimagesIt is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams auction in Goodwood, Chichester[/caption]
The genuine Ford works car, decorated with a blue and white ‘Shell Sport’ livery, was originally built for the 1973 Avon Tour of Great Britain.
It was during this event that HRH Prince Michael of Kent took the wheel of the Capri, which has the registration ‘XWC 713L’.
The royal achieved a respectable 16th place finish after driving in circuit races, rally stages, and across 1,000 miles of public roads.
Later that year, it was driven by Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda at a one-off race at the Österreichring circuit in Austria.
Eligible for prestigious events such as Goodwood Members’ meetings, it will go under the hammer at Bonhams’ auction in Goodwood, Chichester, on April 13.
The 3.0 GXL Group 1 Competition Coupé was purchased by its current owner in 2018.
It then underwent a full restoration, costing more than £100k.
The bodyshell required minimal repair, retaining its original condition, and the engine was rebuilt to factory specification.
This work was completed by Neil Brown Engineering, the same specialists who worked on the car in 1973.
The listing states: “Hundreds of new parts were sourced and the car was completely rebuilt over a period of 18 months with no expense spared.
“It is an important part of Ford‘s motor racing history and has the unique distinction of being the only car ever raced by a member of the Royal Family and Niki Lauda.”
The same vehicle was driven by Nigel Clarkson and Jeremy Walton in the 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps, where it finished 13th overall.
In 1974, the Capri was allocated to Tom Walkinshaw for the British Saloon Car Championship, where he claimed six victories and finished 4th overall, topping Class C.
That same year, Grand Prix motorcycle star Barry Sheene raced the car in a celebrity event at Brands Hatch.
In 2021, after a full restoration, the Capri was driven to a strong finish – despite brake issues – by racing legend Steve Soper at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.
In November that year, the car claimed 1st in class and 2nd overall at the endurance race 250km of Estoril in Portugal.
Hulton Archive - GettyNiki Lauda celebrates winning the British Grand Prix[/caption]
Paul EdwardsPrince Michael of Kent in the Royal Box at Wimbledon[/caption]
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
1.20pm: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2pm: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase 2.40pm: Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap) 3.20pm:Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 4pm: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 4.40pm: TrustATrader Plate (Premier Handicap) 5.20pm: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Friday, March 14– Gold Cup Day
1.20pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2pm: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) 2.40pm: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2) 3.20pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 4pm:Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 4.40pm: St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase 5.20pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
How to watch EVERY race at Cheltenham Festival 2025
In the UK, ITV1 will be providing FREE coverage of the first SIX races of each day at Cheltenham Festival this year.
Fans in the UK will be able to live stream ITV’s coverage for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
ITV‘s broadcast of the event will begin at 12.45pm and end at 5pm each day.
Previously, ITV didn’t air the final two races of each day at Cheltenham, but this year, viewers are treated to an extra four races across the festival for absolutely NOTHING.
Racing TV is the only place to watch the Cheltenham Festival in its entirety, but you will be required to purchase a subscription to access the channel.
SunSport’s Cheltenham live blog will provide comprehensive coverage of EVERY race across the festival.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘No way he should be riding’ say punters after seeing Cheltenham jockey’s horrific black eye and stitches
FANS have been left shocked after jockey Harry Skelton was seen with a horror eye injury ahead of his races today.
Skelton rides L’Eau du Sud in the Arkle Challenge and Take No Chances in the Mares’ Hurdle this afternoon.
PAHarry Skelton showed off a horror eye injury before his race[/caption]
RexSkelton rides L’Eau du Sud and Take No Chances on the opening day at Cheltenham[/caption]
But ahead of the opening race of the festival, the highly-rated jockey was seen with a painful-looking swollen eye.
There was also a nasty cut along the side of his brow that was held together by stitches.
Skelton is said to have sustained the injury after being kicked by a foul.
But punters are unsure whether it is safe for him to be out on the turf, with one saying: “There is no way he should be riding today!”
Another added: “Surely he shouldn’t be allowed to ride like that.”
A third wrote: “I’m no doctor but that doesn’t look great.”
L’Eau du Sud is the 5/1 second favourite in the 14:00 race – behind only Majborough in the odds.
He then rides the 33/1 Take No Chances – with Lossiemouth tipped to win the 15:20.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Who is YouTube star TBJZL? Everything we know about the internet personality starring in the Baller League?
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Tobit “Tobi” Brown, better known as ‘TBJZL’ of the Sidemen, during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
TBJZL – aka Tobijizzle – is a streamer, rapper, businessman, and influencer but is probably best known as a member and co-founder of the Sidemen, the hugely popular YouTube group, which includes internet personality KSI.
His profile is expected to skyrocket later this month when he manages a team – VZN FC– in the forthcoming Baller League, which begins on March 24, and features a star-studded managerial line-up, including Gary Lineker and John Terry.
TBJZL, second left, with his fellow Sidemen
Early life, influence and business interests
Born Tobit John Brown in Hackney, London, on April 8, 1993, the 31-year-old’s business interests are as wide-ranging as his influence across YouTube, and include co-owning XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, the restaurant chain Sides, and the cereal brand Best Breakfasts.
In September 2019, he was listed as the 38th most influential online creator in the United Kingdom by The Sunday Times. As of March 2025, his main YouTube channel had more than 5 million subscribers and 567 million views.
TBJZL – who is of Nigerian heritage – joined YouTube in 2011 while studying at university after seeing his friends’ success; after completing his degree he became a full-time YouTuber, before joining the Sidemen in 2013, having met future fellow Sidemen member Josh Bradley a few years earlier at Bexley Grammar School.
TBJZL, far left, with his fellow Sidemen before their charity match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, March 8
Music career
In December 2019, he released The Gift with the rest of the Sidemen, which reached number 77 on the UK singles chart, while in early 2020 he released his debut single, Destined for Greatness, with his brother Manny and featuring his sister Janellé.
The song charted at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart, making it his first UK top 40 single; it also debuted at number 18 in New Zealand; that year he also featured in a remix of his fellow Sidemen member KSI‘s song Wake Up Call.
What is his involvement in the Baller League?
He will manage a team – VZN FC – in the league.
The Baller League began in Germany, created by entrepreneur Felix Starck and aided by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski. It is a six-a-side indoor football competition, with the first UK season taking place at the Copper Box Arena in London.
The influencer-led league – headlined by KSI for the UK version – sees former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams to win the Baller League.
TBJZL’s squad includes Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair and Remy Mitchell.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Emmerdale and Coronation Street SNUBBED at Royal Television Society Awards as rivals scoop nominations for best soap
ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been snubbed for the top gong at this year’s Royal Television Society Awards.
The fledgling programme have been brutally sidelined for this year’s industry awards amid ongoing chaos behind-the-scenes as a result of the cash crisis.
Not known, clear with picture deskEmmerdale has been snubbed for the eighth year in a row[/caption]
Not known, clear with picture deskCoronation Street has also failed to land a nom at this year’s RTS Awards[/caption]
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that both shows had been forced to axe an entire episode in order to limit costs with both shows also ditching around 10 actors each from its cast in recent months to combat their money woes.
Now, in a crushing blow to both programme, neither have failed to secure a nomination as this year’s awards.
But for ITV, they were left with nothing once again.
Last year, neither Emmerdale or Corrie managed to bag the nomination too with the Beeb sweeping up all the nominations with its two aforementioned shows as well as Waterloo Road.
In fact, the last time that ITV did manage to receive a nod was for Corrie back in 2022.
Shockingly, Emmerdale has failed to be nominated for EIGHT years after it won the award back in 2017.
Emmerdale had won two years running before their shocking slew of snubs.
This year’s ceremony is set to take place on March 25 where the winner will be announced in a glitzy event at Grovesnor House Hotel.
The show is back after ITV mysteriously axed it last year.
Host Jane McDonald will be back for the ceremony this June after joining the show in 2022.
Lime PicturesHollyoaks will be hoping to win on the night[/caption]
BBCAs will EastEnders too![/caption]
Soap's most harrowing teen storylines
We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
Belle Dingle’s schizophrenia in Emmerdale – Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral.
The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma’s voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being.
Hannah Ashworth’s anorexia in Hollyoaks – Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body.
As Hannah’s condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life.
Bethany Platt’s grooming ordeal in Coronation Street – Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie’s darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator.
The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.
Whitney Dean’s abuse from Tony in EastEnders – Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca’s boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him.
On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.
