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Lewis Hamilton reacts to Christian Horner's Red Bull exit: ‘It was remarkable what he did'

Lewis Hamilton reacts to Christian Horner's Red Bull exit: ‘It was remarkable what he did'

Independenta day ago
Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Christian Horner after his exit from Red Bull a fortnight ago.
Horner, 51, was relieved of his duties as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in charge, in a shock announcement which sent shockwaves through the paddock.
Horner won 14 world championships in total across his two decades at the team and has been a fierce rival for Hamilton, both during his time at McLaren and at Mercedes.
Now at Ferrari, Hamilton recalled when he first met Horner at Red Bull and acknowledged the 'remarkable' job he did at the team.
'It doesn't change anything in my life,' Hamilton initially said when asked about Horner.
He then added: 'It's been incredible to see the progress [at Red Bull].
'I sat with Christian back in 2005, sat in his office looking to go into GP2, he was at Arden or something. I wouldn't say we hit it off from the get-go!
'To see his progression, it was remarkable what he did with the team. To run an organisation that big and that well takes heart and skill, that's what he brought to the team.
'I wish him all the best.'
Hamilton is eyeing his first podium in Ferrari red this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, after a difficult opening 12 races for his new team.
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Erling Haaland's girlfriend Isabel Haugseng treated to ultra-rare £330,000 handbag as couple enjoy break in Rome
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Sarina Wiegman: I have fallen in love with England after ‘craziest' tournament yet
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  • The Independent

Sarina Wiegman: I have fallen in love with England after ‘craziest' tournament yet

Shortly before Sarina Wiegman walks into one of the grand rooms at England 's five-star Dolder base overlooking Zurich, Ella Toone can't help but laugh. 'We've nearly killed her twice in this tournament,' Toone says. It sometimes feels like at least twice in single games, especially those against Sweden and Italy. 'You've definitely aged me,' Wiegman told the players after the semi-final. You wouldn't think it as she walks in for a more informal chat with media on the eve of the Euro 2025 final. Wiegman is all smiles and laughs, as you might well be when your team repeatedly get through emotional late rescue acts. Everyone conspicuously looks to the coach in such moments. That isn't always the case in football. Wiegman admits that she finds focus on her 'awkward', if of course 'very special'. Except, it's hard not to focus on her. This is the 55-year-old's third consecutive major final in the England job, and fifth as a manager, going back to Euro 2017. 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Sarina Wiegman says Euro 2025 ‘craziest' run of tournament matches in her career
Sarina Wiegman says Euro 2025 ‘craziest' run of tournament matches in her career

The Independent

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Sarina Wiegman says Euro 2025 ‘craziest' run of tournament matches in her career

England boss Sarina Wiegman concedes Euro 2025 is the 'craziest' run of tournament matches in her managerial career. The Dutchwoman's defending champions are now just one win away from their second major trophy, but will need to seek revenge on Spain – who beat them in the World Cup final two summers ago – to secure back-to-back European titles. To reach this point, the Lionesses have leaned on late heroics, a never-say-die attitude, a sprinkle of luck and the wisdom of a head coach described by her Football Association boss as priceless, one who has now led teams to an unprecedented five consecutive major-tournament finals. 'In this environment you have challenges all the time. Before the World Cup, we had challenges with players who were injured,' said Wiegman. 'Of course, we prepare a lot and we know the players really well. We think of scenarios, 'Who is the first player to select? Who is the second?'. You're prepared for challenges. 'But in this tournament, it has been the craziest one with how the games went. That has been different.' Wiegman was forced to navigate through tumult even before the tournament started. The shock retirements of Euro 2022-winning goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacking midfielder Fran Kirby were followed by veteran defender Millie Bright – who captained England at the 2023 World Cup – withdrawing from selection to prioritise her physical and mental health. 'Of course, the challenge ahead of the tournament – whether players are available or not – the result is the same as an injured player or a player who is not available,' said Wiegman. 'You have to move on to what you want and who is ready to compete.' Some of those primed to do battle were expected – like Lucy Bronze, the 33-year-old now seven-time major tournament veteran Wiegman hailed as 'one of a kind', after she sparked England's stunning quarter-final comeback over Sweden with a late goal, then emphatically netted the winning penalty with the Lionesses' seventh try. But surprise standouts have also emerged in Switzerland, perhaps none so powerfully as 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, twice England's saviour with equalisers in their quarter and semi-final comebacks. Speaking to Agyemang, who has won three of her four England caps at this tournament, or 21-year-old Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones, paints a picture of Wiegman as a maternal figure, particularly for her seven major-tournament debutants. 'Yeah (I feel like a mum)', agreed Wiegman. 'You know, sometimes when people say about 'the girls' I think, are they meaning my daughters, or are they meaning my team. 'So that's tricky, I'm kind of a caring person so I need to, maybe that's the part, I care about them but at the same time I'm the coach, I'm making these hard decisions at the moment so sometimes you should leave that caring and leave it up to them. 'They're grown-up women! But at least a mum should care.' Wiegman is under contract until after the 2027 World Cup. On Thursday, FA chief Mark Bullingham said she was 'not for sale' and 'no price at all' would be tempting enough to allow her to be prised away. And while she admits some of the attention is 'awkward', Wiegman added: 'Of course I find it very special too. But I do believe that everyone plays his or her part in the success. 'What I'm trying to do is bring people together in the best possible way, players and staff and the people around me are really, really good. And if they perform at their highest level, then the chance of winning a game is the highest possible. And that's what I'm trying to do. 'I think I'm pretty good at bringing people together, but without the quality, you're not going to win a tournament.'

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