With Formula 1 entering its summer break, attention is beginning to drift away from the championship battle and towards the driver market.

Though England’s own Lewis Hamilton currently sits second in the Drivers’ Championship as he bids to claim an unprecedented eighth world title, speculation continues to swirl around several other high-profile stars.

With the paddock now enjoying a well-earned three-week summer break before racing resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix on the 21st of August, the Formula 1 rumour mill has shown little sign of slowing down.

One former Formula 1 team principal believes one established driver is exploring his options. Not because of contract uncertainty, division between management, or just in search of a new challenge, but because of who is sitting on the other side of the garage.

Ex-Haas Team Principal Makes Huge Claim

According to Guenther Steiner, current F1 commentator and former Team Principal of Haas Formula One, the driver in question is George Russell.

Mercedes only announced Russell’s extension through 2026 last year, leaving the door open for continued speculation over his long-term future, particularly amid the ongoing rumours linking Max Verstappen with a move to Brackley to join the team.

While Russell has insisted he already has an agreement in place for 2027, his fortunes have taken a dramatic turn this season.

After opening the campaign in dramatic fashion, winning the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne by just 2.974 seconds over teammate Kimi Antonelli, a string of poor form, reliability concerns, Mercedes’ lack of outright pace, and a string of unfortunate results have seen the Englishman’s championship challenge unravel.

Heading into the break, Antonelli holds a commanding 50-point advantage over Hamilton, who himself sits nine points ahead of his English counterpart.

Speaking on The Red Flag Podcast, Steiner believes this dynamic between the two Mercedes drivers could force Russell to consider a fresh challenge elsewhere.

“I think there’s a lot of interest from drivers to go to Audi for ‘28. I think for next year they are pretty set, but I think there is maybe a possibility in ‘28 at Audi. And that’s quite an interesting place because they’re making good progress. I mean, it seems to be on track, what they are doing.

Audi Looking Strong in Future

Steiner’s comments come as Audi continue to establish themselves as Formula 1’s most ambitious long-term project.

Sainz has already been linked with the German manufacturer as he considers his own future beyond 2027, while Nico Hulkenberg‘s seat is far from guaranteed next season.

Should Audi’s trajectory continue, Steiner believes they could become an increasingly attractive destination, not least for a Mercedes driver searching for a fresh start away from one of Formula 1’s brightest talents.

Fans of the Premier League know that the football season never really ends. And during the summer, that is down to the drama of the ever-lucrative transfer window.

The league’s 20 teams will have either exceeded expectations or underwhelmed during the previous campaign. But one thing that unites both the top teams and clubs looking to climb the table is the endless need to identify gaps in their squads and improve. But of course, this will not be achieved without significant financial outlays.

The billion mark will most likely be passed by Premier League clubs this summer, with some teams splashing some serious cash. Meanwhile, some teams will be a little more patient, hoping that a few affordable gems present themselves before that window firmly shuts.

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Left image: Aston Villa on X
Right image: Chelsea on X

If the transfer window were to shut today, these clubs would head into the new season with a very healthy bank balance. But whether that provides them with the squad depth to survive the trials of a Premier League campaign is another question.

Nottingham Forest sit bottom, having only signed and subsequently loaned out Portugal talent Gustavo Sa. But their biggest departure has provided a significant financial boost, as Elliot Anderson moved to Manchester City for a reported £116m. Aston Villa have also received a healthy boost to their bank account with the sales of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Donyell Malen. They have since reinvested almost £100m of those fees in World Cup starlet Johan Manzambi and Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, as well as Alejandro Garnacho arriving on loan.

Crystal Palace are yet to spend any money in the transfer window, but they have parted ways with Chelsea-bound Maxence Lacroix for a cool £52m. Newcastle will be a new-look side with several key departures. But they have reinvested in youthful prospects, with four substantial transfer fees paid out this summer already. Like Palace, Sunderland are yet to open their wallets but remain in the green following the sale of Eliezer Mayenda.

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Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Hull are back in the Premier League, but they have instead opted to balance the books, with both 12 arrivals and 12 departures currently. The same can be said for Fulham, who have dispensed with a few long-serving players without recouping much income.

Leeds have been a bit more daring, chancing their arm on Bosnian World Cup star Tarik Muharemović and stealing Harry Wilson away from Leeds on a free transfer. The move for Muharemović has been balanced out by the sale of the long-serving Pascal Struijk, who joins Brighton.

Brentford just missed out on European qualification last season and look determined to right that wrong this season. They have made two significant money transfers in Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony and Austrian prospect Jannik Schuster. Bournemouth, who did qualify for Europe, have already bolstered their options with two significant signings. But they have seen several players depart, most notably Marcos Senesi to Spurs on a free.

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via Reuters

Reigning champions Arsenal have made two major signings, but one has an asterisk hovering over them. Greek winger Christos Tzolis arrives from Club Brugge alongside Piero Hincapié. The Colombian defender was on loan at Arsenal last season, and has now had his move made permanent for £34m. Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior’s exits have offset some of those fees.

Brighton has been enthusiastic thus far, having already broken the £100m mark. The Seagulls have spent money on six signings, the most expensive being a £46m move for Tottenham centre back Luka Vušković. Jan Paul van Hecke’s move in the opposite direction has, however, effectively cancelled out that significant fee. Coventry City have returned to the Premier League after 25 years away, raiding Burnley, Brentford, and Frankfurt for new personnel. But they are yet to make any sales this summer.

Manchester United seem to be focused on restructuring their midfield. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived from Premier League rivals for healthy fees, whilst the permanent departure of Rasmus Hojlund has helped to partially fund their new arrivals. The club have also bid farewell to Jadon Sancho and Casemiro as free agents, which will free up some space on the club’s wage bill.

Like Coventry, Everton remain one of the few teams without any income so far this summer. But David Moyes has invested in youth for the Toffees, with Chelsea’s Tyrique George with the highest profile among his trio of new arrivals.

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Bradley Collyer/Pool via REUTERS via Action Images

After finishing in the top five biggest spenders last season, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham feature highly once again. But they are joined by the newly-promoted Ipswich, who are nearing £100m in expenditure. Ipswich are yet to pay any eyebrow-raising fees, instead opting for quantity. They have recruited eight players so far, with £24m signing Emersonn the most expensive among them.

Liverpool have lost a few key personnel on free transfers, but they have made two big money signings. Jeremy Jacquet arrives from Rennes after agreeing a £54m deal in January. World Cup winner Víctor Muñoz has also been signed as another strong option on the wing. Manchester City has focused on youth, whilst recouping respectable fees for defensive duo Manuel Akanji and Nathan Aké. But the headline arrival is Elliot Anderson, who makes the move to the Etihad for £116m.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham makeover is full steam ahead with over £200m already spent. Spurs have made a few smart moves in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, with the duo arriving as free transfers. But they have completed a massive outlay so far on Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Mateus Fernandes, with more new faces expected.

But top of the pile are Todd Boehly-backed Chelsea, who sit just shy of £300m spent. A number of lucrative, young players have arrived at Stamford Bridge, such as Marco Palestra, but the intent lies in their two biggest signings. Aston Villa couldn’t resist the £118m bid for Morgan Rogers, with the England international swapping the Midlands for the capital. French defender Maxence Lacroix has also moved across London from Crystal Palace for £52m as Xabi Alonso looks to make an impact during his first season in charge.

Vibrant in blue, Rangers have one of the most vocal followings in British football.

The Glasgow side’s supporters follow their boys in blue through thick and thin — and for good reason. Rangers are Scotland’s most decorated football team. Whether it’s a European night or an Old Firm derby, expect to find Ibrox in full voice.

Here are the anthems that take pride and place in the songbook of the Rangers supporters.

Follow, Follow

REUTERS/Chris Furlong/POOL

The official anthem of the club, it is adapted from William O. Cushing’s 19th-century gospel hymn “Follow On.” Repurposed by Gers fans during the early 20th century, it plays at every home game when the players emerge from the tunnel.

Simply the Best​​​​​​

Action Images / Lee Smith

Tina Turner’s 1989 classic gets an Ibrox makeover. The iconic track was added to the Rangers’ songbook during the club’s run of nine consecutive league titles in the 1990s. Today, the song still rears its head from time to time, harkening back to a golden era for the Glaswegian side.

Penny Arcade

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

American rock-and-roller Roy Orbison made more than just pennies when he released the track in 1969, but the song has found new life as Rangers’ victory song. Reverberating through the speakers after every win at Ibrox, it kickstarts the party for the thousands of fans in Rangers blue.

Blue Sea of Ibrox

Action Images / Lee Smith

A staple since the 1970s, the lyrics paint a picture of Rangers match days and the unity of the club’s support. A blanket of blue scarves, shirts, and flags brought together in song, it is a sight to be seen by any visitor to Ibrox on a Saturday afternoon.

I’m Feeling It (In the Air)

Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

A relatively new addition to the Rangers songbook, this anthem took hold during the club’s successful 2021-22 campaign. Reimagining the dance remix by Sunset Bros & Mark McCabe, the song sound tracked Rangers’ run to the Europa League Final that season. The euphoric beat of the track was perfect for the dazzling European nights at Ibrox.

We Are the People

REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Sometimes the simplest lyrics carry the strongest message. And that certainly rings true for “We Are the People.” Often viewed as the Rangers supporters’ defining chant, it is an anthem that fits every occasion and emotion. It lifts the players and fans when they’re down, and it is roared during moments of celebration. Overall, it lends voice to the community of fans that follow Rangers no matter the weather.

Heart and Hand

Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

A classic, more poetic chant that now only occasionally finds full voice at Ibrox. The phrase “heart and hand”, however, continues to be at the forefront of the club’s identity and fans’ unity. This is a song that remains highly revered by older members of the club’s fanbase and has now found new prominence as the name of Rangers’ most prominent fan-led podcast and independent media network.

Derry’s Walls

Action Images / Lee Smith

The traditional anthem dates all the way back to 1689 and the historic Siege of Derry. The defiant cries of “No surrender!” from the defending protestants defined this chapter in Irish history. With the club’s historical and cultural ties to Northern Ireland, Rangers fans adopted the song. Imbuing the lyrics with a fervent energy, the song has become a symbol of defiance and perseverance, whilst also recognising the club’s heritage.