Max Verstappen could not resist taking a cheeky dig at George Russell‘s controversial pole position this past weekend, joking over his team radio about yellow-flag speeding during the Austrian Grand Prix.

In a bizarre end to qualifying on Saturday, Russell was able to keep his pole lap after crossing the line under yellow flags.

Verstappen‘s qualifying came to an abrupt end on Saturday after he suddenly lost the rear of his RB22 at turn 9 and crashed into the barriers.

The Dutchman admitted afterwards he had no idea what triggered the spin, but the mystery was later solved when Red Bull discovered the rear wing had failed to close in time, robbing the car of crucial downforce and leaving him powerless to prevent the slide.

George Russell’s Controversial Pole at Austrian GP

Lisa Leutner via Reuters

Verstappen’s crash handed Russell a narrow window, with the Mercedes driver running right behind the Red Bull on track. Seeing only single yellow flags, the Brit lifted just enough to cross the line for pole position before the double yellows appeared.

His teammate, and championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, also passed the Red Bull under single yellows, but abandoned his flying lap after assuming the double yellows had already been deployed. The FIA reviewed Russell’s pole position before deciding that no further action would be taken.

Verstappen was shocked that the double yellows, which make any ongoing flying lap invalid, did not immediately appear, and could not resist making a tongue-in-cheek remark during Sunday’s race.

Max Verstappen’s Playful Joke About George Russell

Philippe Nanchino via Reuters

During a conversation with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, over the team radio, the four-time world champion made a joking reference to Russell’s controversial pole position after the yellow flags were used during the race.

Lambiase said to Verstappen: “Yellow in turn 10. Double yellow across the start/finish line. Yellow here, and double yellows.”

To which Verstappen responded: “That means flat out, right? Past the car? I’m joking!”

The 28-year-old’s P2 finish in Austria was his strongest result in a season which has so far seen Red Bull struggle, and after taking a disliking to the new regulations, Verstappen has even toyed with the idea of an early departure from F1.

He now sits seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, 98 points behind the leader Antonelli, while Red Bull lie fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.

When asked about his title chances, Verstappen replied: “Well, I think there are more races left than last year. But it’s a very big gap. I think for us, we have very good pace, but I think to fight for a title race we still have too many issues, if that’s from a start to just procedural issues in the background that even I think you guys don’t know about, but I know about.”

Verstappen heads to the British Grand Prix next, where he has won just once, in 2023, and last season started on pole before finishing P5.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch became the first manager at this summer’s World Cup to win a knockout match, as his side edged South Africa 1-0 thanks to a 92nd-minute strike from former Porto midfielder, Stephen Eustaquio.

It marks a historic moment for Canadian football, with the co-hosts never having previously advanced from the group stage or even won a World Cup match before this summer.

Canada will now face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals, but the build-up to their breakthrough run has been just as eventful as the football itself.

Marsch Refuses to Take the Bait on USA Question

Canada coach Jesse Marsch via REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

A range of Marsch’s comments have come in for criticism from a host of pundits and former players. The 52-year-old was born and raised in the United States and even spent time as an assistant for the USMNT, but has been in charge of Canada since 2024, which is controversial enough in itself.

True to form, Marsch couldn’t resist having some input when asked about the USA’s upcoming round of 32 clash with Bosnia, who they drew 1-1 with in the group stage, despite previously vowing to steer clear of commenting on his home nation and vowing to never manage them.

Given Marsch was passed over for the USA job himself back in 2023, when Gregg Berhalter was reappointed ahead of him, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s a touch of sour grapes behind the comments.

Clint Dempsey Hits Back at Marsch’s National Anthem Claim

Marsch’s comments on the eve of the tournament, revealing he and former USMNT manager Bob Bradley once had to plead with players to sing the national anthem, also continue to draw reaction.

Clint Dempsey wasn’t impressed with Marsch’s words, saying:

Despite the ongoing back-and-forth, Marsch insists he remains “proud to be American,” even if his outspoken style and current role continue to split opinion on both sides of the border.

Liverpool have to react quickly after missing out on Yan Diomande after learning that the RB Leipzig star has chosen Paris Saint-Germain as his preferred next club.

The RB Leipzig winger had been the Reds’ top choice to replace Mohamed Salah, and the Ivorian ticks plenty of boxes. At only 19, he is one of the most exciting teenagers in European football, but he won’t be arriving at Anfield.

GIVEMESPORT understands that Liverpool have ended their pursuit of Diomande due to the player wanting to join PSG. The club’s decision-makers are now exploring alternatives to add a new winger to Andoni Iraola’s attack.

Liverpool Should Turn to Barcola

Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters

There are four players who are on Liverpool’s radar, including PSG’s Bradley Barcola. With Diomande potentially heading to the Parc des Princes, the French attacker could make way.

Barcola is on the Merseysiders’ shortlist and might become available if the Parisians decide to swoop for Diomande. The 23-year-old has been an important player for Luis Enrique and registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions last season.

PSG’s interest in Diomande is somewhat surprising given the pool of attacking options they possess. Barcola is one of them, and he will surely be pondering his future if another winger with a similar profile arrives.

Praised as “one of the world’s best wingers”, the former Lyon man’s exploits tend to go under the radar in Paris. His teammates Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia often get all the plaudits in the dominant European champions’ team.

Liverpool have an opportunity to swoop for Barcola and propose that he becomes their marquee signing to fill the void left by Salah. He has enormous talent and could relish the chance to play a lead role at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Barcola has two years left on his contract and has been with the French capital club since August 2023. He seems a perfect fit for Iraola’s system and his versatility could see him used on either flank.

Barcola is the Best of the Lot

via Reuters

There are four wingers on Liverpool’s wishlist who they are considering turning to after conceding defeat in the race for Diomande. They also admire Koln’s Said El Mala, Lille’s Matias Fernandes-Pardo and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh.

Barcola is undoubtedly the best option of the four, as he has been part of a team that has dominated Europe and French football. He’s even earning game time for France at the World Cup and is arguably outperforming PSG teammate Doue.

A move for Barcola will, of course, be dependent on whether the Parisian giants decide to sign Diomande. Some reports claim the Ligue 1 club will be demanding around €80 million (£69m).