Red Bull's Max Verstappen said the decision risks making F1 drivers like "kids and clowns". The four-time world champion told broadcaster Viaplay that he would rather stick with the usual format of drivers being taken around the circuit on a flatbed truck, waving to fans and doing television interviews. Formula One and Lego announced on Thursday that the 22 drivers will take a lap of Silverstone in mini cars made of thousands of Lego bricks before Sunday's race. It's not the first time that cars made from Lego, an official partner of Formula One, have been seen on the track. The 2025 Miami Grand Prix saw drivers sharing 10 two-seater cars, which saw collisions and bricks scattered across the asphalt as drivers jockeyed with each other. 'I prefer to play with Lego at home' "I prefer to play with Lego at home, you know, with the kids. Not on a go-kart here, to be honest," said Verstappen when speaking about the plans for Sunday. "I prefer to stand on a truck, just with everyone together. I think that's more fun, and I think it also looks more professional." "At the end of the day, we are Formula One drivers, I think we should not look like kids and clowns trying to ram into each other," the Dutchman said. "I don't think that is what Formula One needs, but it is what it is." British racing driver Lewis Hamilton was also critical of the decision, telling a press conference on Thursday that "I'm not doing it", after the topic came up. Pressed on why that might be, the British Ferrari driver said it was something he needed to "take offline". Ferrari later confirmed Hamilton would be taking part and tagged the driver in a post on X yesterday that read: "Ready for more Lego chaos on Sunday." Read more from Sky News:Two men jailed for stabbing TV presenterVenezuela's interim president defends earthquake response 'A jolly good ride' Not all drivers are against the idea, though. While Aston Martin's Lance Stroll said he was "indifferent", McLaren's world champion Lando Norris said he was "pretty excited for it actually". Norris said: "If it's like Miami was then, I think whoever can make it back to the start line will be a winner already. "As long ⁠as it's safe and we all behave, which we shall, then it will be a jolly good ride." Last July, the top three finishers at the British Grand Prix were rewarded for their efforts with trophies made of Lego. Lego and Formula One have been contacted for comment.

West Coast Railways' Jacobite train service runs through the Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig and passes over the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct - on the West Highland Line - had a starring role in a number of the boy wizard movies based on JK Rowling's books, and attracts thousands of excited Potterheads from around the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the "Hogwarts Express". According to the National Trust for Scotland, Glenfinnan welcomes 600,000 visitors annually. As the Jacobite's latest season gets under way, Network Rail Scotland is urging visitors to put safety first. Neil Cook, route crime manager, said: "The Jacobite steam train's journey over Glenfinnan Viaduct is a magical sight but it's not worth risking your life for. "Too often, we receive reports of dangerous behaviour, with people climbing fences, standing on the railway, or walking along the track to try to get closer. "Trains can come from either direction, are quieter than people expect, and can't stop quickly. "The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail offers dedicated viewing spots and most importantly, keep people a safe distance from the railway. "We insist everyone visiting uses those areas and helps keep themselves and others out of harm's way." Read more from Sky News:Queen meets JK RowlingWonka star's voice recreated by AI Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence and applies to the tracks, the viaduct and surrounding railway land. Anyone caught can be removed, issued a fine and prosecuted in court. Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan, from British Transport Police, said: "Stepping on the tracks is never worth the risk - it's illegal and puts lives in immediate danger. "Every trespass incident not only risks serious injury or worse but also causes major disruption for passengers and freight across the network. "We work closely with our partners at Network Rail to detect and deter trespass, as well as taking enforcement action for anyone who disregards the rules and places themselves or others in danger. "Please follow the advice - stay off the tracks, follow the guidance, and enjoy the view safely."

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Hamilton, a nine-time winner at Silverstone, played down his chances to take the fight to Mercedes at his home track, but beat championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 0.213s with his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc 0.599s back. Antonelli is 40 points ahead of George Russell in the Drivers' Championship and 46 points in front of Hamilton, who vowed on Thursday that he "won't stop" until he wins a record-breaking eighth world title. British GP: Sprint weekend schedule and how to watch for free on SkyF1 2026 standings | F1 2026 Calendar | F1 Gossip ColumnDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 "He's been on it all season. He's loving these new cars," said Sky Sports F1's Anthony Davidson. "We were all a bit lost as to what happened to Lewis Hamilton from 2022 onwards basically, until now. "He was a little a bit lost as well and doubted himself. And yes, even an accomplished athlete like Lewis Hamilton can doubt themselves. It's a very real thing and we don't blame him for that at all. But it's so good to see him back, and he's enjoying these cars." In more encouragement for Hamilton, he was also quickest on the hard tyre runs so appears to genuinely be in with a chance of making inroads into Antonelli's championship lead - with points also on offer for Saturday afternoon's Sprint at Silverstone. Hamilton always brings his best level to Silverstone, pointing to the energy of the home crowd and the enjoyment he gets around the high-speed track which the drivers adore, as reasons for his extraordinary record at the British Grand Prix. His advantage over Leclerc in practice also a continuation of Hamilton being the happier of the two Ferrari drivers in recent races. Russell was 0.678s behind his former team-mate, while McLaren and Red Bull have work to do ahead to get into the fight at the front. Oscar Piastri had a high-speed spin at Becketts before finishing nine tenths off the pace in fifth, with Max Verstappen nearly one second down in sixth. Last year's British Grand Prix winner Lando Norris was seventh, while Isack Hadjar looked strong on the hard tyres but could not convert that into fast soft-tyre pace, as he finished eighth. It looked to be another close fight between Audi, Racing Bulls and Alpine for the final points-paying positions at Silverstone. Audi's Nico Hulkenberg was ninth and one tenth ahead of Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson in 10th, with Alpine's Franco Colapinto close behind in 11th. Sky Sports F1's British GP schedule Friday July 31.55pm: F3 Qualifying*2.50pm: F2 Qualifying*3.35pm: British GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 4.30pm)*5.55pm: F1 Academy Qualifying Saturday July 49.30am: F3 Sprint*11am: British GP Sprint build-up*12pm: BRITISH GP SPRINT*1.40pm: F2 Sprint*2.50pm: British GP Qualifying build-up*4pm: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING*6pm: F1 Academy Race 16.45pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook Sunday July 58.20am: F3 Feature Race*9.55am: F1 Academy Race 2*11.10am: F2 Feature Race*12.55pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction6pm: Ted's Notebook *also on Sky Sports Main Event Formula 1 is in Silverstone for a Sprint weekend at the British Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One - with Sunday's race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

Digwa was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison in June after fatally stabbing 18-year-old Mr Nowak in Southampton on 3 December last year. His sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal as "unduly lenient" by the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, last month. However, the Court of Appeal confirmed on Friday that Digwa is seeking to appeal against his conviction and sentence. No date for the hearing of the appeal or the bid to increase the sentence has been set, and no details have been provided about Digwa's challenge. After stabbing Mr Nowak, Digwa lied to police, saying he was the victim of a racist attack. The case sparked protests after police body-worn footage was released showing officers failing to administer first aid, instead handcuffing Mr Nowak as he lay dying, despite him telling officers he couldn't breathe. Read more from Sky News:Woman who stalked George Osborne and his wife spared jailFour-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome retires The victim's father, Mark Nowak, said the difference in the way the killer and his son were treated was "unbearable" after Digwa was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that there were "serious questions" to answer about the case the following day. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said on Wednesday it is investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct, including potential failures to realise that Mr Nowak required urgent medical attention, and to take action when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, as well as the decision to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid. It was also revealed that one of the officers is under investigation for potentially breaching conduct standards by dismissing Mr Nowak's claim he had been stabbed. The watchdog is also looking at whether race or religion were factors in the officers' decision-making.

Posts on Willis's Facebook page and the band's official page confirmed his death, with his wife saying she made the announcement with "profound sadness". The post on his page said: "Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss." His death came the day before his 75th birthday. Village People rose to fame in the 1970s, becoming known for their camp, feelgood songs and flamboyant, fancy-dress-style costumes which were symbolic of American masculinity at the time - including a construction worker, a cowboy and a biker. Willis was known for styling himself as a policeman, a naval officer and an athlete during their performances. Their hits included Macho Man, Go West - later covered by the Pet Shop Boys - and In The Navy, but it was the unstoppable disco anthem YMCA that earned them platinum sales and number ones around the world. In the UK, it spent 16 weeks in the Top 40 between 1978 and 1979, including three weeks at the top of the chart. Thanks to its earworm catchiness and accompanying dance routine, it has remained a regular at weddings and parties ever since. In 2020, the song was inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the US Library of Congress National Recording Registry, which aims to "ensure the survival, conservation and increased public availability of America's audio heritage". It was adopted as an anthem by the gay community, despite the singer saying several times the intention was to offer a more universal message, and that it was about his own experiences growing up - although other members of the group interpreted it differently. "I wanted to write a song that could fit anyone's lifestyle," Willis said in one interview The singer left the group in 1979, with several performers taking over on lead vocals over the years. After his depature, the band featured in the 1980 US comedy film Can't Stop The Music, a pseudo-biography of their story. Almost 40 years later, in 2017, Willis rejoined and "revamped" the band, they say in their website biography. 'Music without politics' Donald Trump began using the song in his 2020 re-election campaign, which he lost to former US president Joe Biden, and the group initially issued a cease and desist letter. However, Mr Trump used the song again in his successful 2024 election campaign, which concluded with a line-up of the band performing at events around his 2025 inauguration. In a statement on his own Facebook page at the time, Willis explained why the band had decided to accept the invitation. "We know this won't make some of you happy to hear, however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics," he wrote."Our song YMCA is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost. Therefore, we believe it's now time to bring the country together with music." Read more from Sky News:How much did Trump make from crypto last year?Govt bid to clear drugs, weapons and gangs from prisons The performances took place despite one former Village People member, Jim Newman, writing on Instagram to say the original band "would never ever" perform at a Trump rally. Willis was still performing with the band earlier this year, sharing a post on Facebook in May after completing the first leg of a European tour. The band were due to play further shows across Europe and the US, as well as a YMCA Convention in Ontario, Canada, throughout July, according to their website.

Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Harriet Harman said that although Mr Burnham has "got a strong team of women around him and he's got a good record in Manchester of always including women and not having a boys' club", the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) "are not prepared to take it on trust any more". Politics Hub: Follow the latest Baroness Harman added that the number of women in Mr Burnham's cabinet is going to be a "central issue because the women are going to make it so". Mr Burnham is currently the only declared candidate in the upcoming Labour leadership contest, with no other candidate expected to run against him. He will likely become prime minister on 20 July if he remains the only candidate. Baroness Harman said there would be "no more playing nice by the women in the Parliamentary Labour Party", following accusations of a boys' club and misogyny in Downing Street under Sir Keir Starmer. "They really want to see their place on equal terms now," she added. Put to her by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby that, as deputy Labour leader under Gordon Brown she was denied the post of deputy prime minister, alongside reports that Mr Burnham could appoint both Miliband brothers to senior roles in his cabinet, Baroness Harman said there is "scar tissue here". The Women's PLP has drafted a letter to Mr Burnham demanding he ensures at least 50% of ministerial jobs, and jobs in Number 10, go to women, our political reporter Faye Brown has reported. Mr Burnham attended a meeting of the Women's PLP on Tuesday, with multiple sources present telling Sky News that he was receptive to the jobs idea. 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 'Regretful' the next leader likely be another man Baroness Harman added that while there has "been a very big welcome for Andy Burnham", female Labour MPs were also "regretful that once again, the Labour Party has got their next male leader". Labour have never had a female leader, although they have had two female acting leaders, including Baroness Harman. The party has had four female deputy leaders, including the incumbent, Lucy Powell. Some female Labour MPs have told Sky News that the demands made of Mr Burnham over jobs will make it more likely that a woman succeeds him when the time comes. "There are many talented women in the PLP. The chances of them succeeding [Burnham] are more likely if you've held high office," one MP said.

The club are assessing their next options after seeing Mateus Fernandes join Tottenham for £85m this week and have a list that also includes Felix Nmecha, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Sander Berge. The situation around Tchouameni at Real Madrid is complicated by the Spanish club's intentions to reshape their own midfield. Although they have been interested in the player, the Spanish giants announced on Friday that they have no intention of pursuing a deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Premier League ins and outsMan Utd news & transfers | Man Utd fixtures They also have an interest in Rodri but Manchester City intend to keep him and want him to sign a new deal. Regardless, if Real Madrid do need to create space in midfield, they are widely reported in Spain to be more open to moving on Eduardo Camavinga. With Tchouameni currently difficult, Bournemouth's Scott is also a high-priority target for United. Along with Arsenal, they would be frontrunners to sign him - but Sky Sports News has already reported Bournemouth do not want to sell any of their best players, including Scott, whom they would like to sign a new deal. United are believed to have made further checks on Lille and Morocco midfielder Bouaddi this week as the 18-year-old continues to impress at the World Cup and prepares for a last-16 meeting with Canada on Saturday. Borussia Dortmund and Germany's Nmecha, and Fulham and Norway's Berge, also make the shortlist. Strengthening in midfield has been and remains United's priority this summer, with a deal for Atalanta's Ederson to be completed after his World Cup stint with Brazil. What other positions are Man Utd targeting? Crysencio Summerville remains the number one target on the left wing, despite the club prioritising midfield this summer. United have held initial, exploratory talks with West Ham over a deal for the Netherlands international but they are not the only Premier League club interested. His future is expected to be clarified in the coming weeks after Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco. United ideally want to sign him using funds from the sale of Marcus Rashford, who is set to return to Old Trafford once his post-World Cup break is finished. Depending on how far England go into the tournament, that could be well into August. Tottenham are also in the running for Summerville and United are very aware they could lose out to Spurs on another priority target if they don't move quickly. There is also still a chance Rashford stays as a squad player under Carrick. The pursuit of a left-back - Newcastle's Lewis Hall - is on hold until they have recruited more midfielders.