Sport shorts: Lewis Hamilton sends warning to F1 rivals and All Blacks beat Wales 40-17

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is a five-time Formula 1 world champion

(Image credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

published 1 November 2019

1. Lewis warns rivals: I plan to get even stronger

Despite being on the verge of a sixth Formula 1 world title, Lewis Hamilton has warned his rivals that he plans to become even stronger.

Why everyone’s talking about Formula 1’s 2021 changes

A sixth championship would put the 34-year-old just one behind the record number of titles won by F1 legend Michael Schumacher.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, where he can secure the 2019 championship, Hamilton said: “I never thought I would have five titles. If I am able to get a sixth one, it will be pretty unreal.

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“I don’t think I’ve hit peak yet and I plan to continue to get stronger.”

This season Hamilton has won ten of the 18 races and has led Mercedes to a sixth successive championship double.

He added: “Every year we try to get better, we try to apply ourselves better and balance our energy levels better, communicate better, so we deliver consistent results collectively. It’s great to look at the results because it reflects the improvement we’ve made.”

2019 F1 United States GP: preview and predictions

2. Future of F1 is revealed

The future of Formula 1 has been unveiled with a major announcement of new rules, regulations and car designs which will be introduced for the 2021 season.

At a press conference yesterday Formula 1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey and FIA president Jean Todt explained the changes and revealed the new-look car that will take to the track in two years’ time.

Among the changes include a budget cap to be introduced for the first time, cars designed to make grands prix more exciting and race weekends that will be condensed. It’s also been revealed that with race weekends being revised it would allow a maximum of 25 GPs per season.

F1.com says “this is the moment F1 fans have been waiting for” and the new regulations will “reshape grand prix racing as we know it”.

Why everyone’s talking about Formula 1’s 2021 changes

3. Wembley hosts final 2019 NFL London game

The fourth and final 2019 NFL London game will be played on Sunday at Wembley Stadium. The Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Houston Texans in an NFL week nine fixture that starts at 2.30pm (UK time). BBC Two will have live coverage of the game.

2019 NFL London Games: fixtures, tickets and results

4. Arsenal skipper Xhaka issues statement

Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has spoken publicly for the first time following his angry confrontation with fans last weekend.

In a statement the Swiss midfielder explained that he had “reached boiling point” as he walked off the Emirates pitch to a chorus of jeers.

Nonetheless Xhaka admitted that he had got “carried away” and reacted “disrespectfully” to fans. “That has not been my intention and I’m sorry if that’s what people thought,” he continued.

‘We will break your legs’: Xhaka explains why he reacted to fans

5. United trio face fitness tests

Manchester United travel to Bournemouth for tomorrow’s early Premier League fixture. The Red Devils will give late fitness tests to striker Marcus Rashford and central defenders Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “They had treatment yesterday, today [they played in] a light session, hopefully they’re ready. I can’t tell you exactly.”

Premier League fixtures Saturday 2 November (3pm unless stated)

AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester United (12.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Norwich City
Manchester City vs. Southampton
Sheffield United vs. Burnley
West Ham United vs. Newcastle United
Watford vs. Chelsea (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Sunday 3 November

Crystal Palace vs. Leicester City (2pm, live on Sky Sports)
Everton vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

6. England win T20 opener in New Zealand

England have taken a 1-0 lead in the Twenty20 international series in New Zealand. A seven-wicket victory was secured in Christchurch thanks to James Vince’s 59 off 38 balls. The second of the five-match T20I series will be played in Wellington on Sunday (1am UK time).

7. Eighth victory for the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are enjoying their best start to an NFL season since 1990. Last night’s 28-25 victory over the Arizona Cardinals means the 49ers have a perfect record of eights wins from eight. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo starred against the Cardinals, throwing four touchdowns for 317 yards.

8. Stoke City set to sack Jones

The Daily Mail reports that Nathan Jones is set to be sacked as manager of Stoke City. The Potters are second-bottom in the Championship after winning just two matches this season.

9. All Blacks beat Wales in RWC bronze match

New Zealand have won the Rugby World Cup bronze medal after beating Wales 40-17 at the Tokyo Stadium this morning.

The All Blacks, who came into the tournament as the two-time defending champions, were too strong for the Welsh.

Ben Smith scored two tries for New Zealand and further tries were added by Joe Moody, Beauden Barrett and Ryan Crotty. Richie Mo’unga scored one try and kicked five conversions.

Hallam Amos and Josh Adams touched down for Wales while Rhys Patchell and Dan Biggar added conversions. Patchell also kicked a penalty.

The bronze medal clash was the final international match for All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen and captain Kieran Read. It was also Warren Gatland’s final match in charge of Wales.