Leclerc, who is currently partnering Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari, said: “Of course I would welcome Lewis. We are in F1 and we want to fight against the best.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
“I have had a big opportunity to have had Seb next to me who is a four-times world champion and I have learned a lot from him, so you can always learn from these types of champions.”
2. Kiwis win series against England
New Zealand have secured a 1-0 series victory against England after the second Test match was drawn in Hamilton. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor both scored centuries for the Kiwis before rain stopped play on the final day.
3. Police complaint lodged over Archer racial abuse
The BBC reports that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has lodged a complaint with police following the racial abuse directed by a spectator at England’s Jofra Archer during the first Test at Mount Maunganui.
NZC chief executive David White said: “Should the person responsible ever reoffend, we believe we have enough information to link him to the Bay Oval incident.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine.Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. AJ’s judgement day
Anthony Joshua is in line for a £60m payday from his heavyweight title rematch with world champion Andy Ruiz Jr.
However, despite the huge payday, The Daily Telegraph’s Oliver Brown says the British challenger has “everything to lose” on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.
Brown writes: “In terms of his bank balance, he can afford to keep grinning. In terms of his image, he has everything to lose.”
Snooker world No.1 Judd Trump was knocked out of the UK Championship last night, losing 6-3 to world No.98 Nigel Bond. Speaking after his shock win, Bond told BBC Sport: “He’s the man of the moment. I’m 54 what am I doing? Once I settled I played some good stuff out there. It’s unbelievable.”
6. Amazon primed for Premier League debut
Amazon Prime Video will make its Premier League bow tonight with its first live coverage of games from England’s top-flight. The online streaming service will show two matches tonight, six tomorrow and two on Thursday.
7. Man City face tough trip to Burnley
One of the matches live on Amazon tonight is Manchester City’s trip to Burnley. The Premier League champions are already 11 points shy of leaders Liverpool and lie third behind Leicester City in the table. Tonight’s visit to Turf Moor is therefore a must-win game for Pep Guardiola’s side.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine.Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
8. Merseyside rivals drawn in FA Cup
Liverpool will host Merseyside rivals Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. The third-round draw was made last night and other standout ties include holders Manchester City vs. Port Vale, Wolves vs. Manchester United and non-league AFC Fylde vs. Sheffield United. The ties will take place from 3-6 January.
9. Poch hints at return
Mauricio Pochettino has given his first major interview since being sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager last month.
The Argentine’s comments have put Manchester United and Arsenal “on red alert” with both clubs eyeing up the out-of-work South American.
Pochettino said: “There are a lot of clubs and attractive projects for me to take on. My aim is to seek the ability to rebuild myself and get my self-motivation back.”
10. Messi and Rapinoe win Ballon d’Ors
Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi made history last night by winning a record sixth Ballon d’Or award.
The 32-year-old is now one clear of rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five wins. Messi secured the most votes ahead of second-placed Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool and Netherlands) and third-placed Ronaldo (Juventus and Portugal).
United States star Megan Rapinoe won the women’s Ballon d’Or. England’s Lucy Bronze and USA’s Alex Morgan finished second and third in the voting.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine.Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Explore More
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Pentagon faces an uncertain future with Trump
This is what you should know about State Department travel advisories and warnings
'All Tyson-Paul promised was spectacle and, in the end, that's all we got'
Christian Horner and the Red Bull saga that refuses to go away
Max Verstappen: F1’s record-breaking world champion
F1 ‘silly season’ hits top speed as 2023 grid takes shape
Lewis Hamilton on his F1 future: ‘I have plenty of fuel in the tank’
F1: a bumpy start to the season for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
F1 Bahrain GP reactions: Ferrari ‘back with a bang’ as Leclerc ‘tames the beast’
F1 2022 season guide: race calendar, championship standings and 2023 grid
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
