Formula One returns to Shanghai, China this weekend for the first time in five years after Covid-19 caused restrictions and complications.
To mark the occasion, Shanghai will host the opening Sprint weekend of the 2024 season – with Red Bull and Max Verstappen expected to dominant at the front of the pack once again this weekend.
This race weekend schedule will look slightly different as two of the three practice sessions have been axed to make way for the Sprint Race.
Japan last held a F1 Grand Prix in 2019 and since that race, the circuit and standings have changed drastically, with the first two home in 2019, Lewis Hamilton and past teammate Valtteri Bottas being miles off the pace in 2024.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Shanghai Grand Prix which will see the opening Sprint race of the 2024 calendar season
+4
View gallery
The Chinese Grand Prix will return this weekend to the F1 circuit following a five year absence due to Covid-19
+4
View gallery
The last podium in 2019 saw Mercedes record a one-two, something which seems miles away for the current Mercedes outfit
+4
View gallery
Max Verstappen and Red Bull are aiming for another dominant weekend of racing following their one-two finish at the Japanese Grand Prix
TRENDING
Footy great who made history dies after six-year cancer battle
99.4k viewing now
Lonhro: Horse racing legend dies aged 25
90.9k viewing now
Horror blow for Souths as footy star, 21, is rushed to hospital
83.1k viewing now
Chinese Grand Prix – key information
The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix will take place from Friday, April 19 till Sunday, April 21 at Shanghai International Circuit.
Practice one of the highly anticipated return to the Shanghai International Circuit is set to get underway at 4:30am BST on Friday.
This will be the only practice of the race weekend, due to the Sprint Race.
Unlike non sprint weekends, There will only be one practice instead of the standard three.
Sprint qualifying is scheduled to start at 8:30am on Friday, April 19, with the actual sprint race set to begin at 4am on Saturday, April 20.
Qualifying for the Grand Prix will then take place after the Sprint Race, with qualifying for Sunday’s race expected to begin at 8am.
The main action of the weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 8am UK time on Sunday.
RED Bull chief Christian Horner should step down before the team is ripped apart by his sexting scandal, a former F1 star warned.
British racing legend Johnny Herbert told The Sun that “the Horner show” must end so the team can cling onto their true star, Max Verstappen.
9
Brit racing star Johnny Herbert said Christian Horner should step aside in the wake of the sexting stormCredit: AP
9
Horner and reigning world champion Max Verstappen are picture at the Saudi Grand Prix on March 9Credit: EPA
9
Hebert told The Sun that ‘it’s not about the Christian Horner show, it’s about the Max Verstappen show’Credit: Getty
The ex-Sky Sports pundit, 59, said the storm engulfing Red Bull Racing in the wake of allegations of controlling behaviour made by a female staffer against Horner, 50, is impacting all of F1.
He said: “It’s not a good thing for F1 with the whole thing going on and the belated heat on it.”
Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner who raced in F1 between 1989 and 2000, argued: “It doesn’t help the situation for Red Bull who have the best driver in the world at the present time.
“And they’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out off the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.
Lakers star LeBron James celebrates with his sons Bryce, right, and Bronny after becoming the all-time NBA scoring leader on Feb. 7, 2023. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
LeBron James is not trash.
He does not suck.
The Lakers superstar proved those points, and then some, in a series of videos his youngest son, Bryce, posted to his Instagram stories on Thursday.
The clips show James shooting hoops at night with both of his sons — Bronny, 19, who has declared for the NBA draft and entered the NCAA transfer portal but also could still return for his sophomore season at USC; and Bryce, 16, a high school junior who plays for Sierra Canyon — in the driveway at the family’s home in Brentwood.
In the first two videos, James is shown attempting some long-range shots with Bryce calling out some good-natured trash talk from behind the camera.
James was not rattled.
“You trash!” Bryce yelled before one shot.
Swish.
Sierra Canyon’s Bryce James warms up before the second half against Christopher Columbus on Jan. 16, 2023, in Springfield, Mass. (Gregory Payan / Associated Press)
“You suck!” Bryce tried next.
Swish.
“It’s not going in,” Bryce said before another shot.
Swish.
James responded after that one: “I’m [the] G.O.A.T., bro. G-O-A-T! What’re you talking about, stop playing with me.”
He then launched another shot.
Swish.
“Stop playing with me, man!” laughed James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer who has made 2,410 career three-pointers (eighth all time) out of 6,926 attempts (fifth all time). “This is what I do, man.”
The next video had James behind the camera and Bryce attempting from the same range — and not having much luck, much to the amusement of his father and brother. One of his shots did appear to go in after bouncing high off the back of the rim, but neither James nor Bryce were impressed.
“That was too much rim, champ,” James said.
But, as he showed off the bench for Sierra Canyon this season, Bryce does have a decent three-point shot. The final clip shows him putting up one more from long range.
“Just shoot it,” Bryce commented while walking into the house with his back to the basket as the ball bounced off the backboard and through the hoop.
It was all in good fun — and judging by all the laughter and wisecracks throughout the videos, all three thoroughly enjoyed what one can only imagine was a typical night at the James household.
Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant are reunited as Team USA teammates for the first time since 2012.
USA Basketball announced today the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, which will compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, set for July 26-Aug. 11, 2024. The team was selected by USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director Grant Hill and approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
The team is highlighted by 12 athletes with extensive USA Basketball experience, including three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant and the NBA’s all-time scoring leader LeBron James, who owns a pair of Olympic gold medals.
2024 USA Men’s National Team
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics) LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers) Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
The squad boasts a combined 11 Olympic appearances and owns 10 Olympic gold medals as well as three FIBA World Cup titles. In total, the U.S. will take 12 NBA All-Stars, four NBA MVPs and six NBA champions to Paris.
“It’s an honor to introduce the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” Hill said. “I’m grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball. The United States is home to some of the best basketball players in the world and I appreciate the vast interest in being part of this roster. These decisions weren’t easy, but it was a pleasure to go through the process and reach this outcome.
“We have the utmost respect for the level of competition we will face this summer. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of sport and the world will be watching the USA as we play in the toughest basketball tournament in history.”
Durant, who is also a 2010 World Cup gold medalist, is the USA’s all-time Olympic statistical leader in total points (435), scoring average (19.8 ppg), field goals (146), 3-point field goals (74) and free throws (69). He ranks third in rebounds (118) and blocks (16) and fourth in games played (24) and assists (71).
James, who has scored 273 points (3rd all-time among Americans) in the Olympics, will compete in his fourth Games and first since 2012. He won gold in 2008 and 2012 and made his Olympics debut in 2004 (bronze). James also owns a 2007 FIBA Tournament of the Americas gold medal.
Adebayo (2020), Booker (2020), Davis (2012), Holiday (2020) and Tatum (2020) have won Olympic gold medals and are part of a group that has gone 34-4 in Olympic competition since James’ debut in 2004.
Curry is a two-time World Cup champion (2010, 2014) and will make his Olympic debut this summer. He is one of six players who has competed at the World Cup, including Davis (2014), Durant (2010), Edwards (2023), Haliburton (2023), James (2006) and Tatum (2019). Of the seven World Cup participants, three (Curry; Davis, 2014; Durant, 2010) have also won gold and two (Edwards, 2023; Durant, 2010) have taken home All-Star Five honors. Edwards and Haliburton competed at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila, helping to secure the United States’ Olympic bid.
Embiid and Leonard will make their USA Basketball national team debuts when the United States hosts Canada on July 10 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to open the USA Basketball Showcase.
The 2024 USA Men’s National Team will be led by head coach Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), who is assisted by Mark Few (Gonzaga University), Tyronn Lue (L.A. Clippers) and Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat). Last summer, the quartet coached the 2023 USA Basketball Men’s National Team to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila.
“My staff and I are honored to coach this amazing group of players in our quest to win Olympic gold in Paris,” Kerr said. “We plan to represent USA Basketball with the utmost class and we hope to make our country proud.”
For more information on the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, see the links above.
USA Basketball will commence training camp on July 6 in Las Vegas. Following the game vs. Canada, the Americans will embark on an international training window that begins when the USA hosts Australia and Serbia on July 15 and 17, respectively, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Australia and Serbia will also face off on July 18 in Abu Dhabi. Tickets will go on sale this spring, but fans can register for updates
The USA Basketball Showcase continues at London’s O2 Arena when the USA men takes on the national teams of South Sudan on July 20 and Germany on July 22, followed by a tilt between the USA women and Germany on July 23.
The USA Basketball Showcase features a series of games that help the USA Basketball National Teams prepare for major competitions, including the Olympic Summer Games and FIBA World Cup. For more information on the USA Basketball Showcase and to purchase tickets
The USA officially qualified for the Paris Games as one of the top two nations from the FIBA Americas zone at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in September. The American men will compete for their fifth straight – and 17th overall – Olympic gold medal.
As part of Group C, the American men will face Serbia on July 28, South Sudan on July 31 and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Puerto Rico on Aug. 3 in the first round of the Olympic tournament. The 5-on-5 Olympic basketball group phase will take place in Lille, France, before the tournament moves to Paris for knockout and medal rounds.
In total, USA Basketball will be represented by four teams at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games, including 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 men and women. The USA are reigning Olympic champions in 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 women, with 3×3 men set to make their Olympic debut this summer. More information about all four USA Basketball teams will be announced at a later date.
Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets) had high praise for LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers).
On Saturday evening, the Denver Nuggets will host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 1 of their first round playoff series.
Head coach Michael Malone met with the media (on Friday) and shared a quote about James that got a lot of views on social media (
Malone on James: “What is it year 21? And the guy is getting better. He had a career-high from the three-point line this year. It’s really amazing when you sit back as a fan of the game, and not just his body of work, but what he’s doing in present day is incredible. Yeah, I hope he gets tired, I hope he wears down, but I have seen no signs of LeBron James slowing down by any means.”
Michael Malone on LeBron James: “It’s year 21, and the guy is getting better…I hope he gets tired. I hope he wears down. But I’ve seen no signs of LeBron James slowing down by any means.”
James finished the regular season with averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from the three-point range in 71 games.
The Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelcians in the play-in tournament by a score of 110-106.
Last season, they were swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
As for the Nuggets, they finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record.
They are coming off a year where they won the 2023 NBA Championship over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
At home, the Nuggets have been sensational, going 33-8 in 41 games hosted in Denver, Colorado.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a big task in front of them on Saturday night as they hosted Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Aside from the Lakers attempting to end their losing streak to Denver, the other big story coming into the contest was LeBron James being set to become the first player to reach 40,000 career points.
Early in the second quarter he would do just that, attacking the basket and finishing a layup to reach a milestone that seemed impossible. Just surpassing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot was something that many thought would never be done, but now LeBron is continuing to stretch that record out even further and opening up a club where only he resides.
What LeBron has done is truly something special and even the opposition recognizes it. After the game, Jokic praised James for reaching that milestone.
“It’s a great, great [accomplishment],” Jokic said. “It’s just amazing how many years he’s playing at an extremely high level. When you see now who can reach him, it’s really hard to see. Maybe [Anthony Edwards], maybe Luka [Doncic] if he plays long enough… It’s amazing to share the floor with a guy like [LeBron].”
Unfortunately for LeBron and the Lakers, he was unable to enjoy the accomplishment too much as Jokic and Murray took over in the second half, ultimately leading Denver to a 10-point win, their eighth straight over L.A.
While Murray recognized how great of an accomplishment that was for LeBron, he was also very happy to ruin the night with a Nuggets victory.
“Obviously the first player to do that,” Murray noted. “I think the biggest thing for me is his durability and consistency with the way he’s been able to keep up that level of performance throughout the years no matter the age. I think that’s the biggest thing, being not injured and stuff like that, knock on wood.
“But it was nice to come in here and shut it down. We just wanted to take the life out of the arena and we did a good job of weathering the storm and throwing all the haymakers.”
Murray scored 17 of his 24 points after halftime as the Nuggets pulled away down the stretch despite the best efforts of the Lakers. What LeBron accomplished on this night may not be seen again for decades, but it was Jokic, Murray and the Nuggets that walked off the court with a smile on their faces.
LeBron James says milestone ‘bittersweet’ due to Lakers loss
LeBron James has always been about winning first and foremost. While he thanked the Lakers fans for the love they showed him after reaching the 40,000 career point mark and called it cool to be the first to do something like this, LeBron admitted it was bittersweet in the end due to the Lakers losing.
“But for me, the main thing is always the main thing, and that’s to win,” James noted. “I just hate that it had to happen in a defeat, especially vs. a team that plays extremely well. And we played some good basketball tonight but wasn’t able to close it out. So, bittersweet. But I enjoyed every moment tonight though out on the floor.”
LeBron James, the NBA superstar and proud father, is shedding light on the emotional experience of watching his son, Bronny, play basketball at the University of Southern California (USC). In a candid interview, LeBron revealed that observing Bronny on the court fills him with ‘anxiety,’ highlighting the complexities of being a parent and a sports icon.
As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James has achieved unparalleled success on the court. However, his proudest moments often come from watching his children pursue their own passions and excel in their respective endeavors. For LeBron, seeing Bronny follow in his footsteps and play collegiate basketball is a source of immense pride and joy.
Despite his unwavering support for his son, LeBron James acknowledges the inherent pressure and expectations that come with being the offspring of a sports legend. As Bronny navigates the challenges of collegiate basketball, LeBron experiences a unique blend of excitement and anxiety, hoping for his son’s success while understanding the weight of the spotlight.
As a public figure, LeBron James is no stranger to scrutiny and media attention. However, when it comes to his role as a father, LeBron strives to strike a balance between protecting his children’s privacy and sharing moments of pride and joy with his fans. Watching Bronny play at USC is both a personal and public experience for LeBron, as he grapples with the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood under the spotlight.
For LeBron James, basketball has always been more than just a game—it’s a bond that unites him with his family and brings them closer together. Whether cheering from the sidelines or offering words of encouragement, LeBron finds solace and connection in sharing his love for the game with his son, Bronny, and supporting him on his journey as a young athlete.
Despite the anxiety that comes with watching his son play at USC, LeBron James remains steadfast in his support for Bronny and his teammates. As a father and a mentor, LeBron emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey, cherishing each moment, and finding strength in the bonds of family and community.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ candid revelation about experiencing ‘anxiety’ while watching his son, Bronny, play at USC sheds light on the complexities of parenthood and the emotional toll of balancing family life with fame and success. As LeBron navigates the highs and lows of fatherhood in the public eye, he serves as a role model for parents everywhere, reminding us of the power of love, support, and unwavering dedication to family.
In a thrilling matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James delivered a masterful performance, recording a triple-double to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a resounding 136-124 victory. James’ stellar display of skill and leadership proved instrumental in securing the win for the Lakers, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the NBA.
LeBron James left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing his unparalleled talent and versatility on both ends of the court. With his exceptional court vision, precise passing, and relentless scoring ability, James controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish, leaving the Grizzlies’ defense scrambling to contain his offensive onslaught.
James’ triple-double performance was a testament to his all-around brilliance on the basketball court. The seasoned veteran finished the game with an impressive stat line, tallying double-digit figures in points, rebounds, and assists, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
As the leader of the Lakers, LeBron James set the tone for his teammates with his unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether driving to the basket for a thunderous dunk, threading the needle with pinpoint passes, or crashing the boards for crucial rebounds, James led by example, inspiring his teammates to elevate their game to new heights.
With LeBron James leading the charge, the Lakers maintained control of the game from start to finish, fending off any attempts at a comeback by the Grizzlies. James’ ability to take over in key moments, coupled with stellar performances from his teammates, proved to be the difference-maker as the Lakers emerged victorious with a commanding win.
Throughout the game, chants of “MVP” echoed through the arena as fans showered LeBron James with praise for his extraordinary performance. The chants served as a fitting tribute to James’ enduring impact on the game of basketball and his relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the court.
As the Lakers celebrate their impressive victory over the Grizzlies, LeBron James and his teammates remain focused on the challenges that lie ahead. With their sights set on championship glory, the Lakers will continue to rely on James’ leadership and unmatched skill as they strive to achieve greatness in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ triple-double performance against the Memphis Grizzlies was a showcase of his unparalleled talent, leadership, and determination. As he continues to defy expectations and push the boundaries of greatness, James cements his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood, leaving fans in awe of his remarkable abilities.
In a heated debate that captured the attention of sports enthusiasts, Nick Wright found himself on the losing end when discussing the comparison between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The showdown underscored the passion and fervor surrounding the ongoing debate over who holds the title of the greatest basketball player of all time.
Despite Nick Wright’s best efforts to defend LeBron James, he was ultimately unable to sway the argument in favor of the modern-day superstar. Michael Jordan’s unparalleled legacy, highlighted by his six NBA championships and numerous accolades, proved to be a formidable opponent in the debate.
Throughout the exchange, Nick Wright faced tough questioning and counterarguments from his opponents, who cited Jordan’s unmatched competitiveness, scoring ability, and impact on the game as evidence of his superiority. Despite his efforts to highlight LeBron James’s versatility and longevity, Nick Wright struggled to counter the overwhelming evidence in favor of Jordan.
The debate served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the challenges faced by those who seek to challenge his status as the greatest basketball player of all time. While LeBron James has undoubtedly left his mark on the game, he continues to be measured against the lofty standard set by Jordan, a testament to the latter’s lasting impact on the sport.
As the debate rages on, fans and analysts alike will continue to weigh the merits of both LeBron James and Michael Jordan, each making their case for basketball supremacy. While Nick Wright may have fallen short in this particular debate, the discussion surrounding the GOAT will undoubtedly persist for years to come.
Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets) had high praise for LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers).
