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Max Verstappen's future in Formula One has been thrown into doubt after his long-time engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, announced that he will be leaving Red Bull to join McLaren in 2028. Lambiase has been a crucial part of Verstappen's team since 2016, playing a key role in his four world championships.The news is a significant blow to Red Bull, as Lambiase's departure comes at a time when Verstappen has been expressing disenchantment with the current F1 regulations. The Dutch driver has been vocal about his frustration with the focus on energy management, which he believes has made the racing less enjoyable.Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but performance-related escape clauses could allow him to exit before then. The team has been going through a period of change, with several key figures leaving, including Christian Horner as team principal, Adrian Newey as chief designer, and Jonathan Wheatley as sporting director.Lambiase's move to McLaren will see him take on a role supporting the team principal, Andrea Stella. The British-Italian engineer has been a close ally of Verstappen, and their partnership has been highly successful. Their radio interactions during races have been closely followed, showcasing a strong professional and personal bond.The departure of Lambiase and other key figures has raised questions about the future of Red Bull and Verstappen's commitment to the team. With the current regulations and the competitiveness of the Red Bull car, Verstappen's future in F1 is uncertain.

The latest Cannes lineup reveals a clear pivot from the usual Hollywood glamour toward a roster dominated by celebrated world‑cinema auteurs such as Pedro Almodóvar, Cristian Mungiu and Asghar Farhadi. While last year’s festival was anchored by a Mission: Impossible spectacle starring Tom Cruise, this edition offers a more eclectic mix, including debut features from Andy Garcia (who also stars in his crime drama Diamond) and John Travolta, who directs the aviation‑themed Propeller One‑Way Night Coach based on his own novel.Under the stewardship of director Thierry Frémaux, Cannes continues to bar films that are exclusive to streaming platforms, a stance that has been vindicated by recent Oscar successes for festival selections. The festival also entered the AI debate: Steven Soderbergh’s documentary John Lennon: The Last Interview employs artificial intelligence to reconstruct visual elements of the legendary interview, sparking both fascination and unease among attendees.Gender representation remains skewed, with a noticeable predominance of male directors in the competition slate, although the final list is still pending. Notably absent are any British filmmakers, despite the inclusion of Polish auteur Paweł Pawlikowski, whose biopic of Thomas Mann, Fatherland, could be loosely claimed as a UK entry given his long residence there.Geopolitical undercurrents are hard to ignore. Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev returns with Minotaur, a film about a beleaguered Russian businessman. Zvyagintsev, once favored by Vladimir Putin, now lives in exile in France, adding a layer of political intrigue to his work amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.The competition also features a strong historical thread: László Nemes’s Moulin revisits occupied France, Emmanuel Marre’s Notre Salut explores Vichy‑era France, and Lukas Dhont’s Coward follows a Belgian soldier’s harrowing experience in World‑I trenches.Among the more provocative entries, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Her Private Hell promises shock value in the out‑of‑competition slot, while the Un Certain Regard section showcases Jane Schoenbrun’s queer slasher Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, likely to become a festival highlight.

Semyon Bychkov's Czech Philharmonic Mahler cycle, released as a box set by Pentatone, has been gaining attention since 2022. The latest addition, featuring symphonies 6, 7, 8, and 9, solidifies its place in the pantheon of great Mahler recordings.The Sixth Symphony is notable for its relentless tread, which Bychkov tames with a considered approach. The 'Alma theme' shines with inner fire, and the slow movement is a serene, shimmering piece.The Seventh Symphony, often considered problematic, is remarkably convincing under Bychkov's meticulous direction. The tempi and transitions in the long opening movement feel natural, and the nocturnal movements are rich with imaginative detail.The Eighth Symphony stands out as one of the finest in the catalogue, with a superbly recorded and strongly cast performance. A highlight is the moment at the end of the first movement where the eight choral lines soar in unison.The Ninth Symphony showcases the architectural arc of the piece, with the catastrophic collapses in the opening movement resolved in the spiritual release of the finale. The Czech Philharmonic's playing, especially the woodwind, is impeccable throughout.

Dan Levy, creator of the hit sitcom 'Schitt's Creek', ventures into cringe comedy with 'Big Mistakes', a Netflix series that, while entertaining, struggles to find its footing. Levy stars as Nicky, a pastor hiding his relationship from his family and congregation, alongside Taylor Ortega as his rebellious sister Morgan. The show's strength lies in its cast, particularly Levy and Ortega, who deliver charming and hilarious performances. Laurie Metcalf also shines as their emotionally unstable mother. However, the plot often falters, relying on implausible developments and generic portrayals of organized crime. The dynamic between Levy's character and Ortega's is a highlight, showcasing Levy's expertise in crafting bickering, boundary-pushing on-screen families, reminiscent of 'Schitt's Creek'. The familial drama and cringe comedy elements are more engaging than the show's attempt at an organized crime storyline. Despite its shortcomings, 'Big Mistakes' is not a major failure but rather a passable effort. Levy's talent for creating relatable, flawed characters and humorous situations makes the show enjoyable, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of his previous work.

Last‑Minute Discount Deadline Fuels Urgency With only three days left before the April 10, 11:59 p.m. PT deadline, prospective attendees can lock in savings of up to $500 on a TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass. The limited‑time offer is designed to attract founders, operators, and VCs eager to secure a seat at the epicenter of the tech ecosystem. What the 2026 Disrupt Event Brings to the Table From October 13‑15 at Moscone West, the conference will gather 10,000+ founders, operators, and venture capitalists for three days of high‑signal conversations and deal‑making. Highlights include: Over 20,000 curated meetings recorded in the previous year. Upgraded networking tools aimed at more targeted connections. Startup Battlefield featuring 200 pre‑Series A companies competing for $100,000 in equity‑free funding. More than 300 startup exhibitors showcasing new products in the Expo Hall. Side events from October 11‑17 across the Bay Area, including breakfasts, cocktail hours, panels, and founder meetups. Financial and Scale Metrics Highlight Event Weight The discount translates to a direct cost reduction for attendees, while the event itself drives significant economic activity: Potential savings of up to $500 per pass, lowering the barrier for early‑stage founders. Historical data shows 20,000+ curated meetings, indicating high deal‑flow potential. The $100,000 equity‑free prize pool for Battlefield winners can accelerate growth trajectories. Why This Discount Matters for the Startup Ecosystem Access to Disrupt is more than content; it’s a gateway to capital, talent, and market validation. By reducing the price point, TechCrunch widens participation, enabling: Early‑stage startups to pitch directly to top‑tier VCs. Founders to secure curated meetings that can change company trajectories. Investors to source high‑quality deals in a concentrated environment. Looking Ahead: What 2026 Disrupt Could Shape Given the scale and the upgraded networking tools, the 2026 edition is poised to amplify trends in AI, hardware, and growth strategy. Expect: Increased cross‑border collaborations as global founders converge. More data‑driven matchmaking, leading to higher conversion rates from meetings to investments. Emergence of new category‑defining startups, following the legacy of alumni like Discord, Cloudflare, and Trello. Stakeholders who secure their passes now position themselves at the forefront of these developments.

Cornish film-maker Mark Jenkin has brought his latest film, Rose of Nevada, to his hometown of Newlyn in Cornwall. The film, a ghostly time travel tale, has received excellent early reviews and features Jenkin's signature authentic storytelling.Jenkin, who is from Newlyn, expressed his pride in Cornwall, stating, “This is the greatest town in the world. I see Cornwall as being at the centre of the world.” He emphasized the importance of showcasing Cornwall's culture and community in his films.The film was shot entirely in Cornwall, using a clockwork Bolex camera and featuring a working fishing boat. Jenkin's vision for his homeland is central to the film, rather than using it as a backdrop.Jenkin's success has put a spotlight on Cornwall, with other filmmakers, such as Brett Harvey and Dan Simpkins, highlighting the growing recognition of regional film-making. Laura Giles of Screen Cornwall noted that Jenkin is a “talisman for Cornish film-making” and that there are other emerging filmmakers in the region.The film's producer, Denzil Monk, emphasized the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in the production, stating, “We try to step very lightly” in terms of impact on the environment and community.

Ballon d’Or prospects are wider than ever after more than a decade dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This season’s Champions League quarter‑finals could tip the balance as the 103‑day run‑in to the World Cup final approaches. Harry Kane leads the conversation, having netted 54 goals across club and country – a tally that includes Bayern Munich’s recent 2‑1 win over Real Madrid. A Champions League triumph with Bayern and a World Cup victory with England would make him the first English Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen in 2001. Other candidates include Kylian Mbappé, currently the top scorer in both the Champions League and La Liga, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose creativity for Barcelona and Spain adds a different flavour to the race. The field remains open enough that a surprise performer – perhaps an Arsenal double‑winner or a PSG‑Portugal combo – could leapfrog the traditional favourites. Folarin Balogun’s USMNT future is under scrutiny. The 24‑year‑old Monaco striker has scored in five consecutive Ligue 1 matches, highlighted by a spectacular chip against Marseille that showcased his peak form. Yet head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to start Christian Pulisic at centre‑forward in the final warm‑up against Portugal, limiting Balogun’s chance to cement his role. While Pulisic displayed moments of flair, his hold‑up play was described as “more like a winger than a No 9”, underscoring the coach’s dilemma. Balogun’s club form, however, argues that the United States already possess a striker capable of leading the line. Roberto De Zerbi faces a seven‑game deadline at Tottenham Hotspur. Signed on a five‑year deal, the Italian tactician inherits a side that struggled to adapt to his possession‑based philosophy under previous managers. Tottenham rank 12th for touches inside the opposition box and 14th for big chances created (Opta), indicating a lack of the creative outlets De Zerbi favours. He achieved his first win at Brighton after six games and impressed at Marseille with four wins in five, but both successes came after a full pre‑season and targeted transfers – luxuries Tottenham lack at the moment. The upcoming Sunderland clash will be his first real test of whether his style can be implemented quickly enough to steer the club away from relegation danger. In summary, the next three months will decide not only who lifts the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but also whether Balogun can secure a starring role for the USMNT and if De Zerbi can reverse Tottenham’s fortunes before his contract’s short‑term clause expires.

János Bődey's photograph of two elderly ladies dressed as bride and groom in a Hungarian retirement home has captured the essence of joy and love in old age. The image is part of his series Carnival at the Retirement Home, which showcases the fulfilling lives of pensioners who have overcome difficulties.In Hungary, the average pension is approximately £500 a month, making it challenging for retirees to afford leisure, culture, or travel. Additionally, the health of Hungarian pensioners often falls short of Western standards, and securing a spot in a retirement home can be a lengthy process.Bődey's subjects, Magdolna, 87, and Irén, 86, have lived with their husbands for over 50 and 62 years, respectively, until their spouses passed away. They attribute their long and happy lives to a combination of good genes, an active lifestyle, and a healthy marriage.The photographer's series aims to serve as a role model for both peers and the middle generation, demonstrating that it's possible to lead a fulfilling life in old age. The elderly ladies recommend a healthy, active life with plenty of walking and traveling, as well as avoiding debt.Bődey's work is a departure from his usual coverage of conflicts and social issues. He finds inspiration in the happiness and playfulness of the carnival celebrations, which begin in February to mark the end of winter.The photographer's experience has taught him the importance of preparing for retirement by gathering emotional and financial resources, setting goals, and being creative. His series has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 and will be exhibited at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich treated fans to a thrilling encounter at the Bernabéu, with the German side emerging victorious with a 2-1 win. The match was characterized by high-octane performances from several players, including Michael Olise, who mounted an unstoppable one-man insurgency against a hapless opposition left-back.Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé had numerous chances to score for Real Madrid but failed to capitalize. However, Mbappé eventually found the back of the net with his easiest goal of the night. Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer made several crucial saves, including nine of varying degrees of difficulty, to secure the win for his team.The match also saw notable performances from Jude Bellingham, who impressed off the bench, and Harry Kane, who continued to showcase his skills as a young striker. For Trent Alexander-Arnold, the match was a mixed bag, as he made a sublime assist for Mbappé's goal but also made a couple of defensive blunders.