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George Russell enjoys a reunion with his biggest fan at the Japanese Grand Prix

George Russell enjoys a reunion with his biggest fan at the Japanese Grand Prix

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If you have been following Formula 1 the past few seasons, you might be familiar with this story.

Mercedes driver George Russell and Sogo, arguably his biggest fan.

The two first met ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, when young Sogo attended a Mercedes fan event wearing a custom shirt covered in images of Russell’s famous “T pose,” which was part of F1’s “Opening Titles” that season. Russell spent some time with the young fan, and a friendship had begun.

The two were reunited at last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, as Sogo spent some time in the Mercedes hospitality space at historic Suzuka International Circuit. The team also shared this video, highlighting both their initial meeting in 2024, their reunion in 2025, and footage of Sogo cheering Russell on from home:

As you might expect, with the grid back in Japan for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Sogo and Russell were united.

And the driver’s young fan had a few surprises for him:

Not only has young Sogo — who is four years old now — learned some English so he could talk with Russell, but he also picked up karting, so he can drive like him.

And perhaps race against him someday.

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Deadspin | Lynx star Napheesa Collier (ankle) targets June for on-court work Mar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Unrivaled Co-founder Napheesa Collier at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Minnesota Lynx said Tuesday that star forward Napheesa Collier’s rehab from left ankle surgery is “progressing as expected,” and she could resume on-court activities in early June. The team plans to release updates on Collier’s progress when available. The timeline means Collier will miss, at minimum, the first month of the WNBA season, which begins May 10 for the Lynx. Collier underwent surgery on her ankle on March 24 after sustaining a severe injury during the 2025 playoffs. Per reports at the time, she sustained a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in the ankle and a muscle in her left shin on a collision during Game 3 of the playoff semifinal series vs. Phoenix. Collier, 29, averaged a career-high 22.9 points and shot 40.3% from 3-point range to go with 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last year. The back-to-back WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up, Collier is a five-time All-Star and earned MVP honors in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup final and the 2025 All-Star Game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lynx #star #Napheesa #Collier #ankle #targets #June #oncourt #workMar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Unrivaled Co-founder Napheesa Collier at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Lynx said Tuesday that star forward Napheesa Collier’s rehab from left ankle surgery is “progressing as expected,” and she could resume on-court activities in early June.

The team plans to release updates on Collier’s progress when available.


The timeline means Collier will miss, at minimum, the first month of the WNBA season, which begins May 10 for the Lynx.

Collier underwent surgery on her ankle on March 24 after sustaining a severe injury during the 2025 playoffs. Per reports at the time, she sustained a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in the ankle and a muscle in her left shin on a collision during Game 3 of the playoff semifinal series vs. Phoenix.

Collier, 29, averaged a career-high 22.9 points and shot 40.3% from 3-point range to go with 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last year. The back-to-back WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up, Collier is a five-time All-Star and earned MVP honors in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup final and the 2025 All-Star Game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lynx #star #Napheesa #Collier #ankle #targets #June #oncourt #work">Deadspin | Lynx star Napheesa Collier (ankle) targets June for on-court work Mar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Unrivaled Co-founder Napheesa Collier at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Minnesota Lynx said Tuesday that star forward Napheesa Collier’s rehab from left ankle surgery is “progressing as expected,” and she could resume on-court activities in early June. The team plans to release updates on Collier’s progress when available. The timeline means Collier will miss, at minimum, the first month of the WNBA season, which begins May 10 for the Lynx. Collier underwent surgery on her ankle on March 24 after sustaining a severe injury during the 2025 playoffs. Per reports at the time, she sustained a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in the ankle and a muscle in her left shin on a collision during Game 3 of the playoff semifinal series vs. Phoenix. Collier, 29, averaged a career-high 22.9 points and shot 40.3% from 3-point range to go with 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last year. The back-to-back WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up, Collier is a five-time All-Star and earned MVP honors in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup final and the 2025 All-Star Game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lynx #star #Napheesa #Collier #ankle #targets #June #oncourt #work

Deadspin | Flyers return home in search of 3-0 lead over Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second. Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia. After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking. “He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.” Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners. “I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances. “There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.” Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season. “I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.” Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance. The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening. “Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.” The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2. “They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #PenguinsApr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second.

Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia.

After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking.

“He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.”

Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners.

“I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.”

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances.


“There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.”

Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season.

“I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.”

Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance.

The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening.

“Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.”

The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2.

“They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #Penguins">Deadspin | Flyers return home in search of 3-0 lead over Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second. Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia. After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking. “He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.” Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners. “I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances. “There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.” Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season. “I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.” Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance. The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening. “Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.” The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2. “They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #Penguins

Deadspin | Trending Revs look to snap road losing streak vs. lowly Atlanta Apr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality. The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th. That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted. “The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.” As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery. Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season. “The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said. Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6). New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025. Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS. Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #AtlantaApr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality.

The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th.

That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted.

“The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.”

As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery.


Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season.

“The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said.

Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6).

New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025.

Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS.

Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #Atlanta">Deadspin | Trending Revs look to snap road losing streak vs. lowly Atlanta Apr 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) reacts with defender Mamadou Fofana (2) after defeating the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images One of the main themes the New England Revolution have adopted under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic is “belief.” As they visit Atlanta United on Wednesday night, they’ll continue rallying around that mentality. The Revolution (4-3-0, 12 points) come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a three-match winning streak after a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. New England trailed 1-0 before Dor Turgeman’s equalizer in the 54th minute and Carles Gil’s match-winning penalty in the 85th. That never-give-up mindset didn’t exist a year ago, Revs defender Ilay Feingold noted. “The mentality that we showed, especially in the second half, was amazing,” Feingold said. “… We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a great mentality and everyone made a great effort.” As they search for a fourth straight win, the Revs will look to add to Atlanta United’s misery. Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) fell to Eastern Conference-leading Nashville SC 2-0 on Saturday. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four MLS contests (0-3-1), have scored only one goal in that span and have been shut out five times in eight matches this season. “The energy’s not lacking … The fight, the desire to win is not lacking. Now, it just comes down to little details throughout the game that we need to fix. That’s what’s going to turn the results around,” Atlanta midfielder Cooper Sanchez said. Atlanta has just one win in its previous 12 home matches against MLS opponents (1-5-6). New England enters Wednesday on a six-match road losing streak dating back to last season. Its last road win was a 2-1 triumph over the Crew on Aug. 23, 2025. Turgeman’s goal was his second of the season, matching the team-high totals of Brayan Ceballos, Peyton Miller and Alhassan Yusuf. Luca Langoni has six assists, ranking second in MLS. Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United in scoring with four of its six goals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Trending #Revs #snap #road #losing #streak #lowly #Atlanta

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