F1 axes fastest lap, historic cycling gold for Japan, what happened overnight in world of sport

Daniel Ricciardo’s last act in Formula One has led to a rule change, while New Zealand and Ireland are on a World Cup collision course

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Japan’s Kento Yamasaki celebrates after winning gold at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:30am, 18 Oct 2024

The calm before the return of the Premier League storm, and a weekend where Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will inevitably need a win to save his job, rumours will continue to swirl over the future of City rival Pep Guardiola, and leaders Liverpool will look to prove they’re the real deal against Chelsea.

If football isn’t your thing, Formula One is back at the United States Grand Prix, Siobhan Haughey will race at the Swimming World Cup in Shanghai and for a few hardy souls, the Barclays Moontrekker gets under way here in Hong Kong.

That though is what lies ahead, for now, here’s what happened while you were sleeping.

The Ricciardo Rule

Formula One bosses have decided to ditch the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap, after Daniel Ricciardo snatched it away from championship contender Lando Norris at the previous round in Singapore.

RB driver Daniel Ricciardo steers his car around the Marina Bay Street Circuit during the Singapore Grand Prix. Photo: AP

Ricciardo was driving for RB – Red Bull’s junior side – with senior driver Max Verstappen bidding to win a fourth consecutive title, and the point could make all the difference at the end of season.

With nothing to race for and completing his last lap before losing his seat to Liam Lawson, the Australian’s actions heightened claims of collusion between the teams.

The removal of the regulation will come into force next season meaning there are still 180 points to play for across the remaining six rounds. McLaren driver Norris trails Verstappen by 52 points.

A golden moment

Kento Yamasaki won Japan’s first world title in the men’s keirin since 1987, as record-chasing Olympic gold medallist Harrie Lavreysen was eliminated in the semi-finals.