Mercedes driver George Russell said on April 17 he would understand if four-time world champion Max Verstappen decided to quit Formula One amid mounting frustration with the sport’s 2026 regulations. Speaking during a video call as the series observes a mid-season break, Russell called F1 “bigger than any driver” and warned the sport would not want to lose Verstappen, who has been outspoken about the new power-units and energy-management rules. Verstappen has likened the changes to ‘‘Mario Kart’’ and said he is not enjoying the racing; he is currently ninth in the standings after three rounds and has been racing a GT3 Mercedes at the Nürburgring as he prepares for a 24-hour endurance entry. Russell, second in the championship behind Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, suggested some complaints reflect Red Bull’s early-season performance and noted drivers’ concerns are being discussed collectively with the FIA and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. He flagged possible tweaks — such as restoring flatter qualifying laps and reducing closing speeds — while reaffirming his multi-year deal with Mercedes and his focus on chasing a first world title.

Bernd Leno produced a stunning last-gasp save to preserve a 0-0 draw for Fulham against high-flying Brentford in a West London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium on April 18. The German goalkeeper tipped Dango Ouattara’s close-range effort over the bar in stoppage time, the standout moment in a match with few clear chances. Brentford extended an unusual run to five consecutive league draws — their longest since 1957 — and missed the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into sixth, remaining level on points but behind on goal difference. Fulham, who stay 12th, lost Alex Iwobi to a hamstring problem before half-time. Brentford’s Igor Thiago, the division’s in-form scorer, was kept quiet for much of the game although he hit the frame of the goal early on. Keith Andrews’ side remain firmly in the European conversation with five matches left, while Marco Silva will be concerned by Fulham’s inability to register a shot on target and Iwobi’s injury. Former Brentford boss Thomas Frank watched from the stands as the two neighbours shared the spoils.

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin this weekend with the Colorado Avalanche entering as clear betting favorites and a full slate of first-round matchups set. Oddsmakers list the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche among the shortest Cup prices — roughly +300 across major sportsbooks — as they open Sunday in Denver against the Los Angeles Kings. Colorado’s regular-season dominance and star duo Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar make them the team to beat, though Presidents’ Trophy winners have not lifted the Cup since 2012-13. In the East, top-seeded Carolina begins its bid Saturday in Raleigh against a resurging Ottawa Senators side that clinched via a late-season surge. Game 1 between the Hurricanes and Senators is scheduled for April 18 at 3 p.m. ET (ESPN); Carolina is a modest favorite in early lines. League-wide previews and executive tier rankings highlight Colorado, Dallas and Carolina as top contenders, while several dark-horse teams could emerge. Key storylines include goaltending questions for Ottawa and Carolina, Carolina’s eighth straight playoff appearance, and the Avalanche navigating a tough Western bracket that could include Dallas or Minnesota in later rounds.

NEWCASTLE, England, April 18 (Reuters) - Bournemouth moved back into contention for a European spot after Adrien Truffert stroked home a late winner to secure a 2-1 Premier League victory at St James’ Park. Marcus Tavernier had put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute before William Osula equalised in the 68th minute after a VAR check upheld the goal following intervention on the play. Truffert’s 85th-minute finish, following an Evanilson flick-on, sealed Bournemouth’s win and extended their club-record unbeaten league run to 13 matches. The result left Bournemouth eighth on 48 points, while Newcastle slipped to 14th with 42 points, further heightening scrutiny of manager Eddie Howe after another poor home result and visible fan unrest as supporters booed the players off. Bruno Guimarães returned from a long absence from the bench to spark Newcastle’s second-half revival, but the hosts also suffered injury blows, with Tino Livramento forced off. Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola, who has announced he will leave at season’s end, saw his side produce a composed away performance to amplify their Europa hopes.

England produced a crushing 84-7 victory over Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations at Murrayfield on April 18, 2026, scoring 12 tries in front of 30,498 fans — a record for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland. The world champions registered their 35th consecutive Test win. Ellie Kildunne scored twice to bring up her 50th international try, while Sarah Bern also crossed twice. Other try-scorers included Meg Jones, Emma Sing, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Marlie Packer, Sadia Kabeya, Mia Venner and Haineala Lutui. Zoe Harrison converted all 12 tries. Maddie Feaunati was named player of the match after a powerful showing from the forwards. England’s win underlined remarkable squad depth: the Red Roses prevailed despite multiple absences through injury, retirement and pregnancy. Scotland, coached by Sione Fukofuka, managed a solo try from Rhona Lloyd but were overwhelmed by England’s physicality and ruck speed. The result keeps England firmly on course for another Six Nations title and intensifies focus on selection choices and depth testing for the tournament run-in.

TORONTO/CLEVELAND, April 18, 2026 — Toronto Raptors starting guard Immanuel Quickley has been ruled out of Game 1 of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers after suffering a mild right hamstring strain in Toronto’s regular-season finale vs. the Brooklyn Nets. Coach Darko Rajaković announced the decision hours before tipoff in Cleveland, saying Quickley is making progress but isn’t ready to play. Quickley, 26, battled plantar fasciitis late in the season and missed eight games before returning; he averaged 16.4 points, a career-high 5.9 assists and four rebounds across 70 games this year and led the team in 3-point makes (2.5 per game, 37.4%). With Quickley out, Jamal Shead is expected to start and Scottie Barnes will assume added playmaking duties. The team says Quickley could be available later in the series, with Game 2 scheduled Monday. The absence removes Toronto’s most consistent threat from deep and alters matchup plans against Cleveland’s backcourt stars, while testing the Raptors’ depth as they return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.