Articles by News18,Siddarth Sriram

Technology

F1 Set To Debate Mandatory Two Pit Stops From 2026 Season: Report

Formula 1 could be on the verge of bringing about its biggest sporting shake-up in years. Alongside the landmark technical overhaul coming in 2026, F1 chiefs are reportedly weighing up a new rule that would make two pit stops mandatory in every Grand Prix. The proposal, pushed by Liberty Media and supported by several teams, is expected to be discussed at the next Formula 1 Commission meeting, according to Motorsport Italy. Why It’s Back on the Table The idea isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction again because modern Pirelli tyres are simply too durable. With teams favouring one-stop strategies for safety and simplicity, the number of tactical gambles and on-track drama has dwindled. In fact, the last five Grand Prix have all been won on one-stop strategies, with the exceptions of chaotic races like Zandvoort (thanks to a safety car) or Silverstone (due to rain). The most recent true two-stopper came in Spielberg, months ago. F1 has already experimented with tweaks to encourage more pit action, including raising pit-lane speed limits at select venues. But that hasn’t been enough to restore the strategy battles that once ruled the F1 landscape. How It Would Work Several variations are under discussion. One would force teams to use all three tyre compounds (soft, medium, hard) during the race, with each limited to no more than 45% of the total race distance. Another version would simply mandate two stops without dictating tyre choices. The FIA has already dabbled in rule-based pit strategy: the 2025 Monaco GP was a two-stop race by regulation, after the 2024 edition saw nearly every driver change tyres under a red flag on Lap 1. Supporters argue that a two-stop rule would make racing more unpredictable and engaging. Critics, however, warn that it could feel artificial, a forced solution to what should be an organic strategic choice.

Technology

Not Just Dunks Anymore! Mac McClung Lands First NBA Contract With Indiana Pacers

Three-time reigning NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung is finally getting his long-awaited shot at a full NBA career. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Indiana Pacers have signed the 26-year-old guard to a multi-year, non-guaranteed deal, marking his first standard NBA contract after years of fighting through the G League and short-term call-ups. To make room for McClung, the Pacers are reportedly waiving former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman, who had just returned from an Achilles injury and played two games this season. The Pacers plan to waive center James Wiseman to create roster space for McClung, who will sign a non-guaranteed multiyear deal, sources said. Indiana is dealing with several key injuries to their guards and wings to start the season. https://t.co/eMRWVYfbXQ — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2025 McClung’s Journey So Far McClung, once a viral YouTube dunking sensation, went undrafted in 2021 but went on to carve out a unique niche for himself in the league. After standout college stints at Georgetown and Texas Tech, the 6-foot-2 guard went undrafted in 2021 but refused to fade away. McClung bounced between G League teams and short NBA stints with the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers. His breakout moment came off the court (or rather, above it) when he won the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, reviving the event with a series of jaw-dropping, near-perfect slams that made him an overnight fan favourite. The first three-peat in #ATTSlamDunk history ?? ALL 12 OF MAC MCCLUNG’S DUNKS: pic.twitter.com/CFxzij5Xf7 — NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2025 He successfully defended his title in 2024, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Zach LaVine, and then later in 2025 as well, making him the first three-peat winner of the coveted contest. McClung then thrived in the G League, where he won Rookie of the Year (2023), and now, he finally gets what could be his first proper call-up. Pacers Amid An Injury Crisis The Pacers are in need of backcourt depth, with Bennedict Mathurin (foot) and Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) both day-to-day, while T.J. McConnell (hamstring) remains out, and All-Star Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) has been ruled out for the season. (with agency inputs)

Technology

Only Holy Crosses For Dani Alves From Now! Ex-Barcelona Star Finds Redemption Through Faith After Acquittal

Former Barcelona and Brazil star Dani Alves has found a new calling — one far removed from the bright lights of football. Once celebrated for his flair on the pitch, the 42-year-old now takes the stage in a very different arena: preaching at the Elim Evangelical Church in Girona, where he shares testimony of how faith helped him rebuild his life. Alves was acquitted on March 28, 2025, after a three-year legal battle and 14 months in prison over allegations of assault in a Barcelona nightclub. Since his release, he has devoted himself to evangelical Christianity, describing his transformation as a pact with God. “You have to have faith — I’m proof of that,” Alves told a cheering congregation during a recent service. “At my lowest point, I said to God: I will serve you, but take care of my house.” El exjugador del Barça, Dani Alves, se ha convertido en predicador en una iglesia de Girona. Fue absuelto de un delito de agresión sexual este año. “Hay que tener fe en Dios. Yo soy una prueba de ello. Yo hice un pacto con Dios”. pic.twitter.com/H6KjoJXyaH — Albert Ortega (@AlbertOrtegaES1) October 27, 2025 The former Sevilla, Juventus and PSG defender has also reconciled with his partner Joana Sanz, with the couple recently announcing they are expecting a child: a new beginning that Alves credits to faith. His newfound spirituality now defines his public image. Alves’s Instagram bio reads “Disciple of Christ Jesus,” and his feed is filled with Bible verses and messages of hope. During a testimony that went viral online, Alves spoke about finding purpose in pain: “I will serve you, but take care of my house,” he says, was the agreement. The former Barça player repeatedly proclaimed “the power of God” and linked it to the birth of his son. “Love is loving when one doesn’t deserve it,” Alves continues, concluding that “in the midst of the storm”, a messenger led him to the Church.