Star -julkaisun 2025-05-19 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Transnet’s ongoing wage negotiations have reached an impasse, confirming fears of looming industrial action by workers as the United National Transport Union (UNTU) made a clear statement on Friday. After three days of mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) through the section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, UNTU reported that no progress had been made, compelling them to consider striking if their demands remained unmet. On Thursday, UNTU completed a ballot process with its members that disclosed a consensus to mobilise for industrial action should the wage negotiations fail. The union said the CCMA has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. “If no revised offer is forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial…

S&P Global Ratings has warned that South Africa’s general government debt could remain high, averaging an unprecedented 80% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the three years to 2028. This would be much higher than the National Treasury’s estimate of an all-time high debt-to-GDP of 76.2% in the 2025/26 fiscal year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has noted the need to avoid a notable rise in borrowing projections, with 2025/6 likely at 76.4% of GDP, 2026/27 at 76.1%, 2027/28 75.9 and 2028/29 at 75.3%. S&P on Friday, however, said public debt levels will remain elevated than expected given expenditure and revenue pressures, but said the government will continue its fiscal consolidation efforts. “We expect general government debt, net of liquid assets, will average 80% of GDP in fiscal 2025-2028. This is…

As South Africa awaits Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third budget framework this year, local industries are also coming to terms with the uncertainty that 2025 has brought to the international trade environment. Even though the US has suspended the proposed 30% tariff on South African goods for 90 days – instead levying 10% for the time being – the change to existing trade agreements and uncertainty is still harmful to local industries like South Africa’s sugarcane growers. This is a new threat to a local industry already beset by many challenges. The recent extreme, unseasonable rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal has caused isolated flooding and delayed the start of the harvesting season in some sugarcane producing areas. Cheaper sugar imports, often from countries with subsidised sugar industries, are threatening once again to…

President Cyril Ramaphosa made a call for National Dialogue in his address to Parliament shortly after the 2024 elections. Judging by the volumes of fake news and hate speech and more importantly the painful levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality experienced by most South Africans, the President’s call must be supported and expedited. Despite our daunting challenges as a nation, we should not forget the massive strides we have accomplished since our hard-won democratic breakthrough in 1994. Not only we have repealed the numerous racist laws that did so much damage, but the state today spends more than 61% of the Budget invested in uplifting working-class communities. Yet with 43.1% overall and 72% youth unemployment rates, and our status as the world’s most unequal society, we dare not…

Tiger Brands has firmed the future of 3 000 farm workers through its plan to sell its Langeberg & Ashton Foods (LAF) deciduous fruit business for R1 to a consortium of fruit growers, a community trust, and a development finance institution. The deal will secure a future for permanent and seasonal staff who have faced uncertainty after Tiger Brands announced in 2022 that it wished to sell LAF. The deal will also benefit the farmers - the Ashton Fruit Producers Co-operative is made up of producers from Robertson, Ceres, Breederivier, and Klein Karoo. In 2022, Tiger Brands had announced it wished to sell LAF, and options to ensure the viability and sustainability of LAF would also be revisited so that the business could be exited responsibly, given its economic importance…

THE highly anticipated animated film Smurfs is set to hit theatres on Friday, July 18, 2025, and the excitement is palpable. The movie’s official trailer has been released, giving fans a sneak peek into the fresh and exciting new take on the classic characters. But what’s really getting fans excited is the soundtrack, the star-studded cast, including John Goodman as Papa Smurf, Nick Offerman as Ken, and Sandra Oh as Moxie. The icing on the cake? Rihanna is voicing the iconic Smurfette! Her powerful vocals will bring the beloved character to life in a way that is sure to delight fans of all ages. The soundtrack is shaping up to be just as epic, featuring tracks from some of the biggest names in music. South African sensation Tyla, Rihanna, and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming visit to the US is expected to be a high-stakes encounter with President Donald Trump, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen joining the delegation to help negotiate for the continuation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The meeting aims to reset strained relations between the two countries and secure a favourable trade deal. Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen, who is also the DA leader, will be joined by Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola. New special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, is also part of the team. Steenhuisen's spokesperson, Charity McCord, yesterday confirmed that Ramaphosa and his delegation were already en route and were expected to land in the US…

In a tragic incident that has shaken the uMlazi community in Durban, eight people were shot dead in a senseless act of violence that has drawn widespread condemnation. The victims, including six men and two women aged between 22 and 40, were found in Zama informal settlement at U Section in uMlazi. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that provincial police have launched a manhunt for an unknown number of suspects. He said police responded to reports of multiple murders and, upon arrival at the scene, eight people, six men and two women, were found lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds. “It is reported that the victims were inside the dwelling when an unknown number of suspects entered and opened fire, killing them at the…

The City of Tshwane has now promised to roll out the second phase of providing clean drinking water to Hammanskraal residents by the end of June, following the missed April deadline. Mayor Nasiphi Moya apologised to residents for the delay, attributing it to bad weather that impacted the construction of a modular water plant to supply Hammanskraal in four phases. A water crisis in Hammanskraal made national headlines two years ago after contaminated water was supplied to residents, resulting in more than 20 deaths. Moya apologised to residents for the delay in delivering clean water, initially promised for April, during her Friday visit to the Klipdrift plant and the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant refurbishment project alongside Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina. The Rooiwal plant has been identified as the…

The two municipal workers’ unions in Tshwane are expected to restart CCMA-led wage negotiations with the City of Tshwane this week for a proposed 3.5% increase for the 2021/2022 financial year. Both the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) will participate in the fresh negotiations following the recent Labour Court’s May 9 ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new determination. The court, however, exempted the City from implementing the 5.4% salary increase for the 2023/2024 financial year that was agreed upon in collective negotiations. The City went to court two years ago after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. The…

HONOR is kicking off a new chapter in smart photography with the upcoming arrival of the HONOR 400 Lite, officially debuting in South Africa. Building on the incredible success of the HONOR 200 Lite, which led South Africa’s post-paid smartphone market across all price brands in July 2024, the HONOR 400 Lite introduces a dedicated AI Camera Button, a first for Android, alongside a powerful 108MP main camera and ultra-bright AMOLED display. Tailored for creators, multitaskers, and anyone looking to upgrade their everyday smartphone experience, the HONOR 400 Lite brings intelligent innovation into users’ hands, just in time for kickoff. The standout? That dedicated AI Camera Button, a first on Android, lets users snap and search instantly with Google Lens, even while wearing gloves. From real-time translations to visual searches…

The continental football goal that Eric Tinkler was tasked with achieving at Sekhukhune United is looking unlikely. However, South Africa’s famed ginger remains unfazed about his future. Tinkler must guide Sekhukhune to victory in their final Betway Premiership clash away to Golden Arrows and hope that Stellenbosch FC drop points against Cape Town City on Saturday if they are to secure third place – the position that guarantees qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. That was the mandate handed to him when he joined Sekhukhune midway through the season as a replacement for Lehlohonolo Seema, but failure to meet it does not necessarily mean he will be sacked. “I don’t think that’s the case. It’s too early for that,” was Tinkler’s curt response when asked whether he fears for his…

Arsenal snapped a season-long jinx against Newcastle United with a nervy 1–0 win in their final Premier League home game on Sunday, all but securing second place and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Three defeats against Eddie Howe’s side earlier in the campaign could easily have become four, had the visitors converted a flurry of early chances. But Declan Rice calmed the nerves. He punished Newcastle for their first-half profligacy by connecting sweetly with Martin Ødegaard’s pass to curl a powerful effort past Nick Pope in the 55th minute. Arsenal, winless in their previous three league matches, were indebted to goalkeeper David Raya in the first half as he made saves from Bruno Guimarães, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Dan Burn while Newcastle dominated. Whatever was said…

US envoys in Africa will be rated on commercial deals struck, not aid spent, a senior State Department official said, touting it as the new strategy for US support on the continent. President Donald Trump’s administration wants to eliminate trade deficits, and drive mutual prosperity, African Affairs senior bureau official Troy Fitrell said, according to remarks shared on Thursday. “Assistance involves a donor and a recipient, but commerce is an exchange between equals,” he added at the launch of the policy in Ivory Coast on Wednesday. US ambassadors in Africa had already shepherded 33 agreements worth $6 billion in Trump’s first 100 days, Fitrell said. “Trade, not aid, a slogan we’ve seen thrown around for years, is now truly our policy for Africa.” US goods exports to sub-Saharan Africa amount…

Foskor confirms its vice president for human resources Vincent Matlala has been arrested The State-owned phosphate producer Foskor has confirmed that its vice president for human resources and corporate affairs, Vincent Matlala, has been arrested for threatening a colleague with a firearm at the company's head offices in Midrand. This alarming event, has ignited discussions surrounding the potential corruption undercurrents within the firm, especially in light of recent developments tied to an R800 million bonus employee share scheme. It also comes as Foskor is still trying to recover from shock after Sifiso Mncube, a senior procurement executive at Foskor in Richards Bay, was gunned down by unknown assailants in his car in the suburb of Meer-en-See in Richards Bay in February 2024. In this new case, sources within Foskor have…

As South Africa braces for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third budget speech on Wednesday, a wave of expert opinions reveals a landscape marked by both cautious optimism and pronounced concerns. With rising economic pressures and a growing budget deficit, Godongwana faces the complex task of generating revenue without curbing growth. Old Mutual chief economist Johann Els highlighted the anticipated revenue shortfall following the scrapping of a planned Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. Els estimated a loss of around R13.5 billion for the current year, with an alarming three-year total that could reach approximately R75bn. “This will have to be made up for; Treasury will have to revise their gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast downwards; they have it at 1.9% for 2025, but most forecasts have GDP around 1.5%,” he…

The second coming of Trump on the political platform of the United States with his arse open for would be wiling leakers reminds me of Shylock, the money lender in the Merchant of Venice. But the book comes with entertaining memories. In 1969 at the age of twelve I was in the seventh year of schooling and a year shy away from sitting for the exit exams that would qualify me to enter the five year duration of secondary and high school study. In my class were some distinguished veteran scholars who were aged 25 and 26 years respectively. These veterans had been on it from the day my eldest brother who is thirteen years older than myself set foot in school. They had been in class with each…

Compagnie Financiere Richemont is well positioned for its next phase of development following the installation of a renewed leadership team and governance structure and completion of several management transitions in several Maisons in the past year. This was according to well-known South African businessman and chairman of the group Johann Rupert, who was commenting at the end of the JSE-listed and Switzerland-based owner of several of the world’s leading luxury jewellery and accessories brands’ 2025 financial year to March 31. The share price soared 7.2% to R3574.52 on the JSE on Friday after the results were released that showed full-year profit fell 1% to €3.76 billion, while the dividend per share was raised 9% to 3 CHF (Swiss francs) per A share/10 B shares, from 2.75 CHF the previous year.…

In a significant ruling, the Appeals Tribunal of the Legal Practice Council (LPC) has upheld a misconduct complaint brought by Johannesburg-based father, Asif Casoojee, against attorney Kaamilah Paulse of Herold Gie Attorneys. Casoojee has been locked in a four-year legal battle with his former spouse over access to their two children. Paulse represents his spouse. Casoojee reported Paulse to the LPC, accusing her of dishonesty, unethical and dishonest conduct, including orchestrating parental alienation, misusing the Protection from Harassment Act, and unlawfully interfering in his private and professional affairs. The case not only raises serious questions about the conduct of legal professionals in family law matters but also highlights challenges faced by fathers in the South African legal system when fighting for contact with their children. In its findings delivered on…

Gauteng police have indicated that they are closing in on the suspects linked to the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek who was found raped and dead on the steps of his home in Fleurhof. "We can only confirm that our investigation is at an advanced stage," said Colonel Mvela Masondo yesterday. This comes as residents of Fleurhof on Saturday marched to the Florida Police Station, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old. Addressing members of the community, Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka, the District Police Commissioner for West Rand, indicated that members of the forensic investigations were in advanced stages in uncovering the suspects behind the gruesome ordeal, assuring them that suspects linked to Meek’s death would soon be arrested. According to police, Jayden-Lee was dropped off by…

Socio-economic factors such as housing, malnutrition and drug abuse are definitely one of the leading factors when it comes to South Africa’s high tuberculosis (TB) numbers. The country has an incidence rate of 468 per 100 000 people. In 2022, authorities recorded about 54 000 deaths from TB, which was co-driven by the high HIV infection rate. TB and HIV go hand-in-hand, with HIV compromising the immune system allowing TB to attack the body, and specifically the lungs. The homeless are some of the most vulnerable people when it comes to TB. Dr Jacques Cronje, medical manager of Sonstraal TB hospital in Paarl, says homeless people don’t make up a lot of their patients, but are the people most prone to end up at the hospital with a TB related…

Solidarity has launched legal action against Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, accusing her of defamation over her claims of spreading misinformation. The minister has been given seven days to withdraw a media statement made on March 27, 2025, and offer an unconditional apology to Solidarity for reputational damage. In a formal legal notice served to Ntshavheni, the organisation’s CEO Dirk Hermann demanded that she apologise or face defamation and treason charges; failure to do so would result in the union pursuing more legal charges. The controversy began when Ntshavheni accused Solidarity and AfriForum of waging a "misinformation and disinformation campaign" during their joint visit to the US. Hermann described the accusations as absurd and part of a campaign to deflect attention from diplomatic relations between South Africa and the…

For some, jazz is a rhythm that unlocks joy. For others, it is the sound of resistance, a voice when words fail, a melody infused with pain and hope. For me, jazz is freedom. It is a global language that crosses borders, cultures, and time zones, one that speaks of unity, memory, and possibility. The legacy of jazz is inseparable from humanity’s most defining struggles and triumphs. From its beginnings in New Orleans in the 20th century to its arrival and integration with Marabi in South Africa, jazz has always stood as both witness and participant in history. Viewed by the apartheid regime as subversive, jazz was heavily policed, censored, and pushed underground. Musicians and gatherings were targeted, yet the music endured, in townships and homes, becoming a symbol of…

Nasreddine Nabi believes Kaizer Chiefs can still secure a Top 8 finish and has urged the Amakhosi faithful to turn out in large numbers to spur the team on in their final match of the season against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium this weekend. Speaking after Chiefs drew 1-1 with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane – a result that left them stuck in ninth place on 31 points – the Tunisian coach expressed confidence that his team can sneak into the coveted top-eight bracket. “If you look at the table, it’s a situation that will be resolved in the last game,” he said, referring to the fact that Chiefs are just one win away from sixth-placed AmaZulu and trail seventh-placed Cape Town City by only two points.…

Mamelodi Sundowns have to try to follow the model of the 2016 CAF Champions League winning season when they face Pyramids in the final this campaign. Sundowns will host Pyramids in the continental showpiece final first leg at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday before visiting the Pharaohs on June 1. This will be the second final for Sundowns since 2016, while Pyramids are making only their first showdown on the continent. And so given the gulf in experience, Sundowns are tipped to put that into good use and become only the first SA based team to win the continental crown twice. Coach Miguel Cardoso will also be eager to make up for lost time as he lost last season’s final with Tunisian giants Esperance to outgoing champions Al Ahly. Cardoso is…

As South Africa braces for the upcoming budget 3.0, industry experts are closely examining the fiscal landscape, drawing attention to the critical decisions poised to impact the nation's economic future. Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG South Africa, has highlighted a key takeaway: the anticipated increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) will no longer materialise, forcing the government to recalibrate its revenue expectations. Previously outlined in budget 2.0, the revenue anticipated from a VAT hike has now vanished. This development poses significant implications for the government's fiscal targets, particularly its commitment to achieving fiscal consolidation. Without the ability to increase public debt through borrowing to meet expenditure needs, the government finds itself cornered, necessitating cuts across various sectors. The pressing question, as noted by Blackmore, is: “Where will these expenditure…

On May 14, 2025, the Presidency office declared that President Ramaphosa would be travelling to the US for a working visit from May 19 to May 22. He is joined by John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture; Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister at the Presidency. This comes after a string of topics that President Trump and his administration have brought up, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, and most recently, the allegations of "persecution" of white farmers that resulted in the migration of 49 Afrikaners to the United States. To mend the misinformation about South Africa that has caused misconceptions and to re-establish diplomatic relations…

Despite all the attention on the US trade debate and the South African lack of budget consensus, the worrying unemployment data (32.9%) for Q1, the ALSI on the JSE continue its impressive performance. The index closed on Friday on 92 619, only twenty points away from its record level of 92 638, which was recorded last Tuesday. Not only did ALSI end the week with 0.9% in the green but it is now 9.7% up for the year to date. Foreign buying interests in SA shares, the strong recovery in Naspers and Prosus saw the Rand exchange rate moving close to the R18.00/$ level. Financial shares were the best performer on the JSE last week as the FIN15 index gained 2.7%. JSE ALSI compared with other global indices. (15 May…

Blue Label Telecom investors cheered news of plans to list subsidiary Cell C on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and the share price increased by 11.18% on Friday afternoon. Blue Label’s management said the proposal to list the mobile telecommunication company, which has only recently been restored to financial stability, arose from their desire to restructure Blue Label’s investments and unlock value for shareholders. Blue Label’s share price traded 11.18% higher by early Friday afternoon on the JSE, a price that is already more than double the R4.31 that it traded at a year before. The parent of Cell C said it is considering options and initiatives to unlock value for its shareholders. Over the past 24 months, a strengthened Cell C executive team had returned Cell C to a strong…

Collins Property Group’s share price plunged 12.9% on Friday despite raising distributable income for the year to end-February 2025 to 109 cents from 94 cents and maintaining its final dividend at 50 cents. The dividend payout ratio was lower at 92% versus 95% last year. The dividend for the year came to 100 cents versus 90 cents last year. Loan-to-value (LTV) at 49.8% versus 50.8% was relatively high compared with other REITs. The share closed at R9.64 on Friday. The company directors said however that the LTV was based on conservative valuations, as demonstrated by historically selling properties at or above book values, including lease cancellation fees. Investment properties were only written up by 1.7%, well below the average inflation rate. The vacancy rate fell to 1.8% from 3.9%, and…

The powerful Mantashe family is once again under the public microscope, following revelations that Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC National Chairperson and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, was appointed chairperson of a Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board. The leak of a list of Seta appointments triggered a political storm in Parliament, with opposition parties questioning the legitimacy and transparency of the process. Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led the charge against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, demanding clarity on how the appointments were made. Critics claimed the process smacked of favouritism, pointing to Buyambo’s appointment as indicative of the ANC’s alleged practice of rewarding insiders and politically connected individuals. The controversy deepened when Zakhele Buthelezi,…

THE South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has rubbished viral social media claims suggesting that grant beneficiaries will receive double payments in June or that new pension rules will be implemented from June 10. The agency warned that these unfounded rumours have caused unnecessary panic among millions of South Africans who rely on the grant system. “Sassa can make it categorically clear that there have been no announcements made for double grant payments in June. These reports are untrue and should be rejected with the contempt they deserve,” said national spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi. The agency clarified that the only confirmed grant increases were those announced in March during the Finance Ministry’s Policy Statement. Those increases came into effect in April, with the next hike set for October. “Any other increase…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken a decisive step in the fight against government negligence by reporting the Emfuleni Local Municipality to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The party has formally requested the SAHRC to investigate the Municipality, citing persistent and severe service delivery failures. According to the DA, these ongoing issues have condemned residents to inhumane living conditions, stripping them of their constitutional rights to access water, proper sanitation, and a safe environment. The Star has been running a series of stories recently, highlighting the plight of Emfuleni residents. DA MPL Kingsol Chabalala expressed deep concern over the deteriorating living conditions in Emfuleni, citing ongoing sewer overflows that have polluted homes, roads, and even the Vaal River. He warned that the situation has created a public health…

The Freedom Front Plus has warned that the City of Tshwane's fully-funded budget for the 2025/2026 financial year relies heavily on increased property tax revenue, making its funding status more of an assumption than a certainty. Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise last week presented a R54.6 billion budget, comprising a R2.4 billion capital budget and a R52.2 billion operational budget, describing it as pro-poor and focused on service delivery. The multiparty coalition partners in Tshwane, including the ANC, EFF, and ActionSA, praised him for presenting a fully funded budget that had been endorsed by National Treasury. “This is the first fully funded budget since 2022 and represents a significant milestone in our turnaround strategy for Tshwane. It is a clear indication of our coalition commitment to responsible governance, sound financial…

Economist Dawie Roodt said last week that most public universities in South Africa should be closed because they are not producing the required skills. He gave some examples, such as the need for electricians, and asserted that the humanities are at the bottom of the skills set production. While theology specifically was not mentioned by Roodt in his musings, the question of its place in a university always lingers. For this reason, one is prone to respond, since this question has, in the past, been directed at the humanities – and theology in particular. A myriad of sentiments suggests, with reason, that theology is a science worth engaging with in the university. From the likes of F.C. Baur to Ernst Troeltsch, there has always been conversation on the role of…

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said his players had given fans a “moment for their life” by beating Manchester City 1-0 to win the first major trophy in the club’s history. Eberechi Eze scored in the first half at Wembley on Saturday and Palace dug deep against Pep Guardiola’s men to get over the line and secure a first full venture into European football. “We wanted to write history,” said Glasner. “I think now we wrote really a big chapter in history.” The Austrian said the players had stuck together after a terrible start to the season, when they won just one of their first 13 league games. “I think you can see now what you can get when you are patient as a club and also a big credit…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad may have named five fast bowlers in his artillery for the World Test Championship final against Australia next month at Lord’s, but in the case of an emergency he will not need to look too far for backup if required. Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf has taken the English County Championship by storm, claiming 13 wickets in four innings for Durham, in Division 1. He is currently playing in a four-day fixture against Nottinghamshire, which includes Proteas wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne in their line-up, who was ironically his 100th first-class victim on Friday. Yusuf also struck a handy unbeaten 44 from No 9 against Hampshire. It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the 27-year-old after swapping Florida on the west Rand of Johannesburg for the…

Defending four-time champion Max Verstappen delivered a reminder of his unmatched racing prowess on Sunday when he drove his Red Bull to a commanding victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The 27-year-old Dutchman came home 6.1 seconds clear of Lando Norris, who was second, ahead of McLaren team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri. Like Verstappen, Ferrari’s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton profited from two safety car interventions to finish fourth, after starting 12th on the grid, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc, in the second Ferrari. George Russell was seventh for Mercedes, ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second Williams, RB rookie Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, a notable 10th in the second Red Bull after his high-speed crash in qualifying. It was Verstappen’s second win this year…