There’s no place like home. For most of the Formula 1 grid, a return to familiar comforts at a much-loved circuit is something to behold, thrive and revel in. In fact, it’s only the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo team of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu who have not basked in such an experience in 2023. But all eyes for Zhou – Formula 1’s first Chinese driver in its 73-year history – now point firmly towards 21 April 2024. The sport’s return to one of the world’s powerhouses has, four times, been put on hold due to the pandemic – both the world-altering event itself and the country’s controversial zero-covid policy in the aftermath. Yet next year will see the Shanghai International Circuit host once more; all that was left was for Zhou’s presence to be confirmed. That came on Thursday morning. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 24-year-old penned a one-year extension with Alfa Romeo to race with the Sauber-works team for a third-straight year. F1’s worldwide popularity boom has not diverted past China – and next spring we will see the full impact of Zhou’s spot on the grid. “It’s the dream fulfilled – the first Chinese driver in F1, it’s a huge thing for a massive country like us,” Zhou tells The Independent. “So many more Chinese fans are engaged in F1 compared to the past, obviously me getting into the sport means more people follow the races. “The pressure started two to three years ago, so it’s no longer a surprise. I’ve been through that period. I’m fine with the pressure. Now, it’s all about having a good example to set and inspire younger generations.” That pressure, both from the fanbase and within the paddock itself, is inescapable. Just ask Nyck de Vries: a Formula 2 and Formula E champion, he was ruthlessly axed from his AlphaTauri seat in July after just 10 races. For all the riches of the globe-trotting spectacle, F1 remains undeniably cut-throat. Yet you won’t see Zhou having too much sympathy. “There’s a lot of pressure in Formula 1,” he states. “Only winners stay in this sport. If you can’t perform, if you’re outperformed by others, you’re going to lose the seat. That’s the reality. It’s the way everyone lives. The pressure is there, you don’t have a lot of time and you’ve really got to get on with it. “If you can’t do that, then you won’t stay here for long.” Zhou’s performances behind the wheel of a struggling Alfa car this year – languishing ninth in the Constructors’ Standings no less – have clearly impressed enough for a third bite at the cherry. Four points from 14 races would, typically, be a topic of major concern. Yet with experienced team-mate Bottas only two points up the standings, it is difficult to place too much blame on the drivers in the cockpit. With Audi’s takeover looming large for 2026, work is hurriedly being done in the background. “The results have been difficult to take,” he says. “We didn’t expect Aston Martin and McLaren to be so fast this year. It basically means we are fighting for two positions every week. My total points don’t show how much I’ve improved as a driver. I made some mistakes last year, but this year it’s more about the car.” Zhou’s assuredness stems from a childhood of contrasts: his formative years spent in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, followed by time as a teenager in the Steel City. Learning a new language and new culture, he went by the name of Steven at Westbourne School in Sheffield. “The culture and language are obviously completely different,” he says. “The education system too…” He pauses. He reflects on memories which quickened his acclimatisation process. “While in Sheffield, I really enjoyed playing pool. Not snooker, that’s more difficult! But also I was very surprised at how many Chinese people were going to university in Sheffield and at how many shops and restaurants there are. It’s quite far from London but you don’t feel like you’re too far out! Everyone was very laid back.” His ascension to F1 came as something of a surprise. Three seasons spent with the Alpine Academy in F2 – with a 2021 finish of third his best showing – saw Alfa come calling. He scored a point on his F1 debut in Bahrain last March. His start was impressive. But then came Silverstone. “It definitely set me back,” Zhou says now, recalling the time his Alfa spun upside-down towards a barrier at the start of the British Grand Prix. Miraculous images with a miraculous outcome: Zhou barely had a graze on him. “It happens. I recovered quite quickly mentally. It was just a shame because I had some very good momentum, I’d twice been in Q3, but I had to have a recharge afterwards. It wasn’t too bad.” Zhou is not one to reminisce too much. Everything is possible for the Chinese driver with a slice of Sheffield inside him. Audi’s arrival in less than three years is “still so far away.” However, he does admit: “Hopefully I can stay when Audi come.” But that’s in the distant future. For now, it’s on to this weekend and the twists and turns of Marina Bay. Read More Alfa Romeo confirm driver line-up for 2024 F1 season Max Verstappen breaks new ground with record victory at Italian Grand Prix Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe Hamilton labels Marko’s comments about Perez ‘completely unacceptable’ Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1

A quest to extract protein from air and microbes is getting a boost from one of the world’s

Holidays and hot weather are brilliant for raising your spirits during summer, but they can wreak havoc on your hair – especially if it’s wavy, coiled, kinked or curly. Sun, sea and swimming pools – or all of the above – can leave your crowning glory looking frizzy and lacklustre by the time September rolls around. “Curly hair can be more fragile than straight hair because the cuticle layer remains more raised than it is on straight hair, which leaves it more vulnerable to breakage,” says Kevin Hughes, global artistic director at Moroccanoil. Plus, if your strands aren’t healthy and hydrated it’s harder to get that gorgeously glossy, defined look, because curly hair naturally tends to be less shiny. “When there are twists and turns in the hair shaft, it absorbs parts of that reflection, reducing some of the shine that we see,” Hughes explains. “This dullness is increased if the hair is damaged or distressed by UV rays, sea and environmental aggressors.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are six expert-approved ways to rejuvenate curly hair… 1. Soothe your scalp “Curly hair has less moisture than straight hair because the oil from the scalp cannot move down the strands of hair as easily,” says Hughes. This problem can be exacerbated in summer if you’ve been sunbathing without a hat. “Occasionally I see dry or damaged scalp on clients who have braids and textured styles, as it is more exposed to the sun and subject to sunburn,” he says. Just as you would apply aftersun to parched skin and keep it covered, treat your scalp to a moisturising serum or mask and leave it on overnight. “I would be sure to use some aloe vera, apply to your scalp and wash less often to allow the natural oils to replenish and balance the scalp,” says Hughes. 2. Detangle knots “Healthy curls and coils are well-defined, springy and bouncy – lack of definition and tangles could indicate damage,” says Jennie Roberts, afro hair Expert at SheaMoisture UK. She recommends regularly detangling to “prevent knots and tangles from forming, which can lead to breakage. Use a brush or comb designed for curly and/or coily hair to avoid damaging the curls, kinks and coils”. Hughes suggests applying conditioner to wet hair before you wash it as an extra detangling step: “The conditioner will break down what is in the hair and rinse away with the conditioner, so the shampoo won’t make it worse than it already is.” 3. Bring back the bounce “Gently stretching a strand of hair should result in some level of elasticity without immediate snapping,” says Roberts. “If your hair breaks easily without any flexibility, it might be damaged.” From shampoo to styling, hydrating products are key for repairing your locks, says Hughes: “Look for ingredients that moisturise the hair, like panthenol and jojoba, as well as strengthening ingredients, like vegetable proteins.” Roberts adds: “Consider using a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to maintain moisture levels.” 4. Avoid heat and chemicals “Minimise the use of heat-styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners, as they can cause further damage, especially in humid conditions,” says Roberts. Always use a heat protection spray, and if you’re planning a summer escape, try to resist the urge to book salon appointments for anything other than a trim. “Wait until you get home from holidays before you have any chemical treatments such as colouring, perming, or relaxing,” Roberts says. “As you’ll be able to assess the condition of your hair better – the heat and weather will just add to the damage.” 5. Revive your curls While it may be tempting to reach for a heat styling wand when you want to zhoozh up your curls, if you want to protect your locks, it’s better to use a gentle hair routine during the summer months. Starting with freshly washed hair, Hughes says: “Make sure to blot it dry with a towel, meaning don’t be rough with it, then spritz through a heat protection spray – this will be the last time you comb through your hair.” Next, he says: “Scrunch the hair from the ends up to the scalp with the palm of your hand, then use a diffuser to dry the hair – essential to keep from blowing the curls around and getting frizzy.” If you do have any frizzy areas, use a heat styler sparingly: “Use a curling iron the same size as your curl; pick up random pieces of hair and redefine the curl with the iron.” 6. Lightweight styling products “Choose lightweight products to prevent buildup and to avoid weighing down your curls in the humid weather,” says Roberts. “Hair butters and creams will melt, so water-based products are always advised.” This is particularly important for the final step in your styling routine. “Use a curl-enhancing styling product,” says Hughes, such as a mousse or cream, to scrunch and set your locks. “Don’t brush or comb through your curls after hair is dry.” Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Leave-In Conditioner, £8.99, Superdrug SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Hair Treatment Masque, £12.99, Boots Osmo Curl Revival Replenishing Cream, £10.99, Sally Beauty Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Quinoa Frizz Control Gel, £21, Cult Beauty Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, £26.85

Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) is a long way from the Commonwealth in his upcoming spinoff

Later this year Disney is releasing a new boxed set of Blu-ray Discs with an

Save $79.01: The ninth generation Apple iPad is back down to its record low price

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has speculated as to why Red Bull suddenly cut Nyck de Vries from their sister AlphaTauri team midway through the season. One of the biggest shocks of the first half of the campaign was when F1 rookie De Vries was jettisoned by AlphaTauri after just 10 races and veteran Daniel Ricciardo was suddenly brought in from the cold to replace the young Dutchman. While De Vries had underperformed in his first season at motorsport’s highest level – failing to secure a single point and consistently being outpaced by teammate Yuki Tsunoda – his immediate sacking was seen as harsh by many in the sport, with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel calling it “brutal”. And, perhaps unsurprisingly given his fierce rivalry with Red Bull and team boss Christian Horner in particular, Wolff claims he falls into this camp. “Maybe he needed more time. If he had been given the season, who knows?” Wolff told Sky F1. “Maybe he would have been a really good candidate for the Red Bull seat too.” The Austrian offered his own theory as to why De Vries was cast aside, believing Sergio Perez’s poor form at Red Bull meant Horner and adviser Helmut Marko wanted to evaluate 34-year-old Ricciardo – who has won eight grands prix in his career – as a potential replacement for the Mexican as Max Verstappen’s teammate in the grid’s fastest car next year. “They wanted, I think, to do some benchmarking with Ricciardo to see if Daniel might be able to take Checo’s [Perez] seat,” said Wolff. “And once you’ve made that decision, then of course you’ll fall through the cracks.” Wolff also offered his sympathy to 28-year-old De Vries and revealed that he had met with the Dutchman in the days after his AlphaTauri sacking. Wolff said: “I’m a fan of his because he’s incredibly intelligent for vehicle development and has always contributed a lot.” De Vries’ next move in motorsport is still up in the air, although he has been linked with a return to Formula E, where he won the 2020-21 world championship. His manager Guillaume Le Goff told Formule1.nl: “There is plenty of interest in Nyck. I’ve had quite a few calls in the last week. Endurance, Le Mans, GTs, Formula E, also Formula 1. We’ll see.” Read More Nyck de Vries breaks silence after AlphaTauri exit Lewis Hamilton reacts to Nyck de Vries axing: ‘That’s how Red Bull work’ Daniel Ricciardo is back - and this time he wants to go out on top F1 2023 calendar: All 23 Grand Prix this year F1 2023 mid-season awards: Best driver, worst race and biggest surprise F1 2023 race schedule: When is the Dutch Grand Prix?

Airline passengers dealing with weather delays could face a new source of disruptions this weekend

In Europe the For You Page is about to be a little less for you.

We stand corrected. Gorgeous clothing, swanky shoes, and dazzling beauty products are not the only reasons to peruse Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. It’s bedding — specifically bedding on sale. From discounted Casper mattress toppers to Parachute duvet cover sets, the luxury department store offers a flurry of quality, price-slashed fabrics, cushions, and feathers from noteworthy brands aplenty. Plus, they’re all ready to ship and make your mattress a slumber oasis ASAP. So scroll on, we corralled 20 of the best Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack bedding deals getting cozy on those virtual aisles. Unless, of course, up-to-80% off bestselling sheet sets, comforters, duvet covers, and pillows aren’t really your thing.

Natalie Portman donned an exclusive Dior design to attend the premiere of her upcoming film 'May December' at the Cannes Film Festival

There’s no denying the style and beauty influence of Sofia Richie Grainge. Following her wedding, her exact bridal glam breakdown was written up in multiple publications with makeup artists posting video tutorials on “how to get the look” (which were copied by many, whether they were a bride or not). Richie Grainge’s latest video showed her technique for achieving her signature hairstyle the internet has dubbed “the chic bun” and surprise — it’s gone viral.