F1 Champion Button Feels the Heat on NASCAR Debut

Jenson Button, driver of the #15 Mobil 1 Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 26, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)
Jenson Button, driver of the #15 Mobil 1 Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 26, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)
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F1 Champion Button Feels the Heat on NASCAR Debut

Jenson Button, driver of the #15 Mobil 1 Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 26, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)
Jenson Button, driver of the #15 Mobil 1 Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 26, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)

Former Formula One world champion Jenson Button said that he suffered heat exhaustion and nearly retired from the race before finishing 18th at his NASCAR debut in Texas on Sunday.

The 43-year-old Briton, who won the F1 world championship in 2009, said he feared fainting while driving his Ford Mustang during the 68-lap race at the Circuit of the Americas.

"Finished 18th after almost stopping because I had heat exhaustion. It was so hot. I don't have a fan in my seat, which really didn't help me too much," Button said.

"I stopped twice for a minute. They put ice on me, gave me loads of water, and I went back out.

"I was so close to getting out of the car because I thought I was going to faint. I must have drunk eight-nine bottles of water during the race. The team kept me calm, and it's the reason why we got a good result in the end. So, I was happy."

Button will next compete in the inaugural Chicago Street Race on July 2 before racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Aug. 13.



Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
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Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.

The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies, AFP said.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool look set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will link up with Arne Slot's side on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was an unused substitute during his side's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting Ekitike's impending departure was "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.