Dortmund Extends Julian Brandt’s Contract through 2026

In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)
TT

Dortmund Extends Julian Brandt’s Contract through 2026

In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)

Borussia Dortmund extended attacking midfielder Julian Brandt's contract through the end of the 2025-26 season on Tuesday after his existing deal had barely a year left to run.

Brandt is Dortmund's second-highest scorer this season with eight goals in the Bundesliga and one in the Champions League as the team challenges Bayern Munich for the German title.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said the 26-year-old Brandt, who joined Dortmund in 2019, had improved significantly at the club over the last year, praising his increased contribution when out of possession.

“We are happy that he has decided to continue to shape Borussia Dortmund's sporting future as a leading player,” Kehl said.

Brandt has made 39 appearances for Germany but has only played four games since Hansi Flick took over as coach in 2021.



Lewis Hamilton Paces Both F1 Practices on Opening Day of Las Vegas Grand Prix

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Lewis Hamilton attends the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Gladiator II" at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/AFP
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Lewis Hamilton attends the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Gladiator II" at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/AFP
TT

Lewis Hamilton Paces Both F1 Practices on Opening Day of Las Vegas Grand Prix

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Lewis Hamilton attends the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Gladiator II" at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/AFP
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Lewis Hamilton attends the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Gladiator II" at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/AFP

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton paced both of Thursday night's practices at the Las Vegas Grand Prix just two weeks after one of the worst races of his career.
The Mercedes driver was despondent over his performance in Brazil when he intimated after the race he wasn't even sure he wanted to finish the final three races of the season. Hamilton is moving to Ferrari at the end of the season.
“I didn’t really want to come back," Hamilton said in Las Vegas of his Brazil performance, where he struggled with the handling of his car, called it “undriveable” and “the bumpiest ride ever” after finishing 10th, The Associated Press said.
“If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but (I’m) grateful for you,” Hamilton said on his team radio after the race.
Hamilton clarified those remarks in Las Vegas, explaining how frustrated he was by the Brazil performance.
“In the moment, that’s how I felt," he said. “I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend, but I think that’s only natural. It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least I’ll work towards not having again. It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment but I’m here, I’m standing strong, and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for the last few races.”
He proved he can bounce back as he led both the first and second practice sessions Thursday in Las Vegas. He was followed in second practice by championship contender Lando Norris of McLaren and Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Max Verstappen, who only needs to finish three points ahead of Norris on Saturday night, was 17th in the second practice.
Hamilton and Russell went 1-2 in the opening practice, with Norris third. Verstappen was a more respectable fifth for Red Bull.