The world of high-end horology isn’t exactly left wanting for manufacturers. There are dozens, nay, hundreds of luxury watch brands on the market… But the problem is that many of them are just a bit same-y. Which is baffling: why would you invest in a timepiece that looks completely humdrum?

Of course, there’s much to be said for subtlety, but there’s minimalism and then there’s just being boring. Our take? if you’re going to buy a nice watch, buy a watch that doesn’t just run well and feel good on your wrist but is also distinctive. Something that’ll be a real conversation starter. Enter: Bell & Ross.

Founded in 1992 by childhood friends Carlos A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich as a university project, Bell & Ross has quickly become one of the most unique and desirable luxury watchmakers on the planet. It’s truly impressive how quickly the brand has cemented itself in the public consciousness – but that has. a lot to do with their unique aesthetic and approach to design.

Designed in France and made in Switzerland, Bell & Ross is well-known for its signature aviation-inspired aesthetic. Many of their watches are patterned after the dials and instruments of fighter jets and feature a highly legible, minimal aesthetic. Indeed, Bell & Ross have supplied the French Air & Space Force for many years, and are the official watch supplier to the Escadron de Chasse 2/4 La Fayette and the French space program.

Other notable accomplishments include kitting out the French Security Service’s bomb disposal squad as well as creating the Hydromax 11 100 M, which at one point was the Guinness World Record holder for wristwatch water resistance. Pretty impressive for a brand that’s centuries younger than most of its competition.

Bell & Ross might be best known for their square case designs, but their oeuvre is far more diverse than just that. We’ve rounded up some of the best and most distinctive Bell & Ross watches you ought to invest in.

BR-X5

Reference: BRX5R-IB-ST/SST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Price: AU$10,700

First up, we have the Bell & Ross BR-X5: the brand’s newest model and their first-ever watch with a manufacture mechanical movement. Manufacture movements are prized by those in the know; they’re a must for any truly high-end watch brand, and the BR-X5’s is a real gem.

Produced in collaboration with esteemed movement maker Kenissi (who also supplies some of Switzerland’s top watch brands including Breitling, TAG Heuer and Tudor), the BR-X5’s Manufacture Calibre BR-CAL.323 is COSC-certified – a first for Bell & Ross – and boasts a 70-hour power reserve.

Aesthetically, the BR-X5 impresses, too. A large-aperture date window at 3 o’clock and a circle-shaped power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock make it really stand out, as does its unique and futuristic multi-piece case construction. How good’s that ice-blue dial, too? A proper watch for proper enthusiasts, we can’t think of a better place to start your Bell & Ross collection than with the new BR-X5.

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BR 03-92 Diver Military

Reference: BR0392-D-KA-CE/SRB
Case Material: Matte Black Ceramic
Price: AU$6,900

The BR 03 is perhaps Bell & Ross’ most popular model: combining the iconic square case design pioneered by the BR 01, Bell & Ross’ first watch family, with a more accessible 42mm case size. Available in either pilot’s or dive watch variants, it’s a versatile and masculine watch that exemplifies the watchmaker’s intrepid spirit.

The BR 03-92 Diver Military, as you might have guessed, is firmly a more aquatic offering from Bell & Ross, and one that pays tribute to the brand’s military connections and design ethos. Featuring a slick black ceramic case, mil-spec olive drab dial and chunky rubber strap, this is a no-nonsense watch that’s perfect for operators and civilians alike.

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BR 05 GMT

Reference: BR05G-BL-ST/SST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Price: AU$7,900

The BR 05 was first launched in 2019 and features a rounded, softer take on Bell & Ross’ signature square case design while also introducing a sleek integrated bracelet – very on-trend.

As the name implies, the BR 05 GMT is a GMT watch – that is, it’s capable of displaying the local time in two different time zones. For a brand that’s all about aviation, it’s the perfect complication and one that’s an invaluable tool for both pilots and passengers alike. It also boasts a screw-down crown, sapphire case-back and a water-resistance rating of 100m.

We’ve singled out the version with a matching stainless steel integrated bracelet, but you can also get the BR 05 GMT on a black rubber strap if that’s more your style. Indeed, Bell & Ross offers a lot of different strap options for virtually all their watches, making customisation a breeze.

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BR 05 Chrono

Reference: BR05C-BU-ST/SRB
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Price: AU$8,800

The BR 05 Chrono is one of the most elegant chronographs we’ve seen in a very long time. Many chronograph versions of popular watches feel like an afterthought, and ruin the design of the watch. Not so with the BR 05 Chrono. The chronograph counters reflect the BR 05’s unique ‘squared circle’ design and give off a very 70’s vibe. The chronograph pushers are perfectly integrated into the crown guard as well.

We reckon the deep blue dial variant of the BR 05 Chrono looks amazing on a colour-matching rubber strap, but there’s also a stainless steel integrated bracelet variant available, as well as a black dial variant, too. Choices, choices…

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BR-X2 Skeleton Tourbillon Micro-Rotor

Reference: BRX2-MRTB-SK-ST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Price: AU$110,000

Bell & Ross watches are largely priced at the more affordable end of the luxury watch market, with a few key exceptions… Like this BR-X2, with its $110,000 price tag. Unlike other watches the French watchmaker has released previously, the BR-X2 Skeleton Tourbillon Micro-Rotor – an evolution of the non-skeletal model released in 2017 – attaches the movement to the 42.5mm case to make it seem like you’re just wearing a movement on your wrist. A solid departure from what we’re used to seeing from the brand, but one we have zero qualms with.

We’re also particular fans of the Bell & Ross’ ampersand signature motif being applied to the tourbillon, especially when you remember this watch is part of the company’s experimental range of watches, meaning rules and conventional design tactics need not apply.

This is a real statement piece and proof positive that Bell & Ross isn’t your average watchmaker; they can duke it out with the biggest players in haute horlogerie. Ah, c’est magnifique.

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BR 03-94 Patrouille de France

Reference: BR0394-PAF1-CE/SRB
Case Material: Matte Black Ceramic
Price: AU$8,500

As we mentioned earlier, Bell & Ross watches are not only inspired by military instruments but are actually used as military instruments: Bell & Ross is the official timepiece supplier to many branches of the French military and security services. One unit Bell & Ross has a particularly close association with is the Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatics demonstration unit of the French Air and Space Force – who you’ve likely seen before, as they traditionally open the Bastille Day military parade.

Bell & Ross worked closely with the pilots and designed a chronograph that is perfectly adapted to their operational needs: the BR 03-94 Patrouille de France. Featuring a handsome, deep blue dial and the Patrouille de France logo at 6 o’clock, this sporty chronograph was designed for high-flyers.

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BR V2-94 Full Lum

Reference: BRV294-LUM-ST/SRB
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Price: $7,400

Bell & Ross’ BR V2-94 is a more conventionally styled tool watch compared to some of its other offerings… But this BR V2-94 is anything but conventional. The BR V2-92 Full Lum, as the name implies, doesn’t just have lume on its hands and indices, but its entire dial. This makes the watch an absolute beacon at night, whilst looking slick during the day.

Another clever touch is that the chronograph minutes counter at 9 o’clock and the chronograph seconds hand feature a slightly different shade of lume for added legibility.

On top of that, the BR V2-94 Full Lum features a chronograph function and an elegantly-integrated small date window. Add in 100m of water resistance and a ‘tropical’ rubber strap as standard, and you’re getting an awful lot of watch for the money.

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BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze

Reference: BR0392-D-R-BR/SCA
Case Material: Bronze
Price: AU$6,800

The only thing more in vogue than green dials at the moment in the watch world is bronze dive watches. Bronze is a reactive metal that develops a patina very quickly, particularly when exposed to saltwater. That sounds bad on paper, but the reason watch fans love bronze watches so much is precisely because it tarnishes: it means that your watch will be totally unique; totally yours.

It’s also a metal that’s closely associated with ocean-faring, with traditional diving helmets, portholes and ship wheels all traditionally made out of the material. Indeed, the BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze actually features an engraving of a deep-sea diver’s helmet on its caseback, in reference to bronze’s nautical connections.

Water-resistant to 300m and featuring a rich, luscious red dial and calfskin leather strap, the BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze is a refreshing change from your classic dive watch and a unique take on the Bell & Ross formula.

Read Next

• Red Alert: Bell & Ross Reveal A New Radar-Inspired Statement Piece Watch
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The post The Best Bell & Ross Watches To Buy In 2023 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We all know the world has gone football crazy in 2022, but this viral video, which shows a full plane of passengers watching the World Cup, shows just how mental we’ve all gone…

Making the rounds on TikTok and Instagram, the short clip, simply captioned “it’s that time”, shows an entire economy section of an American Airlines flight all glued to their screens watching England’s opening game against the USA last week, which was broadcast live in-flight by Sport 24.

Well, we say the entire flight. One woman can be seen watching some movie instead. Must have sucked to be her when another hundred passengers start cheering after a goal…

WATCH an entire plane tuned in to the 2022 FIFA World Cup below.

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It’s also interesting to see a carrier like American Airlines offer such in-demand entertainment at a time when many major international (and definitely most regional) airlines worldwide are starting to cheap out on their in-flight entertainment offerings.

They don’t call it “the beautiful game” for nothing…

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The post Viral Footage Emerges Of ‘Entire Plane’ Watching The World Cup appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The 2010s may have been all about craft beer, and 2020 might have been all about “hard seltzers,” but now there’s a new alcohol trend in town – craft whiskey.

When you think about single malt, America probably doesn’t spring to mind. It’s all Scotland, Japan – even ‘the Highlands of Australia‘ – before the bourbon-swilling barbarians over in the United States, right? Wrong. A classy – but still seriously fun – movement is brewing in the United States (and the early signs are that Aussies are going to love it). That movement? Craft whiskey.

Speaking of which… I was recently invited to America by Westward Whiskey to do some old fashioned whistle-wetting. In doing so, I had my eyes opened to the craft whiskey movement that’s a brewin’ (and which is now making its way over to Australia in leaps and bounds).

Westward’s philosophy, as Westward Head Distiller Miles Munroe puts it, is to brew their whiskey like a beer, distil it like a single malt and age it like a bourbon. But before we get into all that: a little backstory. Westward Whisky began in 2004, when Founder & Master Distiller Christian Krogstad – a former brewer and winemaker – envisioned a distinctive American Single Malt inspired by the American Northwest. 

At the time, there were only three dozen craft distilleries in the U.S. Now there are more than 2,200, with Westward a proud leader of the space. Christian was joined in 2011 by Thomas Mooney, who came to the team as Founder and CEO, to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a whiskey entrepreneur, and the rest is history.

Westward isn’t the only craft spirit maker in the game. The sector is booming. According to a study conducted by the American Craft Spirits Association, the craft spirits industry achieved $2.4 billion in retail sales in 2015, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 27.4% in volume.

RELATED: I Tried The Most Expensive Japanese Whisky Of All Time… & It’s Ruined Me For Life

It’s grown since then, too, and my recent tour of Westward’s Portland distillery and barrel warehouse (aka “Jenny”) showed me by just how much. Westward now has a large distillery alongside a super stylish tasting room reminiscent of a winery. It has remained true to its roots though, with personal touches, like the quirkily named warehouse “Jenny” (and people putting stickers on the bottles partially by hand) never too far away throughout my tour.

Upon arriving, it quickly became evident, however, that this was no slapped-together hop shop. It’s a very savvy – if full of heart, and local ingredients – operation. Westward’s got high-tech whisky distilling gadgets, a classy tasting room and a brewing set-up that would put many micro-breweries to shame.

After walking into the brewing room, the smell of malted barley wafted over me. I instantly found myself craving a beer, and Miles, as if reading my mind, asked if we want to try the “mash.” We all had a pleasant chew, before Miles, casual as you like, tapped the giant metal cylinder as if it were a mere keg, letting us know that this isn’t any old wash (and we’d expect nothing less, in a distillery run by a brewer).

Here, we learned that wash – a kind of light, non-carbonated ale-y substance – is the finished product of fermentation destined to be distilled for the first time (of which the tasty mash is a mere byproduct). We also learned that all Westward Whiskey is made from 100% Northwest two-row pale malted barley and ale yeast.

In the early years, before the distillery I’m visiting was built, Westward washes were brewed in partnership with a number of iconic Portland breweries, like Breakside, Alameda, and Rogue, but since November 2015 every single wash used has been brewed inhouse, with a classic craft beer philosophy – fermentation being done slowly and at a low temperature. The result is a spicy wash with bright and fruity notes. One that makes you feel like you could drink it all day.

RELATED: How To Make A Wonderfully Sophisticated Whiskey Sour

But enough on that: drinking is not what this “wash” is for though, really. We were just indulging in a little bit of experimental excess – such is the Westward way. After drinking a cheeky glass of the stuff, we headed over to a different part of the room, where a young woman stood at a sticker-covered counter, wearing noise-cancelling headphones and tasting a fresh batch of whiskey (the finished product). Adorning the wall is a Mark Twain quote that reads: “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

This quote proved prophetic; we then learned that 28,000L of wash ultimately equates to just 5 barrels of whiskey. Though this method of production is deliberately inefficient, having such a high-quality base is what gives Westward the ability to create such a unique flavour profile, in such a short period of time (compared to traditional Scotch makers).

It also gives them the license to play around a little; something Head Distiller, the long-haired, cowboy boot clopping, tattoo-adorned Miles Munroe absolutely loves to do.

In the room next door, we climbed up on top of the custom-built still, which is converting the fermented beer into whiskey. Unlike the stills you see in Scotland, which have longer necks, Westward stills have short copper necks. This means the evaporating droplets stay closer to the liquid below – closer to the brew’s flavours as they travel upwards, eventually finding their way into a smaller, second still for another round of distillation. This means you can get a stronger taste, in a quicker time.

As Westward puts it: “We start with the finest ingredients possible to express our signature robust flavour. Why would we want to lose any of that?⁠”

RELATED: The ‘Evolved’ American Alcohol Trend About To Blow Up In Australia

I’ll drink to that. And it’s not just me. Australia appears (as a nation of not just degenerate alcoholics, per passé stereotype, but increasingly sophisticated drinkers) more than ready to receive this latest alcohol trend. And sales figures show we’re well and truly poised to pick up what Westward – and other craft whisky makers – are putting down.

Westward’s Single Malt Rum Cask edition, for instance, was voted 2021 Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Club – Australia’s biggest whisky community. Matured in Guatemalan rum casks and dripping with tangy tangerine, crunchy sugar cane and rich Banoffee pie, it was one very sexy whiskey. Or as one member, Andrew Martin, described it: “Lifting the cork on this bottle was like walking into your favourite ski lodge late at night to find the fire roaring and steaming pudding wafting from the kitchen.”

Who can resist that?

If you fear Westward may not have another innovative drop for you soon though, think again. They are constantly experimenting and are sure to be a growing presence in the Australian market in the years to come. In Westward’s warehouse, for instance, we were fortunate enough to try some of the wilder experiments they currently have running (as well as some of the tried and tested recipes, like their collaboration with local winery Dominio IV).

We tried Mezcal, Chardonnay, Port, Pinot Noir and Rum Westward variations. On top of that, while visiting Dominio IV in the Willamette Valley, we hand-picked hazelnuts off Dominio’s vineyards, which Miles plans to roast and then soak in Westward whiskey as a cheeky experiment.

Judging by the response we’ve seen thus far to Westward in Australia, we can safely say we expect to see more craft whiskey over here behind Australian bars and bottle shops soon. Who knows, maybe we’ll even get a Jacaranda-flavoured whiskey one day soon. So, if you’re listening Westward, go West! Or should we say, East…

DMARGE was invited to visit America as a guest of Westward Whiskey.

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The post ‘Craft Whiskey’ Is The Next Alcohol Trend To Take Over Australia appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has come in swinging at Argentine legend Lionel Messi after footage has emerged of him nudging a Mexican jersey with his foot.

Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has gone full Conor McGregor. In a foul mouth tirade, Canelo accused the gentle Argentine giant Lionel Messi of, among other poorly translated things, a “blowjob,” and “disrespect.”

The professional boxer said: “Así como respeto Argentina tiene que respetar mexico!! no hablo del país(argentina) hablo de messi por su mamada que hizo.”

Así como respeto Argentina tiene que respetar mexico!! no hablo del país(argentina) hablo de messi por su mamada que hizo.

— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) November 28, 2022

This loosely translates to: “Just as I respect Argentina, you have to respect Mexico!! I’m not talking about the country (Argentina) I’m talking about Messi because of the blowjob he gave.”

He also said: “Vieron a Messi limpiando el piso con nuestra playera y bandera????” This roughly equates to “Came to Messi cleaning the floor with our player and flag???”

Plus: “He better hope to god I don’t find him.”

WATCH: Argentina celebrates huge win over Mexico; Messi allegedly ‘wipes the floor’ with a Mexico shirt…

To anyone who has seen the video for themselves, however, it becomes abundantly clear Messi simply nudged the shirt with his foot, as he moved to sit down and take his boots off. As ESPN journalist David Faitelson said: “El Canelo” Álvarez is wrong. Messi is of that style. He is a footballer who respects and gives himself respect. He puts the shirt in front of him and stretches his leg to take off his shoe. Let’s not invent nonsense where there is none. Argentina won and period…”

Though some Twitter users seemed intent on creating controversy, most people appeared to give Messi the benefit of the doubt.

In one exchange, one commenter wrote: “The Mexico shirt did not have to be on the ground, I agree with you the solution is not violence, but Messi is wrong. With this action he lost many Mexican fans.”

Another responded: “And why not? He takes off his shirt and leaves it on the floor like anyone else when he takes off his clothes. what a thin skin.”

RELATED: If Lionel Messi Goes To Inter Miami, Football Is Dead To Me

Another said “Ve primero él video y déjate de mamadas!” (watch the video already and quit with the stupidity).

Another provocateur weighed in with: “Mexicans overreating, just accept the defeat and continue with your lives.”

The sentiment was similar on Instagram, with one user writing: “Love Canelo, what is he smoking? Messi has always been high respecting of opponents, don’t know what Canelo is even talking about. Vamos Argentina.”

Another joker suggested Messi might beat Canelo in a fight, writing: “Not a big Messi fan but let’s be honest here, he’s more athletic that canelo and if the fight goes long cardio can help him win.”

Fighting words all around. Except for from Messi. Can’t we just leave the GOAT in peace? We’re sure he doesn’t have beef with anybody…

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The post Canelo Alvarez Fires Warning Shot At Messi After ‘Disrespectful’ Celebration appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are lots of decisions to ponder when purchasing a new watch, many of which are simply matters of personal preference. What case material do I go for? What dial colour? But perhaps the most important one is whether you want it on a strap or on a bracelet – and turns out there’s an objectively right answer…

Derek Mon (a.k.a @theminutemon), a New York-based watch dealer and noted watch geek, has recently explained why you should (almost) always – if given the choice – opt for a bracelet over a strap when buying a new watch.

As he explains below, you’ll end up saving money if you end up changing your mind later down the track: watch brands tend to price bracelet variants of models only slightly higher than strap variants, but when they sell bracelets or straps individually, the price delta is significantly larger.

WATCH Derek explain why you should go for a bracelet over a strap below.

There are two other reasons why you should consider going for a bracelet over a strap that Derek doesn’t mention in his video.

The first reason is that cost aside, it’s always easier to find a decent leather strap for your watch than a bracelet – especially if your watch has an integrated bracelet.

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You can always (theoretically, at least) cut or modify a leather strap to suit non-standard case lugs. Also, popular watches with integrated bracelets, such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus or Tissot PRX, have myriad high-quality third-party rubber and leather strap options. In comparison, third-party metal bracelets are almost universally inferior to their factory counterparts.

Quality aside, third-party leather, fabric or rubber straps are far more acceptable than third-party metal bracelets… To watch nerds, at least. It’s a weird double standard but it’s one that exists.

Secondly, if you’re ever likely to part way with your watch down the line, you’re more likely to fetch a higher price for it if you’re able to supply it with the original bracelet. Of course, if you can supply it with the original strap, that’s good too, but bracelets are almost always prized more by collectors than straps.

Our tip? If you’re really looking to maximise resale value, buy both options – the bracelet and the strap – and don’t use either of them. Instead, find a decent third-party leather strap and wear that, or just throw it on a NATO strap (if it’s not a dress watch). Alternatively, buy both, wear the leather, and then keep the bracelet mint.

Of course, all this faff only matters if you’re planning on reselling your watch. Watches are meant to be worn and enjoyed, so wear your watch however you want.

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The post You Should Always Buy A Watch On A Bracelet Instead Of A Strap appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

One of the world’s most well-informed football journalists has doused the rumour that Messi and Inter Miami are basically a done deal…

Fabrizio Romano, one of the world’s most (so is the myth around him, anyway) clairvoyant sports journalists, has taken to Twitter to call for calm among the madness that is the rumour that Messi is going to Inter Miami.

Amid a maelstrom of headlines like “Messi and Inter Miami are nearing a deal to make him the highest paid player in MLS history,” Fabrizio wrote in the early hours of this morning: “Leo Messi has not decided his future yet.”

He added; “His camp guarantees that Leo is only focused on the World Cup and there’s no agreement with any club. Inter Miami want Messi and will push; but also PSG will offer Leo a new deal soon. Messi’s decision will be made in 2023.”

Leo Messi has not decided his future yet. His camp guarantees that Leo is only focused on the World Cup and there’s no agreement with any club. #Messi

Inter Miami want Messi and will push; but also PSG will offer Leo a new deal soon.

Messi’s decision will be made in 2023. pic.twitter.com/rXQ6bvZvLS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 27, 2022

Fabrizio is one of the most well-informed football journalists in the world, so this statement comes as a relief to all of the Messi fans who don’t want him to leave Europe just yet. Many expressed that relief on social media.

As one wrote on Instagram (underneath Complex’s heralding of the so called news): “Briziorom hasn’t said anything about it, don’t believe it. He’s literally always right and way more accurate then woj of the NBA.”

RELATED: Is It Time To Stop Calling Ronaldo & Messi The GOATs?

Another wrote: “Fake news. Messi not deciding his future post World Cup. Plus fabrizio hasn’t said a word.”

“Messi wouldn’t make a decision like this in the middle of the World Cup, could happen but this is fake news.”

Instagram user @justindarosa

Yet another said: “Not believing until Fabrizio post it..”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Complex Football (@complex.fc)

Other fans were more emotional, with comments like “Didn’t he say he wants to win the champions league trophy with Paris before he considers switching teams?” and “Gooodd Please No NO NO NO NO” also rolling in. There was also one Instagram user who said it would be a good thing for Messi to go to the MLS (“he knows his time is near I’m glad he won’t have a disastrous downfall like Ronaldo”), but this opinion was by far a minority.

RELATED: Man Gets Lionel Messi’s Signature Tattooed Onto His Arm

As for what’s really going to happen with Messi, only time (and Fabrizio’s tweets) will tell. But we’re still praying for a last-gasp Barcelona reunion. That being said, Fabrizio didn’t rule out a move to the MLS, so don’t go getting too relieved just yet either…

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The post ‘Clairvoyant’ Italian Journalist Rubbishes Messi To MLS Rumours appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Daniel Ricciardo’s absence from the Formula 1 grid next year will be keenly felt – by both fans and the man himself. But all is not lost for the Australian driver: he just needs to take a page out of Alex Albon’s book.

Daniel Ricciardo has just been signed as a reserve driver for Red Bull for the 2023 F1 season, with ‘The Honey Badger’ preferring this third driver deal instead of opting for a full-time drive with a backmarker team like Haas or Williams (which could have been on the cards for him).

It’s a decision that’s befuddled many Danny Ric fans, although Ricciardo is adamant that it’s the best thing for his career. We’re not so sure – but there’s some hope to be had if we look at what happened to Alex Albon.

The Thai-British driver has similarly had a rocky few years in F1. After just half a season as a full-time F1 driver with Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso (now called AlphaTauri), Albon was promoted to the senior team, replacing Pierre Gasly. Albon had a very mixed 18 months with the team, after which he found himself without a drive for 2021, being demoted to Red Bull’s reserve driver.

It seemed like Albon’s F1 career was over before it had begun… But then the young gun secured himself a seat at Williams for 2022, where despite substandard machinery and a year away from the sport, he’s impressed with his driving chops – leading many insiders to suggest that a stint at a top team could once again be back on the cards for Albon.

So what can Ricciardo learn from Albon’s year away from the sport as a Red Bull reserve driver?

Albon knuckled down during 2021, putting in long hours in the simulator and keeping his eyes open whilst spending time at Red Bull.

RELATED: Daniel Ricciardo’s Troubles Linked To Video Games, According To Formula 1 Champ

“I’m seeing what goes on at the factory behind the scenes, the development work and seeing the things we work on in the simulator go to the track,” he said during an interview last year.

“It’s very rewarding. Of course, it’s not what I want to be doing long term, but it’s interesting to see… Whatever I can do for the team, [I want to] show my worth, show what I can give to them.”

Alex Albon

That 2021 interview has plenty of nuggets for wisdom which Ricciardo can and should learn from.

“You can’t lie and say it’s easy,” Albon said of his demotion and year away from the sport. “If you could say [2020] was tough mentally, [2021] is equally as tough if not tougher as you’re going to circuits not racing. It’s a different feeling. You want to be out there, you want to be driving. We’re all born racers and we want to be out there so it’s tricky.”

“A lot of it this year is about getting motivated, pushing hard trying to see if there is a chance to come back next year,” Albon explained – which is exactly how Ricciardo needs to treat 2023.

WATCH Daniel Ricciardo’s workout regime below.

Albon was also quick to point out how one year away from the sport can be fine, but more than that can truly scupper your career.

“F1 moves relatively quickly. More than a year out, the car gets tricky. A year’s break is as much as you can do. That’s what Esteban [Ocon] did. Fernando [Alonso] is a different example, but Fernando is Fernando!”

“The car evolves so quickly, technology is improving… You can’t jump around and do different things. So it’s one year [out] maximum.”

Alex Albon

Again, Ricciardo should pay close attention to Albon’s wise words. Only truly exceptional drivers like Fernando Alonso or Kimi Räikkönen can return to the sport after multiple years away and succeed in a meaningful way. The fact that Nico Hülkenberg is making his return to the grid next year after several years away is nothing short of surprising, for example.

RELATED: Rookie Driver Shows How Physically Hard It Is To Drive In Formula 1

But unlike Hülkenberg – or even Albon, for that matter – Ricciardo is a proven race winner. Sure, he’s not a former world champ like Alonso or Räikkönen, and his form slump since leaving Red Bull in 2018 is a worry… But if he takes his 2023 ‘sabbatical’ seriously and makes all the right moves to get himself in an advantageous position for 2024, we could see Danny Ric back in a competitive seat.

Of course, Albon’s tale of redemption isn’t as impressive as it could have been. Sure, he’s back on the grid, but Williams is still the least competitive team in the sport.

Perhaps Pierre Gasly is a better example. Gasly was demoted by Red Bull after only 6 months, being sent back down to Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri… But after solidly cementing himself as that team’s #1 driver and recording some impressive performances (including his maiden F1 victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix while at the team), he’s now landed himself a seat with the now-competitive Alpine.

Anyway, the point still stands: things might look bad for Ricciardo now, but if he takes full advantage of 2023, he’s not done for. There’s hope yet.

• Formula 1’s 2023 Driver Line-Up: Who’s In, Who’s Out
• Daniel Ricciardo’s Mental Health Admission Is A Lesson For Australian Blokes

The post What Daniel Ricciardo Can Learn From Alex Albon’s ‘Year In Exile’ appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A savvy World Cup fan has shown FIFA how it’s done, creating his own VAR to use from the stands.

One savvy World Cup fan has given the Internet hysterics, with footage doing the rounds of him creating his own version of VAR, with his phone and a set of binoculars.

WATCH: Fan creates his own VAR with phone and binoculars

While the clip inspired Internet users to encourage him to get a better phone (“he should have bought the S22 Ultra instead”) or to simply watch the match at home, others said he was “living in 3022” and called him a genius.

Other comments included: “Bro not billionaire enough to be on front row,” “How he smiles when it works” and “why didn’t see ronaldos goal was a gift from the referee.”

Another said he must actually be rich “for having that phone without protecting cover.” He appears to have inspired some imitators, too, with a follow-up video by TikTok user Cristina Ballesteros showing yet another fan making his own VAR (with two phones) too.

VAR has been a subject of controversy this year (and every year, for that matter, since it has been introduced). This isn’t the first time it has reared its head during the World Cup.

Many people believe Argentina were rorted by a certain VAR offside call during their shock loss to Saudi Arabia, with many complaining VAR should measure from the feet, not the furthest forward limb. Argentina have, fortunately (for them) recovered, beating Mexico over the weekend to put themselves back in good stead for making it through to the next round.

Doesn’t matter who it is, have said this loads of times. Seems absurd that it’s not the feet that define offsides. The attacker is *behind the defender by some way here. (Especially if it’s going to become automated, a chip in boot being I would guess the easiest thing). pic.twitter.com/lQZLORcjag

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) November 22, 2022

As the World Cup continues to get hotter, expect the VAR controversies (and fan reactions to them) to continue.

• Argentina ‘Rorted’ By Absurd VAR Rule That Needs To Change
• Qatar Accused Of Hiring ‘Fake Fans’, Further Embarassing World Cup 2022

The post World Cup Fan Shows FIFA How It’s Done, Creates His Own VAR appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Typically, Qataris have no problem with super-expensive watches… But Harry Kane’s recent choice of wrist candy has raised more than a few eyebrows at the 2022 World Cup.

The England national team captain and Tottenham star was spotted wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Rainbow’ (ref. 116595RBOW) worth well over AU$1 million as he led his squad from the team coach into their dressing room ahead of England’s dramatic 6-2 win over Iran earlier this week.

Why is this significant? In light of Qatar’s appalling record on human rights, it’s been reported that England planned for Kane to wear a rainbow-coloured captain’s armband as a protest and display of support for the LGBTQ+ community – only for England to back down after copping heat from FIFA.

So we reckon this eye-catching timepiece is Kane’s subtle way of hitting back at Qatar and FIFA. Well, subtle’s probably the wrong word… We just wonder if anyone from FIFA has had any words with him about it.

Released back in 2018 but since discontinued, this luxurious rose gold take on Rolex’s most desirable watch is swathed in diamonds, with 47 rainbow-gradated baguette-cut sapphires replacing the Daytona’s usual tachymeter bezel and hour markers.

This flashy Rolex has proven to be exceptionally popular with well-heeled sports stars and celebrities. Zlatan Ibrahimovic owns one (with a black dial) as does Roger Federer’s wife Mirka (although hers is white gold).

RELATED: Erling Haaland Is Building The Premier League’s Best Watch Collection

After blitzing Iran in their first group-stage game, Kane’s England squad struggled unexpectedly against the USA, eventually drawing 0-0. England’s next game is against Wales on the 29th.

• Who Will Win World Cup 2022: World Cup Odds & Predictions Australia
• Cristiano Ronaldo Celebrates Manchester United Break Up With ‘Controversial’ Watch

The post Harry Kane’s $1 Million Rolex Lands Him In Trouble At The World Cup appeared first on DMARGE Australia.