Positivity about Liam Lawson's future in Formula One ... from a Kiwi motorsport identity

Top rally driver Hayden Paddon is weighing in on his young compatriot's situation, following Lawson's relegation from the top Red Bull Racing team back to the second-tier RB outfit ... after just two grand prix .

Paddon says it's a ruthless code but Lawson still holds one of only 20 drivers' seats in the top division of world motorsport.

So he needs to prove a point with the junior team.



A focus on local talent is a priority for new Breakers president of basketball operations Dillon Boucher.

The current Basketball New Zealand CEO - who will leave his role to rejoin his former NBL club - is the first appointment under the team's new ownership group.