Ferrari aims to obliterate recollections of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes era

Ferrari is employing radical measures in an attempt to completely expunge any memory of Lewis Hamilton's time with Mercedes.

Ferrari has been striving to obliterate Lewis Hamilton's recollections of piloting a Mercedes in his initial simulator trials.

According to the Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari has been employing unconventional techniques in their simulator to assist the seven-time world champion in adapting to their Formula 1 car.

Hamilton will need to adjust to both new operational methods and an entirely unique vehicle at Ferrari, marking the first occasion in his 18-year F1 career that he's behind the wheel with an engine other than one from Mercedes.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, during his initial simulator sessions, Hamilton has been piloting the version of Ferrari's 2024 car that's designed for the end of the season.

According to their informants, Ferrari reportedly experimented with various setups and modifications, such as intentionally altering suspension settings, engine mappings, and load settings, with the goal of obliterating any recollection Hamilton had associated with the Mercedes simulator.

According to reports, Ferrari intends to create a simulation of their 2025 car model to offer Hamilton an immediate comparison of the two vehicles. This will take place before the official reveal scheduled for February 19, when Hamilton, alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc, is anticipated to take part in a preliminary test drive.

Hamilton completes initial circuit trial

On Wednesday, Hamilton took a Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle for its maiden spin at the team's Fiorano testing circuit, navigating 30 laps under chilly and moist conditions in a 2023 model.

According to AutoRacer, the British racer, aged 40, clocked a lap time of exactly one minute. This performance was reportedly impacted by minor errors and low temperatures.

Hamilton described his initial experience driving a Ferrari as "breathtaking" and "among the most exhilarating moments of his life".

As I ignited the engine and made my way out of the garage, a broad grin spread across my face.

The experience took me back to my initial encounter with driving a Formula 1 car. That occasion was filled with excitement and was truly memorable. Now, nearly two decades later, I find myself reliving those same feelings once more.

It was evident to me even before joining that the Ferrari community, encompassing both the team members and their ardent supporters, holds a deep passion.

"Seeing it up close as a Ferrari driver has been truly breathtaking. Their passion is deeply ingrained, and it's impossible not to be invigorated by it."

"I'm incredibly thankful for the warmth and affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's plenty of work ahead of us, but I'm eager to dive in."

Hamilton is anticipated to undergo additional trials with Ferrari in Barcelona soon, ahead of his initial experience with the team's 2025 contender.

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Lewis Hamilton provides new details on his choice to join Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has revealed new information about his decision to depart from Mercedes and join their F1 competitors, Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton describes his choice to join Ferrari as a "complete gamble" motivated by his "instincts."

In February, the Formula 1 community was stunned when the driver, who has won the world championship seven times, revealed his plans to depart from Mercedes and make a high-profile move to their competitors, Ferrari.

Following his contentious title loss to Max Verstappen in 2021, during which he secured only two victories, Hamilton has inked a multi-year contract with Ferrari. He is now preparing for his first season racing alongside Charles Leclerc with the Italian team.

In a discussion with LinkedIn's 'Get Hired' newsletter, the 40-year-old from Britain shared new perspectives on why he decided to relocate.

"According to Hamilton, each fresh opportunity is essentially an act of complete trust."

No one can foresee what lies ahead, so whether you're switching jobs or, like me, transitioning to a new team, there will invariably be an element of uncertainty involved.

"However, I think the greater danger lies in remaining in a place where you feel at ease, as it can lead to complacency."

Whether you call it intuition or just a gut feeling, I was certain that joining Ferrari was the right choice for me and would provide the challenge I was seeking.

"I'm really looking forward to collaborating with the amazing individuals on our team, and I'm completely confident that we'll accomplish remarkable feats together."

Hamilton stated that his ongoing drive for betterment is what keeps him inspired after 18 years in Formula 1.

He stated, "I consider each Formula 1 season to be a fresh chapter." He went on to explain that despite having victories, trophies, and titles in previous years, he understands that success in the upcoming season is never assured.

"My strategy involves putting in maximum effort daily, ensuring that when I return to the car, I've improved beyond my performance from the previous season."

"The mentality of consistently advancing, regardless of the scale of the steps, has driven me to accomplish more than I once believed I could."

Anthony, Hamilton’s father, disclosed that his son has been "training intensely" as he prepares for his debut season with Ferrari.

Hamilton has had a positive experience during his initial week working at Ferrari. On Wednesday, he drove their 2023 Formula 1 car for the first time, marking his debut on the track for the team at the Fiorano testing circuit.

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F1 competitors may receive penalties, including point reductions and suspensions, for violating the FIA's recently introduced 'misconduct' regulations.

F1 racers could be penalized with point reductions or potentially face suspensions due to newly introduced 'misconduct' rules announced by the FIA.

The FIA, the organization in charge, has introduced new rules for penalizing drivers for inappropriate behavior, such as using foul language, effective from the 2025 season.

On Wednesday, a revised edition of the FIA's International Sporting Code was released, showing the possible sanctions, which now include stricter consequences for subsequent violations.

The authority states that misconduct encompasses actions such as the use of words (either spoken or written), gestures, and signs that are deemed offensive, vulgar, impolite, or abusive, and could be seen as harsh or disrespectful, or likely to offend, embarrass, or be considered unsuitable. It also includes physical acts of violence like elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc., as well as encouraging others to engage in such behaviors.

A Formula 1 driver found in breach of the rules will be subject to an initial penalty of €40,000 (£34,000). Should they offend again, the punishment escalates to €80,000 (£68,000) and includes a provisional one-month suspension.

Upon committing a third offense, Formula 1 racers will face a penalty of €120,000 (£102,000), a suspension lasting one month, and a forfeiture of championship points.

An F1 driver risks facing a ban if they do not adhere to the FIA's directives concerning the selection and involvement of individuals in formal events at any contest that contributes to an FIA Championship.

Penalties start at a €60,000 (£50,000) fine for the initial violation, escalating to a €120,000 (£101,000) fine and a ban from accessing certain exclusive areas of the event for any subsequent infractions.

Further violations could result in a penalty of €180,000 (£152,000) and a suspension from racing for six months.

Verstappen's Foul Language Controversy with FIA

The issue of using explicit language came to the forefront last year after Max Verstappen faced sanctions for using foul language during an FIA media briefing at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The quadruple world titleholder was mandated to undertake a task benefiting the public, which he dismissed as absurd when initially instructed.

Verstappen completed his FIA duties in Rwanda before receiving his fourth world championship award at the December season-closing award ceremony.

When faced with his penalty, Verstappen acknowledged that such sanctions might hasten his departure from F1.

"He emphasized that such matters also shape his future, highlighting the struggle when one's authenticity is compromised or when confronted with trivial issues."

Currently, I find myself in a phase of my profession where constantly facing these issues is something I'd rather avoid. It's genuinely exhausting.

"For me, that's definitely not a method to proceed in the sport."

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Charles Leclerc's reaction to Lewis Hamilton's initial Ferrari trial

"It was an extraordinary day for both the team and Lewis, and I was genuinely delighted to witness it."

Charles Leclerc shared his excitement about personally experiencing Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test drive with Ferrari's F1 team, describing it as "an extraordinary day for the team."

The week has been packed with activity at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, marked by Hamilton's inaugural visit to the team's manufacturing base.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took to the circuit in Ferrari's latest Formula 1 car for the 2023 season, marking a significant occasion for the driver who has clinched the world title seven times.

Hamilton was accompanied by his parents and his physical therapist, Angela Cullen, during the trial.

Leclerc had the chance to get back in form with several laps in the 2023 vehicle at the team's base circuit in Fiorano.

He shared his thoughts on social media about his initial day returning to work in 2025.

Leclerc shared on his X profile: "Thrilled to be back in action. It's wonderful to drive once more and witness the enthusiasm of all the tifosi at the circuit.

"It was an extraordinary day for both the team and Lewis, and I was truly delighted to have witnessed it."

"Excited for the beginning of this season."

Ferrari sets sights on a major 2025 Formula 1 season

Ferrari aims for the championship title once again, following a close race for the constructors’ championship in 2024.

They concluded the 2024 F1 season trailing McLaren by a mere 13 points in the constructors' rankings.

Ferrari regretted implementing an upgrade midway through the season that negatively impacted their performance starting from the Barcelona race.

Only after summer vacation did Ferrari manage to solve the issue, thrusting them once again into a position to win races.

With Hamilton joining the team, Ferrari aims to break their championship victory dry spell, which has lasted since 2008.

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Seasoned top-tier celebrity from Martin Brundle's pre-race grid tour secures an upscale position with Formula 1.

New program aims to provide a premium experience for enthusiasts within the paddock area.

A seasoned figure from the Formula 1 circuit, well-known for accompanying Martin Brundle on his grid strolls, has secured a significant new position.

Renowned culinary expert Gordon Ramsay has teamed up with Formula 1 to introduce Formula 1 Garage, touted as an unparalleled dining adventure in the most exclusive hospitality area of the paddock.

Ramsay's venture will find its home within the F1 paddock and pit lane, offering spectators the opportunity to enjoy his acclaimed cuisine as they witness the race.

In the previous year, he successfully converted F1 Garage into Ramsay’s Garage during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

He is set to kick off with 10 races in 2025, starting with the Miami Grand Prix, and will continue with events in Canada, Britain, Italy, the United States, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Qatar, and concluding with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ramsay is widely recognized for his passion for the sport, having spent years in the racing circuit.

He has had several conversations with Brundle, one of which included Stormzy and Tom Cruise.

Significantly, it was Ramsay who came to Brundle's rescue during his uncomfortable conversation with Franco Colapinto in the previous season.

In his early days occupying a racing position with Williams at the US Grand Prix, Colapinto inadvertently snubbed Brundle while on a grid walk.

Ramsay was quickly brought in to speak with Brundle following Colapinto’s unfortunate incident.

Ramsay expressed enthusiasm for his recent collaboration with Formula 1, stating, "I've always been vocal about my love for F1, yet it's the intricate design and speed of the vehicles, along with the skills of the numerous individuals involved in their construction and operation, that truly captivate me."

"F1 shares numerous similarities with a top-tier professional culinary environment, making this alliance an ideal match for our expanding global dining establishment network.

"We're thrilled about the opportunities we can provide to the F1 Garage attendees and are eagerly anticipating the commencement in Miami this May."

Stefano Domenicali, the head of Formula 1, expressed his excitement about starting a new partnership with the globally acclaimed chef, Gordon Ramsay.

"F1 Garage provides a unique opportunity in this sport, giving enthusiasts unmatched insight into the Formula 1 universe."

"We aim to provide top-tier Formula 1 hospitality by creating an unparalleled experience that extends beyond the racetrack to the dining table, embodying the spirit and fervor inherent in our sport through unmatched quality standards."

"We're thrilled to embark on this collaborative endeavor, focused solely on providing our guests with a memorable journey, kicking off with the Miami Grand Prix."

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Ducati veteran acknowledges that Marc Marquez "caused difficulties" for them in the past

Michele Pirro states that Marc Marquez's entry has energized Ducati

Michele Pirro expressed that the presence of Marc Marquez, a rider who has previously challenged them, in the factory Ducati MotoGP team has provided a significant boost to the entire team.

Eight-time world champion in grand prix racing, Marquez, embarked on a new chapter in 2024 by joining the Ducati family. He made the switch to the Gresini satellite team in an effort to rejuvenate his career, which had hit a stand

Discover why the excitement surrounding Hamilton and Marquez is expected to significantly impact motorsport in 2025.

After rapidly positioning himself as a strong candidate for a factory position in 2025, Marquez was eventually contracted by Ducati. This decision came after he turned down the opportunity to ride a works bike with Pramac, prompting the company to reverse its initial plan to advance Jorge Martin.

Earlier this week, Marquez and his new teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, unveiled Ducati's 2025 livery during a launch event held in the Madonna di Campiglio area of Italy.

Ducati's test rider, Pirro, has played a key role in the team's recent achievements in MotoGP. He mentions that Marquez's entry has brought a new sense of motivation, which "hasn't always been simple" to achieve.

Pirro mentioned to GPOne that in the past few years, during their period of dominance, it hasn't always been simple to find motivation.

"The addition of Marc has significantly energized the entire team, especially Pecco. There's a fresh and distinct vitality present."

During the conference at the launch, I mentioned that this is the ideal team. For someone like me, who isn't very young anymore, witnessing this team feels like a dream come true.

"Observing Marquez, who was considered 'the adversary' during the times of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, or when he refused to join Ducati back in 2016."

"In the past, there have been instances where he caused us difficulties. Despite this, he is still an impressive individual. It’s important to acknowledge that fans will always have their preferences, but the skills of both Pecco and Marc should be appreciated regardless of personal opinions."

"We'll soon witness both of them joining forces on the same team, riding the red bike, which Marc refers to as 'the best bike'—a status we've achieved through our performance on the track."

"The challenge will be to create optimal conditions for them. We are fortunate to begin with a strong foundation established during the previous season."

"I'm not one for major disruptions, but there are certain areas we can improve on. As for everything else, we'll see how things unfold."

"I frequently mention that our progress is closely linked to how our competitors perform. We'll gain a better understanding following the evaluations."

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Alpine assures that Jack Doohan will receive an equal opportunity despite Franco Colapinto joining the team for the F1 2025 season.

Alpine has affirmed that Jack Doohan will receive an equal opportunity to showcase his talent in F1 2025, even with the addition of Franco Colapinto to the team.

At the beginning of this month, Alpine made an announcement that they had successfully negotiated a multi-year agreement with Williams to bring Colapinto on board. Under this deal, he will serve as the team's backup driver for the 2025 season.

The young 21-year-old from Argentina will serve as the reserve driver for Pierre Gasly and Doohan, who is preparing for his debut full season in Formula 1 this year. During his first appearance at the season's final race in Abu Dhabi last December, Doohan secured the 15th position, following Alpine's decision to end their partnership with Esteban Ocon ahead of schedule.

Colapinto's recent contract is likely to amplify the expectations on Doohan, whose father is the celebrated MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, to perform well right from the start of his debut season. There are growing rumors that the Australian newcomer might be let go after just a few initial races.

Alpine team's head, Oliver Oakes, emphasized that Doohan, who has been elevated to a racing position following three years as the team's backup, enjoys complete support from the French outfit.

"Oakes mentioned on the James Allen on F1 podcast that Jack has faced some undue criticism from online commenters, but he'll have a proper opportunity to prove himself next year."

"I believe the goal isn't to burden him with [pressure]. It's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. And in my opinion, F1 is all about the small details.

"A significant number of individuals rely on a driver to perform every weekend, and it's crucial that we ensure the top drivers are behind the wheel, not only in the present but also looking ahead.”

Colapinto quickly stood out in Formula 1, filling in for the underperforming Logan Sargeant at Williams and delivering notable performances right from the start.

However, a series of significant accidents toward the year's close negatively impacted his prospects of securing a permanent racing position for 2025.

"Oakes believes Colapinto certainly left a strong initial impression on Williams, though it seemed he might have overextended himself towards the end," Oakes remarked about Colapinto.

"It's challenging to determine the extent to which his circumstances, specifically his unconfirmed seat and his attempts to overly impress, influenced the situation versus the impact of the car's compromised components. However, the key point is that he managed to leave a significant mark with the rapid pace he demonstrated."

Having a lineup of two emerging talents like Paul and Franco on standby is fantastic, not only with an eye on 2025 but also as we look towards 2026 and 2027. In the unpredictable world of Formula 1, forecasting future developments and securing drivers for your team can be quite challenging.

"For our team, it essentially ensures transparency regarding individual performance and provides us with alternatives."

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Fernando Alonso forecasts an impressive contender in the 2026 F1 season

Fernando Alonso reveals his dark horse pick for the 2026 F1 championship.

Fernando Alonso believes Williams might emerge as a formidable contender once the new rules are implemented in Formula 1.

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 will implement significant changes that will affect the cars' power units, chassis, and aerodynamic designs.

In line with typical updates to regulations, there's often a reshuffling of the competitive hierarchy in Formula 1. Many teams, Williams among them, are eyeing 2026 as a chance to advance significantly and move up the standings.

Aston Martin racer Alonso believes Williams could possibly reclaim their past Formula 1 greatness.

"Whether I'm in the shoes of a journalist or simply enjoying Formula 1 from my living room couch, Williams stands out to me as a formidable team," Alonso shared with DAZN.

The double world champion remarked, “As a result, it's quite understandable for Aston Martin to be perceived in the same light. However, we’re all truly thrilled!

"In 2026, naturally, we'll be introduced to fresh regulations, and starting from April [March] of this year, Adrian Newey will be collaborating with our project."

"Therefore, we ought to look forward to an excellent year, one in which we could potentially secure a World Championship title. It's a bold statement, yet the anticipation is significant."

"I'm also confident they will be, as we're in the early stages of 2026 and the unveiling of that automobile is rapidly approaching."

"Updated rules, Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso… I can already predict the inquiries you're about to pose! 'Is it possible to envision winning the championship?'"

"I'd pose the same inquiry from an external perspective if I noticed Newey transitioning to a different squad."

Williams adjusts its ambitions

Since James Vowles took over as team principal in 2023, Williams has been in a phase of reorganization, aiming to advance from the back of the pack.

The UK team has secured Carlos Sainz to join forces with Alex Albon, enhancing their driver roster starting in 2025, with aspirations of achieving more progress in the future years.

Vowles has swiftly tempered expectations regarding Williams securing a race-winning vehicle in the inaugural season of F1's updated regulations.

"If you're pressing me for a specific timeline, my inclination would lean more towards 2028. However, the key issue is ensuring we're on the correct path heading in that direction," he stated.

Significant funding, top-level leadership, and various factors are starting to have an impact for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This process is inherently slow in Formula 1.

"By taking shortcuts, we might be able to speed up the process and see quicker results, but without a solid base, it's destined to fail eventually."

"Securing success in Formula 1 hinges on consistently making the correct decisions, not just for a single season, but over numerous years ahead."

"So, by the time I'm 28, I'll feel much more assured when I look you in the eyes and tell you, 'Absolutely'."

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Johnny Herbert identifies which F1 team faces the greatest pressure in the 2025 season

Johnny Herbert examines the challenges Aston Martin is expected to encounter as they approach the 2025 F1 season.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Johnny Herbert believes that Aston Martin is facing increasing pressure following their "underperformance" in the previous year.

At the beginning of 2023, Aston Martin displayed significant potential by securing numerous podium finishes, but their performance has since sharply declined.

In the past two seasons, Aston Martin has faced challenges in enhancing their performance during the season, as their upgrades have rarely led to significant progress.

Despite securing fifth place in the F1 constructors' championship once more, they were outperformed by Haas and Alpine in the final months of the season.

As 2026 nears and new rules come into play, Aston Martin may shift its attention to the following year, which could mean that the next 12 months are likely to present further challenges.

In an interview with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert mentioned that Aston Martin is under significant pressure because of the high expectations resulting from Lawrence Stroll's transformative efforts.

According to Herbert, Aston Martin has not met expectations as they initially showed great potential a few years back, but their performance has since dwindled.

"Many things have evolved, but it will require some time before these changes fully materialize. Aston Martin is likely under the most pressure, as there are high expectations following Lawrence Stroll's efforts with the team. Now, they must prove they can meet these expectations."

"I believe Aston Martin might end up being the biggest letdown in 2025. However, there's a lot of optimism due to Adrian Newey's involvement, along with the new wind tunnel and the extensive infrastructure developments that have been established to facilitate success."

Lance Stroll has been urged to improve his performance. Aston Martin has kept the same drivers for the Formula 1 season for the third year in a row.

Lance Stroll continues to be part of the team along with Fernando Alonso.

The Canadian driver is significantly trailing Alonso in terms of performance, prompting Herbert to encourage Stroll to enhance his efforts, which would be advantageous for the team.

"He mentioned that Fernando Alonso has occasionally been somewhat frustrated, which is something you typically anticipate from him."

"Lance Stroll needs to up his performance, as it's important for both drivers to support one another in order to drive personal improvements and advance the team's progress."

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Lewis Hamilton underwent intense training before his Ferrari trial, as comparisons to McLaren emerge

Anthony Hamilton shares a unique glimpse into his son's initial days with Ferrari's F1 team.

Lewis Hamilton's dad mentions that his son has intensely prepared for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion executed 30 circuits at Ferrari's Fiorano testing ground on Wednesday, marking his prominent first appearance on the track for the Scuderia after his headline-grabbing transfer from Mercedes.

Hamilton is preparing for his inaugural season with Ferrari, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world title and bring an end to the iconic team's 16-year championship drought.

Anthony Hamilton visited Maranello to be with his son for his first test run, with his mother Carmen and step-mother Linda also present.

In a conversation with The Daily Mail, Hamilton Sr disclosed that his son has intensely prepared throughout the winter, emphasizing that his son's dedication and confidence are unwavering as he gears up for his first race with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

Anthony Hamilton made a parallel between his son's initial day with McLaren, preceding his debut F1 season in 2007.

He remarked, "You know what? This gives me the same vibes as my initial day at McLaren."

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, aiming to elevate their performance beyond their second-place result in the 2024 constructors' championship, after coming close to winning the title but ultimately being bested by their competitors, McLaren.

The Daily Mail reports that Hamilton had a private meal at Ristorante Montana, a dining spot beloved by Michael Schumacher.

On Monday, Hamilton made his inaugural visit to the renowned Maranello headquarters of Ferrari, acquainting himself with both the team and the facility.

Following Wednesday's trial, Hamilton expressed it as "among the most exhilarating experiences of my existence."

"He mentioned, “The moment I ignited the engine and maneuvered out of the garage, a wide grin spread across my face.”

This took me back to my initial experience driving a Formula 1 car. That was a thrilling and memorable occasion, and now, nearly two decades later, I find myself reliving those feelings once more.

"Even before getting closely involved, it was clear to me how deeply the Ferrari family cares, spanning from the entire team to their devoted fans, the tifosi."

"Experiencing this directly as a driver for Ferrari has been truly remarkable. The fervor is intrinsic to them, and it's impossible not to be invigorated by their enthusiasm."

"I deeply appreciate the warmth and affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week, there's much to be done yet I'm eager to begin."

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Stefan Pierer steps down as CEO of KTM

The Pierer Mobility Group has revealed that Stefan Pierer will be leaving his roles as CEO of both the group and KTM AG.

The Pierer Mobility Group has revealed that its Chief Executive Officer, Stefan Pierer, will be stepping down from his role.

Pierer is set to step down from his position as the CEO of KTM AG and will transition to a Co-CEO role alongside Gottfried Neumeister. Neumeister became part of PMG's leadership team as a Co-CEO in the previous year.

According to a statement from Pierer Mobility Group, Stefan Pierer is set to transfer his responsibilities as CEO of Pierer Mobility AG and KTM AG to Gottfried Neumeister. The statement also notes that Mr. Pierer will remain involved as Co-CEO to assist Neumeister throughout the restructuring phase.

Upon revealing that he would be stepping down as CEO, Pierer expressed: "KTM has been more than a mere business venture for me; it represented a passion, a mission, and a family."

Making the choice to pass leadership was challenging. I firmly believe that Gottfried Neumeister, with his visionary approach and dedication, is the ideal person to guide KTM forward.

Gottfried Neumeister commented that Stefan Pierer has built an exceptional business that embodies the enthusiasm and innovative drive of its workforce. He believes his role is to maintain this heritage while also exploring new opportunities.

KTM represents bravery, creativity, and enthusiasm, principles that will guide us moving forward. Alongside our team, we are committed to enhancing KTM and establishing new benchmarks to create the finest motorcycles globally.

The announcement regarding the change in CEOs for KTM and PMG arrives nearly a year before Pierer's existing CEO contract was set to conclude on December 31, 2025.

Furthermore, this development occurs as KTM AG faces financial struggles, leading the company to begin insolvency proceedings in an effort to prevent bankruptcy.

Following the announcement late last year that KTM would begin administration proceedings, the company has implemented strategies to reduce expenses.

A portion of this effort involved decreasing the number of staff members, with the PMG's announcement about the new CEO mentioning that 1,800 jobs have been eliminated.

The company announced a workforce reduction alongside a cut in production volume, bringing it down to 230,000 units for 2024. According to the statement, this move has decreased global inventories by approximately 40,000 units, or 18 percent. This action is described as a crucial initial phase of the restructuring strategy.

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In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on both consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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Alessandro Alunni Bravi secures a position at McLaren

Former leader of Sauber takes on a fresh role within the Formula 1 community

Alessandro Alunni Bravi has taken on the role of Chief Business Affairs Officer at McLaren.

He stepped down from his position as the team representative for Sauber when Jonathan Wheatley took over as their new team principal.

Alunni Bravi quickly secured a new position within the F1 community.

As a member of the McLaren Racing Executive Team, he will start his role on February 1, 2025, and will report directly to CEO Zak Brown.

In this newly established position, Alunni Bravi will engage in executive leadership for various McLaren Racing business issues, which encompass legal affairs, the development of drivers, commercial activities, managing driver contracts, and interactions with rights holders and governing bodies.

He will be responsible for leading the McLaren Driver Development program, taking over from Stephanie Carlin. Carlin will remain with McLaren.

McLaren's chief, Brown, expressed his pleasure at Alessandro coming on board, highlighting his vast experience and background in motorsport.

In addition to overseeing our legal affairs and driver development programs, he will offer crucial assistance with all aspects of professional driver business management. He will also be involved in racing governance activities with our rights holders and governing bodies. Furthermore, he will provide comprehensive business support to all our racing series when necessary. We are excited to have him join the McLaren Racing team in February.

"I want to express my gratitude to Steve for his role in McLaren Racing's achievements during the past two seasons and I hope he finds success in his future pursuits."

Alunni Bravi expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "I've always been a big fan of McLaren, and it holds a special place in my heart. It's incredibly exciting for me to now have the chance to collaborate with this remarkable team. I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to become part of such a fantastic organization, whose values and culture are evident to everyone."

"I aim to honor the trust and confidence that Zak and the Board have placed in me by committing fully and working hard to support ongoing success, as I believe collaboration is crucial to achieving our goals."

"I am thrilled to become part of a team that I genuinely think establishes the standard in Formula 1, both in competition and beyond, and I eagerly anticipate starting in early February."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of sports, including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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