How a Difficult Childhood Influenced Mercedes F1 Leader Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes F1, discusses the emotional and financial struggles he and his family faced during his early years.

Toto Wolff openly shared how his difficult early years contributed to his development as the effective head of the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

The Austrian, aged 52, has been at the forefront of Mercedes' achievements in Formula 1, guiding the team to achieve an unmatched record of eight constructors' titles and seven drivers' world championships from 2014 to 2021.

Wolff's life was profoundly affected by a challenging childhood, which included the death of his father due to a prolonged struggle with brain cancer when Wolff was only 15, as well as experiencing financial difficulties.

Wolff candidly shared on the High Performance podcast that his upbringing was difficult, though it wasn't anyone else's fault.

"The situation unfolded as my father fell seriously ill with brain cancer during my early childhood, around the age of six or seven. He underwent numerous surgeries but ultimately passed away when I was 15."

"My father wasn't around much when I was growing up, and it wasn't really possible for him to be. As a child, you naturally idolize your father, seeing him as a hero. However, it's also important to experience times when you feel resentment towards him and can assert your independence."

"I was filled with anger instead. Meanwhile, my mother, who worked as a doctor, was focused on her own survival. As a result, my sister and I were largely left to fend for ourselves and take care of her."

"I'm completely at peace with it now. I also told my mother that she wasn't to blame, as everyone just had to take care of their own needs."

Wolff went on to say that going through difficult situations and embarrassing experiences can drive you to demonstrate your value.

Many individuals who have achieved success often attempt to make up for feelings of inadequacy or past victimization. It is common to find that such individuals have experienced events or situations that left emotional scars and caused them significant distress.

"Despite this, numerous successful individuals have experienced joyful childhoods. My wife, for example, was raised by great parents and came from a loving family, and she is thriving in her own unique way."

"Beyond achieving success and excelling, I believe it is more important to find happiness as an adult, take pleasure in your pursuits, and have a dependable support system of friends and family."

"There are numerous instances I've seen where individuals have experienced negative events that ultimately played a crucial role in shaping their identities, and I believe that these challenges often go together."

When questioned about whether his experiences with trauma shaped him into the person he is now, Wolff responded: "Possibly not, because the most challenging aspect for me was being a child with limited means surrounded by affluence. I attended a private school that was beyond our financial reach."

There was a time when the headmaster summoned my sister and me out of our classroom. He informed us that we had to leave the school because the tuition fees hadn't been paid.

The financial struggles and family circumstances pushed me to take responsibility for myself, mature rapidly, and support my family both financially and emotionally in a way that was unlike my own experiences.

"I certainly wouldn't be in this situation if that event hadn't occurred. I felt a significant sense of inadequacy compared to my friends."

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Lewis frequently travels internationally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at these races, Lewis provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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New information suggests KTM's MotoGP departure is scheduled for 2026. Additional insights into KTM's "scheduled" exit from MotoGP have been revealed.

According to recent reports from Austrian media, KTM intends to exit MotoGP as part of its ongoing restructuring plans, with the withdrawal scheduled for 2026.

Facing a severe financial predicament, KTM has recently opted for self-administration as a measure to avoid declaring bankruptcy. Reports suggest the company is burdened with debts exceeding €3 billion.

After the initial meeting with creditors earlier this month, KTM has received approval to proceed with its restructuring efforts, enabling the company to maintain its existing operations.

Find out why MotoGP should welcome F1 superstar Hamilton if KTM decides to invest.

According to a report from the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) after the initial hearing, the current reorganization strategy involves KTM's "intended" withdrawal from MotoGP.

KTM released a statement expressing its dedication to participating in MotoGP for the 2025 season, although it did not provide any information regarding its intentions for the years following that.

According to a report published on Sunday, December 29, by the Austrian publication Der Standard, KTM plans to withdraw from MotoGP in 2026. This year marks the end of their existing contract with Dorna Sports.

As reported by Der Standard, KTM's leadership anticipates facing "considerable public relations harm" if the company withdraws from MotoGP before the specified time.

Brad Binder's agreement lasts until the conclusion of 2026, whereas Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini, and Maverick Vinales have secured contracts that span several years.

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, KTM's prospects appear promising. The report also highlights that ceasing its grand prix program could result in yearly savings of €46 million for the company.

The latest update from the initial meeting with creditors disclosed that a number of groups are interested in jointly investing €700 million into the company facing financial difficulties.

In a Speedweek interview conducted recently, KTM's head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, disclosed that the company had engaged in "serious" discussions with the management team of Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. These talks were regarding Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari, potentially making an investment in the brand.

Earlier this year, there were reports connecting Hamilton to a potential investment in the Gresini team. Meanwhile, Liberty Media acknowledged that he had shown interest to the American media conglomerate about participating in MotoGP under its management.

Investors must submit their proposals by the third week of January. This funding is crucial for KTM's restructuring strategy to achieve its goal of repaying 30% of its debt.

Creditors are scheduled to cast their votes on the proposal by the end of February.

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Today marks the 11th anniversary of the skiing accident that profoundly impacted Michael Schumacher's life. Annually, the Formula 1 community takes a moment to remember what many consider its most outstanding driver, who suffered significant injuries in the accident ten years ago.

What is the story of Michael Schumacher?

One year after his retirement from Formula 1, where he spent three years racing with the Mercedes team, Schumacher was involved in a skiing incident in Meribel, located in the French Alps.

Despite having a helmet on, he fell and sustained a severe head injury.

Schumacher was admitted to the hospital, underwent surgery, and was then put into a coma by medical professionals.

By the next summer, it was verified that he had come out of his coma and went back to living with his family. However, information about his health status has been sparse.

What is Michael Schumacher's current situation?

The legendary Formula 1 driver is staying with his family in Switzerland. He has not made any public appearances since his accident 11 years ago.

In a Netflix documentary from 2021, Corinna, Michael's wife, expressed her feelings by saying, "I think about Michael daily and feel his absence deeply. However, it isn't only me; the kids, our family, his dad, and everyone who knew him also feel his absence."

"Everyone feels Michael's absence, yet his presence remains with us. Although it's not the same, knowing he's here empowers us, in my opinion."

Jean Todt, the ex-leader of Ferrari and a long-time friend of the Schumacher family, is among the select individuals permitted to see him.

Todt expressed that he comprehends the reasons behind his family and friends shielding him, emphasizing that it is important to let him be undisturbed.

"Michael is battling hard, and all we can do is hope for his recovery."

Felix Damm, the attorney representing Schumacher, recently clarified the reasons behind the absence of a conclusive report regarding Schumacher's health following the incident.

Damm stated that the focus was consistently on safeguarding personal matters.

"We discussed the possibility of concluding with a comprehensive report on Michael's health as a suitable approach."

"However, that wouldn't have concluded the situation. There would have been a need for ongoing 'water level updates,' and the family wouldn't have been able to decide when the media's focus on the story would cease."

He mentioned that the media might repeatedly revisit such a report, questioning its current status after one, two, three months, or even years. He further explained that if action was to be taken against such coverage, they would face the issue of voluntary self-disclosure.

If private details are revealed by friends or acquaintances instead of the individual involved, it does not count as the person willingly sharing their own private information.

As a result, an individual has the right to protect their private information from being revealed, even if the details are provided by someone they know.

Mick Schumacher, his son, participated in Formula 1 for two seasons while racing with the Haas team.

Schumacher is set to celebrate his 56th birthday on the 3rd of January, 2025.

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Aprilia must maintain a "flexible perspective" when considering feedback for their 2025 MotoGP roster. "The upcoming year is set to be particularly demanding for our team."

Paolo Bonora, who manages racing for Aprilia, believes that the company needs to maintain a flexible approach when deciding on their factory MotoGP team for 2025, considering they currently have the top-performing motorcycle.

The Noale brand's factory team is set for its first full roster update since 2017, as current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi become new members of the squad.

Both riders have only raced in the premier class on Ducati bikes. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez will be the only returning member at Trackhouse, with newcomer Ai Ogura joining him.

Explore further: The promising indications from Martin's initial MotoGP test with Aprilia

After the conclusion of the 2024 season, Bonora mentioned on MotoGP's official website that they would need to maintain a flexible attitude towards developing their bikes and consider input from riders Martin and Bezzecchi.

He stated that the upcoming year will be quite difficult for them, as they will be working with two quick, young, and highly skilled riders.

"Without a doubt, the entire team is thrilled, and we need to be practical in grasping what their requirements might be. We must remain open-minded, recognizing that they are likely transitioning from the top-performing bike on the track."

"We need to enhance our efforts to achieve that level of performance."

Both riders were unable to discuss their initial experience with the RS-GP in Barcelona last month. However, CEO Massimo Rivola remarked that their impressions were more favorable than anticipated.

In 2024, Aprilia stood out as the sole manufacturer to surpass Ducati, following Maverick Vinales' victory at the Americas Grand Prix. Vinales is set to ride for Tech3 KTM in the upcoming year.

The peak moment of the campaign came when Aprilia's performance dwindled significantly during the latter half of the season, ultimately causing the company to fall to third place in the constructors’ rankings, trailing behind KTM and Ducati.

Looking back on the season, Bonora remarked, "We are quite pleased with how the first part of the season has gone."

“We achieved numerous podium finishes and, besides Ducati, we were the sole team to secure a Grand Prix victory.

At the start of the year, we established numerous objectives and succeeded in achieving them. However, it seems we may have fallen short during the latter half.

"When you reach a high level, making significant progress becomes more challenging. Nonetheless, we clearly recognized what we lacked in comparison to our competitors."

"We need to enhance our data analysis capabilities and react more swiftly to the riders' feedback over the weekend."

"We understand that we must make advancements in our hard braking capabilities. The focus isn't on addressing a specific issue but rather on enhancing our overall setup."

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MotoGP 2025: Schedule for Team Launches

Information on the unveiling events for the 2025 MotoGP lineup

The 2025 MotoGP season is fast approaching, and teams are set to unveil their new designs in the upcoming weeks.

The MotoGP launch season is poised to have a unique twist as the championship plans to host its own event in Thailand on February 9.

Originally believed to be the occasion where every team would unveil their car designs, the event has transformed into a pre-season celebration, allowing fans to witness the complete lineup of teams together.

In addition to activities aimed at engaging fans, there will be demonstration rides of bikes throughout Bangkok. This will occur before the paddock moves on to Buriram for the last pre-season test, scheduled three days later.

The season is set to kick off in Thailand from February 28th to March 2nd

Prior to those activities, teams will conduct their usual launch ceremonies to reveal the liveries they will compete in for the upcoming season.

Listed below are the specifics and timings of these launches.

January 16 – Aprilia Factory Racing

The Aprilia factory team is scheduled to be the pioneer in unveiling its bikes for the 2025 season. This event will offer the public their initial glimpse of world champion Jorge Martin donning the official team colors.

In 2025, Martin will team up with Marco Bezzecchi, who is moving from VR46. Additionally, Martin is expected to announce a switch in his race number from 89 to 1, after hinting at this change on social media over the past few weeks.

Aprilia has not yet disclosed comprehensive information about its debut.

January 18 – Gresini Racing

The Ducati satellite team is set to reveal its new livery shortly after Aprilia's launch, featuring riders Alex Marquez and newcomer Fermin Aldeguer.

Gresini is set to unveil its new season lineup, featuring two GP24 motorcycles for its racers, at the renowned Imola track in Italy.

January 20 – Ducati Corse

The unveiling of the factory Ducati team for 2025 is eagerly awaited, as it will mark the debut of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez in the official colors of the Bologna-based manufacturer.

Marquez, set to team up with Francesco Bagnaia in 2025, participated in his initial test with the team. He was seen wearing a vibrant red suit and riding a bike that displayed no sponsor logos except those that are neutral to both Marquez and Ducati.

The occasion is scheduled to occur over multiple days at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in Italy.

January 31 – Yamaha and Pramac Racing

Yamaha plans to continue its recent custom of unveiling its new season in Southeast Asia, collaborating with the new satellite team, Pramac Racing, for an event in Kuala Lumpur.

Yamaha is set to reintroduce an official satellite team, a move they haven't made since the 2022 season.

Although the factory team still includes Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, the event will feature Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira showcasing Pramac's new livery as they kick off their collaboration with Yamaha.

This article will receive frequent updates.

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Marc Marquez Reveals Major Sponsorship News with Red Bull

Red Bull has been a key sponsor for Marc Marquez during his entire MotoGP career

Marc Marquez's sponsorship agreement with Red Bull has formally concluded.

On Thursday, the six-time MotoGP champion declared the conclusion of their long-standing and highly successful collaboration.

"Spanning from 2008 to 2024, it was an extraordinary adventure marked by hurdles, triumphs, and memorable events," Marquez penned.

"I'm deeply grateful to Red Bull for their unwavering support throughout my journey and for empowering me to soar in my career."

"I wish for our paths to intersect once more."

Throughout his entire MotoGP career, including the current season, Marquez has been under the sponsorship of Red Bull, transitioning from Repsol Honda to Gresini Ducati this year.

During his peak performance years at Honda, Marquez was associated with the energy drink brand.

However, with a forthcoming move to the factory Ducati team in 2025, the sponsorship is set to conclude.

The Ducati factory team has established a partnership with Monster Energy, positioning itself as a competitor to Red Bull in the same industry.

During the offseason trial, Marquez's motorcycle was devoid of any sponsor logos, leaving speculation open regarding the endorsements he will showcase in the upcoming season.

Earlier this month, Marquez announced during a Red Bull event that he would be parting ways with the sponsor as he transitions to the factory Ducati team.

He also emphasized his decision not to have an individual sponsor in 2025, stating it was a sign of respect towards Red Bull.

The endorsements associated with Marquez represent a profitable venture.

Firms that enter into partnerships with Marquez, MotoGP's leading figure, represent significant collaborations.

In 2025, we can expect significant transformations, especially regarding the hue and competitive edge of Marquez's motorcycle. Additionally, there remain uncertainties concerning the identity of his sponsors.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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In 2025, Europe will be introduced to bagger racing, steered by a former Superbike champion

The bagger category is poised for its first appearance in Europe

Ex-World Superbike and MotoGP competitor Ruben Xaus plans to introduce Bagger racing to Europe in 2025 by establishing the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The phenomenon of Bagger racing surged in popularity when it was initially included in the MotoAmerica lineup in the United States, dubbed as the 'King of the Baggers'.

It has evolved into a highly competitive motorcycle racing championship in the US and has also become incredibly popular among viewers.

The excitement it has sparked prompted Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports to embark on a fresh strategic alliance, which was announced following the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in November.

Although there are no concrete plans as of now, Harley intends to compete with its Bagger bikes in the grand prix events.

In 2025, Europe is poised to witness the emergence of bagger racing independently of this collaboration, thanks to the establishment of the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The series is under the leadership of Xaus, who was the second-place finisher in the 2003 World Superbike Championship and has achieved podium finishes in MotoGP. This year, he competed in and emerged victorious in the Bagger Racing League across North America.

Details regarding the Cup's schedule remain largely undisclosed.

An announcement regarding the Cup specifies that it is accessible to all types of machinery “capable of being fitted with bags available in the market”, paving the way for brands such as Harley, Honda, Triumph, and Ducati – to name a few – to participate.

The event series is set to be coordinated by Xaus, supported by the Andorran Federation, and officially approved by FIM Europe.

Xaus mentioned regarding the Cup, "This project found a welcoming and supportive environment within FIM Europe, which quickly received it with great eagerness."

"I firmly believe that hosting this championship could enhance the events, elevating both the excitement and appeal involved."

"We are currently outlining the schedule, set to be formally announced in the coming days, and it will encompass the key countries in Europe."

"The rules will be straightforward and accessible to everyone. Our goal is for the participants in the championship to enjoy themselves and have a good time."

The tournament will include two competitions in each stage, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and the weekend events will begin with a practice session before moving on to the qualifying rounds.

Sh Services and Gestion A L Instant sl have been appointed to oversee race events.

"FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco expressed great satisfaction each time a new event is incorporated into their sports portfolio."

Introducing a new title signifies a positive outlook for our world and also demonstrates trust in the opportunities that FIM Europe presents.

"What sets us apart from the broader sports community, particularly those operating beyond the global sports framework, is our unique proposition. We provide established regulations for sports, ensure safety during sports activities, offer insurance protection, and maintain organizations equipped to handle any scenario."

"The Baggers competition will provide riders of all ages, from the young to the elderly, a chance to participate in a secure yet lively setting. This environment is further enhanced by the involvement of a new promoter, who will introduce appealing entertainment features alongside the racing event."

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Francesco Bagnaia hasn't dismissed the competition from a past championship contender for the 2025 MotoGP season

The two-time MotoGP champion anticipates challenges in the 2025 races

Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia mentioned he is open to the possibility of competing against Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo for the lead position in 2025.

Bagnaia will continue with the official Ducati team for the upcoming season, but for the first time since 2022, he won't begin the season as the reigning champion.

Despite securing 11 Grand Prix victories last season, Bagnaia fell short by 10 points behind the departing Pramac Ducati competitor, Jorge Martin.

In the upcoming season, Bagnaia is set to encounter his most formidable opponent to date, as he competes directly with Marc Marquez, who joins him at the factory Ducati team, ensuring they both have access to the same level of

During an appearance on Andrea Migno's podcast, a fellow member of the VR46 Academy, Bagnaia expressed his expectation of numerous head-to-head races with Marquez.

Yet, he also identified an unexpected contender he expects to challenge him.

"He mentioned that his upcoming objective is to secure victories in three MotoGP world titles."

In 2025, Ducati is expected to be the dominant motorcycle brand, though they will have one fewer official team bike.

"I anticipate many races where it's just Marquez and myself out in front, but Aprilia is introducing a fresh pair [Martin and Marco Bezzecchi], and KTM has [Pedro] Acosta and [Brad] Binder to rely on.

"I also wouldn't dismiss Quartararo's chances, given Yamaha's progress."

In 2022, Bagnaia and Quartararo were contenders for the championship, with Bagnaia making a remarkable comeback from 91 points behind midway through the season, as the performance of the Yamaha began to decline.

In 2024, Yamaha faced its most challenging season in recent history, failing to secure any podium finishes for the first time, marking its second year in a row without a victory.

The team garnered only 124 points in the constructors' rankings, a decrease from the 196 points achieved in 2023. Nevertheless, ongoing improvements to the M1 led to improved performances toward the latter part of 2024, highlighted by Quartararo's season-high finish of sixth place in Malaysia.

Quartararo easily led as the highest-ranked rider representing a Japanese brand in the standings, securing the 13th spot. He was a significant 58 points ahead of Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

He is set to stay with Yamaha through to the close of 2026, with Quartararo commending the brand for its significant shift in approach towards the development of the motorcycle, marking it as the major advancement this year.

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Ducati's unexpected contender discusses the challenging aspect of his MotoGP journey to date

In 2025, Di Giannantonio is set to work with his fourth different chief mechanic in just as many seasons

VR46 Ducati MotoGP competitor Fabio Di Giannantonio has expressed that having to collaborate with a fourth different crew chief in just as many years by 2025 is "not fantastic".

Di Giannantonio stepped into the premier league for the first time with Gresini in 2022, collaborating with newcomer crew chief Donatello Giovanotti.

In 2023, Di Giannantonio teamed up with the renowned crew chief and world champion Frankie Carchedi, a partnership that was instrumental for the Italian rider in advancing to the status of a grand prix victor.

Discover: The 2025 MotoGP Team Leaders

In 2024, VR46 offered Di Giannantonio a significant opportunity to advance his career, teaming him up with Valentino Rossi's ex-crew chief, David Munoz, while Carchedi stayed on at Gresini to work with Marc Marquez.

In 2025, Di Giannantonio is set to join the VR46 team, piloting a factory Ducati, and will collaborate with Massimo Branchini. Branchini, who served as Franco Morbidelli's crew chief at Pramac during this current season, will bring his expertise to the team.

"Having to switch between four crew chiefs, or even more, in the recent years isn't ideal for one's career," he mentioned.

"I've had two crew chiefs in Moto2, and by the time I'm done in MotoGP, I'll have had four. That makes it six crew chiefs over five years, which isn't great."

"However, I believe my new team will be equally exceptional, given that my electronics expert has recently secured a world championship title alongside Jorge Martin."

"Massimo Branchini is someone I hold in high regard due to his outstanding performance in Moto2, and his remarkable work in MotoGP alongside Franky truly stood out."

"Working with him has always been a goal of mine, so I believe our team will be particularly strong on this occasion."

"Additionally, it's a contract for two years, meaning I'll have the continuity of working with the same team and staff for that duration. This consistency is a significant milestone in my professional journey, allowing me to follow a consistent trajectory over the two-year period."

"This is going to be truly excellent."

Di Giannantonio emphasizes the importance of maintaining the same crew chief over time to enhance familiarity with the bike across different seasons, pointing out that Francesco Bagnaia's success can be attributed significantly to this factor.

"Improvements are more noticeable when you enter a new year with the same bike and team. This allows for direct comparisons between your past performance and the advancements you've made," he further explained.

"Otherwise, you're always beginning anew, lacking understanding of the reasons behind a change; something gets overlooked."

Currently, Pecco is performing phenomenally, not only due to his exceptional riding skills but also thanks to maintaining a consistent team and motorcycle for an extended period.

"Ultimately, when you maintain the same bicycle and the same setup for an extended period, you have the opportunity to focus on refining the small aspects, which can lead to significant improvements over time, unlike when you frequently alter numerous components."

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Marc Marquez Unveils Significant Insight on Jorge Lorenzo in MotoGP

Upcoming DAZN Documentary on Ducati Uncovers Fascinating Detail

In a recent Ducati film, Marc Marquez disclosed that he encouraged Honda to recruit Jorge Lorenzo to prevent the Italian company from surpassing them in MotoGP competitions.

In a stunning development at the end of 2016, the three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo switched to the official Ducati team after spending his entire career up to that point with Yamaha.

At that point, Ducati was on its path to regaining its former glory and had recently begun to secure victories again in 2016, right before Lorenzo came on board for the next season.

In his inaugural season with Ducati, Lorenzo managed to secure only three top-three finishes, while his teammate, Andrea Dovizioso, emerged as a contender, challenging Marquez for the title.

In a recent documentary by DAZN called La vida en rojo, which focuses on Ducati, Marquez, who had already claimed three championships by 2017, disclosed a significant detail: "Right when Lorenzo had joined Ducati, I mentioned to Honda: 'They have made their move'."

"I suggested the optimal approach would be to bring Lorenzo on board here at Honda. Otherwise, a different rider from a different manufacturer will outperform you, given that Lorenzo is a five-time world champion and brings that level of expertise."

Lorenzo experienced a sluggish beginning to the 2018 racing season, not managing to secure a position within the top 10 until the campaign's fifth round in France. By that time, Ducati had already opted to sever ties with its high-profile acquisition for the following year, 2019.

Merely a few weeks following their choice to substitute Lorenzo for Danilo Petrucci, the Spanish racer secured his inaugural victory riding for Ducati on Italian soil.

He confirmed his prowess in the next race in Barcelona, then secured a third win in Austria.

An accident during the Aragon Grand Prix significantly impacted his momentum, with Lorenzo managing to earn points on only one occasion following his victory in Austria, securing a 12th place finish in the season's final race in Valencia.

Honda heeded Marquez's advice, securing Lorenzo for the 2019 season under the Japanese brand.

However, this decision turned out to be unfortunate for Lorenzo, as he found it challenging to adjust to the RC213V.

A pair of significant accidents, one during testing in Barcelona and another during a practice session in Assen, which resulted in a back injury, were pivotal in his choice to retire from MotoGP racing following the conclusion of the 2019 season.

Before announcing his retirement at the 2019 season's finale, Lorenzo was unable to secure a finish within the top 10 riding for Honda.

Halfway through the year, Ducati showed interest in reuniting with Lorenzo at Pramac for the 2019 season, but this idea eventually fell through.

Next year, Marquez will be part of the official Ducati team, transitioning to a Desmosedici with Gresini in 2024 after facing challenges with Honda. Despite these struggles, the six-time MotoGP champion secured three grand prix wins.

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Commentary: MotoGP ought to welcome Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton's potential investment in KTM

Lewis Duncan of Crash.net argues that the MotoGP community should be thrilled about the possibility of the seven-time Formula One world champion getting involved with KTM.

The past month has not been favorable for MotoGP, with KTM facing an escalating financial dilemma and an investigation by the European Union into Liberty Media's acquisition due to concerns regarding a monopoly on broadcasting rights, delaying any resolution until possibly May. This situation has cast a shadow over the sport, threatening its once promising outlook.

MotoGP and Liberty are optimistic that the sale will eventually receive the green light, but the issue with KTM is a significant concern.

The company from Austria, experiencing a decline in sales after a surge in production, is reportedly over €3 billion in debt. Following the first meeting with creditors in Austria before the holiday season, it has been verified that the firm owes €1.8 billion to financial institutions. In an effort to avoid insolvency, KTM has opted for self-administration.

Following the initial meeting with creditors, the company has received permission to keep running as it currently does. However, the report included a mention that there are plans to withdraw from MotoGP, along with Moto2 and Moto3.

Currently, the term "planned" lacks clarity. It's common for people to set ambitious fitness goals for the new year, but this doesn't necessarily mean these intentions will come to fruition within the next year. Similarly, while KTM as it currently exists might need to withdraw from MotoGP, this won't be the case for 2025. The company has firmly stated in a declaration released prior to Christmas that it intends to compete in next year's races.

"Today is a significant day for KTM as we announce the approval of our restructuring process," was the message shared with the press following the meeting with creditors. "This critical point ensures the continuation of our strategy, and we are pleased to affirm that motorsport continues to play a key role in this reorganization plan.

"KTM remains unwavering in its dedication to motorsport. We reiterate our pledge for 2025: our participation in MotoGP races is guaranteed! The favorable results today have revitalized us, and we express our gratitude for your backing."

KTM wrapped up the year with an exclusive test session at Jerez in early January amid speculations circulating in the media about halting its 2025 development due to financial constraints. Heading into the 2025 season, this situation might not be as severe as it appears, assuming it's accurate, though KTM has not yet officially acknowledged these claims.

Starting from the 2025 season, there will be a halt in engine development for all manufacturers without concessions to control costs as they focus on creating their 2027 models with 850cc engines. While there will still be opportunities for improvement on motorcycles, it's expected that most manufacturers, apart from the Japanese ones, will not allocate as much funding towards enhancing their current models. If KTM's RC16 model for 2025 performs well in tests during the latter part of 2024, showing it's a superior bike, then KTM is likely not to face significant setbacks. It is also worth mentioning that the budgets for 2025 might have been finalized well before KTM experienced an increase in its financial challenges.

Naturally, considering its present circumstances, it seems challenging for KTM to join the 2027 racing lineup with an entirely new motorcycle.

During the creditors' meeting, it was disclosed that multiple stakeholders have shown a willingness to invest in the firm, collectively contributing as much as €700 million. Additionally, KTM's head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, made a fascinating announcement regarding this matter.

"Beirer revealed to Speedweek that their conversations with his team were quite intriguing, referring to seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton."

It's well-known that Lewis Hamilton has a keen interest in MotoGP and is contemplating the idea of forming his own team. In this regard, there have already been substantial discussions.

Hamilton has a deep passion for biking. Having been a fan of MotoGP for years, he participated in a unique exchange with Valentino Rossi in late 2019, where he had the opportunity to ride a Yamaha M1 for the very first time. Prior to this, in the same year, Hamilton joined a Yamaha track event riding an R1. At both gatherings, his skills on the bike and his attitude left a lasting impression on all who were present.

Crucially, Hamilton excels in the business realm. Having carved his name into the annals of motorsport history and elevated his status to become one of the select few drivers capable of achieving widespread recognition, Hamilton has simultaneously broadened his commercial interests.

Indeed, this extends to athletics, with him taking on partial ownership of the NFL's Denver Broncos in 2022. Additionally, he owns a team competing in the Extreme E racing series.

At the beginning of the year, there was speculation that Hamilton had an eye on acquiring the Gresini MotoGP team. However, those speculations didn't materialize. Nonetheless, he did show a desire to engage with MotoGP, a sentiment that was encouraged by Liberty's potential (albeit currently paused) acquisition of the series.

"Upon making the announcement, we instantly received calls from individuals eager to purchase a team, among them was Lewis Hamilton," Greg Maffei, the departing CEO of Liberty, revealed during a summer call with investors.

"The reason is that they observed the developments in Formula 1 and wish to emulate them. We received calls from key distributors expressing their interest in being a part of it. Sadly, I had to inform them that discussions couldn't proceed until we receive approval from the European Union. We're eager to engage in talks as soon as we have the green light."

Liberty has explicitly stated its ambition to expand MotoGP's presence in the United States. This objective mirrors one of its significant achievements in Formula 1 following its acquisition from Bernie Ecclestone's CVC Capital in 2017. Since then, Formula 1 has added three US races to its calendar, witnessed an increase in television viewership, and has even secured a high-profile Hollywood movie featuring Brad Pitt, scheduled for release in the coming year.

MotoGP aims to achieve the level of success that F1 has experienced, all thanks to Liberty Media's acquisition.

Potentially, if Hamilton becomes a major investor in KTM, this could serve as a catalyst for MotoGP, and for Liberty, pending regulatory approval of its purchase, to propel itself towards mainstream popularity, similarly to what F1 has achieved.

Heading into the 2024 season, Lewis Hamilton emerged as the top Formula 1 personality on social media, boasting more than 38 million followers. Following him is Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who is set to be Hamilton's teammate, with a follower count of 17.4 million. In comparison, the 2024 MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin, has garnered 1.1 million followers, whereas Marc Marquez tops the MotoGP social media charts with 7.3 million followers. Valentino Rossi continues to be the most popular figure in MotoGP on social media, with an impressive 16.2 million followers on Instagram.

Hamilton has also earned a substantial amount of backing, especially by motorsport norms, in the US, where he resides for a portion of the year.

Before his transition to Ferrari, there have been rumors indicating Hamilton is set to collaborate with the energy drink brand Celsius, thereby concluding his lengthy partnership with Monster Energy. KTM, as is well known, carries the Red Bull title sponsorship for its MotoGP teams. This eliminates a significant obstacle, although Beirer emphasized that investment is distinct from sponsorship, suggesting that energy drink companies won't obstruct a possible financial involvement from Hamilton.

Should Hamilton join forces with KTM, MotoGP could significantly gain from the increased focus on diversity he brings to the table. Known for leveraging his influence for social change, Hamilton launched the Hamilton Commission in 2020, aiming to create more opportunities in engineering for individuals of black heritage.

His partial ownership stake in the Broncos aimed to advocate for increased African American ownership within the NFL, which was only 12.5% when he made his investment in the team.

In 2020, when Hamilton spearheaded the diversity movement in Formula 1, MotoGP remained quiet. Over the following years, although it hasn't explicitly deterred anyone, it hasn't made significant efforts towards promoting inclusivity either.

Following the establishment of the Hamilton Commission, Mission 44 was introduced as a charitable organization dedicated to assisting individuals from marginalized communities in accessing improved, more inclusive educational opportunities and forging more robust career paths for them.

MotoGP demonstrates its connection to global issues through its support for flood relief in Valencia. Hamilton acts as a leading influence, capable of steering it towards positive action.

Securing a solution for KTM will undoubtedly benefit MotoGP in any scenario. Following Suzuki's departure at the close of 2022, the championship cannot withstand the departure of another bike maker. Crucially, the careers of numerous individuals hinge on KTM's participation in the grand prix races.

However, should the strategy turn out to be an investment by Hamilton, his participation could significantly elevate MotoGP in ways that might surpass even what Liberty Media could offer…

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Yamaha stands by Alex Rins amidst challenging MotoGP season: 'He couldn't fully exert himself'

The Spanish rider's inaugural season on the M1 proved challenging

Yamaha has stated that during his inaugural MotoGP season on the M1 in 2024, Alex Rins "wasn't able to fully exert himself," yet they are aware of his potential.

In 2024, Rins switched to his third different team in the same number of years, leaving Honda to join Yamaha.

After demonstrating effectiveness with the Suzuki inline-four from 2017 to 2022 and being the sole victor for Honda in races throughout 2023, Rins was anticipated to perform well with Yamaha in the current year.

However, a series of injuries, such as a fractured wrist at the Dutch TT, worked against Rins, leading to him achieving only two top 10 placements in 2024.

Concluding the season with a total of 31 points, which is 82 points less than his teammate Fabio Quartararo, Rins achieved his highest finish in Malaysia, securing the eighth position.

Yamaha's head, Massimo Meregalli, stood up for Rins following a disappointing season, yet remains confident in the Spanish rider's abilities, as evidenced by the Japanese team offering him a renewed contract for another two years.

"Meregalli mentioned to MotoGP's official website that he came at a time when he was definitely not at his best, pointing to the severe leg injury he experienced in 2023."

"Subsequently, he experienced fluctuations in his performance, suffering another mishap in Assen that resulted in a wrist fracture."

In my view, he's never been in a state where he could truly give it his all, despite consistently making the effort.

"From the last couple of races [at the season's conclusion], he began to narrow the gap, which is crucial for us because we're well aware of his potential."

"However, it's clear that going solo and competing against others who have more teammates on the track puts one at a significant disadvantage."

"When Alex is performing well, it gives us the opportunity to assess the details with at least two cyclists."

"For me, having four riders next year will be crucial, offering us significant advantages."

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