Max Verstappen delivers strong caution regarding Red Bull's F1 championship aspirations

The Dutch driver cautions Red Bull concerning their present performance level

Max Verstappen cautioned his Red Bull Formula 1 team, stating that if their difficulties persist into 2024, he won't secure the championship title next year.

After achieving dominance during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Verstappen and Red Bull appeared poised to replicate their success this year, having secured victory in seven of the opening 10 races.

Between his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in June and his eighth win of the season in Brazil in November, Verstappen made only four appearances on the podium.

A decline in performance of Red Bull's RB20 allowed McLaren's Lando Norris to intensify the competition against Verstappen in the middle of the championship season.

Although Verstappen's impressive beginning to the 2024 season paved the way for him to secure a fourth Formula 1 championship, he has cautioned his team that achieving the same outcome next year will be unattainable.

"If things stay the same, I won't win the championship next year," he mentioned to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"It's straightforward. We must take action to be competitive in the upcoming season. Everyone is aware of this necessity."

"I believe in the team's ability to address the balance problems we experienced last season. There are specific adjustments we couldn't make previously that will be implemented for the upcoming season."

"We understand that we must improve our performance on the kerbs, handle bumps more effectively, and enhance our speed in slow corners."

"Typically, those are our vulnerabilities. If we lose after that, it will be due to sheer speed."

"I constantly maintain a high level of pressure, including on myself. I make an effort not to underestimate situations. At one stage, the car became nearly impossible to drive. There was nothing more that could be extracted from it."

At the Singapore Grand Prix, which has historically been a challenging event for Verstappen, Red Bull's performance improved significantly.

Max Verstappen secured a second-place finish in Singapore, placed third in Texas, and claimed victory at both the Sao Paulo and Qatar Grand Prix events.

He disclosed that Red Bull took his suggestions into account during the car's development process, leading the team to cancel the upgrades they had intended to implement after the Italian Grand Prix.

Verstappen mentioned that any future plans for new components, scheduled to be introduced after the Monza race, might end up being discarded.

"Following that point, the team began anew, as they were unable to pinpoint the precise issue before."

"While reviewing the data, I noticed some graphics that illustrated changes in aerodynamics. These changes affected the way we approached and navigated corners, as well as the heights at which the vehicle traveled."

"The car was not the same as the one from the previous year. I pointed out, 'Look, it's obvious that these specific issues are the problem, right?' I found out later that my assessment was accurate."

"I hadn't come across those visuals and patterns previously. I remarked that it was evident what needed our attention, as the engineers are clearly aware of the modifications made to the car from the previous year."

"At the start of the previous season, we were still securing victories with ease, but I sensed that the car's balance wasn't quite to my liking."

"At that time, we maintained a significant advantage over the other teams, who perhaps didn't experience a successful winter season."

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Max Verstappen "possesses the necessary skills" to equal Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 record.

Can Max Verstappen reach the milestone set by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton with seven championship titles?

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 world champion, firmly believes that Max Verstappen possesses the necessary skills to equal Michael Schumacher's achievement of securing seven world championships.

In 2024, Verstappen claimed his fourth Formula 1 world championship title, bringing him just three titles away from the records held by Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

Even though he didn't have the top-performing car throughout the season, as McLaren made a strong comeback, Verstappen managed to outperform Lando Norris and clinched his fourth championship.

Considering that Verstappen is only 27 years old, he has more than ten years ahead to win three additional championships.

It is unclear if Verstappen will continue in Formula 1 for much longer, as he often criticizes the sport and its current trajectory.

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 champion who outperformed Michael Schumacher, believes Max Verstappen possesses the qualities needed to secure a minimum of seven championship titles.

However, the Canadian pointed out that certain situations might prevent Verstappen from achieving that.

He mentioned to Governor Sport that Max Verstappen certainly has the potential to equal Schumacher's number of championships.

Max remains driven and eager to succeed, consistently aiming for victory. He is resilient and doesn’t let setbacks affect him. Given the appropriate circumstances, he is always poised to secure a championship title.

"Just as Alonso had the potential to win seven championships, consider how frequently he came close during his time with Ferrari. Similarly, Schumacher might have ended up with only three championships instead of seven. Yet, it's also possible he could have achieved even more."

"Occasionally, the race is tight, and some of the drivers lack the necessary skills."

number of titles they likely earned due to their skill level.

"Max has secured victory in all the championships available to him. He hasn't failed to win a single one yet."

As Formula 1's rules stay consistent through the winter, Verstappen is expected to face an even tougher task to defend his championship title.

McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are optimistic about challenging Verstappen and Red Bull. Meanwhile, every team is also looking ahead to 2026, when new technical rules will be implemented.

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Martin Brundle describes the 2021 Abu Dhabi event as "the most difficult experience" he has faced as a commentator. He reflected on the challenges of that year, stating, "The most difficult period I've encountered throughout my years of commentary was the Abu Dhabi event in 2021, and the year 2021 overall…"

Martin Brundle described the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as his "most difficult experience" as an F1 commentator due to the controversy involving Mercedes and Red Bull.

The conclusion of the 2021 Formula 1 season was marked by controversy when Max Verstappen secured his inaugural world championship title.

Lewis Hamilton was set to win his historic eighth championship in Abu Dhabi, but a Safety Car was introduced during the final laps.

In an attempt to start the race before the finish line and determine the championship on the track, race director Michael Masi permitted a few cars to unlap themselves, but not all, which went against the rules.

The conclusion of the season marked the end of a year filled with intense clashes between Verstappen and Hamilton, frequently highlighted in the media.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle admitted that they found themselves "caught in the crossfire" amid the ongoing tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull.

"We find ourselves in a protected space, yet we end up trapped in the conflict," he remarked. "The most distressing experience I've had in my years of commentary was during the 2021 Abu Dhabi event, and throughout 2021 overall, due to the intense and hostile rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull, which inadvertently placed Sky in a difficult position."

"We ended up trapped in the middle of the conflict. Essentially, each side believed that if you weren't supporting them, you were opposing them. Both sides saw it that way, which made the entire period quite awkward."

"However, our bonds endured, and each of us continued forward."

Brundle has shared his experiences and interactions with teams alongside David Croft throughout the years.

"On Sunday morning, Crofty and I attend some briefings to gather any last-minute information," he clarified.

"Teams are generally quite transparent at that stage. While they won't reveal their race strategies, they do share a significant amount of information."

"We spent the entire weekend reading. On Fridays, I hit the track, which helps me gather a wealth of information. I engage in constant conversations with others. I have a few key contacts in the paddock with whom I regularly exchange insights."

"If something significant is happening, I'll reach out to Zak, Christian, or Toto for a conversation. They won’t deceive me; if they can't share details, they'll be upfront about it or provide some information. I'd estimate that 60 to 70 percent of the insights I gain can't be disclosed on television, but that leaves me with 30 percent that I can share. This knowledge also helps steer me and my Sky F1 team in the right direction, ensuring we aren't pursuing incorrect leads."

"It's likely excessive, around 60 or 70 percent, but you learn a great deal, and individuals share things with you in strict confidence. If you break that trust, you won't receive further information in the future."

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Jenson Button anticipates witnessing a transformed version of Lando Norris after his battle with Max Verstappen. "He will have gained significant knowledge, and I'm eager to observe a somewhat evolved Lando in the coming year."

Jenson Button, who won the F1 world championship in 2009, anticipates that Lando Norris will exhibit some changes in 2025 following his experience in a close competition with Max Verstappen.

Throughout a significant portion of the season, Norris was the closest competitor to Verstappen. As a McLaren driver, he was in the running to secure his inaugural F1 drivers' world championship.

In Brazil, the critical turning point occurred when Verstappen claimed victory after starting from 17th place, while Norris, who began the race from pole position, ended up in sixth.

Since the summer, McLaren has been outperforming Red Bull, but Norris has found it difficult to close in on Verstappen's lead in the standings.

In an evaluation of Norris' performance this season, Button stated on the Sky Sports F1 podcast that Norris has clearly demonstrated his talent and quickness. Button remarked that Norris should feel proud of his accomplishments, noting that although the odds were slim, he was in contention for a Formula 1 world championship. Button described it as an incredible situation to be in.

"His success is largely due to his talent, but it also highlights the team's excellence and their progress over the past few years. I distinctly recall McLaren in 2016 when I exited the sport, and they were in a different place compared to their current standing. I'm proud of the team as well."

Button believes that Norris will gain significant insights from his numerous racing battles with Verstappen, especially during the events in the United States and Mexico.

Button commented, "Facing Max is like competing against a unique beast, unlike anyone else on the grid." He noted, "Max is clear about his objectives during a race. Whether his goal is victory or simply defeating you, his championship rival, he focuses solely on that. He tunes out everything else happening around him and concentrates on overcoming you." Button highlighted that this determination was evident in several races, particularly in Austin and Mexico.

"When an individual is so committed to outperforming you, it can be quite challenging. He would have gained considerable knowledge, and I'm eagerly anticipating seeing a somewhat different version of Lando in the coming year."

"He plans to thoroughly analyze all the racing footage from this season where he competed with Max. Next year, he is expected to emerge much stronger, and we might see a transformed Lando. It's a learning process; you can't predict your response until you've competed against Max."

Norris aims to assist McLaren in securing their first F1 constructors' title since 1998 during the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend.

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Jenson Button anticipates witnessing a changed version of Lando Norris following his competition with Max Verstappen. "I believe he will have gained significant insights and am eager to see a somewhat transformed Lando in the upcoming year."

Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 world champion, predicts that Lando Norris will show some changes in 2025, following his experience of a close competition with Max Verstappen.

Throughout much of the season, Norris emerged as the closest competitor to Verstappen, as the McLaren driver vied for his inaugural Formula 1 drivers’ world championship title.

The turning point occurred in Brazil when Verstappen secured victory after beginning the race in 17th position, while Norris ended up in sixth place even though he had started from pole position.

Since the summer, McLaren has had a performance advantage over Red Bull, yet Norris has found it challenging to close in on Verstappen, who leads the standings.

Evaluating Norris' performance this season, Button shared on the Sky Sports F1 podcast: "He has demonstrated his talent and quickness. He should take pride in his accomplishments. Although the odds were slim, he was competing for a world championship in Formula 1. It's an incredible situation to be in."

"Much of the success is due to his talent, but it also highlights the team's excellence and their progress over recent years. I distinctly recall McLaren's situation in 2016 when I exited the sport, and it is noticeably different from their current standing. I feel proud of the team too."

Button believes Norris will gain valuable insights from his various battles on the track against Verstappen, especially during the races in the United States and Mexico.

Button remarked that facing Max is a unique challenge compared to other drivers on the grid. "He approaches races with a clear understanding of his objectives," Button noted. "Whether it's to secure a victory or simply to surpass his main competitor in the championship, he focuses solely on that target. He tunes out other distractions and concentrates on outperforming you. This was evident in several races, particularly in Austin and Mexico."

"When someone is so committed to defeating you, it becomes challenging. He will have gained a lot of knowledge, and I'm truly eager to witness a somewhat changed Lando next year."

He plans to meticulously review all the recordings from this season's races against Max. Next year, he is expected to return with greater strength, and we will likely witness a transformed Lando. This experience is all about gaining knowledge. Facing Max is a unique challenge, and no one can predict their response until they've competed against him.

This weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris aims to assist McLaren in securing their first F1 constructors' championship victory since 1998.

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Lewis Hamilton poised to terminate partnership with Monster for Ferrari F1 move

Renowned seven-time world champion to embrace Ferrari's energy drink sponsor

Lewis Hamilton is preparing to end his long-standing partnership with Monster Energy in 2025 as he gets ready to join Ferrari in Formula 1.

Before the 2024 F1 season kicked off, Hamilton revealed that he would be ending his relationship with Mercedes to switch to Ferrari at the year's end.

In 2013, the British driver made the switch from McLaren to Mercedes and subsequently secured six of his seven world championships.

Since 2017, Hamilton has been associated with Monster as an athlete, and this partnership continued into 2024. That year, the brand ended its collaboration with Mercedes and formed a new alliance with McLaren.

Hamilton was able to participate in the ride exchange with MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi in Valencia in 2019 thanks to his connection with Monster.

SportBusiness reports that Hamilton's move to Ferrari will involve him partnering with a new energy drink sponsor, Celsius.

The American brand Celsius, known for its energy drinks, is a sponsor of the Ferrari team in Formula 1. It also supports several NASCAR teams in the United States and has Charles Leclerc as one of its brand ambassadors.

According to SportBusiness, a formal agreement between Celsius and Hamilton has not yet been finalized, though it is reportedly nearing completion.

Recently, an interview published in Speedweek featured KTM motorsport chief Pit Beirer, who disclosed that Lewis Hamilton's management team had entered into "very intriguing talks" regarding a potential investment in the struggling Austrian company.

KTM owes a minimum of €1.8 billion and is undergoing a restructuring process to avoid going bankrupt.

Although KTM has been permitted to operate as it is, the creditors are urging the brand to withdraw from MotoGP.

In a statement released just before Christmas, KTM affirmed its commitment to continue racing in 2025.

A recent report from KTM's initial creditors' meeting this month indicated that a minimum of three groups have shown interest in investing sums reaching €700 million.

In 2024, Hamilton has been associated with MotoGP on more than one occasion, with earlier reports suggesting that he was planning to purchase the Gresini team.

Hamilton refuted these claims but expressed his interest in becoming involved with MotoGP from a business perspective.

During a summer call with investors, Liberty Media, which has faced a delay in its purchase of MotoGP due to an investigation by the European Union, confirmed Lewis Hamilton's interest in MotoGP.

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"Decision to Choose George Russell Reflects Doubts in Lewis Hamilton's Abilities"

"The choice to place George in that position marked the end, as I mentioned previously. It's definitive."

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor has criticized Mercedes for not trusting Lewis Hamilton enough, taking aim at Toto Wolff's choice to swap out Valtteri Bottas for George Russell.

Valtteri Bottas was let go after five years with Mercedes, as George Russell was promoted from Williams to join the team for the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The collaboration between Hamilton and Bottas continued to dominate the F1 constructors’ championship, with the British driver securing four drivers' championships in that timeframe.

With Hamilton getting older and Bottas having difficulty maintaining top performance regularly, Russell was selected to join the team in 2022.

Former Ferrari and Williams team manager Windsor was questioned regarding Wolff’s remarks about Hamilton potentially departing the team, stating that "everyone has a shelf life."

Windsor believes that Wolff was getting ready to substitute Hamilton once Russell moved up to the Mercedes team.

"The moment he dismissed the driver he had been supporting and overseeing, Valtteri Bottas, and brought in George Russell instead, wasn't that Toto essentially indicating, 'we don't believe Lewis has much left to offer'?" Windsor remarked.

"We need a driver who is much faster than Valtteri. This new driver will replace Lewis. This transition took place in 2022. It shouldn't surprise us that he's now trying to connect his statements with the situation."

"It is understood that despite backing Valtteri for several years, his support came to an end, and that was the conclusion of his involvement."

Windsor is of the opinion that Hamilton's time with Mercedes effectively ended when Russell became a part of the team, emphasizing his belief that Bottas ought to have remained with the team for the 2022 season.

He expressed his opinion, saying, "In my view, Valtteri should have stayed. They ought to have retained Lewis as well. If you're committed to having Lewis on the team, then you have to trust in him fully. Keeping Lewis alongside Valtteri would have been the right decision."

"The moment they placed George in that position, it marked the end, just as I mentioned back then. That's how it is."

"As I foresaw at the close of 2022, Lewis' career had reached its conclusion."

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Max Verstappen's remarkable ability to handle wet conditions has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. His outstanding win in Brazil is being likened to some of the most iconic wet-weather performances in Formula 1 history.

Max Verstappen's ability to drive in rainy conditions has been likened to the talents of Formula 1 greats Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

Max Verstappen's remarkable win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after starting in 17th position, played a crucial role in securing his fourth consecutive world championship. His impressive drive earned him accolades from numerous individuals within the racing community.

Former F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok praised Verstappen for his exceptional performance in challenging conditions, calling it a "masterclass" and comparing it to some of the most outstanding drives in wet weather throughout history.

During a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Chandhok expressed admiration, saying, "It was extremely impressive." He noted that on days with such weather conditions, visibility becomes a significant challenge. At the start of the race, drivers find themselves driving straight into a dense cloud of spray.

Max was the driver who appeared to gain traction, self-assurance, and skill to navigate through the traffic like no one else could. Meanwhile, Lando was unable to get past George, and several other drivers struggled to move up through the field.

Max was the sole driver able to make significant progress. It's important to remember that he began the race two positions behind Lewis Hamilton, who is also renowned for his skill in rainy conditions. However, on this particular day, Verstappen was the only one able to navigate through the field successfully.

The speaker believed that the driver was making a bold declaration with his performance. Once he took the lead, he didn't simply maintain his position. It was reminiscent of legendary races, such as Senna at Donington in 1993, Schumacher in Spain in 1996, or Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone in 2008. In these instances, the drivers weren't content with merely winning; they aimed to dominate and leave a lasting impression by overpowering their competitors.

"After the late Safety Car and red flag, he managed to create a 19-second lead over the group. His ability to pull away was astounding, making a very strong impression."

Discussing the difficulties of racing in rainy conditions, Chandhok explained that piloting a race car involves maintaining a delicate balance between traction and velocity, always teetering on the edge.

"Clearly, when the track is wet and offers less grip, your speed decreases, but the margin for error narrows significantly. Maintaining balance becomes even more challenging."

"Top drivers have a unique ability to maintain control as if balancing on a fingertip, staying right on the edge. They allow the car to move and sway, yet they remain confident in their control and can achieve the necessary lap time."

"It's impossible to exaggerate the challenge involved. The evidence was clear with numerous drivers veering off course, including experienced ones. During qualifying, even Alonso ended up crashing into the barrier. Many skilled drivers were having a hard time maintaining control and staying on the track."

"I don't recall seeing Max leave the track or even experience a wheel lock-up. He appeared to maintain complete control during the entire race."

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Lewis frequently travels to various countries to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. While on location, he often delivers firsthand accounts of the events and shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Lewis Hamilton might have passed his prime, but there’s good news for Ferrari. Is it possible that Lewis has seen better days?

According to Martin Brundle, although Lewis Hamilton may have already reached the height of his career, Ferrari will still secure a driver who can compete at the forefront.

After the final race of the F1 season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has bid farewell to Mercedes, marking the conclusion of their iconic partnership.

He is set to become part of Ferrari, bringing together the most accomplished driver in Formula 1 history with the sport's most successful team, although he will be 40 years old when he initially takes the driver's seat.

Sky Sports' Brundle praised Hamilton for his impressive performance, moving from 16th to finish fourth in Abu Dhabi, noting it was reminiscent of his comeback in Las Vegas.

"Is Lewis past his prime? Has he already reached his highest potential, or is it still to come? With his 40th birthday approaching in January, his best days might be in the past."

"With a race-winning Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton would have a 98% chance of securing victories. Additionally, he would likely feel a fresh surge of motivation."

"Hamilton still has much more to offer in a Formula 1 vehicle."

Lewis Hamilton to Partner with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Next year, Lewis Hamilton will join forces with Charles Leclerc, marking a new challenge for both drivers.

This season, George Russell consistently outpaced the seven-time F1 champion in qualifying, raising some doubts about the latter's performance.

However, Brundle maintains that Hamilton and Leclerc have a shot at the championship if Ferrari delivers the appropriate setup.

"If they have a car capable of winning the championship, both of them have an opportunity," Brundle commented.

"Charles is expected to be incredibly quick, yet Lewis brings a wealth of experience and the insight of having clinched seven championship titles."

Just like Lando Norris, it's uncertain if someone can perform at their best under pressure until they're actually in that situation. The real champions have the ability to deliver consistently.

"When it really comes down to it, there won't be much included."

Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship this season. His success was primarily due to his strong performance early in the year, benefiting from the speed of his RB20, which continued its momentum from 2023.

During the second part of the campaign, Red Bull's stronghold has weakened, and Verstappen has needed to defend against Norris from McLaren.

In the upcoming year, which marks the last season under the present set of rules, it is anticipated that the performance of the cars will become more similar. This will occur before the regulations are revamped in 2026, potentially reigniting optimism for Ferrari's Hamilton.

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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, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Driver evaluations from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lando Norris demonstrates his ability to thrive under stress. Who stood out as the top performer at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi event?

Lando Norris – 9.5

Norris's performance in Abu Dhabi might be considered his most remarkable win in Formula 1, especially considering the significant pressure he faced. With McLaren relying entirely on him for their constructors' championship ambitions after his teammate, Piastri, was spun out at the first turn, Norris remained composed and secured his fourth victory of the season.

Carlos Sainz – 9

In contrast to his teammate, Carlos Sainz successfully reached Q3 and emerged as the leading contender behind the McLarens during the qualifying session. During the race, Ferrari was missing that crucial extra speed to effectively compete with Norris, resulting in them securing second place in the constructors' championship.

Lewis Hamilton – 9

During the Q1 segment at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton was not to blame for his elimination, which occurred after he accidentally drove over a bollard. In the race, he impressed with an exceptional final run on medium tires, highlighted by an incredible overtake of his teammate Russell, ultimately finishing in fourth place.

Pierre Gasly – 9

Gasly showcased his skills once again with a strong performance in Abu Dhabi. He began the race from fifth position and concluded it as the top driver among the midfield competitors, securing seventh place. It was a commendable way to wrap up the season.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8.5

Similar to Gasly, Hulkenberg had an impressive performance in the F1 midfield over the weekend. The sole downside was a grid penalty he received for passing another car while exiting the pit lane. Other than that, his driving remains exceptional.

Charles Leclerc – 8.5

Starting from 19th position, Leclerc made an impressive climb to eighth place by the end of the first lap in Abu Dhabi. Nevertheless, he is likely to lament the error he made during qualifying, which resulted in his elimination in Q2.

Fernando Alonso – 8.5

Alonso had another weekend that flew under the radar. He secured a spot in the top 10 during both qualifying and the race. Given the current circumstances, Aston Martin couldn't really expect more from him.

George Russell earned a score of 7.5 for his performance. He once again led the Mercedes team during the qualifying rounds, showcasing his consistent Saturday form. Despite this, Hamilton appeared to have the upper hand in Abu Dhabi, managing to close a 14-second gap during the final phase of the race and ultimately finishing in front of Russell.

Alex Albon – 7

Albon was positioned within the top 10 with about 12 laps remaining, but ultimately got overtaken by Alonso and Piastri. Williams didn't have the speed necessary to secure points during this weekend's race.

Yuki Tsunoda – 6.5

Yuki Tsunoda had a rough beginning, which immediately put him at a disadvantage. The driver from Japan suggested that a problem with the clutch might have caused his sluggish start, an issue that also impacted his initial pit stop. Nevertheless, considering the drivers who ended up in the top 10, earning points was a challenging goal for VCARB this weekend.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Magnussen found himself on the less effective two-stop strategy, which ultimately failed to deliver good results. His race took a turn for the worse when Bottas collided with him at Turn 6, effectively destroying his chances.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri was not at fault for the incident with Verstappen at the first corner. If not for an unnecessary collision with Colapinto following the Virtual Safety Car, he likely would have secured at least a seventh-place finish.

Max Verstappen – 6

Verstappen had a tumultuous weekend. He erred on his initial Q3 attempt and later attempted an ambitious move on Piastri, resulting in both drivers spinning.

Liam Lawson – 6

Lawson faced a challenging weekend, as he was once again outpaced by Tsunoda in qualifying for the sixth consecutive race. His race took a turn for the worse due to an improperly secured front-left tire, leading to a 10-second stop-and-go penalty.

Zhou Guanyu received a rating of 5.5. His issues with single-lap performance resurfaced, resulting in his exit during the Q1 session. During the race, he delivered a steady but unremarkable performance and incurred a five-second time penalty due to a false start.

Lance Stroll – 5.5

Stroll began the race on a strong note, but his chances of scoring points gradually diminished. He received a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits.

Franco Colapinto – 5.5

In his last race with Williams, Franco Colapinto did not finish because of an engine failure. Prior to this, he was involved in a collision with Piastri, which resulted in a tire puncture.

Sergio Perez – 5.5

Perez's season concluded fittingly with a Did Not Finish (DNF) during the race's initial lap. He got involved in the chaos at the start, and a crash with Bottas forced him to bow out early.

Jack Doohan – 5.5

Jack Doohan's first Formula 1 race was less than impressive. He lacked speed but managed to avoid any incidents. This race provided valuable experience for the Australian as he looks forward to next season.

Valtteri Bottas – 4.5

Bottas shone during the qualifying rounds, reaching Q3 for only the second time this year. However, the race was chaotic, despite an impressive beginning. An incident with Perez led to a 10-second penalty, and a collision with Magnussen ended his race prematurely. He also received a grid penalty, which he might not have to face if he doesn't come back to Formula 1.

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Current Status of Michael Schumacher: Insights on the F1 Icon

Renowned as one of the top racing drivers in history, Michael Schumacher has cemented his legacy in Formula 1.

However, Schumacher's existence took a drastic turn after he was involved in a terrible skiing accident on December 29, 2013.

The seven-time world champion has remained away from public view since then, with his family providing only infrequent updates about his health, which they have kept confidential.

What occurred with Schumacher?

Michael Schumacher found himself in a severe condition following a skiing accident with his son Mick at the Meribel ski resort in France on December 29, 2013.

At the age of 44, he had recently retired from Formula 1 for the second time after the conclusion of the previous season. His comeback to the racing world was with Mercedes, where he competed from 2010 to 2012.

Schumacher sustained severe brain injuries after falling and striking his head on a rock, despite wearing a helmet. He was in a coma when he was brought to a hospital in France.

He had emergency surgery right away, followed by another procedure later that night.

According to a report by Germany’s Bild newspaper, Schumacher's situation deteriorated, leading doctors to perform a procedure involving drilling holes in his skull to alleviate brain pressure.

Reports indicate that Schumacher managed to leave the scene of the accident on his own, mentioning only that he felt somewhat unsettled.

In September 2014, Schumacher was transferred to a larger facility in Grenoble and later taken back to his home in Switzerland to further his recovery.

What is Schumacher's current condition?

The Schumacher family has chosen to stay silent regarding the 54-year-old's health, respecting his desire for privacy.

In 2014, The Telegraph published a report stating that Schumacher was unable to move and confined to a wheelchair.

In September 2021, the family offered an uncommon update coinciding with the debut of a Netflix documentary detailing the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna Schumacher, the wife of the legendary racer who has won 91 grand prix events, mentioned that he is "not the same, but he is present."

Corinna expressed that he continues to demonstrate his strength daily. "As a family, we're striving to move forward," she added.

She mentioned, "We share a residence and participate in therapy sessions."

"We are doing all we can to improve Michael's condition and ensure his comfort. Our goal is to make him feel the strength of our family connection and love."

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am committed to doing everything possible. We all share this commitment. Meanwhile, we are moving forward with our lives."

According to reports from the German press, as the 10th anniversary of his skiing accident approaches in late 2023, Schumacher is under constant care provided by a team that could include as many as 15 caregivers. To help trigger brain activity with recognizable sounds, he has been taken for drives in a Mercedes road car and exposed to audio from Formula 1 races.

Mick Schumacher, son of the renowned racer, has embarked on his Formula 1 career with Haas in 2021, following his victory in the F2 championship.

The young driver, aged 23, had a two-year stint in Formula 1 racing with the Haas team, achieving his top result with a sixth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2022. Presently, he serves as the reserve driver for Mercedes, the same team where his father concluded his racing career.

In March 2017, Mick spoke openly for the first time about his father, referring to him as "my idol" and "my role model."

In the Netflix documentary about Schumacher, Mick expressed that he "would sacrifice anything" just to have the opportunity to discuss racing with his father, Michael.

Who stops by to see Michael Schumacher?

Jean Todt, who used to lead Ferrari and previously served as the president of the FIA, disclosed that he is among the limited number of people permitted to visit Schumacher and that they watch Formula 1 races together.

"I don't feel Michael's absence because I visit him," Todt shared with German broadcaster RTL. "However, I do long for the activities we once enjoyed together."

Indeed, it's correct—I watch the races alongside Michael.

Eddie Jordan, the former team principal who provided Schumacher with his first significant opportunity in Formula 1, is not permitted to visit but supports the family's choice.

He described it to The Sun as an extremely terrible ordeal for Mick and Corinna.

For almost a decade, Corinna has been unable to attend social events, whether it's a gathering, a meal, or anything else. She feels trapped because people constantly want to discuss Michael with her, even though she doesn't need to be reminded of it all the time.

What information is available on Michael Schumacher?

In 2023, Felix Damm, the attorney representing Schumacher, clarified the reasons for the absence of a conclusive update regarding the health status of the Formula 1 icon.

He mentioned that their main focus was on safeguarding personal matters. They thought about whether releasing a comprehensive report on Michael's health would be an appropriate method to achieve this.

"However, that wouldn't have concluded the situation, as there would have been a need for regular updates on 'water level reports.' Additionally, the family wouldn't have had control over when the media stopped being interested in the story."

He mentioned that the media might repeatedly revisit such a report, asking questions like, "How does the situation appear now?" several months or even years later. He further remarked that if there was any desire to challenge this kind of coverage, it would necessitate addressing the issue of voluntary self-disclosure.

When private details are revealed by friends or acquaintances rather than the individual in question, it does not count as the person willingly sharing their own private information.

At the end of 2024, Lewis Hamilton penned an introductory tribute for a book focusing on Schumacher.

The book titled "World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher" delves into the various vehicles that the legendary F1 driver, Michael Schumacher, used during his racing career.

In his book, Hamilton stated: "Michael is one of the iconic figures in our sport. For those who grow up with a love for motorsport, certain individuals always stand out, and Michael was undeniably an inspiration for aspiring drivers."

His quickness, strong work ethic, unwavering determination, and consistency throughout his lengthy career and outstanding performance are truly commendable.

Hamilton remarked, "Regarding Michael's legacy, I choose to concentrate on him as an individual rather than as a rival."

The essence lies not in accolades or awards, but in the family that he and Corinna built together.

"Their exceptional qualities, modest nature, and genuine character speak volumes about Michael's principles far better than I could express."

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Martin Brundle reveals his top grid walk moment in Formula 1.

Martin Brundle described his conversation with Mika Hakkinen before one of Hakkinen's Formula 1 championship wins as the highlight of his grid walk experiences.

Beginning in the late 1990s, Brundle's grid walk has become a well-known and beloved segment among fans and viewers globally.

The British individual regularly converses with both race car drivers and various famous personalities on the track prior to the playing of the national

In 2024, Brundle is still conducting his well-known grid walks for Sky Sports in the UK.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle shared his thoughts on his extensive broadcasting career, with a particular focus on his experiences conducting grid walks.

Brundle described his conversation with Hakkinen as the highlight of his time on the grid.

Mika Hakkinen secured his two Formula 1 championships at the Suzuka circuit, defeating Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Eddie Irvine in 1999.

"In that regard, he mentioned that he would invariably begin with the drivers."

In a conversation with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, we recalled a funny incident that happened in Brazil. One of the standout moments for me occurred at Suzuka, where I was at the front of the starting grid. Mika Hakkinen was in pole position with an opportunity to clinch the world championship, and I arrived just as he was putting on his balaclava.

"We used to be teammates at McLaren and are still quite familiar with each other. He glanced at me, as if urging me on, so I asked him, 'Mika, is it possible for you to clinch the world championship today?' He confidently replied, 'Yes, I can.'"

"The balaclava is pulled down, the helmet is put on, he enters the car, and secures the world championship title."

"In my view, this is a one-of-a-kind chance for broadcasting content. What other sport allows for this?"

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