LIVE COVERAGE: VR46 unveils 2025 MotoGP designs for Fabio di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli

Tune in live to see VR46 reveal their 2025 MotoGP team colors in Indonesia.

Today (Saturday), Valentino Rossi's VR46 squad will unveil its MotoGP livery for the 2025 season at a presentation event in Jakarta.

This season, VR46 will replace Pramac as Ducati's official secondary team. Fabio di Giannantonio will be upgraded to ride the factory-spec GP25s, while the newly recruited Franco Morbidelli will fill the spot left by Marco Bezzecchi, riding the GP24s.

Tune in to witness the team reveal their newest colors live from the Nusa Indah Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 18:30 local time (12:30 CET, 11:30 UK)…

The 2025 season marks VR46's fourth year in MotoGP, entirely with Ducati, and their second year under the title sponsorship of Pertamina.

In 2022, the team experienced their most successful season yet, with Bezzecchi securing three victories and finishing third in the global championship.

In the previous year, Bezzecchi and his new teammate Di Giannantonio faced challenges with the less dominant GP23.

Bezzecchi secured the team's sole podium finish at Jerez, ending up twelfth in the rankings and the lowest-placed Ducati rider.

Ex-Gresini racing victor Diggia concluded the season in tenth place overall, having sat out the last two races to receive shoulder surgery.

For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez has faced with injuries.

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PREVIEW: Rossi unveils nuances as Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli reveal the 2025 VR46 MotoGP designs

Valentino Rossi shares, "The design this year sticks to the original theme yet introduces modifications that hold a unique place in my heart."

Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli have revealed the new VR46 team livery, marking the beginning of its partnership as Ducati's designated satellite team in MotoGP.

Launched in Jakarta, the base city of main sponsor Pertamina, the 'Act 2' paint scheme keeps the bright yellow, white, and red color scheme from the previous year, while incorporating unique elements from the racing legacy of team proprietor Valentino Rossi.

Rossi delivered a message through a video during the unveiling, stating: "The design for this year will maintain the same theme but incorporate a few alterations that hold great significance for me. I truly hope it resonates with you just as deeply as it does with me."

The modifications incorporate Rossi's iconic 'sun and moon' design from his helmet, along with his well-known number 46, presented as a 'shadow' beneath Morbidelli's 21 and di Giannantonio's 49.

"Seeing the 46 above my 21 for the first time was a deeply emotional moment," expressed Morbidelli.

"Uccio admits there's some pressure, but it's a positive thing!" di Giannantonio quipped with a laugh.

The enhancement of Ducati's position signifies that di Giannantonio will embark on his second VR46 season riding a GP25 Desmosedici of factory specification, matching the equipment of official team racers Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

2023 Gresini racing champion Diggia, who was absent for the last two races of the previous season due to shoulder surgery, believes he has currently regained about 85% of his physical condition.

Next week at Mandalika, the Italian racer will take a Panigale superbike for a spin to assess his physical readiness before the Sepang test scheduled for February 5-7.

Morbidelli, who was Jorge Martin's colleague at Pramac the previous year, has made a move to the VR46 racing team, taking over the spot left by Marco Bezzecchi, who has transitioned to Aprilia.

The previous second-place finisher from Petronas Yamaha will continue competing on the GP24 bike he used last season.

The individual, aged 30, highlighted that his primary focus is to continue his previous season's qualifying performance while also striving to enhance his tyre management skills. His goal is to achieve a podium finish for the first time since Jerez 2021.

The upcoming MotoGP team unveilings for both the Factory and Tech3 KTM squads are scheduled for January 30th.

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Di Giannantonio aims to interfere in the battle between the pressured duo, Bagnaia and Marquez

Diggia intends to uncover some strategies and slightly disrupt the clash between the two competitors facing stress.

In the 2025 MotoGP season, VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio aims to uncover some strategies and shake up the competition between the two riders who are feeling the heat.

The duo facing immense pressure consists of Ducati's leading figures, Francesco Bagnaia and the recently recruited Marc Marquez, who are widely regarded as the top contenders for the season's championship title.

Giannantonio, entering his second season with VR46, will stand out as the sole racer riding a factory Desmosedici GP25.

"Di Giannantonio expressed his enthusiasm for growth and learning from the top competitors on the grid, showcasing what they're capable of," he mentioned during a zoom call just before the Pertamina VR46 team's unveiling in Jakarta today.

"This year, our aim and purpose is to relish each second spent on the factory motorcycle, a feat that both the team and I consider to be a remarkable accomplishment. Additionally, we strive to surpass our previous year's results by aiming for podium finishes."

"It would be incredible to measure ourselves against them [Pecco and Marc], attempt to uncover some of their strategies, and shake things up in the battle between the two competitors feeling the heat."

Ultimately, we possess identical bicycles. Thus, my aspiration is to join their ranks, to become one of the elite.

"The objective is to get as near to them as we can, and if it's feasible, why not aim to surpass them?"

"Definitely, my goal is to achieve something significant."

In discussing the evolution of his biking technique, di Giannantonio revealed that his approach to riding is a mix of the styles employed by Bagnaia and Marquez.

"In 2023, I tended to brake very hard, similar to what Pecco did. However, using last year's motorcycle made this much more challenging for me," he stated.

"Ever since Marc became a part of Ducati, upon reviewing his performance metrics, I noticed a striking similarity in our approach to managing the throttle."

"Thus, as you mentioned, I possess a bit of everything from each one."

"Considering the project and its progression, perhaps there will be three distinct approaches to our workflow."

"Moreover, I believe the optimal approach would be for us to collaborate closely, which would expedite the development process. However, Gigi will undoubtedly handle this situation excellently."

The rider from Italy, victorious at the 2023 Qatar MotoGP representing Gresini, achieved a notable fourth-place finish while riding last year's model for VR46 in the previous season. This was before he missed the last two races to have shoulder surgery.

Diggia believes he's at about 85% of his peak condition and plans to compete on a Panigale Superbike at Mandalika the following week. Afterward, he's set to head to the Sepang MotoGP trial, which is scheduled from February 5th to 7th

Franco Morbidelli, joining as a new team member alongside Gresini racers Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, will compete using a Desmosedici GP24 motorcycle this season.

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Franco Morbidelli aims for the top three positions, stating, "I'm aiming for third, second, or first place."

He added, "Certainly, other brands will also enhance their performance."

Franco Morbidelli anticipates that the decrease in Ducati riders on the grid will not affect his aspirations for podium finishes in the upcoming MotoGP season.

However, he is convinced that "other producers will elevate their performance."

The team previously associated with Morbidelli, Pramac, which clinched the 2024 championship with Jorge Martin, is transitioning to Yamaha, reducing the number of Desmosedicis on the grid from eight to six.

Morbidelli is transitioning to VR46, aiming to end a podium dry spell that has persisted since Jerez 2021.

When asked about the decrease in Desmosedici bikes during a Zoom call before today's Pertamina VR46 team unveiling, Morbidelli said, “I'm not certain, but I believe Ducati will still perform strongly.”

"The change from six to eight Ducatis doesn't really impact my goals, as I'm not aiming for sixth, seventh, or eighth place. My sights are set on finishing in the top three positions, so whether it's six or eight makes no difference to me."

"Certainly, other producers will elevate their performance. They're set to enhance their capabilities. Our competitors will surpass their previous year's performance, and it will be interesting to observe how the dynamics shift."

"Our aim is to elevate the team's performance as much as possible, utilizing the resources available to us. We have two sets of resources, my own and naturally, those of Fabio’s [di Giannantonio, GP25], both of which are strong contenders for the leading positions. We're dedicated to achieving this goal."

In 2020, MotoGP championship second-place finisher Morbidelli was unable to participate in the previous year’s pre-season tests because of a head injury sustained during a training session on a superbike.

His performance progressively enhanced, compensating for previous setbacks and peaking with a fourth-place finish at Mandalika. Continuing on the Desmosedici GP24 this year, what areas offer potential for further improvement?

"Initially, I need to verify the areas where it seemed I made progress last year, like in qualifying," responded Morbidelli.

"During the previous year, my performance in the qualifying rounds was lacking significantly. I often found myself beginning races from the third or fourth row, which made it extremely challenging to contend for a position on the podium from such a disadvantageous starting point."

"In the final two races, it appeared that I managed to enhance my performance, securing P4 and P5 starting positions. First and foremost, we need to validate that progress and then aim to surpass it. While P4 and 5 are respectable positions, they are not optimal."

"Last year, my performance was significantly influenced by my ability to qualify, but naturally, there are other aspects like managing tyre wear during the race that I also need to work on."

During the latter part of the previous season, Morbidelli secured positions within the top six in 13 races, including both Sprint and GP events, ultimately finishing ninth in the overall rankings.

What are his objectives for the year 2025?

"He expressed his desire to build upon the strong performances showcased from the mid-point of last season through to its conclusion, aiming for further improvement."

"We made significant progress. Like I mentioned earlier, our starting point was somewhat behind, but we maintained a strong speed in almost every race during the latter half."

"I'm aiming to enhance the aspects I overlooked last year in order to contend for podium finishes and top spots, and to elevate our team's colors to the highest level possible. The team has earned that."

Last year, VR46 celebrated a solitary podium finish courtesy of Marco Bezzecchi in Jerez. However, the team enjoyed greater success in 2022, securing three race victories and finishing third overall in the world championship, led by Bezzecchi's impressive performances.

Bezzecchi has secured a position as a factory rider with Aprilia for the 2025 season, paving the way for Morbidelli, the most senior member of the VR46 Academy, to potentially join a VR46 team for the first time.

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Fabio di Giannantonio reports he is near full recovery, estimating his condition at 85% as he looks ahead to the Superbike event in Mandalika, following his surgery on his shoulder.

Fabio di Giannantonio believes he has regained about 85% of his physical condition following his absence from the last races of the previous MotoGP season due to an operation on his left shoulder, which he dislocated in Austria.

The rider from VR46 achieved his top performances from the previous season with fourth-place finishes at Phillip Island and Buriram, shortly before pulling out. This move was strategized to guarantee his readiness for pre-season trials on a factory-spec Ducati in 2025.

During a Zoom call before the unveiling of the Pertamina VR46 team today, di Giannantonio remarked:

"I'm doing well. My recuperation is progressing smoothly. Currently, I'm at approximately 85% of my optimal physical condition and I'm optimistic about enhancing it slightly over the coming weeks, just in time for the season's initial trial and race."

The winter season stretched on for quite some time. I invested a great deal of effort across various fields. I'm eagerly looking forward to getting back on the track in the upcoming week.

"The strategy involves spending several days riding a Panigale at Mandalika to evaluate my physical condition ahead of this year's initial MotoGP trial."

The initial run with the Desmosedici GP25 is scheduled for February 5-7 at Sepang in Malaysia, before a concluding trial in Buriram, the location of the Thai season's first race on March 1-2.

"Di Giannantonio expressed complete enthusiasm," he stated. "Despite the lengthy winter, it provided ample opportunity for recuperation, particularly from a mental perspective, and to rejuvenate energy levels."

"I'm really looking forward to hitting the track once the team has kicked off."

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Davide Tardozzi: "My strategy remains the same" for Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez

"I'm confident that collaborating with them will be straightforward"

Ducati team leader Davide Tardozzi is confident that overseeing MotoGP titleholder Francesco Bagnaia alongside recent recruit Marc Marquez under one roof this year will be a straightforward task.

For the past couple of years, Ducati found itself managing a championship contention between its own Desmosedici rider, Bagnaia, and Pramac's Jorge Martin. However, 2025 is poised to mark the initial occasion where two riders from the Official team will directly compete against each other for the title.

Numerous individuals anticipate a spectacle, sooner or later.

However, ex-racer Tardozzi, known for his emotionally expressive responses to the triumphs and setbacks of the sport often captured by cameras in the Ducati team's area, firmly believes that seasoned champions are more manageable than rookies.

Tardozzi stated during the Ducati team presentation that he has no plans to alter his strategy, emphasizing that collaborating with champions is significantly simpler than working with less experienced 'kids'.

"I'm quite familiar with Pecco already, whereas I'm beginning to get to know Marc. I believe it's going to be straightforward. This belief is reinforced by the mutual respect I observe between them.

"They communicate frequently. They're collaborating to enhance the motorcycle, and ultimately, the racetrack will determine the leaders and the followers.

"However, this will serve as motivation for whoever is trailing to improve in the next race. Therefore, I'm confident that collaborating with them will be quite straightforward."

The 65-year-old Italian promised, "Just as we have done before, we will back both competitors. We possess the capability to do so. We will stand behind those two victors – for we have two victors, not merely two competitors – and we take pride in having them.

"We are committed to providing them with the utmost support, and should any individual choose a distinct path [regarding set-up or components], our aim will be to assist him as effectively as possible."

Tardozzi emerged victorious in the inaugural WorldSBK race at Donington Park in 1988 and subsequently guided eight Ducati riders to Superbike championships before moving to a role with the factory's MotoGP team.

Over several seasons, Tardozzi viewed Marquez as an adversary when the Repsol Honda competitor repeatedly dashed Ducati's championship aspirations with Andrea Dovizioso during the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Despite this, Dovi managed to secure some exhilarating wins over Marquez, notably a dramatic final-corner battle in Austria in 2017, where Tardozzi was prominently featured in the victory festivities.

"Tardozzi mentioned, "We've already had a conversation with Marc regarding this!" He expressed his joy upon defeating him, acknowledging that they had triumphed over the top rider at that time.

"When we clashed against him, I felt elated, and so did our team, because overcoming Marc during those moments was an extraordinary achievement for us."

Bagnaia secured Tardozzi's initial MotoGP championships as a team manager during 2022 and 2023, prior to being overtaken by Martin in the concluding race of the previous year.

Ducati chose to prioritize Marquez, leading Martin with the top rider's designation to switch to Aprilia for the current season.

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Fernando Alonso highlights his top quality as an F1 racer

At 43, the Aston Martin competitor maintains his essential characteristic

Fernando Alonso has identified his primary strength as a Formula 1 driver.

Once more taking the title of the most senior driver in Formula 1, Alonso is aged 43 as the 2025 season is about to kick off.

He continues his pursuit of a hard-to-achieve 33rd grand prix win, a victory that has evaded him since 2013, yet he is still considered among the most formidable competitors in the field.

"Strengths? Kick-offs, excelling in high-stress situations, and maximizing the performance of any vehicle, regardless of its quality," Alonso evaluated his abilities for DAZN.

There's always potential for enhancement, as vehicles are never constant.

"The kind of driving experience offered by cars in the 2000s isn't what you found with the V8 engines of the 2010s, and it's certainly not present in today's turbocharged engines."

Alonso elaborated, "Additionally, when I explored other racing disciplines like endurance events, the Dakar Rally, and the Indianapolis 500, I realized I was lacking the expertise my competitors had. It was thrilling to start learning anew, to acquire different driving skills right from the beginning."

"Despite having driven for nearly four decades, I'm certain there's still plenty for me to discover."

Pedro de la Rose shared his insights on what distinguishes Alonso.

"Strength… I'd describe it as something truly remarkable," de la Rosa elaborated.

"His skill in altering the car's handling on curves through braking sets him apart."

Vulnerability? I've yet to discover it, yet I continue my search and will persist in seeking it out.

Fernando constantly pushes you towards slipping up.

"When he surpasses and errs, he shifts to page 2, launching a counteroffensive."

Alonso is set to join forces with his teammate Lance Stroll at Aston Martin for another season, marking their third year together.

He showed promise of securing a much-anticipated grand prix win in the early stages of 2023, yet in the previous year, his Aston Martin's performance significantly declined.

Adrian Newey begins his tenure with the Formula 1 squad this year, positioning him to impact their 2026 vehicle in light of major regulatory shifts.

It introduces additional fascination to the later stages of Alonso's career, a journey that has earned him two Formula 1 drivers' championships.

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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 sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Italian press taken aback by a particular element of Lewis Hamilton's trial with Ferrari

Initial reactions to Lewis Hamilton's first outing in a Ferrari F1 car have started to surface from Italian outlets.

Italian outlets have conveyed their initial reactions to Lewis Hamilton's first Formula 1 trial run with Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion wrapped up 30 circuits of Ferrari's Fiorano testing circuit in chilly, wet weather on Wednesday, seizing the opportunity to drive one of the Scuderia's legendary red F1 vehicles for the first time.

Hamilton's trial run in the 2023 Ferrari primarily served as a chance for him to familiarize himself with his team's operational methods and start forming a connection with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, rather than focusing on the car's performance.

Italian press reacts to Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari trial

Sky Italy's Vicky Piria provides insight into the reaction within Italy to Hamilton's initial week with Ferrari.

"Piria shared with Sky Sports News correspondent Craig Slater that the enthusiasm caught everyone off guard, including those of us at Sky Italy."

"People have been lining up since five AM, holding their spots, and there's been such a positive vibe, almost like a celebration, with everyone eagerly anticipating the season."

"I believe that a strong finish to the season, coupled with Ferrari's promising performance, has led to much anticipation."

"The revelation was made on February 1st of the previous year, indicating that the Tifosi had to endure a significant period of anticipation before it finally came to fruition."

In his first few laps, Hamilton encountered difficulties, making minor mistakes due to the challenging low traction conditions.

Piria, who is also involved in racing, thinks this indicates that Hamilton was beginning to test the car's capabilities to gain a deeper insight into its performance.

"Despite the chilly, moist conditions, we observed Lewis experimenting with various things," she described.

We observed him making adjustments to the E-Diff, fine-tuning the brake balance, and noted instances of locking. His approach wasn't merely about completing initial laps; he was actively experimenting.

"He's not aggressively forcing it, but experimenting instead. It's about him gaining momentum, grasping the concepts, and figuring out the functions of the steering wheel controls. While they master all these aspects in the simulator, the real challenge lies in adapting those sensations to the actual racetrack."

"This marks significant progress for him as there wasn't much advancement prior to Australia."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing live updates from the venue, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Max Verstappen is anxiously anticipating whether Red Bull will manage to bounce back in Adrian Newey's absence. "Will the team following in Newey's footsteps be able to fix the Red Bull? If they struggle, he might not keep up with the McLarens or Ferraris."

Max Verstappen is considered the primary contender for the championship, provided Red Bull can overcome the challenges they encountered last season in the absence of Adrian Newey's guidance.

In 2024, Verstappen secured his fourth straight F1 championship, but the journey was anything but easy.

Verstappen secured victories in seven out of the first 10 races, but then went on to claim only two victories in the following 14 competitions.

Red Bull fell back in the rankings, first overtaken by McLaren and subsequently by Ferrari, compelling them to depend on Verstappen's exceptional skills – especially evident in Brazil – to secure the championship, to the detriment of Lando Norris.

In a conversation with Sky Sports News, Brundle expressed that Verstappen is the clear favorite to win the championship, especially considering the possibility that teammates from McLaren and Ferrari might split points among themselves.

"Brundle mentioned, 'The crucial aspect is to observe whether Red Bull has managed to get their car back in shape.'"

"If Red Bull has managed to improve their vehicle and Verstappen is performing well, he remains the top contender for the championship. This is because Piastri might outperform Norris, potentially reducing Norris's points, while Hamilton and Leclerc could also impact each other's scores."

Red Bull's climb back to the top of Formula 1 in terms of performance will have to be accomplished without the expertise of their renowned designer, Newey.

Midway through the previous year, it was revealed that Newey would be leaving the team, setting the stage for his move to Aston Martin.

Red Bull's chief Christian Horner has affirmed that his team possesses the "depth of talent" to manage the exit of Newey.

Nonetheless, Newey's exit aligned with a dip in Red Bull's performance.

Brundle acknowledged that the controversies away from the track did divert Red Bull's focus, but he believes the greatest obstacle they'll face in 2025 is achieving competitive results without Newey's involvement.

"He added that it indeed caused a distraction. He believes Max managed to maintain his focus admirably amidst the turmoil during the initial half of the previous year. What's likely troubling him more is the fact that the car fell behind in speed as McLaren and Ferrari made advancements."

"He'll be anxiously anticipating the news on whether they've managed to recover from that setback. Adrian Newey parted ways with the team midway through the previous season. The question now is, can those following in Newey's footsteps address the issues with that Red Bull? If they're unsuccessful, it's doubtful he'll be able to keep pace with the McLarens or Ferraris."

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Toto Wolff reveals tight budget constraints affected F1 upgrades in 2024 following numerous crashes

"By the year's close, we were forced to skip certain aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements due to a lack of funds for manufacturing the requisite components…"

Toto Wolff disclosed that Mercedes narrowly avoided exceeding Formula 1's budget limit after a series of accidents at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

During the final stages of the 2024 season, Mercedes faced difficulties as a series of three significant accidents led to a shortage of replacement components.

Kimi Antonelli's accident at Monza, followed by two incidents involving George Russell later in the year, placed Mercedes in a difficult situation.

Russell had to use a 'Miami-spec' floor for the race in Mexico after his accident during Friday's practice session.

It not only affected Mercedes' performance during races but also put them in a challenging economic situation.

Wolff verified that it had substantial effects on their annual financial expenditures.

"Nearly there. It's not possible to accumulate a substantial reserve of resources," Wolff explained to AMuS. "It actually happens that you exceed your limits early in the year and then begin to economize.

As the year came to a close, we found ourselves unable to pursue certain enhancements in aerodynamics and mechanical aspects due to a complete depletion of funds, preventing us from manufacturing the necessary components.

"The mishaps towards the season's close can really put you in a bind. Kimi [Antonelli] in Monza, and George [Russell] facing issues in Austin and Mexico left us in a tight spot. There was a moment when we were down to just a single set of a specific kind of wing.

"In Mexico, reverting to the previous aerodynamic setup was impossible due to a lack of spare parts. The budget constraints within the cost cap left no room for purchasing new components."

Mercedes embarks on a new era in 2025

As of 2025, Mercedes will not have Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of one of their vehicles

In a significant move, the 18-year-old racing sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to embark on his Formula 1 journey, joining Russell as part of the team.

Mercedes has found it challenging to adapt to the current Formula 1 regulations in the 'ground effect era'.

Despite securing four victories last year, Mercedes significantly lagged behind the top three competitors in the rankings.

Mercedes has struggled with maintaining a stable performance, frequently finding themselves puzzled by their fluctuating results.

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Connor, with his keen insight into F1's contentious issues and narratives, stands at the core of our impartial journalism.

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Michael Schumacher was known for his "unfriendly demeanor, avoiding conversations with others."

He believed in the notion, "Bring your friends if you desire companionship, as forming friendships isn’t the purpose here."

Juan Pablo Montoya, a former competitor, described Michael Schumacher's prime years as "hostile".

Montoya has contrasted the strained interactions between F1 racers during the 1990s and 2000s with the more congenial environment present today.

Nonetheless, the camaraderie among the current generation faced a challenge in the previous season as Max Verstappen stirred tensions with Lando Norris and George Russell.

Montoya shared with the Beyond The Grid podcast: “These days, with the influence of social media, teammates have become great pals! They head out for meals and enjoy playing padel together!

"Back in my time, conversations were scarce. I had discussions with Fernando Alonso, and I continue to do so, as well as with Rubens Barrichello. Occasionally, I would speak to Felipe Massa, but no one else beyond that."

Tense environment in F1 racing area

"The atmosphere was quite tense. Conversations were avoided," remarked Montoya.

"Chip Ganassi once delivered a memorable quote. I had shown kindness to someone instead of being ruthlessly competitive in a race against him. His response to me was: 'If you're looking for friends, you should bring your own; this isn't the place to make new ones.'"

Indeed, that's correct.

Nowadays, everyone engages in conversation and displays kindness.

"However, being kind makes it difficult to behave rudely. It's challenging to perform an action that forces someone off their path if you have a fondness for that person."

"If you're referring to the person you dined with yesterday evening, it becomes more challenging to discard the vehicle. The situation isn't as ruthless.

"Currently, the regulations are not as strict. Back in my day, you were allowed to push them out of the race!"

Montoya famously conflicted with Schumacher, who was the dominant force in racing during that period.

Montoya, a racer from Colombia, secured victories in seven Formula 1 races, competing for both Williams and McLaren teams.

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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 sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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A single uncertainty looms over Lewis Hamilton's first race with Ferrari in Australia

“Historically, Ferrari has performed impressively in Australia…"

A significant doubt has emerged regarding Lewis Hamilton's first appearance with Ferrari in Australia.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to commence between March 14th and 16th in Melbourne.

This marks Hamilton's inaugural race with Ferrari, on a track he has always favored.

Get the F1 Crash Podcast by downloading it here.

"Lewis Larkam from Crash finds it intriguing to kick off the season in Australia," he mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast.

"Ferrari has historically performed strongly in Australia."

Reflecting on past seasons during the initial race, Sebastian Vettel led the excitement with claims that ‘Ferrari is making a comeback!’

Clearly, it didn't turn out as expected.

The statement holds validity once more this year.

Hamilton boasts an impressive track record in Australia, where the circuit ranks among his top performances. He holds the record for the highest number of pole positions at this location.

Speculation Surrounds Lewis Hamilton

Will Lewis Hamilton, with his seven F1 championships, find opportunity at Ferrari for an eighth title? Eyes are on the horizon as he embarks on his first day with the team. 🧐👀 pic.twitter.com/Npw2RuQv1u— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) January 20, 2025

Is an eighth championship title in the cards for Lewis Hamilton as he starts his journey with Ferrari? Observers are keenly watching. 🧐👀 pic.twitter.com/Npw2RuQv1u

"Lewis Larkam expressed enthusiasm about the season's beginning, curious about the effectiveness of this new mix."

"Observing Hamilton's ability to adapt quickly remains the most significant uncertainty."

"Observing the duration it takes for him to become accustomed to the vehicle."

"Every step follows a procedure. However, when documented, it's a favorable track for Ferrari and traditionally for him as well."

"Thus, it's possible they'll be competitive straight away. Their car was speedy last year, vying for top positions and wins. I believe there's no reason they can't repeat that success."

Hamilton commenced his journey at Maranello recently.

He underwent a seat fitting process, dedicated time to the simulator, introduced himself to his new engineering team, and had his inaugural test drive in a Ferrari F1 vehicle.

His latest escapade is set to intensify as F1 heads to Bahrain for official trials next month.

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