Joan Mir states: "My circumstances are entirely distinct from Marc's" – Exclusive Interview

"If I switch brands at this point, it would seem like these past two years have been pointless."

The similarities are clear to see. In 2023, two past MotoGP titleholders are competing with the Repsol Honda team, which is currently facing difficulties.

Marc Marquez, having secured six top-tier championships with his previous team, decided to leave early to sign with Gresini Ducati. There, he rejuvenated his racing career by achieving three victories and secured a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025.

In the meantime, Joan Mir, who was once a teammate and clinched the 2020 championship with Suzuki, remained in his second year with HRC. However, he unexpectedly extended his contract to last until 2026, even though both his performance and the RCV's have continued to decline this season.

During an exclusive interview with Crash.net as the season was drawing to a close, Mir brought up a comparison with Marquez on his own accord.

When asked about a season where he accumulated only 21 points—a figure surpassed by Francesco Bagnaia's 31 points, Brad Binder's 29, and Jorge Martin's 28 during just the first weekend in Qatar—Mir shared his thoughts:

"Certainly, it was surprising to have so many difficulties with this motorcycle."

"I thought we would see better outcomes quickly, but for some reason, our performance hasn't improved. We are currently lagging behind the other manufacturers, and that's the situation we are facing right now."

"We're improving and making progress, yet it's still insufficient. This is what we observe."

"We haven't yet reached our desired position. However, I remain confident in the project, and I think it's only a matter of time before we get to where we aim to be, given the effort we're putting in."

According to Mir, Honda's strategies were effective in a different time period. He noted significant changes this year and acknowledged that Honda realized their previous methods were suited to a past MotoGP era. However, the current situation is entirely different, requiring increased assistance from Europe and more engineering expertise.

"The Japanese excel at crafting motorcycles, particularly in terms of quality. If you examine the intricacies of a Honda MotoGP bike, you'll find them astonishing and arguably the finest. However, when it comes to performance, we are lagging."

"We require assistance."

"We require assistance from individuals in Europe, specifically those from Italy and Spain who are employed by European manufacturing companies."

Whenever there is an announcement about someone joining Honda, it brings a sense of relief for riders. This is because it indicates that the company is taking actions that align with what they believe is the right path.

"We require contributions from the Japanese and Europeans; having that blend will be our source of strength."

These comments naturally transitioned to discussing Romano Albesiano, who is joining HRC from Aprilia to take on the role of MotoGP technical director.

Was Mir aware of Albesiano's involvement when he renewed his contract with HRC?

"Not at all. However, I noticed that Honda was making progress and I understood their goals. I also have a unique connection with Alberto Puig, who has always been straightforward with me from the beginning. I continue to have faith in this team."

"I find myself in a totally different position from Marc," Mir stated, addressing the comparison to Marquez. He elaborated on his decision to remain with Honda instead of pursuing a move to a proven bike with a satellite team, as Marquez had done with bike number 93.

Joan Mir expressed that his circumstances differ greatly from those of Marc when he departed from Honda. Mir acknowledged that Marc had proven himself fully with the company, whereas Mir admitted he has yet to demonstrate his capabilities.

The speaker expressed that switching manufacturers at this point would mean starting over entirely, making the past two years seem pointless. The joy they would experience if things succeed with Honda is immense, so they are determined to make it work.

After Marquez's departure, Mir relocated to the opposite side of the Repsol garage to collaborate with the former team of number 93, led by Santi Hernandez this year.

The outcomes of the races, with the highest being a ninth-place finish in a Sprint and an eleventh-place in a grand prix, weren't exactly remarkable. However, Mir had nothing but admiration for his team.

"They were excellent. From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection with them," he remarked. "Their technical expertise is impressive, and their strategic skills are outstanding. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with them, even under the current circumstances—so just think how great it will be when we start nearing our objectives!"

A rare bright spot for Mir this year was that he thankfully experienced fewer accidents and injuries compared to his 2023 record.

The 2017 Moto3 world champion indicated that this was due to a combination of better aerodynamics, which made the boundaries of the RCV more apparent, along with a deliberate choice to prevent crashes that could hinder the collection of valuable development data.

Joan Mir stated, "Naturally, we always put forth our full effort, but there's a development journey that must be acknowledged. I've come to terms with our current position." He added, "Additionally, understanding the aerodynamic aspects slightly aids in identifying the current limitations."

"We're working on improving, but constant crashes don't aid that progress. It's essential to approach things with the right attitude and ensure we're in good shape for optimal bike performance."

Luca Marini, who is now teammates with Mir, was the only regular competitor to rank lower than the Spanish rider in the overall standings, accumulating a total of 14 points. Johann Zarco from LCR emerged as the leading Honda rider, earning 55 points and securing his highest race finish in eighth place.

Similar to Yamaha, Honda will maintain its eligibility for technical concessions in 2025. These concessions will grant benefits like exclusive testing sessions for their race riders, exemption from restrictions on engine design changes, and additional allowances for aerodynamic enhancements.

Next season, the factory Honda motorcycles will sport a different look as their long-time title sponsor, Repsol, is concluding its partnership, following a year after Marquez left the team.

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For two decades, Peter has been a familiar presence in the paddock, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Christian Horner explains why Red Bull overlooked Carlos Sainz

Christian Horner clarifies the reasons behind Red Bull's decision not to consider Carlos Sainz for the 2025 F1 season.

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull racing team, has explained the reasons behind not selecting Carlos Sainz as a teammate for Max Verstappen.

On Wednesday, it was officially announced that Red Bull and Sergio Perez decided to terminate their contract two years ahead of schedule after Perez experienced a disappointing 2024 season.

Red Bull has not yet revealed who will replace Perez, but it is anticipated that Liam Lawson will be moved up from the affiliated Racing Bulls team.

Earlier this year, Carlos Sainz became a free agent following the surprising news in February that Lewis Hamilton had moved from Mercedes to Ferrari. However, Red Bull decided against signing Sainz, who has now signed with Williams.

Carlos Sainz, who has won four grand prix races, first entered Formula 1 in 2015, partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull's junior team. However, he did not get a chance to compete for the main Red Bull team and ultimately parted ways with the organization.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1 following the official announcement of Perez's exit from Red Bull, Horner explained why the team did not think about bringing Sainz on board.

Horner commented that Carlos is an excellent driver, as has been demonstrated at certain points this year. He emphasized the importance of considering all the different factors and dynamics involved.

"When we decided to renew Checo's contract, it's important to note that he was ranked second in the world championship and had secured podium finishes in four of the first five races."

"When we agreed to the contract, he had secured four podium finishes in five races, making it a sensible decision to continue the partnership and put an end to the excessive rumors surrounding the team."

It was thought that Verstappen and Sainz had a tense relationship while they were teammates at Toro Rosso.

Earlier this year, Helmut Marko, who advises Red Bull on motorsport matters, stated that "the relationship between the two was rather hostile."

"Sainz is unquestionably a talented driver," Marko stated in an interview with Marca. "During their time at Toro Rosso, he was nearly as good as Max. Unfortunately for him, having Verstappen as a teammate was a stroke of bad luck."

"The relationship between the two at Toro Rosso was rather unhealthy. Given the circumstances at that time, I couldn't envision a way to retain him on our team. Consequently, Carlos moved on to Renault, then McLaren, and eventually joined Ferrari."

Sainz Seen as the Clear Choice

Karun Chandhok, a Formula 1 analyst for Sky Sports, expressed on the broadcaster’s podcast that he is baffled as to why Red Bull chose not to bring Sainz on board.

The notion that Max has issues with him or that the fathers don't get along is outdated—it's been ten years! They're in entirely different phases of their lives now, with Max being a four-time world champion," he added.

Ultimately, the team's failure to secure the constructors' world championship title can be attributed to the underperformance of their second car. This vehicle consistently lagged behind the second Ferrari and second McLaren in terms of scoring, regardless of the weekend. Moreover, there seemed to be a focus on whether the fathers of certain individuals were getting along, which perhaps diverted attention from these critical issues.

"In my opinion, it's crucial to have the top two drivers, and for me, Carlos was clearly the top choice."

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Information unveiled about the upcoming 2025 MotoGP season opener

MotoGP has disclosed information about a new event marking the start of its 2025 season, an expansion to the series' schedule.

Information about the inaugural MotoGP season kickoff has been released.

Scheduled for 9 February 2025, the occasion will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, at the One Bangkok location. This is happening three days prior to the last preseason trial at Buriram International Circuit, and 21 days before the kickoff of the 2025 season, which is planned to unfold at the same location from 28 February to 2 March.

Speculation had suggested that the season launch would be a comprehensive team unveiling event. However, according to a post on MotoGP.com, it will occur following the revelation of "most of the 2025 colours".

Rather, the occasion will serve as an opportunity for enthusiasts to catch a preview of the elite talents of 2025, featuring the stellar pair from the factory Ducati team, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, alongside Pedro Acosta sporting his fresh Red Bull KTM hues, and certainly not forgetting the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin as he gears up for his debut season with Aprilia.

The occasion will be broadcasted live on MotoGP's various social media platforms, and the organizers promise, "This is an opportunity for enthusiasts, whether attending in person or tuning in globally, to witness the entire lineup together before the start of yet another thrilling season."

Participants are scheduled for a 'Hero Walk' event, during which they will make stage appearances from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM local time to engage in interviews and display their 2025 team liveries, as per the information on MotoGP.com.

Extra leisure activities will feature chances to take pictures across the city all day with MotoGP motorcycles cruising through Bangkok. There will also be a DJ set starting at 15:30, followed by a live music performance at 18:45. According to MotoGP.com, this event will showcase a famous local musician, with details to be announced shortly.

Ultimately, the participants will make their way to the rooftop for an exclusive gathering starting at 8:30 PM.

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

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Daniel Ricciardo shares his thoughts on the Max Verstappen-George Russell rivalry: "It's a difficult fight to come out on top"

Daniel Ricciardo weighs in on the dispute between Max Verstappen and George Russell

Daniel Ricciardo shared his thoughts on the season-ending Formula 1 dispute between Max Verstappen and George Russell.

The final race of the season in Abu Dhabi was overshadowed by a verbal battle between Verstappen and Russell.

After the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen received a one-position grid penalty due to a minor incident involving Russell in the qualifying round.

Verstappen was annoyed at how Russell influenced the penalty decision and his behavior during the meeting with the stewards.

The driver from the Netherlands asserted following Sunday's race that he no longer held any respect for Russell, a position he maintained throughout the media day in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Russell strongly criticized Verstappen, arguing that he struggles when faced with challenges, and pointed out his reactions during his 2021 championship fight with Lewis Hamilton as examples.

Subsequently, Verstappen has suggested making amends with Russell, expressing his belief that "we will resolve it once more."

Ricciardo shared his perspective on the matter after his departure from F1 post the Singapore Grand Prix.

In a conversation on The Red Flags Podcast, Ricciardo expressed, "It's incredibly entertaining. It's the first occasion I've witnessed George being upset."

In response to whether engaging in a rivalry with the current world champion was wise, Ricciardo remarked, "Currently, it’s not. The young man [Verstappen] is consistently performing well. It seems like a difficult challenge to overcome."

Ricciardo has definitively dismissed any possibility of making a comeback to F1, even with potential overtures from Cadillac.

Cadillac is poised to join Formula 1 as the eleventh team in 2026, and they are rumored to be in discussions with several drivers.

The team is anticipated to secure a deal with a talent from the United States, with Colton Herta being the leading candidate.

In addition to that, Cadillac is anticipated to lean towards seasoned drivers, considering options such as Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and possibly Sergio Perez, who are available for hire.

Nonetheless, it seems that the ex-Red Bull racer has fully stepped away from Formula 1.

In a brief conversation with a supporter, Ricciardo was questioned regarding Cadillac, to which he responded, "No, I’ve finished."

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Max Verstappen engaged in 'highly productive discussions' with Mercedes

Max Verstappen reveals insights into his discussions with Mercedes while pondering over his Formula 1 career at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen disclosed that he engaged in "highly productive discussions" with Mercedes regarding the possibility of joining their team.

Following Lewis Hamilton's surprising revelation in February that he would be joining Ferrari in 2025, the four-time Formula One champion emerged as Mercedes' top choice for their lead driver.

For several months at the beginning of the season, which was marked by instability for Red Bull, Mercedes' team leader Toto Wolff openly pursued Verstappen. However, he ultimately ceased efforts to entice the 27-year-old racer from the Netherlands to leave Red Bull.

Wolff chose to elevate Mercedes' young star Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race with George Russell in the upcoming season, while minimizing discussions about any immediate plans to recruit Verstappen.

In an interview with Viaplay, a Dutch broadcasting company, Verstappen revealed details about his discussions with Mercedes regarding his career prospects in Formula 1.

"Verstappen acknowledged, "While the prominent teams capture attention, I must admit I'm part of a significant team myself. We've celebrated numerous victories together. It's like they're my second family."

Certainly, it's common knowledge that we engage in discussions. I openly acknowledge that we have convened. Our dialogues have been productive, with all parties maintaining transparency and honesty throughout.

"However, my allegiance to my current team is strong, and it genuinely feels like home to me. As such, there's not much else I'm looking to accomplish right now. Given my youth, there's still plenty of time for things to unfold in the future."

Verstappen expresses contentment with his situation

Verstappen, tied to Red Bull through 2028, emphasized his satisfaction with the Milton Keynes team, affirming he has no inclination to depart.

Despite the controversy involving Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, at the beginning of the year, which led to tensions between Horner and Max Verstappen's father, Jos, as well as significant exits like that of esteemed designer Adrian Newey and sports director Jonathan Wheatley.

"He pointed out that in Formula 1, it's quite rare for someone to terminate their contract prematurely. Unlike football, where it's common for players to sign a five-year deal and then depart after just one year, that's not typically the goal in Formula 1," he further explained.

It's impossible to predict the future, especially what might unfold in a year or two, and since it's beyond our control, I don't spend much time dwelling on it. Honestly, I'm quite content with my current situation. We've secured yet another championship.

"Obviously, there are enhancements that the car requires, but I believe that's quite understandable. Therefore, I'm comfortable with the team, being able to express my true self.

"Everyone is also putting in their maximum effort to consistently provide me with the finest resources. From that viewpoint, I have no grievances whatsoever."

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Experienced F1 official maintains 'respect is universal' in the paddock, despite facing criticism

According to a seasoned FIA steward, respect continues to prevail in the F1 paddock.

Seasoned Formula 1 official Johnny Herbert has emphasized that there is a mutual respect among individuals in the paddock, even amid strong critiques of the sport's regulatory decisions.

The FIA's Formula 1 officiating team faced heightened scrutiny after several notable events towards the close of the 2024 season, especially those concerning Max Verstappen.

Initially, Verstappen avoided penalization for his forceful defense tactics against Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix, prompting a second look at the rules of racing.

The quadruple world champion received dual 10-second penalties for altercations involving Norris during the Mexican race.

Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen's dad, criticized Herbert after the Mexico race, suggesting there was a "conflict of interest."

The driver from Red Bull has continuously expressed his disapproval of the officials, labeling them as “idiots” after receiving a penalty for causing Oscar Piastri to spin during the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi.

No hard feelings among F1 participants

In a conversation with CoinPoker, Herbert, who serves as an FIA steward, disclosed that there's no "remaining bitterness" between them and the drivers.

"He mentioned that the drivers have never been more cohesive and aligned, expressing strong opinions as a group."

"It's been over three decades since I've witnessed this level of unity. It's beneficial for them to have a voice. The more they speak up, the more attention they receive. Their presence and voice are crucial."

"In the paddock, you simply progress. Indeed, there are moments of disagreement and irritation, but you advance past them. That's the sole path forward. There remains no lasting bitterness towards drivers or their fathers.

"It's common knowledge that the role of a steward is challenging. Personally, I haven't experienced any negative effects on my relationships within the paddock. There's a mutual respect among everyone."

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The pivotal pitstop that secured the 2024 F1 world championship for McLaren

McLaren narrowly avoided losing the F1 constructors' championship by a margin of seven-tenths of a second.

McLaren Racing's chief executive, Zak Brown, stated that his team would have surrendered the F1 constructors' title to Ferrari if not for an exceptionally fast pit stop.

Lando Norris's triumph at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, clinched the ninth constructors' championship title for McLaren, marking their first win since 1998.

Facing significant stress, particularly when his teammate Oscar Piastri was turned by Max Verstappen at the very first turn, Norris flawlessly maintained his composure, successfully holding off both Ferrari competitors, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

Securing his fourth victory of the season ultimately placed the championship out of Ferrari's grasp, as McLaren emerged victorious by a margin of 14 points in the conclusion.

The McLaren team executed flawlessly, completing a vital two-second pit stop for Norris right after Sainz, who was catching up to the British driver with newer tyres, had pitted. With Norris's win margin being just 5.8 seconds at the finish line, the precision of the pit stops was crucial.

Brown praised the McLaren pit team for their exceptional performance in high-pressure situations.

"Brown mentioned on the High Performance podcast that he wouldn't have envied being part of the pit crew tasked with executing a pit stop in just two seconds, yet they managed to accomplish it."

"Indeed, discussing stress, although the season consists of 24 competitions, one might argue we were nearly seven-tenths [of a second] close to not securing the championship.

"Lando emerged ahead of Carlos by approximately 1.6 to 1.7 seconds, and Carlos was maintaining a fast pace. The presence of turbulent air likely played a role, despite Lando possibly having some speed reserves. However, had he been within the DRS zone, defending his position might have been unfeasible due to the Ferrari's notable speed on the straights, combined with the challenge of navigating through the disturbed air."

"Picture this: Carlos enters, pulls off a pit stop in just 2.2 seconds, and you realize you have to top that. What intense pressure. Yet, they rose to the occasion, executed the fastest pit stop seen in the race, and that's been the narrative for the team throughout the season. It's been incredible."

Brown advocates for McLaren's consistent strategy

Brown emphasized his desire for McLaren to treat the season's final race just like any other, regardless of the championship implications.

"We have to proceed as if everything is normal. Saying it is one thing, but obviously, it's clear to everyone that things aren't really normal," he clarified.

"However, numerous individuals have been inquiring, 'how will you alter your approach for this race or the previous few races?' I believe it's essential to continue with the strategies that have brought you to your current standing."

"The moment you begin altering your strategy, it's as if you're saying, hold on, our pit stops have been exceptional throughout the season, we've even set a world record, there's no need to remind them of the stakes. I believe they were already aware."

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Charles Leclerc criticizes 'misleading headlines' regarding his rapport with Carlos Sainz

Charles Leclerc expresses frustration over how his remarks concerning his departing Ferrari colleague Carlos Sainz have been represented in the media.

Charles Leclerc has made efforts to clarify the nature of his relationship with ex-Ferrari Formula 1 teammate Carlos Sainz.

After four years of partnership at Ferrari, Leclerc and Sainz are going their separate ways. Sainz is set to join Williams, clearing the path for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to make his move from Mercedes to Ferrari.

Leclerc expressed disappointment over how his remarks before the season's second-to-last race in Qatar were misconstrued.

Before the Qatar Grand Prix, the driver from Monaco remarked, "I've mentioned it several times, it's not as though I'm going to desperately miss him, given he's still going to be around in the paddock, just about 20 metres away."

At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marking the end of the season, Leclerc expressed dissatisfaction with the way certain media channels had interpreted his statements.

"Leclerc mentioned that he's observed a few inaccurate headlines recently."

"My statements were slightly misconstrued. Particularly regarding my comments about not missing Carlos. I merely meant that as he's only 20 meters away in the paddock."

"Truthfully, my connection with Carlos has been remarkable. He's genuinely a great individual at heart."

"Our relationship has always been exceptionally strong."

Leclerc maintains a 'really good' relationship

Even amidst some racing tensions, particularly highlighted by an incident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix leading to Leclerc's frustrated radio message, he emphasized that their bond remains solid.

"Indeed, we've experienced some friction during races, but that's to be expected," Leclerc remarked.

"Ultimately, we are both competing under the Ferrari banner, yet our goal is also to secure victory in the races."

"In situations where we find ourselves in close proximity on the course, there will inevitably be aspects that both parties won't see eye to eye on."

"I believe what will stay with me is that whenever we encountered situations like this, we invariably emerged a little more united and resilient."

"Our relationship is exceptionally strong. Beyond the track, we also share numerous interests."

"I'm confident that even if [Sainz] won't be wearing red next season, it's highly probable we'll still journey to the races together to enjoy some moments in each other's company.

"Our relationship is in a great place, so naturally, I hope the best for him."

From 2025, Leclerc will welcome Hamilton as his third distinct teammate at Ferrari.

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"Exit provision" allegation opens a possible return path to Red Bull for Alex Albon

Allegation surfaces that a special "exit provision" in his Williams agreement may allow Alex Albon to make a comeback to Red Bull.

It's been reported that Alex Albon possesses an escape clause in his Williams contract, allowing him the option to go back to Red Bull if he chooses.

During the most recent episode of their podcast, Sky Sports F1's pitlane correspondent, Ted Kravitz, disclosed the details.

Albon was let go by Red Bull at the conclusion of 2020 due to his inability to keep pace with Max Verstappen. Sergio Perez, who stepped in as Albon's successor, appears to be on the verge of being replaced for the 2025 season.

Following a year of serving as Red Bull's backup driver, Albon landed a permanent racing position with Williams in 2022, effectively revitalizing his career over the last three years.

Liam Lawson, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull for the last six events of 2024, is anticipated to fill Perez's position at Red Bull.

However, Kravitz is of the opinion that it is "an incorrect choice" and instead thinks Albon would be a more suitable option.

"Kravitz mentioned, somewhat unexpectedly, 'I believe that, in terms of engineering effort, it wouldn't have required significant leverage to move Alex Albon from Williams.'"

Williams had the opportunity to field Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz, ideally, while Alex Albon could have served as a reliable benchmark against Max Verstappen.

"Albon's age and experience have given him the wisdom to manage Max and the entire scenario effectively. It's puzzling why they haven't taken advantage of that yet."

Earlier this year, Albon secured a several-year contract renewal with Williams.

Kravitz disclosed that, to his knowledge, there's a provision in Albon's Williams contract that essentially permits him to exit should Red Bull express interest in him once more.

Kravitz asserts that the choice to replace Perez for the upcoming season was finalized during the Qatar Grand Prix, which was the second-to-last race of the season.

Perez's disappointing showings last season played a role in Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors' standings, falling behind both McLaren and Ferrari.

Kravitz mentioned, "It became unmistakably evident to me following the Qatar race." He referred to the moment when Christian Horner presented the constructors' championship rankings, written on a sheet of paper, during his media debrief after the race.

"Now, you can always decipher Christian Horner's thoughts based on the document he carries to his media session every Sunday evening following the race."

Following the race in Mexico, he analyzed the data from Lando and Max's cars, focusing on the specific turn and explaining his viewpoint on why the two ten-second penalties given to Max seemed excessive.

"Out of nowhere, it seemed, he shifted the conversation to the constructors' rankings, highlighting the points that Sergio Perez failed to secure for the team."

"Considering the amount of points Max accumulated, Red Bull genuinely deserves this constructors' trophy. The only thing holding them back is Sergio Perez's performance."

That's the reason Christian Horner presented the team rankings in Qatar, and it seems the verdict was made around that time. From then on, it's been a matter of figuring out how to terminate the agreement and settle his compensation.

"It's noted that he hasn't remained, rather, he has departed from the team. This situation is now about strategizing the process."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing firsthand reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the significant figures in the sport.

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Helmut Marko provides an update regarding the Red Bull seat decision: "We're engaging in constructive talks"

This marks the initial instance where shareholders participated, however, as mentioned, we're currently engaged in constructive discussions."

Helmut Marko has indicated that "constructive talks are in progress" as Red Bull considers a possible adjustment to their Formula 1 driver roster for the 2025 season.

Anticipation is high that Red Bull will swap out Sergio Perez for Liam Lawson in their Formula 1 lineup for the 2025 season

Nonetheless, discussions are currently in progress to decide if Perez, whose contract with the team extends through 2025, will transition to a representative position or receive a settlement.

Marko revealed in his Speedweek column that an announcement is anticipated to be made before the Christmas holiday.

Earlier this week, during an appearance on the Inside Line Podcast, Marko provided an update.

"Discussions are currently in progress. I'm optimistic that we will reach a conclusion and make an announcement within this week," he stated.

"Indeed, it's a nuanced tale, as you pointed out. This occasion marked the initial involvement of the shareholders, but as mentioned earlier, constructive discussions are currently in progress."

"Stay calm. I'm confident that a decision and an announcement will be made this week."

Lawson ahead of Tsunoda?

It appears that Red Bull is leaning towards promoting Lawson to partner with Max Verstappen, rather than opting for Tsunoda.

In 2024, Tsunoda consistently qualified ahead of Lawson in all six races, yet the margin separating them was frequently narrower than a tenth of a second.

Lawson's rapid adjustment to Formula 1 has caught the attention of the sport's leaders, particularly his eagerness to compete directly against veterans like Fernando Alonso on the circuit.

Since Pierre Gasly left at the close of 2022, Tsunoda has excelled, surpassing the performances of Lawson, Daniel Ricciardo, and Nyck de Vries.

The driver from Japan stated that Red Bull was pleased with his technical input during the off-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Despite showcasing impressive performance and a promising trial, it appears he has not secured a move up to the primary squad.

Tsunoda is poised to enter his fifth year with Red Bull, probably teaming up with Formula 2 second-place finisher Isack Hadjar.

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Helmut Marko identifies improvement areas for Liam Lawson before potential 2025 Red Bull move

Helmut Marko reviews Liam Lawson's performance in anticipation of a possible elevation to Red Bull by 2025

Helmut Marko has commended Liam Lawson for demonstrating his resilience as a racer in Formula 1, though he emphasized the necessity for Lawson to improve his consistency during competitions.

It's anticipated that Lawson will be joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 F1 campaign.

Despite being outperformed in qualifying 6-0 by his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson frequently finished within a tenth of a second behind him.

Lawson's flexibility and potential for growth, considering his minimal experience in F1, have made him a strong candidate to compete for Red Bull in 2025.

Red Bull has not yet made a decision, but they are engaged in "positive negotiations" as they work towards reaching an agreement with Sergio Perez.

Evaluating Lawson's journey in F1 to date, Marko acknowledged that it remains to be determined if the New Zealander will emerge as "one of the legendary drivers."

"Marko highlighted on the Inside Line F1 Podcast that Liam has demonstrated he's a formidable competitor, unafraid to take on renowned drivers such as Alonso, Hamilton, and Perez."

"Hence, given a complete season, he must demonstrate his capability to compete once more. In terms of qualifying, he was virtually at par with Yuki, and we need to observe further progress to determine if he's on his way to becoming a remarkable driver."

"I would also mention that his performance in the races has been more steady, showcasing top speeds with drivers of different styles. There's still a bit of fluctuation, of course, but I believe he hasn't even competed in ten Grand Prix events yet. That level of consistency will naturally improve with more experience."

Lawson's most challenging assignment in Formula 1

Should Red Bull elevate Lawson to Verstappen's teammate, it will be Lawson's most demanding role in Formula 1.

Since 2019, a teammate has outperformed Verstappen in qualifying merely 11 occasions.

He outperformed Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, leading to both drivers eventually being let go.

Perez has spent four successful years with the team, surpassing the tenure of previous drivers mainly because of the superior performance of the Red Bull vehicle.

The subpar performance of the Mexican team in 2021 and 2024 resulted in them missing the constructors' championship, even though Verstappen secured the drivers' title.

Lawson is set to take on the challenging role of closely competing with Verstappen, as Red Bull is anticipated to face intense competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes in the upcoming year.

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Doubts cast on Mercedes’ 2025 F1 championship ambitions due to concerns about their performance towards the season's end.

Former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer expresses doubt that Mercedes will compete for the championship in 2025.

In 2024, Mercedes experienced their least successful season in more than ten years, securing fourth place in the F1 Constructors' Championship.

Mercedes managed to secure four wins, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton each claiming two victories, though their performance showed remarkable inconsistency.

This trend has persisted since the beginning of the new regulations in 2022, showing Mercedes struggling to understand what it takes to continuously lead in Formula 1 speed.

Palmer, a former driver for Renault during 2016 and 2017, is skeptical that Mercedes will manage to sort out their issues by 2025.

"Las Vegas stood out because they showcased the top car. However, Vegas is an unusual track. It presents unique conditions not found elsewhere," Palmer detailed on BBC's Chequered Flag podcast.

The following week in Qatar experienced cooler weather, though not to the extent of Las Vegas cold. The two climates were quite distinct.

"Every passing year, particularly 22, left us puzzled. Their performance significantly improved, with Russell securing a victory in Brazil. This led many to believe they had made adjustments for '23. However, '23 remained just as baffling. Despite this, they managed to regain momentum. Hamilton showcased his skills towards the year's end with commendable performances in Austin, among other places, ultimately securing third place in the championship."

"You had the impression that, alright, age 24 would be their prime time. But, 24 turned out to be quite the puzzle. Following that, Hamilton and Russell really picked up the pace towards the year's end in Vegas. So, you reckon, 'alright, they're set for a breakthrough at 25.' You catch my meaning. I'm not holding my breath for it to occur, but let's wait and watch."

Mercedes embarks on a fresh chapter

The 2025 season marks a significant milestone for Mercedes as it will be their inaugural season without Hamilton, who has been with them since 2012.

The 18-year-old prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, advances from Formula 2, with Russell emerging as the inherent team leader for Mercedes.

With regulations staying consistent through the winter, the stage is set for a thrilling contest at the forefront among McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

Mercedes aims to achieve greater stability during the winter months in an effort to narrow their distance from the leading trio.

Nonetheless, they are setting their sights on 2026 and the introduction of the new engine regulations.

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