Christian Horner has pointed out a possible shortcoming in Ferrari's top-tier Formula 1 driver roster for the 2025 season.

Christian Horner thinks that Ferrari’s decision to have Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as their drivers for the 2025 F1 season might benefit Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the current year's championship battle.

This year's fresh driver duo for Ferrari is considered by many to be the most formidable on the 2025 Formula 1 circuit, following Hamilton's switch from Mercedes to join the team at Maranello.

Despite facing a challenging last season with Mercedes, the 39-year-old Hamilton is anticipated to regain his energy and return to top performance in 2025.

Leclerc experienced his most successful F1 season so far, securing three wins, while Ferrari came close to winning the constructors’ championship.

Even with Ferrari's impressive roster of drivers this year, Horner has pointed out a potential issue they might encounter throughout the season – a challenge that is unlikely to arise for Red Bull, as Verstappen is teamed up with Liam Lawson.

In an interview with talkSport, Horner expressed that their approach might differ from other teams, stating, "You know, Max Verstappen is arguably the most important asset in Formula 1."

"He is our primary driver. It's great if you can match his performance, but the truth is that we anticipate Max to come out on top."

"Consider a team like Ferrari for the upcoming year; they will have two drivers who will be competing against each other for points. The question is, which driver will you support?"

"You need to support both individuals, yet this can occasionally create divisions within a team. Each team has its own way of handling such situations."

Red Bull's F1 Championship Hopes for 2025

For the 2025 season, Red Bull has made adjustments to their driver roster, choosing Lawson instead of Yuki Tsunoda.

In the middle of December, Red Bull revealed that they had mutually decided to end their partnership with Sergio Perez after a four-year stint.

Due to the concerning performance streak of the Mexican driver, Red Bull was no longer in the running for the title as they approached the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This situation resulted in their third-place standing in the constructors' championship.

In the first five races, Perez managed to secure a spot on the podium four times, but he did not achieve a podium finish in any of the following 19 races.

After the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson was brought in to replace Daniel Ricciardo as the team's running back (RB).

Although Tsunoda typically had an advantage, Lawson performed nearly on par with him, even with his minimal experience in Formula 1.

Red Bull is optimistic that Lawson will prove to be a significant improvement over Perez, especially since the competition at the front is anticipated to be even more intense in 2025, with no major changes to the rules during the off-season.

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Former grand prix team owner passes away at 87 Bob MacLean, who led the Red Bull WCM team to victory in five 500cc grand prix races, has died.

Bob MacLean, who led his independent team to victory in five 500GP races while racing under the Red Bull Yamaha WCM name, passed away at 87.

In 1992, MacLean established the independent WCM team and brought Peter Clifford on board as the team manager.

Following their use of ROC chassis powered by Yamaha engines, WCM received an offer for factory-spec YZR500s for the 1997 season and secured a primary sponsorship agreement with Red Bull.

In 1998, Simon Crafar secured the team's inaugural win at Donington Park, and the subsequent year, Regis Laconi achieved another victory for the team in Valencia.

The year 2000 marked the highlight of WCM's racing season, as Garry McCoy, known for his sliding technique, achieved three wins and secured fifth place in the world championship standings.

In 2001, McCoy achieved three additional podium finishes and managed to surpass his teammate Noriyuki Haga in points, even though he was absent from several races because of an injury.

In 2002, as the new four-stroke era began, McCoy and his new teammate, John Hopkins, kept using two-stroke engines because there weren't enough of Yamaha's new M1 engines available.

At the conclusion of the season, Red Bull transitioned to KTM. Meanwhile, WCM focused on developing its own four-stroke prototype, utilizing a modified R1 engine and a frame constructed by Harris.

Disagreements between MotoGP and WorldSBK created obstacles for the project, and a later proposal to develop a V6 engine bike with support from Blata failed to come to fruition, resulting in the team's absence from the 2006 world championship.

An announcement released by Road Racing World stated:

Bob MacLean, a beloved husband, father, and teacher, died peacefully at his residence in Wilson, Wyoming, on December 14, 2024, at 87. He was born on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California, to parents Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Bob's life was distinguished by his strong dedication to education, athletics, and community service.

Having spent numerous years as a motorcycle racer, Bob went on to establish World Championship Motorsports in 1991. He served as the co-owner and operator of this organization until 2005. WCM participated in the prestigious FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series, representing the pinnacle of International Motorsports. Bob's entrepreneurial drive, coupled with his dedication to education and sports, showcased his exceptional leadership abilities.

Bob played a significant role in his community, particularly as a member of the South Kent School Board from 1990 to 1999. He held the position of President from 1995 to 1999, during which his guidance and benevolence were influential in directing the school's path forward. Additionally, Bob was a dedicated participant on the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary board for more than 20 years and was involved with the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.

In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob discovered tranquility and contentment through his passion for fly fishing and enjoying life on his ranch. As an advocate for community initiatives, he donated to groups like the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, demonstrating his profound respect for the area's natural splendor.

Bob found his deepest happiness in his family. His legacy includes his wife, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. The couple raised three sons in Waccabuc, New York, before dividing their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida, and their residence in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also remembered by his three sons: Chris MacLean, married to Cathryn Kishbaugh; Ian MacLean; and Mark MacLean, who is married to Marsha Yamaykina, as well as his five grandchildren.

Bob's zest for life, his humor, and his optimistic attitude will be cherished by those who knew him, including his friends and family.

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Max Bartolini: "Mastering the rear grip can boost your speed" – An Exclusive

"Focus on the most durable of the tyres"

Max Bartolini, the technical director for Monster Yamaha, has highlighted the importance of optimizing rear tyre performance as a crucial factor for achieving success in MotoGP.

In motorsports where the front and rear tires have varying specifications or dimensions, one end—either the front or the rear—will typically have more grip than the other.

During the Bridgestone tire period from 2009 to 2015, the front tires were considered the most robust. However, with Michelin's entry in 2016, the focus shifted entirely to the rear tires.

Although it may appear reasonable for MotoGP designers to concentrate on enhancing the performance of the 'weaker' tyre to improve lap and race times, Bartolini clarified that it is more crucial to take advantage of the stronger tyre.

“The Italian, who became part of Yamaha's team from Ducati a year ago, explained to Crash.net that typically, when considering the front and rear tyres, the focus is usually on the more robust tyre.”

According to Bridgestone, the front tire performed exceptionally well. Meanwhile, the rear tire maintained a consistent level of performance throughout the race without any significant decline.

"Back in 2016, when we began collaborating with Michelin, the rear tires were quite robust, while the front ones posed significant handling challenges. There were numerous crashes during the initial testing phase."

"Michelin has significantly improved the front, making it vastly better than it was initially."

"However, the back end remains extremely powerful, which is why riders frequently discuss the traction of the rear."

"Anyone who can fully utilize the rear grip has the potential to increase their speed."

Bartolini was swift to debunk the misconception that rear grip is solely important during acceleration.

"Every corner involves phases of braking, entering, maintaining corner speed, and accelerating," he stated.

"Maintaining speed while entering and navigating through a corner is more challenging than accelerating."

"[Furthermore], without achieving entry and corner speed, acceleration cannot be achieved."

Yamaha, which hasn't achieved a podium finish in 2024, is working on a V4 engine project in addition to its traditional Inline4 engine. This development aims to enhance the performance of their rear tyres.

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Carchedi on Marquez Joining Ducati Lenovo: “I Have a Clear Idea of the Outcome…”

“I prefer not to reveal too much, but I have a clear idea of how it will unfold,” said Carchedi.

Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief at Gresini, is unlikely to accompany Marc Marquez to the official Ducati team in 2025. However, Carchedi, who hails from England, suggested that he anticipates impressive performances from rider #93.

Marquez earned a spot on the official Ducati team, surpassing the eventual world champion Jorge Martin, because he was the sole GP23 rider who could compete with the factory-spec GP24s in the previous year.

His achievements comprised three grand prix victories, a sprint race win, and securing two pole positions, culminating in a third-place finish in the world championship standings.

However, in 2025, the Spaniard will confront a challenging rival, Ducati's two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia, as his teammate.

In a recent episode of the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi was questioned about his expectations for Marquez with the factory team.

"Sure… we'll discuss it when the year wraps up!" Carchedi grinned.

The speaker refrained from revealing too much but expressed confidence in predicting the outcome. They mentioned that with a second year on the Ducati, essentially benefiting from a two-year improvement in equipment, the individual in question managed to achieve 20 podium finishes in 2024. The speaker concluded by leaving their statement at that.

In contrast, the other three GP23 riders collectively secured only two podium finishes last season, with Marco Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez each earning one.

Throughout last season, a major topic of discussion was the performance gap between the GP24 bikes used by the Lenovo and Pramac teams and the older GP23 models at Gresini and VR46. This issue was predictably brought up to Carchedi during the podcast.

The Englishman chuckled as he remarked, "I was wondering what questions you all might have, and I figured this would surely be one of them!" He had previously led Joan Mir to a MotoGP championship with Suzuki back in 2020.

The speaker mentioned that they have frequently addressed this topic and will reiterate their usual response: their focus was on comparing their performance to other GP23 models and striving to be the leader among them.

Marc achieved similar feats at Honda when competing against other Honda bikes. During that time, it was not possible to measure his performance against riders on Yamahas, Ducatis, or bikes from other manufacturers. The situation was the same this year.

"Ending the year by outperforming both GP24 riders, Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli, was truly remarkable."

The Ducati engineering team is on an impressive streak. Just when you believe they have reached the pinnacle of their capabilities, they manage to enhance the motorcycle even more with each passing year.

Every bicycle comes with its own set of pros and cons. We encountered a few specific challenges that made it difficult for us to stay competitive.

"Certainly, when it comes to a single lap, it might be more related to familiarity with the Ducati. It's uncertain. We are discussing a rider, Marquez, who is on the bike for the first time competing against racers who have been riding it for four or five years."

"Looking back, I believe we managed to qualify with ease. During the year, we secured two pole positions and ended up in third place in the BMW Award's qualifying championship. This result was unexpected for me, as it didn't seem like we were performing at that level!"

Motegi nearly achieved pole position on his own, but the lap was ultimately invalidated.

"There are distinctions between the models from 2023 and 2024. The Ducati engineers are highly skilled and consistently manage to improve the bikes. Each year brings unique changes. Occasionally, the difference is just a fraction of a second, while at other times, it is more significant. Whether the gap between the factory and satellite teams widens or narrows each year is somewhat unpredictable."

"In conclusion, Alex might be the ideal person to consult since he seemed to really enjoy the GP24 bike in Barcelona!"

In the post-race testing session in Barcelona this November, Marc and Bagnaia started testing the GP25 prototype. Meanwhile, Alex, who is Marc's brother and used to be his teammate, recorded the fastest time while riding the GP24 for the first time.

Carchedi was also questioned about his opinions on what the newly crowned champion, Martin, can achieve with Aprilia.

He stated that achieving a world championship requires effort and isn't handed out freely. He added that having a leading rider with a different manufacturer benefits MotoGP, aligning with the desires of everyone involved.

"While it's great for us at Ducati right now, the goal is to have all manufacturers competing at a high level with top riders. Therefore, it's not just about Martin; Enea's move to KTM is also excellent for the championship. It will add a bit of variety."

"I'm confident that he'll be somewhere around."

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For two decades, Peter has been involved in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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Lewis Hamilton is expected to experience a significant comeback with Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season

"Adjusting might require a few test runs, but I anticipate a complete revival at Ferrari."

1992 Formula One world champion Nigel Mansell is confident that Lewis Hamilton possesses the potential to clinch another championship title and has expressed his support for Hamilton's complete comeback.

Hamilton is set to debut in a Ferrari F1 car at the Australian Grand Prix in March.

At 39, he aims to regain his former prowess following an underwhelming last season at Mercedes.

Despite securing two wins in 2024, Hamilton frequently found himself lagging behind in speed compared to his teammate, George Russell.

Talking to the Daily Mail, Mansell supported Hamilton's potential to return to top form with Ferrari.

"Mansell expressed his admiration for Lewis's choice to move to Ferrari, describing it as an enchanting decision. He highlighted Ferrari's highly competitive nature, suggesting they are strong contenders for next year's championship."

Regardless of others' opinions on Lewis, I see him as the epitome of excellence. My support for him has been unwavering, even when it seemed I stood alone in my admiration. Witnessing such an exceptionally gifted individual emerge and dominate the F1 world has filled me with immense pride.

"Challenging Leclerc won't be straightforward, yet it should prove to be beneficial. Viewing Lewis as the lesser contender could be perceived by some, however, I believe it would be a significant oversight to underestimate him. He's likely to exceed all expectations. While he may need a few practice runs to find his groove, I anticipate a complete revival at Ferrari."

Hamilton Aims for Historic F1 Victory with Ferrari

Hamilton is set to chase a groundbreaking F1 championship victory alongside Ferrari.

Ferrari has not secured a championship victory since 2008, during which they clinched the constructors' title with the team of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

They haven't won a drivers' championship since 2007.

Mansell believes that with renewed motivation, Hamilton could secure an additional championship to his resume.

"This doesn't mean Charles won't challenge him significantly, and there are indeed weekends when he executes flawlessly," he continued. "However, consistency is key. Numerous individuals win races, but assembling championships is an entirely different matter.

"I'm willing to take a risk and assert with confidence that if Lewis can tap into his drive, he's definitely capable of clinching another title. Absolutely. In this sport, it's wise to never rule anything out, and the upcoming season promises to be fiercely competitive. Ferrari has performed admirably, and I anticipate it’s going to be thrilling."

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EXCLUSIVE: Jenson Button discusses major overhauls at Williams

Jenson Button shares his sentiments on the Williams team as they approach a significant year in 2025

Jenson Button has shared insights into the internal shift in mood at Williams, a development that promises to uplift the F1 squad.

Button currently serves as an ambassador for the team he once raced with in Formula 1.

Williams' prospects are promising following their successful acquisition of Carlos Sainz, the notable Ferrari driver on his way out.

Button was asked about the differences in Williams now compared to when he drove for them 24 years ago.

"He shared with Crash.net in an exclusive interview, 'The vibe really reminds me of what it was like around the year 2000.'"

"Participating is enjoyable and thrilling, and while racing is taken seriously, the environment is warmly familial."

"Upon returning to the team in the role of an ambassador, I noticed the ambiance had somewhat changed."

Individuals who had been part of the team for twenty to thirty years were joined by a wave of fresh talent, necessitating the formation of a strong leadership structure to unify and motivate the group to operate cohesively.

"Now, there's significantly more confidence in the path the team is taking, which is crucial for collective efforts aimed at shaping the future."

The recruitment of James Vowles, previously with Mercedes, as team principal was a significant achievement for Williams.

Additionally, they secured star driver Alex Albon with a renewed contract, then proceeded to recruit Sainz from Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Vowles demonstrated his uncompromising nature by dismissing the underachieving Logan Sargeant halfway through the previous season and replacing him with Franco Colapinto in their vehicle.

Colapinto then excelled in his few appearances with Williams.

"Button mentioned that Alex and Franco have delivered some positive outcomes for Williams."

"Observing a driver become competitive immediately upon getting behind the wheel has been a truly rejuvenating experience."

"We all hold Alex in high regard for his talent and accomplishments in this sport. It's quite remarkable for a young newcomer to step in and challenge him effectively."

"Regardless of their age or level of experience, there is always something to be learned from your teammates, drawing knowledge from the insights they provide."

"Having two competitive drivers who can learn from each other genuinely aids in propelling the team ahead as well."

"In terms of scoring, the team hasn't accumulated as many points as they had anticipated this season. However, their performance has significantly improved in the later stages, which is promising as they move towards the 2025 season."

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Debunking of 2015 conspiracy theory involving Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez

Assertions by fans of Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez disproved

Claims of conspiracy theories surrounding the notorious 2015 feud between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have been refuted.

Danilo Petrucci has shed light on his viewpoint regarding the ongoing MotoGP dispute that persists.

This year, Rossi reignited their rivalry by once again accusing Marquez of intentionally sabotaging his chances at the championship.

Petrucci, a competitor in the 2015 racing season, has clarified the facts regarding two outrageous assertions.

He dismissed the idea of obstructing Lorenzo, even amid fervent appeals from Rossi's Italian supporters.

"Absolutely not, not even for a moment," Petrucci conveyed to MOW Mag.

"A motorist is passionate about this activity and would never engage in such behavior.

"I wholeheartedly concur with the viewpoint that a competitor with nothing at stake should not become a nuisance to those competing for significant gains.

"This applies both to excessive blocking of an opponent trying to pass and intentionally moving to the lead in an unsporting manner. No one desires to achieve victory through such means."

Petrucci commented on the Italian supporters' hopes for him to support Rossi, stating: “That year, before the Valencia race, it appeared to me they were being playful, using it as a means to make the atmosphere lighter: to me, they were just memes on social networks suggesting that I, Iannone, or another rider, would take Lorenzo out of the final race.

"I never imagined there were individuals genuinely interested in it."

Petrucci humorously remarked, "I might have been hailed as the ruler of the world if I had accomplished it! Compliments would have come from all sides.

"The thought of doing it never once occurred to me."

"I am certain that even those who stood to gain from it would have been appalled."

"It's illogical to act as a mediator between two cyclists."

Petrucci refuted another accusation from Marquez's supporters—that he gave in by making it too simple for Rossi to overtake him in Valencia.

"He firmly stated, 'I did not move out of the way.'"

"However, when a rider is evidently speeding up, they pass you without difficulty, and that was the case in this instance. There's a lot of chatter, but you can't pay attention to it all."

'The incident will eternally linger'

"I believed it would come to a close," Petrucci noted.

"Yet now it's clear to me that the incident involving Valentino and Marc in 2015 is far from over."

"It's logical for both parties involved, yet it doesn't resonate with the audience.

Only they are privy to the true events, to the occurrences that unfolded prior, to the words exchanged or left unspoken between them throughout the entire season.

"Whenever either of the two discusses the matter, they introduce a new detail previously unknown to all of us, even those who shared the same enclosure."

"Both individuals are utterly certain of their correctness, which is why, nearly a decade later, the discussion continues."

"However, I must emphasize again: only they are aware of the true events."

"Undoubtedly, the events that unfolded thereafter and surrounding it did not highlight a proud moment in sports. For many of us from my generation, Valentino stands as a hero, and to encounter him as a rival on the track is an experience that's indescribable on an emotional level."

"His accomplishments in racing have been etched into the annals of sports history. He was worthy of a tenth victory, yet it remained elusive."

"Jorge Lorenzo was equally deserving, and he emerged victorious. It's all part of the sport. That particular season started off rocky for Marquez, yet he might have believed that his initial confrontation with Vale was what ultimately sidelined him from contending for the world championship."

"I'm honestly unsure of the details and lack sufficient data to form a definitive stance, particularly given that nearly a decade has passed."

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Former colleague expresses sole concern regarding Marc Marquez's potential fit within the Ducati team

"The combination of such a powerful motorcycle alongside two incredibly talented riders hasn't been witnessed in quite some time"

Marc Marquez has outperformed all of his MotoGP teammates to date, but the competition will intensify in 2025 when he teams up with Pecco Bagnaia.

Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Marquez (who teamed up with Marquez at both Honda and Gresini), Pol Espargaro, and Joan Mir have shared the garage with Marquez.

This year, the dynamics of his relationship with Bagnaia will come under close observation.

Espargaro, after sharing two years at the factory Honda team with Marquez, is closely watching the developments.

"Definitely," he stated. "It's undeniable!"

"They are both highly renowned figures. Their team's area is filled with an extensive array of wins and numerous championships."

"It has been some time since we witnessed a bicycle of this caliber paired with two riders of immense talent."

Similar to a football scenario, despite boasting big-name players this season, Real Madrid has struggled to achieve top results due to issues with team cohesion.

"In MotoGP, the workload is divided in half, creating two mini teams within a single team."

"The sole question in my mind is whether they can collaborate effectively as a unit during their quest for the championship. I'm fully confident, however, that they'll make it to that point."

Bagnaia has emerged as Ducati's leading figure by clinching their first MotoGP championship in 15 years, an achievement Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi were unable to secure.

Despite Bagnaia not being able to retain his championship this season, as Pramac's Jorge Martin took the crown, the factory Ducati team's confidence in Bagnaia remained unshaken.

Marquez’s recruitment marks a departure from Ducati's recent strategy of nurturing talent within their own ranks.

For Marquez, this represents his ultimate opportunity to clinch a ninth world championship.

This suggests potential rivalry among team members, both of whom will have access to the top-performing motorcycle in the lineup, as they each aim to secure the championship title.

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Gigi Dall'Igna possesses the mindset of a racer; defeat angers him.

"Were he 20 or 30 years younger and a competitor himself…"

Several prominent individuals from within Ducati have underscored the pivotal contribution of Gigi Dall’Igna.

The Italian producer has led the MotoGP field for three seasons, ending 2024 with its riders occupying the first four positions in the rankings.

This year, Ducati is anticipated to play a leading role again, especially with Marc Marquez moving from Gresini to their main team.

However, the real standout could be the team's general manager and aerodynamics wizard, Dall’Igna.

Marquez mentioned to DAZN that for him, the critical aspect of Ducati was bringing Gigi Dall'Igna on board.

I would describe Gigi Dall'Igna as embodying the spirit of a motorcyclist, possessing a mindset that is entirely dedicated to riding.

"When he fails to secure victory, his frustration becomes evident. His drive and determination are essential traits for success in a competitive environment."

"If he were two or three decades younger and a racer himself, he'd be among the competitors you'd dread facing on the circuit."

Loris Capirossi noted, "Currently, every rider is eager to get on a Ducati."

Double World Superbikes winner Alvaro Bautista commended Dall’Igna, stating, "I believe that's the key."

An effective engineer is one who pays attention to the feedback from riders, and is skilled not just at analyzing data, but also at understanding the data in conjunction with what the riders say.

He transformed Ducati from a challenging motorcycle that was largely avoided and criticized, into the most sought-after ride in recent years.

Jorge Martin clinched the 2024 MotoGP championship while riding for Pramac, a team originally associated with Ducati but transitioned to using Yamaha motorcycles for the season.

"Everything began at Gigi," Martin explained.

"The bike became a formidable competitor when Gigi assembled numerous bikes on the circuit, accompanied by highly skilled, fresh talent, turning the whole situation into an explosive success."

Dall'Igna expressed his opinion, stating, "In my view, aerodynamics has been significantly overlooked in the world of motorcycle racing."

"However, I have to express that in this place, I've discovered the ideal individuals who can tackle the complexities of aerodynamics related to bicycles, which are significantly more intricate than those associated with cars."

This year, Ducati is set to encounter fresh obstacles, as their representation in the MotoGP lineup will decrease from eight to six motorcycles.

The number of factory motorcycles has been cut down from four to three, designated for Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

VR46 steps in as Ducati's leading satellite team, replacing Pramac, while Gresini continues its partnership with them.

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Casey Stoner gives a one-word summary for each MotoGP competitor

Casey Stoner provides his assessment of 10 MotoGP figures

Casey Stoner was tasked with describing his MotoGP competitors using just a single word.

Despite sometimes finding it hard to stick to just one word, the insights provided by the double MotoGP winner into his perspectives on riders from both the past and present were incredibly intriguing…

Fabio Quartararo? "Unyielding!"

Dani Pedrosa? "Gifted!"

Andrea Iannone? "How should I put this… I have a term in mind but it's eluding me… not 'unrestrained', rather 'liberated', I guess, when he's racing."

Check out this Instagram post from Moto.it (@motoit)

Mick Doohan? "Obstinate!"

Jack Miller? "Somewhat liberated, I would say…"

Andrea Dovizioso? "Strategic!"

Pecco Bagnaia? "Reminiscent of Dovi yet more contemplative."

Marc Marquez? "Much like Dani, he's exceptionally skilled!"

Valentino Rossi? "Sly!"

Casey Stoner? "Well, if you think about it, perhaps, in addition…"

Australia's Stoner has cemented his status as a MotoGP icon by securing two top-tier championships.

Looking back, his inaugural victory with Ducati in 2007 appears even more impressive, considering that despite having talents like Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi on their team, the manufacturer didn't secure another win for the next 15 years.

In 2011, Stoner clinched his second championship title while riding for Honda.

He famously stepped away from his career at the young age of 27 in 2012 and seldom appeared in public thereafter.

Towards the latter part of the previous year, he unexpectedly showed up at Rossi's VR46 ranch in Tavullia, reconciling with a former adversary.

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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, football, and Formula 1.

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EXCLUSIVE: Jenson Button Outlines Key Transformations at Williams

Jenson Button shares his perspective on the atmosphere at Williams as they gear up for significant developments in

Jenson Button has shared insights into the shift in mood within the Williams team that is expected to uplift the Formula 1 squad.

Jenson Button now serves as an ambassador for the Formula 1 team he once raced with.

Williams is optimistic about the future after successfully securing the commitment of Carlos Sainz, who is leaving his position as a driver for Ferrari.

Button was asked about the changes that have occurred at Williams since he last drove for them 24 years ago.

In an exclusive conversation with Crash.net, he mentioned that the vibe is reminiscent of the year 2000.

"The atmosphere is enjoyable and thrilling, with a clear focus on the seriousness of racing, yet it maintains a welcoming family vibe."

"When I returned to the team in the role of ambassador, the vibe had changed."

Individuals who had been part of the team for twenty or even thirty years found themselves alongside a wave of fresh talent joining the group. It became essential to establish effective leadership to unite everyone and foster cohesive teamwork.

"There is now a stronger sense of confidence in the team's future direction, which is crucial for collaborative efforts aimed at long-term development."

James Vowles, who previously worked with Mercedes, joining Williams as the team's principal, was a significant achievement for them.

They secured a fresh contract with their top driver, Alex Albon, and later brought Carlos Sainz on board from Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Vowles demonstrated his tough decision-making by dismissing Logan Sargeant, who was not performing well, halfway through the previous season and replacing him with Franco Colapinto in their vehicle.

Colapinto excelled during his few appearances with Williams.

Button mentioned that both Alex and Franco have delivered some impressive performances for Williams.

"It's been invigorating to see a driver get into the car and immediately perform at a competitive level."

"We all hold Alex in high regard, admiring his skill and accomplishments in this sport. It's truly remarkable for a young individual to step in and challenge him."

"You gain knowledge from your teammates regardless of their age or level of experience, as each interaction provides valuable insights."

"Having two competitive drivers who can learn from one another significantly benefits the team’s progress and advancement."

"In terms of points, the team hasn't accumulated as many this season as they initially aimed for. However, their performance in the second half of the season has been impressive, which is a promising sign as they look forward to the 2025 season."

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EXCLUSIVE: Jenson Button discusses key transformations at Williams

Jenson Button shares his perspective on the atmosphere at Williams as they gear up for a significant 2025

Jenson Button has described the shift in the environment at Williams that is expected to uplift the Formula 1 team.

Button is currently serving as an ambassador for the Formula 1 team he used to race with.

Williams has a promising future ahead after successfully securing a contract with Carlos Sainz, who is leaving Ferrari.

Button was asked about the differences at Williams since he last drove for them 24 years ago.

He told Crash.net in an exclusive interview that the mood is reminiscent of the year 2000.

"It's enjoyable and thrilling, and while racing is taken seriously, the environment is friendly and family-oriented."

"When I returned to the team in the role of an ambassador, the environment felt different."

Individuals who had been part of the team for twenty to thirty years were joined by a wave of fresh talent. It became necessary to establish effective leadership to unite everyone and foster collaboration.

"At present, there seems to be a stronger faith in the team's trajectory, and this confidence is crucial when collaborating to plan for what's ahead."

Williams scored a significant victory by appointing James Vowles, who previously worked with Mercedes, as their team principal.

Before securing Sainz from Ferrari for the 2025 season, they managed to retain their standout driver, Alex Albon, by offering him a new contract.

Vowles demonstrated his uncompromising nature when he decided to remove Logan Sargeant from the team due to his lackluster performance halfway through last season, replacing him with Franco Colapinto.

In his few appearances with Williams, Colapinto showcased his talent impressively.

Button mentioned that Williams has seen some positive outcomes thanks to the efforts of Alex and Franco.

"It's been invigorating to see a driver get into the car and immediately perform at a competitive level."

"We all hold a great deal of admiration for Alex, recognizing his talent and the accomplishments he has secured in this sport. It's truly remarkable for a young person to step up and challenge him."

No matter the age or experience level of your teammates, there's always something to learn from them and the information they share.

"Having two competitive drivers who can learn from each other is beneficial for advancing the team."

In terms of points, the team didn't accumulate as many as they had aimed for this season. However, their performance improved in the latter stages, which is promising as they look ahead to 2025.

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