Examination: The Challenges in Rescuing KTM’s MotoGP Squad

The team delves into KTM's present circumstances in the newest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast.

The financial difficulties currently faced by KTM and their potential effects on the company's MotoGP initiative have been a major focus in the news this winter.

The company's reorganization efforts are proceeding, and there is a sense of guarded hope regarding its prospects. However, significant skepticism surrounds its grand prix initiative.

Under the current restructuring plans, there is a scheduled departure from MotoGP in 2026. However, Pit Beirer, the motorsport head, recently discussed the interest shown by Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion in Formula 1, in making an investment.

"Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash.net, remarked that it was quite intriguing to read the Speedweek interview with Pit Beirer, where he mentioned having concrete discussions with his management."

This isn't the first occasion where Lewis Hamilton has been associated with a MotoGP team, for instance.

"In 2024, we witnessed it with Gresini, and there were claims that Hamilton didn’t exactly refute."

He has consistently expressed an interest in potentially acquiring or investing in a MotoGP team at some point in the future.

"I find it thrilling to see Lewis Hamilton's name mentioned; he is the top F1 driver."

"While some individuals may not appreciate it, he is considered the best Formula 1 driver of all time. Seeing his name associated with KTM, especially given their current circumstances, is thrilling, particularly when Pit Beirer is the one making the statement."

Veteran journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash remarked, "I believe those who aren't thrilled about this don't truly grasp the potential we have with Lewis Hamilton stepping into MotoGP."

He's really passionate about motorcycles. He's a big fan of MotoGP and owns a unique edition of an MV Agusta. He's participated in Superbike track days alongside the Yamaha World Superbike team. He also once swapped rides with Valentino Rossi.

"He is truly passionate about bikes and absolutely adores them. Moreover, he is an avid enthusiast of motorsports."

Some individuals have unjustly accused him of being involved solely for the Hollywood ties and the business aspects, dismissing his intentions with remarks like "blah, blah, blah."

"Drivers have the freedom to engage in activities outside their main profession, and racing represents just one aspect of their lives. Typically, a racing career at the top level spans around 10 years for most individuals. Lewis Hamilton, however, has already been in the sport for 15 years and is likely to continue for a few more years at the very least."

"Additionally, he's only in his 40s and has many years ahead of him. He's taken steps to secure his future, which deserves respect."

Should he decide to engage with KTM, the exact nature of his involvement remains uncertain. However, his association alone could potentially attract investors who might not have previously considered investing.

"We should remember that this is the individual who managed to build a fairly successful team in Extreme E and holds part ownership of the Denver Broncos NFL team. He undertakes these ventures not just to enhance his business interests, but with a genuine desire to create a meaningful impact."

Though the idea of Hamilton teaming up with KTM in MotoGP is thrilling, Peter McLaren, the editor at Crash MotoGP, cautions that joining forces with a factory team is a significant undertaking.

He mentioned that Red Bull and KTM have a very strong connection, something that Pit Beirer has recently highlighted.

Red Bull and KTM are inseparable in the racing world, and they have no plans to end their collaboration.

"Although Red Bull has not publicly commented on the matter, it is likely that they are intensely observing and analyzing the situation behind closed doors."

"It's logical that they might be an investor or among those who would show interest in it. Naturally, they also possess the technical expertise."

"A number of prominent individuals are keen on investing and joining a MotoGP team."

"However, there's a significant distinction between an independent team, which anyone could essentially take charge of and start competing with immediately by leasing bikes and other necessities, and a factory team. In a factory setup, you are the manufacturer and must have a comprehensive technical team supporting you to design, maintain, and conduct research and development on the bike, along with having a dedicated testing team and more."

"That's a huge task, but Red Bull is well-equipped to handle it. They have the financial resources, a keen interest in motorsports, and the technical expertise from their Formula 1 team."

"Picture a scenario where KTM emerges from this situation with a new agreement, resulting in increased involvement from Red Bull and possibly Lewis Hamilton too."

"It would be amazing if they managed to combine all those elements. And who can say for sure? I believe the challenge right now is that KTM is a manufacturer, and not just anyone can enter the scene."

"There have been ongoing discussions about BMW entering the market, but they have been hesitant and indecisive, often retreating from their plans."

"They're a firm that has extensive experience in manufacturing bicycles and clinched the Superbike championship title this year."

"Therefore, it emphasizes the significance of achieving the status of a constructor in MotoGP. I believe it's something that should not be taken lightly."

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Stunning news emerges as Carlos Sainz's potential move to Red Bull is reportedly still a possibility. Is there a chance that Carlos Sainz might eventually become part of the Red Bull team?

Red Bull has possibilities that "stay open" for potentially bringing Carlos Sainz on board in the future, as stated by team principal Christian Horner.

Carlos Sainz was not considered by Red Bull for a spot in their Formula 1 team for the 2025 season. Instead, he signed a multi-year contract with Williams. This move came after he left his position at Ferrari, making way for the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, to make a high-profile move from Mercedes.

Red Bull has decided to replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson for the next season. This decision comes after Perez was dismissed due to his inability to improve his poor performance throughout the 2024 season.

Rumors suggest that a provision in Sainz's contract might allow him to depart from Williams ahead of schedule if Red Bull or Mercedes expresses interest in him.

Red Bull's team leader, Horner, seems to have suggested this with his recent remarks about the 30-year-old Spanish driver who has won four grand prix races.

"Carlos is an excellent driver, and there are still possibilities for him moving forward," Horner mentioned to RacingNews365.

He was certainly a strong candidate, and in various ways, Carlos seemed like a logical choice. However, we opted to focus on our internal talent and have confidence in our junior program.

This approach draws in more young drivers as they perceive a clear route to Formula 1. Opting for someone outside the program would convey the wrong signal, especially given the intense rivalry among teams for securing talent as young as 13 or 14.

This approach is beneficial as it focuses on nurturing young talent. By becoming part of the Red Bull program, individuals can clearly see that performing well almost ensures a path to Formula 1.

"Our preference is to prioritize the advancement of the junior program."

Worries arise over the dynamic between Sainz and Verstappen. Red Bull opted not to pursue Sainz, amid speculation that there is tension between the camps of Max Verstappen and Sainz, stemming from their time as teammates at Toro Rosso back in 2015.

In the previous year, Helmut Marko, who serves as an advisor for Red Bull's motorsport division, stated that the relationship between the two individuals was extremely negative.

In an interview with Marca, Marko stated, "There's no question that Sainz is an excellent driver. During his 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 environment at Toro Rosso was very unhealthy due to the dynamics between the two. Given the circumstances we had at the time, I couldn't find a solution to retain him on our team. As a result, Carlos moved on to Renault, then McLaren, and eventually found his way to Ferrari."

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Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera has introduced his new team for participation in the Enduro World Championship.

Kalle Rovanpera, who has won the World Rally Championship two times, has revealed his latest venture, the KR69 World Enduro Team. This team is set to start participating in the EnduroGP World Championship starting this season.

Rovanpera's squad is set to provide a Husqvarna FE 250 for fellow Finn, Roni Kyttonen, whom Rovanpera also backed in 2024.

Due to a hand injury sustained at the EnduroGP event in Wales in August, Kyttonen had to pull out of the second half of the 2024 season in both the EnduroGP and the Finnish Championship.

The Finnish motorcyclist boasts three European Enduro Championship victories and also secured the 2020 EnduroGP Junior 1 world championship.

Kalle Rovanpera is taking a significant leap in his motorsport journey with the introduction of the KR69 WET, a name that reflects his initials and racing number in the World Rally Championship. This venture marks his debut as a team owner.

The 24-year-old is set to take on managerial responsibilities in addition to his usual driving tasks as he makes a comeback to full-time World Rally Championship (WRC) competition in 2025 with the official Toyota team. This follows a partial season in 2024, where he managed to secure three rally victories. One of these notable wins occurred at Rally Poland, where he and co-driver Jonne Halttunen were unexpectedly called in to substitute for Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais after they were involved in a collision with a civilian vehicle during the reconnaissance phase.

Kalle Rovanpera's enduro team isn't the first instance of a Finnish four-wheel World Champion venturing into dirt bike racing. Back in 2014, Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion, established his IceOne Racing motocross team, which initially served as the factory team for Husqvarna in the Motocross World Championship. In 2022, the team transitioned to represent Kawasaki.

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

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Is it a cautionary tale involving Lando Norris or Lewis Hamilton? Max Verstappen shares his strategy for the 2025 Formula 1 season, highlighting his steadfast mindset in the sport.

Max Verstappen has stood by his assertive approach on the track, stating that he is committed to doing whatever it takes to secure victory in Formula 1.

Last year, the Red Bull racer overcame a period during the middle of the season where he didn't win any races for 10 events, allowing him to secure his fourth world championship in a row, even though he occasionally had only the third or fourth most competitive car.

Verstappen found himself in a sometimes intense battle with Lando Norris, as McLaren became the leading team in the latter part of the season, leading to multiple moments of tension between the two drivers.

A week after his driving came under scrutiny due to a close call in Austin, the Dutch driver received two 10-second penalties for his actions involving Norris in Mexico City.

This year, he is set to face McLaren's Norris once more, along with Lewis Hamilton, who has made the move to Ferrari

However, Verstappen maintains that he has complete command over his sometimes debated actions.

"There have been challenging races, debatable decisions, and instances, but I am confident in my actions and am completely in control," Verstappen stated on the official F1 website.

"Occasionally, there's a deliberate reason behind my actions. I maintain full control over my performance on the track. At times, it's essential. I'll do whatever it takes to achieve victory."

"I really dislike losing. While I can admit when someone performs better, losing is never pleasant. This motivates us to improve."

"Despite achieving success in 2023, we aimed to enhance our performance further. This pursuit provided us with significant insights in 2024."

Verstappen is considered flawless

A key factor in Verstappen's strength is his strong confidence in himself.

In 2024, Verstappen proved to be remarkably consistent, showcasing his ability to extract the maximum performance from his car, even when it wasn't operating at its peak.

Even though Verstappen has faith in his skills, he thinks there's always space for enhancement.

Verstappen stated that he doesn't perceive himself as having any weaknesses, and even if he did, he would never acknowledge them.

"I'm quite receptive to new ideas because I understand there's always room for improvement. However, I'm also aware of the challenges involved… While it's possible for someone to deliver an outstanding performance over just one weekend, the real test is maintaining that high level of performance throughout the entire year."

"This involves many factors. I don't want to reveal too much, as it would disclose information. As a driver, it's crucial to consistently perform at your best. It's important to discover what suits you personally since each driver has their own unique method, but you must identify what is effective for you."

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Formula 1 announces a new official timekeeping partner to take the place of Rolex

Max Verstappen sported high-end watches from the new Formula 1 timekeeping sponsor during the last season

Formula 1 has revealed that TAG Heuer, a high-end watchmaker, will once again serve as the official timekeeper for the world championship starting in 2025.

This development is a result of a decade-long agreement between Formula 1 and LVMH, which aims to introduce several of LVMH's high-end brands into the racing world. The collaboration with Liberty Media, the organization behind F1, is believed to have a value reaching up to $1 billion.

Beginning next season, TAG Heuer will once more serve as the official timekeeper for Formula 1, a role it previously fulfilled from 1992 to 2003. The prestigious Swiss watch brand Rolex had been associated with F1 as a partner since 2013.

Formula 1 is set to commemorate its 75th anniversary in 2025 by hosting its inaugural combined season launch event at the O2 Arena in London on February 18.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his pleasure at announcing TAG Heuer as the Official Timekeeper for Formula 1, marking a new chapter in their enduring relationship with the sport.

"Emphasizing innovation, precision, and excellence, they are an ideal collaborator. I am eager to see how our shared history can create new narratives for the future as we mark our 75th anniversary."

TAG Heuer made its debut as a sponsor in Formula 1 56 years ago and currently has collaborations with both Red Bull and the Monaco Grand Prix.

TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin stated that in a field characterized by mental toughness, physical power, strategic planning, creativity, and execution, it makes perfect sense for TAG Heuer to play a central role in Formula 1 as the Official Timekeeper.

"For many years, we've been linked to the top drivers and teams in Formula 1 history. It is a great honor and privilege for us to be associated with the element that determines victory: time."

The luxury wine producer Moet and the fashion label Louis Vuitton are anticipated to be announced as Formula 1 partners under the LVMH agreement.

Which Formula 1 drivers are seen with TAG Heuer watches? As expected, due to Red Bull's collaboration with the luxury watchmaker, both Max Verstappen and the departing Sergio Perez have been spotted wearing TAG Heuer timepieces.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, owns a unique TAG Heuer Monaco Titanium Special Edition watch. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, who will not be continuing with Red Bull in 2025, was spotted sporting his personalized version of the TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon.

Last season, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell from Mercedes were seen wearing IWC watches, whereas the drivers from Ferrari and McLaren displayed Richard Mille timepieces.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll from Aston Martin sported Girard-Perregaux watches, as Alpine secured a deal with H. Moser & Cie for the 2024 season, and Racing Bulls teamed up with Tudor.

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Five Formula 1 drivers are striving to escape the threat of losing their positions in 2025. The pressure on these drivers to maintain their spots on the team is expected to increase significantly.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is drawing near, which means that the focus on certain drivers will intensify.

F1 drivers are under immense pressure as they are anticipated to start strong and maintain their teams in competitive standings within the constructors' championship.

Here are five drivers who might be worried about their positions if they have a rough start…

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old prodigy for Mercedes, has been chosen to take over Lewis Hamilton's seat for the 2025 season. Suggesting that his spot for the upcoming year is in jeopardy wouldn't be accurate, as he hasn't yet participated in an F1 grand prix.

Different factors in the driver market might jeopardize the positions of either Antonelli or his teammate George Russell. Over the past year, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has openly expressed his interest in bringing Max Verstappen on board.

Although Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, the team's performance on the track might lead to him leaving earlier than planned. In 2024, Verstappen became more dissatisfied with how his RB20 was performing, despite securing his fourth consecutive championship.

Max Verstappen has a deep affinity for Red Bull, and departing from the team would be his final option. However, if such a move occurs, it might mean that Antonelli, or potentially Russell, would have to step aside. Entering Formula 1 with a leading team is a rare opportunity for Antonelli.

In 2007, Hamilton joined McLaren alongside Fernando Alonso and performed exceptionally well, just missing out on winning the drivers' championship. In contrast, more recently, standout talents such as Verstappen, Russell, and Charles Leclerc have spent time honing their skills in teams that are not at the top of the field.

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc each spent almost a year with Toro Rosso and Sauber, respectively. Meanwhile, George Russell had a three-year stint with Williams prior to securing a position with Mercedes. Should Antonelli face significant difficulties during his first season, and Verstappen becomes an option, Toto Wolff might be compelled to make a surprising decision for the 2026 season.

Since rejoining Formula 1 with Williams at the beginning of 2022, Alex Albon has consistently improved his standing in the sport. The Thai driver's performance in F1 was so remarkable that he was considered a potential option for a seat at Ferrari, and there was also speculation about him possibly returning to Red Bull.

Franco Colapinto stepping in for Logan Sargeant midway through the season shifted attention back to Albon. The Argentine driver quickly matched Albon's performance, creating significant pressure for him.

Naturally, Albon held the upper hand, and as the season went on, he consistently kept a lead over Colapinto, who was using outdated equipment. Nevertheless, it indicated that Albon has not yet reached his full potential as a driver with Carlos Sainz set to join the team.

Following his most successful season with Ferrari so far, Sainz is set to move to Williams. This transition will serve as an important evaluation of Albon's genuine skills when pitted against a familiar and established competitor.

As Colapinto stands ready for his opportunity, Albon must deliver an impressive performance this season.

Liam Lawson

Being in the same team as Verstappen means your position is always under threat. In 2025, Liam Lawson faces the challenging job of competing against the four-time world champion.

In a testament to Lawson's abilities, he has quickly adjusted and demonstrated his skills during his brief 11-race experience in Formula 1. Lawson will face significant pressure competing alongside Verstappen, as Red Bull aims to reclaim the top spot in the Constructors' Championship.

Jack Doohan's Position

Among the 20 drivers competing in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Jack Doohan faces the greatest uncertainty regarding his position. There have been consistent speculations concerning Doohan's future with the Alpine team, which started circulating even before he raced in the 2024 season's final event at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore has expressed an interest in Colapinto, yet he has stopped short of providing firm guarantees about Doohan completing the season. Considering the rumors surrounding his career and his teammate Pierre Gasly's impressive end to the 2024 season, Doohan will be lucky if he continues into the next year.

Isack Hadjar is set to be among the five newcomers to the Formula 1 lineup in 2025. The driver from France secured second place in the Formula 2 championship, narrowly losing the title to Gabriel Bortoleto, who drives for Sauber.

Despite worries regarding his demeanor and results in different assessments for Red Bull, Hadjar has been selected to join Tsunoda for the next season.

Tsunoda has consistently surpassed his last three teammates, including Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lawson, and he anticipates a similar outcome with Hadjar. In 2025, Hadjar will need to deliver strong performances, especially since Red Bull is showcasing 17-year-old talent Arvid Lindblad in F2 this season.

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Connor, with his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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EXCLUSIVE: I competed in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and celebrated with Michael Schumacher

A story from 15 years ago when Formula 1 made its debut in Abu Dhabi

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Formula 1 took place in 2009, and there have been significant changes since then.

Jenson Button, having secured the title of Formula 1 champion, made his entrance following his victory in Brazil.

The final race of the season, now a well-known event on the schedule, is taking place this weekend as Formula 1 concludes its 2024 season in Abu Dhabi.

Button shared with Crash.net that it felt like something from the future.

"Competing at night was a thrilling experience, and it took me to a country I had never visited before, which added to my enjoyment. It was also my first time finishing on the podium in several races that season."

"I came to Abu Dhabi as the World Champion after securing victory in Brazil, making it an outstanding race."

"I spent Sunday evening at Amber Lounge enjoying the company of Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn, and it was an absolute blast."

The Yas Marina circuit has undergone major modifications since that time to enhance the quality of the races.

Button expressed his enjoyment of driving the track in his own style, adding that he will have the opportunity to drive it again in January.

"We have plans to conduct WEC tests at that location, which will give me a chance to assess the high-speed segment, and I must say, I'm fond of it."

"The event is well-timed in the season schedule. Although it doesn't feature the rapid circuits like those at Suzuka, Silverstone, or Spa, I find driving there enjoyable and believe the competition is exciting."

Button recalls Abu Dhabi for being the place of his full-time retirement and his second-to-last race in 2016.

He recalls his favorite highlights: "Standing on the podium in the first year, and then again the next year when we celebrated Sebastian [Vettel] as the World Champion."

Lewis and I stood with him on the podium; both of us were representing McLaren and had been the World Champions in the two preceding years. It was pretty exciting to drench Seb in champagne!

"While those two are notable, my final race at that location also holds significance."

"I experienced a suspension malfunction, concluded the race prematurely, enjoyed some drinks, and participated in numerous interviews where I expressed indifference about departing from Formula 1."

"The statements weren't completely accurate! I've always had a great time there and I'm excited to return and revisit those memories."

Fifteen years have passed since Button clinched his only Formula 1 title while driving for Brawn.

"It's unbelievable to think that 15 years have passed! I had the chance to drive the car again five years ago, and it was a wonderful experience," he remarked.

Looking back, it was a year destined to be remembered in history. This was not solely due to my victory in the World Championship, but rather because a private team, Brawn GP, clinched their first World Championship during their debut year.

"After 15 years, it's easy to overlook many details, which is unfortunate. That's why I feel fortunate that a documentary was created to capture it."

"Last week, my wife and I were in Paris, and we saw it appear on TV, so we decided to watch it."

"It's truly meaningful to have a record of that time, allowing me to witness the emotions of everyone who took part that season. I'm incredibly fortunate for this, and Keanu Reeves did an outstanding job capturing it all. While there are many cherished memories from that period, it was also the most challenging year of my life due to the immense pressure I placed on myself."

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KTM unveils detailed strategy to rescue its racing initiatives

“We implemented actions quite some time back”

KTM is implementing a comprehensive 100-step strategy to reduce expenses within its racing department. This initiative aims to maintain its racing activities despite facing a financial crisis.

The Austrian company is currently undergoing a reorganization to avoid going bankrupt, as its liabilities are believed to exceed €3 billion.

The initial gathering of creditors was promising, as KTM received approval to maintain its operations and proceed with its reorganization. Additionally, external investors have shown interest amounting to €700 million.

Lewis Hamilton, who has won the Formula 1 world championship seven times, is an investor showing interest. His management team has had "substantial" talks with KTM.

A section of the creditors' report mentioned that KTM's exit from MotoGP had been "planned."

The event is scheduled for 2026, but KTM has already announced that it will be participating on the grid this year.

In a conversation with Speedweek, Pit Beirer, the head of motorsports at KTM, discussed the brand's comprehensive 100-point strategy designed to reduce expenses in its sports department.

"We implemented actions quite some time back," he stated.

"When contracts came to an end, it was simpler to make changes than it is now, as contracts are filed in various places at this time of year."

"A straightforward yet distressing problem is that we've cut back on our global program by 12 racers, and each one of them supports two, three, or four staff members."

The choice to dissolve specific racing teams or eliminate certain drivers in various categories has had a significant impact, particularly on the drivers themselves. However, it has also led to a substantial loss of jobs behind the scenes.

"Whenever a project is discontinued, it typically results in two trucks becoming redundant, along with various other vehicles and cars."

"The resources required by the drivers are no longer necessary. These reductions are prompt actions that have a visible impact."

Beirer mentioned that KTM has ceased to be the main sponsor for the Hard Enduro World Championship.

In the realm of grand prix racing, KTM has removed the GASGAS brand from the lineup, and Husqvarna is no longer present either.

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Mercedes anticipates that Andrea Kimi Antonelli's first season in Formula 1 will be filled with challenges and potential slip-ups, leading to some frustration for the team.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will have moments that will make the team feel extremely frustrated during his debut Formula 1 season in 2025.

Eighteen-year-old Antonelli is set to join Mercedes, taking the place of Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari. Antonelli will team up with George Russell as he embarks on his first Formula 1 season this year.

The talented Mercedes driver has been elevated to F1 after only one year in Formula 2, achieving an impressive rise without ever competing in Formula 3.

Antonelli attracted significant attention after a major crash during his first F1 race weekend practice session at the Italian Grand Prix the previous year.

The event took place within the first 10 minutes of FP1, during which Antonelli was setting impressive lap times before he ended up losing control of his vehicle.

Wolff has acknowledged that he anticipates Antonelli will make numerous errors while getting accustomed to Formula 1.

Toto Wolff mentioned to the press, including Crash.net, that they need to be patient and observe how things develop. By 2025, with the same regulations in place, the ranking of teams will differ based on the track and the chances available to compete for wins. If they can capitalize on these opportunities, they will be in a position to contend for a championship.

The coming year is expected to see George Russell establish himself as a veteran driver, while Kimi might drive us crazy at times, but there will also be flashes of exceptional talent.

"It's a year focused on setting realistic goals for Kimi as we get our drivers ready for the 2026 season."

Mercedes moderates anticipation

Although Wolff is confident that Antonelli has the potential to be a top driver in F1, he has been swift to temper expectations for the young driver as he prepares for his debut season.

In an interview with the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Wolff emphasized that Mercedes considers 2025 to be a "transition year" in preparation for significant regulatory changes set for 2026.

Wolff mentioned that their goal is to get Andrea ready for the year 2026.

"If you think Antonelli will secure the pole position in Melbourne, claim victory in the race, and instantly be in the running for the championship, you're setting yourself up for disappointment, as that's unlikely to occur."

Considering that he is just 18 years old, possesses a lot of talent, yet still needs to develop and learn from errors, the risk is reduced.

"We anticipate that 2025 will be a year of change, and our goal is to get him ready for 2026, when everything will begin anew for everyone."

Antonelli secured victory in two races, ultimately placing sixth in the 2024 F2 championship standings for drivers.

This came after winning championships in both the Italian and ADAC F4 series in 2022, and securing additional titles in the Formula Regional European Championship and the Formula Regional Middle East Championship in 2023.

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Exposed: Red Bull's Expectations for Liam Lawson Compared to Max Verstappen

Red Bull has specified the performance difference they anticipate between Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen.

Red Bull anticipates that Liam Lawson will consistently be within 0.3 seconds of Max Verstappen during the 2025 Formula 1 season.

This information comes from Helmut Marko, the advisor for Red Bull motorsport, who has outlined what is expected of Lawson prior to his promotion to the main Red Bull team in 2025.

A 22-year-old from New Zealand is being promoted from the Racing Bulls team to join the main squad for the next season. This move comes as a replacement for Sergio Perez, who was let go by Red Bull following a series of poor performances throughout 2024.

Marko mentioned to RTL that he ought to be no more than three-tenths of a second behind Max during both qualifying and the race.

"This should suffice to earn points towards the Constructors' Championship."

"If possible, he ought to consistently enhance his performance."

After participating in only 11 Grand Prix events over two seasons, Lawson has been promoted to become the fifth Red Bull teammate of Verstappen.

Since Daniel Ricciardo chose to depart from Red Bull at the conclusion of 2018, all four drivers who have taken his place have been considered to fall short of satisfactory performance levels.

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez were eventually let go because they couldn't match Verstappen's performance in the second seat at Red Bull.

Lawson has been selected as Verstappen's new partner, even though he did not clearly outperform teammate Yuki Tsunoda during his time with Red Bull's junior team.

In discussing the decision, Christian Horner, the team principal for Red Bull, stated: "Liam's performances during his two periods with Racing Bulls have shown that he can achieve impressive results and that he is a true competitor, willing to challenge the top contenders and emerge victorious."

"Competing with Max, who has won the championship four times and is considered one of the top drivers in F1 history, is certainly intimidating. However, I am confident that Liam has the potential to meet this challenge and achieve impressive results for our team next year."

'Recognize Verstappen's superiority'

Marko cautioned Lawson against repeating the errors of those before him by believing he could surpass Verstappen.

Last year, the Dutch driver secured his fourth consecutive world championship and is entering the 2025 season as the leading contender once more, even though Red Bull did not possess the quickest car when the previous season concluded.

The 81-year-old Austrian commented, "Considering that he is competing against the top Formula 1 driver in the team, he should steer clear of the mistakes made by many of Max's previous teammates."

"They attempted to discover solutions using technology, involving some bizarre configurations and tactical maneuvers."

"You need to acknowledge that he is the top contender and then measure how close you can come to his level. However, entering with the mindset of 'I'm going to defeat him' is not advisable."

"Everything went awry for him and his colleagues."

Lawson is set to compete in his first race for Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

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Charles Leclerc says he intends to "push the boundaries" of the rules just like Max Verstappen does. Leclerc is ready to take "chances" when engaging in close racing, similar to Verstappen's approach.

Charles Leclerc believes he can adeptly maneuver within the regulations during close racing situations, much like Max Verstappen demonstrated throughout the 2024 F1 season.

During the latter part of the previous year, Verstappen’s racing skills were closely examined.

The racer from the Netherlands avoided any penalties for his strong defensive tactics against Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix.

Even though Verstappen's defensive tactics were forceful, they remained within the boundaries set by the FIA regulations.

In Mexico, Verstappen received two separate 10-second penalties due to incidents involving Norris.

Due to Verstappen's defensive tactics, the racing regulations have been modified, and these changes are anticipated to be fully implemented this season.

In an interview with RN365, Leclerc acknowledged that he is willing to take "risks" similar to those taken by Verstappen if the situation demands it.

"You need to choose which conflicts to engage in, and I believe Max is adept at adjusting to various circumstances—we've witnessed this," Leclerc remarked.

"There were times when he wasn't very assertive, but as the season concluded and Lando returned to the scene, he began to push the boundaries more noticeably. I think I have that capability within myself as well."

"I am confident that when important matters arise and it's time to take risks with the right individuals, I will seize the opportunity."

Leclerc enjoys competing against Verstappen

Although Leclerc hasn't faced Verstappen often in recent years due to Red Bull's dominance, the Ferrari driver believes that racing against the four-time world champion is "always more exciting."

Leclerc and Verstappen engaged in a memorable rivalry at the beginning of the 2022 season, showcasing two spectacular duels in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

During Leclerc's debut year with Ferrari in 2019, he and Verstappen frequently clashed, with a significant encounter occurring in Austria, where Verstappen emerged victorious.

"Leclerc went on to say that one reason he has always liked competing against Max is because the driver's mindset plays a significant role."

"We've been acquainted for a long while, which makes teaming up in a fight even more thrilling."

Regrettably, early in the season, his car was quite dominant, and we weren't competing closely against him. As a result, he had no incentive to be aggressive towards us, which left us trying to catch up.

"When we became competitive, Lando was already positioned between us, so he didn't view us as direct rivals, and as a result, there weren't any battles between us."

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Information has surfaced about Ferrari's comprehensive Formula 1 testing schedule involving Lewis Hamilton, who is anticipated to conduct significant testing sessions for the team in late January.

Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to engage in extensive driving sessions with Ferrari this month to familiarize himself with his new Formula 1 team.

On January 1, the seven-time world champion officially joined Ferrari, marking a high-profile move from Mercedes after an impressive 12-year career with the team known as the Silver Arrows.

Due to his contract with Mercedes, Hamilton couldn't join the post-season test in Abu Dhabi with Ferrari last month. However, he is scheduled to make his debut with the Italian team later this month at their Fiorano test track.

The timing of Hamilton's first drive with Ferrari will hinge on the weather conditions, but it is anticipated to occur on January 20th or 21st.

Several reports indicate that Hamilton will have an additional three days to drive a Ferrari before the month concludes.

Both Motorsport and Sky Italy report that Ferrari has reserved the Barcelona track for the final days of January. This move aims to provide Hamilton with more opportunities to adjust to his new team.

According to reports, Ferrari has reserved the Spanish Grand Prix track for a minimum of four days. Although they are allowed to use it for just three days, the extra time gives Hamilton the chance to test under optimal weather conditions.

Hamilton will initially drive a Ferrari during TPC sessions, which allow teams to use a car that is at least two years old. They can cover up to 1000 kilometers over a span of four days.

According to the sporting rules of Formula 1, each team is allowed to cover up to one thousand kilometers of testing with previous cars annually. This must be done using drivers who are either part of the Championship or who are planned to be entered into it. These kilometers can be spread over a maximum of four days as outlined in Article 10.2f.

The regulations for 2025 have been adjusted following Max Verstappen's trial run of Red Bull's 2022 vehicle at Imola, which took place ahead of the previous year's Spanish Grand Prix. The team aimed to address and improve the shortcomings of their RB20 model during this testing phase.

A decision has not been made regarding whether Hamilton, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on January 7, will take the wheel of Ferrari's 2023 model, the SF-23, or the earlier model, the F1-75 from 2022.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, has stated that he has no concerns regarding Hamilton integrating into the team.

"It's a challenge, yet he's bringing his own expertise," Vasseur remarked. "However, he's not the newcomer of the year, and I have no concerns about that."

"This builds on the earlier rules, providing us with a framework to follow. While I'm not concerned, I acknowledge that it does present a challenge."

Hamilton 'thrilled beyond measure'

In his initial remarks following his move to Ferrari, Hamilton expressed that he is "thrilled beyond measure" to begin this new chapter in his career.

He posted on social media, stating, "There's much to consider as I transition to Scuderia Ferrari."

For those planning their next steps in 2025, welcome the opportunity for transformation.

No matter if you're changing careers, acquiring a new ability, or embracing fresh challenges, keep in mind that the ability to reinvent yourself is significant. There's always a new opportunity waiting for you.

A day following the official start of the F1 season at the O2 in London on February 18, Ferrari plans to reveal their car for the 2025 season.

Hamilton, along with his teammate Charles Leclerc, is set to test drive Ferrari's latest vehicle during the pre-season sessions scheduled for February 26-28 in Bahrain.

On March 16, Hamilton is set to compete in his first race for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix.

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