Departing Sauber F1 pilot rumored to join Ferrari as backup driver in 2025

According to sources, Ferrari is considering former Sauber racer Zhou Guanyu for their Formula 1 reserve position in 2025.

Zhou Guanyu might secure a position as Ferrari's backup driver for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Italian media outlets are indicating that Ferrari might provide Zhou with a Formula 1 opportunity, following his departure from a permanent position at Sauber for the 2025 season.

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Earlier this month, Sauber revealed that Zhou along with his present teammate Valtteri Bottas will depart from the team by season's end. The team, set to become Audi, has chosen to bring in Gabriel Bortoleto, the frontrunner in the Formula 2 championship, to fill out their completely revamped driver roster, which also includes Nico Hulkenberg.

Bottas is highly expected to rejoin Mercedes as a backup driver, while Zhou is currently being associated with a similar role at Ferrari.

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Ferrari anticipates that Zhou will be part of the team next season, serving in a backup capacity to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Zhou is set to take over the role of Ferrari's current reserve from Oliver Bearman, who is moving to Haas to become a full-time driver in the upcoming year.

The 25-year-old driver from China was previously connected with Ferrari, serving in their driver academy from 2014 to 2018, after which he moved to Alpine's youth program.

In an exclusive discussion with Crash.net, Zhou expressed his openness to accepting a backup position if he were to lose his spot at Sauber, optimistic that it might pave the way for a permanent comeback to F1.

"Being a reserve driver and waiting for opportunities is the sole option if you're not on the team," he mentioned at Monza. "Currently, I'm not in discussions with any other teams regarding a reserve position as I believe numerous opportunities will arise."

"It largely hinges on their offerings and the seating options other squads might have accessible, possibly for upcoming seasons."

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Frequently providing on-site reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Guide to Live Streaming the 2024 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Details on viewing the 2024 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, including event times, schedule, and free streaming options.

The race for the Formula 1 title is moving to the United States, and the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, happening on November 22-24, can be streamed for free from any location. Below, you'll find the start times for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

A highlight on the Formula 1 schedule is upon us.

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With three races remaining, Max Verstappen is ahead of Lando Norris by 63 points in the drivers' standings.

In the constructors' standings, McLaren is at the forefront, surpassing both Ferrari and Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton's last few competitions with Mercedes will once again be closely examined.

SCHEDULE FOR THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX (UK TIMES)

Early on Friday, November 22, the first practice session will begin at 2:30 am, followed by the second practice session

On Saturday, November 23, the practice session is scheduled for 2:30 a.m

Sunday, November 6 a.m. – Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

VIEWING THE 2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX FROM ANY LOCATION

Being outside the country or region of your preferred TV streaming service might restrict you from catching the Las Vegas Grand Prix live. Nonetheless, with the assistance of a VPN, you can access your chosen broadcast from any spot in the world. Fortunately, the team at ExpressVPN offers a promotion to simplify and reduce the cost of doing just that.

ExpressVPN is providing a special deal where every subscriber can enjoy an additional three months at no cost when they opt for the annual subscription, which equates to a discount of 49%. Moreover, there's a 30-day guarantee that allows for a full refund, ensuring customers can test the service without any financial risk.

ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly virtual private network service that enables you to modify your IP address while also securing your online activity by encrypting your data, ensuring your privacy is safeguarded.

It works with a wide range of streaming devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PlayStation, as well as Android and Apple smartphones.

On the other hand, F1TV serves as the authorized streaming platform for Formula 1.

It displays all the sessions and races of the season, incorporating the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Nonetheless, its accessibility is limited to certain areas, and the cost of a subscription can differ based on where you are.

ACCESSING LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX WITHOUT CHARGE ON THE INTERNET

Austrian channels ORF and Servus are offering complimentary access to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, available for live streaming on their respective platforms – ORF TVthek for ORF and Servus TV for Servus. Please note, the commentary will be provided in German, and it might be necessary to register for a no-cost account to view the event.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is also freely broadcasted in Belgium by RTBF, but the commentary is exclusively in French. The event can be streamed live through RTBF Auvio.

VIEWING THE 2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX IN THE UK

In the UK, every moment of the Las Vegas Grand Prix can be watched on Sky Sports F1.

New subscribers can include Sky Sports F1 in their Sky Sports package for a monthly fee of £18.

By subscribing to Sky Sports, you can watch the Las Vegas Grand Prix live online through the Sky Go service.

In the United Kingdom, you can watch live broadcasts through NOW TV. Access to Sky Sports can be purchased on NOW TV, either by paying £11.99 for a single day's access or by opting for a monthly subscription at £34.99.

VIEWING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX

In the United Kingdom, every Formula 1 Grand Prix highlights are televised on Channel 4.

Channel 4 features summaries on both Saturdays and Sundays, following the qualifying sessions and the races, for each event.

You have the option to view any of Channel 4's featured compilations through their digital streaming platform, On Demand.

TUNING INTO THE 2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX RADIO BROADCAST

For those in the UK wanting to follow each Formula 1 race, broadcasts are available on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra, as well as through the BBC Sounds app and the BBC Sport website.

Every practice session, qualifying round, and grand prix of the season is broadcast live on radio across various BBC platforms.

VIEWING THE 2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX IN THE US

In the United States, Formula 1 enthusiasts have the opportunity to follow the Las Vegas Grand Prix through the variety of channels offered by ESPN.

The live race is available for viewing on ESPN or ESPN Plus.

ESPN Plus can be accessed without the need for cable TV, offering subscriptions at $11 monthly or an annual option for $110.

ESPN or ABC broadcasts 18 of the F1 races, while ESPN2 covers the remaining four.

ABC and ESPN are available on cable television.

You can also find it on the streaming platform, ESPN Plus.

VIEWING THE 2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX IN AUSTRALIA

In Australia, Formula 1 coverage is provided by Fox Sports, accessible through a Foxtel subscription.

Without a Fox subscription, Kayo Sport offers an alternative viewing option.

Subscribing to Kayo Sport starts at AU$25 monthly for a single screen option, or you can opt for the three-screen plan at AU$35 per month.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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David Coulthard highlights similarities between Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton as Hamilton prepares to switch to Ferrari.

Former Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has expressed worries that when Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari in the upcoming season, the team might not be receiving him at his peak performance.

In a surprising turn of events, Hamilton revealed in February that he would be departing Mercedes after a 12-year tenure to sign with their competitors, Ferrari, effectively taking over the position currently held by Carlos Sainz.

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After narrowly failing to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship due to a contentious loss to Max Verstappen of Red Bull in 2021, Hamilton has only managed to claim victory twice as Mercedes grapples with challenges in the new regulatory landscape of Formula 1.

Coulthard believes that Hamilton's forthcoming move might share similarities with Michael Schumacher's return to F1 with Mercedes in 2010.

Coulthard expressed to PlanetF1 his belief that the decision might have been somewhat influenced by emotions and frustration. He noted that it's common for some relationships to lose their spark over time.

"Clearly, he viewed the chance with Ferrari somewhat similarly to, I suppose, when Mercedes decided to bring Michael back on board."

Mercedes believed they were acquiring the version of Michael Schumacher who dominated during his time with Ferrari, only to realize they had simply obtained a competent Michael.

"Ferrari might only succeed in obtaining a proficient Lewis. While a proficient Lewis is quite beneficial, he has been regularly surpassed by George [Russell] this season – possibly not in the standings of championship points, but definitely when it comes to qualifying and such.

In reflecting on my professional journey, I recognize that what I missed was the ability to qualify quickly. When I consider the speediest racers, like Mika, Kimi, Michael, Ayrton, and others in their league, it's clear that these individuals possess remarkable velocity.

As soon as they experience even a slight decline in their speed… While I don't follow football closely, I've come across the comparison relating to a forward losing a step – the key element that enabled them to reach the goal and score was their slight edge in swiftness.

"The moment they no longer possess that swiftness… they remain exceptional, yet they don't shine as brightly as before.

"Therefore, Lewis might not achieve his desired outcome, primarily because he needs to outperform Charles in the qualifying rounds."

"I believe Charles, being around 26 or 27, remains quite skilled, which could pose a challenge for Lewis."

Coulthard remarked, "It's a fascinating query, given that Lewis has no point to demonstrate. He's a champion of the world seven times over.

"He might have been around nine or 10, given that he's come quite close several times before. In my view, the number of championships someone wins doesn't necessarily measure their greatness as a driver."

"I'm aware of what the history records require… they necessitate that, right? They require him to secure eight victories, so he can be recognized as the unrivaled world champion."

"However, no matter his achievements, there will always be someone in the future who surpasses them, as each new generation is expected to excel beyond the last."

"Hence, our evolution as humans wouldn’t have occurred! Therefore, it's not about attempting to downplay his accomplishments."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Typically delivering reports directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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Securing an F1 championship with Ferrari could render Lewis Hamilton 'eternally unbeatable'

It is argued that by clinching a victory with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton could solidify his status as the ultimate F1 legend.

Securing a Formula 1 global championship while driving for Ferrari would render Lewis Hamilton "eternally unrivaled," in the eyes of Jacques Villeneuve.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton is set to make a sensational move from Mercedes to Ferrari in the upcoming season, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world title.

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Achieving this milestone would solidify the 39-year-old British racer's status as the ultimate driving legend, in the opinion of fellow world champion Villeneuve.

"Villeneuve stated to Grosvenor Sport that this is the subsequent phase for him to emerge as the greatest driver in history."

Securing another victory with Mercedes wouldn't truly hold any significance, but achieving a win with Ferrari? That would be unparalleled in the world, considering all that he has accomplished.

Upon signing, there was no visible prospect ahead of him. The only thing apparent was Mercedes' departure. Thus, it became evident that it was the moment to make a move. Occasionally, one relies on intuition, takes a leap of faith, and wishes for the new opportunity to be more promising.

"Then, you end up being perceived as a hero, similar to his experience when he joined Mercedes. Back then, people questioned his decision, wondering, 'What's his rationale? Has he lost his mind?' In the end, it worked out well."

"When he inked a deal with Ferrari, the setup was not as it stands today. It was a different Ferrari from the one we witness now."

"You need to grasp this concept. We're talking about a Ferrari here, the most iconic brand in the automotive and racing sectors, and Lewis has been at the forefront. When you connect the dots, notice the spike in Ferrari's stock prices.

"Securing a victory with Ferrari would render him invincible for eternity. That’s the bottom line. It will solidify his legacy. It’s quite straightforward."

"Even if he doesn't secure a victory with Ferrari, he already holds all the records. Achieving that would simply be the crowning achievement. Therefore, it's a risk worth taking."

Villeneuve suggests that Hamilton's disappointing conclusion to his remarkable tenure with Mercedes is a result of his focus and passion already shifting towards Ferrari.

"Villeneuve further mentioned, “Despite everything he has achieved, he still has the capability to do so. There’s absolutely no question about that. The fact that things aren’t currently going well for him at Mercedes doesn’t imply he’s no longer capable.

"His passion and focus might have already shifted elsewhere! He was aware that clinching the championship with Mercedes this year was out of reach for him; perhaps he could secure a victory in a race or two, but not the overall title. So, why invest so much effort into developing the car and assembling the team for someone else's benefit?"

"Currently, he is in the process of completing his contract."

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Frequently providing updates directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures within the sport.

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Canadian Grand Prix to shift its schedule as Formula 1 progresses towards a regional calendar

The Canadian Grand Prix is poised for an earlier date from 2026 to facilitate Formula 1's strategy for a regional calendar.

Starting in 2026, the Canadian Grand Prix is set to take place earlier than usual, in a bid to regionalize the Formula 1 racing schedule.

On Monday, it was revealed by F1 that the Octane Racing Group, the organizer of the Canadian Grand Prix, in collaboration with significant partners from the Canadian government and the city of Montreal, had reached a consensus to reschedule their race for two years later.

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Traditionally held in June and serving as an interlude to the European races, the Canadian Grand Prix will, from 2026 onwards, take place annually on either the third or fourth weekend of May.

F1 has announced that moving the Montreal race to the end of May will enable the season's European races to be scheduled back-to-back throughout the summer in Europe. This change will also eliminate one yearly transatlantic journey for the Formula 1 teams and personnel.

This will aid in advancing Formula 1's pursuit of sustainability by cutting down on related carbon emissions.

The Canadian Grand Prix is expected to be scheduled following the Miami Grand Prix, an event that has occurred in early May starting from its initial Formula 1 race in 2022, thereby forming a duo of North American races.

In recent years, F1 has aimed to organize its calendar by regions, shifting the Japanese Grand Prix to April. This change aligns it with other Asia-Pacific races, including those in Australia and China.

This year, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was rescheduled to September to coincide sequentially with the Singapore Grand Prix, meanwhile, the races in the Middle East were organized to be in close sequence at both the beginning and conclusion of the season's schedule.

Starting in 2026, Monaco is set to shift its annual race event to the first complete weekend of June, marking the likely beginning of the season's European segment.

"F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed deep appreciation for the promoter and every level of government partnership, spanning local to provincial and federal, involved in the Canadian Grand Prix."

"We commend the exceptional dedication demonstrated by everyone involved to expedite the temporary construction for the event, ensuring it is prepared to welcome the Formula 1 community ahead of its usual schedule."

"The alteration will render the upcoming progression of our schedule not only more eco-friendly but also more practically efficient for our staff and team members. Maintaining our goal of achieving Net Zero by 2030 remains a critical objective within our sport, and it's through adaptations such as these that we remain aligned with our target."

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

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Liam Lawson faced a scolding from his father for giving Sergio Perez the middle finger

Liam Lawson acknowledges his parents disapproved of his action towards Sergio Perez.

Liam Lawson disclosed that he was reprimanded by his father for making an obscene gesture towards F1 competitor Sergio Perez during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

In his second outing after taking over Daniel Ricciardo's spot, RB racer Lawson caused damage to Perez's Red Bull following a collision at Turn 4 in the latest race.

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Perez labeled Lawson a "fool" through the team's communication system and subsequently stated that the New Zealander lacks the proper mindset for F1.

During the race, Lawson was observed making an obscene gesture towards Perez, an action that failed to garner approval from Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, or Lawson's own family.

"Lawson admitted to TFN, 'That was a mistake on my part.'"

"I'll take it as a learning experience, yet it's important to recognize that we're operating at an intense level of competition. The amount of adrenaline involved is astonishing."

Reflecting on past years and considering my reactions and comments following a race, particularly during my younger days, I come to understand how irrational and foolish those moments were once I've had time to cool off.

"I gained some lessons from it, but clearly, being in F1 means you're under intense scrutiny, and perhaps I underestimated the extent of visibility. One has to tread cautiously."

Inquired about his parents' reaction, Lawson confessed, “They were not pleased.

"I feel incredibly lucky to have a father who has been instrumental in shaping me not just as a person, but also in my development as a driver. His guidance has been crucial in my journey towards professionalism in the sport."

"He has always had a stabilizing effect on me, I must admit, especially from my childhood. So, naturally, he wasn’t taken aback by that, and I totally get his reasons. As I mentioned, it was a mistake on my part, and it’s a lesson I intend to take to heart."

Lawson mentioned, "My father reprimanded me, something he has done frequently throughout the years."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He provides on-site reporting, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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McLaren's emerging talent, Ugo Ugochukwu, exhibits a characteristic in common with their existing Formula 1 racer, Oscar Piastri.

According to his team, Ugo Ugochukwu has a key characteristic in common with present McLaren F1 racer Oscar Piastri.

Over the weekend, the 17-year-old American associated with McLaren's junior program secured a commanding win at the esteemed Macau Grand Prix.

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Ugochukwu achieved the leading starting spot and maintained the lead throughout all laps in both the qualifying race and the main grand prix event, making a remarkable single appearance for the R-ace GP Formula Renault team, which left the team members highly impressed by his performance.

Team leader Benjamin Schidt compared Ugochukwu's composed demeanor to that of Piastri, a double grand prix champion who raced under the R-ace GP banner during his victorious 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup campaign.

"Ugo consistently exhibits a very composed demeanor. Schmidt believes this plays a crucial role for the drivers, as he mentioned to Autosport while in Macau."

"He's analyzing the information, comprehending it thoroughly, and always maintains a steady emotional state, never veering towards extremes. His demeanor remains uniformly constant."

"I believe what truly sets things apart is occasionally distancing oneself from their emotions."

When questioned about whether this resembled Piastri's method, Schmidt confirmed, saying, "Absolutely, yes. His emotional state is steady, in my opinion."

Kudos to McLaren's rising star @UgoUgochukwu2 for his outstanding performance in dominating the 2024 #MacauGP from start to finish. His exceptional talent and perseverance were key in mastering a challenging circuit. We are ecstatic! Ugo has now earned a place among icons such as Senna and Schumacher by becoming the first American to secure this prestigious trophy… pic.twitter.com/mOtmZ7AXLy— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) November 17, 2024

In 2020, Ugochukwu clinched the CIK-FIA European Karting Championship title, followed by securing a third-place finish in the British F4 championship in 2022. He proceeded to achieve a second-place finish in the Italian F4 Championship and claimed victory in the Euro 4 Championship the next year.

"Schmidt mentioned, 'Ugo's performance during the preparation phase was notably outstanding.'"

"We're quite familiar with Ugo, despite him not competing for our team [this season], and we've conducted numerous tests with him.

"He's certainly skilled behind the wheel, showing a lot of talent. His extensive experience also plays a significant role, simplifying matters somewhat for him, though securing a victory in Macau is always a challenge."

"Undoubtedly, he's an excellent driver, and it was truly a pleasure to have him with us this weekend. He delivered an incredible victory for us. We couldn't possibly be more thankful for it."

Lewis frequently visits Formula 1 races globally on behalf of Crash.net. Typically covering events firsthand, Lewis narrates the experiences of significant individuals in the racing community.

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The widely anticipated MotoGP rider transfer has been revealed

Projected 2025 rider change under discussion

Yamaha has not yet made an official statement regarding Augusto Fernandez becoming their new MotoGP test rider, but the Spanish rider has personally confirmed that he will be taking on this position.

Fernandez is set to become Yamaha's official test rider for the 2025 season. The Spanish motorcyclist is anticipated to begin riding the bike by the close of 2024.

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Fernandez expressed his happiness, a sentiment he has shared recently in other races, regarding his upcoming move to Yamaha. He mentioned this in a conversation with MotoGP.com during the Barcelona test, although the official announcement is still pending.

"We were on the verge of achieving it, and now we're finally going to make it happen."

Despite having a guaranteed future, Fernandez is unsure about when he will have the opportunity to get on the YZR-M1 for the first time. He missed the chance to participate in the post-race test in Barcelona due to the Pramac team's entry into Yamaha's MotoGP lineup.

"It's challenging because the Pramac team is busy with a new team and project planned for 2025," Fernandez explained.

"We aim to have a test ride by December. While it's not yet finalized, we're making significant efforts to conduct the initial bike test before the year concludes."

Fernandez is aware that he will participate in six races for Yamaha next year, as he plans to take part in all of their wildcard opportunities.

"I plan to participate in every wildcard event available — there are six in total, and I'll be competing in all of them," he stated.

"Prepared to take on this new project, which involves a different role. Watching the bikes go by without being on the track myself is challenging."

The Spanish rider mentioned that they will talk about the schedule for the wildcard entries over the upcoming weeks. He also confirmed that he is still uncertain about where his first wildcard will take place.

In conclusion, Fernandez mentioned the opportunity to communicate with fellow riders participating in Yamaha’s testing program, specifically Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso, and how he gains from their extensive experience in MotoGP.

"Fernandez mentioned that it's beneficial since Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso both bring a wealth of experience."

"It's really great to work alongside them, given their extensive MotoGP experience, now in their role as a test rider."

"I’m eager to collaborate with them, share rides, and make comparisons without the pressure of race weekends. I look forward to experiencing the MotoGP bike and understanding their feedback and daily strategies."

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

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Uncovered: Aprilia’s Response to Jorge Martin's Initial Accident

New Aprilia rider Jorge Martin took a tumble at Turn 5 in Barcelona.

Jorge Martin experienced his initial fall while riding an Aprilia.

During the postseason test on Tuesday, the recent MotoGP titleholder moved from Pramac Ducati to the official Aprilia team.

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During his first ride on the 2025 bike, he experienced an accident at Turn 5 in Barcelona, a notoriously challenging section of the track. Later, Enea Bastianini also fell victim to the same corner while making his initial ride on a KTM.

Rider @88jorgemartin encounters a challenging start to his afternoon as he experiences a fall at his favorite Turn 5 during the #BarcelonaTest. pic.twitter.com/U2wxj7ezO4— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 19, 2024

From within the paddock, broadcaster Jack Appleyard reported that Jorge and Marco Bezzecchi will not be available for media interviews at the end of the day because they are still under contract with Ducati.

"I spoke with a few individuals from Aprilia to gain insight into the events surrounding that accident."

"In essence, his speed was too low!"

"There was also confusion about sensing the front end, especially with the aerodynamic influence from a rider ahead."

"Therefore, there are clearly a few areas that require improvement."

"The positive update is that the bicycle arrived with almost no damage at all."

"There were a few minor marks and abrasions on the left side, and that was all."

"After a brief touch-up, he was prepared to proceed once more."

Martin emerged from the crash unscathed and promptly resumed his journey.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Which Formula 1 driver has accumulated the highest number of penalty points in the sport's history? The driver who is on track to win the championship also leads the rankings for having the most penalty points.

Since the penalty points system was implemented in 2014 for Formula 1, Max Verstappen has accumulated the highest number of points.

Formula 1 implemented this system to address substandard driving behavior. According to the regulations, accumulating 12 penalty points within a year results in a suspension for one race. These points are removed from a driver's record after a year.

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Kevin Magnussen, representing the Haas team, made F1 history by being the inaugural driver to face a one-race suspension due to collecting 12 penalty points within a year, which occurred at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean had to watch from the sidelines after causing a major crash at the start of the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix. However, his penalty was given before the penalty points system was implemented.

Although Magnussen made a historic mark for unfortunate reasons, it is in fact the Red Bull driver, who is on the verge of becoming a four-time world champion, who has accumulated the highest number of points.

Since he began racing in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015, Verstappen has accumulated a record 39 penalty points over 206 grand prix races. This is two points more than Magnussen and five points ahead of his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez.

Max Verstappen presently holds five penalty points on his driving license, following the expiration of two points from the previous year's Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 18.

The additional five he collected in Austria, Mexico, and Brazil during this season will remain until next year.

Max Verstappen accumulated seven penalty points during his fierce championship battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021. His highest tally of penalty points in one season occurred in his rookie year, 2015, when he collected a total of eight points.

Top 10 F1 Drivers Accumulating the Most Penalty Points

A Breakdown of Why Verstappen Received 39 Penalty Points

Monaco Grand Prix 2015 – Incident with Romain Grosjean (resulting in two points)

2015 Hungarian Grand Prix – Three Instances of Safety Car Exceeding Speed

2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – exiting the track and obtaining a benefit (first instance)

2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – failure to comply with blue flag signals (tw

2016 Mexican Grand Prix – departing the track and obtaining an advantage (incident one)

2017 Hungarian Grand Prix – two incidents involving a crash with Daniel Ricciardo

2017 U.S. Grand Prix – Exiting the Circuit and Benefiting (Part One)

2018 Chinese Grand Prix – two incidents involving a crash with Sebastian Vettel

The 2018 Italian Grand Prix featured two incidents involving Valtteri Bottas.

2018 Russian Grand Prix – two incidents of speeding under yellow flag conditions

2018 Japanese Grand Prix – returning to the track without caution (incident one)

2019 Monaco Grand Prix – two incidents of unsafe release

2019 Mexican Grand Prix – exceeding speed limits under a yellow flag (second

2021 Italian Grand Prix – two crashes involving Lewis Hamilton

2021 Qatar Grand Prix – two instances of speeding under yellow flag conditions

2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – exiting the track and obtaining a benefit (incident one)

2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – two incidents involving Lewis Hamilton in a crash

Brazilian Grand Prix 2022 – two incidents involving Lewis Hamilton

2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc was pushed off the track twice.

2024 Austrian Grand Prix – two incidents involving Lando Norris

2024 Mexican Grand Prix – caused Lando Norris to veer off the track on two occasions

2024 Brazilian Grand Prix – Violation involving the Virtual Safety Car (first instance)

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the stories of key figures in the racing world.

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Results from the 2024 Official MotoGP Test in Barcelona (FINAL)

Here are the last lap times recorded during Tuesday's official MotoGP test held in Barcelona, Spain, following the race.

Rider X has moved up X places compared to the last hour.

= The rider remains in the same spot as they were an hour ago.

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X Rider has dropped X places compared to the last hour.

* Newcom

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

Fastest lap achieved by Aleix Espargaro: 1 minute 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap during the race: Pedro Acosta clocked a time of 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

After the MotoGP season concluded on Sunday, the riders headed back to the Barcelona track on Tuesday to participate in an official test day with their teams for the 2025 season.

The test marked the first appearance of recently crowned world champion Jorge Martin alongside Marco Bezzecchi at Aprilia. Marc Marquez showcased his skills with Ducati Lenovo, while Pedro Acosta joined Red Bull KTM. Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were seen in action with Tech3 KTM, and Franco Morbidelli rode for VR46. The new Pramac Yamaha project included Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR) completed their inaugural MotoGP laps.

Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini, maintained the fastest lap times for the majority of the day during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a crash in the middle of the afternoon at Turn 7.

Francesco Bagnaia, the current titleholder from Ducati, and Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha, both managed to surpass Marquez for a short period, but the rider with the number 73 quickly regained the lead.

World champion Martin leaned into the track and flashed a thumbs up, beaming after completing his initial laps on the Aprilia. However, while closely following his friend Aleix Espargaro, Martin experienced his first crash on the RS-GP at Turn 5.

After 3 p.m., Enea Bastianini experienced a severe crash while braking for the same turn, resulting in significant damage to his RC16. Martin cautioned that red flags were necessary to remove the debris from the track, leading to the session being halted shortly thereafter.

In his initial outings with the factory team, Marc Marquez climbed to sixth place but eventually slipped to a position beyond the top ten.

The eight-time world champion increased his speed, finishing just behind Bagnaia in fourth place on his last lap. On his return to the factory pits, he humorously flashed a middle finger at his old Gresini team.

Newcomers Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each emerged unscathed from their initial MotoGP crashes. Meanwhile, Luca Marini was left exasperated after a severe crash that caused significant damage to his Repsol Honda.

In a fit of frustration, Aldeguer struck the Ducati's screen with his helmet following a practice start, right after the testing session concluded.

Following his retirement from full-time racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro made his first appearance as a test rider for HRC.

A few riders were once more experimenting with radio communication systems inside their helmets.

The testing sessions were conducted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. according to local time. The upcoming official MotoGP testing is scheduled for February at Sepang.

After the MotoGP season concluded on Sunday, the riders headed back to the Barcelona track on Tuesday to engage in an official testing session with their teams for the 2025 season.

The test marks the first appearance of newly crowned world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, while Marc Marquez joins Ducati Lenovo. Pedro Acosta is set to ride with Red Bull KTM, and Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales will represent Tech3 KTM. Franco Morbidelli is slated to race for VR46. The new Pramac Yamaha venture includes Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR) will take their inaugural MotoGP laps.

Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing dominated the timing charts for a significant portion of the day during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a crash at Turn 7 in the early afternoon.

Ducati's current titleholder, Francesco Bagnaia, who wears white, and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo managed to surpass Marquez's speed momentarily, before the rider with the number #73 made a comeback.

World champion Martin leaned his shoulder into the turn, flashed a thumbs up, and beamed with joy during his initial laps on the Aprilia. However, while trying to keep up with his close friend Aleix Espargaro, Martin experienced his first crash on the RS-GP at Turn 5.

Enea Bastianini experienced a severe crash while braking at the same corner shortly after 3 p.m., which resulted in significant damage to his RC16. Martin indicated that red flags were necessary to remove debris from the track, and the session was halted shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez initially climbed to sixth place during his early laps in the factory's red colors. However, he was later moved out of the top ten, but managed to increase his speed once more in the afternoon session.

First-time MotoGP riders Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced their initial crashes without injury, while Luca Marini faced disappointment after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda bike.

Following his retirement from full-time racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro is beginning his new role as a test rider for HRC.

The testing sessions are scheduled between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time. Following this, there will be no sanctioned MotoGP tests until the next round in February at Sepang.

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

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Sergio Perez has stated that he turned down proposals from two different Formula 1 teams to depart from Red Bull in 2025.

Sergio Perez stated that he turned down "two offers" from different Formula 1 teams for the 2025 season.

The future of the Mexican driver is still a hot topic of discussion due to his ongoing struggles in performance when compared to his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen. This uncertainty persists even though Perez secured a contract extension earlier this year that includes the upcoming season.

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In the last 15 races, Perez has managed to earn just 48 points, and his difficulties have played a role in Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors’ championship, trailing McLaren and Ferrari.

In an interview with GQ magazine, Perez mentioned that he had two chances to switch teams, but he chose not to reveal the names of the teams that showed interest.

Upon examining the situation, I realized that I genuinely appreciate the challenge I face at Red Bull. Being Max's teammate is a significant test. It's an experience that essentially prepares you for everything.

"I expressed my desire to conclude my career at the pinnacle, facing the highest level of pressure."

Liam Lawson from RB and Franco Colapinto, who is temporarily driving for Williams, are among the drivers rumored to possibly take over Perez's position at Red Bull next season.

Rumors continue to circulate following Red Bull team boss Christian Horner's acknowledgment that Perez's underperformance is "frustrating."

"It's the nature of the sport. If you have one or two poor performances, there's a lot of negative commentary directed at you," Perez remarked.

"It's also an aspect of the team's culture, particularly with Red Bull. The discussions around contracts and other related conversations are simply part of the competitive landscape."

In the end, during tough times, there's always a lot of chatter. However, in reality, 90 percent of people in the field would have wished for a career like mine.

As a driver, your focus is solely on what's ahead – the upcoming race, the next hurdle, the future category, or the subsequent contract. It's a constant cycle of looking forward to what's coming next.

Occasionally, it's beneficial to take a moment to reflect on the distance you have covered. The sport can be extremely harsh.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the stories of key figures in the sport.

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