Fabio Quartararo is set for a comeback at the forefront of MotoGP in 2025

Yamaha is gearing up for a significant 2025 season, aiming to break its streak without a win. At the helm of this effort is a world champion eager to realize his full potential, according to Lewis Duncan.

Financial incentives are a significant allure for any competitor. At the beginning of the previous year, Yamaha was aware it was at risk of parting ways with its top racer, Fabio Quartararo, due to its repeated inability to provide him with the motorcycle required to secure a second MotoGP world championship following his 2021 victory.

Aprilia expressed interest but lacked the necessary financial resources. Yamaha, however, invested heavily, committing €12 million annually until the conclusion of 2026, leading to a swift agreement. These actions marked one of two significant strategic moves by departing team leader Lin Jarvis, with the other notable decision being to appoint Pramac as its official secondary team partner.

Rejecting a significant financial offer was a challenging decision, but Quartararo committed himself to the challenging work of restoring Yamaha to its rightful status. This commitment became more palatable when Yamaha persuaded Max Bartolini, previously a key ally of Gigi Dall’Igna at Ducati, to join as the technical director.

On the technical front, Bartolini has successfully softened the traditionally rigid approach of Yamaha's Japanese operations. Throughout 2024, the M1 was consistently updated with new components at every testing and racing event, taking full advantage of its allowances.

His most significant achievement, at least in terms of technology, has been persuading Yamaha to embark on a V4 project – however, there's no specified date for its first appearance on the race track. Traditionally, Yamaha has opted for inline-four engine configurations in recent times, standing as the sole manufacturer to do so.

In alignment with Yamaha's efforts to enhance engine performance, Bartolini shared with Peter McLaren of Crash.net last winter that the primary objective isn't solely about power: “The common perception with the V4 is focused on the engine. However, I believe the major benefits come from the bike's configuration, rather than the engine itself.

Regarding sheer performance, from what I've heard from our engine team, the change shouldn't be significant. "However, the V4 design does offer some opportunities for more straightforward bike configuration management."

Yamaha's primary issue with the M1 model has been the insufficient rear grip, a problem that has persisted over several years. This issue has led to a reduction in the bike's renowned nimbleness, which initially allowed Quartararo to make a significant impact upon joining Yamaha in 2019 as a newcomer.

As the 2024 season progressed, these elements contributed to incremental enhancements, culminating in Quartararo delivering the brand's top performance of the year by finishing sixth at the Malaysian Grand Prix. With the onset of winter testing, Yamaha aims to continue building on this momentum.

Yamaha faces a formidable challenge. Last season, they ranked fourth among five teams in the constructors' championship, scoring 124 points, which placed them 598 points behind the leader, Ducati, and 178 points short of Aprilia, who finished third. Quartararo emerged as the top performer for Yamaha's duo, finishing 13th with a mere 113 points, marking the lowest point total of his career. Meanwhile, his teammate Alex Rins, in his debut season riding the M1, finished 18th, his performance hindered by ongoing injuries.

During Yamaha's unveiling on Friday, Rins highlighted the challenge by stating, “Claiming we'll be in contention for a win from the very first race isn't accurate.”

Quartararo has experienced a shift in attitude over the past season, moving away from his previous dismay caused by Yamaha's inability to meet his needs. He's come to understand that hard work is the key to victory on the Yamaha, and mentioned at the launch that he's heading into the new year without any specific expectations, focusing instead on continuing the momentum from the end of the previous season.

Speaking to Crash.net during Yamaha's unveiling event, he expressed his satisfaction with the team's advancements, particularly in the latter half of the year. "We've managed to make progress, which is encouraging. However, the challenge ahead is to enhance our speed through better grip, power, electronics, and aerodynamics. These areas are crucial for our success," he stated.

If that's the situation, Yamaha should naturally emerge as a steady contender for the top 10 positions right from the start. With Pramac shifting allegiance to Yamaha and consequently reducing the number of Ducatis on the grid by two, Yamaha's task becomes a tad simpler.

During Yamaha's challenging times, Quartararo has consistently been a beacon of hope. The internal conflict between leadership and Maverick Vinales didn't deter him from his path to the championship in 2021, and he stayed in the title race until the last round of the 2022 season, even though he was at a noticeable equipment disadvantage compared to Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia.

As Quartararo clinched victories and contended for the title that season, his closest Yamaha rival, team colleague Franco Morbidelli, trailed significantly in 19th place. Andrea Dovizioso's return to racing with RNF Racing was short-lived, ending his stint by the time of the San Marino GP due to an underwhelming performance.

In 2023, Quartararo stood out as the sole Yamaha rider to reach the podium, maintaining a lead of 70 points ahead of the closest competitor from the same brand in the rankings. Despite Rins experiencing inconsistent performances, Quartararo surpassed him by winning 12 out of 17 grands prix, securing a better qualifying position in 14 out of 18 races, and uniquely earning points for Yamaha in the sprint races.

Many competitors claim they always put in their utmost effort, even in challenging circumstances. However, Quartararo stands out as one of the rare individuals whose commitment you can truly trust. He's not just a top-tier athlete; he's fully aware of his elite status. Perhaps the most significant impact Bartolini has made on Yamaha is his role akin to a chief mentor for Quartararo. He has played a crucial part in calming Quartararo's anxieties and, with the support of the French rider, instilling the confidence that the dry spell will eventually be over.

Previously, Quartararo displayed frustration during media interactions if introduced bike modifications failed to perform as expected. However, his perspective on this matter has since drastically changed.

"He suggested beginning with the 2024 foundation in the examination and then assessing its improvement. He emphasized that new doesn't necessarily equate to better, noting this as a crucial consideration."

Throughout the initial months of the previous year, Quartararo was vocal in urging Yamaha to secure a satellite team for itself. The strategic maneuver by Marc Marquez to secure a seat with the factory Ducati team, after rejecting an offer from Pramac, inadvertently benefited Yamaha. Pramac, which had been a top-tier satellite team for several years, had played a crucial role in advancing Jorge Martin's career – who has since moved to Aprilia – helping him clinch the riders' championship last season.

For many years leading up to 2025, Yamaha functioned almost as a branch of the Ducati team, albeit under a different brand. Now, with the collaboration of Yamaha, they have the ideal ally to accelerate the process of bike innovation. With seasoned riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira on board, they have the expertise needed to advance this mission

Yamaha's progress in development, along with Quartararo's evident skills, has certainly caught the attention of many. Francesco Bagnaia identified the French rider as a potential leading contender for 2025, a sentiment echoed by Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola.

Quartararo's steady performance on the Yamaha, despite its declining position in the rankings over the past two years, has been notably commendable. Should Yamaha continue on its current path, it won't be long before Quartararo begins to draw significant attention once more in the MotoGP scene…

Statements given by Peter McLaren, the Editor for Crash MotoGP

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing, in whole or in part, any text, photos, or illustrations is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Web

Red Bull Racing's principal, Christian Horner, shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's high-profile switch to Ferrari.

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, thinks Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari would be a huge draw for F1.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari during the offseason, leaving behind his competitors at Mercedes to gear up for his inaugural season with the Scuderia.

Hamilton's switch to Ferrari has gripped the Formula 1 community as the 2025 season approaches, with the 40-year-old's initial visit to Maranello and his maiden outing on the track sparking widespread media excitement.

During his appearance at the Autosport Awards on Wednesday night, Horner acknowledged that Hamilton appeared impressive wearing Ferrari's signature red uniform.

Horner mentioned to Autosport, "From the images I've observed, it appears to match him well. I believe it's fantastic for Formula 1. Having Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of a Ferrari truly is a major attraction."

"Therefore, I believe it's an additional factor for this year that might be incredibly thrilling."

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, creating a formidable duo among the grid's competitors.

McLaren enters the season as the current world champions in the constructors' category and are seen as the frontrunners, but it is anticipated that Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes will all be in tight competition.

Horner believes F1 might witness a four-team fight for the world titles this season.

"He believes the competition will be extremely close," he stated. "There will be four teams battling fiercely. He anticipates a highly competitive race, with any team having a chance to win.

"McLaren is expected to perform well, Ferrari is also anticipated to showcase strength, and Mercedes will be keen to demonstrate their prowess, setting the stage for an outstanding year."

Following a drop to third place in the previous season's championship rankings, Red Bull elevated Liam Lawson from their affiliate team, Racing Bulls, to take over for the struggling Sergio Perez.

Lawson is set to join Max Verstappen, the current world champion, as his new partner in Formula 1.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 reports, unique stories, conversations with insiders, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, typically delivering reports directly from the events. He shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing, in whole or in part, any text, photos, or illustrations is strictly prohibited.

CrashDotNet

Adrian Newey highlights a statistic about Fernando Alonso, stating, "His tally of just two world championships certainly doesn't do justice to his skill level."

Adrian Newey remarked that Fernando Alonso's record of only two world championships does not truly showcase his talent, as they are set to collaborate at Aston Martin later this year.

On March 3, Newey will officially begin his role at Aston Martin as the managing technical partner.

The 66-year-old will lead Aston Martin's technical department as they aim to begin the 2026 regulations successfully.

Adrian Newey has recently been added to Lawrence Stroll's roster of notable hires, joining the ranks of Andy Cowell, who serves as the team principal, and Enrico Cardille, the technical director.

For the 2025 season, Alonso will continue to be a teammate of Lance Stroll.

Newey will have the opportunity to collaborate with Alonso at last, a partnership he has expressed interest in pursuing for several years.

While Adrian Newey held the position of technical director at McLaren, Fernando Alonso thwarted their efforts to secure the world championship in 2005, with Kimi Raikkonen as

In the early 2010s, Ferrari's Alonso was Red Bull's primary competitor for the championship.

In a conversation with AMuS, Newey discussed Alonso.

"Newey remarked that Fernando has posed some challenges over the years. However, he expressed eagerness to collaborate with him, noting his deep respect for Fernando."

"His talent is not accurately represented by the mere two world championships he has secured."

Alonso has consistently received high praise from Newey.

In an interview with the BBC the previous year, Newey expressed, "Regarding drivers, Fernando is someone I have always… It's unfortunate that it never came to pass, as I hold Fernando in very high regard."

"To be honest, my focus is on living in the now and what lies ahead, rather than dwelling on what has already happened."

"Do I have any regrets? Not at all. I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced the opportunities I've been given and to have collaborated with the individuals I've worked with and encountered throughout my journey."

Newey is set to collaborate with Alonso for a minimum of two years, as the Spanish driver's contract is set to expire at the close of 2026.

Following that, Aston Martin might attempt to recruit Max Verstappen.

Aston Martin has rejected claims of a massive £1 billion offer to acquire Verstappen. However, considering his connections to Newey and the team’s engine collaborator for 2026, Honda, such a move might be feasible down the line.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special features, interviews, and promotional offers from the world of F1 directly in your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Connor, known for his keen insight into the controversies and narratives of Formula 1, is the driving force behind our fair and impartial news coverage.

Explore Further Subscribe to Our F1 Email Updates Receive the newest F1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Subscribe to Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Replicating any section or the entire content, including images and drawings, in any format is prohibited.

Crash.Net Reimagined

Lewis Hamilton breaks silence after Ferrari accident

Lewis Hamilton looks forward to the 2025 F1 season start

Lewis Hamilton has made his initial public remarks following his recent accident while testing his Ferrari.

He took to social media to share his excitement about the F1 Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of the 2025 season, which will also mark his first race with Ferrari.

This week, his transition from Mercedes to his current team experienced a slight hiccup after he wrecked a 2023 Ferrari, prematurely ending his third day of test driving.

This also resulted in Charles Leclerc being unable to take his scheduled turn behind the wheel later that Wednesday.

Hamilton's accident was deemed slight, and he walked away without injuries, leaving Ferrari unconcerned about the incident.

Check out this Instagram post from Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

"Can't wait for the first race," Hamilton expressed eagerly in his initial post since the Ferrari crash.

He also shared a collection of previously unreleased pictures from his time at Ferrari up to now.

This year, Hamilton is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth F1 drivers' title with Ferrari.

This represents the collaboration between Formula 1's top-performing driver and its most victorious team.

Hamilton is parting ways with Mercedes, the team behind six of his seven championships, after they failed to provide him with a car capable of winning the title for the past three years.

Last year, Ferrari secured victories in five Grand Prix races and came in second in the constructors' standings, providing Hamilton with optimism about competing at the forefront.

The conflict kicks off in Australia, from March 14th to 16th.

This is a major race where both Hamilton and, notably, Ferrari have historically performed well.

However, before he can start competing again, Hamilton is set to return to driving next week.

Ferrari's pair of Formula 1 racers are set to participate in tire testing with Pirelli, using a 2024 version of their vehicle, at the Barcelona circuit.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 updates, behind-the-scenes access, exclusive conversations, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

No form of replication, whether complete or partial, of text, images, or illustrations is allowed.

SmashUp.News

Toto Wolff draws a parallel to divorce following the release of striking Lewis Hamilton Ferrari images

"I'm genuinely pleased for him, and I've expressed to him how legendary those photos he curated were, perfectly showcasing his knack for such creativity, which is typical of Lewis."

Toto Wolff has expressed his reaction upon witnessing Lewis Hamilton donning Ferrari red for the first time, describing the images as "iconic."

Last week marked the beginning of Hamilton's tenure as a Ferrari Formula 1 driver.

On Monday, photographs captured Hamilton standing before the former residence of Enzo Ferrari.

The photo featuring the seven-time world champion set a new record by receiving the highest number of likes ever for an F1-themed post on Instagram.

Forty-eight hours after, Hamilton took to the circuit in the 2023 Ferrari for his initial run, accomplishing 30 circuits at Fiorano.

Addressing the audience at the Autosport Awards, Wolff shared his thoughts on Hamilton's initial week with Ferrari.

"Wolff likened it to a scenario where you've had a friendly separation, and everything seems fine until you spot your former partner out with someone new for the first time."

"I'm genuinely pleased for him and I expressed to him how those images he created were truly iconic, meticulously crafted, and it's no shocker considering Lewis was involved."

Wolff is extremely enthusiastic about what's to come in F1 2025, marking a significant chapter for Mercedes as Hamilton exits the team.

In 2025, 18-year-old prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to join forces with George Russell.

Mercedes aims to rectify their missteps from the past three seasons in 2025.

Despite securing four wins last season, their overall performance was markedly erratic, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the constructors' championship.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Wolff mentioned: "I believe we're extremely enthusiastic about the new circumstances.

"Our 12-year journey with Lewis has been remarkable. Over the past three years, George has demonstrated outstanding skills, and now with the emergence of Kimi, a promising young talent, it's time for him to grow and learn."

Mercedes is set to reveal its 2025 Formula 1 contender, named the W16, on the 24th of February in Bahrain.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

With a keen sense for the dramas and narratives within F1, Connor is the core of our impartial journalism.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date F1 content, including behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers, straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether entirely or partially, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Accident.Net

Enzo Ferrari's offspring asserts that Lewis Hamilton has always harbored a "desire" to be part of the team.

It has come to light that Lewis Hamilton has long harbored ambitions of racing under the Ferrari banner.

Piero Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari, has disclosed that racing for the F1 team has been a longstanding ambition of Lewis Hamilton.

After a dozen years with Mercedes, seven-time world champion Hamilton has made a headline-grabbing move to Ferrari, preparing for his inaugural season adorned in the Italian team's famed red livery.

Last week, Hamilton made his inaugural visit to Ferrari's renowned Maranello base, calling it a "dream," ahead of his first on-track appearance testing a 2023 model car.

Piero Ferrari reveals Hamilton's Ferrari Ambition

In a conversation with the Italian magazine Autosprint, Piero Ferrari shared insights about Lewis Hamilton's initial trip to Ferrari, during which he acquired one of their high-performance vehicles.

"He initially visited us in 2014, during the purchase of his LaFerrari. He devoted considerable hours at the factory, exploring customization options," he explained.

As the day turned to dusk, he greeted me, prompting me to inquire whether he'd like to join me for the evening meal.

He exuded excitement, and I found myself encountering an exceptionally delightful individual, far from the usual.

"He returned on multiple occasions, primarily engaging with those responsible for the business aspect."

Ferrari disclosed that over the years, he had additional discussions with Hamilton, during which the 40-year-old British driver conveyed his enduring aspiration to compete for the Scuderia.

"Throughout the years, we engaged in conversations and shared laughs, now and then," he continued.

On multiple occasions, he shared with me his interest in joining our racing team, yet he was committed to Mercedes, and we were committed to our drivers.

"Then, the instant arrived when both Lewis and us recognized the chance to begin discussions. Subsequently, the signature was obtained."

Hamilton is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship with Ferrari.

Achieving this milestone would not only conclude Ferrari's 16-year drought for a world championship but also allow Hamilton to surpass the Scuderia's legendary driver, Michael Schumacher, becoming the most celebrated driver in the annals of F1 history.

In 2025, he is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc, marking his racing debut for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, which opens the season on March 16.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the newest Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating any part or all of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Web

Johnny Herbert Addresses His Removal as FIA Steward Before the 2025 F1 Season

Johnny Herbert reacts to being removed from his position as FIA steward…

Johnny Herbert has issued a formal response after being let go from his position as an FIA steward before the 2025 Formula 1 season commenced.

On Wednesday, it was declared by the FIA that Herbert would be dismissed, with his role as a pundit being a primary reason for his termination.

Although Herbert hasn't appeared as a television analyst for Sky Sports since the conclusion of 2022, the ex-British Formula 1 driver has continuously captured attention with his viewpoints over the last year.

Throughout the previous year, Herbert frequently criticized Max Verstappen's driving style and his use of "intimidation" strategies.

Jos Verstappen was irritated by his remarks, wondering why a steward should have the freedom to express opinions publicly.

Ahead of the upcoming season, the FIA has made a move by dismissing Herbert from his responsibilities.

Herbert's response

Herbert used Instagram to react to the recent reports.

He expressed: "I deeply appreciate the chance to serve as an FIA Driver Steward, and I've genuinely relished the responsibilities I've taken on during this period. It's a challenging position with hard choices that are necessary to make.

"As guardians of this sport, we are committed to always showing the highest level of respect to both drivers and team staff, ensuring our neutrality is maintained throughout every F1 Grand Prix weekend.

"I sincerely appreciate the support and chances provided to me by the President and all involved at the FIA."

Herbert expressed strong opinions after the Mexico City Grand Prix, criticizing Verstappen for receiving a pair of 10-second penalties due to clashes with his championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Herbert stated, "The sanctions imposed in Mexico won't deter Max Verstappen from forcing Lando Norris off the circuit in subsequent races."

Verstappen's primary goal was to enable Ferrari to secure the top two spots. It's clear that this was his objective, and he made an effort to make it happen. While I grasp his reasoning, I can't say I support his actions, and I believe this sentiment is shared by many.

"Norris has previously highlighted the importance of 'clean competition,' and that's exactly how he prefers to battle it out. However, I don't anticipate any alteration in Verstappen's racing style since his primary focus remains on preventing Norris from narrowing the lead in the championship race. This suggests we might still witness some captivating races ahead."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers straight from the circuit to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Keenly attuned to the dramas and narratives of Formula 1, Connor is the core of our impartial news coverage.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, special content, one-on-one conversations, and exclusive offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or duplicating any part of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Accident.Net

Christian Horner refutes claims that Max Verstappen played a part in Johnny Herbert's dismissal

"You must choose between being part of the sports governance framework or aligning with the media. It's not feasible to straddle both domains."

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has refuted claims implying Max Verstappen influenced the FIA's choice to remove Johnny Herbert from the panel of stewards before the 2025 F1 campaign.

This week, the FIA declared that Herbert would cease his duties as a steward.

F1's regulatory organization pointed out Herbert's continuous involvement in media activities, where the British individual frequently provides comments and expresses views on Formula 1 topics on betting websites.

Herbert expressed disapproval of Verstappen's conduct during last year's Mexico City Grand Prix, criticizing the Dutch driver for incurring two separate 10-second penalties due to clashes with Lando Norris.

Jos Verstappen responded defensively in the press to the critique aimed at his son, Verstappen, by the commentator.

Herbert argued that his dual role as both a commentator and a steward was not problematic, yet the FIA has implemented measures before the upcoming season starts.

"Initially, it's completely unrelated to Max. However, it's definitively the correct choice," Horner explained to Sky during the Autosport Awards.

"Having stewards employed within the media sector is not feasible. This practice isn't observed in the Premier League or any other professional sporting arena. It's completely unsuitable."

"You're either aligned with the sports regulation authorities or you're part of the media circle. Straddling both sides is not an option."

Shortly after it was made public that Herbert had left the FIA, his new position as a worldwide ambassador for Lola was disclosed.

Lola makes a return to international racing, participating in the Formula E series, the FIA's championship for electric vehicles, in 2025.

In a recent statement, Lola revealed: "The champion of the 1991 Le Mans and a winner of three Grand Prix races has come on board to lend his knowledge to Lola Cars. Our aim is to broaden our footprint in the top tiers of racing while pushing forward advancements in eco-friendly motorsport."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special deals straight from the race circuit to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Discover More

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 updates, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing all or part of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Web

Crash.net reports that Charles Leclerc's session was canceled following a crash involving his teammate, Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari's Formula 1 testing session in Barcelona ended prematurely due to a crash involving Lewis Hamilton, according to information from Crash.net.

On his third day behind the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari model, the driver with seven world championships to his name experienced a crash. This incident occurred at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday.

Hamilton emerged unscathed from the mishap, which reportedly took place at Turn 12 when the 40-year-old British driver lost grip of his vehicle, leading to unintended consequences for Ferrari.

Ferrari managed to fix the vehicle after Hamilton's crash, but diminishing daylight at the Spanish Grand Prix location resulted in the cancellation of Charles Leclerc's scheduled afternoon session.

The deterioration significantly hindered Leclerc from finishing even one lap during his and Hamilton's final day of testing in Barcelona this week.

Ferrari has remained silent regarding the incident, however, a senior insider has verified with Crash.net that Leclerc did not participate.

Antonio Giovinazzi, the backup driver for Ferrari, along with their young talent Dino Beganovic, stepped into the cockpit of the SF-23 for the concluding session of the exclusive testing event on Thursday.

Hamilton and Leclerc are scheduled to be back in Barcelona the following week, with Ferrari conducting a tyre test for the 2026 season with Pirelli, together with McLaren, on February 4th and 5th.

Hamilton's incident minimized

Different sources have provided varying accounts of the event, with Sky referring to it as "slight," whereas Motorsport reported it resulted in "significant damage" to the car's front section, affecting both the suspension and the bodywork.

Ferrari views the accident as a typical part of the adjustment process, as Hamilton gets accustomed to their vehicle and integrates with the team following a 12-year stint with Mercedes.

Craig Slater, on Sky Sports News, conveyed that a high-ranking official from Ferrari assured he was completely okay following the incident.

"However, the vehicle needed to be retrieved and returned to the pit area for fixes."

According to a high-ranking official from Ferrari, this situation is quite typical for the season. It's especially common for a driver such as Hamilton, who is in the process of testing the boundaries of his updated gear.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, special features, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, frequently providing firsthand accounts from the event locations. He shares the narratives of the significant figures in the sport.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Further Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing any portion of the text, photos, or images in any way is strictly prohibited.

Accident.Report

F1 squads to undergo stricter flexi-wing examinations in 2025

In 2025, the FIA plans to intensify its scrutiny of flexible wings in the F1 series.

It's been reported that F1 teams will be subjected to tougher flexi-wing examinations in the 2025 season.

As reported by the Italian outlet AutoRacer, the FIA, Formula 1's regulatory authority, has released a preliminary technical guideline detailing the intensification of flexi-wing examinations.

According to The Race, these trials are scheduled to commence during the Spanish Grand Prix in June, which marks the ninth event in the 24-race calendar for the 2025 season.

The FIA is committed to tightening enforcement on regulatory gaps that enable the use of cleverly designed flexible wings.

An informant revealed to The Race, "It would be unexpected if individuals could manipulate flexible wing configurations as extensively as they previously did."

The rules concerning how flexible the front wing can be are detailed in Article 3.15.4. This section specifies that when a force is evenly distributed on either side of the vehicle, the maximum allowable downward movement is limited to 15mm.

"When force is exerted on just one side of the vehicle, the downward movement should not exceed 20 millimeters."

None of the rear sections of any forward wing flap may bend beyond 5mm under the influence of a 60-newton force.

The updated edition of TD18 is believed to lower the permitted threshold from 15mm to 10mm.

The debate over flexi-wings continues to persist

Towards the latter part of the previous season, flexi-wings emerged as a significant topic of discussion.

The FIA requested McLaren to modify the rear wing of their car before the Singapore Grand Prix after other teams raised concerns about its compliance with the rules.

Footage captured by an in-car camera on Oscar Piastri's vehicle seemed to display a portion of the McLaren's back wing oscillating while traveling at a rapid pace during his win in Azerbaijan.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed his irritation regarding what he saw as a clear-cut issue with McLaren's so-called 'mini-DRS' maneuver.

"Vasseur expressed in Singapore that there seems to be a mix-up regarding the incidents with the front and rear wings."

"Regarding the front wing, there's a consensus on its ambiguity, mainly because the introductory section of the Technical Directive states that designing any component of the vehicle with the purpose of it deforming is prohibited. The issue of intent is challenging to regulate."

"However, the situation with the rear wing narrative is entirely distinct. The article also specifies a maximum bending limit, which is a clear-cut case. There are no shades of grey involved; it's straightforward, either compliant or not. In my view, it's unequivocal."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-the-minute Formula 1 updates, special features, one-on-one conversations, and exclusive offers straight from the track, right into your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He consistently reports directly from the events, sharing narratives about the key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in full or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Collision.Network

Adrian Newey points to "inexperience" as the cause of Red Bull's performance slump

"I began to worry about this issue, but it seemed like I was one of the few in the company who felt that way."

Formula 1 design expert Adrian Newey attributed Red Bull's performance decline last year to the team's "inexperience."

Following a strong start with victories in seven out of the first ten races, Red Bull managed to secure only two wins in the subsequent 14 events.

Max Verstappen's exceptional talent led to securing another drivers' championship, though they fell behind McLaren and Ferrari in the team standings.

Red Bull experienced a decline in performance, as the RB20 turned notably challenging to handle.

Verstappen was unable to secure a significant finish, ending up in sixth place far behind the leaders at the Italian Grand Prix.

In Baku, the narrative was much the same, with Verstappen crossing the line in fifth place. This position, however, would likely have been seventh if not for a collision involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.

Red Bull managed to resolve some of their problems, yet McLaren and Ferrari frequently maintained a superior level of sheer speed.

In a conversation with the German outlet AMuS, Newey expressed his worries regarding the path Red Bull was taking, noting that not all team members shared his apprehensions.

"Clearly, this can be attributed to McLaren and Ferrari enhancing their vehicles and executing an impressive job on their cars," Newey elaborated.

From my perspective, it appears that Red Bull's vehicle, particularly the 2024 model and towards the end of 2023, began to present more challenges in terms of handling. Max Verstappen seemed to adapt to these changes, although they weren't ideal for him, whereas Sergio Perez struggled more significantly. This situation led to an increasingly noticeable gap in performance between the two teammates, Max and Checo.

The issue persisted into the early months of 2024, yet the car maintained its speed to manage the situation. I began to grow worried about this, although it appeared that few others within the organization shared my concern.

Based on my external perspective, and I'm not entirely sure, it seems that the team at Red Bull, and this isn't meant as a critique, might have continued down the same path due to possibly not having enough experience. This approach intensified the issue to such an extent that even Max struggled with driving.

Newey prepares for fresh start with Aston

Come March, Newey will commence his role with his new squad, Aston Martin.

At 66, he is set to become the managing technical partner, leading Aston Martin's Formula 1 initiatives with an eye on 2026.

Team proprietor Lawrence Stroll is optimistic that bringing Newey on board is the final component needed.

Stroll has named ex-Mercedes powertrain leader Andy Cowell as the team principal for the upcoming season.

Enrico Cardille has come aboard from Ferrari, strengthening their technical team.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 updates, unique content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Connor is the core of our impartial journalism, keenly observing the disputes and narratives within Formula 1.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers delivered straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or partially copying any written content, images, or drawings is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Collision.Network

2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test Outcomes – Day 2 (Saturday)

As of midday on Saturday, these are the recorded lap times from the second day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test.

Updates on results provided every hour…

Quickest time recorded on the first day:

Pol Espargaro, riding for KTM, recorded a lap time of 1 minute

Records from the official Sepang MotoGP events

Fastest lap: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati clocked in at 1 minute and 56.337 seconds (2024).

Quickest lap during the race: Alex Marquez on a Ducati clocking in at 1 minute and 58.979 seconds (2023)

The 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test is set to begin on Friday in Malaysia. This event will feature rookie participants Ai Ogura from Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer representing Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra from LCR. Additionally, factory test riders along with race riders from Yamaha and Honda will also be taking part.

Pol Espargaro led the timesheets for KTM on the first day, while Yamaha's racing team riders Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira are set to participate on the second day. This follows the team's unveiling event held last night in Kuala Lumpur.

Examinations are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but a wet track following rain the previous night (combined with the necessity to conserve private testing tires) resulted in a sluggish beginning to the second day. By noon, Michele Pirro was the sole rider to have finished a lap.

The Sepang test, which includes all teams and riders, is scheduled to take place from February 5th to 7th.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers straight from the MotoGP paddock delivered to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is actively covering the news about Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any text, images, or drawings in whole or in part in any manner.

Crash.Net

—

Transformed