Alvaro Bautista reignites dispute regarding Andrea Iannone's controversial "faster" comment, labeling it as nonsense

Bautista challenges Iannone's audacious assertion

Alvaro Bautista has responded once more to Andrea Iannone's assertion of being “quicker” during his MotoGP wildcard appearance.

Iannone succeeded Bautista by participating in the Malaysian MotoGP as a single appearance, one year subsequent to his competitor.

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Iannone, piloting a GP23 for the VR46 Ducati squad, later stated that he outpaced Bautista's time from the previous year.

"Bautista expressed regret over Andrea's choice to draw comparisons between them, emphasizing to Motosprint the distinct differences in their situations."

"I'm not sure how he concluded he was quicker than me, given that he completed one less lap in the race."

"I simply aim to present my side as the circumstances are unfavorable, and as mentioned, we are dealing with two distinct scenarios. Moreover, I came to Sepang carrying a significant shoulder injury."

Had he completed the assessments, his speed could have matched mine, assuming I were uninjured. However, speculating with hypotheticals doesn't achieve much.

"Had I come into the world in Hollywood, perhaps today I'd be a renowned actor. However, I originated from Talavera, and thus, I pursue a career as a rider!"

"The figures reveal the reality, and I apologize for making this analogy."

"I'm not seeking conflict, just looking to clear my name: it's nonsense, and I never intended for things to conclude in such a manner."

In 2023, Bautista was still experiencing repercussions from a shoulder injury as he competed for Ducati in Sepang.

In 2023, Bautista, as well as Iannone in the current year, completed the grand prix in the 17th position.

This year, in the World Superbike Championship, Iannone made his comeback after serving a four-year suspension.

In his attempt to defend his title, Bautista secured a third-place finish, while Iannone came in seventh

In 2025, they are set to make a comeback aboard Ducati

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

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"Max Verstappen dismisses thoughts of his future with Red Bull after securing the F1 championship, stating, 'It's certainly not something I'm considering. My mind is focused on nothing else.'"

After securing his fourth Formula 1 championship, Max Verstappen is not currently focusing on his future with the Red Bull team.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth world title by finishing in fifth place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

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The driver from the Netherlands has become part of a select group of racers who have achieved four back-to-back drivers' championships, alongside legends like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton.

Although he has achieved significant success in the past four years, his continued presence in Formula 1 and with Red Bull remains a frequent topic of discussion.

Earlier this year, Mercedes showed significant interest in bringing Verstappen on board. In contrast, Verstappen has indicated that he does not intend to continue racing into his 40s, unlike Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

After securing his championship victory, Verstappen discussed his future with Sky Sports.

He responded, saying, "I'm incredibly proud to be a member of this team. We're marking our fourth world championship win together. That's all I'm thinking about right now; nothing else is on my mind."

In 2024, Verstappen's championship win stands out as particularly remarkable, especially considering that McLaren has consistently had a faster car since the race in Imola in May.

The turning point of the championship occurred in Brazil, where Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills in the rain to secure an important win.

Looking back on his recent championship victory, he expressed: "It feels amazing. This season has been lengthy, filled with numerous competitions—some were excellent, while others were challenging. The key was to make the most out of each track."

"Naturally, there are times when it's necessary to minimize harm. Ultimately, I am extremely proud of our accomplishments."

2023 "remains a favorite"

Even with how he achieved his title win, Verstappen continues to favor 2023.

Verstappen secured victory in 19 out of 22 races during the previous year, achieving a streak of 10 consecutive wins during the season's midpoint.

"Each championship has its own unique characteristics," he stated. "Although last year's victory remains my favorite, I occasionally feel that some people didn't fully recognize the significance of our achievement in winning 10 consecutive titles."

"Our car was powerful, but I believe it wasn't as overwhelmingly superior as many might assume. This victory is particularly significant. It's all about how we managed the entire situation."

Connor, known for keenly observing the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, is central to our impartial coverage.

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Initial lineup for the 2024 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix

The commencement alignment for the 2024 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Here's the lineup for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

George Russell of Mercedes has secured the top spot for the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz from Ferrari set to start alongside him at the forefront of the grid.

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Pierre Gasly of Alpine secured a third-place start with an impressive qualifying performance, surpassing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Max Verstappen secured the fifth-quickest time, importantly placing him in front of Formula 1 competitor Lando Norris, as he aims to secure his fourth consecutive world championship.

Yuki Tsunoda secured the seventh spot for Red Bull, followed by Oscar Piastri from McLaren, Nico Hulkenberg driving for Haas, and Lewis Hamilton, who ended up in 10th place after two challenging attempts in Q3.

Valtteri Bottas of Sauber will begin from position 19 due to a five-place grid penalty incurred for replacing his engine.

Franco Colapinto has received clearance to compete after his significant crash during qualifying. However, he will begin the race from the pit lane since Williams had to reconstruct his extensively damaged vehicle.

It

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Lewis Hamilton comments on Max Verstappen's championship victory: "He has been flawless."

"They've been the top performers. He has not made any errors. It's well earned."

Lewis Hamilton has extended his congratulations to Max Verstappen for securing his fourth Formula 1 drivers' championship.

At the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen secured his fourth straight championship by finishing in fifth place, just ahead of his main competitor, Lando Norris.

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The Dutch driver has secured victory in eight races this season, with seven of those wins occurring in the first 10 races.

Since late June, Verstappen has only secured one victory, which was in Brazil, while McLaren has generally outperformed Red Bull.

Following the race in Las Vegas, Hamilton was questioned about his opinions regarding Verstappen's recent championship win.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he extended his congratulations to Max and his team for their outstanding performance over the last four years.

"They have performed exceptionally well. He has not made any errors. It is well-earned."

Regarding Hamilton's race performance, he managed to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place qualifying position to secure a second-place finish.

Mercedes achieved their first 1-2 finish of the season, with George Russell claiming victory.

Hamilton dismissed the notion of "what if," noting that his race speed might have surpassed Russell's. "No, I don't view it like that," he stated. "I'm focused on the future. It was satisfying to make progress today. I'm really pleased."

He mentioned, "I believe the team doesn't fully grasp the reasons behind our speed. The car performed exceptionally well today. It was an impressive display. The crew executed the pit stops brilliantly."

"It's incredible for us to secure the top two spots. I'm thankful that I managed to regain all the positions I lost, and if I had performed as expected yesterday, the race might have been a bit simpler. I really enjoyed starting from that position."

"It brought back memories of my childhood at Rye House, where I used to pass other people on the track."

Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's debates and narratives, is the driving force behind our impartial journalism.

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Franco Colapinto's ability to compete in the Las Vegas Grand Prix hangs in the balance following a significant 50G crash during qualifying.

Williams states that Franco Colapinto must undergo additional medical checks to be cleared for racing, following his experience of a 50G collision during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session.

The young racer from Argentina, aged 21, experienced considerable harm to his FW46 due to a major crash at the second-to-last turn during his last qualifying lap, resulting in his elimination in Q2 and a 14th place start on the grid.

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Colapinto's participation in the upcoming race remains uncertain, as Williams has announced he must complete an additional medical examination prior to Sunday's Grand Prix.

"In qualifying, Franco experienced a severe collision with forces exceeding 50G, necessitating a medical evaluation," a statement from the Williams team announced.

"The effects of such a substantial impact are undeniably serious and critical, necessitating a further assessment tomorrow to determine his readiness for racing."

"The wellbeing of Franco is our top priority, and we're relieved he's generally fine. More information will be shared as it becomes available."

Considering the severity of Colapinto's accident, which demolished three sections of his vehicle, he might have to start from the pit lane if he is deemed healthy enough to compete.

This was the sixth significant accident involving Williams in recent competitions held in Mexico, Brazil, and Las Vegas, spanning the last three events.

Williams team leader James Vowles has calculated the expenses from the latest rebuilds to be in the millions of dollars.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. By being on-site, he provides insights and narratives about the key figures within the sport.

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Damon Hill comments on Max Verstappen’s "sometimes losing control" following his F1 title victory.

Damon Hill quickly responds to Max Verstappen's championship win in Las Vegas.

Following Max Verstappen's win of his fourth Formula 1 championship, Damon Hill stirred up the driver's supporters by commenting on Verstappen's "sporadic lapses in self-control" in the context of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 championship by finishing in fifth place in Las Vegas, narrowly beating his closest competitor, Lando Norris, who finished just one position behind him.

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In 1996, Hill clinched the F1 world championship while racing for Williams and recently expressed strong disapproval of Verstappen's performance during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

A 64-year-old individual responded to Verstappen's championship victory by sharing a message on their X profile.

In his words, he acknowledged, "Credit is due to Red Bull and Max Verstappen. They have completely dominated under the current F1 rules, and naturally, Max has driven exceptionally well, despite some moments of losing composure!"

"The prospect of reaching seven titles is becoming more apparent. Could it even be eight? This will certainly keep our attention on Formula 1."

Hill's comment about "loss of self control" was primarily about the incidents where Verstappen forced Norris off the track on two occasions during the race in Mexico, resulting in him receiving two separate 10-second penalties.

During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction multiple times. He managed to finish in fifth place, but his race could have ended without a finish due to a collision with Hamilton.

Hill's remark regarding Verstappen upset many fans, resulting in numerous tweets aimed at him.

This led to a reaction from the former Sky F1 analyst.

Hill remarked, "Twitter was once enjoyable, but this new X platform isn't. Those who are negative tend to foster negative spaces. They simply don't know any different. People who aren't negative feel compelled to depart, which only heightens the level of negativity until it becomes corrosive. We all know what follows after that."

Norris and McLaren are aiming to secure the constructors' championship in Qatar next weekend.

With only two races remaining, they lead Ferrari by 24 points.

On his X account, Hill shared his thoughts about McLaren, noting: "Lando had some impressive things to say in the interview area. Stella's comments were noteworthy as well."

"Briefly tend to the injuries and then focus on the Constructors and the 2025 season. The ongoing battle seems endless."

Connor, with a keen sense for the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, is central to our objective journalism.

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Lewis Hamilton Believes He Deserved Pole Position Before Q3 Mishap

Lewis Hamilton expressed his belief that he was deserving of the pole position following a hopeful qualifying session that concluded in frustration in Las Vegas.

Lewis Hamilton is convinced he deserved the top spot on the starting grid for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite finishing 10th in the qualifying round.

In a surprising turn of events in Las Vegas, George Russell secured the pole position, marking both his and Mercedes' first since the British Grand Prix, which was four months earlier, signaling a resurgence for the team.

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Russell led the way in the first qualifying session, but in the second session, the seven-time world champion Hamilton took the lead, indicating an exciting qualifying round was unfolding.

However, errors during both attempts in Q3 dashed Hamilton's hopes of securing a spot alongside Russell at the front row, relegating him to a disheartening 10th place.

"Hamilton remarked, 'When it was crucial, it failed. Despite my efforts, it didn't succeed.'"

"I was close to securing the pole position, but… at least my speed is consistent, which has been a strong point throughout the weekend. That’s the silver lining in this situation.

In response to whether this boosts his optimism for the grand prix, a disheartened Hamilton said, "Not exactly, I believe the race is essentially over and clearly, winning is not an option. Excellent work by George."

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton mentioned, "I'm starting from a significant disadvantage, so I'll just have to see what I'm able to achieve from this position."

Tire wear will play a crucial role, considering the action-packed race we experienced here last season.

"I ought to have secured the pole position, yet I didn't. That's the reality of the situation, and you just have to keep moving forward and try again."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed to Sky Sports F1, "He led in Q2 and the vehicle performed well, so we must examine the specific reasons behind it."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. Typically providing coverage directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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George Russell Reconsiders Las Vegas Celebrations Following Pneumonia Recovery

George Russell discusses his decision to be cautious with celebrations after contracting pneumonia during the previous year's Las Vegas race.

George Russell decided against his idea of diving into a fountain to celebrate winning the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix due to worries about possibly falling sick.

The driver for Mercedes showcased a commanding performance starting from pole position in Las Vegas, securing victory ahead of his teammate, the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, marking his second triumph of the 2024 season.

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Russell expressed his desire to dive into the fountains located in front of the renowned Bellagio hotel as a way to celebrate his victory. However, he ultimately chose not to do so because the chilly weather discouraged him.

The British individual disclosed that he caught pneumonia during the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year and struggled with the illness during the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, as well as for a significant portion of the winter.

When questioned about whether he had leaped into the fountain, Russell responded, “I honestly had the desire to do it!” However, he added, “I felt so cold following the race that I feared it would make me seriously sick.”

Around this time a year ago, I came down with pneumonia, which left me unwell until mid-February, following trips to Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

"I thought to myself, 'I definitely want to go for it,' but then I remembered the difficulties I faced a year ago, considering how physically demanding it is."

"I'm drenched because of all the champagne!"

After the race, Russell communicated with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff via team radio, informing him that he planned to remain in Las Vegas to celebrate his victory.

Russell had a funny conversation over the radio:

TW: “George, how about grabbing a drink in Los Angeles this evening?”

GR exclaimed, "Toto, I've decided to remain in Las Vegas!"

TW: “Perhaps it's necessary for me to remain in Vegas as well.”

However, Russell confessed that he required guidance on where to go for the celebration, stating, "I don't party frequently and I'm unsure of the right places, but I do plan on going out somewhere!"

Lewis frequently travels to various global locations to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By being on-site, he provides detailed accounts of the events and highlights the key figures involved in the sport.

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Analysis: F1 Driver Faces Pit Stop Blunder Due to Absent Mechanics

Reason Uncovered for Unusual Event at Las Vegas Grand Prix in F1

Unusual video showing a failed pit stop during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has been clarified.

Esteban Ocon from Alpine entered the pit lane, only to find what appeared to be just one mechanic prepared for him.

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Ocon took off, leading to a loss of valuable time and requiring an additional pit stop later.

At the start of the race, Esteban Ocon drove through the pit lane without stopping at his garage because the crew wasn't ready 😬🇫🇷 (🎥 @CanalplusF1) #F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/In2nKQYWdt— Off Track (@OffTrack_FR) November 24, 2024

Sky Sports' Ted Kravitz clarified that the issue with Ocon was due to a misunderstanding in the pit area between the engineers and the mechanics.

"When Ocon drove into the garage, the mechanics were unaware and were not present in the pit area."

"Ocon exclaimed, 'Wow, I've arrived, but where's my pit crew? This is a little strange…'"

"He ended up losing 11 seconds during the race because of an unnecessary pit stop, and then had to return to the pit lane once more after the crew received the message that 'Ocon is coming in.'"

"On Lap 46, he needed to make a pit stop for soft tires as his current ones were no longer effective. The soft tires were the only ones available to him."

At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ocon ended the race in 17th place after initially qualifying in 11th position.

On a challenging day for Alpine, Pierre Gasly, who started in third position on the grid, was unable to complete the race.

Kravitz clarified that Gasly did not finish the race because several cylinders malfunctioned, ultimately leading to the engine failing entirely.

Alpine has fallen behind in the constructors' championship following a difficult race day.

Haas has moved up to sixth position in the rankings following Nico Hulkenberg's points-scoring finish.

Every position in the constructors' championship carries a value of about $10 million, which implies that Alpine's disappointing performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix might have financial repercussions for them.

They have two more opportunities this season to improve their standing and secure the associated financial rewards.

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

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George Russell was concerned he had ruined his opportunity for pole position in Las Vegas during a critical "touch and go" moment.

George Russell was concerned that he had ruined his opportunity to secure the pole position at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix following a collision with the wall during the qualifying round.

Securing the lead in Q1 and finishing just behind his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in Q2, Russell clinched the pole position from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz with an outstanding final lap in Q3.

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The session proved to be quite challenging for Russell, as he required a new front wing following a collision with the wall during his initial attempt. The British driver expressed worries that his qualifying round could have prematurely ended.

"Securing pole position again is an amazing feeling," Russell expressed. "We've maintained a fast pace throughout the weekend, and I had a strong sense that the final Q3 lap would be the decisive one. Whatever took place prior to that moment is irrelevant."

"I experienced a slight hiccup during my initial lap; we needed to replace the front wing, leading to a point where I was concerned we might not reach the finish line. However, I'm just thrilled now."

He further stated, "At some point, you have to lay all your cards out, and I believed in my capabilities. I was sure that a flawless lap would guarantee me a spot on the front row."

"Securing the top starting spot is amazing. Now, we must turn that into a victory."

Russell admitted he remains puzzled by Mercedes' consistent competitiveness throughout the weekend in Las Vegas.

"He expressed, "Honestly, I'm eager to share that it's unexpectedly caught us all off guard. We definitely have to analyze it thoroughly since this circuit stands out from the rest."

"We haven't taken any special measures for Vegas, yet somehow, the setup and circumstances here are working to our advantage. I'm quite puzzled as to the reason behind it."

"For now, we're going along with it, but like I mentioned, being fast in Vegas is somewhat unique due to the circuit's distinctive nature. We have to get a grasp on it. Additionally, one of our other top positions was achieved in Canada, also known for its chilly, street-like track conditions, indicating a slight pattern."

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

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Pierre Gasly discloses the secret to Alpine's incredible qualifying performance

In Las Vegas, Pierre Gasly achieved both his personal best and Alpine's top qualifying position of the F1 season.

Pierre Gasly attributed his Alpine's "bold" configuration for achieving the team's top qualifying performance of the season at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The French driver surprised everyone by securing the third spot on the starting grid, right behind Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, thanks to an impressive lap in the final qualifying round, Q3.

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This achievement represented Gasly's top qualifying outcome since his Formula 1 debut in 2017, as well as Alpine's most impressive display of the year, surpassing the team's prior record held by Esteban Ocon, who secured fourth place in a rain-affected qualifying session in Brazil.

"Gasly expressed astonishment, remarking, 'This is an unprecedented event, truly incredible. To be honest, we never anticipated securing a spot among the top three in the qualifying round.'"

"The lap was amazing, particularly on this circuit where you're constantly close to the walls at every turn – it's a thrilling experience filled with adrenaline and excitement."

"As I crossed the finish line, I felt confident about my lap, but hearing over the radio that we secured the third spot for tomorrow's lineup was truly incredible. I'm genuinely thrilled."

In response to a query about the robust performance of his car in Las Vegas, Gasly explained, "We opted for a quite bold setup regarding downforce, meaning we're utilizing minimal downforce on this circuit."

"We aim to extend the straight stretches as much as possible, which admittedly makes navigating the turns a bit more difficult. However, I do believe it's a demanding circuit. The temperatures are quite low, making it a unique event in the season."

"From the get-go, I felt comfortable in the car starting with P1. P2 was successful, as was P3. Then, during Q3, we successfully pulled it off using just a single set of new tires, which also demonstrated that we had a strong pace."

"Definitely, at this moment, I'm quite satisfied. Clearly, it's just the qualifying round, but I believe this might be the first instance I've qualified in the top three. It certainly felt like an extraordinary occasion."

Following an unexpected two-podium finish in Brazil, which put Alpine ahead of Haas by three points in the constructors' standings, the French team now has an opportunity to solidify their hold on the sixth position.

However, Gasly is staying grounded and not letting himself get too caught up in the idea of securing another podium finish.

"Right now, that's not exactly on my mind," he emphasized. "Our goal is pretty clear to us. Our competition in the constructors' standings is primarily with Haas and AlphaTauri [RB]."

"Clearly, the outcome of the qualifying session is impressive. It's gratifying to have outperformed Max, McLaren, and the rest. However, realistically, they're not our direct competitors. Nonetheless, we'll put forth our utmost effort in tomorrow's race."

"The terrain here poses a challenge due to its graining. Therefore, we'll dedicate ourselves to preparing thoroughly this evening to enhance our prospects for tomorrow. Certainly, starting from the third position, we bolster our opportunity to score significantly."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. By being on-site, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Max Verstappen discusses maintaining his concentration during races despite the chaotic political issues at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen, who has recently secured his fourth F1 world championship title, stated that he maintained his concentration on racing despite the chaotic political issues affecting his Red Bull team.

The 27-year-old secured a fifth-place result at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was sufficient for him to hold onto his championship title and clinch the 2024 world championship with two races left in the season.

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Verstappen kicked off the season with impressive performance, but his Red Bull team became embroiled in controversy following accusations of sexual harassment against team principal Christian Horner by a female staff member.

The dispute involving Horner sparked political disagreements that included Verstappen's father, Jos, as well as Red Bull's motorsport advisor and trusted ally of Verstappen, Helmut Marko. This situation raised questions about the future of the Dutch driver.

Despite the distractions away from the circuit, Verstappen remained unfazed. Even though Red Bull experienced a decline in their performance, he maintained his composure and successfully secured his place as the sixth driver in Formula 1 history to achieve at least four world championships.

"The start was somewhat chaotic, but I tend to remain pretty composed in such scenarios," Verstappen commented following the race.

"It's quite challenging to unsettle me with anything. My attention is entirely on the racing aspect. Once I'm behind the wheel, everything else fades away, whether it's good or bad."

"My main priority is the task at hand, which is to perform well and push the car to its maximum speed."

Horner described Verstappen's most recent title as his "most impressive and challenging" championship victory.

When questioned about whether he shares Horner's perspective, Verstappen responded, "I believe I do as well."

"Last year, our car was incredibly strong, but there was a sense that our achievements as a team, especially winning 10 consecutive races, weren't fully recognized. Although our car had a clear advantage, I don't believe it was as unbeatable as many perceived."

"2023 stands out as my most successful season. I'll always reflect on it fondly because, even when our setup wasn't ideal, we managed to secure victories. Our car consistently performed well during races, allowing us to win."

"I'm extremely proud of this season because, for about 70% of it, we didn't have the quickest car. Despite that, we managed to increase our lead, which is an achievement I'm very proud of."

Lewis frequently travels to international Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often covers the events on-site, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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