Aprilia's head cautions against undervaluing a new MotoGP rider's potential for progress

“Having a newcomer is beneficial as they bring a fresh perspective”

Aprilia's chief executive, Massimo Rivola, has cautioned against undervaluing the potential contributions to development that newcomer Ai Ogura could offer to MotoGP in 2025.

The Italian company had a successful beginning to 2024, securing a win in America thanks to Maverick Vinales, yet ultimately finished third in the constructors' rankings.

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The latter part of the season posed significant challenges for Aprilia, as they faced difficulties in overcoming the myriad of problems plaguing the RS-GP.

Discover further: Initial indications of optimism during Jorge Martin's first trial with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The upcoming year's bicycle innovation faces challenges due to an entirely fresh lineup for Aprilia, with the exception of Raul Fernandez. Additionally, Fabiano Sterlacchini has taken over as technical director, succeeding Romano Albesiano.

Aprilia's team now includes Moto2 world champion Ogura, who had his first experience with the Aprilia during the post-season test in Barcelona.

Rivola has faith that, although it's not anticipated for Ogura to immediately advance motorcycle innovation, his new outlook might turn out to be beneficial.

"Simultaneously, having a newcomer is beneficial because they arrive with a fresh perspective, devoid of any preconceptions," Rivola shared with MotoGP's global broadcast during the Barcelona trial.

"Therefore, I believe he has the potential to offer extra worth."

"Having a rookie as talented and quick as Ai on board should not be overlooked, as it significantly boosts our performance."

"Our team strikes a solid balance between skill and youthfulness. Despite our relatively young average age, it suggests promising prospects ahead."

Rivola sees the introduction of a new team as a chance for growth instead of an obstacle.

"He views it more as a chance," he continues.

"I prefer to view it as extra encouragement. I'm excited about the upcoming season."

"We're not close to perfection, yet we believe that with the mix of riders in our team, we can secure positive outcomes."

Bezzecchi's exceptional talents poised to elevate Aprilia

Marco Bezzecchi, who secured second place in the 2023 rankings, is set to team up with 2024 world champion Jorge Martin at Aprilia's premier racing team.

Rivola believes Bezzecchi possesses unique attributes and reiterated remarks made by Aleix Espargaro earlier this year, suggesting the ex-VR46 Ducati racer's technique is a good match for the RS-GP.

"Rivola mentioned that Marco is an exceptionally pleasant person."

"He demonstrated some exceptional talents last year, according to his performance. I concur with Aleix that his skills and the motorcycle's features are likely a good fit."

"Marco initially had a positive impression, which is crucial. However, the journey to the peak remains extensive, and we're observing numerous rivals progressively improving."

"This will greatly benefit the championship."

"The Japanese manufacturers are quickly making their mark, alongside the emergence of three newcomers. I'm particularly pleased with the progress Ai has made. It's shaping up to be an exciting season."

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Jorge Martin: ‘Ducati is likely regretting their decision to release me’

MotoGP world title holder discusses leaving Ducati

Jorge Martin, the new MotoGP world champion, thinks that Ducati might be second-guessing its choice not to elevate him to its factory team for 2025.

Earlier this year, Martin received confirmation from Ducati that he would be moving up from Pramac to team up with Francesco Bagnaia in the factory team of the Italian brand for the upcoming season.

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However, when Marc Marquez turned down the opportunity to join Pramac with a factory motorcycle and hinted that he might switch to a competing brand, Ducati reversed its plan to elevate Martin.

In the end, he agreed to a two-year contract with Aprilia's factory team. He joins them as the world champion, having defeated Bagnaia in the season's last race in Barcelona.

In an interview on Spanish TV, Martin commented on Ducati's decision to part ways with him, stating, "At the time this decision was made, I hadn't yet achieved champion status."

"Understanding this situation is challenging. However, it's apparent that they might be feeling remorse at the moment."

"You'll need to ask them about that. Ultimately, I prioritize my own well-being. Life often leads you to unexpected destinations."

Davide Tardozzi from Ducati spoke to Crash.net following the last race of 2024, stating that the company had to make challenging choices regarding their team for 2025.

After joining Aprilia, there was a general expectation that Ducati might reduce its backing for Pramac and Martin, in an effort to prevent the top championship title from being claimed by a competitor's bike.

Nevertheless, Ducati honored its commitment to providing equal support by halting the development of the 2024 bike in the latter part of the season, maintaining fairness for all.

Martin highly praises Ducati for their choice, even though he acknowledges that it seemed as if there were "about a dozen people on my side compared to a couple of hundred" when facing off against the official team.

"My gear was identical to Pecco's, I have to admit." he stated.

"However, the situation at the factory is entirely distinct. As an official rider, you have a whole team dedicated to helping you succeed and ensuring you come out on top."

"I felt as though I had a dozen teammates going up against a few hundred opponents, which added to the challenge."

"I appreciate Ducati for not taking any action against us."

"No one saw it coming, as there was an anticipation of unusual events occurring in the final races. However, they have conducted themselves with great integrity, which is truly commendable."

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Marc Marquez emphasizes the significance of the pre-season period as crucial before the 2025 MotoGP engine regulations are solidified. He notes that any errors made in the 2025 engine design will persist into the 2026 season.

Marc Marquez, who has joined Ducati as a factory rider, states that his main focus before the season starts is to choose the right engine design for the 2025 MotoGP season.

Starting from the first race of the upcoming season, there will be a two-year halt on changes to 1,000cc engines, in preparation for the new 850cc technical regulations set to take effect in 2027.

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To put it differently, the engine specifications approved by Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia at the Buriram event next February will remain unchanged until the end of the 2026 season.

Yamaha and Honda don't have to follow the same rules right now because they hold a D concession ranking. "This pre-season is crucial, especially since the engines will remain unchanged in 2025 and 2026," Marquez mentioned during a gathering for Estrella Galicia 0,0, the sponsor.

"If errors occur in the engine design for 2025, those issues will persist into 2026, making it crucial to get it right."

Marquez recorded the fourth fastest time, trailing slightly behind his new teammate Francesco Bagnaia, during his first appearance with the factory Ducati team at the recent Barcelona MotoGP Test.

Marquez commented on the transition from the 2023 Gresini bike to the GP25, noting that there was a significant improvement. However, he emphasized the importance of testing its performance across various tracks. Looking ahead, Marquez mentioned that their focus remains on 2025, as the Ducati team aims to continue progressing.

The Spanish rider will have to wait until February for another opportunity to ride the GP25, which will take place in Sepang.

Following a three-day testing period in Malaysia and an additional two days in Buriram, the engine designs for European manufacturers will be finalized before the start of practice for the Thai Grand Prix on February 28. "The time off can feel either lengthy or brief, depending on your perspective. However, it's crucial to recuperate from the season, particularly after the demanding Asian tour, and allow the body some rest," Marquez stated.

As soon as February arrives, the races are scheduled in quick succession. Therefore, it's important to take this time to relax, enjoy the holiday season with loved ones, and choose a vacation spot that, rather than just being picturesque, allows for true relaxation and mental detachment.

"Starting in January, you fully commit to pre-season training, focusing on achieving peak physical condition."

The world champion, who has claimed the title eight times, secured his first grand prix victories since 2021 this season by winning races at Aragon, Misano, and Phillip Island, ultimately finishing third in the world championship standings.

For two decades, Peter has been a prominent figure in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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2025 MotoGP final test schedule announced

Three tests during the season scheduled for 2025

The upcoming 2025 MotoGP championship is set to include three mid-season testing events in addition to two scheduled pre-season sessions and the customary single day of testing after the season concludes.

The 2025 racing season's testing schedule commenced on Tuesday, after the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona.

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Racing activities will recommence in Malaysia from February 5-7 next year, featuring a three-day preliminary trial at Sepang from January 31 to February 2, specifically for test riders and newcomers.

The last round of pre-season trials is scheduled for February 12-13 at Buriram, preceding the start of the 2025 season, which kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix on February 28.

Dorna Sports has officially declared that a trio of in-season testing sessions will occur in 2025.

The inaugural event is scheduled for April 28, immediately succeeding the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, with an additional day of activities set for Monday, June 9, following the Aragon Grand Prix.

The last test during the season is scheduled for September 15, following the San Marino Grand Prix. This event has traditionally been the moment when manufacturers debut their next year's prototypes on the circuit.

The final exam of the year is scheduled for the Tuesday following the Valencia Grand Prix conclusion, which also signifies the initial test for 2026.

The scheduled test sessions during the season represent the sole chance for Ducati's Michele Pirro to join the existing lineup on track, unless he steps in as a substitute rider. This limitation arises because Ducati's concession status prohibits them from entering any wildcard entries.

The Moto3 category will conduct exclusive pre-season trials from February 10th to 11th, succeeded by the Moto2 division's testing session on February 12th and 13th, all taking place at Portimao.

The formal pre-season examination for both groups is scheduled to take place from February 18th to 20th in Jerez.

The scheduled dates for Moto2 races include May 13th at Le Mans and July 21st at Brno. Meanwhile, Moto3 races are set for May 12th in France and July 22nd in Czechia.

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Marc Marquez discusses mental resurgence in the 2024 MotoGP season

"A year back, my mind was filled with uncertainties, I harbored numerous doubts…"

In 2023, Marc Marquez nearly decided to retire from motorcycle racing, however, a move to better equipment rekindled his passion to keep racing.

Following his triumph in securing six MotoGP championships over a span of seven years, Marquez faced ongoing issues with injuries from 2020 to 2022. During the times he was able to compete, he noticed that the Honda RC213V, a bike he had been riding since 2013, was progressively falling behind its competitors in performance.

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In 2024, Marquez's move to the Gresini satellite team and his transition to using last year's Ducati equipment led to a resurgence in his competitive edge, a fight for podium positions, and eventually securing a first-place finish.

"Marquez confirmed in his discussion with MotoGP.com that the decision he made to move last year has proven successful, stating that otherwise, he would have been announcing his retirement this year."

A year back, my mind was filled with uncertainties and numerous questions. However, as time passed, all those uncertainties vanished, and I found myself returning to a competitive stance.

"We won't reference the benchmarks set in 2019; instead, we'll focus on achieving a competitive standard that ensures we keep striving forward, persist in our efforts, and, most importantly, maintain the unique essence of MotoGP."

"We savor once more that triumph, that pinnacle, that unique fervor which, when you're competing at the highest level, stands apart."

Marquez shared that the period he went through without victories — despite his history of numerous wins since joining the premier class in 2013, and tracing back to 2010 with his successes in the 125cc category — allowed him to adopt a new outlook on achieving success in MotoGP.

"He mentioned, 'When it's been a while since you've experienced victory, you begin to lose touch with that sensation.'"

"However, experiencing it once more, following triumphs in Aragon and Misano, leaves you craving additional success. It becomes addictive, with the desire for further victories growing stronger and stronger."

"I appreciated it [doubly], given that victories were once commonplace, but now we recognize that triumphs aren't the usual occurrence.

"Triumphs instill a great deal of self-assurance in you. This is crucial, especially after enduring several challenging years, undergoing four arm surgeries, and facing continuous disappointing outcomes. It leads to a loss of confidence and begins to raise doubts: 'Could it be the motorcycle, is it my own doing, or is it my physical state?'"

"Gradually, you must address those queries and restore that assurance through achieving podium finishes, strong race performances, pole positions, Sprint wins, and ultimately, securing victories in the main races, which was incredibly crucial."

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

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Michelin provides an update on the progress of the postponed MotoGP front tire

The tire manufacturer conducted additional testing on the new front tire in Barcelona

Michelin has revealed its strategy for developing the new front tire construction for MotoGP, originally intended for a 2025 launch, which has now been postponed to 2026 or later.

The tire company from France has been developing a new front tire option aimed at better handling the heightened impact of aerodynamics, especially concerning tire pressure.

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Initially, the plan was to launch this tire in 2025. However, due to limited testing on the new design throughout the 2024 season, the decision was taken to postpone its introduction until 2026.

At the post-season test in Barcelona, Michelin introduced a new front tire that several riders tested and gave positive feedback on.

In Barcelona, Luca Marini from Honda mentioned that the new front tire gave him a similar impression to what he felt at Misano.

As you ride out of the garage, the bike initially seems very heavy. However, as you begin to warm up the tire, the sensation becomes more comfortable.

"In my opinion, they are performing well with the front tire, particularly during braking when entering."

"The boundary seems even more distant at this point, but you won’t truly grasp where it lies until you hit a breaking point."

"When it's time to accelerate with this tire, it seems you can apply the brakes more as you enter. There aren't any drawbacks."

In a conversation with it.motorsport.com, Piero Taramasso, who leads Michelin’s motorsport division, described the upcoming stage in the creation of the new front tire.

He mentioned that they plan to bring it back to Sepang and Buriram for the winter testing sessions, possibly implementing some additional modifications.

"After conducting tests across four or five different tracks and under various conditions during these two sessions, we will implement the final adjustments needed. Once those modifications are made, the design will be finalized and will not undergo further changes."

Following that, we plan to reintroduce it throughout 2025 during both official and private testing sessions. This will allow the teams to familiarize themselves with it and begin optimizing their chassis and suspension configurations to fully utilize its potential.

"We believe that by doing this, they will be prepared for its eventual launch."

As mentioned in Misano, we decided against implementing it right away in 2025. This decision allows us to continue testing and provides some stability for the teams. It's important to note that we've already brought in new compounds for both the front and rear this year.

Addressing Marini's remarks regarding the sensation of heaviness experienced with the new front tire, Taramasso notes that this is a perplexing matter for Michelin, especially given that its construction is actually 1 kilogram lighter than the 2024 model.

He explained, "We need to grasp why some cyclists say the bike feels heavier and less nimble, particularly when making turns, even though it is 1kg lighter than the earlier version."

"We must determine whether the issue is linked to the environment or possibly to the stresses involved, which might necessitate adjusting certain parameters."

"Nevertheless, I have to acknowledge that nearly everyone in Misano made this kind of remark, whereas in Barcelona, it was somewhat less common."

"We are examining the data to determine the cause, but overall, we find the tire meets our anticipated standards."

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2024 MotoGP dark horse aims high, aspiring to match Marquez/Bagnaia's performance

"I prefer to set objectives based on tangible outcomes"

Fabio Di Giannantonio has set an ambitious goal to reach “the same level as Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia” while riding the GP25 Ducati MotoGP motorcycle.

The former grand prix champion's career in MotoGP was rescued at the eleventh hour by VR46 as the 2023 season came to a close, yet he seized the chance he was given.

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Throughout 2024, Di Giannantonio consistently outperformed all other GP23 riders, with the exception of Marc Marquez, maintaining his superior position. Additionally, he managed to finish ahead of his VR46 teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, in the overall standings, even though he had to sit out the final two rounds for a surgical procedure on his shoulder, which he had dislocated

Di Giannantonio's performance was so remarkable that Ducati has decided to allocate the last GP25 it plans to enter in next year's grid to him, where he will join the team's leading riders, Marquez and Bagnaia.

Di Giannantonio, who is recovering from surgery more swiftly than anticipated, is not setting specific performance goals for himself. Instead, he aims to match the competitive standards of Marquez and Bagnaia.

"When questioned about the upcoming season, Di Giannantonio expressed a preference for not setting objectives based on outcomes."

"I prefer to set objectives based on tangible actions."

"My goal is to expand my skills, enhance my abilities, and gain knowledge from them, aiming to reach their level of expertise."

"Then what this stage offers us, or the place it can take us to, remains uncertain to me."

"The outcomes stem from numerous factors including injuries, performance outcomes, accidents, and decisions."

"It's challenging to predict the outcome. However, my aim is to match the performance of Marc Marquez and Bagnaia in the upcoming year."

Membership in the Ducati team has provided Di Giannantonio with the opportunity to analyze the performance data from riders such as Bagnaia, Marquez, and Jorge Martin, the 2024 world champion.

He mentions that the data indicates his performance "wasn't too poor" in comparison with Ducati's top racers, yet it also highlights aspects where he has room for enhancement.

"When asked about the unique strengths of each Ducati rider, he remarked, 'Each rider brings something special to the table.'"

Marc excels at navigating the left corners. He truly shines there, yet he often falls short when it comes to the right corners.

"Pecco excels in braking, arguably outperforming other Ducati riders in this aspect."

"Bastianini excelled at preserving tire condition towards the race's conclusion."

"Martin's performance in the qualifiers has the potential to greatly impact the qualifying rounds."

"I aimed to delve deeper into studying Martin and Pecco, and occasionally Marquez as well, due to us having the same motorcycle model."

"Frankly, and fortunately, this year my performance wasn't too poor, so the gap wasn't significant. Indeed, there are numerous aspects we need to work on, and I definitely plan to keep analyzing them."

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Honda team racers conclude 2024 with private testing in Jerez

HRC conducted tests in Jerez

The Honda MotoGP team concluded its season with a last private testing session at Jerez.

The 2024 season marked Honda's poorest performance in contemporary times, as it struggled to make it into the top five of any grand prix and recorded its third season without a victory in five years.

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Honda secured the last position in the constructors' rankings, accumulating a total of 75 points. This left them 49 points behind their Japanese competitor Yamaha and a significant 647 points away from Ducati.

HRC achieved its highest performance of the year with Johann Zarco of LCR clinching an eighth-place finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix, representing its sole top-eight result of the year during a Sunday race. Additionally, the French rider secured an eighth-place position in the Indonesian GP sprint race.

Among the Honda competitors, Zarco led the pack by securing the 17th position, followed by Takaaki Nakagami in 19th, Joan Mir in 21st, and Luca Marini, who ended up at the bottom of the full-time roster in 22nd place.

Throughout 2024, Honda has taken advantage of its concession manufacturer privileges by engaging in several private tests during the season.

Advancements were sluggish, with a major breakthrough occurring following the San Marino GP, marked by the rollout of an enhanced aerodynamics package that bettered maneuverability.

After the last race of 2024, opinions were divided among Honda's team regarding their experience at the Barcelona trial.

Mir expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of novelty in the things he experimented with, a sentiment that was challenged by his colleague Marini.

Zarco mentioned that the 2025 chassis he tested did not mark an improvement, yet he didn't see a reason to be overly concerned about it.

Marini mentioned in Barcelona that during a private test at Jerez, Honda was set to experiment with new and more captivating updates.

On Tuesday, Marini and HRC's test rider Aleix Espargaro hit the Jerez track, with Mir and Zarco taking their turns on Wednesday.

Honda's testing session overlapped with the World Superbike trials happening at the same location.

Espargaro transitions to a test rider position with Honda upon concluding his active racing career after the 2024 season.

He will collaborate with Honda's ex-technical director Ken Kawauchi, who transitioned to the test team this year, as former Aprilia employee Romano Albesiano steps into the role within the factory race team.

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Jos Verstappen urges Red Bull to improve despite Max Verstappen's Formula 1 championship victory

"Certainly, we wish for his success, but he doesn't have the quickest car; if he did, he'd be winning every race."

Jos Verstappen has urged Red Bull to "pull themselves together" even though Max Verstappen has clinched his fourth straight F1 championship.

The driver from Red Bull secured his fourth championship by finishing in fifth place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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Since his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, Max has only managed to secure a single race win due to the improved performance of McLaren and Ferrari.

Red Bull faced challenges in advancing the RB20, resulting in a decline in their competitive ranking.

Although they've improved the drivability of this year's model, it has seldom outpaced McLaren or Ferrari in the latest races.

Jos insists that "significant improvements are necessary" for Max to secure a fifth consecutive championship.

Responding to his son's championship win, Jos spoke to Verstappen.com, expressing, "The race in Brazil was simply incredible. Watching him race from the rear to the front and consistently setting the quickest laps in the final ten laps, in my view, truly clinched the championship.

In response to inquiries about the upcoming year: "It's impossible to say for certain. We're optimistic about his chances, yet he's not driving the quickest vehicle; if that were the case, he'd be clinching victories in every race. For a competitive edge next year, enhancements are necessary.

"The group is aware of the necessary adjustments, thus the responsibility falls on them to unify and implement those changes."

The individual, aged 52, confessed to feeling "anxious" before the event, despite not being physically located in the Red Bull garage in Las Vegas.

"He admitted to feeling anxious, revealing he woke up at 4 a.m. and found himself unable to fall back asleep," he continued. "That sense of unease is always present, yet he succeeded. Perhaps not in the manner Max had envisioned, but the important fact is that he accomplished it.

"I was under the weather, struggling with a slight flu. Therefore, I preferred to keep my distance to avoid transmitting it to Max. Additionally, the difference in time zones and my own race preparations were factors."

"We were ahead, yet everything hinged on the car's progress. I wasn't consistently optimistic, but Max proved his mettle to all, particularly in Brazil. His performance there was astonishing and truly secured his championship."

Connor is at the core of our impartial coverage, keenly observing the disputes and narratives within F1.

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Mercedes alerts F1 competitors that Qatar is expected to be "more advantageous" than Las Vegas

Mercedes is anticipating a successful outing at the F1 Qatar Grand Prix.

Toto Wolff is of the opinion that the upcoming race at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar will be better suited to Mercedes' 2024 F1 car, offering a more advantageous setting.

In the previous Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes secured the top two spots, with George Russell leading the pack and taking the victory after starting in the pole position.

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Mercedes' speed superiority compared to other competitors was underscored by Lewis Hamilton's comeback from starting 10th to securing a second-place finish.

The W15 has frequently shown superior performance in colder environments, achieving significant successes in Canada and Britain.

The night race in Qatar might benefit Mercedes, but given its high-speed characteristics, all teams should find heating their tyres an easy task.

Looking ahead to the upcoming weekend, Wolff remarked, "The upcoming races in Las Vegas and Qatar are poles apart. The Losail International Circuit features numerous fast-paced segments and hardly any significant braking areas. Even though this year's race is scheduled later than the previous one, the temperatures are expected to remain high."

This differs from the cooler temperatures and numerous slow-paced segments found in Las Vegas. Despite this, our goal is to perform well again this weekend. The W15 seems to be better suited to tracks that feature a lot of fast corners, like those at Silverstone or Spa.

"The cooler evening temperatures in Las Vegas played to our advantage, yet the track configuration in Qatar is expected to better suit our car's capabilities. We're aware that our rivals will come back stronger compared to their performance last weekend, however, our goal is to optimize the car's setup once more and aim to be competitive at the leading edge."

Mercedes achieved their first top two finish since the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix during the race in Las Vegas.

This solidifies their fourth-place standing in the constructors' championship, marking their lowest finish since 2012 when they ended up in fifth place.

"Wolff expressed enthusiasm for the season's second-to-last race in Qatar, following the team's top two finish in Las Vegas. He praised the team's performance over the three-day event in the United States, highlighting their consistent speed and successful strategy on Saturday night."

George dominated the race right from the starting line, exhibiting exceptional driving skills and maintaining a strong lead throughout. Meanwhile, Lewis made an impressive recovery from 10th place, skillfully navigating through the competition to finish in 2nd place, ensuring the team secured the first and second positions on the podium.

"Securing a standout outcome was precisely our aim for the season's close, and it's truly earned thanks to the relentless effort and resolve demonstrated by the entire team in the latter half of the year."

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

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Max Verstappen must "prioritize his own interests" as his future with Red Bull F1 is scrutinized.

"While he is hesitant to depart from a team that has significantly contributed to his career, it's essential he considers his own needs."

2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button thinks Max Verstappen faces a challenging situation concerning his future at Red Bull due to the team's decline in racing performance.

Verstappen secured his fourth F1 championship in the previous race at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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The competitor from the Netherlands clinched victory in seven out of the first ten races, securing a significant lead in the championship standings.

Since the conclusion of June, Verstappen has only secured a single win due to the revival of McLaren and Ferrari, with Mercedes occasionally making appearances at the front.

With the rules staying consistent through the winter season, the competition among the leading four teams is anticipated to be extremely close.

Verstappen emphasizes that his main focus is on driving the quickest vehicle, yet the recent instability at Red Bull could raise some alarms.

On the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Button discussed Verstappen's career prospects and the possibility of him moving away from Red Bull.

"Currently, they stand as possibly the third or fourth top team," Button remarked. "The situation is complex. Max mentioned that since the seventh or eighth race, we haven't had the top car, yet they've been unable to catch up to me in the championship standings. Perhaps he's playing a bigger role in this. Despite the challenges, they consistently manage to extract the best performance from the car every weekend.

"Regardless of not securing a victory, they are fully utilizing their resources, a strategy that seems to outpace what other teams are managing to do on any given race weekend. The team remains strong, yet their car's performance hasn't met the high standards set by the past three and a half years of competition."

"Beginning as they currently are places significant stress on drivers to optimize each race weekend. There's a chance he might seek opportunities elsewhere. Over the past few years, they have significantly enhanced his performance. It's a difficult situation for any driver. While he may be reluctant to part ways with a team that has contributed greatly to his success, he must also consider his own interests."

Verstappen has consistently asserted that he does not plan to compete in Formula 1 into his 40s.

Button believes Verstappen will keep competing, albeit not within F1.

Button articulated his belief in the existence of two distinct categories of Formula 1 drivers. He described one group as being solely dedicated to F1, to the extent that once they retire from the sport, they are likely to cease racing altogether, preferring instead to relax on a beach or pursue a different career that captures their interest. In contrast, he mentioned Max and himself as examples of those who possess a genuine passion for motor racing, indicating that their involvement in the sport goes beyond mere professional commitment.

"Max's competitive spirit isn't limited to Formula 1 alone. If he decides to leave F1, it's not because he's lost the desire to win; rather, he'll be seeking victories in other forms of racing. He's mentioned before his interest in trying out endurance races like Le Mans or Daytona, or even engaging in sim racing. Regardless of the platform, Max's pursuit of triumphs is a constant."

"The surroundings will shift. Formula 1 stands at the apex of racing, without a doubt. However, it brings a significantly higher level of stress compared to other racing categories. The spotlight is much brighter. It's uncertain. This could potentially be his final agreement in Formula 1. He plans to fulfill his current contract before possibly stepping away. The future is unclear. Yet, it's likely he'll continue his racing career, albeit in a different role."

With keen insight into F1's dramas and narratives, Connor is at the core of our impartial coverage.

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Zhou Guanyu didn't hold back on his team radio during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, following a stealthy move past Franco Colapinto.

In the final stages of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Zhou Guanyu executed a remarkable pass against Franco Colapinto.

As expected, being in P13, the fight didn't capture the attention of the television cameras when Max Verstappen secured his fourth F1 drivers' title.

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The Sauber racer expressed exhilaration after the maneuver, exclaiming through the team radio, “See you fucking later Colapinto”.

It's uncertain if Zhou's excitement stemmed from his impressive final lap overtake or if Colapinto's remarks in the press had grabbed the Chinese driver's attention.

During a discussion hosted by his backer Quilmes, Colapinto hinted that Zhou might be considered the least skilled racer currently competing.

Colapinto stated, "It doesn't matter to me who my teammate is, be it Verstappen or Zhou, my goal is to outperform them and stay ahead."

Neither driver has secured a spot for the upcoming season.

Sauber has decided not to retain Zhou, as Mattia Binotto has chosen to go with a completely different set of drivers for the upcoming season.

Colapinto is on standby to find out if a spot becomes available at either Red Bull or VCARB, with reports suggesting Christian Horner is keen.

Zhou experienced his most successful weekend of the season in Las Vegas, surpassing his teammate Valtteri Bottas in the qualifying rounds.

Zhou competed for positions during the race but ultimately ended in 13th place.

Discussing his recent performance, Zhou remarked, "This race went well for me. It’s been some time since we've been competitive in the middle of the pack, close to the top ten, and today, it seemed we truly had an opportunity."

"I'm confident that we achieved the best possible outcome given our speed, particularly since there weren't many dramatic events unfolding in front. Nevertheless, it's reassuring to return to our previous position this weekend. It marks progress and boosts our morale: the outlook seems brighter as we move on to Qatar for the upcoming race."

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

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