Johnny Herbert responds to Jos Verstappen amid ongoing controversy over stewards

"Jos is known for his strong opinions on Red Bull's affairs. Should he really be commenting on that?"

Johnny Herbert has responded firmly in an escalating dispute with Jos Verstappen regarding race officiating.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Herbert served on a four-member panel of stewards in the United States and Mexico, responsible for issuing penalties to Max Verstappen following his incidents with championship contender Lando Norris.

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Herbert asserted, "The sanctions imposed in Mexico won't prevent Max Verstappen from aggressively overtaking Lando Norris in upcoming races."

Verstappen's dad criticized, stating, "In my opinion, a race official should avoid speaking to the media entirely and consistently focus on their duties."

Herbert has stood up for his freedom to express his viewpoint.

He told SafestBettingSites.co.uk: "As I've consistently maintained, during a race weekend, I embody the roles of Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional, while at other times, I take on the persona of Johnny Herbert the pundit, freely sharing my opinions."

"As a steward, I refrain from sharing any personal views."

"Everyone holds their own views. Martin Brundle shares his thoughts. Why shouldn't I, even when I'm not present at the racing track?"

"For half a century, the racetrack has been everything to me. Should I find something on the track that doesn't sit right with me, I'll make my opinion known."

"It's not only about Max. I'm willing to critique anyone if I believe it's justified."

"I get where Jos is coming from since it's his son involved. Is there any partiality? Absolutely not.

"I wasn't alone in believing that Max's behavior in Mexico was excessive. Both Lando Norris and Zak Brown shared this opinion."

"When I engage in conversations with individuals on either Monday or Tuesday, it falls beyond my duties as a steward."

"Jos consistently voices his opinions on the events occurring within Red Bull."

"Is that the role he's meant to occupy? It all seems quite alike. Should you hold a viewpoint and wish to express it, you have the freedom to do so."

Verstappen entered the recent F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix facing criticism for his forceful racing tactics, having received penalties in the two preceding races.

He brushed aside criticism and then secured an impressive victory in Brazil, starting from 17th position on the grid under rainy conditions.

He established a 62-point advantage over Norris in the drivers' rankings with three events remaining.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he provided coverage on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing

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Mercedes dispels rumors of Lewis Hamilton's immediate departure following ambiguous Formula 1 broadcast communication

Mercedes has responded to speculations suggesting the Sao Paulo Grand Prix might have been Lewis Hamilton's final Formula 1 appearance.

Mercedes has dismissed speculations suggesting that the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix could have been Lewis Hamilton's final race with the team, after his enigmatic radio transmission on Sunday.

The seven-time Formula One world champion had yet another disappointing weekend racing for Mercedes, finishing in a dismal 10th place in Sao Paulo.

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Hamilton faced difficulties controlling his W15, remaining perplexed by his consistent slow speed during single-lap runs.

Unexpectedly, Hamilton also found difficulty in rainy conditions, which have historically been his strong suit.

Following his finish in 10th place, Hamilton conveyed an unusual message via the team's radio communication.

"The weekend was a complete mess, guys," Hamilton communicated over the team radio in Brazil.

"The car has never been in a worse condition. Thank you for your efforts to improve, and well done to everyone at the pit-stop.

"If this turns out to be my final performance, it's unfortunate it wasn't outstanding, but I'm thankful for your support."

Hamilton's statement suggesting it might be his last occasion sparked rumors that Brazil could be his ultimate race with the squad.

Following the race, Hamilton joked about his eagerness to take a vacation.

Mercedes has assured Sky that Hamilton is set to compete in the upcoming races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, taking his place behind the wheel for the last three events.

Hamilton is set to leave his current team after competing at the Yas Marina Circuit, with plans to join Ferrari in 2025.

It is not anticipated that the 39-year-old will debut his Ferrari in the on-track test following the season.

There's a strong possibility that Hamilton might not drive a Ferrari until 2025, possibly in a classic model at the team's Fiorano circuit.

Connor, with his keen attention to F1's disputes and narratives, stands as the core of our impartial journalism.

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Mercedes refutes speculation about Lewis Hamilton's premature departure following ambiguous Formula 1 radio transmission

Mercedes has responded to speculation suggesting that the Sao Paulo Grand Prix marked Lewis Hamilton's final appearance in Formula 1.

Mercedes has dismissed speculations suggesting that the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix might have been Lewis Hamilton's final race with the team, in light of his ambiguous radio transmission on Sunday.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion experienced yet another disappointing weekend with Mercedes, finishing in a disappointing 10th place in Sao Paulo.

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Hamilton faced difficulties controlling his W15, finding himself perplexed by his continued slow speed during single-lap performances.

Unexpectedly, Hamilton also found it challenging to perform in the rain, despite historically excelling in such conditions.

Following his finish in 10th place, Hamilton conveyed an unusual message via the team radio.

"Guys, this weekend was a complete mess," Hamilton communicated over the team radio in Brazil.

"The car has never been in such poor condition. Appreciate your efforts to improve it, and well done to everyone at the pit-stop.

"If this turns out to be my final performance, it's unfortunate it wasn't outstanding, but I'm thankful for your support."

Hamilton's statement hinting at a possible last race sparked rumors that Brazil might mark his final appearance for the squad.

Following the competition, Hamilton joked about his anticipation for a vacation.

Mercedes has assured Sky that Hamilton is set to participate in the last three races, taking place in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton is set to leave the squad after competing in the race at Yas Marina Circuit, with plans to join Ferrari in 2025.

It is not anticipated that the 39-year-old will premiere his Ferrari in the on-track testing after the season.

Chances are slim that we will witness Hamilton behind the wheel of a Ferrari before 2025, possibly driving a vintage model at the squad's Fiorano circuit.

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

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Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu to Depart Sauber F1 Team

Sauber has officially stated that both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will part ways with the team when the 2024 Formula 1 season concludes.

Sauber has announced that Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be departing from the team following the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

On Wednesday morning, Sauber announced that both of their current drivers will be leaving the team before the start of the 2025 season.

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Nico Hulkenberg has secured a contract with Sauber for the 2025 season in anticipation of Audi's acquisition in 2026. Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto, who currently leads the Formula 2 standings and is the reigning Formula 3 champion, is anticipated to fill the open position.

"Such circumstances are always challenging for everyone involved. However, following thorough and constructive conversations in recent weeks, we came to the understanding that the necessary conditions to jointly develop this project were not fulfilled," stated Bottas, who is departing Sauber after a three-year stint at Hinwil.

Over the past few years, my time with the team has been a remarkable adventure filled with personal development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. I am thankful for the shared moments and the confidence and encouragement I've received throughout. Although it's time to take a new path, I'll forever cherish the memories with this team and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for all of us.

Mattia Binotto, the new head of Sauber/Audi, expressed his appreciation by stating, "We are sincerely thankful to Valtteri for his contributions over the last three years. His professionalism and extensive experience have been crucial in aiding the team's development."

Valtteri's commitment and method have been crucial during a significant period in our history, and the experiences from these years will remain with us for a long while. When evaluating our drivers for future seasons, Valtteri was undoubtedly a top contender. His determination often drove the car to exceed its performance capabilities.

A choice was necessary. Following open and productive talks, we collectively decided that the final terms couldn't be fulfilled, and thus, it was time to go our separate ways. Valtteri will always be welcome here in Hinwil.

Zhou, who started his Formula 1 career with the team in 2022, is leaving as well.

The Chinese racer announced that they plan to depart from the team when the season concludes, but emphasized their dedication to ending the season on a high note.

"I appreciate the team's decision to give me an opportunity in Formula One: it's a challenging sport for newcomers, yet the team has supported my development immensely over the past three years. The race in China earlier this season was definitely a standout moment, but there have been numerous experiences, both public and private, that I'll cherish from these past three years."

"I'm turning my attention to the next phase of my career, as I still have a lot of energy and determination to keep moving forward."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on-site to provide reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Audi's choice on driver soon expected, likely unfavorable for Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas faces potential loss of his 2025 F1 seat

Valtteri Bottas' time in Formula 1 might be coming to an end soon.

Sauber, which is slated to transform into Audi by 2026, is poised to announce their critical choice regarding the team's driver roster for the forthcoming year.

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F1-Insider has reported that Gabriel Bortleto is on the verge of being selected.

This means that the current driver, Bottas, will be without a team.

Rumors surrounding Bortleto intensified at his local race, the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, over the weekend.

The individual from Brazil is currently at the forefront of Formula 2 and holds a contract with

McLaren's team leader, Andrea Stella, signaled they wouldn't hinder his move into Formula 1, hinting at the possibility of him joining Sauber.

Sauber has secured the signing of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas for the 2025 season.

Now, Bottas seems to be an outsider observing the scenario.

"He mentioned in Brazil that the lack of confirmation leads to inquiries."

"Regrettably, the scenario remains unchanged this weekend. I'm in a holding pattern; essentially, the next move is up to them."

"I believe I've fulfilled my role in Mexico, and currently, I'm at a point where I can't push this vehicle to further demonstrate my capabilities beyond what I'm already achieving, so my only option is to be patient.

"I'm eagerly anticipating updates from the squad, having consistently expressed my desire to join the Audi initiative. Currently, I remain in anticipation; that's our present situation."

"The unique aspect of this sport is the unpredictability of behind-the-scenes activities."

"The involvement of extensive political maneuvering is inevitable; we're referring to a major corporate entity, a substantial commercial operation too."

"There are numerous factors influencing choices like the selection of drivers. At this point, all that's left for me is to have faith in [Audi boss Mattia Binotto] and what he says, and then wait to see what happens."

Bottas, who is 35 years old, has won 10 Grand Prix races during his time with Mercedes in Formula 1.

His 12-year career in Formula 1 seems to be nearing its conclusion.

Bottas, along with his fellow team member Guanyu Zhou and the recently removed Williams racer Logan Sargeant, stand as the sole competitors this year who haven't managed to secure any points.

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

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McLaren's young driver Gabriel Bortoleto has been chosen to fill the open Sauber seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Leading the F2 championship, Bortoleto has claimed the last available spot on the Sauber F1 team for 2025.

Gabriel Bortoleto, a junior driver for McLaren, has claimed the last available position at Sauber, finalizing the team's Formula 1 roster for the 2025 season.

Bortoleto, who currently holds the title of Formula 3 champion and is leading in the Formula 2 standings, has been selected to take over from Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Their departures were officially announced on Wednesday morning.

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The Brazilian driver, who is 20 years old, will team up with Nico Hulkenberg at the Hinwil-based team for the next season, as they prepare for Audi's acquisition in 2026.

Bortoleto expressed great enthusiasm, stating that this project is among the most thrilling in the world of motorsport, and possibly in the entire realm of sports. He added that it is a genuine privilege to become part of a team that brings together the storied motorsport legacies of Sauber and Audi.

As more than just a participant, I aspire to advance with this exciting project and achieve the highest level in motorsport. I am extremely thankful for the team's trust in me and for the opportunity to collaborate with a seasoned driver like Nico.

Both initiatives have consistently demonstrated their ability to develop young talent effectively, and I am sure that by collaborating, we will create a successful narrative of our own.

Newly appointed team leader Mattia Binotto has chosen to prioritize youth over experience for the second driver position at the F1 team that will soon become Audi's official works team.

"Gabriel has shown his potential as a victorious driver in the junior leagues. We are thrilled to welcome him as part of the Sauber and Audi team," stated Binotto.

Alongside Gabriel, we are embarking on a path to achieve success, aiming to transform into a cohesive power that will define a new chapter for Audi in the world of motorsport. With Nico and Gabriel, we have the perfect blend of seasoned expertise and youthful energy, which puts us in a strong position looking ahead.

Bortoleto is set to leave McLaren and join Sauber, currently topping the F2 championship by 4.5 points ahead of Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar, with two rounds left in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

He is set to become the first Brazilian to compete in Formula 1 since Felipe Massa, who drove for Ferrari and Williams, last raced in 2017.

This indicates that only one remaining spot needs to be occupied at Red Bull's affiliate team, RB, to finalize the lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Lewis frequently travels to various international Grands Prix events on behalf of Crash.net. He usually provides on-site coverage of the races, sharing the narratives of key figures in the motorsport industry.

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Enea Bastianini "wasn't given tough treatment, and isn't entitled to remain" at Ducati. "You don't automatically get to hold onto your spot for over two years."

Enea Bastianini has been informed that he is "unworthy" of retaining his position at Ducati.

Earlier this season, the competition for Bastianini’s spot on the factory team next year narrowed down to a head-to-head battle between Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez.

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Marquez was chosen, which led to Martin leaving for Aprilia, and Bastianini is set to become a part of the revamped Tech3 KTM team.

Initially, Bastianini might influence the outcome of the MotoGP final race in Barcelona, where his teammate Pecco Bagnaia is competing against Martin for the championship.

Despite Marquez facing inquiries about potentially challenging the leading pair in the title race, it's possible that Bastianini could be the one to do so.

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports mentioned that the individual departing from Ducati could be motivated to demonstrate something.

"You aren't guaranteed permission to remain there for over two years."

He ranks fourth in the championship standings, trailing behind two GP24s, and therefore, he does not merit remaining in his current position.

"He hasn’t faced severe treatment. Over the course of two years, his performance has been overshadowed by his teammate, and he trails behind Marc on a GP23."

"Not everyone is qualified to be part of the top team."

Michael Laverty remarked, "It's a consistent trait throughout his career – I don't mean to be harsh, but he tends to be sluggish on Fridays."

"Enea finds his rhythm on Saturday and performs well on Sunday. This consistency places him among the top three globally, but it's not sufficient to secure the championship title."

Hodgson mentioned, "Since they rejected Martin, it's only natural they would also reject Bastianini."

There is a widespread belief among those in the racing community that Ducati has made the right moves. Many think that Marc will perform exceptionally well next year and has the potential to secure three or four championships in the future.

"I don't believe there was anything they could do regarding Martin because he felt disappointed."

"He was tough in his approach, and Marc matched that toughness. Marc might have ended up with Aprilia, most likely…"

In 2022, Bastianini secured the second-highest number of race victories, following Bagnaia, while riding for Gresini, which led to his promotion to the factory Ducati team, overtaking Martin.

However, a mishap during his initial race as an official team rider thwarted his inaugural season with Ducati.

Armed with top-tier equipment on the circuit, Bastianini has secured three grand prix victories for the official Ducati team.

In the upcoming year, he will be equipped with KTM factory equipment and will join Maverick Vinales in the Tech3 team.

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.

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Valtteri Bottas is anticipated to rejoin the Mercedes F1 team in 2025 following his departure from Sauber.

Valtteri Bottas is expected to rejoin the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2025 after leaving Sauber.

On Wednesday morning, the team that is set to become Audi's works team announced that Bottas and his current Sauber teammate, Zhou Guanyu, will depart from the Swiss team once the 2024 season concludes.

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Sauber has decided to bring on board Gabriel Bortoleto, who currently leads the Formula 2 standings, to finalize their driver roster for 2025. He will be joining forces with another recent addition, Nico Hulkenberg.

According to Lawrence Barretto, Bottas is anticipated to stay involved in the Formula 1 scene. The 10-time grand prix victor is projected to join Mercedes again, this time in a reserve position.

According to Autosport, Bottas has been engaged in talks with Mercedes for "a number of weeks."

Should an agreement be reached, the 35-year-old Finnish driver would step in for Mick Schumacher as Mercedes' reserve driver. In this role, he would serve as a backup for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025, after Lewis Hamilton makes a high-profile move to Ferrari.

Before the Mexico City Grand Prix, Bottas mentioned to F1TV that he "would consider" going back to Mercedes, the team he raced for from 2017 to 2021.

"A situation of this nature is always challenging for everyone involved," Bottas remarked upon the announcement of his departure from Sauber. "However, following extensive and meaningful conversations over the recent weeks, we came to the conclusion that the circumstances necessary for developing this project collaboratively were not in place."

Over the last few years, being with the team has been an amazing experience, marked by personal development, obstacles, and memorable events. I deeply appreciate the shared experiences and the confidence and encouragement I have received throughout this journey.

"Even as I transition to new opportunities, I'll always have fond memories of this team, and I'm eager to see what lies ahead for all of us."

Lewis frequently goes to Grands Prix events globally for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground coverage, sharing stories about key figures in the sport.

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Marco Melandri has expressed his disapproval of Andrea Iannone's comeback to MotoGP, stating that Iannone was performing at the same level as riders did back in 2007. The ex-MotoGP competitor critiqued Iannone's performance during his return at the Sepang

Marco Melandri mentioned that he "anticipated" Andrea Iannone would "find it challenging to earn points" in his MotoGP comeback at the Malaysian Grand Prix, but he "didn't expect us to perform so poorly."

Following a four-year suspension for doping, which essentially concluded his MotoGP career, former grand prix and World Superbike race victor Iannone returned to the premier class for the first time since 2019, competing last weekend at Sepang.

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VR46 brought him on board to take over from Fabio Di Giannantonio, who concluded his season prematurely to undergo surgery for a dislocated left shoulder sustained in Austria.

Iannone demonstrated remarkable pace, finishing Friday morning in ninth place with new tires and securing 17th in the qualifying session. However, he was on track to achieve a faster time if not for a mistake during his fast lap.

Having been away from MotoGP racing for an extended period, Iannone faced physical challenges that affected his performance, causing him to finish second-to-last in both the sprint race and the grand prix.

Melandri, a racer who has won five MotoGP races, expressed that Iannone's comeback was more underwhelming than anticipated, noting that he was completing laps at a pace reminiscent of 2007.

Marco Melandri mentioned to Corsedimoto that there were high expectations for Andrea Iannone, particularly after his promising performance on Friday morning.

"Yet, not many people had replaced their tires. In Malaysia, fresh tires combined with cooler temperatures create a remarkable impact."

During the race, I anticipated that Iannone might have trouble earning points, but I didn't foresee him performing this poorly.

"I observed no improvement throughout the weekend. Starting from the midpoint of the race, the times were notably sluggish."

"He was matching the lap times that Casey Stoner and I achieved back in 2007. I believe he should aim to improve and has the potential to do so."

Although Melandri is accurate in noting that his lap times from 2007 were close to those recorded by Iannone last weekend, the substitute rider for VR46 maintained an average speed of 2 minutes 2.379 seconds at Sepang. This time placed him 47.599 seconds behind the leader, resulting in a 17th-place finish.

In 2007, Melandri's typical speed, which earned him a second-place finish, was 2 minutes and 2.784 seconds.

Melandri's critique does not take into account the actual circumstances. Although Iannone's impressive time on Friday morning, which placed him ninth, was somewhat misleading because he used new tires while many others did not, Melandri's remarks miss out on important aspects.

Iannone last rode a MotoGP bike during the Jerez test that took place after the 2019 season. Back then, aerodynamic advancements were not as progressed as they are currently, and Ducati had only recently started implementing ride height devices.

During the nearly five-year period of developing bikes and tires, Iannone was serving a four-year suspension for doping. Meanwhile, transitioning from a Superbike to a MotoGP bike is a rare feat where few have excelled in recent history.

Iannone did not have the opportunity to test the Ducati before his ride. In contrast, Alvaro Bautista, who was criticized by Iannone following the Malaysian Grand Prix, had the chance to test the GP23 before participating as a wildcard in Sepang last year, even though he finished the event while dealing with an injury.

By the conclusion of the first quarter, Iannone trailed Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro by just 0.076 seconds. During Iannone's time away, Espargaro had clinched three grand prix victories. Additionally, Iannone was only 0.314 seconds behind Marco Bezzecchi, his teammate from the VR46 team, who was in 14th place.

Iannone missed the chance to advance to Q2 by just 0.383 seconds. Despite facing challenges during the races, he confessed on Saturday that he himself, rather than the motorcycle, was the main obstacle. He compared riding a Superbike to riding a bicycle, especially when considering the intense physical requirements of MotoGP.

While Iannone's weekend might not be remarkable on paper, it doesn't imply that he didn't leave a mark.

Iannone disclosed that championship leader Jorge Martin contacted him and commented, "I've reviewed your data and observed your riding style," during their interaction at Sepang.

"I was thrilled to discover that at certain moments, I'm quite close to the other Ducati racers. However, the challenge for me is understanding the optimal braking points. I'm not yet familiar with the bike's braking capabilities, and I haven’t fully utilized the tires, brakes, or aerodynamics. Most importantly, I'm struggling to apply strong physical braking force."

"These are lessons you pick up while riding; you can't practice them at home. The SBK is completely different from this motorcycle."

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David Croft responds to Max Verstappen's criticism of the British press

Leading figures in the British F1 media address Max Verstappen's comment questioning the presence of British journalists.

David Croft, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, has expressed his displeasure with Max Verstappen's criticism of the British media during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

After an impressive recovery from starting in 17th position during a tumultuous and rain-drenched race at Interlagos, Verstappen, who is nearing the achievement of his fourth consecutive world championship, criticized the British press.

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Following recent critiques from ex-F1 drivers such as Damon Hill, Martin Brundle, and Johnny Herbert, the Red Bull star raised concerns about the absence of British journalists at the post-race FIA press conference in Brazil.

Verstappen remarked, "I have a brief inquiry. I value your presence, yet I notice the absence of any British media. Did they have to rush to the airport, or are they unaware of the press conference location?"

In response on X, the platform once known as Twitter, Croft expressed, “There are occasions when a story involves more depth than a simple sound bite or an opportunity to criticize individuals over perceived British bias.”

"Personally, since the post-race conference is exclusively for print media, I never go, regardless of who the winner is."

"Thursday's press conferences are unique as they cater to both broadcast and print journalists. This is to clarify for everyone's understanding."

"Journalists can access the quotes from this without any restrictions, allowing them to potentially pursue different stories, confident that they won't miss any statements made during the FIA press conference after the race."

Formula 1 host Will Buxton referred to Verstappen's remarks as a "playful jab following the race."

"Max's playful jab at the UK media for their absence after the race likely requires some explanation," he posted on X.

I haven't attended a post-race press conference in a long time because I'm usually broadcasting live. After a race, journalists for print media experience a busy period, conducting interviews with drivers and team bosses right in the paddock area.

During my time as a print journalist, I often had to decide between collecting quotes from the paddock and asking questions during the press conference, where a full transcript of the top three is always provided. Typically, spending time in the paddock proved to be more efficient when working against a deadline.

"If you're from the UK, seeing Lewis, Lando, and George among the top three might influence your decision to attend, but not necessarily all the time. Typically, it's only when there's a controversy requiring attention that you might choose to forgo finding exclusive quotes in favor of a complete transcription of the official session."

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Luca Marini believes Honda has the potential to become the second strongest team in MotoGP, capable of preventing Ducati from dominating the championship. He remarked that Ducati seems to be operating on an entirely different level.

Luca Marini feels that Ducati is currently "dominating" MotoGP to an overwhelming extent. However, he sees potential for Honda to rise as the "second strongest contender in the championship" in the near future.

In 2024, Ducati has dominated its rivals, securing victories in 18 of the 19 grand prix races held this season.

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The team has easily secured the constructors' title and is set to clinch the riders' championship with one of its competitors. Additionally, it has already claimed the titles for teams, independent teams, and independent riders even before the season concludes.

In the manufacturers' standings, Honda has accumulated only 73 points, which pales in comparison to Ducati's impressive 685 points. Moreover, as of 2024, Honda has yet to have any of its riders finish in the top six in a grand prix event.

In 2024, Yamaha, competing against Japanese adversaries, has made progress, as evidenced by last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix. The event marked their highest points total of the year, earning 23 points, and saw their riders achieve a first top-six finish.

Marini has observed that Yamaha's advancements suggest Honda can also make progress, but they will need to "innovate" to compete with Ducati.

Nevertheless, he believes that through diligent and strategic efforts in the coming year, Honda has the potential to emerge as Ducati's primary competitor.

"They seem to be in a league of their own right now," he remarked regarding Ducati, after being passed by Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli due to crashes that pushed him down to 15th place in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We need to raise our standards and also figure out how to gain an advantage over them because, right now, they are dominating the championship in a way that's really overwhelming."

"We need to come up with a new solution. We will make an effort, as I believe Yamaha has recently made significant progress."

"[At Sepang], I believe they organized an excellent weekend."

"It is crucial for us to quickly return and enhance our performance without delay, as it is achievable at this moment."

"The other manufacturers are facing challenges, and if we act wisely and strategically, outsmarting our competitors, I believe we can become the second-leading force in the championship by making the right decisions in the upcoming year."

As the 2024 season progresses, Honda has been officially placed at the bottom of the manufacturers' standings, while Yamaha is secured in the fourth position. Only 37 points remain available for competition.

A possible change might occur in the battle for the second position between KTM and Aprilia, as there is a 31-point gap separating the two.

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"What's causing this?" – Lewis Hamilton's recent struggles baffle experts

Ex-F1 racer Johnny Herbert is puzzled by Lewis Hamilton's recent lackluster performance with Mercedes.

Johnny Herbert expresses difficulty in comprehending Lewis Hamilton's recent decline in performance as his tenure with the Mercedes Formula 1 team draws to a close.

Lewis Hamilton, who has claimed the world championship title seven times, had a challenging time at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He ended up in 11th place during the sprint and managed to earn only one point by securing 10th position in a race that was both turbulent and affected by rain on Sunday. On the other hand, his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, performed notably better. Russell secured second place in qualifying, took the lead in the initial phases of

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A 39-year-old driver, set to depart from Mercedes and make a high-profile move to Ferrari in 2025, confessed that he is eager for the season to conclude quickly following a series of disappointing races.

Lewis Hamilton expressed his eagerness for the arrival of Christmas, mentioning that the situation is quite perplexing, according to Herbert from SafestBettingSites.co.uk.

"There are moments when he demonstrates his true, unfiltered speed, but then it suddenly disappears. I can't figure out the reason behind this inconsistency. The car's performance is already unpredictable, fluctuating like a yoyo, and George faces the same challenges."

Lewis Hamilton's tenure with Mercedes is nearing its conclusion, while George Russell is seen as the team's future. Antonelli is expected to join the team next season. The focus will shift towards George, with much of the team's energy and contributions coming from him.

"They aim to boost his morale as much as possible before he takes on the role of team leader next season. He's already performing well."

Mercedes was compelled to address rumors suggesting that Hamilton might be substituted for the last three races of the 2024 season following some ambiguous remarks made after a race.

"Guys, that weekend was a total disaster," Hamilton remarked over the team radio. "The car has never performed this poorly. Thanks to everyone who worked hard and did a great job during the pit stops. If this was my last performance, it's unfortunate it wasn't a good one, but I'm thankful for all of you."

Herbert commented on the rumors, saying he would be quite shocked if Hamilton is replaced before the season concludes.

"I'd be taken aback if any race car driver claimed he wanted to quit simply because things weren't going well. He would still aim to end on a positive note with the team he's accomplished so much with throughout the years."

"He isn't the type to just abandon them like that. I'd be quite shocked if anyone else steps in before the season concludes."

Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He typically provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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