Maverick Vinales on the Pecco practice start situation: "There was enough space"

"After witnessing the collision, my initial thought was 'perhaps I made contact with him'. However, this notion changed after viewing the replay."

Maverick Vinales maintained that his actions were completely normal during the practice start event that led to championship hopeful Francesco Bagnaia's crash following the chequered flag on Friday morning at the final Barcelona MotoGP race.

Vinales executed an overtaking maneuver on a slower Bagnaia in the braking area of Turn 1 from the outside.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Though they didn't touch, Bagnaia was taken aback by the maneuver, clenched his front brake, and went down.

Bagnaia admitted, "Slowing down that much was my error, but truly, when you're coming in at such a high speed, you instinctively head towards the inside."

"I began listening to him, thinking 'Alright, he's going to move inward'."

"The moment I noticed him approaching rapidly from the outside, riding on the curb, and with the bike in motion, fear struck me, leading to my loss of control over the front like that."

Vinales emphasized that the goal of a practice start extends beyond merely taking off from the starting line; it also involves identifying the precise point at which to begin braking for the first turn.

"The Aprilia competitor emphasized, "For me, the blame isn't the issue. Ultimately, the purpose of a practice start is to simulate the real thing, which means approaching the first turn as if you're in a race, attempting to deactivate [the holeshot mechanisms just like a genuine start], and therefore braking later."

"I noticed Pecco was positioned centrally, moving at a slow pace. The reason was unclear to me. In an attempt to steer clear of him, I maneuvered to the exterior, ensuring I left a gap equivalent to about two motorcycles. I didn't actually come anywhere near him."

Upon witnessing the collision, I thought to myself, 'perhaps I made contact with him', I'm not certain.

"However, upon reviewing the footage, it became clear there was ample space. It seems like he perhaps panicked or the like. He ended up squeezing the front brake too hard, causing the front tire to lock up."

Bagnaia, aiming to overcome Jorge Martin's significant 24-point lead in the championship this weekend, eventually ended up leading the Friday afternoon rankings, with Vinales placing sixth.

"Vinales expressed satisfaction at making it to Q2, considering it a positive outcome. However, he faced an obstacle during his final time attack, encountering two yellow flags, which prevented him from completing the lap as intended."

"In my opinion, our competitiveness has increased since May."

Is Vinales, the sole racer to overcome the Ducatis in a grand prix this year thanks to his win at COTA, capable of challenging them in this weekend's concluding RS-GP event?

"I'd love to say yes, but it's uncertain. It's the usual scenario – based on today's lap times, I feel confident about competing with them. However, what happens tomorrow remains to be seen," he mentioned. "I'm unsure about the progress they might achieve."

Team member Aleix Espargaro secured the third quickest time.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the motorsport landscape evolve, including Valentino Rossi's rise and eventual departure. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from the competition and the ongoing health concerns surrounding Marc Marquez.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP insights, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the text, photos, or illustrations fully or partially is strictly prohibited in any format.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Kimi Antonelli: My Driving Style Resembles Lewis Hamilton's

Kimi Antonelli Shares Insights on Joining the Mercedes Team

Kimi Antonelli states that the way he drives resembles that of Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes has made a daring choice by deciding to switch out seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton for newcomer Antonelli in the upcoming season.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To find out more, please review our Privacy Policy

Toto Wolff's confidence in the exceptionally talented young driver suggests that he will take on a racing position with significant expectations.

In an interview with Gazzetta, Antonelli mentioned that Hamilton is extremely polite and frequently engages in conversation with him.

"In terms of design, it resembles mine, as the vehicle tends to experience significant understeer."

While I was in Singapore, I gained a lot of knowledge by listening to him converse with the engineers.

"I'll need to adapt to listening to all the engineers through headphones, as I'm generally a person who doesn't talk a lot."

"However, when they do communicate, it's to provide valuable details, so I must thoroughly understand the processes."

Pressing the incorrect button can create chaos.

"A chair equipped with a steering wheel is expected to be delivered to my home shortly, where I'll familiarize myself with the take-off processes and different protocols."

"You also need to be familiar with the location of each button so that you can find them without looking."

Mercedes was deliberate in choosing Antonelli to succeed Hamilton, subjecting him to multiple evaluations in the process.

He identified the reason he was chosen: "It was due to my immediate and exceptional speed."

"I initially had difficulty keeping up with the race pace, but following a test session at Spa, they noticed significant improvement and became confident."

"Just two days after that, I received a call informing me that I had been selected for 2025."

"Nowadays in Formula 1, there is an abundance of data available, including real-time telemetry, which provides guidance on what actions to take. However, I am given considerable freedom to make my own decisions."

"During a test session at Spa, I successfully improved my ability to predict when the tyres would start to wear out."

Antonelli's initial attempts during a Formula 1 weekend didn't unfold as expected.

During the first practice session at Monza, he was driving, but an accident cut his time on the track short.

"The initial lap gave an extraordinary feeling with the crowd filling the bleachers," he remarked.

"I then misbehaved a bit. I'll now have two additional chances in Mexico and Abu Dhabi."

"Russell? He wasn't pleased, but I had picked up speed before heading into the Parabolica."

"I get along well with George, though he hasn’t offered me any significant advice. At the moment, things are going smoothly. However, my goal for next year is to surpass him."

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to completely or partially copy text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Johann Zarco delivers an outstanding lap to advance to Q2 in Barcelona MotoGP

"I'm extremely pleased with the progress made in this afternoon's practice, and I'm hopeful that I can continue on this trajectory…"

Johann Zarco secured a remarkable fifth place on Friday during the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, attributing his success to what he described as "one of the best laps" he's had in the 2024 season.

Zarco has qualified for Q2 multiple times this season, but this occasion marks only the third instance he's advanced directly from Friday's practice sessions.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the circuit to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

"Zarco described his performance as potentially one of the best laps after ranking fifth in speed on Friday afternoon."

"I believe the race in Thailand was impressive, trailing behind Marc [Marquez], and another notable one in Aragon, following Jorge [Martin].

"Indeed, securing a strong lap time before the final attempt was significant, and while there was room for improvement on the last set of tires – potentially shaving off a few tenths – some errors prevented me from doing so. Nonetheless, this bodes well for tomorrow."

"Observing the temperature is crucial, as gaining certainty on the left side can be challenging. Attempting it might yield unexpected results, so I prefer not to risk underperformance and waste valuable practice time."

"I'm quite pleased with the afternoon's Practice performance, and I'm hopeful I can maintain this momentum."

Zarco was so confident in his speed over a single lap that he believed he could secure a spot in the top six during qualifying, despite his performance not appearing as promising on worn tires.

"He mentioned that the first two rows present a chance, which could work wonders for the future."

"Subsequently, as the tire wears down, there's a significant alteration in the motorcycle's performance. I'm uncertain about finding a fix by tomorrow, but accelerating and then managing the motorcycle is an aspect I enjoy. I'm optimistic about handling it successfully tomorrow."

Since the beginning of the year, the combination of Zarco and the RC213V has seen enhancements in terms of both rider performance and technical advancements.

"Zarco mentioned, 'The bike has improved since our initial trip to Catalunya earlier this year.'"

"Now, I'm making more effective use of the bike's strengths, and it's evident that the bike has gotten better."

"Following the Misano race, we made progress in navigating quick turns better, and now, when trailing behind another rider, it's noticeable that keeping up has become feasible — something that was out of the question at the start of the season."

"Initially, the chilly weather made me concerned about not being able to fully exploit the bike's advantages. However, this afternoon, as conditions improved, I believe I managed to ride quite effectively, which has left me quite pleased. This is because I hadn't anticipated performing so well, but it certainly aligns with my goals."

Mir: Zarco's Speed Not Exclusive to Barcelona

"Zarco's ability to deliver a quick lap isn't limited to this track," Mir observed. "He has shown this capacity elsewhere for some reason."

"For myself, particularly, this is the domain where I face the greatest difficulty due to the issues we encounter with vibration, whereas for him, it’s the aspect he finds less challenging.

"Thus, we're attempting to grasp how he manages to accomplish something currently beyond our abilities, and each time I push myself further, I end up falling."

"Thus, it's essential to grasp that, despite the oddities, this bicycle presents numerous unforeseen issues causing an unusual riding experience. It seems to suit him quite well, particularly with a fresh tire, but it's definitely not suitable for me."

"We need to either enhance the bicycle or I must adjust myself. Currently, I am unable to do so."

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he was involved in reporting on both consumer motorcycles and racing news.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Recreating the content, whether fully or partially, including text, images, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Carlos Sainz speaks out on being passed over by Mercedes and Red Bull: "It was painful and I can't grasp their decisions."

Carlos Sainz opens up about the "pain" of being overlooked by the leading teams in Formula 1.

Carlos Sainz expresses that he is "still baffled" by the decisions made that have resulted in his exclusion from leading teams this year.

Carlos Sainz became a sought-after driver in the Formula 1 market after learning that Lewis Hamilton would replace him at Ferrari in 2025.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Opportunities with Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin did not come through, so he ended up joining Williams instead.

Sainz explained to Sky Sports regarding the refusals, saying, "I have certainly made peace with it."

"I firmly believe that if I don’t end up going there, it’s because life has other plans for me."

"Something positive is on the horizon that will make a difference."

"Back then, it was painful. We all possess pride. My pride is tied to being a driver."

"Back then, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. Even now, I'm baffled by some decisions people have made."

"However, it presents a greater challenge for me, which increases my enthusiasm for Williams."

"Williams supported me from the start, having approached me a year ago."

"I'm thrilled and eager to return the kindness and support they showed me."

"It empowers me. I'm eager to start creating something positive."

Sainz has secured victory in two Grand Prix races this year and has achieved a total of four wins in his career.

However, Red Bull decided to stick with Sergio Perez, Aston Martin reaffirmed their support for Fernando Alonso, and Mercedes opted for the young talent of Kimi Antonelli.

Sainz has opted for the Williams team over other opportunities, such as those with Audi or Alpine.

For Williams, acquiring a seasoned racer with his level of success is a significant achievement.

It is yet to be determined if leading teams will later wish they had included someone with his level of experience for the upcoming year.

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

Explore More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1, delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any part of the text, images, or drawings, whether in whole or in part, in any format.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Review: Bagnaia vs. Martin – Assessing the Edge in the Upcoming Championship Showdown

An examination of the lap times from Friday's session in Barcelona suggests Bagnaia has a marginal lead over Martin.

During MotoGP's most recent visit to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it appeared that the championship was swinging towards Jorge Martin. Francesco Bagnaia's fall during the sprint, while in the lead, resulted in the current champion trailing the Pramac competitor by 44 points.

As the series makes its comeback at the Catalunya circuit for the Solidarity GP, the title race is still open, though Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 24 points. Over the 13 races since that May Catalan GP, the gap in points has shifted by only 20.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, special content, one-on-one conversations, and exclusive offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

This is largely due to Bagnaia's achievement of clinching 10 grand prix victories throughout the season before the last race, although Martin's unwavering steadiness has kept him ahead of his Ducati team colleague.

The two competitors are equally poised in the battle for the title. However, their situations couldn't be more distinct. Martin is seen as the top contender, placing the pressure squarely on his shoulders to clinch the victory. Bagnaia, on the other hand, understands that his best chance to secure a third championship hinges on claiming victory.

On the Barcelona circuit this past Friday afternoon, Bagnaia exhibited the demeanor of a racer who had received the memo, navigating the track with what appeared to be a complete absence of stress. He clocked the fastest lap with a time of 1m38.918s, edging out the competition by a mere 0.080 seconds in what turned out to be a closely contested session.

The combination of cooler temperatures and reduced traction, along with the seven different types of tyres provided by Michelin due to the last-minute switch in location from Valencia due to severe floods, resulted in an unexpected lineup on the timesheet.

During the Catalan Grand Prix held in May, the sprint race was closely contested, yet Martin seems confident that the main race will see competitors more spread out. This suggests that he might not view Saturday as the likely day for his championship victory, despite only needing to score two more points than Bagnaia to secure it.

Martin shared with reporters, including those from Crash.net, on Friday in Barcelona, his observation that numerous tyres were tested but not many riders had the chance to extensively use them. "We'll get a real sense of it during the race. Naturally, everyone shows speed with fresh tyres. The upcoming sprint race on Saturday might showcase several fast competitors, similar to the previous event here. However, by Sunday, we expect to see significant performance gaps," he explained.

The climb in competitors near the top of the rankings affects Martin more negatively compared to Bagnaia. However, some significant contenders such as Enea Bastianini (ranked 10th) and Marc Marquez (positioned eighth) currently do not see themselves vying for a spot on the podium.

Bagnaia joyously marked his leading lap time from the Practice session, signaling a triumphant overcoming of the weekend's initial significant challenge. His celebration was well-justified, especially following his close encounter with Maverick Vinales at the conclusion of FP1. During a moment of unawareness at Turn 1 after their practice starts, Vinales surprised Bagnaia, causing him to apply excessive front brake pressure, which led to the front of the bike tucking under. The impact of his fall was severe enough that it could have easily resulted in an injury, potentially putting an end to his participation for the rest of the weekend.

He was irritated yet remained composed, a sentiment not shared by his opponent. In the final moments of Practice, Martin was clearly troubled in his garage. He later mentioned that his stress partly stemmed from his inability to locate his crew chief, who wasn't in his usual spot when he came in for new tires.

However, the sudden flurry of arm movements had been escalating. Martin appeared as though he was challenging boundaries and capable of exerting pressure. Yet, on multiple instances, among them his final sprint, he failed to maintain control while navigating a turn.

This resulted in him securing the fifth position in the rankings, guaranteeing his spot in Q2. He mentioned that theoretically, he's performing well “and the speed is quite impressive”. However, he confessed to feeling uneasy on his Pramac-operated GP24 at the moment. He described a “strange” sensation, citing a lack of confidence in the front during left turns and an inability to achieve the customary traction from the back tyre.

Hope remains, yet it's common that when Bagnaia kicks off the weekend with a strong performance on Friday, it usually signifies difficulties for the others.

Analyzing lap times has become more challenging due to the testing conditions and the variety of tyres that had to be evaluated within a constrained timeframe. Martin managed to complete eight laps using a soft rear tyre, recording an average speed of 1 minute and 40.646 seconds. Conversely, with a hard rear tyre, a five-lap run yielded an average time of 1 minute and 40.401 seconds, after discounting times that were not indicative of usual performance.

Bagnaia completed seven laps using a soft rear tire, achieving a time of 1 minute 40.365 seconds. When he switched to a medium rear tire for five laps, his average speed was recorded at 1 minute 40.510 seconds.

Currently, Bagnaia holds the upper hand in terms of both quickness and general comfort with his motorcycle. The upcoming Saturday sprint race will serve as a significant challenge for the current titleholder. After failing to finish the last Saturday race in Malaysia due to a crash, he now must confront the setbacks he experienced in May, where he lost an essential 12 points in a dramatic mishap at the Turn 5 gravel trap.

With no risks at stake, Bagnaia is at liberty to approach it as just another quick race. While Martin has some leeway for errors, Bagnaia's impressive speed during the Catalan GP in May suggests that any significant loss of points will further intensify the strain on the Pramac racer.

The lessons from Friday's racing at the Solidarity GP underscore that the race for the championship is still wide open, regardless of what the current standings suggest…

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part of the text, images, or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden.

Website Index

Collision.Net

Eddie Jordan criticizes FIA for intentionally obstructing Max Verstappen in Brazil

"Did he receive fair treatment when the red flag was waved after six or seven cars had passed?"

Former Formula 1 team leader Eddie Jordan has critiqued ex-FIA race director Niels Wittich for how he managed the red flag situation during the qualifiers at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen didn't make it past the second qualifying round at Interlagos due to his failure to better his time on the last lap.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, conversations, and offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The red flag was caused by Lance Stroll's troubled Aston Martin.

In contrast to previous interruptions marked by red flags during the qualifying rounds, this time there was a delay of about 40 seconds before it was activated, a situation that left Verstappen visibly frustrated by its timing.

Verstappen ultimately clinched the race victory after starting from the 17th position, a result that might have significantly impacted the championship battle, especially since his competitor, Lando Norris, began the race in the lead position.

During an episode of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan expressed criticism towards the FIA after a conversation with co-host and ex-F1 racer David Coulthard.

Coulthard initiated the conversation by stating, "I believe it has now settled into its inherent position where the timing of the Safety Car's appearance is simply at the mercy of racing fortune.

"It's necessary to consider that the race director might not pay attention to aspects such as the positions of the cars when determining…"

Jordan promptly asserted, "Absolutely, he does! Absolutely, he does!"

"Are you actually suggesting that Max received just treatment? Did he truly get just treatment when the red flag was waved after six, seven cars had passed? Let's be real, David, don't be foolish."

"The deities seem to favor Lando, aiming for his victory in the Championship. However, he won't claim the title because Max has cleverly outmaneuvered him. That's the bottom line."

Coulthard responded, "Honestly, I'm not sure about its accuracy. I believe at times, it's simply the will of the racing deities…" Jordan finished by saying, "The decision to raise the red flag was incorrect! It was an error!"

"He really messed up, didn't he!"

Verstappen has the opportunity to secure his fourth straight F1 championship at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend.

Connor, with his keen insight into F1's debates and narratives, stands as the core of our impartial coverage.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest F1 developments, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Recreating or reproducing any part or whole of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Red Bull cautioned about recruiting Franco Colapinto, emphasizing, "Sergio Perez contributes stability and sponsorship to the squad. Verstappen is pleased with his presence."

1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has cautioned Red Bull about the idea of bringing Franco Colapinto on board, highlighting the consistency that Sergio Perez contributes to the squad.

The ongoing debate about who will take the second spot at Red Bull remains heated, especially due to Perez's challenges.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Red Bull is contemplating advancing Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda in their lineup, while Colapinto's impressive performances for Williams, despite his brief tenure in the sport, have reportedly caught the eye of several teams.

Nonetheless, Perez is set to race in the 2025 Formula 1 season alongside Verstappen, and the driver from Mexico has consistently affirmed his intention to compete in the upcoming year's races.

Perez responded to rumors of his retirement at the season's close by sharing a humorous message on his X profile before his race in Mexico.

The Grand Prix champion, who has claimed victory six times, shared a video excerpt from the movie 'The Wolf of Wall Street', featuring the actor Leonardo DiCaprio declaring, "I'm not leaving."

In a conversation with Grosvenor Sport, Villeneuve shared his perspective on the situation at Red Bull and discussed if Colapinto could be the answer.

"He should have a spot on the grid," he mentioned. "However, there may not be a spot open. It's pretty straightforward. Everyone believes he's going to replace Perez."

"However, Perez remains part of the team, bound by a contractual agreement. For the past 10 months, there have been ongoing rumors about Perez leaving before the next race. It's time to put those rumors to rest. He's secured by a contract."

"He contributes financial backing and steadiness to the squad. Verstappen is content with his presence. It's uncertain how much of their dynamic is due to Perez currently finding himself in a tough spot, a common occurrence, or simply because of Verstappen's exceptional talent."

"By replacing the current driver with another who fails to improve performance, what's really been accomplished? The team is aware, given they have alternative drivers within the Red Bull junior team."

"The aim of the Red Bull Junior team isn't about immediately advancing Colapinto to the major leagues; it's about developing drivers for those top-tier vehicles."

Red Bull is heading towards their lowest finish in the Formula 1 constructors' standings since 2019, currently holding third place with just three races remaining.

Perez hasn't secured a top three finish since the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

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

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash Formula 1

Stay Updated with Crash Motorcycle Grand Prix

Reproducing the entirety or any portion of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly forbidden.

Website Structure

Collision.Net

Gabriel Bortoleto is set to experience "significant pressure" as he ends the drought for a Brazilian Formula 1 driver, according to Rubens Barrichello's perspective on his compatriot's upcoming premiere in F1 next season.

Former Formula 1 racer Rubens Barrichello thinks that Gabriel Bortoleto, set to join Sauber in 2025, will face significant stress in his debut season.

Bortoleto has been confirmed as the final addition to Sauber's Formula 1 team for the 2025 season, joining forces with Nico Hulkenberg.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

At 20 years of age, he becomes the first Brazilian to join the F1 lineup since Felipe Massa's participation in 2017.

Brazil's storied legacy in racing, marked by the achievements of world champions like Nelson Piquet, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Ayrton Senna, along with the multiple race victories of Barrichello and Massa, sets a high bar for Bortoleto.

During his appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Barrichello shared his opinions on Bortoleto before he makes his entrance into F1 next season.

"Barrichello definitely acknowledges his skills," he stated. "At this point, the focus isn't on his capability to drive. It's more about assessing his readiness to perform.

Currently, everything is wonderful. The way people view you has changed, and the attention from the paddock is on you, making the atmosphere enjoyable at the moment.

"Indeed, he's an excellent driver, but we need to observe his progress in mental strategy and his ability to handle situations, given the immense pressure he will face."

"He's the upcoming star; it's been quite a while since we've had a Brazilian driver, so there's a lot of anticipation from the fans, and we'll just have to wait and see."

Barrichello had a successful career, lasting from 1993 to 2011.

He offered Bortoleto this piece of wisdom: "Understand who you are. It's the most valuable guidance I can offer him at this moment.

"There's no need to become upset or disheartened by difficult moments. They are opportunities for us to improve."

"Without it, things would've been dull. You'd have swept every race, never truly understanding the worth of genuinely competing and securing a victory."

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest F1 updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether it be text, photos, or illustrations, wholly or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Fresh perspective on Daniel Ricciardo's departure from F1: "It was clear his universe had shattered"

"It was evident from the radio communication that his universe had completely shattered."

RB's chief executive, Peter Bayer, disclosed that Daniel Ricciardo requested the details of his departure from Formula 1 not be shared with the public, even following his early exit from the Singapore Grand Prix during the first qualifying session.

Ricciardo concluded his Formula 1 career after competing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit race.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Ricciardo's departure was unexpected, especially since he was considered a potential replacement for Sergio Perez at Red Bull following the summer break.

Ricciardo's official exit from RB was not made public until the Friday following the Singapore event, even though it was already widely known.

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, a German magazine, Bayer discussed Ricciardo's exit and the events that unfolded over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

"He mentioned that there had been an agreement with Daniel not to share the information."

"We were aware that our team might appear somewhat old-fashioned. However, we took this approach to safeguard our driver, in alignment with his request."

"He maintained his conviction until the very last moment that he would lead in the qualifying rounds and prove himself to everyone. The level of psychological resilience he exhibited is something I've never encountered in an athlete before, despite my extensive experience across various sports."

Ricciardo's weekend fell short of expectations when he was eliminated in the first qualifying round at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Bayer acknowledged it was a "dreadful instant".

"Bayer mentioned, 'The moment he was out in Q1 was dreadful. You could immediately tell from the radio communication that everything had fallen apart for him."

Subsequently, we had another conversation with him on Saturday. We gathered in our office at 2 a.m. and inquired about our next steps.

"He proceeded to inform us that we ought to simply allow him to take the wheel for the race. He was simply not in the mood for any foolishness."

Bayer is firm in the belief that if Ricciardo had stayed with the team up to Abu Dhabi, he would have received a fitting farewell.

"Bayer mentioned that as a group, they positioned themselves ahead of him when discussing why they chose to substitute Ricciardo with Liam Lawson."

"Had Daniel made the entire journey to Abu Dhabi, it's clear we would have marked his departure with a display of fireworks and a picture on the grid, similar to the send-off [Kimi] Räikkönen received previously."

"That's the outcome everyone would have preferred."

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Site Map

CrashDotNet

Carlos Sainz is slated for his first appearance with Williams during the Abu Dhabi test following the season's end.

Williams has announced that Carlos Sainz will have his first outing with the team during the Abu Dhabi test after the season concludes in December.

Sainz is set to depart from Ferrari to join Williams following Ferrari's decision to bring Lewis Hamilton on board for the upcoming season.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The Spanish driver aimed to secure a spot with either Red Bull or Mercedes for the 2025 season but was disregarded by both teams.

He was faced with selecting among Alpine, Sauber/Audi, or Williams.

Sainz has made the decision to team up with Williams in 2025, partnering with Alex Albon

He's set to debut with the team during the Abu Dhabi test that takes place post-season, marking the end of the campaign.

Williams mentioned on their website that this preliminary chance enables Carlos and Williams to start fostering their connection ahead of the upcoming season.

The trial run at Yas Marina Circuit presents an important opportunity for the Spanish driver to begin merging with his new team, as he takes the FW46 out for its maiden drive.

"In 2025, Carlos will join forces with Alex Albon at Williams, creating a highly competitive driving team on the circuit."

Connor's keen insight into F1's dramas and narratives is the core of our impartial journalism.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed on Crash MotoGP

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

Website Directory

Smash.Net

Eddie Jordan unleashes a harsh critique on contemporary F1: "I utterly despise what they've done to it."

Eddie Jordan has expressed disapproval towards the current state of Formula 1, referring to the contemporary cars as "tractors".

Throughout the years, the mass of Formula 1 vehicles has consistently grown.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

This is partially because of security measures and components like the halo on the vehicle, as well as the hybrid engine introducing more technology which leads to an increase in weight.

In 2012, it tipped the scales at approximately 640 kilograms.

A decade on, the minimal weight set for the years 2022-2024 is a remarkable 798kg.

Anticipated regulations set to take effect in 2026 aim to modestly reduce weight, yet, they will not approach the levels seen in the early 2010s.

During an episode of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan sharply criticized Formula 1.

"Jordan expressed awe, describing the experience of being at a race, specifically at Silverstone. He highlighted that even if one wasn't directly on the grid but rather in the grandstands, the start of the race and the roar of the V10 engines were so powerful that the ground itself trembled."

"The sensation was palpable; the force flowed from the roar and vibrations to the ground beneath, coursing through your very being. It was akin to an erotic experience, encapsulated in motion. That was the essence of car racing for me, and it was profoundly enjoyable.

"Currently, there's a sense of hesitation, be it due to rules or various other factors. The likelihood of returning to the era of V10 engines seems slim at best."

"Moreover, another minor aspect, closely linked to the first, that significantly impacts the situation involves these cars. It's important to acknowledge the incredible work that Lewis [Hamilton], Max [Verstappen], and Lando [Norris] are doing with these vehicles. However, the reality is, these cars are like tractors. They're extremely heavy, weighing in at 1000 kilograms, which is considerably over the ideal weight."

He continued: "In my view, it's disgraceful regarding the rules, the event coordinators, and those deeply passionate about Formula 1. They've permitted the sport to decline to a point it might not recover from, and for that, I truly despise their actions."

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Website Map

Collision.Net

Pecco Bagnaia discusses the incident with Maverick Vinales at the Barcelona MotoGP: "I lost control of the front."

"I believe my error was reducing speed excessively…"

Francesco Bagnaia led the MotoGP practice session ahead of the Solidarity Grand Prix happening in Barcelona this weekend. However, the most notable incident of his day was an unusual accident that occurred during the practice start session following FP1.

As Maverick Vinales overtook him on the outside, Bagnaia crashed while trying to brake for the first turn, causing the front wheel to lock up.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

The rider from the Ducati Lenovo Team described how he had a bad start during the practice session and was startled when Vinales appeared on his outside as he was braking to approach the first turn.

Bagnaia explained that he didn't get off to a good start as his rear tire lost traction. He also mentioned that he eased up to protect his engine, saying, "We're pushing the engine to its limits, so I was cautious not to strain it too much, as anything could happen."

"My error, I believe, was slowing down to such a degree. However, when approaching at such speed, you instinctively move to the inside where there was plenty of room."

"I began to hear him approaching and thought, 'Alright, he’s going to take the inside path.' However, when I saw him coming at a tremendous speed on the outside, riding on the kerb and the bike shaking, I got frightened and ended up losing control of the front in that manner."

He explained: "The pressure increased by two bar on the lever, jumping from 11 bar to 13 bar, and I lost control."

Although Bagnaia experienced an unusual crash during FP1, his day was largely successful, concluding with him as the fastest.

He expressed satisfaction, stating that his goal for every race weekend is to have a strong start, feel positive, and perform effectively.

"We consistently moved forward with each attempt, never taking a step back, and we're very pleased with our progress."

"I'm pleased with the tire selection, particularly because Michelin performed excellently on this occasion—just as they always do. This time, they provided us with a wider range of effective options, which is fantastic. I'm really satisfied with that."

"I didn't get the chance to test the hard compound front tire, which seemed to make all the other riders quicker, except for Jorge [Martin], who switched to a different option."

Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaro also used it during the time attack and showed impressive speed. Therefore, if the conditions are favorable tomorrow morning, I plan to give it a try. Other than that, everything went well.

Bagnaia was taken aback by the track conditions, as the grip seemed to be reduced even though the temperatures were cooler compared to the Catalan Grand Prix held in May.

Bagnaia expressed his belief that the pace was quicker. He reasoned that the colder conditions typically lead to increased speed and noted that they were using a very soft rear tire.

"Upon beginning my ride this morning, I immediately noticed a change; the grip was reduced. This required adjustments to the bike since the current conditions are substantially different from those in May."

Bagnaia has turned his attention to enhancing his performance in sprints, which he considers his main area of weakness for the year 2024.

"I spent a significant amount of time riding with the Sprint's smaller fuel tank, and my experience was similar to racing on the Sprint. I found it challenging to bring the bike to a stop, much like during the Sprint race."

"We attempted to make some enhancements to the bike and succeeded, which pleases me, but I still require a bit more improvement."

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is strictly forbidden in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net