Aleix Espargaro Credits Helmet Innovation for Rescuing His Performance in Thailand MotoGP

A problem with seeing clearly at Buriram was rectified for the Aprilia racer

Aleix Espargaro's performance in the Thai Grand Prix was salvaged thanks to an innovation from his helmet provider, which allowed him to manage issues he was experiencing with visibility.

Contrasting with last year's Japanese Grand Prix, the weather at this year's race in Thailand was significantly drier.

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Espargaro, however, mentioned that the visibility in Buriram was "extremely poor," and expressed his gratitude towards his helmet provider for creating special tear-offs designed for rainy conditions, which he credited with "saving my race."

Espargaro expressed his satisfaction with Kabuto incorporating rain tear-offs into their work this year.

"Last year, I was without them. This time, they were crucial in preserving my race. I managed with just a couple, but going forward, I'll require five or six."

"Removing two layers and then manually cleaning it was sufficient, but the issue arises from the fact that we don't use tear-offs on the motorcycle. As a result, the motorcycle was entirely covered in mud, turned brown, and visibility was so poor on straight paths that you had to peer over the screen. This made it somewhat challenging. However, I'm really pleased with how the helmet performed."

Espargaro's performance didn't particularly shine in what's nearing the end of his career, yet he managed to secure a spot in the top 10 by the race's conclusion.

Espargaro admitted to a less than stellar performance, placing ninth in Thailand. "My beginning was strong, and I managed well initially, even trailing Pedro [Acosta] for the first couple of laps. However, I struggled to find a comfortable rhythm or pace throughout," he explained.

"I erred during the third turn, veering off course, which cost me significant time and several spots."

"Following that, I focused on aligning with my own rhythm, aiming for a steady pace."

"I'm not one to make excuses for my performance based on my finishing position, especially when there's a significant distance to the race leaders. However, this weekend was particularly challenging for me. After experiencing a severe crash on Friday and managing only five laps that day, navigating through such a tough weekend to finish in ninth place in the race leaves me feeling satisfied."

Espargaro conveyed that the traction problems Aprilia experienced in dry conditions in Thailand persisted even when it was wet.

"He mentioned, 'The issues still persist. In the central part of the racecourse where it's impossible to shift weight from the front to the back, we face significant challenges with maintaining grip at the rear.'"

"Vinales and I faced the same challenges. We were riding close to each other, and when I slipped up, I fell behind Maverick, but our issues were pretty much alike."

"Clearly, the issues with overheating weren't a concern during the rainy race, which is a positive. However, the underlying problems persist. Therefore, Aprilia must put in significant effort moving forward."

Conversely, the Aprilia team, especially Vinales, who is Espargaro's fellow rider, found themselves nearer to securing a victory in Thailand compared to their performances in previous races under wet conditions.

In a comparison, during Thailand's 2022 motorcycle race, Vinales crossed the finish line in seventh place, lagging 14.566 seconds behind the winner. However, in the most recent race at Buriram, he also secured the seventh position but closed the gap, finishing 8.498 seconds after the winner.

"Esaprgaro mentioned, 'We were not too far behind the winner, from the podium positions, which is always a positive in such a lengthy race,' having finished ninth, 10 seconds behind his teammate."

"Having both motorcycles place within the top 10 is a positive outcome, and our speeds during the middle of the race were quite close to those achieving podium finishes."

Espargaro detailed how adjustments made to the setup contributed to Aprilia's enhanced performance in wet conditions during the Thailand race.

"Prior to the race, I attempted to revert to the 2024 aerodynamic setup to enhance the rear turning capability," he mentioned.

"We significantly reduced the bike's length to increase pressure on the back end, aiming to improve traction. This strategy proves effective in rainy conditions, yielding positive results, and I'm quite pleased with the outcome."

"Our plan involves conducting trials in Malaysia's dry conditions next week, aiming to revert to the 2024 aerodynamic configuration. This includes experimenting with the swingarm equipped with an aerodynamic wing, similar to what KTM is utilizing. We're continuously striving for enhancements."

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Marquez's involvement? "It's challenging – I've been part of it before!"

"When you're fast enough, there's no need for directives from the team…"

The battle for the 2024 MotoGP championship has now officially narrowed down to just two competitors, both riding for Ducati. However, Marc Marquez believes this situation presents a challenge for the Italian bike maker.

During a conversation with TNT Sports, the British MotoGP broadcaster, at the Thai Grand Prix held last weekend, Marquez discussed that this season's championship battle, similar to next year's with Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin both competing under the Ducati banner, presents a challenging scenario in terms of "team orders" for the Italian manufacturer, especially since both contenders are from the same team.

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He was interrogated regarding his participation in determining the championship outcome, an action he has unintentionally taken in the past.

"Obviously, it's challenging – I've had my share of involvement before," Marquez chuckled.

In 2015, Valentino Rossi missed out on clinching the championship, which then went to Jorge Lorenzo, and he continues to attribute his loss to Marquez's involvement.

This weekend, MotoGP makes its comeback to Sepang, the location of the notorious clash involving Rossi, Lorenzo, and Marquez that occurred nine years ago.

In a recent press conference, Marquez was asked about potentially "helping out" Bagnaia and Martin in their title race, but he dismissed any suggestions that he might influence the outcome.

"Ultimately, as a competitor, your goal is always to give it your all, and what we observed in Phillip Island demonstrates that, when necessary, you'll make a bold move," said Marquez, who came in 11th in Thailand following a crash as he vied for the top spot with Francesco Bagnaia.

"However, Ducati finds itself in a challenging situation given that two of its riders are contenders for the championship. This complication arises because if it were a contest between a Ducati rider and one from KTM, the strategy would be clear."

Marquez expressed his belief that team strategies are only essential for a rider to secure a championship when they're not the quickest among the contenders.

"However, in this situation [with two Ducati riders competing for the championship], I believe everyone will give their full effort."

Ultimately, my message remains consistent: possessing speed negates the necessity for team instructions; being the quickest on the track means you don't require team directives.

"In my opinion, the quickest participant is likely to emerge victorious."

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"Andrea Iannone, known for causing a stir, is expected to 'dive right in and leave a mark.'

'Placing the younger Italian in the mix, who benefits from his youth, would have been a more logical choice.'"

Andrea Iannone is expected to dive headfirst into his return to MotoGP racing.

After a five-year hiatus, Iannone is making a comeback to MotoGP this weekend in Malaysia, stepping in for Fabio di Giannantonio on the VR46 team.

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This signifies an extraordinary comeback following a four-year suspension for doping that nearly put an end to his career in motorcycle racing.

"Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports expressed his enthusiasm, noting it's going to be enjoyable."

"He's not going to shy away from expressing his thoughts; he's eager to dive in, make a mark, and disprove the doubters."

The debate centered around choosing him or Nicolo Bulega. It would have been more logical to select the youthful Italian, who, being younger, has the potential to advance to MotoGP.

"However, my preference is to observe Iannone, curious to see his performance. There are numerous speedy young Italians around here in the paddock!"

Gavin Emmett noted, "His suspension has certainly polarized opinions about him."

"Our perspective comes from a position beyond Italy's borders."

He could never offer a justification for the incident.

Observers considered Iannone a promising talent, similar to our view. However, his execution may not have fully met expectations.

"The humorous incidents that occurred throughout his tenure in MotoGP. "The operation that resulted in him being absent from testing…

"He was on the verge of discarding his chance in MotoGP."

Michael Laverty commented, "The prohibited substance we were found with didn't enhance our performance on the motorcycle; it was purely for vanity, to appear more attractive!"

Emmett inquired, "Did he get his chance? Wouldn't it have been great to witness Bulega in action?"

Hodgson responded, “Certainly, he’s been given his chance. It really turns into a narrative, doesn’t it? From a public relations standpoint, having Iannone on the motorcycle would generate more buzz.”

Over a period of seven years in MotoGP, Iannone competed for Ducati, Suzuki, and Aprilia.

At 35 years old, Iannone has just concluded a remarkable season in the World Superbike Championship, riding for the Go Eleven Ducati team.

He concluded the season in eighth place in the rankings, following an opportunity to come back to racing after a four-year hiatus.

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Lando Norris receives a boost in F1 championship race as Max Verstappen faces potential engine penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend.

Max Verstappen might face a grid penalty at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as Red Bull is thinking about swapping his engine.

Verstappen had to switch back to a previous engine model following issues with the power unit that disrupted his practice sessions on Friday.

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The driver from the Netherlands made a comeback, securing a front-row position on the grid for his Red Bull, surpassing his Formula 1 championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Nonetheless, Red Bull's competitive edge waned during the race, with Verstappen falling behind in terms of straight-line velocity, resulting in him being overtaken by Carlos Sainz following the restart after the Safety Car period.

Verstappen found himself entangled in a pair of altercations with Norris, consequently receiving time penalties totaling 20 seconds.

The triple world title-holder ultimately secured the sixth position, and with Norris coming in second, witnessed his championship lead shrink by 10 points.

Red Bull is contemplating equipping him with a fresh engine for the last four races in their effort to remain competitive for the championship.

Given the ample chances to overtake in Brazil, opting for a new engine would be a clear decision for Red Bull if they consider it.

Speaking with Motorsport.com, Marko expressed concern, stating: "What's more worrisome is our inability to get the tyres to function properly – this includes both the medium and hard variants."

"We were significantly behind the leading two teams, and it seems that one of the issues was that on Friday, we were unable to race due to issues with the engine."

"It's evident that action is necessary. Furthermore, we must replace the engine due to our sluggish speed on the straight."

"The engine found in the vehicle was not intended to be there, suggesting that an incident similar to what happened in Brazil might occur."

Marko verified with Austrian broadcaster ORF that the engine used by Verstappen in Mexico was originally designated for practice rounds, indicating that its performance was not at its maximum potential.

Marko clarified, stating, “The engine we were using wasn't meant for racing anymore, and as an engine ages, its efficiency decreases,” he commented.

"The sanction involves a five-place grid drop. Such a consequence wouldn't greatly impact a race in Brazil, given the track allows for straightforward overtaking. However, it was observed that there was a deficit of three to eight kilometers per hour on the straight sections."

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Lewis Hamilton attributes his poor start to an error in judging the front wing, describing the initial phase as "really bad."

Reflecting on the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton found the race to be enjoyable.

Lewis Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the initial phase of the Mexico City Grand Prix to significant understeer issues.

Initially taking the lead over his Mercedes counterpart George Russell, Hamilton found it challenging to maintain speed at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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Russell managed to pass Hamilton during the race, leading to Hamilton falling behind.

Hamilton found his rhythm in the latter part of the race, catching up to Russell, who was dealing with damage to his front wing.

Under parc ferme regulations, teams are prohibited from altering their vehicles, though adjustments to the front wing are an exception and can be performed during pit stops too.

Hamilton disclosed that he "removed an excessive amount of front wing from the vehicle," leading to "significant understeer."

Commenting on the competition in Mexico, Hamilton mentioned, "Absolutely, I enjoyed myself. Today was enjoyable.

"My initial performance was strong, but the first phase of the race took a turn for the worse when we adjusted the front wing excessively, resulting in a significant loss of front grip."

"I was taken aback. Essentially, you're forced to make an educated guess about your positioning with the front wing, and I found myself significantly behind George [Russell].

"However, during the laps leading to the grid, it seemed like the correct decision, but evidently, it wasn't."

"After making my stop, I managed to correct the issue, which significantly improved my speed. This allowed me to maintain momentum and even halt a bit sooner than initially anticipated. As a result, we secured a decent number of points."

Hamilton and Russell fiercely competed for the fourth position, with the seven-time world champion ultimately making the pass.

A noteworthy aspect was Hamilton's use of the latest Mercedes enhancements, whereas following his mishap during practice, Russell switched back to using some previous components.

Hamilton now believes Mercedes will definitively determine the right package selection for Brazil.

"No, he didn't, but with 10 laps to go, I sensed it was inevitable. I believe he was experiencing an issue with his front wing," he commented on his contest with Russell.

"We gathered a significant amount of data. Observing his car, I was able to identify areas where he outperformed me, and I'm optimistic that he'll also notice aspects where I have the upper hand. In terms of the technical setup, it's hoped that they've collected ample data, allowing us to determine our starting positions accurately for the upcoming race."

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Lewis Hamilton attributes a poor initial phase to an error in assessing the front wing.

Lewis Hamilton looks back on an enjoyable race at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton attributed his challenging first segment during the Mexico City Grand Prix to significant understeer, describing it as "really bad."

Following an impressive beginning, where he surpassed his Mercedes teammate George Russell, Hamilton found it challenging to maintain speed at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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Russell managed to pass Hamilton on the circuit, leading Hamilton to fall behind.

Hamilton sprang into action during the latter half of the race, steadily catching up to Russell, who was contending with damage to his front wing.

Under parc ferme rules, teams are prohibited from altering their vehicles, though minor adjustments to the front wing are permitted and can also be carried out during pit stops.

Hamilton disclosed that he "removed an excessive amount of front wing from the vehicle," leading to "significant understeer."

Commenting on his experience during the Mexican race, Hamilton remarked, "Indeed, it was enjoyable. I had a good time today."

"I began well, but the initial phase was terrible because I reduced the front wing on the car too much, leading to extreme understeer."

"I was thinking, wow. It essentially comes down to making an educated guess about your positioning with the front wing, and I was significantly behind George [Russell] in that aspect.

"Yet, during the initial laps toward the starting line, it seemed like the correct decision, but it evidently wasn't."

"After my pit stop, I managed to correct the issue. Following that, my speed significantly improved, allowing me to maintain momentum. We also made an earlier stop than originally anticipated. Ultimately, we secured a good number of points."

Hamilton and Russell fiercely competed for the fourth position, with the seven-time world champion ultimately securing the spot.

An intriguing aspect was that Hamilton was equipped with the latest Mercedes enhancements, whereas following his accident during practice, Russell switched back to using some previous components.

Hamilton now believes that Mercedes will definitively determine the right package to choose for the Brazilian race.

"He didn't, however, I was prepared for it to occur at any moment during my 10 laps. I believe his front wing had an issue," he remarked regarding his competition with Russell.

"We gathered a significant amount of data. It was clear from observing his car where his strengths outpaced mine, and with any luck, he'll also recognize areas where I have the upper hand. In terms of the overall setup, I'm optimistic they've compiled a substantial amount of information, which should help us determine our starting positions for the upcoming race."

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Mexico Grand Prix Driver Assessments: Carlos Sainz Achieves Top Marks While a Midfield Talent Stands Out

Who excelled at the Mexico City Grand Prix?

Carlos Sainz – 10

Sainz had an impeccable weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. His qualifying lap was outstanding, and he consistently appeared in control of securing the race win. He was the clear highlight in Mexico City.

Lando Norris – 9

Norris delivered yet another standout performance as McLaren's top driver over the weekend. He maximized the McLaren's potential during the qualifying rounds, managing to edge out the faster Ferrari driven by Leclerc. His initial choice to position himself behind Verstappen instead of opting for the available space on the outer side at the start of the race, particularly going into the first turn, raised some eyebrows. However, his speed during the longer runs on hard tires was unmatched, securing him a second-place finish.

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Charles Leclerc – Score: 7

This event marked one of Leclerc's less impressive performances of the year. Despite not participating in the first practice session, he was noticeably slower than his teammate Sainz. With Verstappen's assistance in demoting Norris in the standings, a second-place finish was within Leclerc's grasp, yet he almost lost it due to a late-race slip-up involving rear wheel skid at the last turn.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5

Hamilton faced challenges this weekend while testing Mercedes' latest enhancement. In qualifying, he couldn't outperform, settling for second place once more. During the race, it appeared Russell was leading, but after sustaining damage, the younger British racer was compromised, enabling Hamilton to overtake him eventually.

George Russell – 7.5

Russell demonstrated the speed needed for a fourth-place finish, however, damage to his front wing resulting from a track incident hindered his progress in the race's latter stages.

Max Verstappen – Rated at 6.5

Verstappen pushed too hard in direct racing, resulting in two separate 10-second penalties. Despite this, Red Bull didn't show the speed needed, and without these penalties, a fourth-place finish was the best he could have hoped for. However, if he hadn't overtaken Norris in the manner he did, it's possible that the McLaren driver could have clinched the race victory.

Kevin Magnussen – 9.5

Magnussen delivered an outstanding performance in Mexico City, securing a seventh-place position in the qualifying round and maintaining his momentum into the race. His speed was impressive, successfully holding off Piastri in the final moments. An exceptional weekend indeed.

Oscar Piastri – 5.5

Piastri experienced yet another disappointing weekend, potentially jeopardizing McLaren's chase for their first F1 constructors’ championship since 1998 due to his slump in performance. Eliminated in Q1, his attempt to climb back up the ranks during the race day did not stand out.

Nico Hulkenberg – 7.5

Hulkenberg secured the position as the runner-up driver for Haas in the Mexican race. He completed the race cleanly, ending up in ninth place, though he couldn't quite match Magnussen's performance.

Pierre Gasly – 8.5

Gasly delivered an outstanding performance to clinch a surprising points position for Alpine.

Lance Stroll – 6

Stroll had yet another unremarkable weekend, playing second fiddle to Alonso during the qualifying rounds. The appearance of a red flag at an inopportune moment disrupted Aston Martin's hopes of advancing to Q3. In the end, he crossed the finish line in 11th place.

Franco Colapinto – 6

In the qualifying rounds, Colapinto lagged behind Albon by approximately 0.4 seconds. Opting for hard tires, he was among the select few who aimed for an extended stint. Despite this strategy, he seemed unable to secure a points finish. Additionally, his penalty resulting from a collision with Lawson did not affect his ultimate standing.

Esteban Ocon – Rating: 6

Ocon's performance in the qualifying round was underwhelming, as he was eliminated in Q1. This was a disappointment, especially since, contrary to the situation in Austin, he was equipped with the upgraded package this time. To accommodate the installation of a new energy store and control electronics, Alpine chose to have him begin the race from the pit lane

Valtteri Bottas had a more successful weekend with Sauber, securing a place in Q2 for the first time in six races. Although a top 10 finish seemed out of reach, Bottas showed strong competitiveness, narrowly missing out to Ocon in the concluding laps.

Zhou Guanyu – 6

Noticeably trailed behind Bottas in both the qualifying rounds and the actual race.

Liam Lawson – 6.5

In Mexico, Lawson encountered a setback. Despite lacking the latest Red Bull enhancement, he demonstrated good speed, maintaining a position within the top 10 early on, having begun on hard tires. Engagements with Perez and Colapinto resulted in significant delays and incurred damage following a collision with the driver from Williams.

Sergio Perez experienced a weekend to forget at his home race, being eliminated in Q1 and then receiving a penalty for a “false start.” There was no silver lining to Perez's outing in Mexico.

Fernando Alonso – 6.5

Alonso's milestone 400th Grand Prix didn't end as hoped, with an early exit caused by brake issues.

Alex Albon – 7

Albon appeared to be in top form during the qualifying rounds, significantly outperforming his teammate Colapinto. While he was not at fault during the initial lap, he ended up in a collision with Tsunoda while approaching the first turn.

Yuki Tsunoda – 5

Tsunoda began the Mexico City Grand Prix with too much enthusiasm, resulting in a collision with Albon.

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New insights surface from an animated discussion among F1 drivers

A different viewpoint comes to light following a debate on rules among F1 racers

Carlos Sainz provided more insights into the events of the lively Formula 1 drivers' meeting that took place in Mexico.

During the customary Friday gathering at a Grand Prix event, the conversation was reportedly centered around the incident in Texas involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, particularly focusing on the interpretation of the rules.

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"Craig Slater from Sky Sports reported that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had direct conversations regarding defense and passing maneuvers."

Certain drivers perceived the FIA's readiness to amend the regulations as a "confession of wrongdoing," according to reports.

Nonetheless, Sainz, a racer for Ferrari who subsequently claimed victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has offered an additional viewpoint on the events that transpired.

"Sainz described the meeting as constructive and beneficial."

"Many drivers shared their feelings on each scenario and discussed what they believe is the most suitable path ahead."

"The way you understand the regulations and the guiding principles that the officials will use to enforce penalties… these remain unchanged going into this weekend, and it's likely that their enforcement will be consistent with previous occasions."

"Looking ahead, the meeting proved to be fruitful, and I believe that in Qatar, we will come across solutions that enhance the driver's comprehension and overall improve the quality of the racing."

"Optimistically, it is expected to improve."

Verstappen expressed, "Carlos captured it excellently."

Charles Leclerc shared his view, stating, "I prefer not to delve deeply into the specifics of our internal discussions, but there's a collective desire to enhance certain situations we encountered in Austin, as I believe there wasn't complete agreement among us regarding that."

"Nonetheless, the FIA has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue, acknowledging that there are several aspects that need modification."

"In the future, we'll make an effort to assist them in making more informed choices and in pursuing paths that, unlike Austin, perhaps lead to less contention."

"Having a gravel trap or a curb at certain corners can simplify things for everyone, but that's just how things are."

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New insights revealed from an animated discussion at the drivers' briefing

A fresh viewpoint surfaces following F1 drivers' discussion on rules

Carlos Sainz provided more insights into the events that unfolded during the lively F1 drivers' meeting in Mexico.

During the customary Friday gathering on a grand prix weekend, conversations were reportedly centered around the incident in Texas involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, focusing on the interpretation of the rules.

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"Craig Slater of Sky Sports revealed that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen engaged in direct discussions regarding defense and passing maneuvers."

It was reported that several drivers perceived the FIA's readiness to amend the regulations as a "confession of wrongdoing".

Nonetheless, the Ferrari racer Sainz, who would eventually clinch victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has provided an additional viewpoint on the events.

"Sainz expressed his belief that the meeting was constructive and beneficial."

"Many drivers shared their thoughts and perspectives on each issue, discussing what they believe is the optimal path forward."

"The way you understand the regulations and the guiding principles that the officials will use to enforce penalties… remains unchanged as we enter this weekend, and it's likely, in my opinion, that they will be enforced in a comparable way."

"However, as we progress, the meeting proved to be fruitful, and I believe that in Qatar, we'll find solutions that enhance the driver's comprehension and overall improve the racing experience."

"Optimistically, it's expected to improve."

Verstappen remarked, "Carlos described it flawlessly."

Charles Leclerc shared his viewpoint, stating, "I won't delve deeply into the specifics of our internal discussions, but we're collectively aiming to enhance certain situations that unfolded in Austin, as I believe there wasn't a unanimous stance on that matter."

"Nonetheless, the FIA has shown a willingness to engage in conversation, and it seems they've acknowledged that some adjustments need to be made."

"Moving ahead, our goal is to assist them in making more informed choices and to create pathways that potentially avoid the level of controversy seen in Austin."

"Having some gravel or a curb around certain turns would simplify things for everyone, but that's just how things stand."

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Lando Norris acknowledges: "There have been instances where my lack of aggression has put me at a disadvantage."

"My approach to competition has always been to play it clean. It's in my nature."

Lando Norris has admitted that his occasional lack of assertiveness has led to missed opportunities.

The Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, along with the previous race in Texas, saw intense competition between McLaren's Norris and his rival for the championship, Max Verstappen.

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A meeting for drivers in Mexico was said to be dominated by conversations about the rules of engagement, involving the FIA.

Verstappen received two penalties for different clashes with Norris during the Mexico City Grand Prix, a race that was won by Carlos Sainz.

"Norris mentioned he was aware of what was coming."

"I didn't anticipate this occurring, given my high regard for Max as a driver, but I was prepared for the possibility."

"In my view, the driving wasn't particularly clean, yet I managed to steer clear of it, resulting in a decent race."

Norris secured the runner-up spot in Mexico, trailing behind Sainz, and cut down Verstappen's advantage in the drivers' championship by 10 points.

As we approach this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen is ahead of Norris by 47 points with only four races left in the season.

Verstappen's approach to racing has come under closer observation as his lead in the championship faces challenges from Norris.

"Fair play has always been my principle. That's my true nature," Norris declared.

"This is my identity on the track. It's how I approach racing daily."

"Perhaps there have been occasions where my inclination towards fairness over assertiveness has put me at a disadvantage. It's in these moments I realize the importance of striking a more effective equilibrium."

"These adjustments I've mentioned, which I've made since the previous weekend and throughout this year, are crucial. Competing against the elite competitors teaches you valuable lessons. It's essential to grasp the nuances of strategies such as when to attack, defend, manage risks, and display aggression, among other tactics."

"Personally, I don't have any concerns regarding that matter. It's essentially unrelated to me."

"I'll make an effort to compete with integrity. Should he choose otherwise, the outcome may resemble today's events."

"However, my belief is that he aims to compete with integrity. It's my wish that he will."

"He seems to relish those instances as well, particularly when the competition is even. But… all that's left for me is to continue on my path. I believe I'm performing well, and time will tell the outcome."

Norris recounted his involvement in the Turn 7 clash with Verstappen during the Mexico race.

"The McLaren driver noted, "You can observe the extent to which he deviated from the track."

"Indeed, there was no necessity for me to allow Max to pass. I was in the lead at the turning point of 4."

"I needed to dodge his collision with me, followed by another instance where the same situation occurred at 7."

"The point I missed initially, what didn't register before, was his move to pass off the track."

"It was also excessively forceful and such, but he accelerated beyond the track."

"He's unclear on the exact language of the penalties or similar matters, but he claims he abides by the regulations when driving.

"He emphasized that as his key point following the previous weekend, and today, he demonstrated it by advancing off the track. Let's wait and see.

"Max is set to return the following weekend, and I anticipate our challenges will only intensify."

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Toto Wolff discusses the "significant impact on the budget limit" and Mercedes' strategy for handling it

"The effect is on the number of new components we can introduce to the vehicle, which is, essentially, none."

Toto Wolff has outlined his strategy following three incidents that have affected the availability of car components for Mercedes.

George Russell experienced a crash during the Friday practice session at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, just a week following a similar incident in Texas.

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Kimi Antonelli experienced an accident during the first practice session in Monza, resulting in some damage.

Mercedes is currently facing the challenge of adhering to the $135 million budget cap for the season, as only four rounds are left.

"Kimi's accident at Monza, George's accident in Austin, and George's accident here," the Mercedes team leader told reporters, including Crash.net, in Mexico.

"I appreciate a driver who's willing to take risks. I prefer to experience a breakdown and understand the full potential of the car, rather than not knowing at all."

"In the realm of budget limitations, this poses a challenging scenario, thus these three setbacks have put us at a disadvantage."

"Undoubtedly, the incident that took place during Friday's practice was significant."

"We were compelled to choose an entirely new frame, which significantly impacts the budget limit."

"We likely need to reduce what we're adding to the car."

Mercedes needs to respond swiftly for the upcoming Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend.

Wolff stated: "In Brazil, we plan to introduce two upgrade packages, including two floors, and that's essentially all."

"Nothing more will happen."

"There are specific constraints on areas that require our creativity, the way we handle these, and undoubtedly, they have an effect."

"The ability to add new components to the vehicle is affected, as we are unable to add any at all."

Wolff faced questions on whether Lewis Hamilton and Russell would use different spec floors in Brazil or if they'd opt for identical versions.

"Wolff expressed his willingness to consider the opinions of the drivers, stating, 'I'm always receptive to the drivers' perspectives.'"

"I'm confident that George will participate in the latest, and Lewis might be inclined to redo the previous floor immediately in Brazil. We'll definitely discuss his preferences with him."

Following his accident in Texas, Russell competed in Mexico using a previous model of the W15.

Mercedes managed to escape additional harm in Mexico as Hamilton and Russell competed for their respective places on the race track.

However, Russell returned with a damaged front wing, finishing in fifth place, just one spot behind Hamilton who was operating the latest version of the W15.

Wolff commented on Russell's vehicle impairment: "As he was passing Oscar Piastri right after exiting the pits, he encountered a bump and got extremely close, possibly affected by air disturbance, leading to the collapse of a primary front wing flap.

"Therefore, there was a significant reduction in downforce. I believe at high speeds, it amounted to 20 points."

He managed to navigate around it effectively, yet the continuous impact on the tyres significantly and increasingly affected the lap time.

"How can I describe the variation in speed? By the conclusion of the tough part, there was a noticeable change."

"There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, George's performance throughout the weekend was outstanding. Secondly, it's possible that there's an aspect of the upgrade kit that's causing an issue we haven't yet grasped."

Due to experiencing two significant accidents at the same corner in Austin, it's worth noting that there was also an incident involving an older vehicle.

"The vehicles are pushing the limits, making the upcoming trial in Brazil a fascinating test to observe if they'll exhibit instability at high speeds or issues at lower velocities."

“Therefore, it seems impractical to simply infer that one surpasses the other in quality.”

What's Brazil's strategy?

When asked why Mercedes appears strong in Friday sessions but then falls behind their competitors as the weekend progresses into Saturday and Sunday, Wolff was put on the spot.

He expressed: "I don't believe we're moving with less weight, nor do I think we're being more aggressive.

"It appears that throughout the season, we're struggling to enhance our performance as the track conditions improve."

"At higher speeds, cars often exhibit less desirable actions, such as veering on three wheels, oscillating, and becoming unstable, which is a trend that has been observed."

"It's crucial that we address this issue. While we have a plan for the upcoming year, it's clear that we're currently viewing things from a pessimistic standpoint."

"This is the reason we must refine our approach for the upcoming four races, understanding what insights we can gain."

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FIA imposes penalties on two F1 power unit producers for violating budget limits

Confirmation from FIA on infringement of Power Unit Financial Rules

Honda and Alpine have agreed to "acknowledged infringement arrangements" regarding the Power Unit Financial Regulations, as declared by the FIA.

Honda is required to pay a penalty of $600,000, while Alpine is obligated to settle $400,000 for violating the regulations.

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A statement from the FIA indicated: "The Cost Cap Administration acknowledged that both PUMs have been collaborative and sincere throughout the evaluation process, willingly providing further information and evidence promptly upon request. It was noted that this marks the inaugural year of the complete implementation of the Power Unit Financial Regulations, and there have been no claims or proof suggesting that either Alpine or HRC has gained any unfair benefit from the violation."

Honda is the engine supplier for both Red Bull and its affiliated team, RB, whereas Alpine furnishes engines for its in-house team.

The Financial Regulations for Power Units essentially act as a spending limit for engine producers, in anticipation of the regulatory adjustments set for 2026.

It falls outside the spending limit imposed on F1 teams.

The Agreement on Accepted Breach, finalized by both Honda and Alpine, announced: "2023 marks the inaugural year for the implementation of the Power Unit Financial Regulations, a detailed framework of regulations that Power Unit Manufacturers had to adjust to.

"Neither Honda nor Alpine have been accused or shown to have engaged in any actions with malicious intent, dishonesty, or fraud, nor is there any indication that they intentionally hid any details from the Cost Cap Administration."

Honda provided paperwork that contained "errors in the exclusion and/or adjustment of costs when determining its relevant expenses," according to the FIA.

The FIA identified considerable shortcomings in the paperwork provided by Alpine.

"The FIA mentioned that Alpine had failed to carry out a number of mandatory processes and had only partially executed several others."

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