Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura admits feeling apprehensive about racing alongside MotoGP legends during his initial test run

He anticipated being more astonished than he actually was…

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "anxious" as he joined the ranks of MotoGP's elite riders during his initial trial with Trackhouse Racing at the Barcelona circuit on Tuesday.

The rider from Japan inked a contract for two years with the Aprilia satellite team during the summer to advance to MotoGP by 2025, an agreement that has significantly appreciated in value following his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, during the test following the Solidarity Grand Prix, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP race, finishing 86 circuits aboard the 2024 model RS-GP.

He finished the day as the second-best rookie out of three, landing in the 21st position, despite experiencing a minor crash at Turn 2 during the early hours of the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentioned, "Naturally, seeing the other riders on the track, along with a few cameras, does make me a bit anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the primary distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized the necessity of mastering throttle control to stabilize the motorcycle as his main challenge.

He also mentioned that currently, his greatest challenge is entering corners.

"Perhaps managing the throttle to maintain stability on the bike and ensure smooth acceleration was the most challenging aspect for me. It feels somewhat distinct."

"Initially, my focus is on improving the braking aspect, specifically the entire sequence from the moment I start braking until I begin to press on the accelerator. It's this phase I aim to comprehend better and prioritize for adjustments."

Newcomers frequently mention the overwhelming force of MotoGP engines and the efficiency of carbon brakes as a significant surprise upon their initial transition from Moto2.

However, Ogura had a different experience, noting, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished than I actually was, but by the second or third lap, I had adjusted to the pace."

"There's not much of a difference between steel and carbon brakes. It's not a big deal for me."

Ogura plans to enhance his physical conditioning during the winter months to prepare for his move to MotoGP, and mentioned that he wasn't overly fatigued following his 86 laps on Tuesday.

"Today, I completed 86 laps with my longest stretch being, I believe, about 10 laps," he mentioned.

"For this course, I felt fine; I didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"However, I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so it remains to be seen. Nonetheless, I'm fine after today's session, and I plan on increasing my training intensity this winter compared to last year."

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MotoGP 2025: Identifying Each Rider's Chief Mechanic

Complete list of rider-chief mechanic combinations for the 2025 MotoGP campaign

The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season has undergone significant changes, featuring many racers who have either moved between teams or entered the class for the first time

A shift in teams often brings about a change in crew chiefs for some, whereas others who remain may greet new trackside technicians in their garages.

Here are the team-wise chief and rider combinations for the year 2025.

Ducati racing team

Marc Marquez paired with Marco Rigamonti, and Francesco Bagnaia teamed up with Cristian Gabarrini.

Marc Marquez, who has clinched the world championship eight times, is joining the Ducati factory team, marking his third consecutive season with a new crew chief.

Exiting Honda and parting ways with Santi Hernandez following the 2023 season, Marquez joined forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the official Ducati team meant he wouldn't continue working with Carchedi. Instead, Ducati chose to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who previously worked as Enea Bastianini's crew chief.

Rigamonti has experience collaborating with Andrea Iannone during their time at Ducati and Suzuki, and also with Johann Zarco, working together in the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the chief mechanic for Francesco Bagnaia during his tenure as a MotoGP champion, and has previously collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Team Honda

Joan Mir paired with Santi Hernandez

Luca Marini teamed up with Christian Pupulin

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of the previous year, Joan Mir became the new leader of Hernandez's crew, taking over the role.

Luca Marini will now have Christian Pupulin as his new crew chief, taking over from Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved to Pramac to work alongside Jack Miller, whereas Pupulin comes from a previous position with KTM where he was paired with the Australian rider.

Aprilia Racing Team

Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli

Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

The recent MotoGP victor, Jorge Martin, has transitioned to the official Aprilia team, taking Daniele Romagnoli along from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from Matteo Flamigni at VR46 to team up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia, who served as Maverick Vinales' performance engineer this season.

KTM Factory Racing Team

Pedro Acosta and Paul Trevathan

Brad Binder alongside Andres Madrid

Pedro Acosta, though a newcomer to the KTM factory team, has brought along Paul Trevathan from Tech 3 to serve as his crew chief. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his partnership with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini Racing

Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi

Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti

In his debut MotoGP season, Aldeguer is teaming up with Frankie Carchedi, who previously served as Marc Marquez's chief mechanic, for the year's campaign. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his collaboration with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha racing team

Fabio Quartararo paired with Diego Gubellini, and Alex Rins teamed up with David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues his collaboration with Diego Gubellini, his partner since his MotoGP introduction in 2019, whereas David Munoz, previously associated with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, teams up with Alex Rins, stepping in for Patrick Primmer.

VR46

Franco Morbidelli paired with Matteo Flamigni, and Fabio Di Giannantonio teamed up with Massimo Branchini.

Veteran mechanic of Valentino Rossi and previous chief for Marco Bezzecchi's crew, Matteo Flamigni, will accompany Franco Morbidelli as he transitions to VR46. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio will collaborate with a new crew chief, Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth different chief in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini served as the chief mechanic for Morbidelli’s team at Pramac.

Tech3

Enea Bastianini paired with Alberto Giribuola

Maverick Vinales teamed with Manuel Cazeaux

Enea Bastianini's transition to the Tech3 KTM team next season marks a reunion with Alberto Giribuola, who previously served as his crew chief in 2022 while they were at Gresini.

Maverick Vinales has teamed up with Manu Cazeaux, moving together from Aprilia.

Pramac Racing Team

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomo Guidotti

Pramac is introducing a fresh roster for its Yamaha introduction in 2025, which includes the addition of two new crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will team up with Luca Ferracioli, previously partnered with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti parts ways with Honda to collaborate with Jack Miller in the coming year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, previously Miguel Oliveira's crew chief, as Raul Fernandez maintains his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR Teams

David Garcia and Johann Zarco – Somkiat Chantra alongside Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco continues his partnership with David Garcia into his second season at LCR Honda, as newcomer to MotoGP, Somkiat Chantra, steps into the role alongside Takaaki Nakagami's previous chief mechanic, Klaus Nohles.

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Franco Morbidelli discusses VR46 introduction: "There's something special about it"

"There's something special about it, and we must take advantage of it"

Franco Morbidelli is excited to utilize his exceptional bond with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP squad in 2025.

The Italian racer, who was the inaugural world champion for the VR46 Academy in Moto2 in 2017 and also clinched a MotoGP race victory in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac squad.

Morbidelli stands out as one of the select riders in the lineup who will continue using the same model of motorcycle in 2025, offering him the advantage of a familiar setup.

This year at Pramac, Morbidelli was equipped with a Desmosedici GP24, identical to the one Jorge Martin used to clinch the title. However, he missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha championship contender secured a Sprint podium finish at Misano, placed fourth in the Indonesian Grand Prix, and ended the season ninth in the overall rankings.

In his first appearance for Pertamina VR46, he secured a seventh-place finish, trailing by 0.762 seconds, during the Barcelona test on Tuesday.

"Today was significant for becoming acquainted with my colleagues for the upcoming year," Morbidelli stated.

This encompasses former Marco Bezzecchi team leader Matteo Flamigni, who previously served as Rossi's electronics engineer.

"Morbidelli stated, 'Having the opportunity to collaborate with team members whom I've had relationships with for years is truly an immense privilege.'"

"Since my childhood, I've tracked Matteo's career. He became a legend alongside Vale during his tenure as an electronics engineer, and we shared a strong connection."

Morbidelli stated: "My respect for everyone within the team and our mutual understanding is something special. We must leverage this incredible bond to our advantage."

"It's essential for us to leverage it as a means to rapidly forge connections and bonds to accomplish our goals."

The presentation on Tuesday went smoothly, indicating a positive start.

"Morbidelli described the initial day as outstanding," he remarked. "We made adjustments to the motorcycle to grasp the ongoing developments, aiming to foster a deeper understanding between myself and the team.

"This will be the key factor in the coming year. The more we understand each other during these challenging times, the more effectively we'll perform and respond during race weekends."

"I'm fond of the environment here; it has all one requires to excel. We put in a lot of effort, and I chose not to go with the soft tire towards the end because it was too chilly to make any lap time better. All in all, it's been a fantastic beginning."

What about the unique leather materials?

"Gorgeous. I'm eager to see additional pictures since it was truly delightful."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is part of Morbidelli's team, was unable to participate in the test because he had recently undergone surgery on his shoulder.

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Martin Brundle identifies his top Formula 1 grid walk experience.

Martin Brundle has identified his conversation with Mika Hakkinen prior to one of his Formula 1 championship wins as the most memorable moment during his grid walk career.

Starting in the late 1990s, Brundle's pre-race walkabouts have become a staple for audiences globally.

The British individual frequently engages in conversations with drivers and various celebrities on the track prior to the playing of the national anthem.

In 2024, Brundle will persist in carrying out his well-known grid walks for Sky Sports in the UK.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle looked back on his extensive broadcasting career, focusing particularly on his experiences with grid walks.

Brundle described his conversation with Hakkinen as the ultimate highlight of his time on the racetrack.

Hakkinen secured his two Formula 1 championships at Suzuka, defeating Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Eddie Irvine in 1999.

"He emphasized that he would initially focus on the drivers in that context."

"Having a conversation with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, I recall a humorous incident that occurred in Brazil. For me, the highlight was being at the starting line in Suzuka, with Mika Hakkinen in pole position. He was in contention for the world championship title, and he was just slipping on his balaclava when I arrived.

"We shared a team at McLaren and have a good understanding of each other, which remains strong. He glanced at me with an expression that seemed to encourage, 'Let's go, Martin'. So, I asked him directly, 'Mika, is it possible for you to clinch the world championship today?'. 'Indeed, I can', was his response."

He pulls the ski mask over his face, secures the helmet, hops into the vehicle, and secures the world championship victory.

"For me, it's a one-of-a-kind chance to broadcast, focusing on content. What other sport allows for such an opportunity?"

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"Michael Schumacher, an expert in mental tactics, made me feel incompetent"

"Kindness was out of the question. It was essential to take advantage of every vulnerability"

Damon Hill has shared insights into his intricate dynamics with Michael Schumacher.

Three decades ago, Schumacher clinched his inaugural Formula 1 title racing for Benetton.

In a well-known incident in Australia in 1994, Schumacher and his championship competitor Hill were involved in a collision that led to both of them withdrawing from the race. Since neither driver earned any points from the event, Schumacher was able to clinch the championship.

However, numerous individuals within F1 held the future German icon responsible for the occurrence, and it is now recalled as a minor detail of his notoriously assertive approach to racing.

"Hill shared with Bild that despite having a good relationship with Michael off the track, their competitive nature took over when racing, leading to a mutual dislike on the circuit."

"Becoming a Formula 1 world champion necessitates this approach; there simply is no alternative."

"There was no space for pleasantries. One must take advantage of every vulnerability of the adversary and exhaust them."

Michael excelled in mind games, making me believe I was worthless and lacked skill.

"He also shared his story with the media. Given his numerous victories at the time, there was no cause to doubt his claims."

Hill mentioned regarding his former competitor, "Michael was not only incredibly competitive but also had a warm personality."

Schumacher secured an unprecedented seven F1 titles following a legendary period with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has equaled that record and will be moving to Ferrari in 2025, aiming to surpass Schumacher and set a new all-time record.

In 1996, Hill clinched the Formula 1 title, following a notable clash with Schumacher on the Australian track two years prior.

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Present Status of Michael Schumacher: Insights into the F1 Icon

Michael Schumacher, an iconic figure in Formula 1, is celebrated as one of the most accomplished racers in the sport's history.

Schumacher's existence took a tragic turn following a severe skiing mishap on December 29, 2013.

The seven-time world champion has remained away from public attention since then, and details about his health have been closely guarded, with his family releasing only occasional updates.

What occurred with Schumacher?

Schumacher was critically injured following a skiing accident with his son Mick at the Meribel ski resort in France on December 29, 2013.

At the time, the individual, who was 44 years old, had recently announced his retirement from Formula 1 for the second time, following his comeback to the sport with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012, concluding his participation at the close of the preceding season.

Schumacher, who had a helmet on during his fall and subsequently struck his head on a rock, incurred severe brain injuries and was comatose upon his admission to a hospital in France.

He was rushed into an initial surgical procedure, followed by another operation overnight.

At the time, Germany's Bild newspaper disclosed that Schumacher's health had deteriorated, leading surgeons to bore holes into his skull to alleviate brain pressure.

Reports indicate that Schumacher was able to leave the scene of the accident on his own, mentioning he felt somewhat unsettled.

Schumacher was transferred to a larger institution in Grenoble prior to being taken back to Switzerland to proceed with his recuperation in September 2014.

What is Michael Schumacher's current condition?

The Schumacher family has chosen to keep the details of the 54-year-old's health private, stating that this is in line with his personal preferences.

In 2014, The Telegraph disclosed that Schumacher had been left unable to walk and was confined to a wheelchair.

In September 2021, the family shared an uncommon update coinciding with the debut of a Netflix documentary detailing the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna, Schumacher's spouse, mentioned that although the 91-time grand prix champion has changed, he is still present.

"Every day, he demonstrates his strength to me," Corinna remarked. "As a family, we're striving to move forward."

She continued, "We reside under the same roof. We participate in therapy sessions.

We strive in every way possible to improve Michael's condition and ensure his comfort, while also making him sense the warmth and connection of our family.

"Regardless of the situation, I am committed to doing whatever is necessary. We all are. And we're moving forward with our lives."

German news outlets have disclosed, in anticipation of the decade mark since his ski mishap in late-2023, that Schumacher is under round-the-clock supervision by a crew comprising as many as 15 individuals. He has been transported in a Mercedes vehicle and exposed to audio clips from F1 races, in an effort to engage his mind with recognizable sounds.

Mick Schumacher, son of the renowned racer, has emulated his father by embarking on his Formula 1 career with Haas in 2021, following his triumph in the F2 championship.

At 23, he completed a two-year stint in Formula 1 racing for Haas, achieving his highest placement, sixth, at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2022. Presently, he serves as the third driver for Mercedes, which is also the team where his father concluded his professional racing career.

In March 2017, Mick openly discussed his father for the first time, referring to him as "my hero" and "my example to follow".

In the Netflix documentary about Schumacher, Mick expressed his willingness to sacrifice it all just for an opportunity to discuss racing with his dad, Michael.

Jean Todt, the previous leader of Ferrari and former president of the FIA, disclosed that he is among the limited number of individuals permitted to see Michael Schumacher. He also shared that they view Formula 1 races together.

"Todt expressed to German broadcaster RTL that he doesn't feel the absence of Michael since he's able to see him. However, he does yearn for the shared experiences they once had."

"Indeed, I do watch the races alongside Michael."

Eddie Jordan, the former team leader who provided Schumacher with his initial opportunity in Formula 1, is prohibited from visiting but concurs with the family's choice.

"He shared with The Sun that it was an utterly dreadful scenario for Mick and Corinna."

For almost a decade, Corinna has been unable to attend any social gatherings, be it a party or a lunch, feeling trapped because people inevitably bring up Michael, a topic she doesn't need constantly recalled.

What information is available regarding Michael Schumacher?

In 2023, Schumacher's legal representative, Felix Damm, provided clarification on why there has not been a conclusive update on the health status of the Formula 1 icon.

"He emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal matters," he stated. "We deliberated if releasing a comprehensive account on Michael’s medical condition might serve as an appropriate measure for achieving that."

"However, that wouldn't have been the final chapter, as there would have been a need for continuous updates on the water levels. Additionally, the family wouldn't have had control over when the media's fascination with the story would come to an end."

"The media might repeatedly revisit the report, questioning 'how does the situation stand now?' a few months or even years down the line," he continued. "Should we decide to challenge this coverage, we'd be confronted with the notion that we voluntarily disclosed the information."

"When private details are shared by friends or acquaintances instead of the individual in question, this situation does not classify as 'voluntary self-disclosure' of one's privacy."

Towards the end of 2024, Lewis Hamilton penned a homage that was featured as the introduction to a book on Schumacher.

The publication, titled "World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher," delves into the vehicles driven by the iconic F1 star over his professional racing career.

In his book, Hamilton shared his thoughts, stating, "Michael holds a legendary status within motorsport. For those who have nurtured a lifelong enthusiasm for racing, certain figures stand out as inspirations, and undeniably, Michael has been a guiding figure for aspiring young racers."

"His quickness, dedication to his craft, unwavering focus, and reliability – the duration of his career and peak achievements are truly commendable."

Hamilton further commented, "However, in terms of Michael's legacy, my emphasis is more on his character than his rivalry."

It's about the bond and the family he has built with Corinna, not the championships or awards.

"Their exceptional qualities, modesty, and genuine nature speak volumes about Michael's principles in ways I could never fully articulate."

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KTM Chief Reveals Sensational News About Lewis Hamilton

"Intriguing Conversations" Occurred Between Lewis Hamilton and KTM

According to the head of the company, Lewis Hamilton engaged in solid discussions regarding an investment with KTM.

KTM is facing a significant financial crisis that emerged following the end of the MotoGP season.

They maintain that even though they owe a substantial amount to numerous creditors, with their debts reaching billions, their racing plans for 2025 will remain unaffected.

However, they have expressed openness to discussions with prospective investors, such as Formula 1 icon Hamilton.

Pit Beirer mentioned to Speedweek that they engaged in fascinating conversations with his management team.

Lewis Hamilton's interest in MotoGP is well-known, and he is considering starting his own team.

"There are also specific discussions happening in this location."

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton was closely associated with his sponsor Monster. This partnership is concluding as he prepares to join forces with Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a competing energy drink brand, provides significant support to KTM.

Bierer stated that anyone looking to collaborate with them is aware of the close relationship between Red Bull and KTM, which are essentially linked. He added that this connection hasn't posed any problems during discussions up to this point.

He stated, "An investor is distinct from a sponsor."

"We collaborate closely with our sponsors, forming a robust partnership. When partners contribute financially to a remarkable project like this, they become engaged in the process, which should be seen as a positive aspect."

"When capable collaborators gather and brainstorm, effective solutions emerge collaboratively. Consequently, it's evident that these individuals will have significant influence."

Earlier this season, there were reports connecting Hamilton to having a financial stake in the Gresini Ducati team.

Despite not leading to any concrete outcomes, the Formula 1 champion revealed his curiosity about MotoGP and the possibility of putting money into a team within the sport.

Lewis Hamilton has made an investment in a sports franchise, specifically the Denver Broncos.

KTM claims that they are attracting investor attention due to Liberty Media acquiring MotoGP.

The acquisition still needs to be approved by regulatory authorities.

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Driver Evaluations: Lando Norris Demonstrates Pressure Management Skills

Who stood out as the top performer in the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Lando Norris – 9.5

Norris arguably delivered his most remarkable Formula 1 win in Abu Dhabi, facing significant stress. With McLaren's aspirations for the constructors’ championship resting exclusively on him after his teammate Piastri got turned around at the start, he remained composed and secured his fourth victory of the season.

Carlos Sainz – 9

In contrast to his fellow team member, Sainz successfully reached Q3 and secured the position of the leading contender following the two McLarens during the qualifiers. In the race, Ferrari was just a fraction of a second away in speed from truly contending with Norris, resulting in them accepting the runner-up spot in the constructors' standings.

Lewis Hamilton – 9

Hamilton's exit in Q1 at the Yas Marina Circuit wasn't due to any mistake of his own but occurred after he hit a bollard. He put in an impressive performance on the medium tyres during the final part of the race, executing a remarkable overtake on his teammate Russell, securing a fourth-place finish.

Pierre Gasly – 9

Once again, Gasly demonstrated his prowess in Abu Dhabi, kicking off from the fifth position and ultimately clinching seventh place as the top driver among the midfield competitors. A splendid conclusion to the racing year.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8.5

Similar to Gasly, Hulkenberg had an impressive showing among the F1 midfielders this weekend. His performance was marred slightly by a grid penalty he received for passing another driver on the pit exit. Aside from that hiccup, he demonstrated remarkable skill behind the wheel.

Charles Leclerc – 8.5

Starting from the 19th position, Leclerc managed to climb to the 8th spot by the end of the first lap at the Abu Dhabi race. Nonetheless, his error during the qualifying round, causing him to exit in Q2, is something he'll likely look back on with disappointment.

Fernando Alonso – 8.5

Alonso had another weekend that didn't get the attention it deserved. He finished in the top 10 both in qualifying and the race, an achievement that’s as good as it gets for Aston Martin currently.

George Russell – 7.5

Once more, Russell emerged as the top Mercedes during the qualifying rounds, maintaining his notable performance on Saturdays. Yet, in the Abu Dhabi race, it appeared Hamilton had the edge in speed, managing to overcome a 14-second deficit in the last segment to cross the finish line before him.

Alex Albon – 7

With a dozen laps remaining, Albon was among the top 10 but fell behind Alonso and Piastri. This weekend, Williams didn't quite possess the speed necessary for scoring points.

Yuki Tsunoda – 6.5

Tsunoda faced a challenging beginning, putting him at a disadvantage. He suggested that a problem with the clutch was responsible for his poor initial performance, a problem that also impacted him during his initial pit stop. Nonetheless, considering the competitors who ended up in the top 10, it was always going to be difficult for VCARB to score points this weekend.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

The strategy involving two pit stops did not favor Magnussen, leading to an unsuccessful outcome. His race was further compromised when Bottas collided with him at Turn 6, significantly impacting his performance.

Oscar Piastri – 6

The incident involving Piastri and Verstappen at the first corner wasn't Piastri's fault. He likely would have secured a minimum of seventh place if not for an unnecessary collision with Colapinto following the Virtual Safety Car.

Max Verstappen – 6

Verstappen had a rough weekend. He erred during his initial Q3 attempt and then made a hopeful dive on Piastri, causing both to spin.

Liam Lawson – 6

Lawson had a challenging weekend, being outperformed in qualifying by Tsunoda for the sixth consecutive race. His competition was compromised due to a mishap with the fitting of his front-left tire, leading to a 10-second stop-go penalty.

Zhou Guanyu – 5.5

Zhou faced difficulties in single-lap performance, leading to his exit during the first qualifying round. His race performance was steady yet not particularly remarkable, marred by a five-second penalty due to a premature start.

Lance Stroll – 5.5

Initially performing well, Stroll's chase for points diminished. A five-second penalty for exceeding track boundaries was imposed on him.

Franco Colapinto – 5.5

Colapinto's last appearance racing for Williams concluded prematurely with a Did Not Finish (DNF) because of an engine issue. Prior to this, he suffered a tire puncture after a collision with Piastri.

Sergio Perez – 5.5

The conclusion of Perez's season was fittingly marked by a Did Not Finish (DNF) status in the race's initial lap. He became entangled in the chaos of the first lap, resulting in his early exit from the race due to a crash with Bottas.

Jack Doohan – Rating: 5.5

Doohan had a less-than-stellar first outing in F1. He found it difficult to keep up the speed, yet importantly, he managed to avoid any incidents. The Australian has gathered valuable experience for the upcoming year.

Valtteri Bottas – 4.5

Bottas shone during the qualifying rounds, securing a spot in Q3 for only the second occasion this year. However, his performance in the race took a nosedive following a promising beginning. A collision with Perez led to a 10-second time sanction, and a subsequent accident involving Magnussen ended his race prematurely. Additionally, he incurred a grid penalty, which he may not have the opportunity to fulfill should he not make a comeback to F1 moving forward.

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Martin Brundle Highlights His Top Formula 1 Grid Walk Experience

Martin Brundle has described his conversation with Mika Hakkinen prior to one of the Finn's Formula 1 title wins as the ultimate highlight of his grid walk experiences.

Since the late 1990s, Brundle's pre-race grid walk has become a hallmark for fans and audiences globally.

The British individual frequently engages in conversation with drivers and various famous personalities on the track prior to the national anthem.

In 2024, Brundle is set to carry on with his well-known grid walks for Sky Sports in the UK.

Recently, during an appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle shared insights from his extensive career in broadcasting, focusing on his experiences with grid walks.

Brundle identified his conversation with Hakkinen as the ultimate highlight of his time on the grid.

Hakkinen secured his two Formula 1 championships at the Suzuka circuit, defeating Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Eddie Irvine in 1999.

"He mentioned that he would initially focus on the drivers in that context."

"Having a conversation with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, there was this one funny incident in Brazil. For me, the highlight was being at the starting line in Suzuka, with Mika Hakkinen in the pole position. He was in the running for the world championship title, just about to put on his balaclava when I arrived.

"We shared a team at McLaren and are quite familiar with each other, still are, and he glanced at me as if to encourage me to proceed. So, I simply asked him, 'Mika, is it possible for you to secure the world championship today?'. 'Indeed, I can.'"

He pulls the ski mask over his face, secures his helmet, hops into his vehicle, and clinches the world championship title.

"To me, that presents a one-of-a-kind chance to broadcast content. What other sport allows for such an opportunity?"

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"Michael Schumacher was an expert in mental manipulation, making me feel inadequate," said one peer. "Pleasantries were set aside. Every vulnerability had to be leveraged."

Damon Hill has shared insights into his intricate relationship with Michael Schumacher.

Three decades prior, Schumacher claimed his inaugural Formula 1 title while competing for Benetton.

In a memorable incident in Australia in 1994, Schumacher and his championship competitor Hill collided and both had to withdraw from the race. Since neither driver scored any points, Schumacher clinched the championship.

However, numerous individuals within F1 held the future German icon responsible for the incident, and it is now recalled as a minor detail of his notoriously assertive approach to racing.

"Hill shared with Bild, "Michael and I were on good terms, yet when it came to racing, we couldn't stand each other."

"Securing the title of Formula 1 world champion necessitates this approach; there's no alternative way."

"There was no space for pleasantries. It was essential to take advantage of every vulnerability of the adversary and exhaust him."

Michael excelled in manipulating emotions. He left me feeling devoid of worth and skill.

"He also shared this information with the media. Given his numerous victories at the time, there was no basis for doubting his claims."

Hill mentioned regarding his former competitor: "Michael was incredibly competitive yet possessed a genuinely warm nature."

Schumacher subsequently achieved a historic seven F1 titles following his legendary tenure with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has equaled that achievement and is set to become part of Ferrari in 2025, where he aspires to surpass Schumacher and claim the ultimate record.

In 1996, Hill claimed the F1 title, marking a significant achievement two years following his notable clash with Schumacher on the Australian track.

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For ten years, James dedicated his career to sports journalism at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Current Status of Michael Schumacher: Insights into the F1 Icon

F1 icon Michael Schumacher is celebrated as one of the most illustrious motorsport racers in history.

Schumacher's existence took a tragic turn after he was involved in a severe skiing mishap on December 29, 2013.

Since then, the seven-time world champion has remained away from the public spotlight, with his family maintaining privacy regarding his health status and only offering occasional updates.

What occurred with Schumacher?

Schumacher sustained severe injuries from a skiing accident that occurred as he was skiing with his son Mick at the Meribel ski resort in France on December 29, 2013.

At the age of 44, he had recently stepped away from Formula 1 for a second stint, having made a comeback to racing with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012, right after the conclusion of the prior season.

Schumacher, clad in a helmet at the time, experienced a severe head injury after colliding with a rock, which resulted in significant brain damage. Upon reaching a hospital in France, he was in a state of unconsciousness.

He was rushed into surgery right away, followed by another procedure overnight.

At the time, Germany's Bild newspaper disclosed that Schumacher's health had deteriorated, leading surgeons to perform a procedure where they bored holes into his skull to alleviate brain pressure.

Reports indicate that after the incident, Schumacher was able to leave the scene on his own, mentioning he felt somewhat rattled.

Schumacher was transferred to a larger institution in Grenoble prior to being taken back to Switzerland for further recuperation in September 2014.

What's the current state of Schumacher's health?

The Schumacher family has chosen to keep details about the 54-year-old's condition private, stating that this is what he would have wanted.

In 2014, The Telegraph disclosed that Schumacher was unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair.

In September 2021, the family shared a scarce update coinciding with the launch of a Netflix documentary about the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna Schumacher stated that her husband, the winner of 91 grand prix races, has changed, yet he is still present.

"Every day, he continues to demonstrate his strength to me," Corinna shared. "As a family, we're doing our best to keep going."

She also mentioned, "We reside in the same house. We participate in therapy sessions."

We exert every effort to improve Michael's condition and ensure his comfort. Moreover, we strive to let him experience the warmth and connection of our family.

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am committed to doing whatever it takes. We all are. And we're moving forward with our lives."

German outlets have disclosed, just before the decade mark since his skiing mishap in late 2023, that Schumacher is under round-the-clock attention from a dedicated group of as many as 15 individuals. To engage his senses, he's been transported in a Mercedes automobile and exposed to audio clips from Formula 1 races, aiming to awaken his mind with recognizable sounds.

Mick Schumacher, the son of the legendary racer, entered the Formula 1 arena with the Haas team in 2021, stepping into his father's legacy after clinching the Formula 2 championship.

At the age of 23, after a two-year stint in Formula 1 racing for Haas, his highest achievement was securing a sixth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2022. He now serves as the third driver for Mercedes, the same team where his father concluded his professional racing career.

In March 2017, Mick openly discussed his admiration for his father, referring to him as "my hero" and "my example to follow."

In the Netflix documentary about Schumacher, Mick revealed he would sacrifice it all just for the opportunity to discuss racing with his father, Michael.

Jean Todt, the former leader of Ferrari and past president of the FIA, disclosed that he enjoys Formula 1 races alongside Michael Schumacher, being among the limited circle of individuals granted permission to see him.

"Todt expressed to German TV network RTL, "It's not Michael's presence I'm lacking. I have that. What I really long for are the activities we once shared."

"Indeed, I do enjoy viewing the competitions alongside Michael."

Eddie Jordan, the former team leader who provided Schumacher with his initial opportunity in Formula 1, is prohibited from visiting but supports the family's choice.

"He described the ordeal faced by Mick and Corinna as the most dreadful scenario to The Sun."

"For almost a decade, Corinna has been unable to attend any social gatherings, whether it's a party or a simple lunch, as she feels trapped. This is because people constantly want to discuss Michael with her, a topic she doesn't wish to be reminded of all the time."

What information is available about Michael Schumacher?

In 2023, Schumacher's attorney, Felix Damm, provided an explanation for the absence of a conclusive health update on the renowned Formula 1 star.

"He emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal matters," he stated. "We debated if releasing a conclusive summary on Michael's health condition would be an appropriate measure for achieving this.

"However, that wouldn't have marked the conclusion of the situation, as there would have been a need for ongoing updates on the 'water levels,' and the decision on when media attention on the matter ceased wouldn't have been in the family's control."

"The media might repeatedly revisit and highlight the report, questioning 'how does the situation stand now?' a few months or even years following the initial announcement," he further explained. "Should we decide to challenge this coverage, we'd then have to confront the issue of having disclosed the information willingly."

"When private details are shared by friends or acquaintances rather than the individual in question, it doesn't constitute a situation where the person has chosen to reveal their own privacy."

Towards the end of 2024, Lewis Hamilton penned a heartfelt dedication that serves as the introduction to a book focused on Schumacher.

The publication, titled World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher, delves into the vehicles piloted by the Formula 1 icon over his illustrious career.

In his book, Hamilton expressed: "Michael stands as an iconic figure in our sport. Growing up with a deep love for motorsport, there are certain individuals you admire, and unquestionably, Michael served as an inspiration for aspiring drivers."

"His velocity, dedication to his craft, unwavering resolve, and steadfastness – both the duration of his professional journey and his peak achievements command respect."

Hamilton remarked, “Regarding Michael’s legacy, I concentrate on his character instead of his rivalry."

The focus isn't on accolades or awards, but rather on the family that he built with Corinna.

"Their exceptional qualities, modesty, and genuineness speak volumes about Michael's principles far more eloquently than I ever might."

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KTM Executive Reveals Surprising News About Lewis Hamilton

KTM and Lewis Hamilton Engage in "Highly Intriguing Talks"

According to the head of KTM, Lewis Hamilton engaged in substantive discussions regarding a potential investment in the company.

KTM is facing a significant financial crisis that emerged following the end of the MotoGP season.

They emphasize that, although they have numerous creditors and owe billions, their racing program in 2025 will not be affected.

However, they are open to discussions with prospective investors, among them Formula 1 star Hamilton.

Pit Beirer mentioned to Speedweek that the talks with his management were quite engaging.

It’s well-known that Lewis Hamilton has an interest in MotoGP and is considering starting his own team.

"There are also specific discussions happening here."

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton had a strong association with the sponsor Monster. This relationship is concluding as he prepares to join forces with Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a competitor in the energy drink market, heavily supports KTM.

Bierer stated, "Anyone interested in collaborating with us is aware of the close relationship between Red Bull and KTM. This has not been a point of contention in the discussions thus far."

He stated that an investor is not the same as a sponsor.

"Our collaboration with our sponsors is characterized by a robust partnership. When partners contribute financially to a significant project like ours, they become engaged in its development. This involvement is intended to be beneficial for all parties."

"When influential collaborators gather to discuss, effective solutions are often discovered collectively. Therefore, it is evident that these individuals will have a significant influence."

Earlier this season, Hamilton was associated with having a financial stake in the Gresini Ducati team.

Despite the fact that it didn't lead to any outcomes, the Formula 1 champion expressed his curiosity about MotoGP and the possibility of putting money into a team.

Hamilton has previously put money into a sports franchise, specifically the Denver Broncos.

KTM claims that they are attracting investors' attention due to Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP.

The acquisition is still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities.

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