Jorge Martin discusses his "fixation" and initial goal with Aprilia

"I plan to maintain the mindset I had last season…"

Current MotoGP world titleholder Jorge Martin has expressed that his main goal for his debut season with Aprilia is to be the best version of himself, rather than concentrating solely on achieving results.

After securing the championship title for Ducati, Martin joins Aprilia while holding onto the top position. Last year, Ducati reversed its decision to elevate him to their main team.

Last November, the world champion had a day of experience riding the RS-GP in Barcelona. This week, he will further adjust to the bike during the pre-season testing at Sepang.

As the reigning world champion and a newly appointed factory team rider, Martin faces significant expectations for the upcoming season. However, he doesn't share this perspective.

He stated that he currently does not experience any pressure.

"The kind of pressure we're looking for is to achieve positive outcomes. However, I intend to maintain the mindset I had during the previous season."

"My goal wasn't to win; I aimed to improve daily and become the best version of myself."

"My focus is on becoming the best version of myself, and when it happens, it happens."

Jorge Martin senses a duty at Aprilia.

"I'm attempting to influence everyone with these ideas, as when I first joined, everyone was saying, 'we need to win, we need to win,'" he remarked.

"We aren't required to win. Our focus should be on giving our utmost effort, and from there, we'll be able to gauge our capabilities. Our potential is significant, but we'll soon discover our current standing."

He mentioned, "The stress I experienced last season is something I don't expect to encounter again in my lifetime."

"I experience a sense of duty rather than stress. It's about being accountable, not feeling pressured."

"The intensity you experience while competing for a championship is at its peak, and what I've gone through over the past few years, especially last year, was overwhelming."

"Now I feel very at ease and eager to put on a show."

"I've relieved myself of a significant burden and am now concentrating on giving my all, while being mindful of the responsibility that comes with having the entire factory supporting us."

Martin mentions that establishing the "family" bond he experienced at Pramac is a gradual process at Aprilia, as he is still relatively new to the team. However, he believes that he has already developed a better rapport with the management at Aprilia compared to his time at Ducati.

"We definitely aren't yet a close-knit group like the Pramac team," he mentioned.

"Joining the same team and organization again after four years is quite challenging."

"I've brought a few team members from Pramac. I also knew some individuals at Aprilia through Aleix Espargaro, so it seems like the team is really coming together well."

"It's like being part of a large family; I now feel a connection with the bosses that I didn't have with any of them before."

"Now, I truly feel like I'm part of the project and capable of making a significant contribution. It feels refreshing and revitalizing to step inside the box and breathe in the fresh air. This is incredibly positive."

Statements offered by Peter McLaren, the Editor of Crash MotoGP

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Brad Binder identifies a crucial skill of Pedro Acosta that he should emulate on the KTM.

Brad Binder shares insights on the factory KTM team's upcoming test in Sepang.

Brad Binder understands that he should draw motivation from Pedro Acosta's approach to riding the KTM, especially in one crucial aspect.

Last year, Acosta excelled in his debut season and has since been elevated to KTM's official MotoGP team, joining forces with Binder.

Last season, Binder managed to finish just ahead of Acosta in the standings, securing the position as the highest-ranked rider not on a Ducati. However, Binder has pointed out the areas where the young talent is maximizing the performance of his bike.

"When questioned about how he could emulate Acosta's riding technique, Binder mentioned that one aspect he needs to focus on is initiating at the corner entry."

"I should start the process sooner. I tend to postpone repeatedly, and then suddenly rush to complete it quickly!"

"Lacking front grip can lead to difficult situations."

"I should approach it with more care. It's something I noticed he was doing right from the start."

"If I'm able to achieve this, it will simplify things for me."

Brad Binder hopes for two significant adjustments from KTM. Binder and Acosta are scheduled to participate in the official MotoGP test at Sepang in 2025, which will take place this week from February 7-9. They will be stepping in for KTM test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, who previously participated in the Shakedown session.

Binder expressed two key desires for the progression of his KTM: "A significant improvement would be reducing the wheel spin on the straights. I believe this change could have a substantial impact throughout the season."

"If we were able to improve our turning, we wouldn't need to push the front so hard, which would reduce problems in that area."

"Both options would be greatly valued."

Binder is confident that the mood at KTM is positive, saying, "I haven't actually talked to Dani or Pol yet, but I've had discussions with my team."

"It's the most positive I've observed them in quite some time, particularly following an initial test."

"There's a lot of excitement in the air. They have many plans in the works."

He emphasizes that all information and new components developed during the season will be available to the new Tech3 pair, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

He mentioned that the situation was identical the previous year, where whatever applied to one individual applied to everyone.

"We implemented various changes with all four riders providing feedback, which then led to further adjustments."

"It seems to me that we function as a group of four rather than just a pair. Although there's a barrier separating us, everything else remains accessible."

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McLaren's team leader expresses enthusiasm over Lewis Hamilton’s first race for Ferrari

The head of McLaren has acknowledged feeling thrilled about Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, a competitor in Formula 1.

McLaren F1 team's head, Andrea Stella, has expressed his enthusiasm about Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton is preparing for his first season with Ferrari following his high-profile switch from F1 competitors Mercedes during the off-season.

The media has been abuzz lately following Hamilton's move to Ferrari, especially after the 40-year-old British driver visited the renowned Maranello base for the first time and took to the track with the Scuderia.

The significance and thrill of the switch have certainly not gone unnoticed by competitor team leader Stella, who spent 15 years at Ferrari before making the transition to McLaren.

"From my viewpoint, it appears to me, based on the coverage it received, that Lewis had an impressive start with Ferrari," Stella commented to Sky Sports during the Autosport Awards.

"Truthfully, as someone who loves Formula 1 and spent 15 years with Ferrari, I was genuinely thrilled to witness a momentous occasion for the sport: a seven-time World Champion joining Ferrari, one of the most legendary teams."

Hamilton's 2025 campaign hit a minor bump when he wrecked Ferrari's 2023 vehicle during a confidential trial run in Barcelona the previous week.

McLaren sets sights on challenging Hamilton

Amid widespread speculation linking Hamilton with Ferrari, Stella asserts that McLaren is committed to posing a significant challenge to their competitors in 2025.

Heading into the upcoming season, McLaren holds the title of world champions, edging out Ferrari by a 14-point margin to secure their first constructors' championship since 1998.

The squad concluded the previous season with the quickest vehicle and is set to start 2025 as the front-runners, with Lando Norris aiming to contend for the championship title following his defeat to Max Verstappen in 2024.

"Stella remarked that in his opinion, Ferrari and Hamilton managed the situation effectively. However, he emphasized that they are undoubtedly aware that the true measure of success lies in their performance on the track."

"Thus, following the initial enthusiasm, it's expected that they will concentrate on ensuring thorough preparation. Meanwhile, from our end, we'll aim to present them with some challenges."

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Pedro Acosta cautions KTM to take an important lesson to heart in order to prevent a "chaotic" test at Sepang for MotoGP. According to Acosta, KTM "lost their direction" during the previous year.

Pedro Acosta feels that KTM experimented excessively with its MotoGP motorcycle at various points in 2024. He suggests that the company should learn from its Moto2 experiences when planning for the 2025 test in Sepang.

This week, Acosta is set to start getting ready for his second season in the top-tier category by participating in the pre-season test at Sepang alongside the official KTM team.

The brand has faced an unpredictable winter because of its financial troubles. Nevertheless, according to motorsport head Pit Beirer, the development plans for the upcoming season remain on track and unchanged.

Pedro Acosta provides guidance to KTM. He mentions that there are numerous aspects to explore on the RC16 over the upcoming three days. However, he cautions the company against becoming overly ambitious by experimenting with too many ideas at once.

He believes this was a factor that impeded progress last year. He also mentioned that several years back, KTM encountered a similar issue in Moto2 but became more competitive after halting further development.

When questioned by Crash.net about his expectations for the Sepang test, he responded, "Well, let's see how I do after not riding a MotoGP bike for three months."

"I’m feeling pretty good, though it’s important to remember that there are lots of things to explore. It’s crucial to stay grounded, not get carried away, and know when to agree or decline opportunities."

"Last year, we often experimented with various strategies, even on race weekends, which may have caused us to lose our direction somewhat."

"When KTM was involved in Moto2, they halted their development just as Brad Binder and Jorge Martin began to progress."

"We should remain grounded, approach the test calmly, and observe how far we can go."

Acosta is eager to learn how KTM's competing manufacturers outperformed them last year. Additionally, he mentions that he spent the winter working on modifying his riding approach, acknowledging that he "might have been too aggressive" towards the season's conclusion.

"We need to identify what sets other brands apart from us," he stated.

"I'm not sure about the exact location, but ultimately, they are utilizing the rear tire differently than we are, and that's precisely where they are gaining an advantage."

This winter, I attempted to adjust my riding technique by not concentrating so much on the front. Instead of braking hard and taking sharp turns, I aimed to ride more fluidly and smoothly. I realized that towards the end of last season, my style might have been overly aggressive.

Statements supplied by Crash MotoGP's Editor, Peter McLaren.

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Toto Wolff gives the thumbs up to Valtteri Bottas’ “unattractive mullet” – however, draws the line at a bare-all calendar.

“We've made our stance clear, yet it's important to maintain his genuineness. If he wishes to retain the unappealing mullet, then that's his prerogative.”

Toto Wolff has given the green light for Valtteri Bottas to maintain his “unattractive mullet,” however, a sequel to the Finn’s naked calendar won't be happening.

Bottas is making a comeback to Mercedes, taking on the role of backup driver for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, after his departure from Sauber where he could not secure his position

Between 2017 and 2021, Bottas was part of the Mercedes team, which, together with Lewis Hamilton, consistently won the constructors' championship throughout those five years.

Kicking off with a strong performance at Sauber, guiding them to a sixth-place finish in the constructors' standings, his last two seasons with the team in Hinwil didn't yield much success.

Bottas showcased his genuine self away from the racetrack, engaging his fans on social media through a comedic advertising campaign with Uber.

The victor of ten grand prix races also revamped his look, choosing a bold mullet hairstyle.

In a conversation with Crash.net the previous year, Bottas revealed that his departure from Mercedes enabled him to embrace a calmer attitude outside of racing.

Wolff encourages Bottas to stay true to himself, yet hints that a second nude calendar is unlikely.

"Wolff mentioned to RN365, "Being Mercedes, the idea of a nude calendar might not be something we're considering anymore."

"Therefore, we've made that clear, but it's crucial to maintain his genuineness. If he decides to retain the unfashionable mullet, then that's his choice."

Wolff is optimistic about Bottas supporting the Mercedes team, consisting of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, in 2025.

At only 18 years old, Antonelli is the most junior racer in the 2025 Formula 1 lineup, possessing minimal experience in single-seater racing.

The Italian racer completed only a single season in Formula 2, bypassing Formula 3 altogether.

Nonetheless, Mercedes chose to sign him instead of established drivers such as Carlos Sainz.

Wolff has affirmed that Bottas will take on a mentorship role for Antonelli throughout his inaugural season.

"Wolff further stated that observing Kimi will be among Valtteri's responsibilities."

"Be present to guide, observe the events unfolding on the track. Kimi will gain insights from Valtteri and George."

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Honda's fresh MotoGP prospect acknowledges challenges with the ride height gadget.

"What's the contrast between Moto2 and MotoGP?"

Somkiat Chantra has confessed to having difficulties at the beginning with Honda's ride height mechanism.

A newcomer to MotoGP took part in three days of testing during the Shakedown, which is allowed under the regulations since this is his debut year in the category.

Chantra, along with fellow Honda riders and competitors from MotoGP, is set to participate in the official three-day test at Sepang this week, where he needs to continue getting accustomed to his bike.

"The initial test went well. We were using the new motorcycle," Chantra mentioned.

"We were making progress in improving our skills with the bike and were steadily getting better at it."

"The transition from Moto2 to MotoGP involves significant changes, including the introduction of advanced electronics and the use of ride devices."

"We made significant efforts to accurately position the ride equipment using the data. It was improving and nearing the ideal location."

Chantra was questioned about whether he was activating the ride height device too soon or too late.

He responded by saying, "Extremely late! In comparison to Takaaki Nakagami, I was much earlier."

Somkiat Chantra from Honda discusses how he's adjusting

Chantra finds the physical demands of handling a MotoGP bike to be a challenging learning experience.

He mentioned that they currently possess two bicycles. His team is not attempting to alter the configuration.

"They expect me to get familiar with the bicycle, grasp its functionality, and then return to share my impressions."

"Following the test in Barcelona, I experienced discomfort while riding the bike. Since that time, I have focused on improving the condition of my back and overall physical health."

"In Sepang, the track features high-speed turns. From my perspective, the key is having increased power to accelerate the motorcycle."

Chantra needs to keep in mind the numerous technological components on his Honda, which represent another significant change from Moto2.

He mentioned that his bicycle was equipped with two brakes: one at the back and another operated by hand.

"It's not the same. My team decided, 'let's maintain it this way.'"

"There comes a time when we apply the foot brake."

"During the initial day of the trial run, recalling all the details proved challenging."

"Following the completion of two laps, they altered the map…"

"However, each day, I made an effort to recall all the details."

Chantra felt uplifted after receiving a visit from Nakagami, a long-standing figure at Honda who is serving as a test rider this year.

Additionally, Ai Ogura, who is a friend of his, is also moving to MotoGP with Trackhouse.

"On the final day, Nakagami visited me. He made an effort not to make me feel pressured."

He told me to have fun with the bike.

Ai is making the transition from competing in Moto2 to participating in MotoGP.

"When we have leisure moments, we discuss MotoGP, focusing on its strength and velocity."

Statements given by Peter McLaren, the Editor of Crash MotoGP

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Lewis Hamilton Seeks Redemption in Third Ferrari Trial Today

Following his recent mishap, Lewis Hamilton returns to the track with Ferrari in Barcelona for his third test.

Lewis Hamilton is set to swiftly move past his recent accident in Barcelona by taking the wheel for Ferrari today.

The seven-time world champion experienced a slight hiccup in getting ready for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1 after he collided with the team's 2023 vehicle during his third day of testing for the Scuderia in a private session.

On Wednesday morning, Hamilton experienced a collision with the barriers during a session. Ferrari swiftly minimized the significance of the event, considering it a typical aspect of private trials as he adjusts to unfamiliar equipment following a 12-year tenure with Mercedes.

The 40-year-old British racer has the chance to move past the incident as he makes his comeback to the Spanish Grand Prix track with Ferrari on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hamilton and his colleague Charles Leclerc will take turns behind the wheel as Ferrari undertakes a testing session to support Pirelli in the creation of their tyres for the 2026 season.

McLaren is participating in the trial, scheduled for two days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, happening on February 4th and 5th.

This occasion marks a distinct opportunity for Hamilton as he is set to experience Ferrari's significantly improved 2024 model, the SF-24.

This signifies Hamilton's initial venture behind the wheel of a new Ferrari, offering a valuable learning opportunity before he embarks on his inaugural season in the iconic red.

Following his initial appearance on the track driving Ferrari's 2023 model at Fiorano, Hamilton took the controls of the SF-23 for a second time during a comprehensive private testing session in Barcelona.

Hamilton's upcoming third trial will vary, with the agenda set by Formula 1's tyre provider to fulfill Pirelli's requirements, instead of being shaped by Ferrari and Hamilton's preferences.

He will also take control of an altered SF-24, which has been adjusted to mimic the downforce and performance traits of the upcoming regulations set to be implemented next year.

This will still offer Hamilton essential time on the track to adjust to Ferrari's operational methods and further develop a rapport with his new race engineer, Ricardo Adami.

Hamilton has achieved significant progress from his initial two tests with Ferrari, gaining insights into the starting and clutch operations, and adapting to the Ferrari-specific braking mechanisms and pedal setup.

It is anticipated that this will be Hamilton's final occasion behind the wheel of a Ferrari prior to his initial experience with the team's 2025 contender during a short trial run on February 19.

Hamilton and Leclerc will share three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain for Formula 1, scheduled from February 26 to 28, ahead of the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, on March 16.

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Jack Doohan remains optimistic about his Formula 1 prospects, amidst speculation that Franco Colapinto might take his place.

Jack Doohan expresses enthusiasm about solidifying his position at Alpine while gearing up for his debut F1 season.

Doohan is preparing for his inaugural full season in F1, yet there's growing speculation regarding the stability of his future after Alpine chose to bring on Franco Colapinto as a backup driver.

Colapinto is perceived as a significant challenge to Doohan, and his entry into the scene is expected to significantly increase the competitive pressure on the 22-year-old Australian, who is the son of Mick Doohan, a five-time MotoGP champion.

Williams has decided to let Colapinto go, as they're unable to provide him with a spot to race, following their decision to bring Carlos Sainz on board from Ferrari to team up with Alex Albon.

However, Doohan, who secured a 15th place finish in his first race for Alpine at the 2024 season's concluding grand prix in Abu Dhabi, delivered a confident reply amidst the persistent speculation at the Autosport Awards.

"Doohan expressed his excitement to Sky Sports, saying, 'This period is incredibly special to me. I'm thrilled to be involved.'"

"I spent the entirety of last week and the beginning of this one with the team, seizing the day to document our experiences as we look forward to the upcoming year."

"I'm highly driven. I'm eager to hit the ground running, engaging physically by working with my hands and feet, and navigating that car to the best of my ability.

"Joining and being one of the 20 drivers on the grid is an extraordinary opportunity, and I'm eager to secure my spot here for years to come."

Alpine promises equal opportunity for Doohan

Alpine's leader, Oliver Oakes, has affirmed that Doohan will be given an equal opportunity to showcase his skills in his first F1 season, competing alongside Pierre Gasly.

"Oakes mentioned on the James Allen On F1 podcast that Jack has faced some tough criticism from online commentators, but he's assured a proper opportunity to prove himself next year."

"I believe the goal isn't to burden him with [pressure]. It's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. And in my view, F1 is all about the small details.

"A significant number of individuals rely on a driver to perform every weekend, and it's crucial that we ensure the top drivers are behind the wheel, both presently and moving forward."

It's been disclosed that Doohan entered into a brief agreement with Alpine, allowing the French team the flexibility to alter their driver lineup as they deem appropriate.

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Christian Horner discusses the mounting expectations on Liam Lawson

Red Bull is gently integrating Liam Lawson into the team dynamics in preparation for the 2025 F1 season.

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has emphasized the significance of avoiding any added stress on Liam Lawson as he prepares for his debut Formula 1 race with the squad.

Lawson, with only 11 Formula 1 races under his belt, faces the formidable challenge of competing against Max Verstappen in 2025.

Throughout the six races they competed in as teammates in 2024, the New Zealander was unable to secure a better qualifying position than Yuki Tsunoda, despite the gap between them frequently being narrower than one-tenth of a second.

The primary objective for Lawson is to outperform Sergio Perez, whose performance led to Red Bull's decline to third place in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' rankings, trailing behind McLaren and Ferrari.

During a conversation with TikTok influencer Lissie Mackintosh at the Autosport Awards, Horner provided an update on Lawson's progress in his initial weeks with Red Bull.

"Horner mentioned that they have made a significant effort to avoid placing any stress on him up to this point, allowing him to gradually adapt."

Currently, he's in the United States. Next week, he's scheduled to return to the simulator.

"He's performing adequately, and we're making efforts to gradually integrate him."

Lawson's rapid ascent to Red Bull by 2025 is being compared to Alex Albon's similar rise.

Albon was elevated to a higher position halfway through his debut season in 2019, replacing Pierre Gasly.

Initially, Albon showed promise, but he faced challenges throughout his entire season with the team, failing to outperform Verstappen in any qualifying sessions.

Albon was let go by Red Bull at the close of 2020, clearing the path for Perez to become a part of the team.

At a Ford gathering, Horner expressed his belief that Lawson, his latest recruit, possesses the "resolve and talent" necessary to hold his own against Verstappen.

"Having Liam join us this year is fantastic," Horner stated.

"Taking on the role of Max Verstappen's partner is arguably the most challenging position in Formula 1. However, in Liam, we believe we've found an exceptionally gifted driver."

"He's a fresh face in the sport, finding his footing, and in my opinion, he possesses the talent, drive, and mindset to handle it. Honestly, he appears as though he could be part of a pop group…"

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Valentino Rossi recounts a story involving Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari garage.

Valentino Rossi looks back on his initial meeting with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.

Valentino Rossi, a renowned figure in MotoGP, reminisced about a meeting with Michael Schumacher during a Ferrari test session in the mid-2000s.

The motorcycle champion, who has claimed the title nine times, has had several opportunities to test drive Formula 1 cars over the years.

His most notorious performance for the Scuderia took place in Valencia in 2006.

The Italian's display was so remarkable that it sparked discussions about the possibility of him transitioning from MotoGP to Formula 1.

In the end, Rossi stayed in MotoGP and went on to win two additional championships in the following years.

During a conversation with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Rossi shared his experience of meeting Schumacher and admitted to feeling "anxious" before their meeting.

Rossi disclosed that he had supported Jacques Villeneuve, probably during the 1997 F1 World Championship, since the Canadian driver was in a direct competition with Schumacher for the championship.

"I have fantastic memories of Schumi," he mentioned.

"It was acknowledged that in the past, I had placed a wager in favor of Jacques Villeneuve, which meant I was betting against him."

"When we ended up in the garage, I started feeling quite anxious."

"These days, he glances at me and probably considers me a fool. However, he was incredibly kind and offered me plenty of guidance. Truly a wonderful person."

Rossi's Notorious Ferrari Formula 1 Trial

Rossi participated in multiple Formula 1 trials with Ferrari, primarily driven by his passion for the experience and not with the intention of transitioning from motorcycle racing.

In 2004, he got his initial taste of Formula 1 equipment and even donned one of Schumacher’s extra helmets.

A year later, Rossi was given another opportunity to participate, this time during a test session at Fiorano.

In 2006, his test performance was particularly outstanding, prompting Ferrari's president, Luca di Montezemolo, to propose that Rossi could join the team in a third car, should the regulations permit it.

In the 2006 event in Valencia, Rossi was only 0.7 seconds slower than Schumacher's lap time, but there are a few conditions to consider.

Rossi was behind the wheel of an altered model of the 2004 vehicle equipped with a less powerful V10 engine. In contrast, Schumacher was driving the latest F248F1 car from 2006, which was fitted with a V8 engine.

Rossi continued to make a strong impression on Ferrari, and there were later assertions that he might have had the opportunity to compete in Formula 1.

One option was to start racing with the smaller team, Minardi, to build experience before progressing to a higher-ranking team like Ferrari.

In 2008, Rossi was given another opportunity to test drive for Ferrari, using the vehicle that came close to winning the F1 drivers' championship, ultimately losing to Lewis Hamilton.

On this occasion, it was an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of a friend and their team.

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Stunning costs of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's high-end timepieces unveiled

The opulent watches owned by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc grabbed attention after a Ferrari photo session.

During a photo session for Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were seen flaunting high-end Richard Mille timepieces valued at nearly $1 million.

In 2025, Hamilton and Leclerc are set to join forces aiming to bring an end to Ferrari's extended period without a championship title in F1.

Hamilton has transitioned away from Mercedes, concluding a 12-year partnership with the German automotive giant, as Leclerc has been at the forefront of Ferrari's efforts since 2019.

The arrival of the seven-time world champion has led to heightened attention from the media after Hamilton's initial week at Maranello.

Last month, Hamilton had the opportunity to pilot the 2023 Ferrari contender at Fiorano, followed by another session in Barcelona.

The Barcelona trial didn't unfold as expected, as Hamilton faced a crash on the second day of the event.

Hamilton and Leclerc Showcase Expensive Timepieces

During Ferrari's promotional campaign in the off-season, Hamilton and Leclerc participated in a photoshoot to display the racing attire for the next season.

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The timepieces sported by the pair of Formula 1 celebrities grabbed attention.

Hamilton sported an eye-catching Richard Mille RM 74-02, crafted from 18-carat red gold and black gold carbon.

Valued at $600,000, after undergoing four years of development.

The timepiece combines multiple layers of carbon TPT and gold sheets.

Leclerc's Richard Mille RM 72-01 Flyback Chronograph carries a value of $335,000.

Leclerc's timepiece features a mix of titanium and red gold hues, and it strays from the classic 3-6-9 o'clock arrangement.

In 2022, it was reported that a Richard Mille watch belonging to Leclerc was stolen in Italy, with an estimated value of approximately $320,000.

McLaren racer Lando Norris was robbed of his watch following the Euro 2020 championship game at Wembley.

According to an article from The Sun, thieves accosted Norris, making off with his watch valued at £40,000.

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Surprising perspective offered on Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari accident

A notable F1 commentator has suggested that Lewis Hamilton's initial crash with Ferrari could actually be seen as a promising development.

A fascinating insight has been revealed regarding Lewis Hamilton's initial Formula 1 trials and accident involving a Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion became the center of media attention after he was involved in an accident with his Ferrari at the team's pre-season trials. Hamilton escaped the incident without injuries, which occurred on the second day of a private testing session in Barcelona, last Wednesday.

Ferrari minimized the significance of the accident, seeing it as a typical incident, while Hamilton kept integrating into the squad before his inaugural season racing for them, after his high-profile move from competing team Mercedes.

Esteemed Formula 1 analyst and former team leader Peter Windsor recently expressed his view that Hamilton's accident is an encouraging indicator for the start of the season.

"In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Windsor described how Lewis Hamilton's initial comprehensive trial with Ferrari in Barcelona the previous week didn't go as planned, culminating in a significant crash as he exited the final turn."

"At first glance, it appears to be a somewhat challenging initial challenge for Lewis with his new team, and one has to wonder about the consequences of this."

In my opinion, it turned out to be an exceptionally positive trial for Lewis, and I believe fans of Lewis Hamilton should be quite pleased with how that trial unfolded. True, there was a crash, but it's important to examine the lead-up to that crash and the factors contributing to it.

"The situation wasn't related to any minor mishap or similar incident; it completely revolved around Lewis's comfort and morale in the vehicle and his rapport with the team, where he's very content. Regarding the 2023 Ferrari, which honestly wasn't among the finest Formula 1 vehicles crafted by Ferrari."

Windsor added, "Interestingly, within that vehicle, Lewis Hamilton experienced a sense of comfort unlike any he's had in recent times while racing for Mercedes in Formula 1, likely stretching all the way back to early 2022.

He cherished the sensation of reconnecting with the road, truly merging with the vehicle, as if he were both commanding it from above and integrating it into his very essence, making it an intrinsic element of his racing technique. This experience brought him immense joy.

"That's the reason I believe the racer instinct in Lewis surfaced during that trial. He's seamlessly blended into the team, surrounded by familiar colleagues from his victorious Mercedes era, and of course, Freddy Vasseur, with whom he's secured numerous victories and titles."

"He seamlessly blended with the team and was fond of how the car felt, especially in contrast to the Mercedes he remembered recently. Thus, the race car driver assumed control."

What will be Leclerc's response?

Windsor suggests that Hamilton is well-prepared for his first grand prix with Ferrari and thinks the more significant concern is the reaction from his teammate, Charles Leclerc.

"Windsor noted that Hamilton really tested the car's capabilities and seemed to have a good time. He also mentioned it would be fascinating to observe Leclerc's performance when paired with Lewis."

Clearly, Lewis outpaced everyone in the test sessions, notching faster laps and covering more distance. The real intrigue lies in how Charles Leclerc will respond. His encounter with Lewis, especially after Lewis's crash, could be seen as a formative 'introduction to Ferrari' moment.

"However, it's undeniable that Lewis has shown remarkable speed and skill in handling the car. For me, the real issue will be how Charles copes with his feelings in this situation. He needs to prepare for the possibility of Lewis getting off to a strong start this year due to various factors, and how Charles responds to this will be crucial."

"Reflecting on a 24-race season, I believe Charles is the prime candidate to secure a championship for Ferrari, assuming they have a car capable of clinching the title. He possesses the necessary talent to achieve this."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Typically providing on-site reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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