Did concerns about his reputation lead Red Bull to pass over Yuki Tsunoda?

Yuki Tsunoda admits there might be a reason why Red Bull didn't choose him for their 2025 F1 team.

Yuki Tsunoda acknowledged that his first year in Formula 1 resulted in a perception issue, potentially causing him to be passed over for a spot with Red Bull.

A 24-year-old racer from Japan was overlooked by Red Bull, who opted to choose Liam Lawson, a fellow teammate from Racing Bulls, to partner with world champion Max Verstappen in 2025 after deciding to part ways with Sergio Perez.

Lawson was chosen even though he had only participated in 11 grand prix races over two seasons and did not significantly outshine Tsunoda while they were teammates at Red Bull's affiliated team.

Tsunoda, entering his fifth season with Racing Bulls, believes that his prospects for advancing to the main team were negatively affected by his emotional reactions during team radio communications, a notable aspect of his debut F1 season in 2021.

Yuki Tsunoda admitted to Motorsport that he believes some of the responsibility lies with him, as he wasn't able to deliver strong performances immediately in his first year, which may have contributed to perceptions about his abilities.

In 2024, despite my strong performance, I believe I wasn't recognized as much as other drivers. However, that's just how things are. I plan to continue working hard and delivering results to prove any doubters wrong.

"I aim to reduce the number of excuses or reasons for not being present. Therefore, I concentrate on what is within my control and simply accept the circumstances beyond that. I am confident that I can perform better than their current expectations."

Tsunoda thinks he has put in significant effort to effectively enhance his temperament over the past few years.

He mentioned that his communication skills have gotten better, particularly his radio chatter. He also noted that he has become calmer, offering more precise technical feedback and staying more concentrated.

"I can certainly sense the progress I've made over the year, and I'm really pleased with it. However, I still need to work on providing better technical feedback, particularly during races. I believe I have the capacity to offer more insights, as my feedback is sometimes inconsistent."

"It was more challenging for us to consistently demonstrate our performance. Despite performing well personally, the car's performance wasn't always aligned with that. Nonetheless, I'm quite satisfied with the level of consistency we've maintained up to now. I often mention that I could have executed a few races more effectively, but I have proven that I am quite consistent."

"I began the season on a strong note and was regularly scoring points, largely because the car was performing well. However, as time went on, we couldn't enhance our car with upgrades, and teams like Haas and others began surpassing us in terms of car performance."

Marko's comments on Tsunoda being overlooked

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, suggested that Yuki Tsunoda's emotional reactions played a role in the choice to elevate Lawson instead.

When discussing Red Bull's decision not to sign Tsunoda, despite his being "faster" than Lawson, Marko explained to Sport that while Tsunoda currently has an edge in speed, he falls short in terms of consistency and still makes errors.

The 81-year-old Austrian mentioned that while his bouts of anger have significantly gotten better, they are still a problem. "He still loses his temper," he noted.

"We think that Tsunoda would face considerable emotional difficulties if he found himself next to Max and discovered he couldn't outperform him or even get near his level, especially if the situation didn't unfold as he had hoped."

The future of Tsunoda after 2025 is unclear, as Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has acknowledged that he might be let go from the team's roster of drivers.

"Frankly, I'm not too concerned about the chatter on social media, as those users aren't fully aware of the situation," Tsunoda remarked.

"What truly counts is the opinion of my team, and I genuinely feel their strong support. They grasped the circumstances of every race, and I have certainly earned their trust. This is what has always been important to me, and I am very grateful for their dedication."

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Lewis Hamilton shares insights into his readiness for the 2025 F1 season with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has commenced his preparations for his 2025 debut with Ferrari in Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude to fans on social media for their birthday greetings, mentioning that he is "already diligently preparing" for the 2025 F1 season.

On Tuesday, Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday while gearing up for the upcoming Formula 1 season with Ferrari.

In 2025, Hamilton will enter a new chapter in his career by competing for the most successful team in Formula 1 following his departure from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion aims to achieve a historic feat with the Scuderia, as no driver over the age of 40 has claimed victory in an F1 Grand Prix since Nigel Mansell did so in 1994.

Hamilton expressed his gratitude to fans for their birthday wishes through his Instagram story.

He shared a photo of himself snowboarding and wrote in the caption: “Another year completed. Appreciate all the birthday wishes. Already busy with work. Catch up later.”

Later this month, Hamilton is anticipated to make his unofficial debut with Ferrari, driving an older model car.

Ferrari is eager for Hamilton to drive their 2022 car to ensure he is ready for the pre-season testing scheduled in Bahrain next month.

Hamilton was not able to participate in the Ferrari post-season test in Abu Dhabi because of his existing contractual obligations with Mercedes.

This implies that Hamilton is at a slight disadvantage as he kicks off the year, needing to get accustomed to Ferrari’s procedures, familiarize himself with the steering wheel, and build connections with his new team of engineers.

Questions Arise Over Hamilton's Switch to Ferrari

Hamilton's performance in 2024 has led to doubts about Ferrari's choice to swap out Carlos Sainz.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced numerous challenges and found it difficult to perform consistently throughout most of the racing calendar.

Despite Hamilton breaking his losing streak at the British Grand Prix, George Russell outperformed him for most of the season.

Hamilton’s performance was so lacking that he confessed he no longer feels fast enough.

In the off-season, Flavio Briatore, who serves as an advisor for Alpine, and former Formula 1 team principal Eddie Jordan expressed that they would have chosen to keep Sainz partnering with Charles Leclerc instead of bringing Hamilton on board.

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Lewis Hamilton provides a sneak peek into his preparations for starting with Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season. Hamilton is already gearing up for his debut with the Ferrari team in the 2025 Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude to fans on social media for their birthday messages, sharing that he is "already busy preparing" for the 2025 F1 season.

On Tuesday, Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday while getting ready for the upcoming Formula 1 season with Ferrari.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to begin a fresh chapter in his career by joining the most accomplished team in Formula 1 history, following his departure from Mercedes.

The driver, who has claimed the world championship title seven times, aims to achieve a historic victory with the Scuderia team. This feat would mark the first time a driver aged 40 or older has won a Formula 1 Grand Prix since Nigel Mansell's triumph in 199

Through his Instagram story, Hamilton expressed gratitude to his fans for their birthday wishes.

He shared a photo of himself snowboarding and wrote in the caption: "Another year completed. Grateful for all the birthday wishes. Already back to work. Catch up later."

Hamilton is anticipated to make his unofficial debut with Ferrari in an older model vehicle later this month.

Ferrari is eager to have Hamilton drive their 2022 car to ensure he's ready for the upcoming pre-season testing in Bahrain next month.

Hamilton could not participate in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi with Ferrari because of his existing contract obligations with Mercedes.

This indicates that Hamilton is at a minor disadvantage at the start of the year as he familiarizes himself with Ferrari's methods, gets accustomed to the steering wheel, and builds connections with his new engineering team.

Doubts Arise Over Hamilton's Switch to Ferrari

Hamilton's performance in 2024 has led to skepticism regarding Ferrari's choice to substitute Carlos Sainz.

Hamilton faced challenges throughout his last year with Mercedes, as he found it difficult for most of the season.

Although Hamilton managed to break his streak without a win at the British Grand Prix, George Russell held the advantage for most of the season.

Hamilton's performance was so lackluster that he confessed he no longer has the speed he once did.

In the off-season, former F1 team leader Eddie Jordan and Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore expressed that they would have chosen to retain Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc instead of bringing Hamilton on board.

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Franco Colapinto is expected to make an unexpected switch to a new team, although he is not set to begin the 2025 season driving for them. Meanwhile, Ryo Hirakawa has been appointed as a reserve driver for Alpine, amid increasing speculation about Franco Colapinto's possible association with the team.

Ryo Hirakawa has become the F1 test and reserve driver for Alpine, amid ongoing speculation connecting Franco Colapinto with the team.

Lately, rumors connecting Colapinto to Alpine have been intensifying.

According to reports from the well-known Argentinian sports outlet Olé, it is anticipated that Colapinto will soon secure a position as a driver with Alpine.

According to The Race, the 21-year-old Argentinian is nearing an agreement to sign with Alpine.

The report indicates that it's uncertain whether he will join on a permanent basis or if there will be conditions allowing Williams to recall him, as initial talks included the possibility of a 'loan' arrangement. However, Colapinto will not be placed in an Alpine race seat right away.

Colapinto quickly caught attention in Formula 1 when Williams brought him in to take over from Logan Sargeant, who had been underperforming since the previous year's Italian Grand Prix.

His strong early showings connected him with Red Bull and Alpine, but a series of crashes later in the season diminished that interest.

Red Bull decided to bring Liam Lawson on board to take over from Sergio Perez in 2025, while they elevated promising talent and F2 second-place finisher Isack Hadjar to their Racing Bulls junior squad.

Reports suggest that Colapinto's representatives have engaged in discussions with Alpine and Williams regarding the possibility of him becoming a driver for the French team in 2025.

This decision would increase the stress on Jack Doohan, a newcomer in Formula 1, who participated in his first grand prix with Alpine at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi after Esteban Ocon left early.

Doohan has secured a racing position with Pierre Gasly for this season, but it's speculated that his contract is temporary, allowing Alpine the flexibility to switch drivers early on if necessary.

It is thought that Doohan will retain his position at least for the beginning of the season, which kicks off with his home event, the Australian Grand Prix, on March 16.

Alpine has brought on board a new test driver, Hirakawa, who previously won the Le Mans 24 Hours and served as a development driver for McLaren.

Last year, the 30-year-old driver from Japan competed for McLaren and Haas. In December, he participated in the young driver test in Abu Dhabi with the American team following their technical collaboration with Toyota.

Hirakawa is set to take part in a practice session with Alpine during the Japanese Grand Prix in April, joining Formula 2 race victor Paul Aron on the team's list of drivers.

Hirakawa expressed his excitement about becoming a Test and Reserve Driver for the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team in the 2025 season, stating it was a privilege to take on this role.

Getting time on the track in a Formula One car is the ultimate experience for any race driver. I am thrilled to be driving in Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix, especially with the chance to perform in front of my home fans. Additionally, I'm looking forward to collaborating with the team by testing older models.

"It is a wonderful chance to collaborate with a committed team that leverages its wide range of driver expertise, and I am eager to contribute to making 2025 a successful year for all of us."

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Jos Verstappen clarifies the real story behind the gas station incident involving Max Verstappen. Jos Verstappen firmly states that he did not abandon his son Max at a gas station after a disappointing karting competition.

Jos Verstappen insists that he never abandoned his son, Max Verstappen, a multiple-time Formula 1 world champion, at a gas station as a consequence for an error during his kart racing years.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, once recounted an incident from his teenage years. At the age of 14, after an unsatisfactory karting race in southern Italy, his father abandoned him at a gas station.

In an interview with the German outlet F1-Insider, Verstappen Sr clarified that the real story was that he never abandoned his son; he simply didn't communicate with him for a week.

The ex-Formula 1 driver is recognized for significantly contributing to Verstappen's development into a highly respected racer, employing unconventional and occasionally extremely rigorous techniques.

Verstappen Sr stated, "I believe it's time to set the record straight about that incident." He clarified, "The reality is that I didn't abandon him; I simply didn't communicate with him for a week."

"Did it seem too severe? Max didn't think so. He believed that my approach had better equipped him for Formula 1."

This is why interacting with Helmut Marko, recognized for his very tough demeanor, no longer troubled him.

He values our decision to continue practicing with the kart using dry tires even though the track was wet. He seems to be thankful when reflecting on his upbringing with me.

What were Verstappen's comments? During a conversation with ESPN in 2022, Verstappen recounted the incident thoroughly, mentioning that he had to phone his mother to pick him up.

Certainly, Verstappen recalled that once they were in the van, he felt the urge to discuss the event with his father. However, his father responded by instructing him to remain silent, refusing to listen, and told him to sit in the back without discussing the matter further.

Naturally, I continued attempting to talk to him until he eventually stopped at a gas station and told me, "Get out. I don't want to listen to you anymore."

"He kicked me out and drove away, and this all happened in southern Italy."

Verstappen added: "Fortunately, my mother was also present, so I phoned her. She was driving on the highway behind us and managed to reach us about five minutes later."

As we were getting ready to leave, my dad came back with the van and told us to get in, but insisted, "I don't want to hear a single word." At that time, he was with his girlfriend, and it's likely she persuaded him not to go through with it.

During the entire journey back, which lasted around 17 hours, we remained silent. Once we returned, he continued to give me the silent treatment for an entire week. I focused on attending school and carrying out my usual activities, but each day after returning home, I typically visited the workshop. However, for that entire week, I avoided going there, and he still wouldn't speak to me.

He wasn't involved in any racing activities or even at the workshop, so it seemed like a harsh reality check and penalty to me. I came to understand that I had really messed up.

The experience proved beneficial for me. The following year, I significantly improved in evaluating my overtaking maneuvers and strategizing my race approach. I realized that the race wasn't decided in a single lap and that there would be more opportunities to overtake. If I had the speed advantage, I would eventually succeed in passing.

"It was a difficult experience, yet ultimately beneficial."

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Uncovered: The F1 Drivers Who Earned the Most in Bonuses for 2024

A Breakdown of the Top Bonus Payments to F1 Drivers from Last Season

Leading Formula 1 drivers receive high salaries and have the opportunity to earn substantial bonuses as well.

Typically, bonuses are awarded for winning grand prix races or securing championship titles.

The outcome is ultimately influenced by the team's financial resources and size, as well as the driver's level of experience.

F1 2024 Top Bonus Earnings

According to Forbes, Lando Norris received the highest bonus payments in the previous season.

Alongside his $12 million salary, he earned an additional $23 million for his excellent performance, concluding the season as the second-place finisher in the drivers' championship.

Norris gave Max Verstappen a strong challenge for the championship, securing victory in four grand prix races along the way.

Oscar Piastri, a member of the same team, was awarded the second-largest sum in bonuses.

Following McLaren's victory in the constructors' championship, Piastri received an additional $17 million in addition to his $5 million salary.

Due to a less competitive car during the latter part of the year, Verstappen only managed to secure a $15 million bonus.

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz received a total bonus of $21 million for securing second place for Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

George Russell from Mercedes secured an additional $8 million following his victories in two grand prix races. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton gained $2 million after achieving a single triumph at the Silverstone event.

Sergio Perez, who is probably in his last season in Formula 1, earned $7.5 million. He started strong with podium finishes in four of the first five races, but his performance significantly declined afterward.

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Lando Norris undergoes a mental transformation: “He stopped being overly self-critical”

A Formula 1 analyst observed that Lando Norris changed his approach during the latter part of the 2024 season.

Ex-IndyCar racer James Hinchcliffe observed a distinct change in mindset from Lando Norris throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season.

In 2024, Norris had a standout year, securing four victories for McLaren and leading the team to their first constructors' championship in more than two decades.

Although those achievements were significant, Norris may have missed a chance to advance in the drivers' championship.

At the start of the season, Max Verstappen secured victory in seven out of the first ten races. Meanwhile, Norris and the McLaren team faced regret over several mistakes, especially in their race strategies, which enabled the Dutch driver to maintain a significant lead in the points rankings.

Norris gradually caught up to Verstappen, who made history by winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after starting in 17th position on the grid, which ultimately concluded the title competition.

During the 2024 season, Norris was openly self-critical during both the high and low points. However, towards the end of the season, Hinchcliffe noticed a shift in the British driver's mindset.

Hinchcliffe mentioned on The Red Flags podcast that there's a clear change in the way Lando discusses himself from the beginning of the year compared to the end.

"Every sportsperson tends to be extremely self-critical. Lando openly criticized himself a lot, but during the latter part of the year, he stopped doing that publicly."

"Even on days that weren't ideal, he wasn't being overly critical of himself anymore. When Oscar was eliminated in the first turn and Leclerc managed to climb from 19th to 8th place in the opening lap, the competition for the constructors' championship heated up. Lando had to be flawless; a single error that allowed Carlos to overtake would cost them the championship."

Is Norris poised to clinch the F1 championship in 2025? Considering McLaren's strong performance towards the end of the 2024 season, Norris is expected to enter the new year as the top contender for the title.

McLaren's vehicle performed reliably across various tracks.

On the other hand, Red Bull and Ferrari's performance fluctuated based on the specific features of each track, while for Mercedes, it was influenced by weather conditions.

After the summer break, Norris managed to correct several of his mistakes from earlier in the year, with the exception of a messy performance in the race in Brazil.

Facing significant pressure in Abu Dhabi, Norris secured victory starting from pole position, finishing ahead of both Ferrari drivers.

If Norris hadn't secured victory in the race, Ferrari would have clinched the constructors' championship because Oscar Piastri ended up in a poor position following his collision with Verstappen on the first lap.

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Max Verstappen recounts the story of how he trashed his room in Brazil in frustration. He explains that his father, Jos, played a soothing role in helping him regain composure following a challenging qualifying session in Brazil.

Max Verstappen confessed that he felt an urge to "wreck" his room in frustration after a poor performance during the qualifying session at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Last year in Brazil, the Dutch driver initially secured the 12th position in qualifying. However, he was pushed back to 17th place due to a penalty for surpassing his engine allocation, as he had a new power unit installed in his Red Bull car.

Lando Norris secured the top spot in qualifying, leaving his title competitor, Verstappen, frustrated with how the session unfolded. Verstappen shared that it was his father, Jos, who eventually helped him regain his composure.

On the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen expressed his disappointment with the qualifying session.

"I felt an urge to wreck my room, but when I entered, I found my dad sitting inside."

In response to whether his father had already wrecked the room on his behalf, Verstappen said, "No, he was the composed one. He remained very composed."

"I was really upset, but seeing him so composed actually helped me feel more relaxed."

A sea of disappointment was evident at Red Bull. However, Verstappen delivered a remarkable performance, starting from 17th on the grid and securing victory in a tumultuous race marked by intense rain. This triumph brought him to the verge of claiming his fourth world championship, which he achieved at the subsequent race in Las Vegas.

Reflecting on that day, he recalled that there was a somber atmosphere in the office as they got ready for the race, with many people showing signs of sadness, since everything unfolded at once.

"You're beginning the race in 17th position, while your main competitor is on pole position. This situation could lead to a significant shift in championship points, which had everyone feeling quite anxious."

However, the weather turned, and rain began to fall, making it a damp day. I quickly got into the car. While I do enjoy these conditions and have a preference for driving in the rain, the situation is unpredictable. There's always a chance of being forced out of the race or losing control and veering off the track, as the conditions are quite challenging.

"Once the race started, things went well. It was pleasant. I really enjoyed myself. I felt great, steadily moving up to the lead."

Verstappen confessed that he experienced a sense of "relief" while on the podium, realizing he was well-positioned to secure the world championship title, especially after Norris faced challenges during the race and ended up in sixth place.

He explained, "The moment I won the race and saw the result overall, I realized that was the end of it."

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Max Verstappen Allegedly Prevented Carlos Sainz from Joining Red Bull

Claims suggest that Max Verstappen played a role in stopping Carlos Sainz from becoming a part of the Red Bull team.

Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that Max Verstappen "would have prevented" Carlos Sainz from becoming part of Red Bull's F1 team for the 2025 season.

There were speculations that Sainz might join Red Bull this season after news broke that he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari starting in 2025. However, Red Bull decided not to choose the Spaniard and instead maintained their support for Sergio Perez.

At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Perez was let go due to his inability to improve his poor performance. Racing Bulls decided to elevate driver Liam Lawson to the main team for this season.

Speculation had arisen that Sainz was not genuinely considered for a position at Red Bull because of alleged tensions between his team and Verstappen’s team. Back in 2015, Sainz and Verstappen were teammates at Toro Rosso, and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko disclosed that their relationship occasionally became "quite toxic."

Montoya, who has won seven grand prix races, believes that Verstappen likely would have blocked any attempt to bring Sainz onto the team.

Juan Pablo Montoya mentioned to CasasDeApuestas.bet that he believes Max Verstappen likely prevented Carlos Sainz from joining Red Bull to avoid tough competition within the team, although he noted that he couldn't verify this himself.

During their time together as teammates at Toro Rosso, their relationship was quite rocky. It's doubtful that Max would have wanted to experience that situation again. He made things quite challenging for Max Verstappen. Given that Max has some control over who his teammate is, it's unlikely he would choose to invite trouble.

"It's not a matter of Max Verstappen being afraid; it's about using good judgment. Why complicate things and create a challenging situation for yourself when you can avoid it?"

Montoya expressed his disappointment regarding Carlos Sainz's current position, suggesting that Sainz deserved a more favorable outcome. However, he is optimistic about Williams, predicting they could mirror McLaren's success in the coming years.

"In my opinion, Williams has the potential to achieve remarkable success in the future. In two or three years, they could reach the level where McLaren is currently, having completely transformed their situation. They have secured the necessary financial support and have all the resources required to accomplish their goals."

Montoya suggests that Colapinto might make a comeback at Williams, while also predicting that Alex Albon will face pressure to maintain his position on the team.

Montoya mentioned that Franco Colapinto is destined to join Williams.

"The individuals likely to face challenges next year are Jack Doohan, due to Pierre Gasly's strong performance, and Alex Albon, who finds himself in a similar situation as when he was paired with Max."

"At Williams, the focus will now be on Carlos Sainz. Previously, the emphasis was on Alex for several years."

"When someone has held the top position and is connected to the second spot but is still anticipated to maintain speed, stress is bound to increase, mistakes are likely to occur, and this could create a chance for Franco."

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Max Verstappen stated that he was serious about his intention to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko departed, and it wasn't just a bluff.

Max Verstappen has confirmed that his threat to leave Red Bull during last year's Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was genuine and not a mere bluff.

The future of the Dutch driver became a hot topic of discussion and conjecture following the controversy involving Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, and the resulting internal political unrest at the team early last year.

Max Verstappen, whose agreement with Red Bull runs through 2028, was also openly pursued by Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff. Wolff was in search of a new driver after the surprising announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.

During the second race of the season held in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen hinted that he might depart from Red Bull if Helmut Marko, his advisor, confidant, and ally, were to exit the team.

Verstappen's remarks added to the speculation about a possible separation, but he later confirmed his commitment to staying with Red Bull following his fourth consecutive world championship victory with the team.

In an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen emphasized that his statements in Jeddah were intentional.

Verstappen expressed his thoughts plainly, saying it was crucial to speak up at that moment. He emphasized that his words were genuine and not just a tactic. The team is aware of his sincerity.

Verstappen confessed that he wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation at Red Bull during that period, but emphasized that he wouldn't have reacted impulsively.

"At that point, did I have any uncertainties about my future with Red Bull? My confidence wasn't entirely solid," he mentioned. "There were numerous things happening."

"However, I believe that if a problem arises, it's not appropriate to instantly decide to walk away. That's not how I am."

Clause linked to Marko eliminated

Verstappen's contract previously included a provision that connected his future to Marko, allowing for an exit under certain conditions.

Marko has disclosed to De Telegraaf that this clause has now been "modified or eliminated."

Red Bull's team principal, Horner, assured Autosport that there has never been any question about Verstappen's dedication, even amid last season's rumors.

According to Horner, his dedication has remained steadfast. He takes pleasure in working with those he trusts and feels a strong sense of belonging within this team.

Naturally, given his skill set, it's certain that every team principal would love to have him on their roster. That's just a given. However, as long as we can keep offering him a car that's competitive and a racing atmosphere he enjoys, I don't think he'll want to leave us.

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Prominent F1 drivers face crucial questions in 2025

A trio of leading F1 drivers approach 2025 with significant questions looming.

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Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell, who are among the most prominent figures in Formula 1, are all facing the challenge of demonstrating their capabilities in 2025.

Having had varied levels of success in the previous season, each of the three faces uncertainties as they approach the upcoming F1 season.

As the year 2025 approaches, a crucial time for all three, will they be able to prove their critics wrong?

Can Lewis Hamilton Overcome His Qualifying Challenges?

For Lewis Hamilton, the 2024 season fell short of his usual exceptional performance.

Even though he secured two race wins and broke a 945-day dry spell with an outstanding performance at Silverstone, the seven-time world champion ended up in seventh place in the overall championship rankings. This marked the lowest finish in his remarkable 18-year career.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced challenges as he was significantly outperformed by his teammate Russell in the qualifying rounds, losing 19-5. Russell also maintained his dominance during the races.

As Hamilton approaches the 2025 season, a major concern is his performance during qualifying laps. Once considered his strongest skill, Hamilton's subpar qualifying efforts in 2024 have led him, the F1 record holder for the most pole positions, to question whether he has lost some of his competitive advantage.

Transitioning to Ferrari, Hamilton encounters a significant challenge as he not only needs to adjust to a new team and vehicle after spending 12 years with Mercedes, but he must also compete against Charles Leclerc, who is considered one of the fastest, if not the fastest, drivers in qualifying laps.

Is it possible for the 40-year-old to quiet the doubters who wonder if he's beyond his prime? Hamilton will definitely face a challenge at Ferrari in 2025.

Title: Can Lando Norris Clinch the F1 Championship?

Lando Norris showcased his skills last season, silencing numerous critics by positioning himself as the nearest contender to Max Verstappen for the championship title.

The year 2024 is set to be a standout season for Norris in Formula 1. He successfully shed the nickname "Lando NoWins" after achieving his first victory in Miami. He went on to secure three more remarkable wins, ultimately securing second place in the championship standings, just behind Verstappen.

The 25-year-old British driver still has a lot to demonstrate as he approaches the 2025 season. Key among the challenges is whether he can eliminate errors and contend for the championship throughout the entire year. Doubts also linger regarding his mental toughness, as Norris often criticizes himself for performances he considers substandard, which some commentators view as a potential flaw.

Norris's aspirations for securing his first world championship were dashed as McLaren began the season at a disadvantage, leading him to fall behind Verstappen. Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining. Norris admitted that both he and McLaren made errors the previous year and confessed that he "wasn't prepared" to compete directly with the seemingly unbeatable Verstappen.

McLaren concluded the year 2024 as the leading team, securing their first constructors’ championship since 1998. As they head into the new season, they are regarded as the early frontrunners. If the team from Woking can keep up their current level of performance, Norris is expected to have a car that can compete for victories right from the start.

It remains uncertain if Norris can effectively challenge Verstappen throughout a 24-race season. However, he is certainly not short on confidence, declaring after his victory at the Abu Dhabi finale, "Next year will be my year as well."

Is George Russell poised to take the helm at Mercedes?

The inclusion of Russell's name on this list might come as a shock to some, especially considering his impressive 2024 season and his standout performances when compared to his esteemed former Mercedes teammate, Hamilton.

Nonetheless, Russell is still feeling the heat to deliver results. As the unofficial head of the Mercedes team, he is anticipated to drive the team onward during the period following Hamilton's tenure, working alongside young newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is entering the upcoming season without a contract for 2026, putting his future with the team in question. Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has consistently emphasized that Russell, along with Antonelli, represents the future of the Silver Arrows, he has also expressed willingness to seize any chance to bring Verstappen on board if such an opportunity presents itself.

Having previously missed out on Verstappen, Wolff is determined not to lose another chance to secure his talents. As a result, Russell must consistently perform at his best to prevent Wolff from pursuing Verstappen any further.

If Mercedes protégé Antonelli isn't decisively outperformed from the start, it could raise questions for Wolff and possibly threaten Russell's position, which currently seems unimaginable.

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Belgian Grand Prix to Rotate on F1 Schedule Under New Agreement

The Belgian Grand Prix will now alternate its position on the Formula 1 calendar following the extension of its contract.

The Belgian Grand Prix is set to become part of a rotating schedule on the Formula 1 calendar, following a new multi-year agreement extension.

The renowned Spa-Francorchamps racetrack had a contract set to end in 2025, but it has now confirmed its continuation into 2026 and the years following. This agreement follows a series of recent temporary contracts.

Belgium is set to join the rotational schedule and will feature on the Formula 1 calendar for four out of the next six seasons.

The Spa circuit is set to hold Formula 1 races in the years 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, but it will not feature in the 2028 and 2030

In recent years, the circuit has benefited from substantial new funding, leading to the construction of two additional grandstands. These expansions have boosted the venue's capacity by 10,000 seats.

Formula 1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, remarked that the Belgian Grand Prix was among the original races when the Championship began in 1950. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it is appropriate to announce this significant contract extension.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is widely celebrated by both drivers and enthusiasts as one of the top racing tracks globally. It has been the backdrop for numerous remarkable events throughout its long history in Formula 1.

"Over the past few years, substantial efforts have been made to enhance the venue and elevate the fan experience. I want to acknowledge the promoter and the Wallonia Government for their committed and enthusiastic backing of Formula 1 in Belgium."

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, who serves as the Vice President of the Walloon Government and also holds the position of Minister of the Economy, expressed his pleasure by stating: "I am thrilled that the Belgian Grand Prix, a significant event for Wallonia, has secured its place on the Formula 1 schedule for the upcoming years."

The racetrack offers the area top-notch sports facilities that can accommodate world-class events. With the FIA Formula 1 World Championship taking place, Spa-Francorchamps, along with the Wallonia region, gains significant global visibility. Besides serving as an international platform, the event also brings substantial economic advantages to Wallonia and Belgium as a whole.

"The long-term continuation of this partnership will enable the circuit teams to strategize for the future, which is highly beneficial."

Melchior Wathelet, who serves as the President of Spa Grand Prix, and Vanessa Maes, the Chief Executive Officer of Spa Grand Prix, expressed their pride in the extension. They stated that the renewal signifies the strong mutual trust that has developed as they have enhanced their facilities and achieved record-breaking attendance alongside providing an exceptional experience for fans in recent years.

The renewal of this contract has been achieved with the aid of the Walloon Government and the dedicated fans of what we consider the world's most stunning circuit. Collectively, we are deepening our dedication to advancing our remarkable region.

Additional races on a rotational basis in Europe

At present, it remains uncertain which other races will be included in the rotational schedule, though it is anticipated that these will primarily be other European races.

This aligns with Formula 1's goal to expand the sport into various markets, while still preserving the historic and traditional races of the world championship.

The Formula 1 schedule already includes a demanding total of 24 races, which is the maximum allowed by the present Concorde agreement.

Recently, Domenicali suggested that races on a rotating schedule could be introduced to the sport's calendar in the future.

During a call with Liberty Media investors, Domenicali mentioned that they will be announcing some news shortly about the potential for rotational European Grand Prix events and additional new possibilities in the mid-term future.

"We will certainly address this matter in due time. It's accurate to say that there's significant interest from potential new venues wishing to join us. Our decision will always weigh the financial advantages for our overall system against the opportunities for market expansion that could further boost our business growth."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By providing on-the-ground coverage, he shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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