Ferrari's leader reveals that discussions to persuade Lewis Hamilton were straightforward. Fred Vasseur mentioned that persuading Lewis Hamilton to become part of Ferrari was "not difficult."

Fred Vasseur has discussed for the first time the conversations he had with Lewis Hamilton, which resulted in Hamilton deciding to sign with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, has decided to end his remarkable 12-year career with Mercedes. This decision paves the way for a major move to their competitors, Ferrari, starting in 2025

The announcement made in February took the Formula 1 community by surprise and is considered one of the most significant driver changes in the history of the world championship.

During Ferrari's yearly Christmas lunch with the press to mark the end of the season, team principal Vasseur remarked that persuading Hamilton to become part of the team was "very easy."

In 2023, we achieved more victories than Mercedes, which made it easy to persuade him that Ferrari would be a promising opportunity, Vasseur stated.

He had been dreaming of racing for Ferrari for around 22 or 23 years, as we talked about it back in 2004. This made the decision relatively easy.

"Occasionally, it's about luck or having everything fall into place, like him being available and Ferrari having an open seat at the same time."

"Connecting with him was straightforward. Our discussions began a year ago, and persuading him was effortless."

Vasseur expressed that he was 'never concerned' about Hamilton's performance. In his last season with Mercedes, the 39-year-old Hamilton faced a challenging time as he was consistently outperformed by his younger teammate, George Russell, during the qualifying rounds throughout the season.

Hamilton, who holds the record for the most pole positions in Formula 1 with 104, admitted during the second-to-last race of the season in Qatar that he is "definitely not fast any more" due to his difficulties in one-lap qualifying.

At the end of the year, Russell was 22 points ahead in the drivers' championship, while Hamilton finished in seventh place overall, marking the lowest ranking of his grand prix career so far.

Nonetheless, Hamilton concluded his time with Mercedes by delivering an impressive comeback performance. Starting from 16th position on the grid, he advanced to finish fourth in the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This included executing a last-lap maneuver to overtake Russell, closing a 14-second gap.

Vasseur maintains that he was "absolutely not concerned" about Hamilton's performance lately.

"He believed the qualifying session was challenging, but also felt that Lewis's performance during the Abu Dhabi qualifying wasn't connected to it," he stated.

"He performed exceptionally well in both the Vegas and Abu Dhabi races. I was not concerned at all about this matter, not even slightly."

This scenario, and I'm not blaming Lewis or Mercedes, is challenging to handle. It's understandable that if things aren't going smoothly, it could strain the relationship.

His mental state wasn't great, yet when it came to Brazil, he had a clear understanding. Despite this, his recent performances at several events have been impressive, so I have no concerns.

Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari as Charles Leclerc's teammate, taking over the position previously held by Carlos Sainz, who is moving to Williams.

Vasseur expressed that he isn't especially concerned about the situation involving Charles and Lewis. He mentioned that the two have a great deal of respect for one another and are well-acquainted, having discussed this matter for several months.

"It's far preferable to compete for the top three positions rather than battling for the last spots. Having conversations and strategies about achieving high rankings is a positive challenge for a team. I'm truly convinced that the team's performance is driven by the healthy competition between the two."

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What lies ahead for Yuki Tsunoda following Red Bull's decision for 2025?

Yuki Tsunoda finds himself at a pivotal moment in his F1 career after Red Bull's 2025 decision, reports Lewis Larkam.

Yuki Tsunoda is approaching a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career after not being selected by the top-tier Red Bull team.

Red Bull has opted to elevate their Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez in 2025, resulting in Yuki Tsunoda spending a fifth season with their secondary team. Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull junior who finished as the runner-up in the Formula 2 championship, is anticipated to be his teammate.

Red Bull's decision strongly indicates that they do not consider Tsunoda a viable candidate for their main team. Instead, they see him as a valuable benchmark for evaluating other young drivers while he competes with their affiliated team.

Although this approach has benefited Tsunoda for multiple years, he believes he is now prepared for advancement.

Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to outpace Liam Lawson in qualifying at each of the six races that the New Zealander participated in towards the end of 2024, recently expressed to Sky Sports F1 that his focus remains solely on delivering strong performances as he has been doing this year.

"I have confidence in my abilities and aim to demonstrate my steady achievements, hoping that it will eventually alter their perspective."

"I will give my best effort and am confident in my abilities once I join Red Bull."

Although he stated that he had "impressed" Red Bull with his technical insights during his test drive at the end of the season in the RB20, he will not receive that chance. Instead, Lawson has been chosen for the 2025 season.

Tsunoda has demonstrated his speed in single-lap performance, achieving a superior qualifying record compared to Ricciardo and Lawson. Additionally, he has improved his consistency as a driver and has addressed his emotional reactions and outbursts during team radio communications, which were considered his most significant flaw.

At 24 years old, the seasoned Japanese grand prix driver, having nearly 100 races under his belt, is confronted with a challenging career decision: should he remain with the Red Bull team and aim to sway their opinion, or should he depart to pursue new opportunities with a different team?

Which other teams might Tsunoda consider joining?

Red Bull has decided to keep Tsunoda for now, but their agreement only lasts through the 2025 season. This means he will become a free agent in 2026, coinciding with major changes to F1's regulations.

If Tsunoda chooses to part ways with Red Bull, one of the most fascinating possibilities could be joining Aston Martin.

In an exciting development, Aston Martin is set to transform into Honda's official Formula 1 team. This change will occur when Honda assumes the role of their power unit supplier, taking over from Mercedes, starting in 2026.

Due to his association with Honda, Tsunoda is already being connected to Aston Martin.

However, making such a decision would ultimately rely on elements that Tsunoda cannot influence.

The initial question revolves around whether Fernando Alonso will choose to continue his illustrious Formula 1 career once his existing contract concludes at the end of the 2026 season.

The double world champion, set to turn 45 when his contract expires, has confessed he is viewing 2026 as potentially his last year in Formula 1. Nevertheless, the Spanish driver is not ruling out the possibility of extending his career beyond that.

The key factor influencing Alonso's decision will be how competitive Aston Martin is as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory period, with their car being designed by Adrian Newey. Should Alonso see any possibility of clinching a third world championship, he is likely to remain with the team.

The second seat belongs to Lance Stroll, whose father, Lawrence, is the billionaire owner of Aston Martin. Lance's position is essentially secure for as long as he wishes to continue racing, and it seems unlikely that his father would remove him from the team.

While the partnership between Aston Martin and Honda could be very attractive to Tsunoda, there might not be a spot available for him.

There might be opportunities with the Audi Formula 1 team set to launch in 2026, contingent on the performances of recent additions Nico Hulkenberg and newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto. Alternatively, positions could be available at Cadillac, which appears on track to become the 11th team in the world championship.

The initiative supported by General Motors could be a potential path for Tsunoda if he is interested in creating a team centered around himself, akin to what former Red Bull drivers Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly have achieved with Williams and Alpine, respectively.

Yuki Tsunoda might find motivation in Carlos Sainz’s achievements, which came after he parted ways with Red Bull when he was similarly passed over.

The driver, who has won four grand prix races, has previously competed for McLaren and Ferrari and is now transitioning to Williams, demonstrating that change can lead to better opportunities.

Red Bull's decision to overlook Tsunoda could lead him to think about switching to a different team.

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Title: The F1 Drivers Red Bull Dropped Early

Sergio Perez managed to remain with Red Bull for four years before being let go at the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season. However, numerous other drivers at Red Bull faced dismissal much sooner…

Christian Klien

At the beginning of Red Bull's journey in Formula 1, Christian Klien was the initial casualty of the team's unforgiving approach.

After initially outperforming Vitantonio Liuzzi to claim the second seat at Red Bull next to David Coulthard, Klien was substituted by Liuzzi for four races, despite beginning the 2005 season strongly.

Following Liuzzi's inability to meet anticipated performance levels in his designated appearances, Klien was reinstated for the remainder of the season.

However, this situation did not last long. Klien was replaced by Robert Doornbos for the last races of the 2006 season. Despite this change, neither Klien nor Doornbos secured the position for 2007, as Red Bull opted to bring in Mark Webber instead.

Scott Speed made history as the first American to compete in Formula 1 since Michael Andretti did so in 1993. He was selected as a driver for Toro Rosso, partnering with Liuzzi, for the team's inaugural season in 2006.

After an underwhelming beginning to the 2007 season and not securing any points for Toro Rosso, Speed was replaced by the up-and-coming talent, Sebastian Vettel.

It was reported that Speed got into a physical fight with team boss Franz Tost, although Tost has refuted these claims. Speed also openly criticized his team prior to being let go after participating in 10 races.

Sebastien Bourdais joined Red Bull's secondary team as a partner to Sebastian Vettel. He found it challenging to keep up with his younger colleague and also faced some unfortunate situations.

During his debut, the French driver had to retire due to engine trouble after reaching as high as fourth place. In 2008 at Spa, he was set for a podium finish until late rain affected the race. His best qualifying position was ruined at Monza when his car failed to engage first gear on the starting grid. Additionally, he faced a contentious penalty in Japan that cost him a points finish.

Facing off against Swiss newcomer Sebastien Buemi in 2009 after Vettel was promoted to Red Bull, Bourdais did not meet the expectations set for him and was let go midway through the season.

Sebastien Buemi, at the age of 20, had a remarkable beginning to his Formula 1 career. He surpassed the performance of the veteran Bourdais and concluded his first season as the leading newcomer.

In 2010, Buemi was the top-ranked driver for Toro Rosso, consistently outperforming his teammates Bourdais and later Jaime Alguersuari during his three-year stint with the team. However, despite his successes, Buemi faced the disappointment of being replaced in 2012 when Toro Rosso decided to bring in Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Sebastien Buemi, who later achieved titles in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship, continues to be affiliated with the Red Bull organization, serving as one of their backup drivers.

Jaime Alguersuari

At the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, Alguersuari became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to race, being just 19 years and 125 days old at the time.

Alguersuari accumulated 31 points over the course of 46 Formula 1 races, but his departure from the Red Bull program was marked by conflict. He and Buemi were replaced by Ricciardo and Vergne.

After a short period competing in Formula E, Alguersuari decided to leave the world of motorsport in 2015 to focus on a new path as a DJ, adopting the stage name 'Squire'.

Jean-Eric Vergne joined Formula 1 in 2012 as a member of Toro Rosso's updated team, racing alongside Ricciardo.

The French driver, who received high praise, was seen as unlucky for not being promoted to Red Bull. In his debut season, he outperformed Ricciardo, but in the second year, Ricciardo excelled and secured a spot with Red Bull for the 2014 season.

In 2014, Vergne remained with Toro Rosso, teaming up with newcomer Daniil Kvyat. Unfortunately, Vergne faced a series of unfortunate events, including the announcement from Red Bull that Max Verstappen would replace him at Toro Rosso. This marked the second occasion where Red Bull passed over Vergne, opting to promote Kvyat to fill the spot left by Vettel instead.

Daniil Kvyat has experienced being let go by Red Bull three times, a record no one else holds. Red Bull's ruthless strategy in Formula 1 has impacted Kvyat like no other driver.

Following a promising debut season with Toro Rosso, Kvyat was recruited by Red Bull. He had a strong start, finishing 2015 as Red Bull's highest point earner, surpassing Ricciardo throughout the year.

In 2016, Kvyat's career took a turn for the worse. He became known as the 'torpedo' after a collision with Vettel during a race in China, where he still managed to reach the podium. Things got worse during his home race in Russia, where he hit Vettel twice within just two corners, accidentally affecting Ricciardo's race as well.

It turned out to be the final straw, leading to the Russian driver's abrupt dismissal at the following race in Spain, as Red Bull cleared the way for their rising star, Verstappen.

Kvyat being moved down after only four races in the season established a new approach for Red Bull in managing their young drivers.

Daniil Kvyat's performance at Toro Rosso significantly declined, resulting in him losing his position twice in just a few weeks. Initially, Pierre Gasly replaced him, followed by Brendon Hartley.

Although Kvyat was dropped from Red Bull’s driver program at the close of 2017, he made a comeback for a third time with the team in 2019 after Gasly was moved up to Red Bull. After spending two seasons there, he departed once more when he was beaten by Yuki Tsunoda for the 2021 seat.

Brendon Hartley had to be patient for nine years before Red Bull finally gave him a chance. This opportunity arose when he replaced Kvyat towards the close of the 2017 season.

After enduring a challenging season paired with the faster Gasly, Hartley was the next driver to be dismissed, having only managed to score points in three of the 21 races during 2018.

Helmut Marko, who oversees the development of drivers at Red Bull, concluded that the Kiwi's performances did not sufficiently impress to warrant future consideration for a spot on the Red Bull team. As a result, Hartley's time in the Red Bull driver program was notably brief.

Pierre Gasly

In 2019, Pierre Gasly's tenure as a driver for Red Bull was short-lived, as he participated in only 12 races before being reassigned to Toro Rosso. In a swap, Alex Albon took his place at Red Bull.

The French driver, who joined the team after Ricciardo's surprising move to Renault, found it difficult to keep up with Verstappen's results. At the time he was replaced, he was in sixth place in the championship standings with 63 points.

Since Verstappen secured third place with 181 points during the same period, Gasly's performance in the first half of the season was seen as a significant setback for Red Bull in their constructors' championship competition against Ferrari.

Pierre Gasly managed to regain his earlier performance levels with Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri, achieving his inaugural podium finish in Formula 1 and later securing an impressive win at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.

Alex Albon

Similar to the individual he succeeded, Albon's inability to match Verstappen's level was ultimately his undoing.

Although Alex Albon secured two podium finishes, Red Bull believed his performance over his 18-month tenure with the team was insufficient to warrant retaining him.

In the 2020 racing season, Albon was consistently outperformed by Verstappen in the qualifying rounds. As a result, Albon was moved to the position of reserve driver for Red Bull in 2021, while Sergio Perez was brought on to the team.

Albon is currently thriving at Williams, the team that offered the British-born Thai driver the opportunity to compete full-time on the grid again in 2022.

Sergio Perez

Statistically, Perez performed significantly better than those who came before him, staying as Verstappen's teammate for a total of four seasons.

He showed up just as Red Bull got back into the fight for the championship.

Although his performance didn't enable the team to win the constructors' championship in 2021, ultimately losing to Mercedes, he was instrumental in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, supporting Verstappen in his battle for the title against Hamilton.

During 2022, he experienced his most successful year with Red Bull. He secured several impressive wins, including one in Singapore, but just fell short of achieving second place in the drivers’ championship.

Nevertheless, it was sufficient for Red Bull to clinch their first constructors' championship since 2013. Yet, in 2023, issues became more apparent. Despite a promising beginning, Perez's performance significantly declined during the season's midpoint.

During Verstappen's impressive series of 10 consecutive race victories, Perez frequently had difficulty advancing to Q3. However, a late-season improvement helped him avoid embarrassment, ultimately earning him the second-place position in the championship. This achievement marked the first time Red Bull secured the top two positions in the drivers' standings.

The year 2024 marked the definitive end for Perez. As in the past, he began the year with promising performances but soon lost momentum. Unlike in 2022 and 2023, this time he was unable to bounce back.

Ending up 280 points behind Verstappen caused Red Bull to fall behind McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors' championship, leading to their decision to terminate Perez's contract a year early.

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Five Pivotal Instances Leading to Sergio Perez Losing His Red Bull F1 Seat for 2025

An examination of the crucial events that led to Sergio Perez being dropped from the Red Bull F1 team for the 2025 season.

Sergio Perez's journey in Formula 1 has temporarily concluded after Red Bull chose to replace him with Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.

In 2024, Perez's performance was not maintainable, ending up a remarkable 280 points behind his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. This outcome led to Red Bull slipping to third place in the F1 constructors' championship that year, trailing McLaren and Ferrari.

The decision came so late that Perez has no spots left on the grid for 2025, forcing him to spend a year away from racing. Considering the stress and pressure he has faced, along with his disappointing performances, this break might actually be beneficial.

Should Perez decide to make a return to Formula 1 at some point, his skill in the midfield and substantial financial support could pave the way for a successful comeback, if he desires it.

What were the pivotal events that led to his eventual dismissal?

Signs of instability appeared in 2023. Throughout his four-year stint with Red Bull, Perez has frequently experienced a slump in performance halfway through the season. However, he usually manages to regain his form by the season's conclusion. For instance, in 2021, Perez endured a stretch of eight races without finishing in the top three during the European segment of the season, but he concluded the year on a high note with several podium finishes.

In a similar fashion in 2022, he managed to secure a podium finish in just one of the six races between Canada and Monza. However, he made a strong comeback later in the year, achieving what many consider the most impressive victory of his career at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In 2023, Perez faced significant challenges, especially during the qualifying sessions. Despite having the most powerful car in the history of Formula 1, he was unable to reach Q3 in five races in a row.

Despite subsequent attempts, Perez never managed to qualify above third place, suggesting to Red Bull that there were underlying issues. Nonetheless, Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, was pleased with the outcome as Perez maintained his position as runner-up in the drivers' championship. This result secured a 1-2 finish for the team in the standings, a feat they hadn't accomplished during the era of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Lost Opportunity in Australia

Perez began the 2024 season impressively, securing a spot on the podium in four of the first five races. Nevertheless, an early exit for Verstappen in one race presented Perez with a potential victory that slipped away.

At Albert Park, Ferrari seized the opportunity, securing both first and second place. Meanwhile, Perez found himself isolated, finishing in an uninspired fifth position.

Starting from a disadvantage due to a grid penalty, Perez faced a setback, especially as Red Bull had the strongest car on the track, making it a missed chance for him.

Contract renewal fails to tackle downturn

The Mexican driver's usual mid-season decline began with a difficult weekend in Monaco. Just before the upcoming race in Canada, Red Bull surprised everyone by extending his contract through the end of 2025.

Even though Perez's performance had declined, Red Bull aimed to provide him with reassurance so he would have one less concern.

Towards the end of the year, Horner admitted that the situation was ineffective, and his performance continued to decline.

At that point, Sergio was clearly doing an excellent job, achieving podium finishes in four of the first five races.

"In an effort to calm his thoughts and maintain his performance for the remainder of the season, we decided to act sooner than planned, but unfortunately, it didn't pan out as intended. Such is life," explained Horner.

His performance was so lacking that Red Bull thought about substituting him over the summer pause.

A chance not taken in Baku

Following the summer break, Perez managed to keep his position despite widespread rumors that Daniel Ricciardo might take over. The race in Azerbaijan presented Perez with a significant chance to achieve a notable result.

In Baku, Perez has been the sole driver to truly surpass Verstappen's performance on that track, which Red Bull was counting on due to the series of street circuits. Acknowledging Perez's abilities, he delivered a strong performance in Baku, legitimately outpacing Verstappen.

He contended with Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc for victory, but in the final laps, he collided with Carlos Sainz, resulting in both drivers crashing into the barrier.

Damage from an avoidable crash, along with a collision largely blamed on Perez, resulted in yet another lost chance.

Home Ground Disappointment

As the season drew to a close, Perez's situation deteriorated further, yet the race in Mexico City offered him a chance to regain his performance.

Perez attributed his early exit from Q1 to a problem with the brakes while competing in front of his fans at home. On race day, his performance was nearly humiliating, with a penalty issued for positioning his car incorrectly in the grid box at the start.

In his conflict with his eventual replacement, Lawson, he ended up getting lapped and finishing at the bottom of the standings. Over the course of the last five races, Perez managed to earn only two points, which was less than the total achieved by Sauber's Zhou Guanyu.

Due to his performance, Red Bull is no longer in the running for the constructors’ championship as they approach the Abu Dhabi race, prompting a crucial choice before the New Year. Over his four seasons with Red Bull, Perez secured a second-place finish once and contributed to the team's two constructors’ championship victories.

His arrival happened just as Red Bull was back in the running for the championship, a privilege that Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon did not experience.

Perez plans to step away from Formula 1, worn out by the fierce rivalry and in search of a respite. His comeback to the sport hinges on his willingness to compete among mid-tier teams and if those teams still see him as a strong contender amidst a lineup brimming with youthful and promising racers.

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Aspar provides aid to those affected by floods in Valencia

The Moto2 and Moto3 teams persist with their support initiatives this week

The Aspar team has initiated the distribution of essential home appliances to those affected by the floods in Valencia, as a component of its continuous aid initiatives in the city where the team is headquartered.

At the end of October, catastrophic floods in Spain's Valencia region resulted in the tragic loss of more than 200 lives.

The floodwaters inflicted extensive damage on the area's infrastructure, affecting residences as well.

Severe harm to the entry routes at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit resulted in the cancellation of the Valencia Grand Prix. Subsequently, the MotoGP event was relocated to Barcelona and was renamed the Solidarity GP of Valencia.

The Aspar team, which manages teams in both Moto2 and Moto3, has played a leading role in MotoGP's initiatives to offer assistance to Valencia.

A GoFundMe page was initially created and has successfully collected over €150,000. The funds are currently being utilized to supply essential household appliances to more than 2300 individuals impacted by the flooding.

A short announcement from the team mentioned that the assistance the motorcycling community is offering to flood victims in Valencia is starting to show positive results.

The Aspar Team has started handing out essential home appliances and furniture to residents in the towns of Algemesí and Guadassuar, located in the Ribera Alta area.

This week, the team started handing out these essential items, made possible by the support.

You can still contribute to Aspar's fundraiser, which is accessible at this link.

During the Solidarity GP weekend, MotoGP's fundraising activities, which encompassed ticket sales and unique auctions, successfully generated over €1.5 million.

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit was given a donation of €50,000 from the Assen circuit, the location of the Dutch Grand Prix, to assist with the costs of repairing equipment that was damaged during the flooding at the track.

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Initial information about Ferrari's 2025 F1 vehicle is starting to surface, with the team confirming the unveiling date ahead of the upcoming season.

Ferrari is the first Formula 1 team to announce when they will unveil their car for the 2025 season.

The Italian team is set to reveal their 2025 car on February 19, following the collective F1 season launch event at London's O2 Arena on February 18.

All ten teams, along with their twenty drivers, are set to attend the F1 season launch event, where the 2025 car designs will be unveiled on display vehicles.

Ferrari is set to test their actual vehicle for the first time at a private event held at Fiorano, prior to shipping it off to Bahrain for the pre-season testing sessions.

Lewis Hamilton is set to drive his first Ferrari Formula 1 car. The seven-time world champion will make a major move from competing team Mercedes to join forces with Charles Leclerc starting in 2025.

Hamilton is expected to have a private test session with a two-year-old Ferrari at either the Fiorano or Mugello track before the Scuderia unveils its new car.

Prepare yourself to see our 2025 competitor #ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/RZEZxRJ4YG — Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 18, 2024

Initial Insights into Ferrari's 2025 Model Unveiled

During Ferrari's yearly media luncheon marking the end of the season, team principal Fred Vasseur shared some preliminary information about the 2025 vehicle.

Vasseur announced that Ferrari's newest Formula 1 car will feature a nearly entirely new design.

Even though teams are focusing heavily on preparing for the major rule changes set for 2026, Ferrari is implementing major modifications to their 2025 vehicle.

"There are times when you are unaware of the risks you are taking, and it's only afterwards that you recognize how risky it was," Vasseur stated.

"The vehicle is set to be entirely new. We anticipate that less than 1% of the components will be retained from previous models. While this is a distinct undertaking, it applies to everyone in the industry."

Ferrari is aiming for their car to break a 16-year dry spell in F1 titles after narrowly losing to McLaren in the constructors' championship last season. The team ended up 14 points short of securing their first championship since 2008.

Vasseur emphasized the importance of concentrating on the upcoming season. He noted that the time frame from the start to the launch is only a few weeks, urging everyone to prioritize performance.

"We are planning the championship kickoff and the car unveiling. These are already two major events, and adding another would be overwhelming."

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Liam Lawson is set to join Max Verstappen as his teammate at Red Bull F1 in 2025, with Yuki Tsunoda not chosen for the position.

Red Bull has selected Liam Lawson to be the new Formula 1 teammate of Max Verstappen.

Lawson has moved up from the Racing Bulls team, affiliated with Red Bull, to fill the position left by Sergio Perez. Perez's exit was officially revealed on Wednesday after a disappointing season.

A 22-year-old racer from New Zealand has participated in just 11 Formula 1 races. He competed in six events toward the end of 2024, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo. Additionally, during the 2023 season, he replaced the injured Ricciardo in five races, making his first appearance at the Dutch Grand Prix after Ricciardo sustained a hand injury in a practice session accident.

In his debut appearance this year in the United States, Lawson managed to earn points and also secured a top-10 finish in Brazil. Reports suggest that he was told about his promotion ahead of the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lawson expressed that becoming a driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing has been a dream he's had since he was eight, something he has aspired to and worked hard for throughout his life.

The experience up to this point has been amazing. I am extremely grateful to the entire team at VCARB for their assistance, as the past six races have been crucial in getting me ready for this upcoming stage. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to Christian, Helmut, and everyone at Red Bull for having faith in me and offering me this chance.

"I am thrilled to have the chance to collaborate with Max and gain insights from a World Champion. I'm certain that his experience will be invaluable to me. I'm eager to start!"

Red Bull has decided that Lawson is the ideal choice to take on the formidable task of competing against four-time world champion Verstappen.

Lawson is set to join the ranks as Verstappen’s fifth partner at Red Bull, succeeding Ricciardo, who was his teammate from 2016 to 2018, followed by Pierre Gasly in 2019, Alex Albon during 2019 to 2020, and Perez from 2021 to 2024.

The position is considered the most challenging in Formula 1 and is often seen as a difficult opportunity, as Perez is the third driver to be let go by Red Bull for not matching up closely with Verstappen. Gasly and Albon experienced the same outcome.

Lawson is anticipated to surpass the achievements of Perez, whose lackluster performance at the age of 34 led to Red Bull falling to third in the constructors’ championship.

According to Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, Liam has consistently shown remarkable talent during his time with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Horner emphasized that Liam is not only able to achieve impressive outcomes but also exhibits the qualities of a true racer, willing to compete fiercely and emerge victorious against top competitors.

His entry into the team maintains their tradition of advancing talent from the Red Bull Junior Programme. He joins the ranks of championship and race-winning drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

There's no question that competing with Max, who is a four-time champion and easily one of the most remarkable drivers in the history of F1, is intimidating. However, I am confident that Liam will be able to meet this challenge and achieve impressive results for us in the coming year.

Red Bull has chosen not to promote Yuki Tsunoda. Despite being outperformed in qualifying by Tsunoda in their six races together in 2024, Lawson has been selected instead.

This development is a setback for Tsunoda, who believes he is prepared to move up to the main team. He has become more and more frustrated with Red Bull's leadership for repeatedly overlooking him.

Tsunoda believed he had made a positive impact on Red Bull by providing valuable technical insights during his initial Formula 1 test with the team in Abu Dhabi.

He mentioned that he had received numerous comments about how much they admired, specifically, the feedback he provided.

Engineers present at the track, along with those assisting from Red Bull's Milton Keynes factory, expressed their admiration for my contributions.

The region was a significant focus for me. I think Red Bull is already aware that my speed isn't a major concern. What they're more interested in, however, are aspects like my feedback, my behavior as part of the team, and my conduct while driving. They likely viewed these factors as the greatest uncertainties.

Bearing that in mind, I kept offering feedback in my usual manner, striving to convey information as comprehensively and meticulously as I could.

The 24-year-old driver from Japan will continue for a fifth season with Red Bull's associated team. He is likely to be accompanied by French driver Isack Hadjar, who recently secured second place in the Formula 2 championship this year.

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Joan Mir states: "My circumstances are entirely distinct from Marc's" – Exclusive Interview

"If I switch brands at this point, it would seem like these past two years have been pointless."

The similarities are clear to see. In 2023, two past MotoGP titleholders are competing with the Repsol Honda team, which is currently facing difficulties.

Marc Marquez, having secured six top-tier championships with his previous team, decided to leave early to sign with Gresini Ducati. There, he rejuvenated his racing career by achieving three victories and secured a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025.

In the meantime, Joan Mir, who was once a teammate and clinched the 2020 championship with Suzuki, remained in his second year with HRC. However, he unexpectedly extended his contract to last until 2026, even though both his performance and the RCV's have continued to decline this season.

During an exclusive interview with Crash.net as the season was drawing to a close, Mir brought up a comparison with Marquez on his own accord.

When asked about a season where he accumulated only 21 points—a figure surpassed by Francesco Bagnaia's 31 points, Brad Binder's 29, and Jorge Martin's 28 during just the first weekend in Qatar—Mir shared his thoughts:

"Certainly, it was surprising to have so many difficulties with this motorcycle."

"I thought we would see better outcomes quickly, but for some reason, our performance hasn't improved. We are currently lagging behind the other manufacturers, and that's the situation we are facing right now."

"We're improving and making progress, yet it's still insufficient. This is what we observe."

"We haven't yet reached our desired position. However, I remain confident in the project, and I think it's only a matter of time before we get to where we aim to be, given the effort we're putting in."

According to Mir, Honda's strategies were effective in a different time period. He noted significant changes this year and acknowledged that Honda realized their previous methods were suited to a past MotoGP era. However, the current situation is entirely different, requiring increased assistance from Europe and more engineering expertise.

"The Japanese excel at crafting motorcycles, particularly in terms of quality. If you examine the intricacies of a Honda MotoGP bike, you'll find them astonishing and arguably the finest. However, when it comes to performance, we are lagging."

"We require assistance."

"We require assistance from individuals in Europe, specifically those from Italy and Spain who are employed by European manufacturing companies."

Whenever there is an announcement about someone joining Honda, it brings a sense of relief for riders. This is because it indicates that the company is taking actions that align with what they believe is the right path.

"We require contributions from the Japanese and Europeans; having that blend will be our source of strength."

These comments naturally transitioned to discussing Romano Albesiano, who is joining HRC from Aprilia to take on the role of MotoGP technical director.

Was Mir aware of Albesiano's involvement when he renewed his contract with HRC?

"Not at all. However, I noticed that Honda was making progress and I understood their goals. I also have a unique connection with Alberto Puig, who has always been straightforward with me from the beginning. I continue to have faith in this team."

"I find myself in a totally different position from Marc," Mir stated, addressing the comparison to Marquez. He elaborated on his decision to remain with Honda instead of pursuing a move to a proven bike with a satellite team, as Marquez had done with bike number 93.

Joan Mir expressed that his circumstances differ greatly from those of Marc when he departed from Honda. Mir acknowledged that Marc had proven himself fully with the company, whereas Mir admitted he has yet to demonstrate his capabilities.

The speaker expressed that switching manufacturers at this point would mean starting over entirely, making the past two years seem pointless. The joy they would experience if things succeed with Honda is immense, so they are determined to make it work.

After Marquez's departure, Mir relocated to the opposite side of the Repsol garage to collaborate with the former team of number 93, led by Santi Hernandez this year.

The outcomes of the races, with the highest being a ninth-place finish in a Sprint and an eleventh-place in a grand prix, weren't exactly remarkable. However, Mir had nothing but admiration for his team.

"They were excellent. From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection with them," he remarked. "Their technical expertise is impressive, and their strategic skills are outstanding. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with them, even under the current circumstances—so just think how great it will be when we start nearing our objectives!"

A rare bright spot for Mir this year was that he thankfully experienced fewer accidents and injuries compared to his 2023 record.

The 2017 Moto3 world champion indicated that this was due to a combination of better aerodynamics, which made the boundaries of the RCV more apparent, along with a deliberate choice to prevent crashes that could hinder the collection of valuable development data.

Joan Mir stated, "Naturally, we always put forth our full effort, but there's a development journey that must be acknowledged. I've come to terms with our current position." He added, "Additionally, understanding the aerodynamic aspects slightly aids in identifying the current limitations."

"We're working on improving, but constant crashes don't aid that progress. It's essential to approach things with the right attitude and ensure we're in good shape for optimal bike performance."

Luca Marini, who is now teammates with Mir, was the only regular competitor to rank lower than the Spanish rider in the overall standings, accumulating a total of 14 points. Johann Zarco from LCR emerged as the leading Honda rider, earning 55 points and securing his highest race finish in eighth place.

Similar to Yamaha, Honda will maintain its eligibility for technical concessions in 2025. These concessions will grant benefits like exclusive testing sessions for their race riders, exemption from restrictions on engine design changes, and additional allowances for aerodynamic enhancements.

Next season, the factory Honda motorcycles will sport a different look as their long-time title sponsor, Repsol, is concluding its partnership, following a year after Marquez left the team.

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For two decades, Peter has been a familiar presence in the paddock, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Christian Horner explains why Red Bull overlooked Carlos Sainz

Christian Horner clarifies the reasons behind Red Bull's decision not to consider Carlos Sainz for the 2025 F1 season.

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull racing team, has explained the reasons behind not selecting Carlos Sainz as a teammate for Max Verstappen.

On Wednesday, it was officially announced that Red Bull and Sergio Perez decided to terminate their contract two years ahead of schedule after Perez experienced a disappointing 2024 season.

Red Bull has not yet revealed who will replace Perez, but it is anticipated that Liam Lawson will be moved up from the affiliated Racing Bulls team.

Earlier this year, Carlos Sainz became a free agent following the surprising news in February that Lewis Hamilton had moved from Mercedes to Ferrari. However, Red Bull decided against signing Sainz, who has now signed with Williams.

Carlos Sainz, who has won four grand prix races, first entered Formula 1 in 2015, partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull's junior team. However, he did not get a chance to compete for the main Red Bull team and ultimately parted ways with the organization.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1 following the official announcement of Perez's exit from Red Bull, Horner explained why the team did not think about bringing Sainz on board.

Horner commented that Carlos is an excellent driver, as has been demonstrated at certain points this year. He emphasized the importance of considering all the different factors and dynamics involved.

"When we decided to renew Checo's contract, it's important to note that he was ranked second in the world championship and had secured podium finishes in four of the first five races."

"When we agreed to the contract, he had secured four podium finishes in five races, making it a sensible decision to continue the partnership and put an end to the excessive rumors surrounding the team."

It was thought that Verstappen and Sainz had a tense relationship while they were teammates at Toro Rosso.

Earlier this year, Helmut Marko, who advises Red Bull on motorsport matters, stated that "the relationship between the two was rather hostile."

"Sainz is unquestionably a talented driver," Marko stated in an interview with Marca. "During their time at Toro Rosso, he was nearly as good as Max. Unfortunately for him, having Verstappen as a teammate was a stroke of bad luck."

"The relationship between the two at Toro Rosso was rather unhealthy. Given the circumstances at that time, I couldn't envision a way to retain him on our team. Consequently, Carlos moved on to Renault, then McLaren, and eventually joined Ferrari."

Sainz Seen as the Clear Choice

Karun Chandhok, a Formula 1 analyst for Sky Sports, expressed on the broadcaster’s podcast that he is baffled as to why Red Bull chose not to bring Sainz on board.

The notion that Max has issues with him or that the fathers don't get along is outdated—it's been ten years! They're in entirely different phases of their lives now, with Max being a four-time world champion," he added.

Ultimately, the team's failure to secure the constructors' world championship title can be attributed to the underperformance of their second car. This vehicle consistently lagged behind the second Ferrari and second McLaren in terms of scoring, regardless of the weekend. Moreover, there seemed to be a focus on whether the fathers of certain individuals were getting along, which perhaps diverted attention from these critical issues.

"In my opinion, it's crucial to have the top two drivers, and for me, Carlos was clearly the top choice."

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Information unveiled about the upcoming 2025 MotoGP season opener

MotoGP has disclosed information about a new event marking the start of its 2025 season, an expansion to the series' schedule.

Information about the inaugural MotoGP season kickoff has been released.

Scheduled for 9 February 2025, the occasion will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, at the One Bangkok location. This is happening three days prior to the last preseason trial at Buriram International Circuit, and 21 days before the kickoff of the 2025 season, which is planned to unfold at the same location from 28 February to 2 March.

Speculation had suggested that the season launch would be a comprehensive team unveiling event. However, according to a post on MotoGP.com, it will occur following the revelation of "most of the 2025 colours".

Rather, the occasion will serve as an opportunity for enthusiasts to catch a preview of the elite talents of 2025, featuring the stellar pair from the factory Ducati team, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, alongside Pedro Acosta sporting his fresh Red Bull KTM hues, and certainly not forgetting the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin as he gears up for his debut season with Aprilia.

The occasion will be broadcasted live on MotoGP's various social media platforms, and the organizers promise, "This is an opportunity for enthusiasts, whether attending in person or tuning in globally, to witness the entire lineup together before the start of yet another thrilling season."

Participants are scheduled for a 'Hero Walk' event, during which they will make stage appearances from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM local time to engage in interviews and display their 2025 team liveries, as per the information on MotoGP.com.

Extra leisure activities will feature chances to take pictures across the city all day with MotoGP motorcycles cruising through Bangkok. There will also be a DJ set starting at 15:30, followed by a live music performance at 18:45. According to MotoGP.com, this event will showcase a famous local musician, with details to be announced shortly.

Ultimately, the participants will make their way to the rooftop for an exclusive gathering starting at 8:30 PM.

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

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Daniel Ricciardo shares his thoughts on the Max Verstappen-George Russell rivalry: "It's a difficult fight to come out on top"

Daniel Ricciardo weighs in on the dispute between Max Verstappen and George Russell

Daniel Ricciardo shared his thoughts on the season-ending Formula 1 dispute between Max Verstappen and George Russell.

The final race of the season in Abu Dhabi was overshadowed by a verbal battle between Verstappen and Russell.

After the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen received a one-position grid penalty due to a minor incident involving Russell in the qualifying round.

Verstappen was annoyed at how Russell influenced the penalty decision and his behavior during the meeting with the stewards.

The driver from the Netherlands asserted following Sunday's race that he no longer held any respect for Russell, a position he maintained throughout the media day in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Russell strongly criticized Verstappen, arguing that he struggles when faced with challenges, and pointed out his reactions during his 2021 championship fight with Lewis Hamilton as examples.

Subsequently, Verstappen has suggested making amends with Russell, expressing his belief that "we will resolve it once more."

Ricciardo shared his perspective on the matter after his departure from F1 post the Singapore Grand Prix.

In a conversation on The Red Flags Podcast, Ricciardo expressed, "It's incredibly entertaining. It's the first occasion I've witnessed George being upset."

In response to whether engaging in a rivalry with the current world champion was wise, Ricciardo remarked, "Currently, it’s not. The young man [Verstappen] is consistently performing well. It seems like a difficult challenge to overcome."

Ricciardo has definitively dismissed any possibility of making a comeback to F1, even with potential overtures from Cadillac.

Cadillac is poised to join Formula 1 as the eleventh team in 2026, and they are rumored to be in discussions with several drivers.

The team is anticipated to secure a deal with a talent from the United States, with Colton Herta being the leading candidate.

In addition to that, Cadillac is anticipated to lean towards seasoned drivers, considering options such as Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and possibly Sergio Perez, who are available for hire.

Nonetheless, it seems that the ex-Red Bull racer has fully stepped away from Formula 1.

In a brief conversation with a supporter, Ricciardo was questioned regarding Cadillac, to which he responded, "No, I’ve finished."

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Max Verstappen engaged in 'highly productive discussions' with Mercedes

Max Verstappen reveals insights into his discussions with Mercedes while pondering over his Formula 1 career at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen disclosed that he engaged in "highly productive discussions" with Mercedes regarding the possibility of joining their team.

Following Lewis Hamilton's surprising revelation in February that he would be joining Ferrari in 2025, the four-time Formula One champion emerged as Mercedes' top choice for their lead driver.

For several months at the beginning of the season, which was marked by instability for Red Bull, Mercedes' team leader Toto Wolff openly pursued Verstappen. However, he ultimately ceased efforts to entice the 27-year-old racer from the Netherlands to leave Red Bull.

Wolff chose to elevate Mercedes' young star Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race with George Russell in the upcoming season, while minimizing discussions about any immediate plans to recruit Verstappen.

In an interview with Viaplay, a Dutch broadcasting company, Verstappen revealed details about his discussions with Mercedes regarding his career prospects in Formula 1.

"Verstappen acknowledged, "While the prominent teams capture attention, I must admit I'm part of a significant team myself. We've celebrated numerous victories together. It's like they're my second family."

Certainly, it's common knowledge that we engage in discussions. I openly acknowledge that we have convened. Our dialogues have been productive, with all parties maintaining transparency and honesty throughout.

"However, my allegiance to my current team is strong, and it genuinely feels like home to me. As such, there's not much else I'm looking to accomplish right now. Given my youth, there's still plenty of time for things to unfold in the future."

Verstappen expresses contentment with his situation

Verstappen, tied to Red Bull through 2028, emphasized his satisfaction with the Milton Keynes team, affirming he has no inclination to depart.

Despite the controversy involving Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, at the beginning of the year, which led to tensions between Horner and Max Verstappen's father, Jos, as well as significant exits like that of esteemed designer Adrian Newey and sports director Jonathan Wheatley.

"He pointed out that in Formula 1, it's quite rare for someone to terminate their contract prematurely. Unlike football, where it's common for players to sign a five-year deal and then depart after just one year, that's not typically the goal in Formula 1," he further explained.

It's impossible to predict the future, especially what might unfold in a year or two, and since it's beyond our control, I don't spend much time dwelling on it. Honestly, I'm quite content with my current situation. We've secured yet another championship.

"Obviously, there are enhancements that the car requires, but I believe that's quite understandable. Therefore, I'm comfortable with the team, being able to express my true self.

"Everyone is also putting in their maximum effort to consistently provide me with the finest resources. From that viewpoint, I have no grievances whatsoever."

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