Valtteri Bottas shares insights on future plans following a revealing new tattoo.

"I'm at a point in my life where something is nearing its end."

Valtteri Bottas has revealed a fresh tattoo on his thigh that says "what's next?"

Valtteri Bottas has embraced a popular phrase on social media as he reflects on the unavoidable conclusion of his time in Formula 1.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Sauber has decided to bring on board Formula 2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto to join forces with current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season.

Bottas finds himself at a dead end, yet he is welcoming fresh opportunities.

The individual recently took on an Iron Man triathlon, consisting of a 3.8-kilometer swim, a 180-kilometer bike ride, and a 42.2-kilometer marathon, all executed within the confines of his home. His motivation was to demonstrate his ability to accomplish this feat.

The departing Formula 1 driver revealed his latest tattoo to Sky Sports while in Las Vegas, saying, "What's next? That's the big question. That's why I made the commitment."

"I didn't have any tattoos, but I believed this one was worthwhile."

At this point in my life, one chapter is nearing its end while a new one is on the horizon.

"What comes after this? That's the question individuals need to pose to themselves and seek out the solution."

"Looking ahead, I'm not in a hurry to start anything new."

"I need to explore all possible options that will be beneficial for me in the long run, considering different paths from 2026 onwards, whether that involves Formula 1 or another direction."

Reflecting now, if that's the conclusion, I can hold my head high.

"I consistently put in my maximum effort. That's what truly matters. I have no regrets."

"Life isn't solely about racing around in circles in a car; there should be more to it than that."

"I absolutely take this sport seriously, as it is my passion and I dedicate myself fully to it."

"However, when I'm not working, I like to enjoy myself…"

There are rumors suggesting that Bottas might come back to Mercedes to take on the role of a reserve driver.

He has shown less interest in moving to a different racing series, such as IndyCar, for the 2025 season. This suggests he may be planning a return to Formula 1 in 2026, when changes to the regulations are expected.

Sauber will have a fresh appearance in 2025. At the moment, Brazilian racer Bortoleto is leading the rankings in Formula 2.

He has earned a spot as a rookie driver in Formula 1 for next year with the team that is set to become Audi in 2026.

Sauber needed to engage in discussions with McLaren, as they already had a contract with Bortoleto.

Karun Chandhok from Sky Sports referred to Bortoleto as an exceptionally skilled young driver.

"With Nico Hulkenberg, there's a harmonious mix of youthful energy and seasoned expertise."

Nico Hulkenberg has performed exceptionally this season, likely placing him among the top 10 drivers of the year.

"Bortoleto has demonstrated significant competitiveness in F2. McLaren holds him in high regard and graciously agreed to let him go."

James spent ten years working as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of topics, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world directly in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Yuki Tsunoda hopes to persuade Red Bull to reconsider their decision and offer him a chance to compete in Formula 1 for the 2025 season.

Yuki Tsunoda is optimistic that his racing results will persuade Red Bull to offer him a spot on their team for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The RB driver delivered an impressive performance by securing the seventh position in the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session, just two spots behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, unique content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 directly in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Yuki Tsunoda achieved his result as Sergio Perez experienced his sixth failure to advance past Q1 this season, posting a lap time that placed him 16th on the starting grid.

Although Perez has a contract for the upcoming year, he is facing significant pressure to keep his position due to ongoing poor performance compared to Verstappen. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that the team might still alter their roster of drivers for the 2025 season.

Up to this point, Tsunoda has not been considered by Red Bull as a potential candidate, with his teammate Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, who has been filling in at Williams, seen as more probable options to replace Perez should a switch occur.

When questioned about how he plans to prove to Red Bull that he is prepared for promotion to the main team, Tsunoda replied to Sky Sports F1: "If I had the answer, I would act on it immediately after this interview."

"I can't change those things. What I can do is focus on how well I'm performing this year."

"I believe in my abilities and aim to consistently deliver strong results, hoping this will persuade them to reconsider."

"I will give my best effort and am aware of my capabilities when I join Red Bull."

"At this moment, my focus is on preparing thoroughly, presenting the outcomes, and leaving the decision up to them."

Yuki Tsunoda, who delivered a better performance than Daniel Ricciardo, initially chosen by Red Bull as a substitute for Perez, expressed his annoyance about being repeatedly passed over by Red Bull before the weekend began.

Yuki Tsunoda shared with reporters in Las Vegas that certain events began while Daniel was still his teammate. He noted that Liam joined and quickly made his presence felt.

"Frankly, it's the typical situation you find within that team or among the Red Bull group."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Get the Latest from Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

I secured four championships alongside Valentino Rossi – his hidden strategy revealed

"Learning from this was incredibly valuable for me…"

The ally who witnessed his prime years emphasizes that Valentino Rossi's dedication to extensive studying and conducting meetings played a pivotal role in his achievements.

Unlike his jovial outward appearance, Rossi became focused and strategic in his approach when it was time for business.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the race circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

This characteristic stands out vividly in Davide Brivio's memory.

"Brivio shared with Relevo that while they were associated with Yamaha, he was with Honda, and they managed to persuade him to join their team."

His mindset was solely focused on victory; indeed, for him, anything less than first place was considered a failure.

"He introduced a distinctly different strategy at Yamaha, embedding a mindset focused on consistently striving for victory and reaching the highest possible standards."

Valentino excelled in his professionalism, both inside the pit and while riding the motorcycle. He was highly professional.

"He dedicated extended periods to work, convened discussions, engaged in research, yet beyond the conventional boundaries, one could enjoy a meal out and have a good time.

"He displayed a high level of professionalism while also bringing a sense of enjoyment to the experience. It served as an excellent example for me, showing that it's possible to combine seriousness with fun."

In 2004, Rossi made the bold move to transition from Honda, where he had clinched the MotoGP championship, to Yamaha, risking his professional trajectory.

In his initial two seasons with Yamaha, The Doctor claimed additional championships under the leadership of team manager Brivio.

"Most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves"

Brivio recalled their partnership's major moments, such as the initial win or the inaugural world championship.

"Events such as the 2009 Barcelona race, and the 2008 Laguna Seca…"

However, there was a notable intensity, especially when Jorge Lorenzo became part of the team.

"Brivio emphasized the uniqueness of Lorenzo's entry into Yamaha."

"Valentino revolutionized Yamaha’s legacy and, naturally, he saw himself as the top contender."

"When one is present and then another comes along…"

"The experience remained positive. He handled it skillfully."

Rossi and Lorenzo famously constructed a barrier within their garage to conceal information from one another while they competed fiercely for the MotoGP championship.

"Valentino holds a dear spot in my heart," Brivio expressed.

"We secured four championships, accomplished numerous things as a team, but most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves immensely."

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, behind-the-scenes content, conversations, and special offers straight from the circuit to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Further Updates

Keep Up with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying any portion or the entirety of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Website Layout

Smash.Net

Lando Norris admits that his chances for the F1 2024 championship slipped away within the initial six races. He believes that the setbacks faced at the beginning of the season were crucial to his title hopes.

Lando Norris acknowledged that the 2024 F1 championship slipped away during the initial six races of the season. Despite this, he expressed pride in having been a competitor against Max Verstappen.

The McLaren racer is set to begin the Las Vegas Grand Prix in seventh position, directly trailing his championship competitor, Verstappen, who is in sixth. To maintain any chance of claiming the title, he must finish with at least three points more than the Dutch contender.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racetrack straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Norris believes that the championship was effectively decided when Red Bull dominated in the early season, a period when McLaren was not competitive. However, the British driver vowed to keep pushing hard to postpone Verstappen's championship victory festivities.

Norris stated to reporters in Las Vegas that regardless of the outcome tomorrow, his perspective will remain unchanged.

He has a strong chance of securing the championship title. However, my focus is on competing and giving my all in each race, regardless of whether Max finishes before me or not. That's just part of the sport. Today, he's slightly in front of us.

"I believe we have an opportunity to win against them tomorrow, but I will give my all as I consistently do in every race. The result will be whatever it is meant to be."

I am the person facing Max, and I'm glad it's me instead of someone else. Would I have liked it to last a little longer? Definitely.

"The championship was essentially decided during the initial six races of the season. It was during this period that Max was in control, and Red Bull had established a significant lead, making it nearly impossible to recover the points difference."

"I'm thrilled and content with how far we've come, and it's all thanks to us, without any outside help."

Norris mentioned that his McLaren vehicle faced difficulties, with each turn presenting a new issue, throughout the tough qualifying round in Las Vegas.

"The top three or four are likely unattainable," Norris mentioned to Sky Sports F1.

Throughout the weekend, Mercedes has consistently been the fastest team, which is evident. Ferrari has been close on their heels. Meanwhile, both Red Bull and our team have lagged behind by a significant margin, which was apparent in today's performance.

"We certainly anticipated achieving more than what we actually accomplished."

"If only everything had aligned during that lap, we faced issues in every turn with various problems. One moment it functions well, the next it doesn't, making it exceedingly challenging with our car."

"Searching for faster lap times without exceeding the car's limits is tricky. It proved to be too challenging for us, as was evident."

Lewis frequently travels internationally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on location to provide firsthand accounts of the races and shares the narratives of key figures involved in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the paddock delivered to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any portion or entirety of the text, images, or illustrations in any format is prohibited.

Site Directory

Crash.Net

Lando Norris discusses the "surprising" difficulties McLaren faced on Friday in Las Vegas, admitting, "I'm not very good at it."

Lando Norris expressed that his McLaren car performed "shockingly" when running on high fuel, even though he finished Friday's practice for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix with the second-best time.

Norris, aiming to maintain his championship aspirations by outscoring his competitor Max Verstappen by a minimum of three points this weekend, finished the second practice session only 0.011 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Yet, even though Norris found McLaren's single-lap speed promising during the qualifying simulations, he remains worried about the car's race speed due to issues with tyre graining.

"It was average. In my opinion, the performance with low fuel was fine. However, with high fuel, it was quite surprising, so there are many aspects that need to be examined," Norris stated.

Mixing these elements and dealing with challenges like front graining is something I find quite difficult. It's consistently a challenge for me.

"There was plenty of time to focus on it. Essentially, it was split into two parts: one involving efficient low fuel performance and the other dealing with challenging high fuel conditions."

When questioned about whether managing graining comes down to small details, Norris replied: "It can be. If I knew the solution, I'd likely implement it."

"Although I'm aware of it, taking action remains challenging for me, as it is consistently a struggle."

"I plan to investigate the issue and determine what can be done. Currently, I can prioritize addressing high fuel concerns over low fuel ones, but achieving a good qualifying position up front is always beneficial for overall performance."

"There are many aspects to examine this evening."

The 25-year-old from Britain expressed that, due to the lack of grip on the Las Vegas track, he believed he could go faster in a regular road car than in his Formula 1 vehicle.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. While on location, he provides reports on the happenings and shares narratives about key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the world of F1 delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Dismissed F1 racer recommended as ideal substitute for Damon Hill on Sky Sports

Daniel Ricciardo proposed as a potential replacement for Damon Hill on Sky Sports F1.

Johnny Herbert is of the opinion that Daniel Ricciardo, who was recently let go, would perfectly fill Damon Hill's shoes at Sky Sports F1.

Hill, who clinched the world championship in 1996 and has significantly contributed to Sky's analysis team since they acquired the Formula 1 broadcasting privileges in the UK in 2012, surprisingly revealed his exit after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, unique content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Ex-Formula 1 driver Herbert believes that now that Ricciardo's career in grand prix racing seems to have come to an end, following his replacement at Red Bull by Liam Lawson, Sky should consider offering him a position on their TV team.

"Herbert mentioned to FlashscoreUSA.com that he would choose Daniel Ricciardo to be part of the F1 Sky team."

"His background is rich with experience, complemented by a charismatic smile and a camera-friendly presence. He's widely liked, possesses a pleasant personality, and excels at communicating his vast experiences."

"He's experienced both highs and lows. Those stories are exactly what folks are eager to listen to. Adding Daniel would indeed be beneficial."

Herbert disclosed that Hill was discontent with the maltreatment he faced on online platforms following recent disapproval of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

"Herbert revealed that since his start in 2012, Damon Hill has consistently questioned his involvement in punditry."

"Annually, he expressed uncertainty about repeating it, yet for 12 consecutive years, he returned! Honestly, it's unclear if it was his own choice or Sky's."

"Could it have been about pleasure? It's possible. He faced backlash for his comments regarding Max, and perhaps he thought, ‘I really don’t need this hassle.’ With the transformations occurring, if he was indeed compelled to leave, it raises questions about what might be in store for Martin Brundle and David Croft."

He was deeply distressed by the intense backlash he received for his remarks about Max. Damon, who has a son with Down's Syndrome, is actively involved with the Halow Project. Much of the hostility directed at me for my critique of Max's driving originated from social media accounts associated with the charity, which was absurd.

"Individuals targeted me via the Halow charity's Instagram page. Perhaps the onslaught of negative feedback influenced his decision. Detractors also leveraged the BRDC's account to criticize me regarding time penalties, the qualifying round in Brazil, and beginning the race from a lower position. Accusations were made against us for showing favoritism towards Max."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically delivering reports directly from the event locations, he shares the narratives of the significant figures within the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, unique stories, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the entirety or a portion of the text, photos, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Site Map

Collision.Net

Significant Progress for Potential 11th Formula 1 Team by 2026

A new F1 team might soon join the grid.

The likelihood of another Formula 1 team joining the lineup has "significantly risen," as reported by the Associated Press.

According to a report, the protracted effort by Andretti to become the 11th team in Formula 1 might receive approval in the next few weeks.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Dan Towriss, who holds the majority ownership of the Andretti organization, is attending the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend amid intensifying discussions.

According to an AP report, Andretti's prospects of entering Formula 1 have increased following a company reorganization that reduced the involvement of Michael Andretti, who is the son of former F1 champion Mario Andretti.

According to the report, discussions have increased following the reduction of his position.

With Michael Andretti no longer at the helm, the team might be rebranded under the name of General Motors, the corporation that presently supports Andretti.

Cadillac might serve as the engine supplier starting in 2026.

Las Vegas has become a significant event in the Formula 1 schedule, marking its return after a highly awaited revival last year, as the sport continues to grow its presence in the United States.

However, Haas is the sole team that receives support from the United States.

Despite their efforts to join the championship earlier this year, Andretti was unable to secure the backing of the current 10 Formula 1 teams.

This is even though the FIA has given their entry the green light

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was questioned regarding the seemingly altered position on adding an 11th team to the Formula 1 grid.

Wolff informed the Associated Press that they have a legal responsibility as board members to advocate for what benefits the company and its staff the most, and they have fulfilled this duty.

"If a team can enhance their championship status, especially if General Motors enters the scene as a team owner, that's a whole different scenario."

"As long as it fosters creativity and boosts the sport's popularity and revenue, no team will oppose it. I'm hopeful about that."

"Nobody from Andretti, Andretti Global, or any future name of the organization has ever discussed with me any details about their creative vision."

"However, the teams don't have to make a decision since they aren't responsible for it. The decision is made by the commercial rights holder along with the FIA, and we are not involved."

"When I want to get an invitation to a party and attend it, I make it a point to sit with the group and share who I am. I explain why I'm enjoyable company and assure them that everyone will appreciate having me there."

"That hasn't occurred, but in my opinion, and this is just my personal perspective rather than a professional one, there's nothing within our power to do or say about it."

"I don't know the individuals involved. While I've talked to Mario, I haven't had any conversations with his son or anyone else associated with them. I'm not familiar with who they are. However, I do know GM and have a high opinion of them."

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 directly in your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing any portion or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

CrashNet

Max Verstappen claims that Red Bull's failure to produce a low-drag rear wing has led them to lose two races, particularly impacting their performance in Las Vegas.

Max Verstappen believes that Red Bull has wasted two race weekends by choosing not to introduce a low-drag rear wing for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen secured the fifth position in the qualifying rounds for Sunday's grand prix, positioning himself just ahead of his competitor, Lando Norris. To clinch his fourth world championship title, Verstappen needs to ensure that Norris doesn't outscore him by more than two points. Meanwhile, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, was eliminated in the first qualifying session, ending up in 16th place.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Following the qualifying session, Verstappen concentrated on Red Bull's lag in straight-line speed when compared to their competitors. This shortcoming arose because the team lacked a specialized low-drag rear wing, which is essential for high-speed circuits such as Las Vegas and Monza.

"We decided against creating a rear wing with low drag," Verstappen mentioned to the press, including Motorsport Week, during an event in Las Vegas.

"We don't possess one. This situation has been ongoing since 2022. I believe it never crossed our minds that it would deplete to such an extent. Given the budget constraints, we had to set our priorities and accordingly made adjustments."

"Absolutely, I would have preferred a wing with less downforce. Alternatively, a different design that is more efficient would have been ideal."

"However, it's an issue we'll consider. Yet, there's just one year remaining under the current regulations."

"I'm not sure if it sounds logical, but from my perspective, it seems like we waste two race weekends in situations like this since we end up losing significant time on the straights."

When questioned about the areas where he was losing time, Verstappen clarified: "It's happening both in the corners and on the straight sections. We understand that our wing design inherently decreases our top speed, particularly when the DRS is activated. It's somewhat of a disadvantage."

"We were aware of the challenges that come with racing on a circuit like Monza. Additionally, we consistently found it difficult to get the tyres to perform optimally."

"I believe we made the most of our qualifying session given our resources, which resulted in a P5 finish. We were somewhat fortunate because Lewis didn't complete a lap; otherwise, we would have been P6. I feel we truly optimized our performance."

Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By providing on-the-ground coverage, Lewis shares insights and narratives about the key figures in the sport.

Stay Informed

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking News

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying text, images, or drawings in whole or in part is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Jenson Button reignites discussion on Lewis Hamilton's age and reflex speed

"It's possible there's a slight decline…"

Jenson Button has suggested that Lewis Hamilton's less-than-stellar qualifying performance this season might be due to his advancing age.

Hamilton trails behind his teammate George Russell 16-5 in Formula 1 qualifying sessions this season, with three races remaining.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

This indicates that, for only the second time during his 12-year tenure with Mercedes, he will be outperformed by a colleague in direct qualifying comparisons this season.

Former McLaren co-driver Button emphasized that qualifying has historically been one of Hamilton's strong suits.

However, Button conveyed to Sky Sports, "He's nearing 40. Perhaps there's a slight decline."

"You're competing with individuals in their twenties. Regardless of how sharp your reflexes might be, they won't match up to those of someone in their twenties."

"It's possible to lose that minor advantage which may not be apparent during a race, but it becomes more challenging in qualifying."

"It is painful to witness the younger drivers not only displaying speed during qualifying rounds, but also maintaining a consistent performance throughout."

The Mercedes team's drivers are feeling hopeful as they look forward to Saturday's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In both of Friday's practice rounds, Hamilton came out on top, followed by Russell who secured

However, Mercedes has faced challenges this season, with their competitive edge waning as the race weekend progresses.

During the previous race in Brazil, Hamilton did not make it past the first round of qualifying due to rainy conditions. Subsequently, he ended up in 10th place in the grand prix.

He made a comeback in Vegas, confessing that during the low point following his disappointing performance in Brazil, he had the urge to quit.

Button expressed his delight at Hamilton leading Friday's practice session in Vegas, stating, "I'm truly pleased he's participating, and I'm confident we'll witness Lewis at his peak."

However, it's uncertain if he will be able to outperform his teammate Russell for just the sixth time out of 17 qualifying attempts.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive offers straight to your email

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is strictly prohibited to replicate, in whole or in part, any textual content, photographs, or illustrations in any manner.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Max Verstappen admits that Red Bull is not performing well in Las Vegas. He notes that the team is having difficulties with their speed over a single lap.

Max Verstappen acknowledged that Red Bull is "not very close" in terms of speed for a single lap following the Friday practice session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

The current world champion from Red Bull concluded the initial practice session in 17th place. His teammate, Sergio Perez, finished in 19th. Both drivers faced challenges throughout the two-hour session, especially with maintaining grip.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing scene straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Although Max Verstappen was two seconds slower than Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, he differed from his competitors by not using the soft tire for a lap in the qualifying simulation sessions.

"The track conditions were slick, and we had significant difficulty getting the tires to perform, particularly on a single lap," Verstappen stated.

"The extended race began with a touch more competition, although I believe there's still room for some adjustments. However, our speed over a single lap is significantly lacking."

"Certainly, the conditions here are unusual and extremely chilly. However, ultimately, everyone is facing the same circumstances, so we must work to identify and correct our current mistakes."

The driver from the Netherlands remarked, "The car's balance isn't really the issue; the main problem is the lack of traction. It feels like I'm driving on ice right now."

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, mentioned that the way the tires perform in the cooler weather conditions in Las Vegas is becoming a "crucial factor."

Horner stated that the key factors are the tires and the temperatures.

"In the short term, we weren't in the right zone with the tires, so we couldn't get them to function properly."

"Over time, the car is functioning well, although we have a few additional problems to address, which seem to be akin to the challenges others are facing. However, in the short term, we struggled to get the tires to perform optimally."

Verstappen is set to secure his fourth consecutive world championship title this weekend if he ends the race ahead of Lando Norris, or if Norris gains no more than two points over him.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is often present at the events, providing firsthand reports and sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Coverage

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any portion or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

The moment of uncertainty that George Russell worried might have ruined his pole position opportunity occurred in Las Vegas.

George Russell was concerned that his opportunity to secure the top spot at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix was lost after he collided with the wall during the qualifying session.

Following his leading performance in Q1 and finishing second to his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in Q2, Russell clinched pole position during Q3 with a stunning final lap, narrowly beating Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 scene straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

However, the session was anything but simple for Russell, as he had to replace his front wing following an encounter with the wall during his initial attempt. The British driver confessed that he was worried his qualifying could have ended prematurely.

Russell expressed his excitement about securing pole position again, saying, "It's an amazing feeling to be back on top. Our speed has been impressive throughout the weekend, and I had a strong sense that the final Q3 lap would be the decisive one. The previous laps didn't matter in comparison."

During my initial run, I encountered a brief issue that required us to replace the front wing. For a moment, I was worried we wouldn't finish in time, but now I'm just really thrilled.

He remarked, "In the end, you have to take a chance occasionally, and I believed in my abilities. I was sure that if I completed a flawless lap, it would be sufficient to guarantee a spot in the front row."

"Securing pole position is amazing. Our next step is to turn it into a victory."

Russell admitted that he remains uncertain about the reason behind Mercedes' strong performance throughout the weekend in Las Vegas.

"I have to admit, it's been quite unexpected for everyone involved," he remarked. "We definitely need to take a closer look at this situation since this track is quite unusual."

"We haven't made any special preparations just for Las Vegas, yet somehow, the circumstances and the setup are benefiting us. I'm a bit puzzled as to why this is happening."

"For now, we're sticking with it, but as I mentioned, being fast in Las Vegas is unique due to the nature of the track. It's important for us to analyze this. Additionally, one of our other pole positions was in Canada, which also features cold and street-like conditions, indicating a slight pattern."

Lewis frequently travels to global Grand Prix events as a correspondent for Crash.net. He provides on-the-scene coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock directly in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Pierre Gasly shares insights into Alpine's remarkable qualifying performance. In Las Vegas, Gasly achieved the best qualifying result for Alpine this F1 season, marking a personal career milestone.

Pierre Gasly attributed his strong performance at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he achieved Alpine's top qualifying position of the season, to an "aggressive" car set-up.

The French driver caused a major surprise by securing third position on the starting grid, trailing only behind George Russell from Mercedes and Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, after delivering an impressive performance in the Q3 session.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers straight from the paddock delivered to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

This was not only the highest qualifying position Pierre Gasly has achieved since he began his Formula 1 career in 2017, but it also represented the best showing for Alpine this season. It surpassed the earlier top performance by his teammate Esteban Ocon, who had previously secured a P4 in a rain-soaked qualifying session in Brazil.

"It's unbelievable because it's the first time this has happened. To be honest, we didn't expect to secure a spot in the top three during the qualifying," Gasly mentioned.

"The lap was amazing, particularly on this circuit where you're constantly close to the walls throughout – it was full of adrenaline and very thrilling."

"Upon completing the lap, I sensed it was a strong performance, but hearing over the radio that I'd be starting third tomorrow was simply incredible. I'm absolutely thrilled."

When questioned about the strength of his car in Las Vegas, Gasly explained: "We opted for a particularly bold setup concerning downforce, which means we're using minimal downforce on this circuit."

"We aim to optimize the straight sections, which naturally makes navigating the corners a bit more difficult for us. However, it's undoubtedly a demanding circuit. The weather is quite chilly, making it a unique challenge compared to other races in the season."

"I felt comfortable in the car starting from the first practice session. The second practice session was successful, and the third one also turned out well. During the final qualifying session, we succeeded in performing well with just one set of new tires. Our speed was definitely impressive."

"At the moment, I'm really happy. Even though it's just the qualifying round, I believe this is the first time I've secured a spot in the top three. It definitely feels like a significant achievement."

Following a surprising double podium finish in Brazil, Alpine has managed to pull three points ahead of Haas in the constructors’ championship. This puts the French team in a position to solidify their hold on sixth place even further.

However, Gasly remains cautious and is not allowing himself to become overly optimistic about the prospect of securing another podium finish.

"I'm not really focused on that right now," he asserted. "I believe we understand our goal. We're in competition with Haas and AlphaTauri for the constructors' championship."

"Clearly, the outcome of that qualifying session was incredible. It's satisfying to be ahead of Max, McLaren, and the others. However, ultimately, that’s not our main competition. We'll put forth our best effort in the race tomorrow."

"It's tough dealing with the graining issue here, so we'll be diligent in our preparations tonight to boost our opportunities for tomorrow. Starting from P3 definitely enhances our prospects of scoring valuable points."

Lewis is a frequent presence at international Grands Prix events for Crash.net. As an on-site reporter, he often shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce the text, photos, or drawings, either in full or in part, in any manner.

Site Overview

Crash.Net