GPS tracking on a company car from Alpine disclosed that Esteban Ocon had visited the Williams F1 team, according to former Alpine head Marcin Budkowski.

Marcin Budkowski revealed that the entire Alpine team discovered Esteban Ocon had visited Formula 1 competitors Williams by tracking the GPS data from his company vehicle.

Ocon joined Haas following Alpine's announcement in June that they would be separating at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

In July, James Vowles, the head of Williams, disclosed that Ocon had traveled to Grove for a seat fitting as the team considered their future driver lineup.

Ex-Alpine executive director Budkowski, who exited the French team in 2022, asserted that GPS tracking on Ocon’s company vehicle showed he had visited Williams.

According to Budkowski, speaking to Viaplay Poland, he visited Enstone prior to the Silverstone event and used an Alpine vehicle provided to him as a company car during his time there.

"These vehicles are equipped with GPS trackers. Consequently, it was discovered that his Alpine vehicle was stationed in the Williams parking area for a duration of five hours while Esteban was in the United Kingdom. This is how the entire Alpine team became aware that Esteban had spent several hours there."

"I doubt he knew about it. However, the reality is that the team chose not to renew his contract, allowing Esteban to explore opportunities with other teams."

"It's amusing how the situation ended up becoming public in that way."

Williams considered Ocon for future seasons

During the Hungarian Grand Prix last year, Vowles told Autosport that Williams was assessing Ocon as a possible driver for the 2025 or 2026 season.

After Carlos Sainz departed from Ferrari to accommodate the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, Williams secured Sainz's services with a contract spanning multiple years.

Vowles informed Autosport that Esteban's visit wasn't for a genuine seat fitting; rather, it was to assess him with an eye on the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

"I had to check if he could actually fit in the car due to his height. Alex is also quite tall, but his body measurements can be challenging in some respects."

All of our current efforts are focused solely on drivers for 2025 and the future, and nothing else.

"He was certainly someone we thought about. I've been acquainted with him for quite a long time, especially during his time at Mercedes, where he was under my supervision alongside Toto Wolff and Gwen's management team, who took care of him."

"He's shown impressive speed. Beating Fernando Alonso in qualifying is no small feat and requires exceptional talent. By providing him with the right support and surroundings, he has the potential to become a formidable competitor. This is why he was taken into account."

At that time, Vowles indicated that it is improbable for Ocon to become a potential choice for Williams moving forward.

He expressed that he believes their current situations prevent their paths from intersecting, which he finds regrettable. He noted that there are certain aspects that he feels could be successful if they were to collaborate.

"However, there are some aspects that I believe won't be feasible within the given time constraints. Nonetheless, I am certain that he will enjoy a highly successful career in Formula 1."

In 2025, Esteban Ocon will team up with Formula 1 newcomer Oliver Bearman, creating a refreshed driver lineup for Haas.

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Headline: Ducati's "Risk" Concerns Spark Collaboration with Marc Marquez

New Speculation on Ducati's Strategic Decision

It has been proposed that Ducati's worries regarding "risk" prompted their partnership with Marc Marquez.

A year ago, Marquez transitioned from Honda to Gresini Ducati and performed remarkably well in 2024 on a Ducati bike from the previous year, launching a strong bid for the championship that only faltered in the closing stages.

However, he performed sufficiently well to secure an invitation to join the official Ducati team this year, providing him with top-tier equipment on the circuit.

The consequence of the manufacturer's choice affected Jorge Martin, who, after securing the MotoGP championship riding a Ducati, has switched over to Aprilia.

Wayne Gardner expressed to Motosan that he had anticipated the choice of selecting Marquez over Martin.

"If I'm being truthful, I likely would have chosen to stick with Jorge if I were in that situation."

"However, Marc is undoubtedly a skilled racer. Both of them are from Spain, correct?"

"In my opinion, Ducati effectively sidelined Marquez from the race."

"It's preferable for him to collaborate with them rather than oppose them."

"They are aware of Marc's skill level. It appears he has made significant progress since becoming part of the Ducati team."

It is clear that Ducati possesses the top-performing bike on the track, and this has been the case for several years.

"Marc has been managing the challenges of riding the Honda, which is why he has experienced numerous crashes."

"Although he continues to experience crashes, there is now a bit more stability, likely due to the improvements in the bike."

"From Ducati's perspective, allowing Marquez to join a competing team poses a significant risk."

"Adding him to their team ensures they are confident of winning with either Pecco or Marquez in the upcoming year."

"They were faced with a choice, and that's what led to that outcome."

"Martin is set to join Aprilia, and I believe it will be amazing with that motorcycle."

"Honestly, I believe that will add more excitement to the championship."

Last summer, Marquez created a challenging situation for Ducati as they were evaluating their roster for 2025.

He stated unequivocally that riding for Pramac, despite having a bike with factory specifications, was not a possibility.

This led Ducati to change their initial decision to recognize Martin.

Martin inked a deal with Aprilia and went on to have a phenomenal season, ultimately clinching the MotoGP championship.

In 2025, he might be able to race with the number one on an Aprilia.

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Ferrari hints at new color scheme for Lewis Hamilton's 2025 vehicle via online posts

It's rumored that Ferrari plans to shift to a deeper red color in 2025.

Ferrari may have subtly indicated what their new paint scheme for the 2025 Formula 1 season will look like, supporting previous assertions that they're planning a more daring design.

As the new season approaches, there has been a flurry of information about Ferrari's latest race car, which marks Lewis Hamilton's inaugural vehicle with the squad.

According to Autoracer, Ferrari plans to adopt a deeper red hue for their color palette in 2025.

The study indicates that the red hue chosen will not be as deep as the variant utilized during the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello.

Several updates on Ferrari's online platforms since the beginning of the year may have subtly suggested the specific red hue they plan to feature on their upcoming Formula 1 vehicle.

A changing room tag, a birthday cake for Hamilton, and a duo's dining table all showcase a matching deep red hue.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash.net – Formula 1 (@crashnetformula1)

Enthusiasts will need to be patient until the Formula 1 premiere at The O2, known as F1 75 Live, where all teams will be present, to catch a first look at the updated team colors.

Ferrari gears up for Hamilton’s initial trial

As the pre-season testing in Bahrain draws closer, with just over a month left, Ferrari plans to conduct several assessments with Hamilton in their 2022 vehicle to ensure he's fully prepared.

Hamilton couldn't participate in the team's trials in Abu Dhabi late last year because of existing contractual obligations with Mercedes.

Hamilton's appearances will provide him with a vital chance to get to know his new team members and begin forming connections in preparation for an important year with Ferrari.

Ferrari secured the runner-up spot in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' standings, trailing McLaren by a mere 13 points.

Loïc Serra, formerly associated with Mercedes alongside Hamilton, is playing a crucial role in the development of the latest vehicle.

Sources indicate that Serra has been concentrating on refining the suspension system and its performance in conjunction with Pirelli tyres.

Ferrari and Hamilton faced difficulties during the 2024 qualifying sessions, a challenge Serra has been assigned to improve upon.

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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem criticizes the media for what he describes as an "unfair" representation of his actions and makes an unusual remark about the British Grand Prix.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has critiqued his portrayal by the media covering Formula 1.

While speaking at the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia, Ben Sulayem has once again expressed his belief that certain parts of the media have criticized him unfairly.

In what appeared to be an unprovoked outburst, the 63-year-old Emirati, who has been heavily criticized for his management of F1, reportedly stated to Autosport: "I've faced three years of criticism. Do I care? Was my election meant for listening to the media? No."

"I appreciate media that is positive and constructive. If I make an error, you're welcome to critique me, but please do so objectively."

Since taking on the role of FIA president in December 2021, Ben Sulayem has been involved in a number of disputes. He emphasized that he believes the way he has been treated is "unfair."

He remarked oddly about Qatar Airways sponsoring the British Grand Prix.

"Life isn't always just, and that's how the world works. Saudi Arabia has made significant reinvestments," he mentioned to journalists in the country.

"When examining certain segments of the British media, you'll find they often criticize either Saudi Arabia or myself. However, I suggest taking a look at the British Grand Prix."

"Is it just the British Grand Prix? No, it's officially the Qatar Airways British Grand Prix. If you take away the sponsorship, you lose the funding."

During a conversation with Autosport at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last year, Ben Sulayem criticized what he perceives as a noticeable bias in the British media.

He made his comments following Adrian Newey, a former designer for Red Bull, who mentioned on the High Performance podcast that the British press had not treated Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel fairly.

Ben Sulayem concurred with Newey's perspective, expressing his admiration for Max Verstappen by stating, "As a fellow driver and former champion, I hold great respect for Max as well as for all winners and champions."

"I understand that he experienced his own difficulties, but let's focus on my situation. When you examine how the British media treated me… Honestly, they passed judgment on me."

“They haven't blamed me for anything, but they continue to persist. Do I mind? Not at all. Why not? Because their goal is to boost sales and gain more exposure for themselves. Absolutely, yes.”

"However, they hold no authority over me or the FIA."

Respectfully addressing the British media and other media outlets, it's important to note that they do not have voting rights. We operate as an independent, democratic organization. My election was made possible by the decision of our membership body. The authority lies with the General Assembly, not the media.

"How about we put an end to this foolishness and focus on improving the sport? That's my request. If the media doesn't want to cooperate, it's their choice."

However, life continues. Do you know what their actions resulted in for me? They made me more resilient. Now, I approach things with greater caution and increased wisdom.

"I have the backing of the club members. If they ever choose to replace me as president, that decision is up to them."

Ultimately, who placed me in this position? It was the General Assembly and its members. I am extremely clear about this. If they disagree, the decision is theirs to make.

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Chico Lorenzo expresses a definitive opinion on the ongoing debate between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. He stated, "When Valentino first came onto the scene, there weren't any competitors like these…"

Chico Lorenzo has expressed his opinion on who he believes is the best MotoGP rider of all time.

The discussion, often centered around Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, splits the opinions of enthusiasts.

Jorge, Chico's son, was embroiled in their most intense altercation, and he has achieved legendary status in MotoGP on his own merits.

However, Chico has defended his opinion that Marquez is the greatest of all time, surpassing even Rossi.

He mentioned to Moto.it that when Valentino Rossi entered the 500cc category, he was riding the same motorcycle as Mick Doohan.

"He competed against the same opponents as Doohan, who had secured victories over them for five consecutive years."

"When Marquez entered the scene, he faced competition from riders like Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, and Valentino Rossi, all of whom rank among the top ten in the sport's history."

"When Valentino made his debut, he faced no competitors of equal stature. Instead, he raced against the likes of Gibernau, Capirossi, Biaggi, and Melandri."

Valentino Rossi, arguably the most recognizable figure in MotoGP, is now marking his fourth year since retiring from the sport.

Marquez, his longstanding rival, has the chance to match his record of nine world championships this season.

Marquez is switching to a factory Ducati, a motorcycle that is vastly different from the one Rossi struggled to master during his unsuccessful period with the team.

According to Jorge Lorenzo's father, one rider will challenge Marquez for the 2025 championship.

Chico thinks that Pecco Bagnaia is the sole person certain to offer strong competition.

"Chico clarified that Jorge Martin is currently with Aprilia."

"In my opinion, Martin is on par with Marquez as a rider, but it's uncertain how things will pan out with Aprilia."

"In my opinion, the top contenders are Bagnaia, Marquez, and Martin. If Aprilia performs well, Martin has a chance to secure a spot in the top three."

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Christian Horner clarifies he never considered exiting F1 amidst controversy

Christian Horner has stated that the idea of departing from Red Bull amid a tumultuous season in F1 2024 never crossed his mind.

Christian Horner has firmly stated that the thought of leaving F1 never crossed his mind, even amidst the controversy surrounding him and his Red Bull team.

On the brink of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Red Bull faced upheaval following accusations of misconduct and manipulative actions directed at team principal Horner.

The British man, aged 51, refuted the allegations and was eventually exonerated after an internal probe into his conduct involving a female coworker concluded. The woman's subsequent appeal was also rejected.

The dispute involving Horner risked unsettling Red Bull, causing internal strife and political discord, with Max Verstappen's father, Jos, demanding Horner's resignation.

Questions about Verstappen's career prospects surfaced following the off-track controversies.

Mid-season, Red Bull experienced a decline in their competitiveness, yet Verstappen managed to secure his fourth consecutive world championship, even though McLaren's Lando Norris challenged him significantly.

Despite their efforts, Red Bull lost their position as the leading team and fell to third in the standings, overtaken by both McLaren and Ferrari.

Horner's enthusiasm persisted

"Without a doubt, it was a tough year," Horner admitted to PlanetF1.

"Despite numerous challenges, our concentration never wavered from the main objectives."

Clearly, there have been some adjustments within our team, but we're adapting for what lies ahead, and I believe we're well-prepared for it.

"My driving force has always been the thrill of competing. That's my motivation to rise every morning. Once you've embraced racing, it stays with you forever. The real excitement begins the moment the lights are extinguished."

Despite the challenges Red Bull faced both on the racetrack and off, Horner emphasized that he never considered resigning from his role.

"To be frank, the idea has never once occurred to me," he stated.

"Red Bull Powertrains is gearing up for an incredibly thrilling new phase – it marks the most significant challenge we've embraced in our two decades of involvement in the sport. I believe this upcoming phase could be among the most exhilarating ones yet."

"In this industry, education never stops."

Heading into the 2025 season, Red Bull is experiencing the departure of several pivotal members, including Adrian Newey, who chose to exit the team following the scandal linked to Horner.

The iconic Formula 1 engineer has become part of the Aston Martin team and is scheduled to start his latest position on March 2nd.

Jonathan Wheatley, the sporting director, has left his position to take on the role of team principal at Sauber, which is set to transform into the Audi factory team by 2026.

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David Croft comes to Max Verstappen's aid following criticism from fans labeling him as "petulant."

"Max's actions are driven by his desire to win and secure championships. Red Bull employs him for these very achievements, so he's merely fulfilling his role."

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has come to the defense of Max Verstappen regarding his "over-aggressive" actions during races, characterizing the Dutch driver as a "winner."

In 2024, Verstappen clinched his fourth straight F1 drivers' championship, successfully fending off a strong end-of-season push from Lando Norris.

Without a doubt, Verstappen's performance this season stood out, especially considering the difficulties Red Bull faced during the latter part of the year.

In the first 10 races, Verstappen secured seven wins, but in the last 14 races, he only managed to win twice.

Because Verstappen had more points than Norris, he could adopt a more aggressive approach during their head-to-head duels on the track.

The Red Bull racer received two 10-second penalties due to aggressive driving during the Mexico event.

During the Autosport International event held in Birmingham, Croft had a conversation with a fan.

Regarding Verstappen, the fan commented: "He's overly aggressive during races and behaves immaturely towards fellow drivers."

Croft responded by saying, “You have the right to your opinion, sir, and I won’t argue with you about it.”

"He tends to be overly aggressive while racing and often displays petulance towards fellow competitors, traits that might actually contribute to his success as a winner and a champion. But do we truly admire champions? Are we fond of winners? Everyone has their personal favorites, and I completely understand that perspective."

"The key point about Max is that he strives for victory and aims to be a champion, which aligns with Red Bull's expectations since they compensate him to achieve these goals. He is simply fulfilling his role. I see no issue with that at all. I have always had a fondness for Max."

"I've admired him since he first participated in the Japan FP1 back in 2014 because he has incredible skills, and I really value those abilities."

Croft likens Verstappen to Schumacher

Croft notes that both Verstappen and Michael Schumacher share an intense drive to achieve victory in Formula 1.

He believes that Verstappen might receive more recognition since he's somewhat of a "winner."

"Michael Schumacher is someone we admire greatly. We also hold Lewis Hamilton in high regard," he stated. "These individuals are winners and champions. Additionally, we have a deep appreciation for Sebastian Vettel and his achievement of securing four championships over the years."

"He took the necessary actions to secure victory. If his teammate happened to be an unintended casualty in the process, it was not a concern for him. His focus was solely on winning."

"Perhaps we need to recognize that Max is quite the champion. It might be time to acknowledge and applaud his consistent success over the past four years."

"The last occasion when Max was not at the forefront of the drivers' championship was in Spain 2022. Consider waking up daily with the goal of maintaining your position at the top for almost four years. It's an incredibly demanding challenge."

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EXCLUSIVE – Carchedi Praises Aldeguer's Remarkable Advancement, Windshield Incident, and Aspirations for 2025

"I believe Fermin will surprise many this season."

Crew chief Frankie Carchedi, who played a crucial role in rejuvenating eight-time world champion Marc Marquez's MotoGP career by securing 20 podium finishes and three wins at Gresini, is set to collaborate with newcomer Fermin Aldeguer in 2025.

Aldeguer secured the Ducati position following an impressive performance in the latter part of the 2023 Moto2 season, despite finishing fifth in the championship race the previous year. He made his first appearance in the top class at the Barcelona test held in November.

The young Spanish rider narrowly defeated the current Moto2 titleholder, Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Aprilia, becoming the quickest newcomer by securing the 20th position. He completed his laps 1.761 seconds behind his team-mate, Alex Marquez, who led the test session.

During a discussion on the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi described the test as quite challenging for the newcomers. This was mainly because of the cold weather and the unavailability of soft front tyres, which resulted from the last-minute decision to switch the season finale from Valencia to Barcelona.

"We experienced a minor mishap, though considering the challenging circumstances, it was fortunate there weren't more," stated Carchedi. "Every newcomer encountered the gravel at least once, which wasn't unexpected. Nevertheless, the test was quite encouraging overall."

According to him, by the second or third lap, you start getting used to the speed. However, the data clearly showed that there was significant room for improvement in braking.

"We might have pressured him a bit excessively!" However, after being informed of the areas that required enhancement, Carchedi disclosed that Aldeguer showed a remarkable leap in his performance.

"Something that truly amazed me was how, after just one session of reviewing the braking, he was significantly closer to the leading riders by the next attempt. It was actually quite concerning, as we wondered if we might have urged him too far!"

"You must keep in mind that the way a rider sits on the bike and its ergonomic setup plays a crucial role in MotoGP. For a newcomer, figuring this out during the initial test is largely based on estimation."

"You evaluate the positions of all the other riders and place him somewhere in the middle. However, there's still more work to be done on this during the winter season."

"We experienced a broken windscreen…"

Standing at 1.81 meters tall, Aldeguer ranks among the taller competitors. His requirement to adjust his body more towards the rear was vividly demonstrated when he shattered the windscreen with his helmet while practicing a start.

Carchedi shared that they dedicated nearly the entire morning to understanding how the ride-height device works, and he quickly became proficient with it. He added that they didn't even discuss the starting process or the controls involved.

"We approached the situation gradually, and later in the day, as temperatures dropped, we conducted a few practice starts at the pit lane exit before the designated practice start session at the conclusion of the test."

"It might not have been fair to have him perform his initial practice start right on the grid in front of everyone. However, as you noticed, we ended up with a broken windscreen anyway!"

"Unexpected developments arise during the second race weekend."

While Marquez and Aldeguer are at different stages in their MotoGP journeys, Carchedi pointed out that both face similar challenges when learning to handle a new bike.

He noted that there are indeed parallels with 2024. The testing process is manageable since it involves a full day on the track, allowing for careful planning. With access to two bikes and a clear structure, it becomes easier to reach a high standard. As a result, many newcomers tend to perform impressively in their debut race.

"The unexpected challenge arises during the second race weekend, particularly at a circuit where no prior testing has taken place. In Free Practice 1, you have roughly 20 laps to get accustomed, and then you must switch to a qualifying mindset to secure direct entry into Q2."

"That's when you experience a surprising jolt."

"We have a period of 5 to 6 days for testing in Sepang, which should allow even newcomers to perform well. This is also true for the initial race weekend in Thailand, given the Buriram test that takes place beforehand."

"However, the moment you proceed to the initial new track, which is set to be Argentina."

"When Joan Mir joined Suzuki as a newcomer in 2019, he came close to finishing on the podium during his debut race in Qatar, maintaining a strong

"As mentioned before, you have 20 laps before entering a qualifying scenario. In today's MotoGP, your starting spot greatly influences your potential performance in the races. Therefore, it will require some time."

"It's consistently focused on moving forward," Carchedi stated when asked about his ambitions for Aldeguer in 2025, during which he will compete against Ogura and Somkiat Chantra for the leading newcomer accolade.

I have consistently emphasized with past riders, and the same applies to Fermin, that my priority is to see continuous improvement. Even if you start by finishing 20th in the first race, the aim is to perform better in each subsequent race. By doing so, you will have met your objective and will be prepared for the next year.

"If your performance fluctuates throughout the year… Securing a top-three spot in the fifth or sixth race is fantastic, but if you end up in 20th place in the following race, it undermines that success."

The origins trace back somewhat to Diggia in 2023, when we began collaborating with him. The focus was on establishing a positive trajectory, and the approach with Fermin will mirror this exactly.

"The only challenge arises when you end up on the podium in the first race, as it will be tough to maintain or surpass that performance throughout the rest of the year."

"I anticipate that during the year, we’ll consistently become more competitive, rather than having certain tracks labeled as good or bad. We should see more of a positive progression."

"He completed his quickest lap while using the minimal amount of tire. Considering this, Carchedi suggested that it would be more advantageous for Aldeguer to focus on refining the set-up instead of risking everything to secure a direct spot in Q2 during Friday afternoon's session."

Carchedi expressed that, particularly in the initial races, it would be unwise to visit a new track, complete 20 laps, and then attempt to push hard, even with limited visibility, in order to reach Q2.

"It's more beneficial to focus on improving your bike, and once you're prepared to truly challenge yourself to make it into Q2, you go for it. We'll approach this similarly to how we did during the test in Barcelona."

During the test, one of the standout aspects was how efficiently he used the tyres. It's important not only to ride quickly but also to maintain speed without wearing out the tyres to the point where a mid-race pit stop becomes necessary.

"In fact, on the final set of fresh tires, he achieved his quickest lap time while consuming the least amount of tire."

“You'll want to consider these factors, as realistically, even if you begin the race further back on the grid, having a set of tires that can last the entire race could help you gain five or six spots without much effort."

"Each person has their own objectives and ambitions. We have our own as well, particularly regarding what we aim to accomplish in the initial phases."

"Fermin is expected to make a strong impression on many this year," Carchedi stated. He also emphasized that he was not worried about Aldeguer's challenging experience in Moto2 the previous year.

During the first season featuring Pirelli tires, the pre-season frontrunner managed to equal champion Ogura by securing three race victories. Nonetheless, Aldeguer ended the season nearly 100 points adrift of the Japanese competitor due to seven instances where he failed to score.

In Moto2, a switch in tyre manufacturers led to challenges for many competitors. Each leading rider appeared dominant for a stretch of three to four races, only to face significant difficulties in the subsequent three to four races.

"The fact that this was the first year with Pirelli tires means that you can't weigh it too heavily. Fermin's performance towards the end of 2023 was truly remarkable; he was the only competitor who could challenge Pedro, who is already recognized as a top-tier racer."

"I believe that Fermin is going to leave a strong impression on many individuals this year."

Gresini is set to kick off its MotoGP efforts for the 2025 season with a team unveiling event that will showcase Aldeguer and Alex Marquez. This presentation will take place on Saturday, January 18

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For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the news about Suzuki's departure and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Aston Martin reveals reserve driver lineup to support Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in F1

Aston Martin has unveiled their reserve drivers for the upcoming F1 season.

Felipe Drugovich is set to remain in his role as a test and reserve driver for Aston Martin throughout the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Since 2022, the year he secured the Formula 2 championship, Drugovich has been involved with the Aston Martin driver development program.

Despite participating in multiple test sessions with Aston Martin, Drugovich has yet to secure a permanent position with any team.

It's been said that the Brazilian had discussions with Williams previously, before they ultimately chose Logan Sargeant.

Aston Martin has announced that Drugovich will remain present at races, serving as a reserve for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

The position will be co-held by ex-McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne.

Regarding the news, Drugovich expressed: "I'm clearly delighted to continue my role as Test and Reserve Driver with Aston Martin Aramco for a third consecutive season.

"This team is really gaining speed, and I'm looking forward to discovering what we can accomplish as a unit."

"The remarkable advancements at the AMR Technology Campus, highlighted by the state-of-the-art simulator, reflect the high aspirations present here, and I am dedicated to contributing to the enduring triumph of Aston Martin Aramco. As usual, my gratitude goes out to the team for their continuous backing."

Mike Krack, the Chief Trackside Officer, commented: “Since Felipe joined our team, he has played a crucial role, and we are thrilled to extend our collaboration with him until 2025 – he truly is a key player. His behind-the-scenes efforts, especially in the simulator and test sessions, have been essential, and his performance on the track is flawless.

Felipe's commitment and insights have been instrumental to our advancement, and we are optimistic about his ongoing contribution to our team's success.

"We hope he enjoys great success at the forthcoming Daytona 24-Hour Race."

Aston Martin's aspirations for 2025

The year 2025 is expected to serve as an interim period for Aston Martin as they anticipate Adrian Newey's commencement of work later in the year.

Aston Martin aims for 2026 as their vehicle will take inspiration from Newey and will be powered by a Honda factory engine.

This suggests that the team based in Silverstone might face more challenges in 2025.

Aston Martin secured the fifth spot in the constructors' championship once more, yet they trailed significantly behind the leading four teams.

As the year concluded, they found themselves trailing behind Alpine and Haas in terms of sheer speed, frequently depending on Alonso's exceptional skill.

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The incident when Mohammed Ben Sulayem crashed a Renault F1 car

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who serves as the president of the FIA, had an occasion where he crashed a Formula 1 car

During a demonstration event for Renault, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was involved in an accident where he crashed a Formula 1 car.

In 2009, the president of the FIA had the chance to try out Formula 1 equipment during a demonstration event organized by Renault in Dubai. This event was held to promote the first-ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which occurred that same year.

As construction continued on the Yas Marina Circuit, the event was held at the Dubai Autodrome.

Behind the wheel of the 2008 Renault R28, Ben Sulayem was involved in a drag race with a Ford GT, which ended in a crash.

After a rapid start that put him in front, Ben Sulayem lost control of his Renault and crashed into the wall on the pit straight.

Although the Emirati was not injured in the accident, the Formula 1 car sustained significant damage on its left side.

The demonstration had to be cut short due to the accident.

Footage of the accident is available for viewing below.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's experience behind the wheel

Although Ben Sulayem lacks experience in single-seater racing, he does possess a history in driving.

He is an ex-rally driver who secured victory in the Middle East Rally Championship on 14 occasions.

Ben Sulayem participated in 23 World Rally Championship events from 1988 to 1995, driving for Toyota and Ford, and accumulated 12 points throughout his rally career.

In 2005, Ben Sulayem shifted his focus away from racing to assume a leadership role off the track. He took on the position of president of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation, serving as the representative for the United Arab Emirates within the FIA.

In 2008, Ben Sulayem was chosen as Vice President for sport and became a part of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. He was instrumental in setting up the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In December 2021, he took over from Jean Todt to become the president of the FIA.

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Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. With a focus on providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez took to the circuit simultaneously for the initial time in 2025 as they ramp up their MotoGP preparations.

Last week in Spain, Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez took to the track simultaneously as they continued getting ready for their upcoming 2025 MotoGP seasons.

For Marquez, his session at the Aspar Circuit marked his initial experience with the new Ducati Panigale V2. This bike is lighter, albeit less powerful than its predecessor, and comes as a benefit of Marquez's new role as a factory rider for Ducati.

Jorge Martin and Marc Márquez seen riding together on the track at Manu Tormo / Aspar Circuit. 📸 pic.twitter.com/TrUgqJKh2R— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 12, 2025

Meanwhile, Martin was experiencing the Aprilia RSV4 for the first time, a bike that might be considered a bit excessive for the kart track at the Aspar Circuit. This marked his initial outing on the track since his official contract with factory Aprilia started in early January.

The pair not only spent time together at the track, but they also rode around the circuit alongside one another, allowing them to get a good sense of each other's riding style prior to the official MotoGP tests scheduled for February.

This off-season, Martin and Marquez have already spent time on the track together; the Spanish duo teamed up for some motocross sessions back in December.

A significant narrative of the 2024 MotoGP season, which concluded with Martin clinching his first premier class title, involved Ducati's choice regarding who would join Francesco Bagnaia in the Ducati Lenovo Team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Marquez and Martin were in fierce competition to earn the second spot on the factory Ducati team, competing alongside Enea Bastianini. Prior to the Italian Grand Prix, it looked like Martin was set to partner with Bagnaia. However, after the test sessions following the race at Mugello, Ducati opted for Marquez, and Martin ended up signing with Aprilia.

In 2025, the story will focus on how Martin can confront Ducati's supremacy alongside Aprilia, the sole other manufacturer to secure a race victory in 2024. The narrative will also explore how Martin measures up against Marquez and Bagnaia, who start the year as the top contenders for the championship.

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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news related to consumers and racing at Visordown.

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Franco Colapinto's representative shares intriguing details following his switch to Alpine F1

Insight into Franco Colapinto's agreement with Alpine has been disclosed…

The representative of Franco Colapinto has provided insights into her discussions with Alpine and the “determined” Flavio Briatore regarding the Argentinian's switch to their team before the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Last week, it was revealed that Colapinto will serve as the reserve and test driver for Alpine in the next season.

It is widely anticipated that Colapinto will eventually secure a full-time driving position alongside Pierre Gasly, although this is contingent on Jack Doohan's performance.

Colapinto's outstanding displays while filling in for Logan Sargeant at Williams during the mid-season caught the attention of both Alpine and Red Bull.

The year concluded unfavorably for Colapinto, marred by several incidents, and the presence of a substantial release clause reportedly led to a decline in interest towards him.

Following rigorous discussions with Alpine, an agreement was reached to onboard Colapinto as the test and reserve driver at Enstone.

In an interview with the Argentinian outlet Infobae, Maria Catarineu, who serves as the Commercial Director for Bullet Sports Management, disclosed that Briatore's enthusiasm for Colapinto was "extremely strong."

"The process was drawn out due to the intricate nature of the negotiations, which was the situation here. However, Flavio consistently showed determination, especially becoming more fervent in the recent weeks," she explained.

The deal was reached as it satisfied the desires of both sides – Flavio successfully secured Franco's signature, and James, the head of Williams, was in a position to offer him the opportunity to compete, given that their usual drivers are tied down with extensive agreements.

She continued, "Briatore has been following Franco since his initial Formula 1 race. The first time we spoke, he mentioned, 'I've noticed his talent and I'm interested in him.'"

"He closely monitored every race and observed his development as an F1 driver across the nine Grand Prix events he participated in."

Catarineu disclosed that Colapinto has secured a five-year agreement with Alpine, a remarkably extended contract for a driver with only nine races under his belt.

"She detailed how Williams transferred Franco to Alpine on a five-year agreement."

"I acknowledge that, should there be another team showing interest in Franco during this timeframe, it seems it would lead to discussions between Alpine and that team."

It seems certain that Colapinto will be promoted over Doohan.

Alpine has announced that Doohan will continue driving for them at the season's outset, though he will face significant internal pressure.

Catarineu declined to speculate on whether Colapinto would secure a permanent driving position with Alpine.

"I won't express my emotions," she ended.

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