Ducati veteran acknowledges that Marc Marquez "caused difficulties" for them in the past

Michele Pirro states that Marc Marquez's entry has energized Ducati

Michele Pirro expressed that the presence of Marc Marquez, a rider who has previously challenged them, in the factory Ducati MotoGP team has provided a significant boost to the entire team.

Eight-time world champion in grand prix racing, Marquez, embarked on a new chapter in 2024 by joining the Ducati family. He made the switch to the Gresini satellite team in an effort to rejuvenate his career, which had hit a stand

Discover why the excitement surrounding Hamilton and Marquez is expected to significantly impact motorsport in 2025.

After rapidly positioning himself as a strong candidate for a factory position in 2025, Marquez was eventually contracted by Ducati. This decision came after he turned down the opportunity to ride a works bike with Pramac, prompting the company to reverse its initial plan to advance Jorge Martin.

Earlier this week, Marquez and his new teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, unveiled Ducati's 2025 livery during a launch event held in the Madonna di Campiglio area of Italy.

Ducati's test rider, Pirro, has played a key role in the team's recent achievements in MotoGP. He mentions that Marquez's entry has brought a new sense of motivation, which "hasn't always been simple" to achieve.

Pirro mentioned to GPOne that in the past few years, during their period of dominance, it hasn't always been simple to find motivation.

"The addition of Marc has significantly energized the entire team, especially Pecco. There's a fresh and distinct vitality present."

During the conference at the launch, I mentioned that this is the ideal team. For someone like me, who isn't very young anymore, witnessing this team feels like a dream come true.

"Observing Marquez, who was considered 'the adversary' during the times of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, or when he refused to join Ducati back in 2016."

"In the past, there have been instances where he caused us difficulties. Despite this, he is still an impressive individual. It’s important to acknowledge that fans will always have their preferences, but the skills of both Pecco and Marc should be appreciated regardless of personal opinions."

"We'll soon witness both of them joining forces on the same team, riding the red bike, which Marc refers to as 'the best bike'—a status we've achieved through our performance on the track."

"The challenge will be to create optimal conditions for them. We are fortunate to begin with a strong foundation established during the previous season."

"I'm not one for major disruptions, but there are certain areas we can improve on. As for everything else, we'll see how things unfold."

"I frequently mention that our progress is closely linked to how our competitors perform. We'll gain a better understanding following the evaluations."

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Alpine assures that Jack Doohan will receive an equal opportunity despite Franco Colapinto joining the team for the F1 2025 season.

Alpine has affirmed that Jack Doohan will receive an equal opportunity to showcase his talent in F1 2025, even with the addition of Franco Colapinto to the team.

At the beginning of this month, Alpine made an announcement that they had successfully negotiated a multi-year agreement with Williams to bring Colapinto on board. Under this deal, he will serve as the team's backup driver for the 2025 season.

The young 21-year-old from Argentina will serve as the reserve driver for Pierre Gasly and Doohan, who is preparing for his debut full season in Formula 1 this year. During his first appearance at the season's final race in Abu Dhabi last December, Doohan secured the 15th position, following Alpine's decision to end their partnership with Esteban Ocon ahead of schedule.

Colapinto's recent contract is likely to amplify the expectations on Doohan, whose father is the celebrated MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, to perform well right from the start of his debut season. There are growing rumors that the Australian newcomer might be let go after just a few initial races.

Alpine team's head, Oliver Oakes, emphasized that Doohan, who has been elevated to a racing position following three years as the team's backup, enjoys complete support from the French outfit.

"Oakes mentioned on the James Allen on F1 podcast that Jack has faced some undue criticism from online commenters, but he'll have a proper opportunity to prove himself next year."

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

"A significant number of individuals rely on a driver to perform every weekend, and it's crucial that we ensure the top drivers are behind the wheel, not only in the present but also looking ahead.”

Colapinto quickly stood out in Formula 1, filling in for the underperforming Logan Sargeant at Williams and delivering notable performances right from the start.

However, a series of significant accidents toward the year's close negatively impacted his prospects of securing a permanent racing position for 2025.

"Oakes believes Colapinto certainly left a strong initial impression on Williams, though it seemed he might have overextended himself towards the end," Oakes remarked about Colapinto.

"It's challenging to determine the extent to which his circumstances, specifically his unconfirmed seat and his attempts to overly impress, influenced the situation versus the impact of the car's compromised components. However, the key point is that he managed to leave a significant mark with the rapid pace he demonstrated."

Having a lineup of two emerging talents like Paul and Franco on standby is fantastic, not only with an eye on 2025 but also as we look towards 2026 and 2027. In the unpredictable world of Formula 1, forecasting future developments and securing drivers for your team can be quite challenging.

"For our team, it essentially ensures transparency regarding individual performance and provides us with alternatives."

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Fernando Alonso forecasts an impressive contender in the 2026 F1 season

Fernando Alonso reveals his dark horse pick for the 2026 F1 championship.

Fernando Alonso believes Williams might emerge as a formidable contender once the new rules are implemented in Formula 1.

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 will implement significant changes that will affect the cars' power units, chassis, and aerodynamic designs.

In line with typical updates to regulations, there's often a reshuffling of the competitive hierarchy in Formula 1. Many teams, Williams among them, are eyeing 2026 as a chance to advance significantly and move up the standings.

Aston Martin racer Alonso believes Williams could possibly reclaim their past Formula 1 greatness.

"Whether I'm in the shoes of a journalist or simply enjoying Formula 1 from my living room couch, Williams stands out to me as a formidable team," Alonso shared with DAZN.

The double world champion remarked, “As a result, it's quite understandable for Aston Martin to be perceived in the same light. However, we’re all truly thrilled!

"In 2026, naturally, we'll be introduced to fresh regulations, and starting from April [March] of this year, Adrian Newey will be collaborating with our project."

"Therefore, we ought to look forward to an excellent year, one in which we could potentially secure a World Championship title. It's a bold statement, yet the anticipation is significant."

"I'm also confident they will be, as we're in the early stages of 2026 and the unveiling of that automobile is rapidly approaching."

"Updated rules, Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso… I can already predict the inquiries you're about to pose! 'Is it possible to envision winning the championship?'"

"I'd pose the same inquiry from an external perspective if I noticed Newey transitioning to a different squad."

Williams adjusts its ambitions

Since James Vowles took over as team principal in 2023, Williams has been in a phase of reorganization, aiming to advance from the back of the pack.

The UK team has secured Carlos Sainz to join forces with Alex Albon, enhancing their driver roster starting in 2025, with aspirations of achieving more progress in the future years.

Vowles has swiftly tempered expectations regarding Williams securing a race-winning vehicle in the inaugural season of F1's updated regulations.

"If you're pressing me for a specific timeline, my inclination would lean more towards 2028. However, the key issue is ensuring we're on the correct path heading in that direction," he stated.

Significant funding, top-level leadership, and various factors are starting to have an impact for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This process is inherently slow in Formula 1.

"By taking shortcuts, we might be able to speed up the process and see quicker results, but without a solid base, it's destined to fail eventually."

"Securing success in Formula 1 hinges on consistently making the correct decisions, not just for a single season, but over numerous years ahead."

"So, by the time I'm 28, I'll feel much more assured when I look you in the eyes and tell you, 'Absolutely'."

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Johnny Herbert identifies which F1 team faces the greatest pressure in the 2025 season

Johnny Herbert examines the challenges Aston Martin is expected to encounter as they approach the 2025 F1 season.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Johnny Herbert believes that Aston Martin is facing increasing pressure following their "underperformance" in the previous year.

At the beginning of 2023, Aston Martin displayed significant potential by securing numerous podium finishes, but their performance has since sharply declined.

In the past two seasons, Aston Martin has faced challenges in enhancing their performance during the season, as their upgrades have rarely led to significant progress.

Despite securing fifth place in the F1 constructors' championship once more, they were outperformed by Haas and Alpine in the final months of the season.

As 2026 nears and new rules come into play, Aston Martin may shift its attention to the following year, which could mean that the next 12 months are likely to present further challenges.

In an interview with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert mentioned that Aston Martin is under significant pressure because of the high expectations resulting from Lawrence Stroll's transformative efforts.

According to Herbert, Aston Martin has not met expectations as they initially showed great potential a few years back, but their performance has since dwindled.

"Many things have evolved, but it will require some time before these changes fully materialize. Aston Martin is likely under the most pressure, as there are high expectations following Lawrence Stroll's efforts with the team. Now, they must prove they can meet these expectations."

"I believe Aston Martin might end up being the biggest letdown in 2025. However, there's a lot of optimism due to Adrian Newey's involvement, along with the new wind tunnel and the extensive infrastructure developments that have been established to facilitate success."

Lance Stroll has been urged to improve his performance. Aston Martin has kept the same drivers for the Formula 1 season for the third year in a row.

Lance Stroll continues to be part of the team along with Fernando Alonso.

The Canadian driver is significantly trailing Alonso in terms of performance, prompting Herbert to encourage Stroll to enhance his efforts, which would be advantageous for the team.

"He mentioned that Fernando Alonso has occasionally been somewhat frustrated, which is something you typically anticipate from him."

"Lance Stroll needs to up his performance, as it's important for both drivers to support one another in order to drive personal improvements and advance the team's progress."

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Alessandro Alunni Bravi secures a new position at McLaren

Former Sauber executive takes on a fresh role in the F1 circuit

Alessandro Alunni Bravi has come on board at McLaren, taking up the role of Chief Business Affairs Officer.

He stepped down from his position as the team representative for Sauber upon the appointment of Jonathan Wheatley as the new team principal.

Alunni Bravi quickly secured another position within the F1 paddock.

He has joined the McLaren Racing Executive Team and will be directly reporting to CEO Zak Brown, starting his role on February 1, 2025.

The recently established position will involve Alunni Bravi overseeing various aspects of McLaren Racing's operations, such as executive leadership in legal affairs, nurturing driver talent, commercial activities, managing driver agreements, and handling relations with rights holders and regulatory organizations.

He is set to lead the McLaren Driver Development program, taking over from Stephanie Carlin. Carlin will remain with McLaren.

McLaren chief Brown expressed his pleasure, stating: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alessandro aboard, bringing his vast experience and background in motorsport to our team."

"In addition to overseeing our legal affairs and driver development initiatives, he will also offer crucial assistance with all aspects of professional driver business management, engage in racing governance tasks related to our numerous rights holders and regulatory organizations, and provide wide-ranging business support for all our racing series when necessary. We are eager to have him join the McLaren Racing team in February."

"I also want to express my gratitude to Steve for the role he played in the achievements of McLaren Racing during the past two years, and I hope he finds success in his upcoming ventures."

Alunni Bravi expressed, “Growing up, I’ve always been an enormous admirer of McLaren, and it’s incredibly meaningful for me to have the chance to collaborate with this incredible team. I feel truly thankful to be part of an organization that not only holds admirable values but also has a culture that’s evidently remarkable from an external perspective.

"I aim to honor the faith and assurance Zak and the Board have shown in me by committing wholeheartedly and striving to support the ongoing triumph, as I am convinced that collaboration is essential to all achievements.

"I'm thrilled to become a part of a team that I genuinely think establishes the standard in F1, both in terms of performance and conduct, and I'm eager to kick things off at the start of February."

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Lewis Hamilton underwent intense training before his Ferrari trial, as comparisons to McLaren emerge

Anthony Hamilton shares a unique glimpse into his son's initial days with Ferrari's F1 team.

Lewis Hamilton's dad mentions that his son has intensely prepared for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion executed 30 circuits at Ferrari's Fiorano testing ground on Wednesday, marking his prominent first appearance on the track for the Scuderia after his headline-grabbing transfer from Mercedes.

Hamilton is preparing for his inaugural season with Ferrari, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world title and bring an end to the iconic team's 16-year championship drought.

Anthony Hamilton visited Maranello to be with his son for his first test run, with his mother Carmen and step-mother Linda also present.

In a conversation with The Daily Mail, Hamilton Sr disclosed that his son has intensely prepared throughout the winter, emphasizing that his son's dedication and confidence are unwavering as he gears up for his first race with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

Anthony Hamilton made a parallel between his son's initial day with McLaren, preceding his debut F1 season in 2007.

He remarked, "You know what? This gives me the same vibes as my initial day at McLaren."

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, aiming to elevate their performance beyond their second-place result in the 2024 constructors' championship, after coming close to winning the title but ultimately being bested by their competitors, McLaren.

The Daily Mail reports that Hamilton had a private meal at Ristorante Montana, a dining spot beloved by Michael Schumacher.

On Monday, Hamilton made his inaugural visit to the renowned Maranello headquarters of Ferrari, acquainting himself with both the team and the facility.

Following Wednesday's trial, Hamilton expressed it as "among the most exhilarating experiences of my existence."

"He mentioned, “The moment I ignited the engine and maneuvered out of the garage, a wide grin spread across my face.”

This took me back to my initial experience driving a Formula 1 car. That was a thrilling and memorable occasion, and now, nearly two decades later, I find myself reliving those feelings once more.

"Even before getting closely involved, it was clear to me how deeply the Ferrari family cares, spanning from the entire team to their devoted fans, the tifosi."

"Experiencing this directly as a driver for Ferrari has been truly remarkable. The fervor is intrinsic to them, and it's impossible not to be invigorated by their enthusiasm."

"I deeply appreciate the warmth and affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week, there's much to be done yet I'm eager to begin."

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Stefan Pierer steps down as CEO of KTM

The Pierer Mobility Group has revealed that Stefan Pierer will be leaving his roles as CEO of both the group and KTM AG.

The Pierer Mobility Group has revealed that its Chief Executive Officer, Stefan Pierer, will be stepping down from his role.

Pierer is set to step down from his position as the CEO of KTM AG and will transition to a Co-CEO role alongside Gottfried Neumeister. Neumeister became part of PMG's leadership team as a Co-CEO in the previous year.

According to a statement from Pierer Mobility Group, Stefan Pierer is set to transfer his responsibilities as CEO of Pierer Mobility AG and KTM AG to Gottfried Neumeister. The statement also notes that Mr. Pierer will remain involved as Co-CEO to assist Neumeister throughout the restructuring phase.

Upon revealing that he would be stepping down as CEO, Pierer expressed: "KTM has been more than a mere business venture for me; it represented a passion, a mission, and a family."

Making the choice to pass leadership was challenging. I firmly believe that Gottfried Neumeister, with his visionary approach and dedication, is the ideal person to guide KTM forward.

Gottfried Neumeister commented that Stefan Pierer has built an exceptional business that embodies the enthusiasm and innovative drive of its workforce. He believes his role is to maintain this heritage while also exploring new opportunities.

KTM represents bravery, creativity, and enthusiasm, principles that will guide us moving forward. Alongside our team, we are committed to enhancing KTM and establishing new benchmarks to create the finest motorcycles globally.

The announcement regarding the change in CEOs for KTM and PMG arrives nearly a year before Pierer's existing CEO contract was set to conclude on December 31, 2025.

Furthermore, this development occurs as KTM AG faces financial struggles, leading the company to begin insolvency proceedings in an effort to prevent bankruptcy.

Following the announcement late last year that KTM would begin administration proceedings, the company has implemented strategies to reduce expenses.

A portion of this effort involved decreasing the number of staff members, with the PMG's announcement about the new CEO mentioning that 1,800 jobs have been eliminated.

The company announced a workforce reduction alongside a cut in production volume, bringing it down to 230,000 units for 2024. According to the statement, this move has decreased global inventories by approximately 40,000 units, or 18 percent. This action is described as a crucial initial phase of the restructuring strategy.

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Alessandro Alunni Bravi secures a position at McLaren

Former leader of Sauber takes on a fresh role within the Formula 1 community

Alessandro Alunni Bravi has taken on the role of Chief Business Affairs Officer at McLaren.

He stepped down from his position as the team representative for Sauber when Jonathan Wheatley took over as their new team principal.

Alunni Bravi quickly secured a new position within the F1 community.

As a member of the McLaren Racing Executive Team, he will start his role on February 1, 2025, and will report directly to CEO Zak Brown.

In this newly established position, Alunni Bravi will engage in executive leadership for various McLaren Racing business issues, which encompass legal affairs, the development of drivers, commercial activities, managing driver contracts, and interactions with rights holders and governing bodies.

He will be responsible for leading the McLaren Driver Development program, taking over from Stephanie Carlin. Carlin will remain with McLaren.

McLaren's chief, Brown, expressed his pleasure at Alessandro coming on board, highlighting his vast experience and background in motorsport.

In addition to overseeing our legal affairs and driver development programs, he will offer crucial assistance with all aspects of professional driver business management. He will also be involved in racing governance activities with our rights holders and governing bodies. Furthermore, he will provide comprehensive business support to all our racing series when necessary. We are excited to have him join the McLaren Racing team in February.

"I want to express my gratitude to Steve for his role in McLaren Racing's achievements during the past two seasons and I hope he finds success in his future pursuits."

Alunni Bravi expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "I've always been a big fan of McLaren, and it holds a special place in my heart. It's incredibly exciting for me to now have the chance to collaborate with this remarkable team. I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to become part of such a fantastic organization, whose values and culture are evident to everyone."

"I aim to honor the trust and confidence that Zak and the Board have placed in me by committing fully and working hard to support ongoing success, as I believe collaboration is crucial to achieving our goals."

"I am thrilled to become part of a team that I genuinely think establishes the standard in Formula 1, both in competition and beyond, and I eagerly anticipate starting in early February."

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Pecco Bagnaia points out the unique aspect of Marc Marquez's riding style compared to others. Both Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez discuss the remarkable skills they each possess on the track.

Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, who are now teammates at Ducati and the only riders on the current MotoGP grid with multiple championships, have highlighted the riding abilities they most admire in each other.

During the 'Pecco & Marc Face to Face' interview on Ducati's YouTube channel, Bagnaia, who ended last season just ten points behind Jorge Martin and missed out on his third MotoGP title, expressed:

Marc possesses two remarkable abilities, in my opinion. The first is his impressive knack for navigating a slippery track and quickly developing an excellent sense of control.

"Last year at Aragon, it was evident that he faced some challenges, yet he outpaced everyone significantly. During the qualifying rounds, he was ahead by eight-tenths of a second, which was quite remarkable."

"In addition, his technique for handling left-hand turns is unique when compared to others. I've attempted it myself, but each time I end up losing some control of the front! I need to figure out how to master this skill."

Marquez, well-known for his achievements on tracks that run counterclockwise like COTA, Sachsenring, Aragon, and Phillip Island, is now confronted with a different kind of challenge.

The eight-time world champion expressed admiration for his ability to navigate the fast right-hand corners, an area where he personally struggles. He remarked that his colleague is exceptionally quick in those types of turns.

"He also has an excellent ability to brake effectively."

"Having those two qualities is a great mix that helped him become a two-time world champion with Ducati, so I aim to learn from his experience."

Last year, Frankie Carchedi, who is Marquez's crew chief for Gresini, informed Crash.net that the Spanish rider had already made significant strides in narrowing the gap on the right-hand side.

According to Carchedi, all riders possess their own unique set of strengths and shortcomings. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in tackling fast right-hand turns towards the year's conclusion.

During the Catalunya race, our average pace was the quickest in the final sector, which consists entirely of fast right-hand turns. Similarly, in Sector 1 at Sepang, we excelled at the high-speed third corner.

"To have reached such a high level by the end, especially in an area he probably still considers a weakness… He's definitely set up well for what lies ahead!"

Data Sharing: A Double-Edged Sword

Ducati's approach to allowing its MotoGP riders to freely exchange data, which will see a reduction in their number from eight to six by 2025, enables the quick identification of both strengths and weaknesses.

There is a belief that Ducati creates a detailed report after each race for its riders, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to aid in their development.

Bagnaia mentioned that he typically examines the data of all the Ducati riders who are competitive. He noted that each rider has unique techniques that can be very effective. Observing how these riders achieve their lap times is both important and intriguing.

"Take Jerez last year as an example: over the course of the weekend, I gained significant insights from Marquez about how to handle corners 7 and 8. During the race, when he caught up to me, I focused on enhancing my performance in that section."

"From the moment he first passed me, I started performing better in the third sector. Observing his techniques there was incredibly helpful."

Marquez concurred, stating, "Naturally, you focus on all the leading Ducati racers. Last year, particularly in the early part of the season, I paid close attention to Pecco and Martin's performances, as they were the quickest competitors. I focused more on Pecco since he was part of the official team, to grasp their configuration."

"In the latter half of the season, things changed for me as I began to follow my own approach. I gained a better understanding of the bike and my requirements. Ducati's strategy of sharing information among all the riders is effective. This way, it becomes easier to make improvements."

Although every Ducati rider has the opportunity to gain insights from their peers, those who stand to gain the most are the ones who are lagging behind, as they can swiftly identify the techniques of the quicker riders.

In Bagnaia's view, sharing data, which has become a standard practice among various manufacturers, can be both beneficial and detrimental.

Bagnaia explained that the reason they were so successful last year, only losing one grand prix, was because of their dominant performance.

"If you're aiming to enhance your skills and boost your potential more quickly, sharing information is key. This approach is also evident in Moto2, where Kalex has adopted a similar strategy. By doing this, you can progress more effectively and efficiently, as it allows for observation and experimentation with various elements."

"For a rider, it has both advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. On one hand, you might be engaging in a unique and highly competitive activity, but on the other hand, you are aware that everyone can observe what you're doing."

"When I first joined Ducati, I embraced it right away. However, it's a situation that cuts both ways."

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Lewis Hamilton "trained intensely" prior to his test with Ferrari, drawing parallels to his time with McLaren. Anthony Hamilton offers an uncommon glimpse into his son's initial experiences as a driver for the Ferrari F1 team.

Lewis Hamilton's father reports that his son has been "intensively training" in preparation for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion took to Ferrari's Fiorano test track on Wednesday, completing 30 laps. This marked his highly anticipated on-track debut for the Scuderia after his headline-grabbing transfer from Mercedes.

Hamilton is preparing to start his inaugural season with Ferrari, aiming to secure a historic eighth world championship and bring an end to the iconic team's 16-year championship drought.

Anthony Hamilton traveled to Maranello to support his son at his initial test run, with his mother Carmen and stepmother Linda also present.

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Hamilton Sr shared that his son has been "training intensely" throughout the winter. He further mentioned that his son is "completely focused and confident" as he gets ready for his first race with Ferrari, scheduled for March 16 at the Australian Grand Prix.

Anthony Hamilton likened his son's initial day at McLaren to the start of his debut season in Formula 1 in 2007.

He remarked, "Honestly, this feels exactly like my initial day at McLaren."

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, as the team aims to enhance their performance following a second-place finish in the 2024 constructors' championship, where they came close to winning but were edged out by their competitors, McLaren.

The Daily Mail reports that Hamilton had a private meal at Ristorante Montana, a restaurant favored by Michael Schumacher.

On Monday, Hamilton made his initial trip to Ferrari's renowned Maranello base to familiarize himself with the team and their facilities.

Following the test on Wednesday, Hamilton expressed that it was "one of the most incredible experiences" he's ever had.

"When I turned on the engine and steered the car out of the garage, a huge grin spread across my face," he mentioned.

The experience took me back to when I first got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. That moment was filled with excitement and a sense of uniqueness, and now, nearly two decades later, those same feelings are rushing back to me.

"I was well aware of the intense passion within the Ferrari family, extending from all the team members to the dedicated tifosi, or fans."

Experiencing it directly as a Ferrari driver has been incredibly inspiring. Their passion is inherent, and it naturally invigorates you.

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. Although there's plenty of work ahead, I'm eager to begin."

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Lewis frequently travels to various international Grand Prix events for Crash.net. As an on-site reporter, he often covers the events and shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Supercross champion Jett Lawrence has parted ways with his agent following allegations of financial misconduct. Jett and Hunter Lawrence have both decided to sever their professional relationship with manager Lucas Mirtl.

Jett Lawrence and his sibling, Hunter Lawrence, have revealed that they are parting ways with their manager of many years, Lucas Mirtl.

According to a report by motocross journalist Lewis Phillips in the U.S. on January 23, a statement from the Lawrences disclosed that Mirtl's "misappropriation of funds" led to the separation.

According to the statement, suspicions arose over the past two weeks regarding possible fraudulent actions connected to one of our business accounts.

After conducting a preliminary investigation, we discovered evidence that our agent, Lucas Mirtl, was misusing and misappropriating our personal funds for his own advantage. As a result, we terminated his employment as of 9:00 AM EST today.

Moreover, Wasserman, the agency employing Mirtl and representing both Lawrence brothers, has also terminated his employment. We are committed to continuing our investigation and will soon hand over all the gathered evidence to the appropriate authorities.

Jacob Hayes and Travis Clarke will assume management responsibilities, while Wasserman will still serve as our representative.

I have obtained a statement from the Lawrence brothers about updates to their management team. You can view it at pic.twitter.com/jUo8rwWrT5— Lewis Phillips (@LewisPhillips71) January 23, 2025.

I have obtained a statement from the Lawrence brothers about updates to their management team. You can view it at pic.twitter.com/jUo8rwWrT5

In 2019, Mirtl played a key role in relocating the Lawrences from the MXGP circuit in Europe to the United States so they could compete in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross events.

After relocating to the United States, the Lawrence brothers have each secured championships in the AMA Supercross 250SX category, in addition to winning titles in the 250MX Pro Motocross division.

In 2023, Jett Lawrence made history as the third person ever to achieve victory in every race of an AMA Pro Motocross season. He also became the first newcomer since Jeremy McGrath in 1993 to secure the top class championship in AMA Supercross, claiming the title in May.

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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 both consumers and racing at Visordown.

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Fernando Alonso makes an audacious prediction regarding a team that will make a significant impact in F1 by 2026. He shares his thoughts on which team he believes will be an unexpected force in the competition.

Fernando Alonso suggests that Williams might become a formidable competitor when the new F1 regulations are implemented.

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 plans to implement a set of new regulations that will bring significant changes to the cars' power units, as well as their chassis and aerodynamics.

Typically, when regulations are revamped, the competitive dynamics in Formula 1 tend to shift. Various teams, such as Williams, see the year 2026 as a chance to significantly advance towards the leading positions.

Aston Martin's driver, Alonso, has suggested that Williams might soon regain the success they once enjoyed in Formula 1.

Alonso mentioned to DAZN that if he were a journalist or simply a viewer watching Formula 1 on TV, he would regard Williams as a formidable team.

The double world champion commented, "It makes sense that Aston Martin is viewed in that manner as well. However, all of us are extremely enthusiastic!"

In 2026, we are set to face updated regulations, and Adrian Newey will be joining our team starting in April of this year, although initially expected in March.

"We should genuinely look forward to a promising year, with the possibility of clinching a World Championship title. While this is a bold statement, the anticipation is substantial."

"I am aware that they will be, as we are currently in the early stages of 2026, and the unveiling of that vehicle is approaching rapidly."

"With new rules, Adrian Newey, and Fernando Alonso in the mix, I can predict the questions you'll have for me! 'Is it possible for us to aspire to a championship title?'"

"As someone looking in from the outside, I would also wonder about Newey switching to a different team."

Williams sets modest goals

Since 2023, Williams has been in a phase of reorganization following the arrival of team principal James Vowles. The team is aiming to enhance their performance and move up from the back of the race standings.

The UK-based team has secured Carlos Sainz to join Alex Albon, enhancing their driver roster for 2025, with aspirations of achieving more progress in the future.

Vowles has swiftly dismissed the chances of Williams possessing a car capable of winning races during the initial year under F1's new regulations.

He mentioned that if he were to choose a specific date, he would lean towards 2028. However, he emphasized that the most important thing is to be on the correct path to achieve that goal.

"Significant investments, as well as senior management and other factors, are being introduced for 2026 and 2027. Progress in Formula 1 requires time."

"We might be able to speed up certain processes and achieve quicker results, but without a solid foundation, things are likely to fall apart eventually."

Achieving success in Formula 1 hinges on consistently performing well, not just for a single season but over numerous years into the future.

"At 28, I'd feel much more assured about meeting your gaze and confidently saying, 'Yes.'"

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Lewis frequently goes to Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. By covering these events firsthand, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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