Mercedes reveals a 'revolutionary' partnership with Adidas following a major brand shift. Adidas will replace competitor Puma as the new apparel supplier for the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has revealed a long-term collaboration with Adidas, naming them as their new apparel partner.

The German company known for its sportswear is set to join Formula 1 in collaboration with Mercedes starting in the 2025 season, marking the conclusion of the Silver Arrows' earlier sponsorship agreement with competing brand Puma.

Adidas plans to develop and produce a full collection that merges functionality with fashion, catering to the whole team, which includes the drivers, mechanics, and engineers.

Mercedes claims that the collaboration will pioneer new advancements in a sport where every millisecond counts.

Mercedes has announced that fans will also have the opportunity to purchase the uniquely designed team apparel.

The collaboration will also feature clothing, shoes, and accessories that are "developed and tailored especially for fans of the team and its drivers."

The agreement offers Adidas a significant new partnership following the loss of its well-known sponsorship of Germany's national soccer team. The American company Nike is set to assume the contract starting in 2027, a decision that has sparked debate.

An agreement described as pioneering

Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden expressed enthusiasm, stating: "We are thrilled to re-enter the motorsport arena. There has been a significant rise in interest in motorsport overall, with Formula 1 gaining particular attention. It is engaging new audiences and greatly impacts both sports and street fashion cultures."

"We are thrilled to announce that we have become the Official Team Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, bringing the iconic Three Stripes into the world of Formula 1 with one of the most accomplished teams in history."

As a united entity, we are driven by a mutual enthusiasm for speed, innovation, and excellence. Our commitment lies in backing the drivers and the team to challenge boundaries on the racecourse. Beyond the racetrack, we aim to invigorate the sport with innovative lifestyle offerings and broaden its appeal to engage a younger audience of enthusiasts.

"We are eager to collaborate with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 and achieve victory together."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff called the move to Adidas a "definitive declaration of our purpose as we embark on a new phase for our team."

"Adidas is a legendary brand that not only matches our commitment to top-notch performance but also to elegance and style," he stated.

This declaration signifies an innovative partnership poised to transform the concept of team and fan apparel within our sport.

"We are thrilled to embark on this new journey in collaboration with adidas, as we unite in our pursuit of winning world championships."

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Carchedi on Marquez Joining Ducati Lenovo: “I Have Clear Expectations” – Exclusive

“I prefer not to divulge too much, yet I have precise expectations”

Frankie Carchedi, the Gresini team's chief, may not be accompanying Marc Marquez to the official Ducati team in 2025. However, the Brit has suggested he anticipates significant achievements from the #93 rider.

Marquez clinched the official Ducati spot, surpassing eventual world champion Jorge Martin, as he was the sole GP23 rider who could compete with the factory-spec GP24s the previous year.

This achievement encompasses three grand prix victories, one sprint race win, and a pair of pole positions, culminating in a third-place finish in the world championship.

However, in 2025, the Spaniard is set to go up against the tough challenge of Ducati’s two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, as his team-mate.

In a recent episode of the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, the host inquired about Carchedi's anticipations regarding Marquez's performance with the factory team.

"Carchedi grinned, "Sure, we'll catch up when the year wraps up!"

"I hesitate to give away too much, but my predictions are quite clear: Entering his second season with [the Ducati], essentially benefiting from a two-year advancement in equipment… The man secured 20 podium finishes [in 2024], so I'll just leave it at that!"

In contrast, the other three GP23 competitors collectively secured only two podium finishes in the previous season, with Marco Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez each taking one.

The disparity in performance between the GP24s used by the Lenovo and Pramac squads and the previous model GP23s operated by Gresini and VR46 was a major point of discussion during the past season. This issue was inevitably brought up to Carchedi during the podcast.

Chuckling, the Brit said, "I was wondering 'what questions will you all have?' And I was sure this one would be asked!" He's also the mentor who led Joan Mir to victory in the MotoGP championship with Suzuki in 2020.

"I've gained plenty of experience in responding to this, and I'll essentially echo my earlier comments: For us, the benchmark was the other GP23s, aiming to outperform them.

"Marc set himself apart while competing with other Honda riders, distinguishing his performance from that of the Yamahas, Ducatis, or any other brands [at that time]. This trend continued into the current year.

"Ending the year ahead of both Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli, who are GP24s, was truly remarkable."

"The team of engineers at Ducati is truly excelling. Just when it seems they've reached the peak of innovation, they manage to enhance their motorcycles even more with each passing year."

"Every bicycle comes with its own set of pros and cons. There were a few specific aspects that posed challenges for us in the competition."

"Definitely in a single lap – though it could be largely due to familiarity [with the Ducati]. It's uncertain. The conversation is about a competitor [Marquez] who's just mounted the bike for the first time, compared to those who've spent four or five years mastering it.

"Reflecting on it, I believe we secured our spot with relative ease. Across the season, we managed to secure the top starting position twice, and surprisingly, we ended up in third place in the [BMW Award] 'qualifying championship'. This was unexpected, as it didn't seem that way to me!"

Motegi nearly secured a pole position by himself before his lap was invalidated.

"Variations exist between the 23 and 24 models. The Ducati team's engineers are so skilled that they consistently achieve progress. Each year brings its unique changes. On occasion, the improvement is modest, around one to two tenths, and other times, it's significantly more. It really depends on the year when it comes to the disparity between the factory and satellite models."

"In conclusion, it seems Alex might be the ideal person to consult. I believe he really enjoyed the GP24 bike in Barcelona!"

During the Barcelona post-race test in November, as Marc and Bagnaia embarked on testing the GP25 prototype, Alex, Marc's brother and ex-teammate, recorded the quickest time on his first outing with the GP24.

Carchedi was also queried about his opinions on the potential impact of the newcomer Martin at Aprilia.

"Becoming a world champion doesn't come without effort," he mentioned. "Having a leading rider switch to another brand is beneficial for MotoGP, as it's something we all desire.

"While it's great for us at Ducati at the moment, it's important for the excitement of the sport that all teams have strong competition and top-tier riders. So, it's not just about [Martin], but having Enea at KTM also adds a great dynamic to the championship, which should shake things up a bit."

"I'm confident he'll be in the vicinity or close by."

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Max Bartolini: "The person who can utilize the rear grip effectively will achieve higher speeds" – Exclusive

"One always focuses on optimizing the performance of the best tires"

Yamaha's technical director for the Monster team, Max Bartolini, has explained that the secret to achieving victory in MotoGP currently lies in optimizing the performance of the rear tyre.

In any motorsport where the front and rear tires are of different specifications or sizes, one end, either the front or rear, will invariably exhibit superior grip.

During the period from 2009 to 2015, when Bridgestone supplied the tyres, the front tyres were considered the most robust. Yet, this preference shifted significantly towards the rear tyres with Michelin's introduction in 2016.

Bartolini clarified that, contrary to what one might assume about MotoGP engineers concentrating on improving the performance of the less effective tyre to enhance lap and race times, it's actually more crucial to leverage the capabilities of the stronger tyre.

"Typically, between the front and rear tires, you focus on the one that's in better condition," the Italian, who became a part of Yamaha's team from Ducati twelve months prior, shared with Crash.net.

For Bridgestone, the front tire showcased the most robust performance. The rear tire maintained a steady level throughout the race, with no significant decrease in performance.

"Reflecting back to 2016, the initial phase of our partnership with Michelin stands out. While the rear tires provided robust performance, the front ones posed significant handling challenges. This led to numerous falls during the initial testing phase."

"Michelin has significantly improved the front, making it far superior to how it was initially."

"However, the back end remains highly robust, which is why there is a lot of discussion among riders regarding the traction at the rear."

"Anyone capable of fully utilizing the rear grip can achieve greater speed."

Bartolini swiftly debunked the misconception that 'rear grip' is only significant when accelerating.

"He mentioned that every turn involves phases of slowing down, entering, maintaining speed through the curve, and then speeding up again."

Navigating entry and maintaining momentum through a turn presents more challenges than speeding up.

"If you fail to achieve both entry and corner speed, you will not be able to accelerate effectively."

Enhancing the efficiency of the rear tire is a key motivator for Yamaha's decision to work on a V4 engine initiative while continuing with its traditional Inline4 engine, especially given their lack of a top-three finish throughout 2024.

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EXCLUSIVE – Joan Mir: Pedro Acosta's victory in MotoGP is "just a matter of time"

"He possesses the skills and the talent needed to achieve it. Therefore, it's only a question of time."

After securing a podium finish in just his second MotoGP race and then taking the lead towards a second-place finish in Austin, Pedro Acosta has been widely predicted to succeed Marc Marquez as the youngest winner in the top category of motorcycle racing.

Acosta, having completed his first season with GASGAS Tech3, had until the German Grand Prix in July to surpass Marquez's 2013 record of achieving a MotoGP victory at 20 years and 63 days old.

However, it did not occur either prior to or following the Sachsenring event.

Several of Acosta's promising opportunities for victory were lost because of various incidents and accidents. Despite this, he stood out as the sole KTM rider to achieve multiple podium finishes last year, securing a spot on the podium five times on Sundays.

Despite his efforts, he ultimately missed securing fifth place and the top non-Ducati position to his future KTM teammate, Brad Binder, during the final race in Barcelona.

Joan Mir, who won the MotoGP championship in 2020, commended Acosta for his performance this season and emphasized that a win is inevitable for him.

Mir expressed to Crash.net that Pedro is performing excellently.

"It's quite challenging to perform well on every race track, but Pedro demonstrated impressive speed across all of them, which is remarkable."

"It's likely that the Ducatis have a significant performance advantage, which certainly did not assist him in securing his initial win."

"However, it will come eventually… He's gaining a lot of knowledge and has impressive speed."

"I'm not shocked that he didn't come out on top, but if he had, it wouldn't have surprised me either since he possesses the skill and ability to achieve it."

"It's just a question of when."

During his second season in the premier class, Mir secured his inaugural MotoGP victory on his journey to winning the world championship.

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Former Grand Prix Team Proprietor Passes Away at 87

Bob MacLean's Red Bull WCM squad triumphed in five 500cc Grand Prix races.

Bob MacLean, the owner of an independent racing team that secured five 500GP victories under the Red Bull Yamaha WCM name, has passed away at 87.

In 1992, MacLean established the WCM team as an independent entity, bringing on Peter Clifford to serve as the team manager.

WCM transitioned from using ROC chassis coupled with Yamaha engines, securing an arrangement in 1997 for factory-grade YZR500s. Alongside, they inked a major sponsorship agreement with Red Bull.

In 1998, Simon Crafar secured the team's inaugural win at Donington Park, which was succeeded by Regis Laconi achieving another victory in Valencia in 1999.

2000 marked the peak season for WCM, with the 'slide king' Garry McCoy clinching three wins and securing fifth place in the world championship.

In 2001, McCoy secured three additional top-three finishes, surpassing his teammate Noriyuki Haga in points even though he was sidelined for several races because of injuries.

The beginning of the 2002 four-stroke era found McCoy and his new teammate, John Hopkins, sticking with two-stroke engines because of a scarce availability of Yamaha's newly introduced M1 engines.

At the season's conclusion, Red Bull transitioned to KTM, whereas WCM embarked on developing a proprietary four-stroke prototype, utilizing a modified R1 engine and a frame constructed by Harris.

Disagreements involving MotoGP and WorldSBK created obstacles for the project, and an ensuing initiative to develop a V6 engine motorcycle with Blata's support failed to come to fruition, leading to the team's absence from the 2006 world championship.

A declaration released by Road Racing World stated:

Robert John MacLean, affectionately known as Bob, a beloved husband, father, and teacher, died serenely in his Wilson, Wyoming residence on December 14, 2024, at 87 years old. His life began on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California, born to parents Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Throughout his life, Bob was profoundly dedicated to the realms of education, athletics, and serving his community.

"…Having spent numerous years as a motorcycle racer, Bob established World Championship Motorsports in 1991, where he served as co-owner and operator until 2005. WCM took part in the premier class of global motorsports, competing in the FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series. His venture into entrepreneurship, alongside his dedication to education and sports, showcased his exceptional leadership abilities."

Bob played a significant role in his community, notably his participation on the South Kent School Board from 1990 to 1999, where he also held the position of President from 1995 to 1999. His leadership and benevolence were instrumental in molding the school's destiny. Additionally, Bob was a dedicated board member of the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary for more than twenty years and was involved with the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.

In the serene setting of Wilson, Wyoming, Bob discovered tranquility and satisfaction through his passion for fly fishing and moments spent on his ranch. He actively supported community initiatives, making donations to entities like the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, showcasing his profound respect for the area's stunning landscape.

First and foremost, the most important part of Bob's life was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean, to whom he was married for 64 years. Together, they brought up their three sons in Waccabuc, NY, and in their later years, divided their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida, and their residence in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob's legacy continues through his three sons, Chris MacLean (married to Cathryn Kishbaugh), Ian MacLean, and Mark MacLean (married to Marsha Yamaykina), as well as his five grandchildren.

Bob's zest for life, his ability to make others laugh, and his optimistic view will be cherished by his loved ones.

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KTM reveals details on a comprehensive 100-point strategy to safeguard its racing endeavors

"Actions were implemented by us well in advance"

KTM is implementing a strategy comprised of 100 specific measures aimed at reducing expenses within its racing division, with the goal of maintaining its operations despite facing financial difficulties.

The Austrian company is currently undergoing a reorganization to avoid insolvency, with its debts believed to exceed €3 billion.

The initial gathering of the creditors ended on a positive note, permitting KTM to maintain its existing structure and proceed with its reorganization plans. Moreover, there has been significant interest from external investors, amounting to €700 million.

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has shown interest in investing, with his management team engaging in "solid" talks with KTM.

Nonetheless, a section of the creditors' document mentioned that KTM's exit from MotoGP was "premeditated."

Scheduled for 2026, KTM has already announced its participation in this year's grid.

During a conversation with Speedweek, Pit Beirer, who oversees motorsports for KTM, discussed the company's implementation of a 100-point strategy aimed at reducing expenses within its sports department.

"He mentioned that actions were implemented quite some time back."

"When agreements came to an end, it was simpler to make adjustments than during this period, where contracts are archived in various places.

"A notably straightforward yet distressing matter is that we've cut down our global programme by 12 racers, with each one being crucial for the livelihood of two to four staff members."

The choice to dissolve specific racing squads or to exclude certain racers in various classes has mainly impacted our team of drivers, but behind the scenes, it has led to a significant number of job losses.

"For every project that comes to an end, there invariably exist a pair of surplus trucks, alongside additional vehicles and automobiles."

"Subsequently, the materials required by the drivers become unnecessary. These reductions are swift actions that have noticeable effects."

Beirer additionally pointed out that KTM has ceased to be the main sponsor for the Hard Enduro World Championship.

In the world of Grand Prix racing, KTM has removed the GASGAS name from competition, and Husqvarna is no longer present either.

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Enduro World Championship contender Kalle Rovanpera introduces his newly formed team.

Kalle Rovanpera, who has claimed the World Rally Championship title twice, revealed the formation of his brand new KR69 World Enduro Team. This team is set to start participating in the EnduroGP World Championship starting this season.

Rovanpera's squad plans to enter a Husqvarna FE 250 for his fellow Finn, Roni Kyttonen, whom Rovanpera has also backed in 2024.

Kyttonen had to pull out of the remaining races of the 2024 season in both the EnduroGP and the Finnish Championship after sustaining a hand injury during the EnduroGP event in Wales in August.

The rider from Finland boasts three European Enduro Championship victories and the 2020 EnduroGP Junior 1 global championship.

The KR69 WET, which incorporates Rovanpera's initials and World Rally Championship driver number, signifies a significant milestone in his motorsport journey as he embarks on the role of a team owner for the first time.

At 24 years old, he will take on dual roles, handling management responsibilities while also fulfilling his driving commitments. He is set to make a full-time comeback to the World Rally Championship (WRC) with the official Toyota team in 2025, following a partial season in 2024. Despite the limited participation that year, he managed to secure three rally victories. Notably, one of these wins came at Rally Poland, where he and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen stepped in as replacements for Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais, who had to withdraw due to an accident with a non-competition vehicle during the reconnaissance run.

Rovanpera's venture into enduro racing isn't a novel path for Finnish champions in car racing transitioning to motorcycle competitions. Kimi Raikkonen, who clinched the Formula 1 World Championship in 2007, has been involved in the Motocross World Championship since 2014 through his IceOne Racing team. Initially, this team was the official team for Husqvarna before switching to represent Kawasaki starting in 2022.

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

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Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 40th birthday today: Is it possible for him to join the ranks of these nine F1 champions who won races in their 40s?

Could Lewis Hamilton become the next F1 grand prix victor in his forties, making him the tenth to achieve this

Lewis Hamilton marks his 40th birthday today, January 7th.

The seven-time world champion will celebrate his 40th birthday just before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking his debut year with Ferrari.

After 12 remarkable years with Mercedes, Hamilton has departed the team where he secured 84 grand prix wins and six of his seven world championships. He is now set to join the most renowned team in F1 to conclude his iconic racing career.

By 2025, Lewis Hamilton will be among the pair of F1 drivers who continue competing into their 40s. The other is Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who will celebrate his 44th birthday in July.

Only nine drivers have managed to secure Formula 1 victories after reaching the age of 40. Is it possible for Hamilton to become the tenth in

Graham Hill, aged 40, claimed his last victory by crossing the finish line first at the 1969 Monaco Grand Prix. This marked Hill's 14th career win in a grand prix and his fifth triumph at the Monaco circuit, a record that remained unbeaten for 24 years.

Maurice Trintignant, aged 40, made an impressive comeback after a life-threatening accident in a supporting event at the 1948 Swiss Grand Prix. He achieved two wins in Formula 1, with the final one being at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, earning him a place in a select group of winners.

Nigel Mansell, aged 41, holds the distinction of being the most recent driver to secure a race win after turning 40. The 1992 world champion achieved his 31st and last Formula 1 victory at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, where he successfully turned his pole position into a win for the Williams team.

Sam Hanks, aged 42, achieved his only victory in a grand prix event at the 1957 Indianapolis 500, which was notably the third race in that year's F1 world championship. Throughout his career, he found greater triumphs racing in the Champ Car series.

Jack Brabham, aged 43, ranks as the fifth-oldest driver to secure a Formula 1 win. His final triumph out of 14 grand prix victories occurred at the 1970 South African Grand Prix. If Fernando Alonso clinches a race victory this season, he might surpass Brabham on this list.

Piero Taruffi, at the age of 45, achieved a singular victory in Formula 1 during his six-season career. He raced for teams including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes, Maserati, and Vanwall. His lone triumph occurred at the 1952 Swiss Grand Prix when he was 45 years and 219 days old.

Juan Manuel Fangio, a legendary figure in Formula 1, was 46 years and 41 days old when he achieved his last victory at the German Grand Prix in 1957. This win at the Nurburgring marked his 24th career triumph and is celebrated as one of the most remarkable achievements in the sport's history. Known as 'El Maestro,' Fangio secured his fifth world championship title with two races still remaining in the season.

Giuseppe Farina, aged 46, was the first-ever world champion in Formula 1, securing the title in the sport's debut season of 1950. He achieved his fifth and last grand prix victory at the German Grand Prix in 1953 while driving for Ferrari. At that point, he was 46 years and 276 days old. Farina kept competing in Formula 1 races until the year 1956.

Luigi Fagioli, aged 53, achieved a significant milestone by winning the 1951 French Grand Prix while driving for Alfa Romeo. At 53 years and 22 days old, he holds the record as the oldest Formula 1 driver to secure a grand prix victory—a record that seems likely to endure. Additionally, Fagioli is the sole grand prix victor who was born in the 1800s.

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In-Depth Examination: The Challenges of Preserving KTM's MotoGP Squad

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the panel delves into KTM's present predicament.

KTM's persistent economic troubles and the consequent effects on its MotoGP initiative have been a major focus in the news this off-season.

As the firm proceeds with its reorganization efforts, there's a guarded sense of hope for its prospects. However, significant skepticism surrounds its Formula 1 racing initiative.

Under the present reorganization strategy, there's a scheduled departure from MotoGP in 2026, yet in a recent conversation, motorsport chief Pit Beirer mentioned that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has shown an eagerness to invest.

"Captivating remarks, right? Going through the Speedweek interview where Pit Beirer mentioned having substantial discussions with his management team," remarked Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager at Crash.net.

"This isn't the initial instance of Lewis Hamilton being associated with a MotoGP team, for instance."

"In 2024, during the Gresini incident, it was observed that Hamilton did not explicitly refute the allegations."

"He has consistently expressed a desire to potentially own a MotoGP team and consider investing in one eventually."

"The anticipation really builds for me, especially when you see Lewis Hamilton’s name mentioned: he's the top Formula 1 driver."

"Some individuals may not be fans of this idea, but he is considered the most outstanding Formula 1 driver in history. The possibility of his association with KTM, given their current circumstances, is surely thrilling. This is particularly true when someone like Pit Beirer is mentioning it."

Senior Correspondent Lewis Duncan expressed: "In my view, if someone isn't thrilled about this, they likely don't grasp the incredible opportunity presented by Lewis Hamilton's foray into MotoGP.

He's incredibly passionate about motorcycles. He adores MotoGP racing. He owns a unique MV Agusta model. He's participated in Superbike track days alongside the Yamaha World Superbike team. Moreover, he's exchanged rides with Valentino Rossi.

"He's a genuine enthusiast of cycling, truly passionate about it. Moreover, his zeal extends to being an avid fan of motorsports."

"People have unjustly labeled him as someone only interested in leveraging Hollywood connections and pursuing business ventures, without considering the full picture."

"Indeed, it's permissible for drivers to engage in activities beyond their professional realm, and for many, racing occupies only a fraction of their lives. Typically, a career at the pinnacle of this field spans about a decade for the majority. Hamilton, however, has surpassed this average, having competed for 15 years, and it's expected he'll continue for at least a few more years."

"Moreover, he's only in his 40s, with plenty of years ahead. He's secured his future, and that's commendable."

"If he becomes associated with KTM, the specific nature of his involvement remains unclear, but it would definitely attract investors who previously might not have considered it."

"Remember, he's the one who managed a fairly successful squad in Extreme E and holds co-ownership of the NFL's Denver Broncos. His involvement goes beyond merely expanding his business interests; he's genuinely committed to creating positive change."

The idea of Hamilton joining forces with KTM in MotoGP is thrilling, however, Crash MotoGP Editor Peter McLaren cautions that partnering with a factory team is not an easy feat.

"He mentioned that Red Bull has a strong connection with KTM, something that Pit Beirer has highlighted lately," he stated.

"Red Bull and KTM maintain a tight partnership across all racing events, and there are no plans to dissolve this alliance.

"Red Bull has remained utterly quiet about the matter, yet it's safe to assume that they are intensely focused on the developments and are closely observing from behind the scenes."

"Logically, they might be an investor or someone drawn to it, given their expertise in the field."

"Numerous prominent figures have expressed their interest in investing and joining a MotoGP team."

"However, there's a significant disparity between running an independent racing team, which essentially is open for anyone to step in and start racing immediately – with options to lease motorcycles and so forth – and assuming control of a factory team. In the latter case, you're responsible as a constructor, necessitating a comprehensive technical crew to not only design and upkeep the motorcycle but also to undertake research and development, manage a test team, and handle all related tasks."

"It's a huge endeavor, yet Red Bull meets all the criteria since they possess the financial power, a passion for motorsport, and the technical expertise through their Formula 1 team.

"Picture a scenario where KTM emerges from this situation with an agreement that not only boosts Red Bull's participation but also brings Lewis Hamilton into the mix in some way."

"It would be amazing if they managed to accomplish that. And who can say? The challenge right now is that KTM is a manufacturer, and it's not something just anyone can step into."

There's been quite a bit of chatter regarding BMW making an entrance, but they seem to be hesitating and pulling back.

"This firm boasts an extensive history in bike production and clinched the Superbike championship title this year."

"This emphasizes the significance of becoming a constructor in MotoGP, underscoring that it's an achievement that should not be taken lightly."

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EXCLUSIVE: I Competed in Abu Dhabi's Inaugural Grand Prix and Celebrated with Michael Schumacher

A recount of Formula 1's debut in Abu Dhabi, dating back 15 years

The inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi took place in 2009, and since then, numerous changes have occurred.

Jenson Button achieved the status of the latest Formula 1 champion, following his triumphant win in Brazil.

The final race of the season, now a staple on the schedule, marks the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

"Button described it as something out of the future," he revealed only to Crash.net.

"Racing at night was an incredible adventure, especially since it took place in a country I had never visited. I truly savored the experience, and it also marked my first podium finish in several races that season."

"I came to Abu Dhabi holding the title of World Champion, having secured my victory in Brazil, making it an amazing race."

"I enjoyed an unforgettable Sunday evening at Amber Lounge alongside Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn. The experience was thoroughly enjoyable."

Significant alterations have been made to the Yas Marina circuit to enhance the racing experience.

"Button mentioned, 'Driving the track was a pleasure for me, but the real opportunity to drive it comes in January.'"

"We'll be conducting tests for WEC there, so I'll have the chance to experience the high-speed section firsthand, but so far, I'm a fan."

"It holds a favorable spot on the schedule. While it doesn't feature the high-speed circuits found at Suzuka, Silverstone, or Spa, I still find it enjoyable to race there and believe the competition is strong."

Button's recollections of Abu Dhabi are highlighted by his official retirement and his second-to-last race, which took place in 2016.

He recounts his top experiences: “Securing a spot on the podium in the initial year, and then, achieving podium placement again the next year, which is when we celebrated Sebastian [Vettel] becoming the World Champion.

"Lewis and I were beside him on the podium, both representing McLaren and having won the World Championships in the preceding years. It was quite a moment, dousing Seb in champagne!"

"Those two are the highlights, but also my final race at that location.

"I experienced a suspension malfunction, concluded prematurely, indulged in some beverages, and conducted numerous interviews expressing indifference towards my departure from F1."

"They weren't completely accurate! It's consistently been an enjoyable time there, and I'm eager to return and revisit some of those moments."

Fifteen years have passed since Button clinched his only Formula 1 title driving for Brawn.

"He exclaimed in surprise at how fast 15 years have flown by! He also mentioned that he had the wonderful opportunity to drive the car again five years earlier, making for a delightful experience."

Looking back, that year will be remembered not for my personal victory in the World Championship, but for the remarkable achievement of a privateer team, Brawn GP, clinching their first World Championship title in their debut year.

"After 15 years, it's easy to let numerous details slip from memory, which is truly regrettable. That's why I feel fortunate that a documentary was created about it."

"Last week, while in Paris, my wife and I caught a glimpse of it on television and decided to view it."

"The reality that it's recorded, allowing me to witness the emotional investment of all the participants from that period, is truly remarkable. I consider myself fortunate to have this, especially with Keanu Reeves delivering an outstanding performance. That season is filled with wonderful memories, yet it simultaneously represents the most challenging year I've ever faced due to the immense pressure I placed on myself."

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Unveiled: Red Bull sets performance expectations for Liam Lawson in comparison to Max Verstappen

Red Bull has specified the expected difference in performance levels between Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen.

Red Bull anticipates that Liam Lawson will trail Max Verstappen by less than 0.3 seconds during the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

According to Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for Red Bull, he has set the expectations for Lawson prior to his promotion to the Red Bull senior team in 2025.

The young driver from New Zealand, aged 22, is making a leap from the affiliated team Racing Bulls to join the main squad in the next season, stepping in for Sergio Perez. Perez was let go by Red Bull due to his lackluster performance over the course of 2024

"Marko mentioned to RTL that he expects him to be no more than three-tenths behind Max in both qualifying and the race."

"This should suffice to earn points in the Constructors' Championship."

"He should aim to consistently enhance his performance – when feasible."

Lawson's elevation to a higher position occurred following his participation in 11 Grand Prix events across two seasons, making him Verstappen's fifth teammate at Red Bull.

Following Daniel Ricciardo's departure from Red Bull at the close of 2018, all four drivers who succeeded him have been considered underperforming and not meeting the expected standards.

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez were all eventually let go for not being able to closely match Verstappen's performance in the secondary Red Bull position.

Lawson has been selected to team up with Verstappen even though his performance didn’t clearly outshine Yuki Tsunoda during his time with Red Bull’s junior team.

Discussing the rationale behind the move, Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, stated: "Throughout his two periods racing for Racing Bulls, Liam has proven himself not just able to achieve impressive outcomes but to also be a genuine competitor, willing to go head-to-head with the top drivers and emerge victorious.

"It's undeniable that competing with Max, a racer who's clinched the championship four times and is clearly among the elite in F1 history, presents a formidable challenge. However, I'm confident Liam will step up to meet this challenge and secure some impressive performances for our team in the coming year."

"Recognize Verstappen's Superiority"

Marko cautioned Lawson against repeating the error of his predecessors in believing he could outperform Verstappen.

The individual from the Netherlands secured his fourth consecutive global championship last year and enters 2025 as the top contender yet again, even though Red Bull didn't possess the speediest vehicle by the close of the previous season.

"Remembering that he is competing within a team against who is currently considered the top Formula 1 driver, he should steer clear of the mistakes made by many of Max's other teammates," added the 81-year-old Austrian.

They attempted to discover solutions within technology, employing bizarre configurations and tactical maneuvers.

"You must recognize his superiority and gauge your own limits. However, entering with the mindset of: 'I will defeat him,' is not the right approach."

"Things didn't go as planned with his fellow team members."

Lawson is set to have his first race with Red Bull during the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key individuals in the sport.

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Charles Leclerc is ready to push the boundaries of regulations just as Max Verstappen does

Charles Leclerc intends to embrace "risks" in direct racing confrontations similar to Max Verstappen

Charles Leclerc believes he can adeptly navigate the boundaries of regulations in direct racing battles, much like Max Verstappen successfully managed throughout the 2024 F1 season.

Verstappen's driving skills were closely examined in the latter part of the previous year.

The Dutch driver avoided any penalties for his vigorous defense against Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen's defensive maneuvers were forceful but did not actually violate the FIA's regulations.

In Mexico, Verstappen incurred two separate 10-second penalties for incidents involving Norris.

Verstappen's defensive maneuvers have prompted a revision of the racing regulations, anticipated to be fully implemented this season.

In a conversation with RN365, Leclerc acknowledged his willingness to embrace "risks" similar to those undertaken by Verstappen if necessary.

"Choosing your battles wisely is key, and from what I've observed, Max has a knack for adjusting to varied scenarios," Leclerc commented.

"At times, he wasn't confrontational, but as the season drew to a close and Lando was making a comeback, you could observe him pushing the boundaries more frequently, and I believe I have that trait within me too."

"I'm aware that when significant matters are on the line, at the moment when it's time to take chances with the appropriate individuals, I'll seize the opportunity."

Leclerc enjoys competing against Verstappen

Leclerc finds the thrill of racing against four-time world champion Verstappen particularly exhilarating, despite their encounters being relatively rare in recent years due to Red Bull's dominance.

Leclerc and Verstappen notably competed fiercely in the early stages of the 2022 season, engaging in two remarkable clashes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Throughout Leclerc's debut season with Ferrari in 2019, he and Verstappen clashed several times, with a memorable instance in Austria where Verstappen ultimately prevailed.

"Leclerc further mentioned, 'This is precisely the reason I find racing alongside Max so thrilling; the mindset of the racer plays a significant role.'"

"Having been acquaintances for many years, it's always thrilling when we join forces in battle."

Regrettably, at the season's start, he possessed a notably superior car, placing us out of competition with him. This gave him no cause to adopt an aggressive stance towards us in any manner, leaving us in a position of trying to close the gap.

"By the period we reached a competitive level, Lando was positioned between us, hence he never truly perceived us as a direct rival, leading to a lack of confrontations."

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Connor, with his keen insight into the controversies and narratives of F1, stands as the core of our impartial journalism.

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