Martin Brundle shares what he considers the most intelligent choice he has ever made, along with the guidance he received from Murray Walker. Brundle looks back on his experiences with Walker, often hailed as the 'voice of F1,' and highlights the most valuable piece of advice he got during their collaboration.

Martin Brundle shared some of the most valuable guidance he got from the iconic Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker.

Walker became a household name in Formula 1 due to his work as a commentator, initially for the BBC and later for ITV. He began his career as a full-time commentator in 1978 and stepped down in 2001.

Murray, often referred to as the 'voice of F1', formed an iconic duo with Brundle when the former Formula 1 driver joined ITV as a co-commentator in 1997.

In an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Brundle shared that he was quite familiar with Murray. Back in the days of Formula 3, whenever there wasn't a Formula 1 race scheduled for the weekend, Murray would show up on his motorcycle to watch us compete in F3, alongside drivers like Senna.

"When I became a driver in Formula 1, I would often have dinner with Murray. I viewed him as a close friend, and he was someone we all held in high regard."

One of the best choices I made in my career was to engage with him while standing. He believed that standing helped open up his diaphragm, allowing him to project his voice more effectively. I followed his lead and did the same.

"I engaged in a conversation with him on equal terms, discussing Formula 1. To me, it was simply a dialogue between two individuals, and the millions of listeners didn’t change that dynamic."

He mentioned that on the night before the initial race, Murray advised him, saying, "Always keep in mind that our sole purpose is to inform and entertain, nothing more." This principle continues to guide him to this day.

Brundle reminisced about how Walker, who passed away in 2021 at 97 years old, gained fame for his 'Murrayisms'—humorous remarks that were frequently inaccurate.

Brundle remarked that gaining insights into discussing and hosting Formula 1 from Murray Walker is akin to being taught soccer skills by Pele.

He consistently showed respect. Occasionally, I needed to point out his mistakes, as he sometimes made errors that Murray found amusing, to be honest. I would softly guide him on certain matters.

"I believe others joined me on that path because they recognized the deep respect present. We genuinely had a great relationship."

"He had the cleverness to turn his mistakes into advantages. In the broadcasting industry, who else could manage such a feat? Being celebrated and admired for blunders is truly brilliant, isn't it? He possessed a remarkable charisma."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

Refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to entirely or partially duplicate text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Fernando Alonso reached out to Toto Wolff after learning about Lewis Hamilton's departure. "Later that day, I got phone calls from several other drivers," he mentioned.

Upon learning about an unexpected opening at Mercedes, Fernando Alonso decided to reach out to Toto Wolff by phone.

Mercedes team principal, Wolff, has shared the rumors circulating before Lewis Hamilton revealed he would be leaving the team.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to start a fresh chapter with Ferrari.

Wolff expressed to The Guardian that he was not surprised when Hamilton approached him to deliver the unfortunate news.

"A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from Carlos Sainz and his father, which is when I first became aware of this situation."

He mentioned, "Something is in the works." I responded by asking, "Why would that take place before the season begins?"

"Later that afternoon, I got phone calls from several other drivers who were in proximity to Charles Leclerc, including Fernando Alonso."

It appears that the situation began when Leclerc became aware during the winter that a position was available, and he subsequently informed his closest confidants.

I told Susie, "We're unaware of this happening through official channels."

Wolff reached out to Ferrari's Fred Vasseur, who is not only his professional counterpart but also a good friend, but he did not receive a reply.

He decided against addressing Hamilton in person.

Wolff explained that he avoided creating a scenario where the person would need to be dishonest with him, as the contract had not been finalized at that point.

In 2025, Hamilton will aim to secure his eighth F1 championship title while racing for Ferrari.

Mercedes plans to introduce newcomer Kimi Antonelli to their team, with George Russell stepping into the role of their lead driver.

Wolff expressed that there is an emotional aspect to their experience due to the shared journey with Hamilton.

"The nature of our friendship will evolve, but the intensity of our feelings will remain strong. In fact, it might even become stronger. This marks the beginning of a renewed friendship with Lewis."

"From a career perspective, I consistently perceive advantages in embracing change."

"We've implemented fresh rules, restructured our organization, and are entering a new phase with our lead driver now 27 years old and our young driver at 18."

"We have two drivers whose combined ages are just slightly more than Lewis's age. This is quite thrilling."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

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

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or illustrations, either in whole or in part, in any format.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle has been awarded an OBE in the King's New Year Honours list. Brundle has been a prominent figure in F1 television broadcasts since the 1990s.

Martin Brundle, known for his role as a commentator for Sky Sports and his past career as a Formula 1 driver, has received an OBE in the King's New Year Honours list.

Martin Brundle, aged 65, has a long history in Formula 1, having competed in 158 grand prix races. Throughout his career, spanning from 1984 to 1996, he raced for various teams including Tyrrell, Zakspeed, Williams, Brabham, Benetton, Ligier, McLaren, and

During his career, Brundle achieved nine podium finishes and found success beyond Formula 1, notably winning the 1990 Le Mans 24 Hours race.

Starting in 1997, Brundle took on the role of commentator and analyst for ITV's Formula 1 broadcasts. He continued in this capacity for the BBC from 2009 to 2011 and has been with Sky Sports since 2012.

One of the most well-known aspects of Brundle's career in F1 television is his grid walks.

Throughout his career, Brundle often acted as a co-commentator alongside notable figures such as Murray Walker, James Allen, Jonathan Legard, and David Croft. However, in the 2011 season, he stepped into the primary commentator role at the BBC, with David Coulthard joining him as his co-commentator.

Among the recipients in the King’s New Year Honours list, Brundle has been recognized with an OBE.

He isn't the first person from the world of Formula 1 to be included on the honours list. Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, was knighted in 2022.

Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham, and Stirling Moss have been similarly recognized with this distinction.

Regarding Brundle receiving the OBE, Damon Hill, who won the F1 world championship in 1996 and works alongside Brundle as a commentator for Sky, remarked, "This is a well-earned recognition for the poet of Kings Lynn."

"If someone believes that speaking is a simple task, I dare them to accomplish what Martin has achieved for our sport."

"Similar to the well-known story of the Swan, he maintains a flawless stance while those nearby are in a frenzy like ducks. Wishing Martin Brundle OBE a joyful new season."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to reproduce any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Eddie Jordan urges Formula 1 to eliminate what he refers to as a "stupid rule." He criticizes it by stating, "Any artificial or misleading element that disrupts the genuine, dramatic, and honest unfolding of the story is, in my view, deceptive."

Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan is calling for the removal of DRS from F1, criticizing it as "inherently deceptive" and a "foolish regulation."

Formula 1 implemented the DRS system in 2011 to enhance overtaking opportunities after a rather unexciting final race in Abu Dhabi in 2010.

In the last race of the 2010 season, Fernando Alonso couldn't get past Vitaly Petrov, resulting in Sebastian Vettel clinching the championship title.

Since that time, the DRS system has been a constant feature, and without its use, making an overtaking maneuver would be extremely challenging.

During the Formula for Success podcast, the subject of DRS was brought up. Ex-F1 racer David Coulthard shared his thoughts following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, noting: “We recently watched the Grand Prix in Brazil, which took place in wet and damp conditions. Naturally, there was no DRS, yet it was an outstanding race.”

In my opinion, the DRS tends to be too powerful, making it easier for drivers to pass others. In the past, overtaking was more about skill and seizing the right moment. Therefore, I would support efforts to decrease the impact of the DRS.

Jordan strongly criticized DRS, calling it deceptive.

The ex-BBC Formula 1 commentator likened it to a boxer with one arm restrained.

"Anything artificial, misleading, or inserted instead of letting the story develop naturally and genuinely, I believe, is inauthentic. I consider DRS to be inherently inauthentic," he stated.

In Brazil, we witnessed a dramatic race. Imagine Lando Norris takes off and gets a strong start. By the third lap, though, he hasn't managed to pull ahead by a second. Now, it can't be Oscar Piastri, but let's say someone else, like Charles Leclerc, is right behind him. Leclerc activates the DRS, charges up the hill, and just like that, passes him. In my view, that's not really a battle. That's not a true contest.

"That's comparable to forcing a boxer to fight with one hand restrained, putting him at a disadvantage during that time. It seems unjust, doesn't it? After all, he doesn't have everything he needs to protect himself."

"I believe that if something can't be done in an honest and straightforward manner, which was the standard in your time, David, then it's unfair to penalize a skilled driver just because the DRS rule exists. I'm not a supporter of it and I apologize for my traditional views, but that's how I feel."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Possessing a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, Connor is central to our objective journalism.

Stay Informed

Join Our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

The Unique Qualities That Distinguish Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff describes the exceptional attributes that make Lewis Hamilton stand out among F1 drivers.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving the team, possesses a unique quality that sets him apart in Formula 1.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will be departing from Mercedes at the close of the year. He is set to make a high-profile move to competing team Ferrari, concluding a remarkable 12-year collaboration.

Between 2014 and 2020, Hamilton secured six out of his seven world championships with Mercedes, also achieving 84 of his astounding 105 grand prix wins with the German team.

Wolff expressed on the High Performance podcast that no words could truly capture Hamilton's exceptional talent when questioned about what sets him apart.

"Magic encompasses a blend of abilities. It includes inherited traits, natural talent, early guidance from his father, a strong work ethic, intellectual and social intelligence, a fearless mindset, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement."

"If I really had to think about it, I might be able to talk for another minute because he's a seven-time world champion with an incredible number of race wins. In that sense, no one else compares to him."

Hamilton has shared his experiences dealing with self-doubt during his career, but Wolff argues that this is actually one of the 39-year-old's greatest strengths.

Wolff stated that by questioning and doubting, you push yourself to enhance your skills. This mindset keeps you alert and contributes to your improvement.

"When individuals believe they are truly exceptional, that's often when they stumble. I've observed this pattern repeatedly in many people."

When questioned about the most significant lesson he's gained from Hamilton, Wolff answered: "It's the continuous journey of self-improvement, extending beyond just professional roles. For Hamilton, it's about his driving, while for me, it might be about managing the team. Additionally, it's about how he's welcomed personal transformation."

In 2016, after Nico secured both the race and championship victories, we experienced a challenging period where we didn't communicate for several weeks. Eventually, he visited my house because I insisted that we needed to have a conversation.

"We dedicated a lot of time to our conversation, which took place before the Christmas celebration, and emerged from it feeling very strengthened. This marked the beginning of a strong friendship and partnership that would last for years."

"I told him, 'We have to communicate. If something bothers us, just call me and let me know.' I assured him I'd do the same."

The guideline we follow is to discuss anything that upsets us before turning off the lights at night. We make sure not to carry it over to the following day.

"After a year or two, an incident occurred that irritated me, and I chose not to contact him. However, he reached out to me and reminded me of my own words: 'Remember what you told me? We need to communicate with each other.' I responded by acknowledging, 'You're completely right.'"

"He recalled what I had mentioned to him. Whenever he perceives a skill, characteristic, or mindset as exceptionally valuable, he simply embodies it."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels internationally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-site reports, sharing the narratives of key figures within the sport.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Get the Latest on Crash MotoGP

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

Website Layout

Crash.Net

A former F1 champion might have secured more victories if they had shared the same dedication to work as Michael Schumacher, according to David Coulthard.

Ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard thinks that Kimi Raikkonen, who clinched the world champion title in 2007, could have secured additional victories had he possessed the same dedication to hard work as Michael Schumacher.

In 2007, Raikkonen secured his only Formula 1 world championship with Ferrari, achieving this feat during his debut year with the team after taking over from Schumacher.

In the last 15 years, Ferrari's most recent world championship title was won by the Finnish driver, as other notable drivers such as Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel have not been able to secure the championship for the team.

Raikkonen came close to winning the championship with McLaren in 2003, but just fell short. In 2005, frequent mechanical issues paved the way for Alonso to secure his inaugural title with Renault.

During an appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Coulthard expressed his belief that his former teammate could have achieved greater success in Formula 1.

Coulthard described Raikkonen as an exception, noting that he possessed an extraordinary, innate ability.

"He transitioned from competing in Formula Renault to steering a Sauber at the Mugello circuit. Mugello stands out as one of the genuinely intimidating tracks for grand prix racing. His skill was truly remarkable."

"Imagine this: he secured a single world championship, and you could attribute it to McLaren's reliability issues and similar factors. Had he possessed Michael's dedication to his craft, I believe he could have clinched more titles."

Throughout his years of winning championships with Ferrari, Schumacher was celebrated for his dedication to hard work and his talent for uniting a team.

Coulthard admitted that Schumacher's presence at the Ferrari factory significantly influenced the engineers and mechanics.

"Michael spent time at the test track and also visited the factory," he mentioned. "When you're present with the engineers and mechanics, your presence is felt, and it boosts their morale."

"You provide the motivation that propels them onward."

"Therefore, I assert that I uphold the value of hard work. It distinguishes someone who is a modest single-time world champion from what they could have achieved – being a champion multiple times."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racetrack straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor, known for his keen awareness of Formula 1's dramas and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the text, images, or drawings, either fully or partially, is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

How a Difficult Childhood Influenced Mercedes F1 Leader Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes F1, discusses the emotional and financial struggles he and his family faced during his early years.

Toto Wolff openly shared how his difficult early years contributed to his development as the effective head of the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

The Austrian, aged 52, has been at the forefront of Mercedes' achievements in Formula 1, guiding the team to achieve an unmatched record of eight constructors' titles and seven drivers' world championships from 2014 to 2021.

Wolff's life was profoundly affected by a challenging childhood, which included the death of his father due to a prolonged struggle with brain cancer when Wolff was only 15, as well as experiencing financial difficulties.

Wolff candidly shared on the High Performance podcast that his upbringing was difficult, though it wasn't anyone else's fault.

"The situation unfolded as my father fell seriously ill with brain cancer during my early childhood, around the age of six or seven. He underwent numerous surgeries but ultimately passed away when I was 15."

"My father wasn't around much when I was growing up, and it wasn't really possible for him to be. As a child, you naturally idolize your father, seeing him as a hero. However, it's also important to experience times when you feel resentment towards him and can assert your independence."

"I was filled with anger instead. Meanwhile, my mother, who worked as a doctor, was focused on her own survival. As a result, my sister and I were largely left to fend for ourselves and take care of her."

"I'm completely at peace with it now. I also told my mother that she wasn't to blame, as everyone just had to take care of their own needs."

Wolff went on to say that going through difficult situations and embarrassing experiences can drive you to demonstrate your value.

Many individuals who have achieved success often attempt to make up for feelings of inadequacy or past victimization. It is common to find that such individuals have experienced events or situations that left emotional scars and caused them significant distress.

"Despite this, numerous successful individuals have experienced joyful childhoods. My wife, for example, was raised by great parents and came from a loving family, and she is thriving in her own unique way."

"Beyond achieving success and excelling, I believe it is more important to find happiness as an adult, take pleasure in your pursuits, and have a dependable support system of friends and family."

"There are numerous instances I've seen where individuals have experienced negative events that ultimately played a crucial role in shaping their identities, and I believe that these challenges often go together."

When questioned about whether his experiences with trauma shaped him into the person he is now, Wolff responded: "Possibly not, because the most challenging aspect for me was being a child with limited means surrounded by affluence. I attended a private school that was beyond our financial reach."

There was a time when the headmaster summoned my sister and me out of our classroom. He informed us that we had to leave the school because the tuition fees hadn't been paid.

The financial struggles and family circumstances pushed me to take responsibility for myself, mature rapidly, and support my family both financially and emotionally in a way that was unlike my own experiences.

"I certainly wouldn't be in this situation if that event hadn't occurred. I felt a significant sense of inadequacy compared to my friends."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels internationally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at these races, Lewis provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP News

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

Website Map

Crash.Net

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the skiing accident that profoundly impacted Michael Schumacher's life. Annually, the Formula 1 community takes a moment to remember what many consider its most outstanding driver, who suffered significant injuries in the accident ten years ago.

What is the story of Michael Schumacher?

One year after his retirement from Formula 1, where he spent three years racing with the Mercedes team, Schumacher was involved in a skiing incident in Meribel, located in the French Alps.

Despite having a helmet on, he fell and sustained a severe head injury.

Schumacher was admitted to the hospital, underwent surgery, and was then put into a coma by medical professionals.

By the next summer, it was verified that he had come out of his coma and went back to living with his family. However, information about his health status has been sparse.

What is Michael Schumacher's current situation?

The legendary Formula 1 driver is staying with his family in Switzerland. He has not made any public appearances since his accident 11 years ago.

In a Netflix documentary from 2021, Corinna, Michael's wife, expressed her feelings by saying, "I think about Michael daily and feel his absence deeply. However, it isn't only me; the kids, our family, his dad, and everyone who knew him also feel his absence."

"Everyone feels Michael's absence, yet his presence remains with us. Although it's not the same, knowing he's here empowers us, in my opinion."

Jean Todt, the ex-leader of Ferrari and a long-time friend of the Schumacher family, is among the select individuals permitted to see him.

Todt expressed that he comprehends the reasons behind his family and friends shielding him, emphasizing that it is important to let him be undisturbed.

"Michael is battling hard, and all we can do is hope for his recovery."

Felix Damm, the attorney representing Schumacher, recently clarified the reasons behind the absence of a conclusive report regarding Schumacher's health following the incident.

Damm stated that the focus was consistently on safeguarding personal matters.

"We discussed the possibility of concluding with a comprehensive report on Michael's health as a suitable approach."

"However, that wouldn't have concluded the situation. There would have been a need for ongoing 'water level updates,' and the family wouldn't have been able to decide when the media's focus on the story would cease."

He mentioned that the media might repeatedly revisit such a report, questioning its current status after one, two, three months, or even years. He further explained that if action was to be taken against such coverage, they would face the issue of voluntary self-disclosure.

If private details are revealed by friends or acquaintances instead of the individual involved, it does not count as the person willingly sharing their own private information.

As a result, an individual has the right to protect their private information from being revealed, even if the details are provided by someone they know.

Mick Schumacher, his son, participated in Formula 1 for two seasons while racing with the Haas team.

Schumacher is set to celebrate his 56th birthday on the 3rd of January, 2025.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Get the Latest on Crash MotoGP

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

Website Map

Crash.Net

Max Verstappen delivers strong caution regarding Red Bull's F1 championship aspirations

The Dutch driver cautions Red Bull concerning their present performance level

Max Verstappen cautioned his Red Bull Formula 1 team, stating that if their difficulties persist into 2024, he won't secure the championship title next year.

After achieving dominance during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Verstappen and Red Bull appeared poised to replicate their success this year, having secured victory in seven of the opening 10 races.

Between his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in June and his eighth win of the season in Brazil in November, Verstappen made only four appearances on the podium.

A decline in performance of Red Bull's RB20 allowed McLaren's Lando Norris to intensify the competition against Verstappen in the middle of the championship season.

Although Verstappen's impressive beginning to the 2024 season paved the way for him to secure a fourth Formula 1 championship, he has cautioned his team that achieving the same outcome next year will be unattainable.

"If things stay the same, I won't win the championship next year," he mentioned to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"It's straightforward. We must take action to be competitive in the upcoming season. Everyone is aware of this necessity."

"I believe in the team's ability to address the balance problems we experienced last season. There are specific adjustments we couldn't make previously that will be implemented for the upcoming season."

"We understand that we must improve our performance on the kerbs, handle bumps more effectively, and enhance our speed in slow corners."

"Typically, those are our vulnerabilities. If we lose after that, it will be due to sheer speed."

"I constantly maintain a high level of pressure, including on myself. I make an effort not to underestimate situations. At one stage, the car became nearly impossible to drive. There was nothing more that could be extracted from it."

At the Singapore Grand Prix, which has historically been a challenging event for Verstappen, Red Bull's performance improved significantly.

Max Verstappen secured a second-place finish in Singapore, placed third in Texas, and claimed victory at both the Sao Paulo and Qatar Grand Prix events.

He disclosed that Red Bull took his suggestions into account during the car's development process, leading the team to cancel the upgrades they had intended to implement after the Italian Grand Prix.

Verstappen mentioned that any future plans for new components, scheduled to be introduced after the Monza race, might end up being discarded.

"Following that point, the team began anew, as they were unable to pinpoint the precise issue before."

"While reviewing the data, I noticed some graphics that illustrated changes in aerodynamics. These changes affected the way we approached and navigated corners, as well as the heights at which the vehicle traveled."

"The car was not the same as the one from the previous year. I pointed out, 'Look, it's obvious that these specific issues are the problem, right?' I found out later that my assessment was accurate."

"I hadn't come across those visuals and patterns previously. I remarked that it was evident what needed our attention, as the engineers are clearly aware of the modifications made to the car from the previous year."

"At the start of the previous season, we were still securing victories with ease, but I sensed that the car's balance wasn't quite to my liking."

"At that time, we maintained a significant advantage over the other teams, who perhaps didn't experience a successful winter season."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing paddock straight to your email inbox.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Track of Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Max Verstappen "possesses the necessary skills" to equal Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 record.

Can Max Verstappen reach the milestone set by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton with seven championship titles?

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 world champion, firmly believes that Max Verstappen possesses the necessary skills to equal Michael Schumacher's achievement of securing seven world championships.

In 2024, Verstappen claimed his fourth Formula 1 world championship title, bringing him just three titles away from the records held by Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

Even though he didn't have the top-performing car throughout the season, as McLaren made a strong comeback, Verstappen managed to outperform Lando Norris and clinched his fourth championship.

Considering that Verstappen is only 27 years old, he has more than ten years ahead to win three additional championships.

It is unclear if Verstappen will continue in Formula 1 for much longer, as he often criticizes the sport and its current trajectory.

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 champion who outperformed Michael Schumacher, believes Max Verstappen possesses the qualities needed to secure a minimum of seven championship titles.

However, the Canadian pointed out that certain situations might prevent Verstappen from achieving that.

He mentioned to Governor Sport that Max Verstappen certainly has the potential to equal Schumacher's number of championships.

Max remains driven and eager to succeed, consistently aiming for victory. He is resilient and doesn’t let setbacks affect him. Given the appropriate circumstances, he is always poised to secure a championship title.

"Just as Alonso had the potential to win seven championships, consider how frequently he came close during his time with Ferrari. Similarly, Schumacher might have ended up with only three championships instead of seven. Yet, it's also possible he could have achieved even more."

"Occasionally, the race is tight, and some of the drivers lack the necessary skills."

number of titles they likely earned due to their skill level.

"Max has secured victory in all the championships available to him. He hasn't failed to win a single one yet."

As Formula 1's rules stay consistent through the winter, Verstappen is expected to face an even tougher task to defend his championship title.

McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are optimistic about challenging Verstappen and Red Bull. Meanwhile, every team is also looking ahead to 2026, when new technical rules will be implemented.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor, known for keenly observing F1's disputes and narratives, serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates on F1, along with special features, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Crash.Net

Martin Brundle describes the 2021 Abu Dhabi event as "the most difficult experience" he has faced as a commentator. He reflected on the challenges of that year, stating, "The most difficult period I've encountered throughout my years of commentary was the Abu Dhabi event in 2021, and the year 2021 overall…"

Martin Brundle described the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as his "most difficult experience" as an F1 commentator due to the controversy involving Mercedes and Red Bull.

The conclusion of the 2021 Formula 1 season was marked by controversy when Max Verstappen secured his inaugural world championship title.

Lewis Hamilton was set to win his historic eighth championship in Abu Dhabi, but a Safety Car was introduced during the final laps.

In an attempt to start the race before the finish line and determine the championship on the track, race director Michael Masi permitted a few cars to unlap themselves, but not all, which went against the rules.

The conclusion of the season marked the end of a year filled with intense clashes between Verstappen and Hamilton, frequently highlighted in the media.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle admitted that they found themselves "caught in the crossfire" amid the ongoing tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull.

"We find ourselves in a protected space, yet we end up trapped in the conflict," he remarked. "The most distressing experience I've had in my years of commentary was during the 2021 Abu Dhabi event, and throughout 2021 overall, due to the intense and hostile rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull, which inadvertently placed Sky in a difficult position."

"We ended up trapped in the middle of the conflict. Essentially, each side believed that if you weren't supporting them, you were opposing them. Both sides saw it that way, which made the entire period quite awkward."

"However, our bonds endured, and each of us continued forward."

Brundle has shared his experiences and interactions with teams alongside David Croft throughout the years.

"On Sunday morning, Crofty and I attend some briefings to gather any last-minute information," he clarified.

"Teams are generally quite transparent at that stage. While they won't reveal their race strategies, they do share a significant amount of information."

"We spent the entire weekend reading. On Fridays, I hit the track, which helps me gather a wealth of information. I engage in constant conversations with others. I have a few key contacts in the paddock with whom I regularly exchange insights."

"If something significant is happening, I'll reach out to Zak, Christian, or Toto for a conversation. They won’t deceive me; if they can't share details, they'll be upfront about it or provide some information. I'd estimate that 60 to 70 percent of the insights I gain can't be disclosed on television, but that leaves me with 30 percent that I can share. This knowledge also helps steer me and my Sky F1 team in the right direction, ensuring we aren't pursuing incorrect leads."

"It's likely excessive, around 60 or 70 percent, but you learn a great deal, and individuals share things with you in strict confidence. If you break that trust, you won't receive further information in the future."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

With a keen sense for the controversies and narratives in Formula 1, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying any part of the text, images, or drawings, whether in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Jenson Button anticipates witnessing a transformed version of Lando Norris after his battle with Max Verstappen. "He will have gained significant knowledge, and I'm eager to observe a somewhat evolved Lando in the coming year."

Jenson Button, who won the F1 world championship in 2009, anticipates that Lando Norris will exhibit some changes in 2025 following his experience in a close competition with Max Verstappen.

Throughout a significant portion of the season, Norris was the closest competitor to Verstappen. As a McLaren driver, he was in the running to secure his inaugural F1 drivers' world championship.

In Brazil, the critical turning point occurred when Verstappen claimed victory after starting from 17th place, while Norris, who began the race from pole position, ended up in sixth.

Since the summer, McLaren has been outperforming Red Bull, but Norris has found it difficult to close in on Verstappen's lead in the standings.

In an evaluation of Norris' performance this season, Button stated on the Sky Sports F1 podcast that Norris has clearly demonstrated his talent and quickness. Button remarked that Norris should feel proud of his accomplishments, noting that although the odds were slim, he was in contention for a Formula 1 world championship. Button described it as an incredible situation to be in.

"His success is largely due to his talent, but it also highlights the team's excellence and their progress over the past few years. I distinctly recall McLaren in 2016 when I exited the sport, and they were in a different place compared to their current standing. I'm proud of the team as well."

Button believes that Norris will gain significant insights from his numerous racing battles with Verstappen, especially during the events in the United States and Mexico.

Button commented, "Facing Max is like competing against a unique beast, unlike anyone else on the grid." He noted, "Max is clear about his objectives during a race. Whether his goal is victory or simply defeating you, his championship rival, he focuses solely on that. He tunes out everything else happening around him and concentrates on overcoming you." Button highlighted that this determination was evident in several races, particularly in Austin and Mexico.

"When an individual is so committed to outperforming you, it can be quite challenging. He would have gained considerable knowledge, and I'm eagerly anticipating seeing a somewhat different version of Lando in the coming year."

"He plans to thoroughly analyze all the racing footage from this season where he competed with Max. Next year, he is expected to emerge much stronger, and we might see a transformed Lando. It's a learning process; you can't predict your response until you've competed against Max."

Norris aims to assist McLaren in securing their first F1 constructors' title since 1998 during the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor plays a crucial role in our objective reporting, thanks to his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce any text, images, or illustrations in any format.

Site Map

CrashNet