A seasoned MotoGP racer has silently stepped away from the track

"It's coming full circle."

A well-regarded motorcyclist discreetly announced his retirement from a MotoGP career that lasted for over a decade.

Stefan Bradl asserts that his recent participation in the final race of the season in Barcelona marks his ultimate appearance in MotoGP competitions.

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Bradl has been a dedicated Honda rider since he first entered the premier class of racing in 2012.

He will maintain his position as a test rider for HRC, a duty he has admirably performed for several years. However, next season, he will be accompanied in the test team by Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

"Bradl announced that this would be his final wildcard entry," he revealed during the Barcelona event last weekend.

"I am confident that Aleix and Taka will be their choice moving forward.

"I'm okay with it; I've informed them of my comfort. They possess greater speed.

"Next season, we're planning on six wildcard entries, which Aleix and Taka will be responsible for."

Bradl added, "I arrived with these ideas in mind. I shared them with HRC. I'm pleased with the outcome."

"I've spent a considerable amount of time here. It's fine. My initial wildcard opportunity came about nineteen years ago."

"The loop is tightening."

Bradl is pleased with the addition of more test riders

Finishing 22nd in Barcelona, Bradl's attention was primarily on the crucial development work for Honda.

Following his final race, he declared, "I've decided it's the right moment for me to step down from being a professional rider on a full-time basis."

"I'm pleased to find myself in a favorable position that allows me to continue participating in MotoGP riding during test sessions."

"Honda now boasts three test riders, which is fantastic. This is essential for the development work we have to undertake."

"I'm delighted to impart my wisdom and expertise with HRC and my fellow riders."

"As a test rider, my role involves undertaking tasks that are typically difficult to accomplish over a race weekend. Seen from the perspective of a rider, it's a demanding job."

"I understand the operations of the individuals and the organization, and they can achieve success. They stand as the leading manufacturer in this sport."

"They possess both the expertise and enthusiasm to make a return."

"Speed enhancements are expected next year, with attention already shifting towards the upcoming regulations and engine specifications."

Bradl expressed his pleasure regarding Espargaro and Nakagami joining Honda's testing team.

"It benefits me. I was overwhelmed with tasks; it felt like a huge burden," he expressed.

"I felt joyous because they had faith in me. However, now, having Aleix and Taka on board is beneficial as we require additional hands to accomplish the tasks at hand."

In 2013, Bradl achieved his highest MotoGP season ranking at seventh place. During that year, he also secured his sole podium finish, which happened in the United States.

Significantly, he stepped in for Marc Marquez in 2020 during his severe injury period.

He will carry on with his efforts in the background, working on the Honda.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, providing coverage on a range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Charles Leclerc unleashed a remarkable and profanity-filled tirade over the radio directed at Ferrari after the conclusion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration with Ferrari through a remarkable radio rant filled with expletives after the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In the early stages of the race, Leclerc advanced to second place but eventually fell to fourth, ending up right behind his Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, who secured a spot on the podium.

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The driver from Monaco emerged in front of Sainz following his last pit stop and was told that his current teammate, who will be leaving the team, would not pass him.

Race engineer Bryan Bozzi informed Leclerc: "Carlos has been instructed not to overtake, but the gap is tight, and you might be slightly ahead. He has been advised not to pressure you, so focus on preserving your tyres."

Sainz went on to pass Leclerc, who then suggested over the team radio, "Perhaps try speaking in Spanish."

Carlos Sainz, set to move to Williams next season after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton, crossed the finish line three seconds in front of Charles Leclerc.

After the race, Leclerc expressed his frustration over the team radio as he drove back to the pits on the cool-down lap.

BB: "Could you come and get me, please?"

CL: "Sure, just like always, whatever you prefer."

BB: "Charles, you completed your task. Alright, I appreciate it."

CL expressed frustration, saying that while they completed their duties, being kind constantly backfires on them. It's not just about being kind, it's about showing respect.

BB called out, "Charles! Charles!"

CL expressed, “I realize I should stay quiet, but it eventually becomes repetitive, so… oh my goodness.”

BB: "Alright. Regardless, what you did was beneficial for the team."

BB: "Could you please answer the call?"

CL: "Sure, go ahead and choose whatever you like. The radio is playing, my apologies…"

Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the venues, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Charles Leclerc delivered a stunning and profanity-laden tirade over the team radio directed at Ferrari after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration with Ferrari in a remarkable and profanity-laden radio message after the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

At the start of the race, Leclerc climbed up to second place but eventually fell back to fourth, ending up just behind his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who secured the third spot on the podium.

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The driver from Monaco emerged in front of Sainz following his last pit stop and was told that his departing teammate would not pass him.

Race engineer Bryan Bozzi informed Leclerc that Carlos has been instructed not to overtake him, although the gap between them is very small, and Leclerc may be slightly ahead. Carlos has also been advised not to put pressure on Leclerc, so Leclerc should focus on preserving his tyres.

Sainz went ahead and passed Leclerc, who then communicated over the team radio by suggesting, "Perhaps give it a shot in Spanish."

Carlos Sainz, set to move to Williams next season after being succeeded by Lewis Hamilton, crossed the finish line three seconds before Leclerc.

Over the team radio during his cool-down lap returning to the pits after the race, Leclerc was unable to conceal his frustration.

BB: "Can you come and collect this?"

CL responded, “Sure, anything you wish, just like always.”

BB: "You completed your task, Charles. Alright, I appreciate it."

CL expressed frustration, saying, "I completed my work, but whenever I try to be kind, it always backfires on me, every single time. It's not merely about being kind; it's about showing respect."

BB called out, "Charles! Charles!"

CL expressed frustration by saying, “I realize I should be quiet, but it reaches a point where it's always the same, so…oh my god.”

BB: "Alright. Regardless, you made the right choice for the team."

BB: "And please answer the call."

CL: "Sure, sure, just go ahead and answer it. It's up to you. The radio's playing, my apologies…"

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on-site to provide firsthand accounts, sharing narratives about the key figures in the racing world.

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Alvaro Bautista reignites dispute regarding Andrea Iannone's controversial "faster" comment, labeling it as nonsense

Bautista challenges Iannone's audacious assertion

Alvaro Bautista has responded once more to Andrea Iannone's assertion of being “quicker” during his MotoGP wildcard appearance.

Iannone succeeded Bautista by participating in the Malaysian MotoGP as a single appearance, one year subsequent to his competitor.

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Iannone, piloting a GP23 for the VR46 Ducati squad, later stated that he outpaced Bautista's time from the previous year.

"Bautista expressed regret over Andrea's choice to draw comparisons between them, emphasizing to Motosprint the distinct differences in their situations."

"I'm not sure how he concluded he was quicker than me, given that he completed one less lap in the race."

"I simply aim to present my side as the circumstances are unfavorable, and as mentioned, we are dealing with two distinct scenarios. Moreover, I came to Sepang carrying a significant shoulder injury."

Had he completed the assessments, his speed could have matched mine, assuming I were uninjured. However, speculating with hypotheticals doesn't achieve much.

"Had I come into the world in Hollywood, perhaps today I'd be a renowned actor. However, I originated from Talavera, and thus, I pursue a career as a rider!"

"The figures reveal the reality, and I apologize for making this analogy."

"I'm not seeking conflict, just looking to clear my name: it's nonsense, and I never intended for things to conclude in such a manner."

In 2023, Bautista was still experiencing repercussions from a shoulder injury as he competed for Ducati in Sepang.

In 2023, Bautista, as well as Iannone in the current year, completed the grand prix in the 17th position.

This year, in the World Superbike Championship, Iannone made his comeback after serving a four-year suspension.

In his attempt to defend his title, Bautista secured a third-place finish, while Iannone came in seventh

In 2025, they are set to make a comeback aboard Ducati

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of activities including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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"Max Verstappen dismisses thoughts of his future with Red Bull after securing the F1 championship, stating, 'It's certainly not something I'm considering. My mind is focused on nothing else.'"

After securing his fourth Formula 1 championship, Max Verstappen is not currently focusing on his future with the Red Bull team.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth world title by finishing in fifth place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

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The driver from the Netherlands has become part of a select group of racers who have achieved four back-to-back drivers' championships, alongside legends like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton.

Although he has achieved significant success in the past four years, his continued presence in Formula 1 and with Red Bull remains a frequent topic of discussion.

Earlier this year, Mercedes showed significant interest in bringing Verstappen on board. In contrast, Verstappen has indicated that he does not intend to continue racing into his 40s, unlike Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

After securing his championship victory, Verstappen discussed his future with Sky Sports.

He responded, saying, "I'm incredibly proud to be a member of this team. We're marking our fourth world championship win together. That's all I'm thinking about right now; nothing else is on my mind."

In 2024, Verstappen's championship win stands out as particularly remarkable, especially considering that McLaren has consistently had a faster car since the race in Imola in May.

The turning point of the championship occurred in Brazil, where Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills in the rain to secure an important win.

Looking back on his recent championship victory, he expressed: "It feels amazing. This season has been lengthy, filled with numerous competitions—some were excellent, while others were challenging. The key was to make the most out of each track."

"Naturally, there are times when it's necessary to minimize harm. Ultimately, I am extremely proud of our accomplishments."

2023 "remains a favorite"

Even with how he achieved his title win, Verstappen continues to favor 2023.

Verstappen secured victory in 19 out of 22 races during the previous year, achieving a streak of 10 consecutive wins during the season's midpoint.

"Each championship has its own unique characteristics," he stated. "Although last year's victory remains my favorite, I occasionally feel that some people didn't fully recognize the significance of our achievement in winning 10 consecutive titles."

"Our car was powerful, but I believe it wasn't as overwhelmingly superior as many might assume. This victory is particularly significant. It's all about how we managed the entire situation."

Connor, known for keenly observing the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, is central to our impartial coverage.

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Initial lineup for the 2024 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix

The commencement alignment for the 2024 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Here's the lineup for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

George Russell of Mercedes has secured the top spot for the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz from Ferrari set to start alongside him at the forefront of the grid.

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Pierre Gasly of Alpine secured a third-place start with an impressive qualifying performance, surpassing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Max Verstappen secured the fifth-quickest time, importantly placing him in front of Formula 1 competitor Lando Norris, as he aims to secure his fourth consecutive world championship.

Yuki Tsunoda secured the seventh spot for Red Bull, followed by Oscar Piastri from McLaren, Nico Hulkenberg driving for Haas, and Lewis Hamilton, who ended up in 10th place after two challenging attempts in Q3.

Valtteri Bottas of Sauber will begin from position 19 due to a five-place grid penalty incurred for replacing his engine.

Franco Colapinto has received clearance to compete after his significant crash during qualifying. However, he will begin the race from the pit lane since Williams had to reconstruct his extensively damaged vehicle.

It

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Lewis Hamilton comments on Max Verstappen's championship victory: "He has been flawless."

"They've been the top performers. He has not made any errors. It's well earned."

Lewis Hamilton has extended his congratulations to Max Verstappen for securing his fourth Formula 1 drivers' championship.

At the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen secured his fourth straight championship by finishing in fifth place, just ahead of his main competitor, Lando Norris.

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The Dutch driver has secured victory in eight races this season, with seven of those wins occurring in the first 10 races.

Since late June, Verstappen has only secured one victory, which was in Brazil, while McLaren has generally outperformed Red Bull.

Following the race in Las Vegas, Hamilton was questioned about his opinions regarding Verstappen's recent championship win.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he extended his congratulations to Max and his team for their outstanding performance over the last four years.

"They have performed exceptionally well. He has not made any errors. It is well-earned."

Regarding Hamilton's race performance, he managed to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place qualifying position to secure a second-place finish.

Mercedes achieved their first 1-2 finish of the season, with George Russell claiming victory.

Hamilton dismissed the notion of "what if," noting that his race speed might have surpassed Russell's. "No, I don't view it like that," he stated. "I'm focused on the future. It was satisfying to make progress today. I'm really pleased."

He mentioned, "I believe the team doesn't fully grasp the reasons behind our speed. The car performed exceptionally well today. It was an impressive display. The crew executed the pit stops brilliantly."

"It's incredible for us to secure the top two spots. I'm thankful that I managed to regain all the positions I lost, and if I had performed as expected yesterday, the race might have been a bit simpler. I really enjoyed starting from that position."

"It brought back memories of my childhood at Rye House, where I used to pass other people on the track."

Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's debates and narratives, is the driving force behind our impartial journalism.

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Franco Colapinto's ability to compete in the Las Vegas Grand Prix hangs in the balance following a significant 50G crash during qualifying.

Williams states that Franco Colapinto must undergo additional medical checks to be cleared for racing, following his experience of a 50G collision during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session.

The young racer from Argentina, aged 21, experienced considerable harm to his FW46 due to a major crash at the second-to-last turn during his last qualifying lap, resulting in his elimination in Q2 and a 14th place start on the grid.

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Colapinto's participation in the upcoming race remains uncertain, as Williams has announced he must complete an additional medical examination prior to Sunday's Grand Prix.

"In qualifying, Franco experienced a severe collision with forces exceeding 50G, necessitating a medical evaluation," a statement from the Williams team announced.

"The effects of such a substantial impact are undeniably serious and critical, necessitating a further assessment tomorrow to determine his readiness for racing."

"The wellbeing of Franco is our top priority, and we're relieved he's generally fine. More information will be shared as it becomes available."

Considering the severity of Colapinto's accident, which demolished three sections of his vehicle, he might have to start from the pit lane if he is deemed healthy enough to compete.

This was the sixth significant accident involving Williams in recent competitions held in Mexico, Brazil, and Las Vegas, spanning the last three events.

Williams team leader James Vowles has calculated the expenses from the latest rebuilds to be in the millions of dollars.

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Damon Hill comments on Max Verstappen’s "sometimes losing control" following his F1 title victory.

Damon Hill quickly responds to Max Verstappen's championship win in Las Vegas.

Following Max Verstappen's win of his fourth Formula 1 championship, Damon Hill stirred up the driver's supporters by commenting on Verstappen's "sporadic lapses in self-control" in the context of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 championship by finishing in fifth place in Las Vegas, narrowly beating his closest competitor, Lando Norris, who finished just one position behind him.

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In 1996, Hill clinched the F1 world championship while racing for Williams and recently expressed strong disapproval of Verstappen's performance during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

A 64-year-old individual responded to Verstappen's championship victory by sharing a message on their X profile.

In his words, he acknowledged, "Credit is due to Red Bull and Max Verstappen. They have completely dominated under the current F1 rules, and naturally, Max has driven exceptionally well, despite some moments of losing composure!"

"The prospect of reaching seven titles is becoming more apparent. Could it even be eight? This will certainly keep our attention on Formula 1."

Hill's comment about "loss of self control" was primarily about the incidents where Verstappen forced Norris off the track on two occasions during the race in Mexico, resulting in him receiving two separate 10-second penalties.

During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction multiple times. He managed to finish in fifth place, but his race could have ended without a finish due to a collision with Hamilton.

Hill's remark regarding Verstappen upset many fans, resulting in numerous tweets aimed at him.

This led to a reaction from the former Sky F1 analyst.

Hill remarked, "Twitter was once enjoyable, but this new X platform isn't. Those who are negative tend to foster negative spaces. They simply don't know any different. People who aren't negative feel compelled to depart, which only heightens the level of negativity until it becomes corrosive. We all know what follows after that."

Norris and McLaren are aiming to secure the constructors' championship in Qatar next weekend.

With only two races remaining, they lead Ferrari by 24 points.

On his X account, Hill shared his thoughts about McLaren, noting: "Lando had some impressive things to say in the interview area. Stella's comments were noteworthy as well."

"Briefly tend to the injuries and then focus on the Constructors and the 2025 season. The ongoing battle seems endless."

Connor, with a keen sense for the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, is central to our objective journalism.

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Lewis Hamilton Believes He Deserved Pole Position Before Q3 Mishap

Lewis Hamilton expressed his belief that he was deserving of the pole position following a hopeful qualifying session that concluded in frustration in Las Vegas.

Lewis Hamilton is convinced he deserved the top spot on the starting grid for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite finishing 10th in the qualifying round.

In a surprising turn of events in Las Vegas, George Russell secured the pole position, marking both his and Mercedes' first since the British Grand Prix, which was four months earlier, signaling a resurgence for the team.

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Russell led the way in the first qualifying session, but in the second session, the seven-time world champion Hamilton took the lead, indicating an exciting qualifying round was unfolding.

However, errors during both attempts in Q3 dashed Hamilton's hopes of securing a spot alongside Russell at the front row, relegating him to a disheartening 10th place.

"Hamilton remarked, 'When it was crucial, it failed. Despite my efforts, it didn't succeed.'"

"I was close to securing the pole position, but… at least my speed is consistent, which has been a strong point throughout the weekend. That’s the silver lining in this situation.

In response to whether this boosts his optimism for the grand prix, a disheartened Hamilton said, "Not exactly, I believe the race is essentially over and clearly, winning is not an option. Excellent work by George."

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton mentioned, "I'm starting from a significant disadvantage, so I'll just have to see what I'm able to achieve from this position."

Tire wear will play a crucial role, considering the action-packed race we experienced here last season.

"I ought to have secured the pole position, yet I didn't. That's the reality of the situation, and you just have to keep moving forward and try again."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed to Sky Sports F1, "He led in Q2 and the vehicle performed well, so we must examine the specific reasons behind it."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. Typically providing coverage directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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George Russell Reconsiders Las Vegas Celebrations Following Pneumonia Recovery

George Russell discusses his decision to be cautious with celebrations after contracting pneumonia during the previous year's Las Vegas race.

George Russell decided against his idea of diving into a fountain to celebrate winning the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix due to worries about possibly falling sick.

The driver for Mercedes showcased a commanding performance starting from pole position in Las Vegas, securing victory ahead of his teammate, the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, marking his second triumph of the 2024 season.

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Russell expressed his desire to dive into the fountains located in front of the renowned Bellagio hotel as a way to celebrate his victory. However, he ultimately chose not to do so because the chilly weather discouraged him.

The British individual disclosed that he caught pneumonia during the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year and struggled with the illness during the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, as well as for a significant portion of the winter.

When questioned about whether he had leaped into the fountain, Russell responded, “I honestly had the desire to do it!” However, he added, “I felt so cold following the race that I feared it would make me seriously sick.”

Around this time a year ago, I came down with pneumonia, which left me unwell until mid-February, following trips to Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

"I thought to myself, 'I definitely want to go for it,' but then I remembered the difficulties I faced a year ago, considering how physically demanding it is."

"I'm drenched because of all the champagne!"

After the race, Russell communicated with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff via team radio, informing him that he planned to remain in Las Vegas to celebrate his victory.

Russell had a funny conversation over the radio:

TW: “George, how about grabbing a drink in Los Angeles this evening?”

GR exclaimed, "Toto, I've decided to remain in Las Vegas!"

TW: “Perhaps it's necessary for me to remain in Vegas as well.”

However, Russell confessed that he required guidance on where to go for the celebration, stating, "I don't party frequently and I'm unsure of the right places, but I do plan on going out somewhere!"

Lewis frequently travels to various global locations to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By being on-site, he provides detailed accounts of the events and highlights the key figures involved in the sport.

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George Russell believed he had jeopardized his opportunity for pole position in Las Vegas during a critical moment.

George Russell was worried that he had ruined his opportunity to secure the top starting spot at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix following a collision with the barrier during the qualifying round.

Having led in the first quarter and finishing just behind his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in the second, Russell managed to snatch the pole position from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz with an impressive final lap during the third quarter.

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Russell's session was anything but simple, as he required a new front wing following a collision with the wall during his initial outing. The British driver expressed worries that his qualifying efforts could have been prematurely ended.

"Being in the lead again is fantastic," expressed Russell. "We've maintained a high speed throughout the weekend, and heading into the final Q3 lap, I was aware this was the moment that mattered. Everything prior to that is irrelevant."

"I experienced a slight hiccup during my initial lap; we needed to replace the front wing, leading me to briefly worry we wouldn't reach the finish line. However, I'm just thrilled now."

He stated, “At some point, you just have to lay your cards out, and I believed in my abilities. I was certain that if I could execute a flawless lap, it would suffice to clinch a spot in the front row.

"Securing the pole position is an amazing achievement. Now, we must focus on turning that into a victory."

Russell admitted that he remains puzzled about why Mercedes has been performing so well throughout the weekend in Las Vegas.

"He expressed his eagerness to share, admitting that the situation had unexpectedly taken everyone aback. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly examining the matter, as it deviates significantly from the norm.

"We haven't implemented any special strategies tailored for Vegas, but for some reason, the setup and the circumstances seem to be working to our advantage. I'm quite puzzled as to why that is."

"We'll go along with it for now, but like I mentioned, if you're fast in Vegas, that's somewhat unique since it's an atypical track. We have to get to grips with it. Also, one of our other top performances happened in Canada, where it's quite chilly, and the conditions resemble those of a street circuit, indicating a slight pattern."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He usually reports directly from the events, sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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