McLaren's young driver Gabriel Bortoleto has been chosen to fill the open Sauber seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Leading the F2 championship, Bortoleto has claimed the last available spot on the Sauber F1 team for 2025.

Gabriel Bortoleto, a junior driver for McLaren, has claimed the last available position at Sauber, finalizing the team's Formula 1 roster for the 2025 season.

Bortoleto, who currently holds the title of Formula 3 champion and is leading in the Formula 2 standings, has been selected to take over from Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Their departures were officially announced on Wednesday morning.

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The Brazilian driver, who is 20 years old, will team up with Nico Hulkenberg at the Hinwil-based team for the next season, as they prepare for Audi's acquisition in 2026.

Bortoleto expressed great enthusiasm, stating that this project is among the most thrilling in the world of motorsport, and possibly in the entire realm of sports. He added that it is a genuine privilege to become part of a team that brings together the storied motorsport legacies of Sauber and Audi.

As more than just a participant, I aspire to advance with this exciting project and achieve the highest level in motorsport. I am extremely thankful for the team's trust in me and for the opportunity to collaborate with a seasoned driver like Nico.

Both initiatives have consistently demonstrated their ability to develop young talent effectively, and I am sure that by collaborating, we will create a successful narrative of our own.

Newly appointed team leader Mattia Binotto has chosen to prioritize youth over experience for the second driver position at the F1 team that will soon become Audi's official works team.

"Gabriel has shown his potential as a victorious driver in the junior leagues. We are thrilled to welcome him as part of the Sauber and Audi team," stated Binotto.

Alongside Gabriel, we are embarking on a path to achieve success, aiming to transform into a cohesive power that will define a new chapter for Audi in the world of motorsport. With Nico and Gabriel, we have the perfect blend of seasoned expertise and youthful energy, which puts us in a strong position looking ahead.

Bortoleto is set to leave McLaren and join Sauber, currently topping the F2 championship by 4.5 points ahead of Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar, with two rounds left in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

He is set to become the first Brazilian to compete in Formula 1 since Felipe Massa, who drove for Ferrari and Williams, last raced in 2017.

This indicates that only one remaining spot needs to be occupied at Red Bull's affiliate team, RB, to finalize the lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Lewis frequently travels to various international Grands Prix events on behalf of Crash.net. He usually provides on-site coverage of the races, sharing the narratives of key figures in the motorsport industry.

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Enea Bastianini "wasn't given tough treatment, and isn't entitled to remain" at Ducati. "You don't automatically get to hold onto your spot for over two years."

Enea Bastianini has been informed that he is "unworthy" of retaining his position at Ducati.

Earlier this season, the competition for Bastianini’s spot on the factory team next year narrowed down to a head-to-head battle between Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez.

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Marquez was chosen, which led to Martin leaving for Aprilia, and Bastianini is set to become a part of the revamped Tech3 KTM team.

Initially, Bastianini might influence the outcome of the MotoGP final race in Barcelona, where his teammate Pecco Bagnaia is competing against Martin for the championship.

Despite Marquez facing inquiries about potentially challenging the leading pair in the title race, it's possible that Bastianini could be the one to do so.

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports mentioned that the individual departing from Ducati could be motivated to demonstrate something.

"You aren't guaranteed permission to remain there for over two years."

He ranks fourth in the championship standings, trailing behind two GP24s, and therefore, he does not merit remaining in his current position.

"He hasn’t faced severe treatment. Over the course of two years, his performance has been overshadowed by his teammate, and he trails behind Marc on a GP23."

"Not everyone is qualified to be part of the top team."

Michael Laverty remarked, "It's a consistent trait throughout his career – I don't mean to be harsh, but he tends to be sluggish on Fridays."

"Enea finds his rhythm on Saturday and performs well on Sunday. This consistency places him among the top three globally, but it's not sufficient to secure the championship title."

Hodgson mentioned, "Since they rejected Martin, it's only natural they would also reject Bastianini."

There is a widespread belief among those in the racing community that Ducati has made the right moves. Many think that Marc will perform exceptionally well next year and has the potential to secure three or four championships in the future.

"I don't believe there was anything they could do regarding Martin because he felt disappointed."

"He was tough in his approach, and Marc matched that toughness. Marc might have ended up with Aprilia, most likely…"

In 2022, Bastianini secured the second-highest number of race victories, following Bagnaia, while riding for Gresini, which led to his promotion to the factory Ducati team, overtaking Martin.

However, a mishap during his initial race as an official team rider thwarted his inaugural season with Ducati.

Armed with top-tier equipment on the circuit, Bastianini has secured three grand prix victories for the official Ducati team.

In the upcoming year, he will be equipped with KTM factory equipment and will join Maverick Vinales in the Tech3 team.

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

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Valtteri Bottas is anticipated to rejoin the Mercedes F1 team in 2025 following his departure from Sauber.

Valtteri Bottas is expected to rejoin the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2025 after leaving Sauber.

On Wednesday morning, the team that is set to become Audi's works team announced that Bottas and his current Sauber teammate, Zhou Guanyu, will depart from the Swiss team once the 2024 season concludes.

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Sauber has decided to bring on board Gabriel Bortoleto, who currently leads the Formula 2 standings, to finalize their driver roster for 2025. He will be joining forces with another recent addition, Nico Hulkenberg.

According to Lawrence Barretto, Bottas is anticipated to stay involved in the Formula 1 scene. The 10-time grand prix victor is projected to join Mercedes again, this time in a reserve position.

According to Autosport, Bottas has been engaged in talks with Mercedes for "a number of weeks."

Should an agreement be reached, the 35-year-old Finnish driver would step in for Mick Schumacher as Mercedes' reserve driver. In this role, he would serve as a backup for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025, after Lewis Hamilton makes a high-profile move to Ferrari.

Before the Mexico City Grand Prix, Bottas mentioned to F1TV that he "would consider" going back to Mercedes, the team he raced for from 2017 to 2021.

"A situation of this nature is always challenging for everyone involved," Bottas remarked upon the announcement of his departure from Sauber. "However, following extensive and meaningful conversations over the recent weeks, we came to the conclusion that the circumstances necessary for developing this project collaboratively were not in place."

Over the last few years, being with the team has been an amazing experience, marked by personal development, obstacles, and memorable events. I deeply appreciate the shared experiences and the confidence and encouragement I have received throughout this journey.

"Even as I transition to new opportunities, I'll always have fond memories of this team, and I'm eager to see what lies ahead for all of us."

Lewis frequently goes to Grands Prix events globally for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground coverage, sharing stories about key figures in the sport.

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Marco Melandri has expressed his disapproval of Andrea Iannone's comeback to MotoGP, stating that Iannone was performing at the same level as riders did back in 2007. The ex-MotoGP competitor critiqued Iannone's performance during his return at the Sepang

Marco Melandri mentioned that he "anticipated" Andrea Iannone would "find it challenging to earn points" in his MotoGP comeback at the Malaysian Grand Prix, but he "didn't expect us to perform so poorly."

Following a four-year suspension for doping, which essentially concluded his MotoGP career, former grand prix and World Superbike race victor Iannone returned to the premier class for the first time since 2019, competing last weekend at Sepang.

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VR46 brought him on board to take over from Fabio Di Giannantonio, who concluded his season prematurely to undergo surgery for a dislocated left shoulder sustained in Austria.

Iannone demonstrated remarkable pace, finishing Friday morning in ninth place with new tires and securing 17th in the qualifying session. However, he was on track to achieve a faster time if not for a mistake during his fast lap.

Having been away from MotoGP racing for an extended period, Iannone faced physical challenges that affected his performance, causing him to finish second-to-last in both the sprint race and the grand prix.

Melandri, a racer who has won five MotoGP races, expressed that Iannone's comeback was more underwhelming than anticipated, noting that he was completing laps at a pace reminiscent of 2007.

Marco Melandri mentioned to Corsedimoto that there were high expectations for Andrea Iannone, particularly after his promising performance on Friday morning.

"Yet, not many people had replaced their tires. In Malaysia, fresh tires combined with cooler temperatures create a remarkable impact."

During the race, I anticipated that Iannone might have trouble earning points, but I didn't foresee him performing this poorly.

"I observed no improvement throughout the weekend. Starting from the midpoint of the race, the times were notably sluggish."

"He was matching the lap times that Casey Stoner and I achieved back in 2007. I believe he should aim to improve and has the potential to do so."

Although Melandri is accurate in noting that his lap times from 2007 were close to those recorded by Iannone last weekend, the substitute rider for VR46 maintained an average speed of 2 minutes 2.379 seconds at Sepang. This time placed him 47.599 seconds behind the leader, resulting in a 17th-place finish.

In 2007, Melandri's typical speed, which earned him a second-place finish, was 2 minutes and 2.784 seconds.

Melandri's critique does not take into account the actual circumstances. Although Iannone's impressive time on Friday morning, which placed him ninth, was somewhat misleading because he used new tires while many others did not, Melandri's remarks miss out on important aspects.

Iannone last rode a MotoGP bike during the Jerez test that took place after the 2019 season. Back then, aerodynamic advancements were not as progressed as they are currently, and Ducati had only recently started implementing ride height devices.

During the nearly five-year period of developing bikes and tires, Iannone was serving a four-year suspension for doping. Meanwhile, transitioning from a Superbike to a MotoGP bike is a rare feat where few have excelled in recent history.

Iannone did not have the opportunity to test the Ducati before his ride. In contrast, Alvaro Bautista, who was criticized by Iannone following the Malaysian Grand Prix, had the chance to test the GP23 before participating as a wildcard in Sepang last year, even though he finished the event while dealing with an injury.

By the conclusion of the first quarter, Iannone trailed Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro by just 0.076 seconds. During Iannone's time away, Espargaro had clinched three grand prix victories. Additionally, Iannone was only 0.314 seconds behind Marco Bezzecchi, his teammate from the VR46 team, who was in 14th place.

Iannone missed the chance to advance to Q2 by just 0.383 seconds. Despite facing challenges during the races, he confessed on Saturday that he himself, rather than the motorcycle, was the main obstacle. He compared riding a Superbike to riding a bicycle, especially when considering the intense physical requirements of MotoGP.

While Iannone's weekend might not be remarkable on paper, it doesn't imply that he didn't leave a mark.

Iannone disclosed that championship leader Jorge Martin contacted him and commented, "I've reviewed your data and observed your riding style," during their interaction at Sepang.

"I was thrilled to discover that at certain moments, I'm quite close to the other Ducati racers. However, the challenge for me is understanding the optimal braking points. I'm not yet familiar with the bike's braking capabilities, and I haven’t fully utilized the tires, brakes, or aerodynamics. Most importantly, I'm struggling to apply strong physical braking force."

"These are lessons you pick up while riding; you can't practice them at home. The SBK is completely different from this motorcycle."

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David Croft responds to Max Verstappen's criticism of the British press

Leading figures in the British F1 media address Max Verstappen's comment questioning the presence of British journalists.

David Croft, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, has expressed his displeasure with Max Verstappen's criticism of the British media during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

After an impressive recovery from starting in 17th position during a tumultuous and rain-drenched race at Interlagos, Verstappen, who is nearing the achievement of his fourth consecutive world championship, criticized the British press.

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Following recent critiques from ex-F1 drivers such as Damon Hill, Martin Brundle, and Johnny Herbert, the Red Bull star raised concerns about the absence of British journalists at the post-race FIA press conference in Brazil.

Verstappen remarked, "I have a brief inquiry. I value your presence, yet I notice the absence of any British media. Did they have to rush to the airport, or are they unaware of the press conference location?"

In response on X, the platform once known as Twitter, Croft expressed, “There are occasions when a story involves more depth than a simple sound bite or an opportunity to criticize individuals over perceived British bias.”

"Personally, since the post-race conference is exclusively for print media, I never go, regardless of who the winner is."

"Thursday's press conferences are unique as they cater to both broadcast and print journalists. This is to clarify for everyone's understanding."

"Journalists can access the quotes from this without any restrictions, allowing them to potentially pursue different stories, confident that they won't miss any statements made during the FIA press conference after the race."

Formula 1 host Will Buxton referred to Verstappen's remarks as a "playful jab following the race."

"Max's playful jab at the UK media for their absence after the race likely requires some explanation," he posted on X.

I haven't attended a post-race press conference in a long time because I'm usually broadcasting live. After a race, journalists for print media experience a busy period, conducting interviews with drivers and team bosses right in the paddock area.

During my time as a print journalist, I often had to decide between collecting quotes from the paddock and asking questions during the press conference, where a full transcript of the top three is always provided. Typically, spending time in the paddock proved to be more efficient when working against a deadline.

"If you're from the UK, seeing Lewis, Lando, and George among the top three might influence your decision to attend, but not necessarily all the time. Typically, it's only when there's a controversy requiring attention that you might choose to forgo finding exclusive quotes in favor of a complete transcription of the official session."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Luca Marini believes Honda has the potential to become the second strongest team in MotoGP, capable of preventing Ducati from dominating the championship. He remarked that Ducati seems to be operating on an entirely different level.

Luca Marini feels that Ducati is currently "dominating" MotoGP to an overwhelming extent. However, he sees potential for Honda to rise as the "second strongest contender in the championship" in the near future.

In 2024, Ducati has dominated its rivals, securing victories in 18 of the 19 grand prix races held this season.

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The team has easily secured the constructors' title and is set to clinch the riders' championship with one of its competitors. Additionally, it has already claimed the titles for teams, independent teams, and independent riders even before the season concludes.

In the manufacturers' standings, Honda has accumulated only 73 points, which pales in comparison to Ducati's impressive 685 points. Moreover, as of 2024, Honda has yet to have any of its riders finish in the top six in a grand prix event.

In 2024, Yamaha, competing against Japanese adversaries, has made progress, as evidenced by last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix. The event marked their highest points total of the year, earning 23 points, and saw their riders achieve a first top-six finish.

Marini has observed that Yamaha's advancements suggest Honda can also make progress, but they will need to "innovate" to compete with Ducati.

Nevertheless, he believes that through diligent and strategic efforts in the coming year, Honda has the potential to emerge as Ducati's primary competitor.

"They seem to be in a league of their own right now," he remarked regarding Ducati, after being passed by Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli due to crashes that pushed him down to 15th place in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We need to raise our standards and also figure out how to gain an advantage over them because, right now, they are dominating the championship in a way that's really overwhelming."

"We need to come up with a new solution. We will make an effort, as I believe Yamaha has recently made significant progress."

"[At Sepang], I believe they organized an excellent weekend."

"It is crucial for us to quickly return and enhance our performance without delay, as it is achievable at this moment."

"The other manufacturers are facing challenges, and if we act wisely and strategically, outsmarting our competitors, I believe we can become the second-leading force in the championship by making the right decisions in the upcoming year."

As the 2024 season progresses, Honda has been officially placed at the bottom of the manufacturers' standings, while Yamaha is secured in the fourth position. Only 37 points remain available for competition.

A possible change might occur in the battle for the second position between KTM and Aprilia, as there is a 31-point gap separating the two.

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"What's causing this?" – Lewis Hamilton's recent struggles baffle experts

Ex-F1 racer Johnny Herbert is puzzled by Lewis Hamilton's recent lackluster performance with Mercedes.

Johnny Herbert expresses difficulty in comprehending Lewis Hamilton's recent decline in performance as his tenure with the Mercedes Formula 1 team draws to a close.

Lewis Hamilton, who has claimed the world championship title seven times, had a challenging time at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He ended up in 11th place during the sprint and managed to earn only one point by securing 10th position in a race that was both turbulent and affected by rain on Sunday. On the other hand, his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, performed notably better. Russell secured second place in qualifying, took the lead in the initial phases of

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A 39-year-old driver, set to depart from Mercedes and make a high-profile move to Ferrari in 2025, confessed that he is eager for the season to conclude quickly following a series of disappointing races.

Lewis Hamilton expressed his eagerness for the arrival of Christmas, mentioning that the situation is quite perplexing, according to Herbert from SafestBettingSites.co.uk.

"There are moments when he demonstrates his true, unfiltered speed, but then it suddenly disappears. I can't figure out the reason behind this inconsistency. The car's performance is already unpredictable, fluctuating like a yoyo, and George faces the same challenges."

Lewis Hamilton's tenure with Mercedes is nearing its conclusion, while George Russell is seen as the team's future. Antonelli is expected to join the team next season. The focus will shift towards George, with much of the team's energy and contributions coming from him.

"They aim to boost his morale as much as possible before he takes on the role of team leader next season. He's already performing well."

Mercedes was compelled to address rumors suggesting that Hamilton might be substituted for the last three races of the 2024 season following some ambiguous remarks made after a race.

"Guys, that weekend was a total disaster," Hamilton remarked over the team radio. "The car has never performed this poorly. Thanks to everyone who worked hard and did a great job during the pit stops. If this was my last performance, it's unfortunate it wasn't a good one, but I'm thankful for all of you."

Herbert commented on the rumors, saying he would be quite shocked if Hamilton is replaced before the season concludes.

"I'd be taken aback if any race car driver claimed he wanted to quit simply because things weren't going well. He would still aim to end on a positive note with the team he's accomplished so much with throughout the years."

"He isn't the type to just abandon them like that. I'd be quite shocked if anyone else steps in before the season concludes."

Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He typically provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Mick Schumacher faces rejection and is poised to spend another year away from the F1 spotlight. His hopes for a return have taken another hit.

Mick Schumacher's slim possibility of making a comeback to Formula 1 in 2025 has been eliminated.

According to reports, he was considered for the open position at Sauber, but the spot has now been secured by F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto.

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Sauber has announced that their current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, will leave the team when this season concludes. They have also signed McLaren's junior driver, Bortoleto.

Nico Hulkenberg, currently with Haas, had previously committed to joining Sauber. This move brings a German driver to the team, which is set to transform into Audi in 2026.

Audi, a leading German automobile manufacturer, might have chosen Schumacher, the offspring of a legendary figure in the country.

However, Schumacher has encountered yet another setback as his attempts to rejoin the F1 grid have been unsuccessful.

This season, he competed in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, yet this did not secure him the open Formula 1 seat. Instead, the position was awarded to newcomer Jack Doohan for the 2025 season.

Despite being recommended by Toto Wolff, Williams passed over Schumacher when they urgently required a substitute for the struggling Logan Sargeant.

Williams opted for Franco Colapinto, who has made a significant impact in Formula 1.

Schumacher is on track to spend a third year in a row outside of Formula 1 by 2025.

At the close of 2022, Haas decided to let him go, with Guenther Steiner, the team's leader at the time, expressing concern over the high number of accidents he was involved in.

Haas quickly shifted their strategy from relying on rookie drivers to bringing in seasoned veterans, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen. This change, guided by Ayao Komatsu's leadership, has led to a turnaround in their performance this season.

For the last two years, Schumacher has served as a reserve driver for Mercedes, maintaining a strong connection with the company where his famous father concluded his Formula 1 career.

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

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Reason Revealed for Franco Colapinto's Missed Opportunity with Sauber F1

A significant factor has come to light explaining why Sauber chose to sign Gabriel Bortoleto instead of promising talent Franco Colapinto for their 2025 Formula 1 lineup.

An important factor has come to light regarding Sauber's decision to choose Gabriel Bortoleto instead of Williams standout Franco Colapinto for the 2025 F1 season.

After delivering numerous standout performances for Williams as a mid-season substitute for Logan Sargeant, who had not been meeting expectations, Colapinto emerged as a potential contender for a spot in the upcoming Audi works F1 team.

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On Wednesday, Sauber revealed that they have chosen Bortoleto, the Formula 3 champion and current leader in Formula 2 points, to join their team for the next season with Nico Hulkenberg.

As reported by Lawrence Barretto on F1.com, Colapinto's chances of signing with Sauber were "cut short" due to Williams being willing to approve only a temporary loan arrangement.

Sauber/Audi engaged in conversations with Williams regarding Colapinto, with team leader James Vowles making efforts to secure him a spot. They also initiated discussions with Bortoleto’s representatives, who are associated with Fernando Alonso’s A14 driver management agency, as well as with McLaren, according to Barretto.

"The team also took into account the interest expressed by Mercedes junior driver Mick Schumacher and thought about advancing their reserve driver Theo Pourchaire."

Sauber/Audi held a firm stance, insisting on acquiring a driver directly. They were not open to any loan agreements.

This quickly dashed Colapinto's aspirations, as Williams' team leader, James Vowles, was eager to retain him under a long-term contract with the team.

The choice for the new team leader, Mattia Binotto, was narrowed down between Bortoleto and the incumbent driver, Valtteri Bottas. It was reported that verbal agreements were made with both parties. However, Sauber eventually opted to prioritize youth over the familiarity of experience.

Before the Mexican Grand Prix, discussions focused primarily on two drivers: Bottas and Bortoleto, the report noted.

Sauber/Audi and Bottas' representatives swiftly came to an agreement, pending the final approval. Meanwhile, Sauber/Audi was also in discussions with Bortoleto and his team regarding a possible deal.

During the Brazilian weekend, while Bortoleto's team was present in the paddock at Interlagos, a deal was finalized, and it was this agreement that Sauber/Audi chose to implement.

"Earlier this week, specifics were finalized, as Bortoleto participated in a photo session on Tuesday before a multi-year contract was revealed on Wednesday."

Lewis frequently travels to various international Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-scene reports, sharing the experiences and insights of key figures in the racing world.

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Headline: Suggestion for Red Bull to Consider Replacing Sergio Perez to Demonstrate Commitment

Johnny Herbert believes that Red Bull should consider finding a new driver to take Sergio Perez's place for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

According to Johnny Herbert, if Red Bull genuinely aims to compete for the constructors' championship, they should consider replacing Sergio Perez for the 2025 F1 season.

Perez is experiencing a challenging streak and hasn't managed to secure a position better than sixth place in the last 15 races. This has placed him in eighth position in the world championship standings. Meanwhile, his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, has claimed eight wins and is close to securing the championship title.

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The Mexican driver confessed to having a "terrible season" and is still facing pressure to keep his spot for the upcoming year. His lackluster performance has contributed to Red Bull's drop from first to third place in the constructors' championship.

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert believes that Red Bull should consider making a change before the start of the next season.

"It has often been mentioned that Checo's worth is tied to the sponsorship he secures. Is it necessary for them? I would be astonished if Red Bull truly required it," Herbert stated in an interview with SafestBettingSites.co.uk.

The team requires a driver who can compete effectively against Max. Considering how well Liam has driven since joining, it seems he has a good chance.

Yuki has performed admirably, and he arguably deserved a podium finish on Sunday. He is certainly a strong contender. His progress has left a significant impression on me.

Witnessing the current situation with Checo is quite distressing. His performance this season has deteriorated to a point where he struggles to find ease with the car, which speaks to the physical challenges he's facing. Additionally, there's the psychological impact of being consistently outperformed by Max, who remains significantly ahead. This combination creates a very challenging environment for him.

"He hasn't secured his spot for next season yet. If Red Bull is genuinely committed to winning the constructors' championship, they need a second driver who will contribute significantly. Liam or Yuki deserve an opportunity."

When questioned about whether the time to switch drivers was approaching, Red Bull's team leader Christian Horner commented in Brazil, "I believe that everything in life is a matter of perspective, and it’s important to consider the actual data."

"We're putting in a lot of effort with Checo, who had a new chassis for this weekend. I felt he performed well in the race yesterday, but things didn't go his way today."

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

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Christian Horner's staggering F1 salary disclosed following 11% pay increase

For the 2023 F1 season, Christian Horner received a salary boost of 11%.

It has come to light that Christian Horner is the highest-earning team principal in Formula 1.

As reported by The Times, Horner earns a staggering £8.92 million in salary.

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This ensures he is easily the best-compensated team leader in the 2024 Formula 1 lineup.

In comparison to the previous year, Horner's salary has increased by 11 percent, rising from 8.02 million.

The year 2024 has posed numerous challenges for Horner and the Red Bull team, both in their racing endeavors and beyond.

The beginning of their championship defense was overshadowed by Horner's off-field controversy, involving accusations made by a female staff member.

Claims of misconduct surfaced, capturing attention and becoming a major focus during the initial months of the season.

In recent times, Red Bull has faced challenges during races, with Max Verstappen securing victory in only one out of the last 10 competitions.

Red Bull is heading towards their lowest position in the F1 constructors' standings since 2019, likely ending the season in third place after McLaren and Ferrari.

In terms of finances, it has been disclosed that Horner made nearly £9 million in 2023.

The financial statements of Red Bull Technology Limited reveal information about their top-earning director, who is believed to be Horner.

According to reports from Red Bull Racing, their experienced consultant Helmut Marko made £7 million in 2023.

Horner is not considered the richest person in the F1 paddock.

Toto Wolff, who is a major competitor, earns around £6 million in salary and also holds a one-third ownership stake in Mercedes Benz.

This indicates that he has accumulated approximately £25 million through dividends.

According to reports, McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, has an annual salary of £9 million, yet his total earnings amount to £26.4 million.

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's disputes and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

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Max Verstappen acknowledges the challenges faced as he approaches his fourth Formula 1 championship, stating, "This is a significant uplift for the team, as it has genuinely been a difficult journey."

Max Verstappen admitted that Red Bull has faced challenges during their stretch of 10 races without a victory, as he approaches the brink of securing his fourth F1 drivers' championship.

Max Verstappen showcased an exceptional performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Formula 1, clinching victory despite starting from 17th position on the grid and battling through rainy weather.

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The race posed a significant challenge to Verstappen's championship lead as Lando Norris began the event from the pole position.

The McLaren racer was initially leading but fell behind at the first turn, and a number of mistakes subsequently pushed him back to the sixth position.

Verstappen secured his first triumph since June at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking his longest stretch without a win since 2020.

During the FIA press conference, Verstappen discussed the challenges Red Bull has been facing lately.

"Certainly, that was significant," he acknowledged. "I had hoped to achieve victory a bit earlier. However, it has indeed been challenging for us."

"We constantly maintained our efforts. It wasn't clear to us why the competition was particularly quick during the race. I've been experimenting with various strategies to enhance the car's performance."

"Beginning from 17th position today, it seemed unlikely that we would secure another race victory. Therefore, this outcome is truly remarkable for us. It provides a significant morale boost for the team, as the journey has been challenging."

"However, a major advantage of the team is their ability to remain composed and focus on enhancing performance and bettering our current circumstances. I have faith. I am optimistic that in the final three races, we can contend once more, and particularly during the races, we will be more competitive."

Verstappen has the chance to secure his fourth Formula 1 drivers' championship at the upcoming race in Las Vegas.

To secure the championship, he just needs to place higher than Norris in the Vegas race.

He has the ability to secure the championship even if he places sixth in all of the upcoming races.

As the season approaches its last three races, Verstappen is focused on having "smooth competitions."

He stated, "Reflecting on it now, it was extremely significant because, in a sense, I anticipated losing points today."

"From this point forward, my goal is to have straightforward and fair races until the season concludes. I'm not focused on securing the championship title in Las Vegas or any other venue; my priority is simply to compete in clean races."

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is the core of our objective reporting.

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