Proposal to overhaul F1 stewards' operations gains significant support

Concept to enhance decision-making uniformity receives endorsement

Martin Brundle has supported George Russell's plea for significant reforms in the operations of F1 race officials.

Russell argued that in order to enhance the uniformity in their decision-making process, stewards need to transition into full-time professionals.

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The driver from Mercedes, who holds the position of director at the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, argued that the racing rules require minor tweaks instead of a complete overhaul, following a series of notable disputes.

Martin Brundle expressed to Sky Sports, "It's unmistakably evident that within the immensely valuable realm of Formula 1, there ought to be a system in place for stewards and referees that ensures they are compensated professionally and adequately rewarded.

"The issue is that we have 24 races and we continuously travel around the globe."

"Locating an individual or potentially two groups willing to dedicate such an amount of time?"

"It requires a shift towards greater professionalism and consistency."

"The industry is rapidly paced and fraught with risks. Overall, Race Control performs admirably in overseeing it."

"There's a multitude of regulations governing the sport, including the International Sporting Code, guidelines for drivers, the official sporting regulations, directives not publicized in the media, and the Race Director's last-minute instructions for the weekend that are subject to change. Navigating through all these rules is incredibly complex."

"We aim to keep abreast of the situation through our discussions. However, it appears that a more consistent and adequately compensated group of guardians is required."

"I'm not criticizing the stewards. It's a position I would never desire, as they have a thankless job."

"Each event or mishap carries its own unexpected turn, in one way or another. Just as in any sport, there comes a point where the judgment or perspective of a referee is required."

Brundle also pointed out regarding other sports, "Are their refereeing systems flawless? Is everything completely resolved?"

F1 officials faced scrutiny following the imposition of penalties on Max Verstappen for his incidents involving Lando Norris during the races in the United States and Mexico.

Johnny Herbert, who served as one of the stewards, subsequently offered a public clarification that upset both Verstappen and his father Jos. They wondered why stewards were communicating with the press in the first place.

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

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Christian Horner's staggering Formula 1 earnings disclosed following an 11% salary increase

Christian Horner received an 11% salary increase for the 2023 Formula 1 season.

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 positions him as the top-earning team leader in the 2024 Formula 1 lineup.

In comparison to 2022, Horner's salary increased by 11 percent, rising from 8.02 million.

2024 has seen its share of challenges for Horner and Red Bull, both in competition and beyond.

The beginning of their championship defense was overshadowed by a controversy involving Horner and accusations made by a woman who works for the team.

Claims of improper conduct emerged, becoming the main focus during the initial months of the season.

In recent times, Red Bull has faced difficulties in their racing performance, with Max Verstappen securing only a single victory in the past ten races.

Red Bull is on track for their lowest Formula 1 constructors' ranking since 2019, as they are positioned to end up in third place, trailing behind both McLaren and Ferrari.

Nonetheless, it has come to light that Horner's earnings approached £9 million in 2023 from a financial perspective.

The financial reports of Red Bull Technology Limited reveal the earnings of their top-earning director, who is believed to be Horner.

Within the Red Bull Racing team, it was reported that senior consultant Helmut Marko received a compensation of £7 million in the year 2023.

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

Toto Wolff, a key competitor, earns around £6 million and holds a one-third ownership stake in Mercedes Benz.

This implies he has received approximately £25 million in dividend payments.

McLaren's Chief Executive Officer, Zak Brown, is said to have a salary of £9 million, yet his total earnings amounted to £26.4 million.

Connor is at the core of our impartial coverage, keenly observing the disputes and narratives within F1.

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Max Verstappen acknowledges the challenges as he approaches his fourth F1 championship

"An enormous uplift for the crew, as truthfully, the journey has been difficult."

Max Verstappen acknowledged the difficulty Red Bull has faced during their 10-race streak without a win, as he comes close to securing his fourth F1 championship title.

Verstappen showcased exceptional skill at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, securing a victory from the 17th starting position under rainy conditions.

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The championship was closely contested, with Verstappen's leading position at risk as Lando Norris began the race in the foremost starting spot.

Nonetheless, the McLaren racer surrendered the top spot right at the first turn, and a succession of mistakes subsequently relegated him to the sixth position.

Verstappen has claimed his first victory since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, marking his most extended winless streak since 2020.

During the FIA media briefing, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the recent challenges faced by Red Bull.

"Absolutely, it mattered to me," he expressed. "Naturally, my aim was to secure a victory much earlier. However, it's been quite challenging for us."

"We constantly persevered. It was puzzling to us how the competitors were speeding ahead so effortlessly in the race. Indeed, I've experimented with numerous approaches to enhance the vehicle's performance."

"Beginning from the 17th position this morning, it hardly seemed possible that we'd come out on top once more. So, it truly is an astonishing outcome for us. It gives the team a significant lift, especially since we've faced some challenges."

"However, the team's ability to remain composed and focus on enhancing our performance and bettering our position is a significant advantage. I'm optimistic. I believe in the upcoming three races, we have the potential to be contenders once more, particularly during the race where our competitiveness will shine."

Verstappen is now in a position to secure his fourth F1 championship title in the upcoming race in Las Vegas.

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

He has the luxury of placing sixth in the upcoming races and still secure the championship title.

As the year draws to a close with three rounds remaining, Verstappen is aiming for "smooth races".

"Of course, reflecting on it now, it was extremely significant. In a sense, I anticipated losing points today," he continued.

"Moving forward, my focus is on having straightforward races until the finish. I'm not preoccupied with securing the championship in Vegas or any similar thoughts. My priority is simply to have clean races."

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

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Johnny Herbert responds to Jos Verstappen amidst ongoing dispute over steward decisions

"Jos consistently voices strong opinions regarding the events at Red Bull. Should he really be doing that?"

Johnny Herbert has responded in an escalating dispute with Jos Verstappen regarding officiating decisions.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Herbert served on a four-member panel of stewards in both the United States and Mexico, where they issued penalties to Max Verstappen following his incidents with championship contender Lando Norris.

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Herbert argued, "The sanctions in Mexico will not deter Max Verstappen from forcing Lando Norris off the circuit in subsequent races."

Verstappen's dad criticized, saying, "I believe a race official should never speak to the media and instead constantly focus on their duties."

Herbert has stood up for his entitlement to express his viewpoint.

Speaking to SafestBettingSites.co.uk, he stated, "As I've consistently mentioned, during race weekends, I embody the roles of Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional, while at other times, I become Johnny Herbert the pundit, sharing my personal opinions."

"As a steward, I refrain from sharing my viewpoints."

Everyone holds their own views. Martin Brundle expresses his thoughts. Why shouldn't I be able to do the same when I'm not at the racing circuit?

For half a century, the racetrack has been my domain. Should I find myself at odds with the happenings on the track, I won't hesitate to express my disagreement.

"It's not solely about Max. I'm willing to critique anyone if I believe it's justified."

"I get where Jos is coming from since it involves his child. Is there any favoritism? Absolutely not.

"I wasn't alone in my opinion that Max's behavior in Mexico was excessive. Both Lando Norris and Zak Brown shared this view."

"When I engage in conversations with others on a Monday or Tuesday, it falls beyond the scope of my duties as a steward."

"Jos consistently voices his opinions regarding the developments within Red Bull."

"Is that the role he's meant to play? It appears quite familiar. Should you hold a viewpoint and wish to express it, then you have the opportunity to do so."

Verstappen entered the recent Sao Paulo Grand Prix facing criticism for his forceful racing tactics, having received penalties in the races leading up to this event.

He shrugged off criticism and then secured a masterful victory in Brazil, starting from the 17th position on the grid under rainy conditions.

He established a 62-point advantage over Norris in the drivers' rankings with three events remaining.

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

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Johnny Herbert responds to Jos Verstappen amid ongoing controversy over stewards

"Jos is known for his strong opinions on Red Bull's affairs. Should he really be commenting on that?"

Johnny Herbert has responded firmly in an escalating dispute with Jos Verstappen regarding race officiating.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Herbert served on a four-member panel of stewards in the United States and Mexico, responsible for issuing penalties to Max Verstappen following his incidents with championship contender Lando Norris.

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Herbert asserted, "The sanctions imposed in Mexico won't prevent Max Verstappen from aggressively overtaking Lando Norris in upcoming races."

Verstappen's dad criticized, stating, "In my opinion, a race official should avoid speaking to the media entirely and consistently focus on their duties."

Herbert has stood up for his freedom to express his viewpoint.

He told SafestBettingSites.co.uk: "As I've consistently maintained, during a race weekend, I embody the roles of Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional, while at other times, I take on the persona of Johnny Herbert the pundit, freely sharing my opinions."

"As a steward, I refrain from sharing any personal views."

"Everyone holds their own views. Martin Brundle shares his thoughts. Why shouldn't I, even when I'm not present at the racing track?"

"For half a century, the racetrack has been everything to me. Should I find something on the track that doesn't sit right with me, I'll make my opinion known."

"It's not only about Max. I'm willing to critique anyone if I believe it's justified."

"I get where Jos is coming from since it's his son involved. Is there any partiality? Absolutely not.

"I wasn't alone in believing that Max's behavior in Mexico was excessive. Both Lando Norris and Zak Brown shared this opinion."

"When I engage in conversations with individuals on either Monday or Tuesday, it falls beyond my duties as a steward."

"Jos consistently voices his opinions on the events occurring within Red Bull."

"Is that the role he's meant to occupy? It all seems quite alike. Should you hold a viewpoint and wish to express it, you have the freedom to do so."

Verstappen entered the recent F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix facing criticism for his forceful racing tactics, having received penalties in the two preceding races.

He brushed aside criticism and then secured an impressive victory in Brazil, starting from 17th position on the grid under rainy conditions.

He established a 62-point advantage over Norris in the drivers' rankings with three events remaining.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he provided coverage on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing

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Mercedes dispels rumors of Lewis Hamilton's immediate departure following ambiguous Formula 1 broadcast communication

Mercedes has responded to speculations suggesting the Sao Paulo Grand Prix might have been Lewis Hamilton's final Formula 1 appearance.

Mercedes has dismissed speculations suggesting that the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix could have been Lewis Hamilton's final race with the team, after his enigmatic radio transmission on Sunday.

The seven-time Formula One world champion had yet another disappointing weekend racing for Mercedes, finishing in a dismal 10th place in Sao Paulo.

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Hamilton faced difficulties controlling his W15, remaining perplexed by his consistent slow speed during single-lap runs.

Unexpectedly, Hamilton also found difficulty in rainy conditions, which have historically been his strong suit.

Following his finish in 10th place, Hamilton conveyed an unusual message via the team's radio communication.

"The weekend was a complete mess, guys," Hamilton communicated over the team radio in Brazil.

"The car has never been in a worse condition. Thank you for your efforts to improve, and well done to everyone at the pit-stop.

"If this turns out to be my final performance, it's unfortunate it wasn't outstanding, but I'm thankful for your support."

Hamilton's statement suggesting it might be his last occasion sparked rumors that Brazil could be his ultimate race with the squad.

Following the race, Hamilton joked about his eagerness to take a vacation.

Mercedes has assured Sky that Hamilton is set to compete in the upcoming races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, taking his place behind the wheel for the last three events.

Hamilton is set to leave his current team after competing at the Yas Marina Circuit, with plans to join Ferrari in 2025.

It is not anticipated that the 39-year-old will debut his Ferrari in the on-track test following the season.

There's a strong possibility that Hamilton might not drive a Ferrari until 2025, possibly in a classic model at the team's Fiorano circuit.

Connor, with his keen attention to F1's disputes and narratives, stands as the core of our impartial journalism.

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Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu to Depart Sauber F1 Team

Sauber has officially stated that both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will part ways with the team when the 2024 Formula 1 season concludes.

Sauber has announced that Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be departing from the team following the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

On Wednesday morning, Sauber announced that both of their current drivers will be leaving the team before the start of the 2025 season.

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Nico Hulkenberg has secured a contract with Sauber for the 2025 season in anticipation of Audi's acquisition in 2026. Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto, who currently leads the Formula 2 standings and is the reigning Formula 3 champion, is anticipated to fill the open position.

"Such circumstances are always challenging for everyone involved. However, following thorough and constructive conversations in recent weeks, we came to the understanding that the necessary conditions to jointly develop this project were not fulfilled," stated Bottas, who is departing Sauber after a three-year stint at Hinwil.

Over the past few years, my time with the team has been a remarkable adventure filled with personal development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. I am thankful for the shared moments and the confidence and encouragement I've received throughout. Although it's time to take a new path, I'll forever cherish the memories with this team and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for all of us.

Mattia Binotto, the new head of Sauber/Audi, expressed his appreciation by stating, "We are sincerely thankful to Valtteri for his contributions over the last three years. His professionalism and extensive experience have been crucial in aiding the team's development."

Valtteri's commitment and method have been crucial during a significant period in our history, and the experiences from these years will remain with us for a long while. When evaluating our drivers for future seasons, Valtteri was undoubtedly a top contender. His determination often drove the car to exceed its performance capabilities.

A choice was necessary. Following open and productive talks, we collectively decided that the final terms couldn't be fulfilled, and thus, it was time to go our separate ways. Valtteri will always be welcome here in Hinwil.

Zhou, who started his Formula 1 career with the team in 2022, is leaving as well.

The Chinese racer announced that they plan to depart from the team when the season concludes, but emphasized their dedication to ending the season on a high note.

"I appreciate the team's decision to give me an opportunity in Formula One: it's a challenging sport for newcomers, yet the team has supported my development immensely over the past three years. The race in China earlier this season was definitely a standout moment, but there have been numerous experiences, both public and private, that I'll cherish from these past three years."

"I'm turning my attention to the next phase of my career, as I still have a lot of energy and determination to keep moving forward."

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

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Audi's choice on driver soon expected, likely unfavorable for Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas faces potential loss of his 2025 F1 seat

Valtteri Bottas' time in Formula 1 might be coming to an end soon.

Sauber, which is slated to transform into Audi by 2026, is poised to announce their critical choice regarding the team's driver roster for the forthcoming year.

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F1-Insider has reported that Gabriel Bortleto is on the verge of being selected.

This means that the current driver, Bottas, will be without a team.

Rumors surrounding Bortleto intensified at his local race, the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, over the weekend.

The individual from Brazil is currently at the forefront of Formula 2 and holds a contract with

McLaren's team leader, Andrea Stella, signaled they wouldn't hinder his move into Formula 1, hinting at the possibility of him joining Sauber.

Sauber has secured the signing of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas for the 2025 season.

Now, Bottas seems to be an outsider observing the scenario.

"He mentioned in Brazil that the lack of confirmation leads to inquiries."

"Regrettably, the scenario remains unchanged this weekend. I'm in a holding pattern; essentially, the next move is up to them."

"I believe I've fulfilled my role in Mexico, and currently, I'm at a point where I can't push this vehicle to further demonstrate my capabilities beyond what I'm already achieving, so my only option is to be patient.

"I'm eagerly anticipating updates from the squad, having consistently expressed my desire to join the Audi initiative. Currently, I remain in anticipation; that's our present situation."

"The unique aspect of this sport is the unpredictability of behind-the-scenes activities."

"The involvement of extensive political maneuvering is inevitable; we're referring to a major corporate entity, a substantial commercial operation too."

"There are numerous factors influencing choices like the selection of drivers. At this point, all that's left for me is to have faith in [Audi boss Mattia Binotto] and what he says, and then wait to see what happens."

Bottas, who is 35 years old, has won 10 Grand Prix races during his time with Mercedes in Formula 1.

His 12-year career in Formula 1 seems to be nearing its conclusion.

Bottas, along with his fellow team member Guanyu Zhou and the recently removed Williams racer Logan Sargeant, stand as the sole competitors this year who haven't managed to secure any points.

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

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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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