Jorge Martin's successor commits to a crucial promise for MotoGP title retention. Lorenzo Savadori discusses Aprilia's strategies for handling the situation.

Lorenzo Savadori has taken over the responsibility of testing Jorge Martin's Aprilia.

Aprilia's test rider, Savadori, is stepping in for the injured Martin during the two-day MotoGP preseason test in Buriram, just as he previously did in Sepang.

Due to a hand injury that Martin suffered in Sepang, he will start the first race of his title defense with minimal experience on his new equipment since parting ways with Ducati.

Aprilia is developing Jorge Martin's setup, and Savadori discussed his responsibilities while Martin was away on Wednesday in Buriram.

He stated that their attention is on their electronic strategy, emphasizing that it is a complex and time-consuming task.

"There are times when it's more severe, other times when it's improved, and occasionally you have to make changes."

"Our aim is for Jorge to come back and discover a bike that is as straightforward as possible, enabling him to quickly achieve high speeds."

"We attempted to explore an alternative approach to our usual configuration. The engineer implemented a new plan."

"I gave it a shot. Once I got back, I shared my impressions and reviewed the information."

"I collaborate with the engineers to identify the right location."

Savadori mentioned, "This isn't an entirely new system; we're simply implementing some modifications."

"It's never sufficient; we must keep enhancing and advancing continuously."

Savadori has been involved in developing various aspects such as engine braking, anti-wheelie systems, and traction control.

He confidently stated, "When Jorge comes back, there's a 99% chance that both the chassis and the swingarm will remain unchanged."

Martin is planning to participate in the initial race of the year, the Thailand MotoGP, scheduled from February 28 to March 2.

However, he is set to arrive not in the best shape, as he is still recuperating from an operation and will be using a different bicycle.

During his initial official test ride on an Aprilia, he had an accident only a few laps in.

The ongoing dispute between Aprilia and Michelin about the cause of his crash continues to persist.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter to receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn additional details, please review our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate the text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Crash.Net has been rephr

"Trapped with no exit" – Ousted Formula 1 ace reveals harsh firing details

Ex-Formula 1 racer Nyck De Vries discusses his harsh dismissal following merely 10 competitions.

Nyck De Vries recently shared insights on his short-lived Formula 1 experience before facing a harsh dismissal.

In a remarkable first appearance for Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, De Vries managed to secure points after stepping in for Alex Albon, who had to withdraw due to appendicitis. Following this standout performance and Pierre Gasly's move to Alpine, De Vries was offered a permanent position with AlphaTauri, Red Bull's affiliate team, for the 2023 season.

The individual from the Netherlands faced a challenging beginning with AlphaTauri, leading to their substitution by Red Bull's backup, Daniel Ricciardo, merely 10 races into the campaign.

"De Vries admitted on the Cool Room podcast that he wasn't able to adapt fast enough," he explained. “In my view, there were moments when luck could have just as easily swung my way, but unfortunately, it didn’t."

"In the end, it seems my superiors were not satisfied with my performance during my tenure, leading them to opt for my replacement. This period was particularly difficult as there was a considerable amount of public discussion surrounding the situation, of which I was largely uninformed. Moreover, there was hardly any direct communication with me about the matter.

"The media is your main source of information. On Formula 1 weekends, there's frequent interaction with the press, so practically from my second weekend onwards, I found myself having to address inquiries regarding my career prospects, which seemed somewhat premature – but that's just the nature of the beast."

2019 Formula 2 victor De Vries acknowledged his challenges in handling the stress while facing constant analysis from the press.

"Clearly, there's pressure from the media, which is external, but there's also pressure from within, and each team handles this in their own way. When you're facing both kinds, it essentially doubles the pressure," he elaborated.

No matter where you find yourself, it's as if the media's gaze is constantly upon you. It's not exactly an attack, but there's a relentless coverage that follows you around. As you navigate the paddock or move through that environment, it's clear everyone is aware of what's being said about you. There's simply no escaping it.

"Despite wishing to avoid it, there's no escaping it. My approach was to simply disregard it, opting not to follow any news reports. Yet, there's still this awareness that it hasn't disappeared."

The individual, aged 30 and now a Formula E champion, expressed feelings of both pain and slight relief after leaving Formula 1.

"Missing out on a long-held dream so suddenly and ahead of time was quite tough," he shared. "I experienced a sense of pain, yet, oddly enough, felt a slight sense of relief as well."

Helmut Marko referred to De Vries as the "greatest error" he made during his time as the motorsport advisor for Red Bull.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest information, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit right in your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically delivering live reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date F1 stories, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether it be text, images, or illustrations, fully or partially, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Collision.Web

Alex Albon is set to undergo a critical evaluation when competing against Carlos Sainz, marking his most significant hurdle in Formula 1 since his rivalry with Max Verstappen, according to journalist Lewis Larkam.

Williams is entering the 2025 Formula 1 season with what they consider their most formidable team of drivers in recent years.

Securing Carlos Sainz's contract after he was replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari was a significant achievement for Williams, especially considering their current standing as one of the lower-ranked teams in Formula 1.

Williams outpaced Alpine and Sauber to secure the 30-year-old Spanish driver, who will join forces with Alex Albon. This move provides the Grove-based team with a strong driving duo, making it one of the top line-ups in the competition.

This situation will present Albon, who is 28 years old, with his most challenging experience at Williams to date. Albon will be facing a fast teammate in Sainz, a scenario he hasn't encountered since his time with Red Bull.

Since returning to Williams in 2022, Albon has experienced a relatively smooth journey, following a challenging 18-month period with Max Verstappen at Red Bull that left him disheartened.

Albon received a promotion to Red Bull for the latter half of the 2019 season but was let go after a challenging 2020 season, during which Verstappen outperformed him in qualifying at every event.

The Thai driver, originally from Britain, was relegated to the role of a reserve driver for Red Bull in 2021. However, he managed to land a full-time position with Williams for the next season.

In the next three seasons, Albon has restored his standing and emerged as one of the most reliable drivers in the midfield. His remarkable showings have even sparked rumors about a possible comeback to Red Bull.

Alex Albon easily outperformed both Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant, and he generally had the upper hand over F1 newcomer Franco Colapinto when they were teammates for a short period at the close of 2024.

To date, Colapinto has been the closest competitor to Albon at Williams. The Argentine driver managed to out-qualify his seasoned teammate in both Baku and Austin, yet he only surpassed him in race pace once.

However, following a time when Albon was clearly the leading driver at Williams, his role might now be at risk.

As Sainz, who has clinched victory in four grand prix races, gears up, Albon is aware that he must elevate his performance as he braces himself for his most challenging competition since he competed against Verstappen half a decade ago.

Having competed closely with Charles Leclerc during their four seasons together at Ferrari, there is an anticipation that Sainz will outperform Albon and take over as the unofficial leader of the Williams team.

The head of the Williams team, James Vowles, has expressed his admiration for Sainz's dedication to his work and his ability to adjust to the team.

As soon as he got into the car in Abu Dhabi, it was clear that his focus had shifted. This is the place he wants to be, and this is his desired role. He is an integral part of our successful journey and is blending in seamlessly,” Vowles stated in a recent interview with Autosport.

He is an exceptional individual who not only has a history of winning races but also carries a strong ambition for Williams to achieve success.

Both his and Alex's input are crucial in propelling the team ahead, especially now that the focus has shifted to fine-tuning details, where every millisecond counts, rather than tackling major goals.

In just a few weeks, there's been significant progress in terms of ideas and concepts on how we can evolve and advance.

It seems that Albon's career might take one of two possible directions.

Should Albon succeed in equaling Sainz's pace and racing skills, it will enhance his reputation, demonstrating definitively his level of talent.

Conversely, if he is thoroughly defeated, the standing he has diligently rebuilt could be quickly destroyed.

In recent seasons, it has become increasingly evident that Albon and Sainz are among the most undervalued drivers in Formula 1.

As Williams aims to climb the ranks in anticipation of Formula 1's regulation changes set for 2026, the comparison between Albon and Sainz in 2025 is expected to be a captivating storyline.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world right in your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels to various international Grands Prix events on behalf of Crash.net. He is often on-site to cover the happenings and shares the experiences and insights of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent news, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock right in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Replicating text, images, or drawings in whole or in part is prohibited in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website dedicated

Valtteri Bottas discusses his guidance role for Kimi Antonelli following his comeback to Mercedes

“I aim to support the team as effectively as possible. Given that Kimi is new to this, it's likely he'll have more inquiries compared to George.”

Valtteri Bottas has committed to supporting Andrea Kimi Antonelli throughout his first season in Formula 1, upon rejoining Mercedes in the capacity of a reserve driver.

Having been passed over by Sauber for the current season, Bottas rejoined Mercedes in the role of their backup and development driver.

The Finnish driver is set to replace either Antonelli or George Russell if they are unable to compete in a Formula 1 race weekend this season.

Bottas is eager to make an impact, aiming for a return to the grid in 2026, possibly with Cadillac.

Earlier in the year, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff outlined his strategy for Bottas to guide Antonelli during his first year.

At the age of 18, Antonelli emerges as the most youthful competitor in the F1 lineup, possessing a comparatively modest amount of experience in single-seater racing.

At the inauguration of the collaboration between Mercedes and Adidas, Bottas detailed his responsibilities within the team for the year 2025.

"Mentor sounds about right," Bottas said to Sky Sports. "As a newcomer to the sport, there's a plethora of new information to absorb."

"Absolutely, I can assist with that. My role is to support the team as effectively as possible. Since Kimi is a newcomer, it's likely he'll have more inquiries than George."

During the race weekend, the team will benefit from an additional member who will focus on analyzing data and examining driving lines, among other things.

"I'll participate in every meeting, especially those concerning technical aspects, and contribute significantly in the simulator work. So, it's activities of this nature. It's shaping up to be a hectic year. It's a new experience for me, but I'm excited about it."

Is Bottas eyeing a comeback to Formula 1 racing in 2026?

Bottas is optimistic about making a comeback to racing in 2026.

The Finnish driver engaged in discussions with Sauber, Williams, and Haas but failed to clinch a spot with any of these teams.

Williams chose Carlos Sainz, whereas Haas went for a somewhat younger alternative, selecting Esteban Ocon.

Sauber chose to pair Nico Hulkenberg with a newcomer, opting for F2 title-holder Gabriel Bortoleto.

As Cadillac prepares to become the 11th team on the grid in 2026, Bottas could see it as an opportunity for a comeback.

Nonetheless, the racer who has clinched victory in 10 Formula 1 grand prixs will encounter tough opposition in his quest to join the ranks of the American squad.

An American driver is expected to occupy one of the positions.

Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen are currently without contracts.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Further Updates

Track F1 Updates

Track MotoGP News

Reproducing the entirety or a portion of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Network

Valtteri Bottas discusses guiding Kimi Antonelli as a "mentor" following his comeback to Mercedes

"I'm here to support the team in every possible way. Given that Kimi is new to this, it's likely he'll have more queries than George."

Valtteri Bottas has committed to assisting Andrea Kimi Antonelli throughout his debut F1 season, following his comeback to Mercedes in the role of their backup driver.

Having been passed over by Sauber for the current season, Bottas made his way back to Mercedes, stepping into the role of their reserve and test driver.

The Finnish driver is set to substitute for either Antonelli or George Russell in the event that they are unable to compete in a Formula 1 race weekend this year.

Bottas is eager to make a strong impression as he aims to return to the grid in 2026, possibly with Cadillac.

Earlier in the year, Mercedes leader Toto Wolff outlined his strategy for Bottas to guide Antonelli during his initial year.

At the age of 18, Antonelli stands as the most junior competitor among the F1 racers, possessing a modest amount of experience in single-seater racing.

At the unveiling of Mercedes' collaboration with Adidas, Bottas discussed his responsibilities within the team for the year 2025.

“Mentor feels like an accurate description,” Bottas conveyed to Sky Sports. “As a newcomer to the sport, you're faced with numerous aspects to familiarize yourself with.

"Absolutely, I can assist with that. My role is to support the team as effectively as possible. Given that Kimi is new to this, he's likely to have more inquiries than George.

During the race weekend, the team will benefit from additional support focused on analyzing data and examining driving techniques among other aspects.

"I'm going to participate in every meeting, especially those related to technical aspects, and contribute significantly in the simulator work. So, it's going to be a packed year. It's a new experience for me, but I'm excited about what lies ahead."

Is Bottas eyeing a comeback to F1 racing in 2026?

Bottas is optimistic about making a comeback to F1 racing by 2026.

The Finnish driver engaged in discussions with Sauber, Williams, and Haas, yet failed to clinch a spot with any of these teams.

Williams chose Carlos Sainz, whereas Haas went for a somewhat younger choice, Esteban Ocon.

Sauber made the choice to pair a newcomer with Nico Hulkenberg, opting to bring on board F2 victor Gabriel Bortoleto.

As a new 11th team is expected to enter the competition in 2026, Bottas could see a potential opportunity for a comeback with Cadillac.

Nonetheless, the racer who has clinched victory at 10 Formula 1 Grand Prix will encounter stiff opposition in his bid to land a spot on the U.S.-based team.

It's probable that an American driver will occupy one of the seats.

Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen are also available for hire.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 developments, unique insights, conversations, and special offers from the track, delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the text, photos, or images entirely or partially is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Unfortunately, you haven't provided

"Alain Prost expresses disapproval of Ayrton Senna docuseries"

Alain Prost has voiced his objections to the Netflix docuseries detailing the life and tragic end of Ayrton Senna.

Alain Prost has expressed criticism towards the biographical mini-series focusing on F1 icon Ayrton Senna.

The series, titled "Senna," spans six episodes and delves into the life of the legendary racer, a thrice-crowned world champion who secured the top spot in the 1988, 1990, and 1991 world championships driving for McLaren.

Senna tragically lost his life in a crash while competing for Williams during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Prost and Senna's intense competition became legendary in F1 history, marking it as one of the most memorable rivalries ever.

After Prost retired, they set aside their remarkable racing rivalries and developed a friendship.

69-year-old, four-time world champion, Prost, has voiced his criticism towards the creators of the Netflix series, which has garnered a mixed reception since it premiered last November.

"Prost mentioned to RMC Motori that Ayrton would probably disapprove, especially due to the evident insensitivity it displays."

It's a fantastic tale, and you ought not to fabricate falsehoods from nothing.

"Utilizing Senna's name for business purposes is not appropriate. I find it disagreeable and cannot endorse it."

The documentary about Senna was produced in collaboration with his relatives. In 2020, Ayrton's sister, Viviane, expressed how unique it was to share a narrative about him that was unfamiliar to many.

"The Senna family is dedicated to transforming this project into something completely unparalleled and extraordinary."

Prost expressed criticism towards the 2010 documentary about Senna, which garnered significant praise from both audiences and reviewers.

Prost expressed his dissatisfaction with the movie, stating, "I'm disappointed with how the film turned out. They had the opportunity to showcase an incredible narrative, considering the events that took place during our racing days and what followed after my retirement."

The movie alleges that his final words, "I miss you Alain," were not genuine. In my opinion, it's the movie that's not authentic.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

Visit our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, covering the events firsthand. He focuses on sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 developments, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the text, photos, or illustrations, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Accident.Net

Haas Introduces Strategy to Prevent Discord with Revamped F1 Roster for 2025

Haas is set to implement 'guidelines for interaction' among its new F1 partners, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

Haas intends to outline specific conduct guidelines for their drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman prior to the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The US team will enter the next season with an entirely new set of drivers, after Nico Hulkenberg moved to Sauber and Kevin Magnussen stepped away from F1.

Ocon has transitioned from competing midfield team Alpine and has moved on from being an F1 newcomer, while Ferrari's young talent Bearman has secured a permanent position, rounding out Haas's revamped roster of drivers for the 2025 season.

Haas team leader Ayao Komatsu plans to establish clear guidelines before the season starts to reduce the likelihood of conflicts between team drivers.

The roster is thrilling, yet it carries the possibility for drama, as Ocon is known to aggressively compete with his teammates, and Bearman is eager to make a strong impression in his debut F1 season.

"Komatsu emphasized that the guidelines for interaction need to be absolutely transparent right from the start."

"Thus, it will be made clear prior to the inaugural race. I anticipate no incidents of team-mate collisions or retirements stemming from that situation."

To compete effectively, you need to give it your all. Consider the previous year – Kevin is known for his aggressive racing style. The most notable moment between Kevin and Nico, which nearly led to a complication but fortunately did not, occurred in Austria, correct?

"However, this is partially due to our suboptimal handling of the timing for pitstops. We essentially hindered our own progress."

"Therefore, as a collective, it's crucial for us not to generate such chaos. Moreover, by truly knowing one another as colleagues, the guidelines for interaction would be crystal clear."

Haas has previously navigated conflicts between team members, notably when Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean were at odds while paired. Additionally, in 2021, friction arose between Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

Komatsu is optimistic that Haas will be able to prevent any disputes between Ocon and Bearman.

"He implied that referring to Nikita and Mick as a model was not ideal for him, suggesting that if such a comparison were necessary, it would indicate he was facing difficulties."

"Examining our performance from last year, identifying areas for enhancement, acknowledging our strengths, and pinpointing opportunities for growth, then applying those insights into this year, signifies a transformative shift in the dynamics and driving forces of our team."

"Frankly, Esteban and Ollie are exceptionally talented behind the wheel. They still have a lot to demonstrate. I believe we have an excellent duo, and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 updates, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email

For further details, consult our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently visits various Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, providing firsthand reports from the events. He shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the content, images, or graphics in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

CollisionWeb

McLaren secures leading F1 aerodynamics expert with significant contract

Prominent McLaren personality Peter Prodromou has pledged his allegiance to the F1 squad.

McLaren has revealed that esteemed Formula 1 aerodynamic expert Peter Prodromou will remain with the team, thanks to a newly extended contract spanning several years.

At the age of 56, he has been a key figure at McLaren following his comeback to the squad from Red Bull in 2014. Starting in 2023, he has taken on the role of technical director for aerodynamics at McLaren, significantly contributing to the team's success in Formula 1.

After revamping their engineering team, McLaren, with Prodromou at the helm, has advanced from the rear to the lead positions in Formula 1, capturing their first constructors' championship in 26 years by 2024.

Before joining Red Bull in 2006 to lead their aerodynamics division alongside Adrian Newey, Prodromou dedicated 15 years of his career to McLaren. Within Newey's championship-winning design group, he played a crucial role.

The extension of his contract serves as an uplift for McLaren just before the 2025 season starts, and comes after similar lengthy renewals for Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and team chief Andrea Stella.

Prodromou expressed his pleasure in maintaining his position as Technical Director, Aerodynamics with the McLaren F1 Team. "Being a member of this cooperative team and playing a role in our significant progress is a privilege," he remarked. With the achievements of the previous season in mind, he is eager to continue supporting the team's collective goal of winning additional World Championships.

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Zak and Andrea for consistently placing their trust in me as the Technical Director for Aerodynamics, and to all my teammates for offering me unparalleled support both personally and professionally."

Stella commended Prodromou's significant contribution to McLaren following his comeback to Woking.

"Peter's contribution in terms of cultural, organizational, and technical guidance has been essential. He played a pivotal role in enhancing the team's performance both on the racing track and behind the scenes, leading to the team clinching their ninth FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in 2024," he further stated.

"Our collective adventure as a team wouldn't have been possible without Peter's contributions, and we eagerly anticipate pursuing more World Championships together."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, special features, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He provides firsthand reports on the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Duplication, whether complete or partial, of text, photos, or illustrations in any form is strictly prohibited.

SmashHub

Critical errors Liam Lawson should steer clear of to thrive in the realm of Max Verstappen

Liam Lawson has the opportunity to glean insights from the missteps of those who came before him at Red Bull.

In 2025, Liam Lawson will face the formidable challenge of competing against F1's top driver, Max Verstappen.

Over the last six years, Verstappen has gained a notorious status for overshadowing his teammates, outperforming Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez. With Lawson's brief experience in F1, he might also face a similar situation.

Reflecting on the history of Verstappen's partners, starting with Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson must steer clear of several critical errors to ensure a prosperous tenure with Red Bull…

Rivalry intensifies on the racecourse

Without a doubt, Verstappen has faced his most formidable Formula 1 competitor in Ricciardo. Their partnership lasted nearly three years until Ricciardo unexpectedly chose to switch to Renault.

Initially, Ricciardo had a bit of an edge in terms of performance, but as time went on, Verstappen began to gain the upper hand. By the year 2018, it was clear that momentum had shifted decisively towards the young Dutch driver, a fact that Ricciardo was well aware of.

During the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a collision occurred between the two racers as they were decelerating into the initial corner. The incident was a result of actions from both sides; Verstappen made a brash maneuver while braking, and there's a case to be made that Ricciardo didn't actually have an opening to begin with.

The incident did not create tension between Verstappen and Ricciardo, but it did cause Ricciardo to feel uneasy, prompting his unexpected move to Renault. Although he enjoyed a significant pay increase at Renault and experienced victories with McLaren, Ricciardo would eventually feel remorseful about his departure from Red Bull.

For Lawson, steering clear of any confrontation with Verstappen will be crucial to ensuring a prosperous career at Red Bull.

Debating with your IT lead

Gasly received the promotion to Red Bull after Ricciardo’s unexpected departure for the 2019 season. During his 12-race tenure, the French driver struggled significantly, failing to keep pace with Verstappen.

Setting aside his challenges during races, Gasly didn't help his case off the track either. There was widespread speculation that Gasly expressed his issues and dissatisfaction with the RB15's setup and its handling.

In a 2022 episode of the Last Lap podcast, ex-Red Bull engineer Dan Drury opened up about Gasly's stint with the team and his supposed dispute with design expert Adrian Newey.

He mentioned, "The issue with Pierre was his growing self-doubt. This is similar to what's happening to Ricciardo at McLaren. Once that begins, it sets you on a path of decline."

"At a certain moment—though I wasn't present to witness it firsthand, so I cannot verify the accuracy—Pierre reportedly raised his voice significantly during a disagreement with Adrian [Newey] concerning the car's configuration. This escalated into somewhat of a heated exchange in the garage area. Following this incident, especially since it unfolded in front of Helmut Marko, the decision was made to move him back to the junior team."

Although the dispute with Newey lacks concrete evidence, Helmut Marko suggested that Gasly expressed his grievances regarding Newey.

According to GP Blog, Marko mentioned, "We advised Gasly to adopt Verstappen's car setup. He needs to adjust it to suit his own way of driving. His attention should be on his performance on the track rather than continuously suggesting to Mr. Newey how the car should be designed for him."

During Lawson's inaugural season with Red Bull, the team will not have Newey's expertise. However, it will be crucial to maintain the support and confidence of the technical team, especially when the car proves difficult to handle on occasion.

"Albon faced intense competition"

During his sole complete season with Red Bull, Albon's experience is perfectly illustrated by the events of the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. There, Albon ruined two sets of tires because of braking errors in the race, followed by an awkward collision with Daniil Kvyat.

Albon was mocked for a comment he made via the team radio, expressing frustration that he couldn't pass Gasly. Despite Gasly's strong resistance, Albon voiced his grievances to Red Bull, stating, "They race me so hard."

The implication was evident that Albon might not have been the ideal fit for a Red Bull driving position. Lawson must make certain he maintains his strength and assertiveness while racing.

Up to this point, Lawson has demonstrated his readiness to compete directly against top F1 competitors, including Fernando Alonso. Displaying such determination during races will benefit Lawson, even if he doesn't quite match Verstappen's exceptional speed.

Dreams of Championship Dashed

Perez's excellent performance at the beginning of the 2023 season, marked by victories in two of the first four races, led him to believe he was a real contender for the championship against Verstappen.

Following his victory in Azerbaijan, Perez proclaimed, "I am certainly contending for the championship, and not solely due to my performance in Baku. I'm confident in my ability to excel at any race this season, and my focus is now on Miami."

"Numerous races are approaching, and it's crucial that we're fully prepared for them."

Perez's last win in Formula 1 would be followed by a concerning drop in performance. Despite achieving second place in the drivers' championship and contributing to Red Bull's inaugural 1-2 finish, Perez frequently struggled, often being eliminated in the early qualifying rounds, Q1 and Q2.

In 2024, Perez experienced a similar mid-season slump as before, but unlike previous occasions, he couldn't turn things around by the year's end. This led Red Bull to make a change, bringing in Lawson to take over his spot. Lawson is entering the scene with the confidence that he can outperform Verstappen and clinch the F1 world title. However, unlike Perez, he must keep his expectations in check and remain grounded in 2025.

It's clear that Lawson's tenure at Red Bull will largely depend on his performance on the track and his ability to keep up with Verstappen. Steering clear of the errors his predecessors made could significantly enhance his prospects of remaining with the team for several years.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

With keen insight into F1's dramas and narratives, Connor is the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is strictly prohibited to fully or partially copy or replicate any text, photos, or illustrations in any manner.

CollisionHub.com

2025 Official Buriram MotoGP Testing Outcomes – First Day (Wednesday)

As of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, here are the lap times recorded on the inaugural day of the 2025 Official MotoGP test in Buriram.

Results on the hour…

Records from the official Buriram MotoGP have been documented as

Fastest lap: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati with a time of 1 minute and 28.700 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap of the race: Marco Bezzecchi on a Ducati with a time of 1 minute and 30.896 seconds in 2023.

The last pre-season test for the 2025 MotoGP kicked off on Wednesday morning in Buriram, Thailand.

Alex Marquez from Gresini secured the leading position with the Ducati GP24 during last week's session at Sepang. After also setting the fastest time in the Barcelona test back in November, he now has the opportunity to dominate all the winter testing sessions.

In the interim, Ducati's factory team, featuring brothers Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, faces significant decisions regarding the engine selection for the upcoming GP25. It's important to note that the engine configuration for all European motorcycles will be locked in starting from the first round and will remain unchanged until the conclusion of 2026.

After utilizing additional track time during the Shakedown, Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha improved their performance to become the leading contenders behind Ducati at the Sepang circuit. The question now is whether they can maintain this competitive edge on an even playing field at the Buriram track.

Honda stands as the sole producer with experience on the Chang International Circuit for MotoGP's 2025 season, thanks to a private test session conducted in January featuring riders Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

This week, Aprilia's newly signed and current MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, along with VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, will not be participating due to injuries they sustained at Sepang. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, who was also hurt on the first day in Malaysia, is planning to attempt to ride in Buriram.

In Buriram, testing is scheduled from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, with practice starts occurring afterwards, on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For two decades, Peter has been a part of the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates on MotoGP, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers, directly in your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce text, images, or illustrations wholly or partially in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website.

2025 Buriram MotoGP Official Test – Day 1: LIVE

Stay tuned for real-time coverage of the first day of the 2025 Official Buriram MotoGP testing session, taking place on Wednesday.

The ultimate pre-season MotoGP test for 2025 kicked off on Wednesday morning in Buriram, Thailand.

Last week at Sepang, Alex Marquez from the Gresini team led the pack on his Ducati GP24. After also securing the fastest time during the test in Barcelona last November, he now has the opportunity to dominate the winter testing season.

At the same time, the Ducati factory team, featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, faces significant decisions regarding their engine selection for the new GP25 model. This is because engine configurations for all European motorcycles will be locked in from the first race until the conclusion of 2026.

Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha improved their performance to secure the position just behind Ducati at Sepang. However, after gaining additional practice time during the Shakedown, the question remains whether they can maintain this competitive level on a more even footing at Buriram.

Honda is the sole manufacturer with experience on the Chang International Circuit for the 2025 MotoGP, thanks to a private test session in January that involved riders Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

This week, Aprilia's recent recruit and current MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin, along with VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, will not be participating due to injuries sustained at Sepang. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, who was also injured on the opening day in Malaysia, is planning to attempt racing in Buriram.

On Wednesday and Thursday, testing sessions at Buriram are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with practice starts occurring afterward.

Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo and Honda's Joan Mir, both of whom delivered standout performances at Sepang, are beginning their testing sessions.

Luca Marini now leads the way for HRC. It's important to note that Honda is the sole manufacturer with updated data from Buriram, thanks to a private test conducted in January with Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

During his initial run, Bezzecchi set the quickest time yet with a lap of 1 minute 31.929 seconds. Miller holds the second position.

It’s clear that tires were a major topic of discussion at Sepang. However, the tires available for the test in Buriram are identical to those used during last October's Grand Prix, and they will also be utilized in the opening race of the upcoming Thai season.

A total of eight riders have exited the pits, including Bezzecchi, Bagnaia, Marini, Miller, Binder, Ogura, Oliveira, and Morbidelli.

Regarding Bezzecchi, Aprilia has shared details about their testing schedule. It's important to note that his teammate and current champion, Jorge Martin, will not participate due to injuries he sustained in Sepang last week.

Buriram Test – Day 1

– Further evaluations will be conducted on several components that were initially assessed at Sepang. These components require testing on a circuit with varying features, considering both the track layout and the different rear tire construction used here and at other venues.

– Following the data analysis from Sepang, new electronic materials will be trialed over these two days.

– For Bezzecchi, the emphasis is on refining and developing while maintaining a focus on race performance. Meanwhile, Savadori will engage in a more rigorous development program.

The signal has turned green at Buriram, marking the start of the two-test event.

Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia quickly takes to the track, closely followed by Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia.

I'm

Here's a recap of the current official lap records…

Fastest lap: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati clocked a time of 1 minute 28.700 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap in the race was set by Marco Bezzecchi on a Ducati, clocking in at 1 minute and 30.896 seconds in 2023.

It's nearly 10 in the morning in Thailand as the last pre-season test for the 2025 MotoGP kicks off at Buriram.

According to Derry Munikartono, our correspondent from Crash.net in Indonesia, the temperature feels 'cool' when compared to Jakarta.

The temperature is currently nearing 27 degrees, which is significantly cooler than the conditions experienced during the first-ever Buriram pre-season test. That event took place in March 2018 under intensely hot weather, serving as a lead-up to the debut of the Thai Grand Prix that year.

Newsletter Subscription for MotoGP

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing any text, images, or drawings, whether completely or in part, is not allowed in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website.

The top five most disappointing MotoGP title defenses

In this article, we reflect on some of the least successful attempts by MotoGP champions to retain their titles.

The 2025 MotoGP season has kicked off on a challenging note for the current titleholder, Jorge Martin. Heading into the initial race in Thailand, he has logged under 20 laps on his new Aprilia RS-GP this year. This limited practice is due to an accident that occurred during the early laps of the first test session of the year, held in Sepang.

Martin departed from Malaysia nursing a fractured right hand and a left foot, subsequently being excluded from participating in the Buriram test this week following a surgical procedure in Barcelona.

From a pessimistic standpoint, Martin is facing a challenging title defense. Instead of having the opportunity to test and familiarize himself with his new motorcycle, he finds himself racing to gain understanding. The gleaming #1 on the front of his bike serves as a constant reminder of the position he is expected to maintain.

This doesn't mean, of course, that the collaboration between Martin and Aprilia is doomed to endless failure or that they won't ever achieve a championship together.

By nearly all measures, Martin's attempt to defend his 2024 MotoGP World Championship title has had an incredibly poor beginning, despite the fact that the 2025 season hasn't even seen its first practice session.

Considering this, we decided to revisit a few of the unsuccessful title defenses in MotoGP history, specifically during the four-stroke era, to understand how former champions have lost their crowns.

Fabio Quartararo's 2022 Season

Describing Fabio Quartararo's attempt to defend his title in 2022 as a struggle might seem a bit severe. By November 2021, it was evident that maintaining his championship status would be a significant challenge.

This situation arose partly due to Yamaha's reduced competitiveness and largely due to Ducati's ascent to the top, driven by Francesco Bagnaia's success, as he secured victory in four of the final six races during the year Quartararo won the championship.

At the conclusion of 2021, Bagnaia expressed confidence that the Ducati Desmosedici GP22 had already shown improvements over the GP21, even with more than three months left before the commencement of the 2022 season.

The season kicked off in an unexpected manner for Bagnaia. He experienced a crash in Qatar, finished in 15th place in Indonesia, and secured fifth place in both Argentina and Texas. A qualifying crash in Portimao led to a last-place start, but he managed to climb to eighth by the end of the race.

Quartararo's performance was only slightly improved, placing ninth in Qatar, eighth in Argentina, and seventh in Texas. However, he managed to secure a podium finish in Indonesia and clinched a win in Portimao.

In their initial face-off at Jerez, Bagnaia emerged victorious over Quartararo, who spent 40 minutes attempting to prevent his front tire from overheating in Bagnaia’s turbulent airflow.

However, the situation shifted to benefit Quartararo: he achieved a sequence of 4th, 2nd, 1st, and 1st place finishes in the races held in France, Italy, Catalunya, and Germany. During that same timeframe, Bagnaia faced three races where he did not finish, allowing Quartararo to build a lead of more than 90 points over the Italian as they approached the Dutch TT.

For Bagnaia, the gap should have been impossible to overcome, despite the performance disparity between the Ducati and the Yamaha.

In the end, he secured the championship with a 17-point lead. Although this marked a victory for Bagnaia and Ducati, it also highlighted the shortcomings of Quartararo—who suffered crashes at Assen and Phillip Island—and Yamaha, as they allowed the title to slip from their grasp in such a significant manner.

Valentino Rossi, 2006

Throughout his career, Valentino Rossi secured nine championship titles, though he was unable to retain his title twice, specifically in the years 2006 and 2010.

The year 2006 is highlighted instead of 2010 because, in 2010, Rossi faced greater challenges in defending his 2009 title due to a shoulder injury he suffered prior to the season and a leg fracture he sustained during practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

Unlike the 2006 championship, which slipped from Rossi's grasp due to his own errors, both during races and outside of them.

In 2006, Rossi took a Ferrari Formula 1 car for a test drive, exploring the potential of transitioning to the top-tier racing series in the future.

The diversion ended up being futile because Rossi never competed in F1, resulting in a hindered progress of the 2006 YZR-M1. While this bike could win sometimes, Rossi only secured five victories with it in 2006, a significant drop from the 11 wins he achieved the year before.

In several instances, like those in Turkey and Germany, the Italian rider managed to climb up the ranks from disappointing qualifying spots to achieve a respectable race finish. Notably, at the Sachsenring, starting from a 14th-place qualifier, Rossi delivered an extraordinary performance to secure victory. Similarly, during the Dutch TT, after suffering a crash during practice, Rossi managed to push through and finish in eighth place despite his injuries.

In 2006, Rossi and Yamaha encountered numerous challenges, yet the Italian racer maintained a points advantage heading into the last race, surpassing Nicky Hayden. This was partially due to Hayden's bad luck at Estoril, where he was knocked out by his Repsol Honda teammate, Dani Pedrosa.

However, a crucial error led to the Italian losing out on what could have been his eighth world championship title at the time. In a dramatic turn of events, he lost control and crashed at the second corner of the season's final race, the Valencian Grand Prix, thereby missing the chance to secure the full collection of 990cc titles.

In examining the title defenses included in this list, it's clear that the year 2006 was not particularly poor for Rossi overall. However, compared to the high benchmarks he had established for himself since 2001, this season didn't quite hit the mark he aimed for.

Marc Marquez, 2015

Similar to Rossi, Marc Marquez has twice been unable to retain his championship title. For Marquez, these unsuccessful attempts occurred in 2015 and 2020. Like Rossi, his failure in 2020 was due to an injury, while in 2015, it was primarily because of Marquez's persistent errors. This is why 2015 is highlighted in this context.

It's undeniable that when reflecting on the 2015 MotoGP season, our thoughts immediately turn to its conclusion. However, it was actually a remarkable season of racing, which initially appeared as though it might be dull.

Entering his third season in the top-tier MotoGP category, Marquez had already secured back-to-back championships in his first two years. His second title was particularly remarkable, as he began the season with an unprecedented streak of 10 consecutive victories, ultimately achieving a total of 13 Grand Prix wins out of 18 races.

Believing that Marquez wouldn't eventually take control of the 2015 season, despite some initial hurdles during testing, seemed unreasonable.

Despite his successes in Texas and Germany, Marquez did not dominate the season as he had in the past two years. Overall, the Spanish rider couldn't replicate his previous impact.

A significant part of the problem was due to the motorcycle, since the Honda riders, including Marquez, faced difficulties that year because of the engine's aggressive nature.

However, Marquez's relentless ambition to seize victory at every chance played a significant role. Losing points in races he was expected to win, such as those in Argentina and Britain, resulted in the championship slipping away by the time he managed to stabilize his performance at the beginning of the Asian triple-header.

Notoriously, the fact that #93 couldn't clinch the championship himself that year didn't mark the conclusion of his impact on the series, even though it wasn't Marquez who directly exerted that influence. At its core, Marc Marquez didn't compete in 2015 with the goal of securing a title for Jorge Lorenzo.

Ultimately, Lorenzo had the skill to secure the championship on his own, while both Marquez and Valentino Rossi had the potential to let it slip away.

Joan Mir's performance in 2021 can only be described as a complete failure in defending his title, while Fabio Quartararo's 2022 season represented a significant downturn.

Suzuki clinched the 2020 championship alongside the Spanish rider, largely due to the GSX-RR's versatility and Mir's remarkable steadiness throughout a season marked by unpredictability.

In 2021, the general disorder in MotoGP decreased, while both Suzuki and Mir experienced a downturn in their performance consistency.

In 2021, the Spaniard failed to secure any race victories and achieved just six podium finishes across 14 races. This was a decline from the previous year, 2020, when he claimed seven podiums in the same number of races.

Overall, Mir had difficulty performing well in 2021, often failing to distinguish himself when compared to riders like Quartararo and Bagnaia. Even during the one event where he clearly outperformed both, he ended up being defeated in Styria by newcomer Jorge Martin.

Despite finishing third in the 2021 rankings, Mir's performance wasn't catastrophic. However, he is included in this list because, throughout the year, he never appeared to be the frontrunner for the championship title.

Nicky Hayden, 2007

Overall, our aim has been to avoid including seasons marked by significant rule or technical regulation changes. This rationale explains why Jorge Lorenzo's 2016 season is not featured on this list, while Fabio Quartararo's 2021 season is included.

Nevertheless, the last observation regarding Mir likely applies to Nicky Hayden in 2007 as well, but to a significantly larger degree. This is why his attempt to defend his 2006 title is included in our list.

For instance, Lorenzo appeared poised to retain his 2015 championship following the first race in Qatar in 2016. He dominated the event with ease, having demonstrated impressive speed during the preseason while adapting to the new Michelin tires and the standard electronic systems.

Conversely, Hayden began the 2007 season, marking the start of the 800cc era, with finishes of 8th, 7th, and 7th in the opening three races. He concluded the season with an average finish of eighth place across the 15 races he completed.

The American managed to secure just three podium finishes as he attempted to defend his championship title. He ended the season in eighth place in the rankings, trailing his second-year teammate Dani Pedrosa by 115 points.

In the 2007 season, Hayden was not necessarily expected to be the leading contender for the championship. However, ending the season in eighth place, following his previous year's triumph as the titleholder, was a notable disappointment. He finished behind both of the main Suzuki riders, John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen, as well as Marco Melandri's satellite Honda, marking a clear underachievement.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Crash Dot Net