A specific instance was identified in the 2024 MotoGP season where KTM missed the opportunity to remain competitive at the forefront.

Despite kicking off the season on a high note, KTM ended up going through another season without securing a win in the premier class.

The 2024 MotoGP campaign kicked off on a high note for KTM, yet concluded without the Austrian manufacturer securing any victories.

KTM's streak without a win stretches further, tracing back to Miguel Oliveira's victory at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix more than two years ago (or to Jerez 2023 if Sprint races are taken into account).

Despite starting the season on a high note, with Brad Binder and newcomer to the 2024 MotoGP, Pedro Acosta, both securing podium finishes in the season's initial races, the Austrian team maintained their momentum.

"Francesco Guidotti, the former team principal for Red Bull KTM, shared with MotoGP.com that the team kicked off the season on a high note, achieving podium finishes with various riders, which significantly raised their expectations."

Starting from the halfway point, we faced some challenges and perhaps took a few paths that weren't ideal for us; the leading competitors slightly enhanced their performance, which further widened the gap between us.

"During the middle of the season, we experienced an unusual period, which I believe was when we missed the opportunity to remain in contention at the forefront."

Despite facing challenges in 2024 that led to his dismissal, Guidotti had no grievances regarding the behavior of the riders from the Austrian brand, KTM.

"I believe the approach taken by the riders was appropriate; they remained persistent, and so did we, both the technicians and the management. However, truth be told, we weren't exactly in the right mindset to compete. Therefore, we needed to go back to the drawing board and begin anew."

Towards the end of the season, KTM consistently led the pack despite a few accidents and mishaps, but generally, they performed well.

"'Somewhat okay' isn't our ideal, but it's our current reality. We overlooked numerous opportunities, numerous possibilities at the start of this year, and when you skip out on those, you end up missing out on success, you face defeat."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP coverage, special content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive deals straight from the circuit to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024 after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Mailing List

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, one-on-one 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

Copying or reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Crash examines five MotoGP competitors requiring a standout 2025 season

The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season features an impressive collection of talent, including 15 riders who have previously won premier class grand prix races.

Top performers are well-distributed among all five manufacturers, with numerous notable transfers occurring – such as Marc Marquez joining the Ducati factory team, 2024 world champion Jorge Martin moving to Aprilia, and Maverick Vinales switching to KTM.

Heading into 2025, several athletes find themselves in a position where they must demonstrate their worth, be it due to contractual obligations or other motivating factors.

Crash examines five racers facing a crucial season ahead.

Jack Miller – Pramac Yamaha

Entering his 10th season in the top tier in 2025, Miller's move back to Pramac, coinciding with their transition to Yamaha, comes after an underwhelming last season with KTM. For the Australian, this shift to Pramac appears to be a serendipitous twist, largely influenced by location.

Keep in mind, a few newcomers were considered for the second Pramac position, among them Sergio Garcia, whose chance was ultimately dismissed due to his Spanish nationality.

Miller's nationality as an Australian isn't the only factor for his comeback to Pramac. At 29, his record includes race victories and a wealth of experience that Yamaha will find extremely beneficial.

However, his record shows only a single victory over the past three years, and he concluded 2024 without securing any top-three finishes, his highest being two fifth-place finishes in grand prix races. Additionally, he finished 204 points behind his teammate Brad Binder. Miller was particularly affected by the challenges KTM faced due to the vibration problems stemming from Michelin's 2024 rear tyre.

However, Binder and Pedro Acosta demonstrated that impressive outcomes could be achieved with the RC16, and Miller fell significantly behind in comparison.

Heading into the 2025 season on a single-year contract, and with a new generation of talent eager to step up from Moto2, it appears this year could be crucial for Miller's career.

His main focus will be to advance the progress of the M1, but he will also be expected to achieve results if his peers begin to succeed. Should this not occur, the limited availability on the 2026 grid might result in Miller being left out.

Franco Morbidelli, who rides for VR46 Ducati, appears to be the safest in terms of retaining his position for the 2026 season. Unless Celestino Vietti delivers an exceptional performance in Moto2, the VR46 Academy lacks a clear successor deemed ready for MotoGP. Additionally, it's uncertain if Ducati is considering elevating any of its riders.

At the age of 30 and entering his eighth year in MotoGP, there's a concern that Morbidelli might only be viewed as filling a spot.

Following his achievement of securing three grand prix victories in 2020 and achieving second place in the overall championship standings, Morbidelli has experienced a decline in performance. His challenges began with an outdated Yamaha model at the beginning of 2021, which did little to aid his performance, and were compounded by a leg injury that sidelined him. Upon his return, he was provided with a top-tier Yamaha bike, which he struggled to adapt to and perform well on.

During his tenure of over two years with the factory Yamaha team, his top achievement was a fourth-place finish. For the 2024 season, he secured a coveted factory Ducati spot with Pramac. However, his adjustment was hindered by a concussion he suffered before the season started.

During the early part of 2024, despite facing challenges, Morbidelli demonstrated moments of quick pace, such as taking the lead in the German race, securing a podium finish in the Sprint at the San Marino Grand Prix, and being in contention for another podium spot before experiencing a crash the following day.

Considering his superior equipment, it would have been expected for Morbidelli to secure several additional podium finishes during the latter part of the season. The availability of an extra spot at VR46 meant Morbidelli's position was secure, yet this situation should be seen merely as a stroke of luck.

Should the improvement from the GP24 to the GP25 not be as significant as it was the previous year, Morbidelli must capitalize on this edge during the initial races to return to his known performance level.

Brad Binder is currently tied to KTM under a contract that runs until 2026. However, there are a couple of reasons why he's included in this list.

Currently, there's a cloud of doubt surrounding the Austrian brand due to its economic difficulties and ongoing overhaul. Should the KTM endeavor collapse and prove irretrievable, four leading riders would be left scrambling for a spot in an already crowded field. It's fair to mention that Pedro Acosta might have the edge over his competitors in such a scenario.

Since joining the MotoGP circuit, Binder has reliably performed for KTM, maintaining his form through the previous season. Despite achieving podium finishes solely in the season's first race, his regular placements within the top eight and just a couple of instances where he didn't score points in races he participated in, significantly contributed to KTM securing the second spot in the constructors championship.

He concluded the year as the leading KTM rider, edging out newcomer Acosta by a mere two points. When it came to maximizing the performance of the RC16, Acosta frequently achieved this, despite his need to improve his conversion rate.

Potentially, 2025 marks the inaugural year in MotoGP where Binder faces a team-mate who truly challenges his skills. Thus, this will be our first opportunity to witness Binder being put through his paces. Consequently, this situation brings up an unresolved inquiry: What is the true caliber of Brad Binder's talent?

Though his circumstances aren't as dire as certain individuals in the lineup, the direction of his professional path could significantly depend on his performance alongside Acosta in the 2025 season.

Luca Marini – Honda

Marini's contract timing doesn't align with the typical schedule for factory agreements, as his deal with Honda extends through the conclusion of 2025.

Currently, Honda isn't experiencing a high demand from riders eager to join its team. However, this situation is subject to change as the company makes progress up the racing grid. Should Honda achieve greater advancements by 2025, it may aim to attract a more prominent rider to its lineup.

Currently, amidst the challenges KTM is experiencing, there's significant speculation around Acosta becoming a key focus. Naturally, it makes sense for Honda to consider this option. Joan Mir has committed through 2026 despite facing difficulties, and Johann Zarco is likely to secure a renewal due to his impressive performance in 2024.

Marini was unable to secure any points in the initial eight races, and this streak would have stretched to nine if a penalty hadn't elevated him to 15th place. After another four races without earning points, he finally scored his first legitimate points during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Despite showing improved performance in the latter part of the year, he ended up at the bottom of the rankings among those who competed throughout the entire season.

Anticipating miraculous performances from Marc Marquez's successor at Honda was unreasonable. However, there's a specific level of performance that factory riders must achieve, and Marini must demonstrate this by 2025 to sustain his professional trajectory.

Francesco Bagnaia's position with Ducati is secure. His contract extends through 2026, and given his outstanding performance, it would take a significant justification for Ducati not to continue their partnership with the two-time world champion beyond then.

However, he is encountering the most challenging phase of his MotoGP journey, as Marc Marquez joins the official Ducati team in 2025.

Heading into the upcoming season, Bagnaia has an impressive record of 11 Grand Prix victories in 2024, yet fell short of clinching the championship, finishing 10 points behind Jorge Martin, a season marked by eight instances where he didn't score. His journey over recent years has been marred by errors, a challenge that will only intensify with Marquez joining as his teammate.

Securing three wins in his debut season on a Ducati with an older GP23 model, Marquez is undoubtedly set to challenge Bagnaia significantly.

Marquez's successful maneuver to secure a spot on the factory Ducati team altered the dynamics of power. Bagnaia's situation is made even more challenging by not entering the year 2025 as the defending world champion.

Bagnaia's rapid pace and his position as one of the current top competitors is undeniable. However, Marquez, given the same equipment, will push him to his limits. The outcome of this challenge could very well shape his professional legacy.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, unique content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track 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

Copying or duplicating any part of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Index

Collision.Net

Lewis Hamilton is thrilled as he anticipates his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1. The racing star eagerly looks forward to the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton has communicated for the first time since becoming a driver for Ferrari in Formula 1, expressing his immense excitement for the upcoming season.

Hamilton has confirmed his move to Ferrari, leaving Mercedes to join the team for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Eleven months ago, in February 2024, the shocking news broke that the seven-time world champion had decided to depart from Mercedes.

In just 70 days, Hamilton is set to race for Ferrari for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix, aiming to return the team to its championship-winning form.

As preparations get underway for the upcoming season, with testing scheduled for the following month, Hamilton used his LinkedIn profile to share some news about the forthcoming campaign.

Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming year, stating that joining Scuderia Ferrari has given him much to think about.

For those planning their next steps in 2025: welcome the transformation. Whether it's transitioning to a different field, acquiring a new ability, or simply facing fresh challenges, keep in mind that reinventing yourself holds great power. A new opportunity is always just around the corner.

"Cheers to 2025—a year to seize fresh opportunities, maintain our ambition, and move ahead with clear intention. Let's make it unforgettable. Let's go!"

Hamilton Aims to Make a Statement in F1 2025

Even though he has already achieved an unprecedented career in Formula 1, Hamilton is set to demonstrate his capabilities once again in 2025.

Hamilton faced a challenging last year with Mercedes, grappling with difficulties in managing the W14's performance.

Although Hamilton managed to secure victories at both Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, he was largely overshadowed by his teammate, George Russell.

During the qualifying sessions, Hamilton managed to surpass Russell only on five occasions.

In the 2024 Formula 1 season, it marked only the third occasion in Lewis Hamilton's career where a teammate earned more points than him. This previously occurred in 2011 when Jenson Button outperformed him and again in 2016 when Nico Rosberg achieved the same feat.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Possessing a keen sense for the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, Connor is the driving force behind our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

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

Website Layout

Crash.Net

Valentino Rossi announces an impressive lineup for the 100Km of Champions race

Rossi, joined by Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta, highlights a star-studded roster for the event in Tavullia

The 100Km of Champions flat track race, hosted at Valentino Rossi's ranch in Tavullia, is set to present an impressive lineup in 2025, with racers such as Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop slated to participate.

For more than a decade, the yearly gathering at Rossi's VR46 Ranch has been organized by the MotoGP icon, attracting top talents from various motorcycle racing categories.

The upcoming 2025 version is scheduled for January 10th and 11th, and the list of participants for this occasion will be made public on Friday.

Leading the event as always is the nine-time grand prix world champion Rossi, with the MotoGP rookie star of 2024, Pedro Acosta, also participating.

In the world of MotoGP, two-time world champion and VR46 Academy affiliate Francesco Bagnaia will make an appearance, joined by Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Augusto Fernandez, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Miguel Oliveira.

In other grand prix categories, racers such as Xavi Artigas, Manu Gonzalez, and Tatsuki Suzuki will compete.

Michael Dunlop, the most accomplished rider in Isle of Man TT history, will participate, alongside Davey Todd, the victor of the Senior TT.

Ryan Vickers and Tim Neave team up with fellow British Superbike paddock member Todd, as Nicolo Bulega and Dominique Aegerter represent the World Superbikes contingent.

Last year, Marini and Rossi claimed victory in the premier team race, with Marini also securing a win in the Americana competition.

Complete list of participants:

Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Kurvinen Lasse, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, insightful interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing text, photos, or images in full or in part is strictly prohibited.

Site Index

Crash.Net

KTM identified a crucial MotoGP moment that marked their missed opportunity to remain competitive at the top. Despite beginning the 2024 MotoGP season on a strong note, KTM ended yet another year without securing a victory in the premier class.

The 2024 MotoGP season for KTM began on a high note; however, the Austrian company concluded the season without securing any victories.

KTM's struggle to secure a victory persists, with their last win dating back to Miguel Oliveira's success at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix, which was over two years ago. Alternatively, if Sprint races are taken into account, their last win was at Jerez in 2023.

Despite starting the season on a high note, the Austrian manufacturer saw both Brad Binder and 2024 MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta secure podium finishes in the initial races.

Francesco Guidotti, the former team principal of Red Bull KTM, shared with MotoGP.com that they had a strong beginning, achieving several podium finishes with various riders, which set high expectations.

"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some difficulties as we took some paths that might not have been ideal for us. Meanwhile, the key competitors improved slightly, which widened the gap even further."

"There was a peculiar period during the middle of the season, and I believe that's when we missed our opportunity to remain near the top."

Even though KTM faced challenges in 2024 that eventually led to him losing his position, Guidotti had nothing negative to say about how the riders from the Austrian brand behaved.

The riders displayed commendable behavior by persistently pushing forward. Similarly, our team, including technicians and management, maintained their determination. However, we must admit that we weren't really in the competitive mindset. It became necessary for us to go back to the beginning and restart the process.

Towards the end of the season, KTM consistently performed well, despite experiencing a few crashes and incidents. Overall, their performance was quite solid.

"We're aiming for better than 'not too bad,' but that's our current reality. At the start of the year, we let too many opportunities slip by, and as a result, we didn't perform well and ended up losing."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news for both consumers and racing enthusiasts at Visordown.

Discover Additional Content

Sign up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Stories

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy any written material, images, or artwork in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Evaluating the 2025 F1 Team Pairings: A Ranking from Least to Most Impressive

As the driver line-ups for the 2025 Formula 1 season are finalized, we assess which team boasts the strongest duo and which team has the weakest combination on the grid.

The 2025 Formula 1 season has introduced a fresh batch of drivers, featuring five newcomers: Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

In other news, Liam Lawson is kicking off his inaugural complete season following several interim appearances with RB during the previous season. Although McLaren and Aston Martin have kept their line-ups the same, there have been major changes among the other teams on the grid.

Below is our list of the 2025 Formula 1 team driver duos, ordered from the least powerful to the most formidable.

10) Racing Bulls

The 2025 Formula 1 lineup is so competitive that Racing Bulls is considered to have the least strong driver duo. Yuki Tsunoda continues with the team after not being selected to move up to Red Bull.

Since his challenging first year in 2021, Tsunoda has shown notable improvement. However, the Racing Bulls team struggles to rank higher due to the strong competition from drivers in other mid-tier teams. Tsunoda is paired with Isack Hadjar, who joins the team as the second-place finisher in the 2024 Formula 2 championship.

9) Alpine

The Alpine team has experienced a setback following Esteban Ocon's exit. In his place, Jack Doohan has been promoted from his previous position as a reserve and simulator driver, stepping up to the main team in 2024.

Questions are being raised about Doohan's capabilities as rumors persist about Alpine's potential interest in Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly remains a formidable competitor on the other side of the garage.

In the second half of 2024, Gasly stood out prominently, significantly contributing to Alpine securing sixth place in the constructors' championship.

Sauber has completely revamped its driver roster, with Nico Hulkenberg at the forefront as they prepare for Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026. Hulkenberg's return to F1 has been remarkable, further boosting his standing in the sport, especially during his tenure with Haas.

In 2024, Gabriel Bortoleto, the winner of the Formula 2 championship, will join forces with him. Bortoleto's selection marks the end of Brazil's extended absence from Formula 1 representation, as he was picked instead of Valtteri Bottas.

Haas has decided to revamp its driver roster entirely by recruiting Ocon from Alpine and elevating Oliver Bearman, following his strong performances during substitute races and Friday sessions in 2024.

Although Gasly scored more points last season, Ocon outperformed him in terms of both qualifying sessions and races when compared directly. Ocon continues to be one of the most underappreciated drivers in the lineup, especially noted for his impressive skills in high-pressure situations and variable weather conditions.

In his three Formula 1 races, Bearman showed he has the speed and determination needed for the sport. The British driver managed to outpace Hulkenberg in qualifying during his two appearances with Haas, despite the German being considered one of the top drivers for single-lap performance.

6) Aston Martin

Following is Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso continues with the team for the third year in a row, joining Lance Stroll.

Assessing Alonso's ability to clinch another world championship is challenging, especially considering who his teammate is. Yet, in a closely contested midfield battle, would you prefer any other driver over the Spaniard?

Stroll's performance remains disappointing, and as long as he remains in Aston Martin's driver roster, the team will not have one of the top duos in the field.

Williams boasts the most formidable duo of drivers in the midfield category. Alex Albon, now in his fourth year with the Grove-based team, is joined by Carlos Sainz, who has transitioned from Ferrari.

It can be argued that Sainz has earned a spot on a team superior to Williams, considering his 2024 performances. On the other hand, Albon's actual skill level came under scrutiny after Colapinto's mid-season appearance.

In general, this duo is quite strong and has the potential to achieve a higher ranking.

4) Mercedes

George Russell takes on the position of team leader at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton's exit. Russell delivered an impressive performance last season, shining particularly in the qualifying rounds during the second half of the year.

Russell's exceptional pace is on par with that of a world champion, and he is likely to excel as the more seasoned driver for Mercedes. His new partner, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, shows great promise, and it's reasonable to anticipate that he will be fast.

For the Italian teenager who is 18 years old, it's simply a question of when it will happen.

Red Bull

Having Max Verstappen on their roster almost guarantees a spot in the top three of any list. The Dutch driver is undoubtedly the most talented on the circuit, having clinched his fourth straight drivers' championship in 2024.

In contrast to his earlier championship victories, Verstappen encountered significant stress last year due to Red Bull's notable decline in performance during the latter part of the season. This situation allowed Verstappen to showcase his exceptional skills as he outperformed Lando Norris to secure the championship in Las Vegas.

Lawson has recently joined as a new member of the team. Initially, it seemed his advancement was unwarranted, especially when contrasted with Tsunoda. Nevertheless, after only 11 races, Lawson has matched Tsunoda's performance, and Red Bull is hopeful that the New Zealander will continue to improve as he gains more experience in Formula 1.

2) McLaren

Currently holding the title of F1 constructors' champions, McLaren ranks second in this list. The team features a well-matched duo consisting of Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom have potential for further development.

Norris possesses the natural quickness and talent to compete with Verstappen this season, yet he must address some of his shortcomings. Meanwhile, Piastri is seen as having the qualities that Norris is missing, such as excellent race strategy and composure during intense moments.

Regrettably for the Australian driver, his performance during the 2024 qualifying sessions, as well as his overall speed, was quite disappointing. However, considering the abilities of both racers, they form a formidable duo.

1) Ferrari

As expected, Ferrari secures first place with their stellar team featuring Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Without a doubt, Leclerc has the potential to become a world champion. His most impressive performances in 2024 occurred during race days, effectively dispelling the misconception that he is only exceptional during qualifying sessions.

Undoubtedly, the major uncertainty revolves around Hamilton and his performance. Struggling with a challenging Mercedes and facing his last year with the team resulted in a career downturn for Hamilton.

However, if there's any driver who deserves the benefit of the doubt, it's Hamilton.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

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

Discover Additional Content

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers related to Formula 1 directly in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Layout

Crash.Net

A Revelatory Moment at Suzuka Assists Johann Zarco with Honda in MotoGP

French Rider Discusses Shift in Mindset Throughout the 2024 Season

Johann Zarco acknowledged that he faced mental challenges at the outset of his inaugural MotoGP season with Honda, a realization that came to him following a test for the Suzuka 8 Hours.

The French rider teamed up with the LCR team under Honda for the 2024 season, yet faced challenges in securing strong performances during the initial months of the year.

Progress made with the RC213V enabled Zarco to regularly score points in the latter part of the season.

He consistently earned points in the last nine races, achieving Honda's highest finish of the season with an eighth place at the Thai Grand Prix.

Zarco observed that an insight into his psychological strategy for the project, which came to him during a Suzuka 8 Hours test, enhanced his performance in MotoGP riding.

"Zarco mentioned in a conversation with Paddock-GP that it was beneficial to have experienced mental growth throughout the year."

"After participating in the trial run for the Suzuka 8 Hours, it dawned on me that my feedback and issues were nearly identical to those I encountered in MotoGP."

Thus, I thought, 'the issues you face in MotoGP are also battles within your own mind.

"You're holding onto emotions and viewpoints that should be expressed. Consider the topic from a new perspective."

"Once I began engaging in that activity, my performance on the MotoGP bike improved significantly, though we're still not at the top level."

"That's what enabled me to stand out significantly by year-end in comparison to my fellow competitors."

He also mentioned, "The endurance bike is regarded as the top choice, and I had initially thought it would be significantly simpler."

"Indeed, achieving high speeds on any bicycle is challenging and particularly demands mastery of specific skills. This served as a valuable prompt for me to maintain those skills or learn how to adjust them accordingly."

Zarco concluded his inaugural season with HRC as the highest-ranked rider for the brand, finishing 17th in the standings.

He also clinched victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours with Team HRC, teaming up with Takumi Takahashi and Teppei Nagoe.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, special content, one-on-one conversations, and exclusive deals straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP insights, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Track Formula 1 Updates

Track MotoGP Updates

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

Website Directory

Collision.Net

Five MotoGP Racers Who Require a Strong 2025 Campaign

Crash examines the five racers who must deliver a standout season.

The 2025 MotoGP lineup is one of the most competitive in recent years, featuring 15 riders who have previously won in the premier class, all set to compete in the upcoming season.

Top talent is well-distributed among the five manufacturers, with some notable transfers occurring. These include Marc Marquez joining the factory Ducati team, 2024 world champion Jorge Martin moving to Aprilia, and Maverick Vinales heading to KTM.

However, some individuals will enter 2025 with something to demonstrate, whether due to contract issues or other factors.

Crash examines five cyclists who are in need of a standout performance this season.

Jack Miller – Pramac Yamaha

In 2025, Jack Miller will celebrate a decade in the top tier of racing. Following a disappointing last season with KTM, the Australian racer has managed to continue his career by rejoining Pramac as they transition to Yamaha, benefiting from a stroke of luck due to his location.

It is important to note that multiple newcomers were considered for the second Pramac spot, among them was Sergio Garcia, who was ultimately not chosen due to holding a Spanish passport.

Miller's Australian nationality isn't the only factor behind his upcoming return to Pramac. At 29 years old, he boasts race victories and a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit Yamaha.

Over the past three seasons, he has only secured one victory, finishing the 2024 season without reaching the podium and achieving his best grand prix finishes with two fifth-place results. He also trailed his teammate Brad Binder by 204 points. Miller was particularly affected by the vibration problems that KTM encountered due to Michelin's 2024 rear tire.

However, Binder and Pedro Acosta demonstrated that impressive performances were achievable on the RC16, while Miller fell significantly behind.

Miller is on a crucial one-year contract for 2025, while promising newcomers in Moto2 are eager to step up, making this season pivotal for him.

His main objective will be to advance the M1's progress, but he will also be expected to produce results if his teammates begin to succeed. Should that not occur, the limited spots available on the 2026 grid might result in Miller being pushed out.

Franco Morbidelli – VR46 Ducati

Franco Morbidelli appears to have a relatively secure position for the 2026 season. The VR46 Academy currently lacks a Moto2 rider who is prepared to move up to MotoGP, unless Celestino Vietti delivers an exceptional performance. Additionally, it is unclear if Ducati has any intentions to elevate another rider to the top level.

At age 30 and entering his eighth season in MotoGP, Morbidelli faces the possibility of being seen as just another participant.

After securing three grand prix victories in 2020 and ending the season as the championship runner-up, Morbidelli's fortunes have declined. The outdated Yamaha model he began the 2021 season with offered little assistance, and a subsequent leg injury further hindered his performance. Upon his comeback, he was provided with a factory-spec Yamaha, which he struggled to master.

During his two-plus seasons with the factory Yamaha team, his highest achievement was a fourth-place finish. For the 2024 season, he secured a coveted factory Ducati position at Pramac, although a concussion before the season began made his transition more challenging.

Throughout the initial months of 2024, Morbidelli faced challenges but demonstrated bursts of speed, such as when he took the lead in Germany, secured a podium finish in the sprint race at the San Marino Grand Prix, and was in contention for another podium before experiencing a crash the following day.

Considering his superior equipment, Morbidelli was expected to secure additional podium finishes in the latter part of the season. With VR46 providing an available seat, Morbidelli's position was safe, though this can only be seen as a stroke of luck.

Should the difference between the GP24 and GP25 not be as significant as it was in the previous year, Morbidelli must capitalize on this benefit in the initial races to regain the performance we know he can achieve.

Brad Binder – KTM

Brad Binder is under contract with KTM until the conclusion of 2026. Nevertheless, he is included on this list for a couple of reasons.

Currently, the Austrian manufacturer is facing a financial crisis and undergoing a restructuring process, which has created a sense of uncertainty. If the KTM project fails and collapses, four high-profile riders will be seeking positions in a grid with limited availability. It is fair to suggest that Pedro Acosta is likely to be given precedence over the others.

Since joining MotoGP, Binder has been a reliable performer for KTM, and the previous year was no exception. Although his only podium finishes occurred during the first race of the season, his regular top-eight finishes and just two races without points in the grands prix he participated in contributed to KTM securing the second position in the constructors' championship.

He concluded the year as the leading KTM rider, edging out newcomer Acosta by just two points. When it came to extracting the maximum performance from the RC16, Acosta frequently achieved that, although his ability to capitalize on opportunities still requires improvement.

In 2025, it's debatable that Binder finally has a teammate who can truly compete with him in MotoGP. This means it will be the first opportunity to see Binder thoroughly challenged. Consequently, an unanswered question remains: exactly how talented is Brad Binder?

Although his circumstances aren't as dire as those of some other competitors, the future of his career could largely depend on how he compares to Acosta as a teammate in 2025.

Luca Marini – Honda

Unlike the majority of factory agreements, Marini's contract with Honda extends for two years and will conclude at the end of 2025.

Currently, Honda isn't overwhelmed with interest from riders eager to join its team. However, this situation is subject to change as they work on improving their standings in the rankings. If Honda makes significant progress by 2025, it may be able to attract a more prominent rider to their team.

At present, given the numerous challenges KTM is encountering, there's considerable discussion about Acosta being a key focus for them. Naturally, it makes sense for Honda to consider this option as well. Joan Mir, despite facing difficulties, is committed until the end of 2026, and Johann Zarco is highly likely to receive a contract extension due to his impressive performance in 2024.

In the initial eight races, Marini failed to secure any points, and this streak would have continued into the ninth race if not for a penalty that elevated him to the 15th position. After enduring another four races without earning points, he finally scored at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Although his performance improved in the latter half of the year, he ultimately ended up at the bottom of the rankings among those who competed full-time.

It was unreasonable to anticipate remarkable results from Marc Marquez’s successor at Honda. However, factory riders are expected to reach a particular standard, and Marini must demonstrate this in 2025 to ensure the continuation of his professional trajectory.

Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati

Francesco Bagnaia's position is secure, as he is contracted with Ducati until the end of 2026. Given his ongoing performance, it would take an exceptionally compelling reason for Ducati to consider not continuing with the two-time world champion after this period.

However, the biggest challenge of his MotoGP career awaits him, as Marc Marquez will be joining the factory Ducati team in 2025.

As the new season kicks off, Bagnaia enters with an impressive record of 11 grand prix victories in 2024. However, despite this success, he fell short of clinching the championship, losing to Jorge Martin by a mere 10 points, partly due to eight races where he did not score. In recent years, Bagnaia has struggled with errors, and this issue will face a significant challenge now that Marquez has joined him as a teammate.

In his debut season with Ducati, Marquez achieved three wins with an older GP23 model, indicating the significant challenge he will pose to Bagnaia.

The dynamics of power changed significantly once Marquez successfully maneuvered his way into a factory Ducati position. Bagnaia faces additional challenges because he will not be starting 2025 as the current world champion.

There is no question about Bagnaia's pace and his status as one of the top competitors currently. However, if Marquez is given the same equipment, it will challenge this notion to the fullest. The outcome of this situation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping his career…

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.

Explore Further

Join Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Subscribe to Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Website Map

Crash.Net

Five Outside Contenders to Watch in Non-MotoGP Races in 2025

Highlighting our selection of riders who could make waves beyond the MotoGP circuit in 2025.

Marc Marquez's transfer to the Ducati Lenovo Team alongside Francesco Bagnaia, along with Pedro Acosta moving up to the main KTM team, and Jorge Martin's switch to Aprilia in 2025, has stirred excitement in this year's MotoGP scene. However, the intrigue isn't limited to MotoGP's elite level. The question arises: Who will stand out in the other racing categories?

The performance of Toprak Razgatlioglu throughout the 2024 season didn't quite measure up, especially when you stack it against Alvaro Bautista's achievements in 2023.

In his championship-winning season, Bautista crossed the finish line first in 27 events, whereas Razgatlioglu achieved this feat in only 18 races during his title year. Furthermore, when comparing their respective championship years, Razgatlioglu accumulated 101 fewer points than what Bautista had secured in the preceding year.

A significant reason for that situation stemmed from Razgatlioglu's accident during a practice session at Magny-Cours, where he suffered a punctured lung. This unfortunate incident sidelined him for two rounds, equivalent to missing six races.

In the competitions he participated in, Razgatlioglu did not secure a podium finish in three instances: two of these occurred during the initial round at Phillip Island (with one resulting from a critical bike malfunction), and the remaining instance was a ninth-place finish in the Assen Superpole Race, during which he wore out an SCQ tyre in roughly three laps.

It's remarkable to remember that 2024 marked Razgatlioglu's inaugural championship victory on the BMW M1000 RR, a motorcycle that had never secured a victory in dry conditions and hadn't seen a win since 2021. This year was a milestone for BMW, achieving its first-ever championship title, and a groundbreaking achievement for the SMR team, which had been managing BMW's official WorldSBK campaign since transitioning from BSB in 2016, without previously clinching the championship.

Naturally, this suggests that Razgatlioglu has the potential to enhance his performance with BMW, a prospect that likely doesn't excite other competitors in this year's WorldSBK lineup.

Indeed, the idea may not be as appealing, even to some viewers tuning in from home. Without a doubt, Razgatlioglu stands as one of the most thrilling competitors in the recent annals of motorcycle racing, and perhaps currently the most exhilarating. However, the notion of one rider's continued supremacy can become tiresome to the audience.

Ultimately, it's hard to dispute Marc Marquez's thrilling performance as a rider, yet by the time the Indianapolis race rolled around in 2014, his supremacy in MotoGP had admittedly lost some of its luster.

David Alonso's performance during the 2024 Moto3 season was nothing short of remarkable. He secured victory in 14 races and made it to the podium a total of 15 times out of 20 races, showcasing his ability to win not only by speed but also through superior strategy, setting him apart from his rivals.

Following an impressive season, Alonso is set to ascend to Moto2 in 2025. The main issue at hand is his physique, which was ideal for Moto3 but may not be as well-matched for the larger, more substantial Moto2 bike.

Undoubtedly, if Alonso encounters any challenges related to his size, the wisdom, modesty, and serenity he demonstrated in 2024 will likely aid him in finding a resolution.

If Alonso's stature doesn't affect his performance, the Colombian has the potential to transform a competitive setup into a win. With 18 victories to his name, he's on par with the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin and Alex Rins. Among those racing full-time in 2025, only Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez have more wins.

Typically, a hallmark of a rider on the path to success is their ability to quickly adjust to a different motorcycle or racing class. In 2025, we'll have the opportunity to observe how fast Alonso, undoubtedly the standout performer in the junior ranks right now, can make this transition.

Davey Todd

Since as early as 2022, Davey Todd was viewed as a likely contender for a TT championship victory, and he turned those predictions into reality in 2024 by securing victories in both the second Superstock TT and the Senior TT the previous year.

The Englishman stands out not just for his exceptional riding skills, but also for his remarkable flair in doing so.

He might not handle the motorcycle with the same flair as Michael Dunlop, often known for his dramatic maneuvers, yet he demonstrates a remarkable ability to slide the bike — reminiscent of his technique on shorter tracks — in a manner that seems effortlessly mastered.

Apart from the TT, Todd is expected to dominate at this year's North West 200 in the large motorcycle category, particularly since Glenn Irwin has withdrawn from road racing for 2025.

Additionally, this year marks Todd's return to the British Superbike Championship (BSB), following his achievement of securing his second National Superstock championship in three years by 2024. Despite the BMW not appearing to be the top contender in the previous season's championship, the FHO Racing team has demonstrated its capability to secure victories with BMW in the BSB as recently as 2023.

Overall, by 2025, Davey Todd might emerge as the top versatile rider, excelling on road courses and competing fiercely against Britain's elite on the short tracks.

Nicolo Bulega

In the previous season of WorldSBK, although Toprak Razgatlioglu emerged as the top performer, Nicolo Bulega was the competitor who consistently challenged him, marking himself as the closest rival.

Although this might not seem particularly thrilling on its own, it was Bulega's debut season, a period during which he needed to make his mark within a factory Ducati team that had been focused on Alvaro Bautista for the last two years.

It's unlikely that Bulega will face a downturn in his sophomore year in the Superbike category, and although Razgatlioglu is anticipated to enhance his performance in his second year riding for BMW, dismissing the Italian as a contender for a tightly contested 2025 season, compared to 2024, would be a mistake.

Guido Pini

In a recent development, Guido Pini joined the Moto3 World Championship lineup for the 2025 season, confirming his involvement with the Intact GP team just a month ago.

He is set to team up with David Munoz at Intact, a racer who entered Moto3 amid high expectations, yet has largely struggled to fulfill those promises to date.

Pini, who is set to celebrate his 17th birthday later this month, competed in just seven races in the JuniorGP series the previous year, yet impressively secured the runner-up position in the championship during his debut season. His achievements included three victories, two second-place finishes, and two fourth-place results.

The individual from Italy is presently overseen by Emilio Alzamora, known for mentoring Alex and Marc Marquez in their careers. Additionally, he is in the process of recuperating from his second significant injury within a year.

In 2024, Pini's limited participation in races can largely be attributed to injuries he suffered early in the previous year, which resulted in him missing the initial three JuniorGP rounds. Additionally, just last week, the young Italian suffered a major setback when he broke both of his legs during a training session.

This implies that Pini's entrance into Grand Prix racing could be challenging, particularly given his notable stature. Nonetheless, he brings an impressive resume to the table, having clinched the European Talent Cup in 2022, and securing a second-place finish in the same competition the following year, just behind Max Quiles. Quiles, mentored by the previously mentioned Marc Marquez, is set to debut in the World Championship this year with the Aspar team.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For further details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Alex became part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024, after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

Discover Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, 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 text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly forbidden in any manner.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Franco Colapinto is expected to leave a significant impact in Formula 1 once more amid speculations about a potential move to Alpine. Supporters believe Colapinto could soon be back on the F1 racing scene.

Ex-McLaren technician Marc Priestley has expressed confidence that Franco Colapinto will "leave a lasting impression in Formula 1 in the future," even though he won't be racing in 2025.

Colapinto is expected to be without a permanent position in 2025 after being unable to find a place on the lineup.

The Argentine driver made a strong impression during his brief time with the Williams team, stepping in for Logan Sargeant at the Italian Grand Prix.

Colapinto initially caught the attention of Red Bull and Alpine due to his performance, but several accidents and a significant decline in his racing skills eventually removed him from the running for a race position.

The 21-year-old has been appointed as Williams' designated test and reserve driver for the year 2025. This role means they will fill in for Alex Albon or Carlos Sainz if the situation calls for it.

In an interview with Casino Uden Rofus, Priestley conveyed his belief in Colapinto's ability to make a comeback to Formula 1.

He mentioned that Franco Colapinto always faced slim chances of securing a spot in 2025.

He fulfilled all the requirements set by Williams, not only by achieving respectable results but also by maintaining control of the car during races. However, as the season drew to a close, he began to crash more frequently. This is considered normal for someone in their first season.

"When considering Logan Sargeant, he made a comparable number of errors, yet he wasn't achieving any successful outcomes."

Colapinto's debut has been notably successful, sparking interest from various teams who are now considering him. I am confident that he will leave a significant impact in Formula 1 down the road.

Speculation Grows Around Alpine's Interest in Colapinto

Talk continues to spread about Alpine's potential interest in Colapinto.

Flavio Briatore, who serves as an executive advisor for Alpine, has publicly expressed his admiration for Colapinto, which could possibly undermine their existing driver, Jack Doohan.

Doohan participated in his first Formula 1 race at the final event of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking the place of Esteban Ocon.

The Australian driver will be under significant pressure to begin his Formula 1 career on a strong note, considering Briatore's history of making quick and frequently decisive mid-season adjustments.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Possessing a keen sense for the dramas and narratives within Formula 1, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Updates

Receive the newest F1 headlines, special features, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For further details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Stories

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

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

Website Map

Crash.Net

Valentino Rossi unveils an extensive lineup for the 100Km of Champions race, featuring renowned names like Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta among others set to compete in Tavullia.

The 2025 edition of Valentino Rossi's 100Km of Champions flat track race, held at his ranch in Tavullia, is set to showcase an impressive lineup, featuring riders such as Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop.

For more than a decade, Rossi's VR46 Ranch has hosted an annual gathering organized by the MotoGP icon, attracting prominent figures from various motorcycle racing disciplines.

The event scheduled for 2025 is set to occur on January 10th and 11th, and the participant list will be made public this Friday.

Leading the event once again is Rossi, the nine-time grand prix world champion, and 2024 will also see the participation of MotoGP's exciting newcomer, Pedro Acosta.

Representing MotoGP, two-time world champion and VR46 Academy participant Francesco Bagnaia is set to attend, alongside Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Augusto Fernandez, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Miguel Oliveira.

Racers such as Xavi Artigas, Manu Gonzalez, and Tatsuki Suzuki will compete in the other grand prix categories.

Michael Dunlop, the most triumphant competitor in the history of the Isle of Man TT, is set to compete alongside Davey Todd, who has previously claimed victory in the Senior TT.

Ryan Vickers and Tim Neave have teamed up with British Superbike paddock member Todd, as Nicolo Bulega and Dominique Aegerter represent World Superbikes.

Last year, Marini and Rossi emerged victorious in the team event during the main race. Additionally, Marini secured a win in the Americana event.

Complete list of participants:

Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Kurvinen Lasse, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.

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 review our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Crash.net

Nico Rosberg suggests that an F1 star has struggled to reach their potential and has damaged relationships along the way. "Additionally, his social skills weren't the strongest, especially when it came to networking with team leaders to secure a favorable position…"

Nico Rosberg, who won the Formula 1 world championship in 2016, has suggested that Nico Hulkenberg's career has been less successful than it could have been partly due to his deficiency in "social intelligence."

Although Hulkenberg is well-regarded, he has yet to secure a podium finish in Formula 1.

The German driver had several chances to achieve this, especially during his time at Force India. However, due to either strategic decisions or driver mistakes, he has yet to make it onto the podium.

Hulkenberg was let go by Renault after the 2019 season, which left him without a regular driving position and instead serving as a reserve and test driver for Racing Point.

In 2023, he eventually came back, and since rejoining Haas, his standing has improved significantly.

Hulkenberg is set to take charge of Audi's initiative, guiding Sauber in the year 2025 as the German company prepares to join Formula 1 the following year.

In an interview with Sky Sports towards the close of 2024, Rosberg shared his thoughts on how a fellow competitor from his own nation had not lived up to expectations in Formula 1.

Rosberg expressed his astonishment that Nico Hulkenberg has never secured a podium finish. He noted that Hulkenberg was an exceptional talent during his rise through Formula 3 and Formula 2, and he occasionally demonstrated remarkable skill in Formula 1.

"Yet, for some reason, he hadn't previously met those expectations, except for this year, when he truly appeared extraordinary, consistently getting the most out of the car."

During the qualifying sessions this year, he has consistently been one of the top performers on the entire grid, and it has been incredible to witness.

"Certainly, there are still uncertainties regarding his race speed and technique at times, but he has performed admirably in those areas this year."

Hulkenberg ‘damaged relationships’ in F1

Although he consistently excelled in the midfield, Hulkenberg, unlike Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, has never been given the opportunity to race in a leading car.

Hulkenberg was negotiating with Ferrari for the 2014 season, but the team chose Kimi Raikkonen instead.

He was considered a candidate to become part of Red Bull's team in 2021, but ultimately, Perez was chosen instead.

"If you demonstrate that you are among the top performers, you'll earn the opportunity to drive the prized car, and he never truly proved that," Rosberg remarked.

"In addition, he struggled with social skills, particularly in terms of understanding social dynamics and collaborating effectively with team leaders to advance his position. Early in his career, he damaged some professional relationships, which is an area where he could have improved."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter to receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers sent straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Possessing a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives in Formula 1, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing text, photos, or images in full or in part is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net