F1 race director Rui Marques is taking on additional responsibilities in Qatar this weekend due to two more officials leaving the FIA.

Rui Marques, the newly appointed race director for Formula 1, is dealing with an expanded set of responsibilities at the Qatar Grand Prix after an unexpected dismissal within the FIA.

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Janette Tan, who served as the deputy race director for Formula 2, has resigned from her position with the governing body of Formula 1 just before the second-to-last race of the 2024 season.

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Tan's unexpected departure implies that Marques will now be responsible for managing both the Formula 2 series and the F1 Academy, which is an exclusively female championship, in addition to his F1 responsibilities.

Marques began his new position in Formula 1 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend following the departure of Niels Wittich.

The FIA announced that Wittich had resigned, but the German insisted he had been dismissed.

Since the passing of Charlie Whiting in 2019, no F1 race director has managed the supervision of more than one championship during a single weekend.

It has come to light that Tim Mayer, a veteran race steward with the FIA, has departed from the organization.

Mayer, after serving in his role for 15 years, informed BBC Sport that he was dismissed this week.

Commenting on Tan’s unexpected departure, Mayer expressed disapproval toward the FIA.

According to Mayer's statement to BBC Sport, she perfectly represents the ideal candidate for the FIA. She exemplifies the top talent among the upcoming race directors.

"I'm not aware of the details, but you'd expect them to make a strong effort to retain someone with her qualities."

Mayer cautioned that the FIA is facing a shortage of personnel to fill those roles.

Mayer expressed understanding of the challenges involved in both roles, mentioning, "I'm fond of Rui, but this will subject him to immense stress."

The FIA doesn't have many race directors with the 'platinum-level' certification, which is the organization's top qualification. I'm among those few. It's a demanding role, and if you're performing it correctly, you wake up every morning feeling anxious about all the diverse aspects you need to consider.

"They aren't helping their situation. They are genuinely running out of individuals to fill those roles."

Over the last year, the FIA has seen several high-profile exits, including sporting director Tim Nielsen, technical director Tim Goss, managing director Natalie Robyn, head of women's commission Deborah Mayer, secretary general of mobility Jacob Bangsgaard, and communications director Luke Skipper.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By being present at the events, he provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Sergio Perez is fully assured that he will continue racing with Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Perez speaks out about rumors concerning his future as the Qatar Grand Prix approaches this weekend.

Sergio Perez is confident that he will be racing for Red Bull in Formula 1 next season.

The ongoing discussion about Perez's future remains intense due to his extremely poor performance streak.

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Since the Chinese Grand Prix in April, the Mexican driver has not secured a podium finish.

Due to his recent lackluster performances, he has fallen to eighth place in the drivers' standings.

As a result, Red Bull's pursuit of the constructors' title has weakened, placing them in third position behind McLaren and Ferrari with just two races remaining.

According to reports, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and Franco Colapinto are being considered as potential replacements for Perez if Red Bull chooses to make a change.

During the FIA press conference held on Thursday in Qatar, where representatives from Crash.net are present, Perez faced a question about his certainty regarding being part of Red Bull's lineup for the next racing season.

His response was succinct: "Yes, precisely."

Delving deeper into his challenging season, Perez expressed: "For those not involved with the team or not present daily, it's tough to grasp why there's such a significant gap between races."

"When you can't get the full potential out of your car, its performance doesn't matter much. That's the situation I'm facing. Recently, I haven't been able to get the maximum out of my car due to some challenges I've been experiencing. In my view, that's the core problem."

"There are phases we experience. As a group, we are aware of these challenges and are putting in a lot of effort to address and resolve them."

Over the previous 14 races, Perez has accumulated only 43 points, and his highest placement was sixth.

During the same period, Max Verstappen has accumulated 199 points more than Perez, underscoring the significant gap in performance between the two racers.

Nonetheless, Perez believes the team comprehends the reasons behind his difficulties.

"In conclusion, the team possesses all the necessary details," he stated. "There is a limit to what I can discuss here. Ultimately, they hold all the data. There's a purpose behind renewing my contract mid-year. In the end, the team has everything. We have a clear understanding of our performance level, as well as the challenges and problems we've encountered."

"We are united as a team and fully aware of our current situation. We are putting in a lot of effort together to improve and have a more successful season than the last one."

Connor, with his keen awareness of the controversies and narratives in Formula 1, serves as the core of our impartial reporting.

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Charles Leclerc addresses any misunderstandings with Carlos Sainz: "There will be no issues"

"I am confident that occasionally we require these situations to recalibrate slightly, and I am certain that by collaborating in the upcoming two races…"

Charles Leclerc has resolved any tensions with Carlos Sainz after their disappointing experience at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Leclerc was frustrated by Sainz's behavior after the second round of pit stops in Las Vegas.

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After both drivers made pit stops, Sainz received instructions not to challenge Leclerc, yet the Spanish driver proceeded to overtake him.

Leclerc expressed his anger over the team radio by unleashing a rant filled with expletives.

The Ferrari driver wanted to minimize the excitement from last weekend and emphasized their strategy to collaborate in order to surpass McLaren for the constructors' championship.

During the FIA press conference held before the race in Qatar, he remarked, "It's nothing out of the ordinary."

"As I mentioned, Carlos and I have a strong relationship. There have been instances where I've crossed the line, and times when he has too. However, these situations just need a conversation between us. We look each other in the eye and, given how long we've known each other, we quickly come to an understanding."

"I am certain that occasionally we require situations like these to recalibrate slightly. I am also confident that in the final two races, by collaborating, we won't encounter any issues at all. Ultimately, it's an opportunity for both of us to aim for victory in the Constructors’ Championship."

"We understand that chances like this are rare, and we must collaborate closely to seize it. Achieving success this weekend will be challenging, so our teamwork is crucial to reaching our goal."

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz will leave Ferrari to join the Williams team.

Leclerc emphasizes that he shares a "really good" bond with Sainz, and he believes this connection will continue even after they are no longer teammates.

Leclerc stated, “I’ve mentioned before, it’s not as if I’ll be missing him terribly, since he’ll still be around the paddock, possibly just 20 meters away.”

"As I mentioned earlier, Carlos isn't my girlfriend. I have strong feelings for Carlos, and I'm confident that we'll continue to spend a lot of time together."

"As I mentioned before, we share a strong bond that will continue even after our professional ties with Ferrari end. Although we won't be colleagues anymore, we'll still spend time together. He's a great person, and we get along extremely well."

Connor is at the core of our impartial coverage, thanks to his keen awareness of the controversies and narratives within Formula 1.

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"Lando Norris suggests Max Verstappen should consider a career in comedy after dismissing his statement regarding McLaren's F1 championship potential."

Lando Norris humorously suggested that Max Verstappen should consider a career in comedy after dismissing his fellow F1 competitor's assertion that he could have secured a world championship title with McLaren.

Following his fourth straight world championship victory in Las Vegas last weekend, Verstappen claimed that he would have secured the title even earlier if he had been behind the wheel of Norris's McLaren.

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Red Bull kicked off the season with a strong performance; however, McLaren has emerged as the leading team for a significant portion of the year. Nevertheless, Verstappen has secured eight victories, which is five more than the number of wins Norris has achieved for McLaren.

During the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris mentioned to the media, including Crash.net, that "He ought to try his hand at comedy or something. He's free to express whatever he wishes."

"Naturally, I don't agree at all, as expected. He's talented, but it's simply not accurate."

McLaren is aiming to secure their first constructors' championship since 1998, currently leading Ferrari by 24 points in the rankings with only two races left.

Red Bull trails by 53 points, mainly because Sergio Perez has consistently faced challenges while racing with Verstappen. Notably, Verstappen has contributed an impressive 403 points out of the 555 points that Red Bull has accumulated this year.

Following a strong challenge from Oscar Piastri, Norris remarked that there are both advantages and disadvantages to having a teammate who offers a competitive edge.

"There are advantages, but he's responsible for completing all his tasks independently, so credit to him," Norris remarked.

"He lacks a counterpart to challenge him and experiment with different approaches for the car. Without such a competitive peer, conducting comparative tests becomes less effective, as the data loses its significance when there's no one else delivering similar performance levels."

Max possesses remarkable abilities, consistently performing at an exceptional level. The absence of a teammate who can challenge him in any significant way doesn't complicate matters for him, either personally or from the team's standpoint.

"However, he doesn't face any stress since he isn't competing against a teammate, which provides some relief. Still, there's a balance to it, and in certain respects, I appreciate having a little pressure because it pushes me to perform better."

"I'm certain he'll claim that he doesn't have any preferences about who his teammate is. There are advantages and disadvantages to having a strong teammate, and I wish that at some stage, he gets one who can push him a little harder."

Norris mentioned that Red Bull could have secured the constructors' championship "if both their drivers were as skilled as Max."

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

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Insights into Qatar's Crucial F1 Racing Guidelines Discussion

Preliminary details about the F1 driver's meeting on racing regulations have surfaced, according to a report by Lewis Larkam in Qatar.

Formula 1 drivers believe that advancements have been achieved after discussing racing rules at the Qatar Grand Prix meeting.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, it was revealed that the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, plans to update the language in the sport's racing rules. This decision follows a contentious incident involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the United States Grand Prix.

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The FIA aimed to introduce new guidelines as soon as the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend. A meeting was held in the Lusail paddock on Thursday evening to share these proposals with the drivers.

George Russell, who serves as a director for the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), informed the press, including Crash.net, that the primary focus of the conversation was on overtaking, and he emphasized that there was unanimous agreement among everyone involved.

The discussion about 'inside versus outside' strategies in racing has sparked significant controversy. Drivers are urging for clear rules indicating that a driver on the inside lane should not have to leave room at the corner's exit, provided they stay on the track.

Many drivers believe that Verstappen has been exploiting a tactic known as 'divebomb' defending. This involves him maintaining a lead over his competitors at the corner's apex, thereby avoiding the need to leave room for them as they exit the turn.

Russell disclosed that the guideline might be discarded, possibly as soon as this weekend.

"It was quite fruitful," Russell remarked. "I’d prefer not to disclose the specifics of the discussion. However, many drivers agree that the fundamental rule is that if you're the car overtaking on the inside, you must remain on the track."

"If you remain within the track boundaries, you have the right to push the other driver to the edge. This principle has applied to all of us from our days in go-karting. When you're passing someone on the inside, you are allowed to guide them towards the outside."

Currently, a rule states that the driver on the inside must give space to the driver on the outside from the apex to the exit. It's anticipated that this rule might be discarded soon. I am hopeful this change will take effect starting this weekend.

The 'most productive meeting' F1 drivers have experienced

Lewis Hamilton, who races for Mercedes alongside Russell, mentioned that modifications are "being developed" and expressed confidence that progress is "heading the right way." He commended the stewards for their transparency and willingness to engage with the drivers.

"It's beneficial to recognize that the FIA and the stewards took the time to meet with us and allow us to discuss the matter. It's likely the first time in quite some time that such a meeting has occurred," he mentioned.

"In my opinion, this was the most productive meeting we've ever had. The situation is quite intricate due to the numerous aspects and various possible outcomes. Their task is far from simple."

"I believe that gathering with them and having a conversation is beneficial for everyone involved. This year, from their perspective, there has been an improvement in consistency. However, it's clear that everyone aspires for it to be flawless."

"However, to ensure they truly grasp our perspective—our struggles, our battles, our views on right and wrong in specific situations—it's important to have these conversations. This will help them listen to us and allow us to establish clear guidelines together."

Hamilton disclosed that the proposal to implement a 'yellow card' warning system for drivers was swiftly dismissed.

He clarified that there was discussion about a warning, which is essentially similar to receiving a yellow card.

"You’re aware that you get a single warning, and if you save it for the final race of the season, that strategy isn’t effective. Therefore, we’re collaborating on this issue."

Circuit Design as the "Main Issue"

Russell mentioned that all the drivers concur that the design of the circuits is the primary reason behind the majority of controversies in Formula 1 racing.

"We determined that the majority of the problems are related to the racing tracks," he mentioned. "We discussed various concerns in Austin. In my opinion, many of the overtaking maneuvers wouldn't have been tried if there had been gravel present."

"The main issue lies with the circuits, and the guidelines serve as a temporary solution that we must agree upon until all the circuits are properly addressed."

Four-time world champion Verstappen, who was recently awarded the title again, commented: "In certain areas, there's a significant amount of run-off, which leads to numerous problems. This is an issue we need to address moving forward."

"The primary issue lies with the type of track that permits such actions. If the track had gravel, it would naturally prevent drivers from taking more risks than usual."

Verstappen emphasized once more that the F1 regulations should be more straightforward, but he believes that modifying the tracks is actually the most effective approach.

He mentioned that it can be challenging to simply disregard all the rules.

"The main problem we face is that certain tracks have excessively large run-off areas in some locations."

"Certainly, some circuits pose more challenges than others, but ultimately, it comes down to how eager you are for Formula 1 to race at your venue. It's really straightforward."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By being on-site, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Mercedes has issued a caution to their Formula 1 competitors, suggesting that the Qatar Grand Prix will likely present more advantages for them compared to the Las Vegas race. The team is anticipating a robust performance in the upcoming event in Qatar.

Toto Wolff anticipates that the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, hosting this weekend's race, will be more advantageous for Mercedes when it comes to matching their 2024 Formula 1 car.

Mercedes achieved a 1-2 finish in the recent F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, as George Russell secured victory starting from pole position.

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The speed superiority of the Mercedes team compared to other competitors was emphasized by Lewis Hamilton's comeback, moving from a 10th place start to secure a second-place finish.

The W15 has frequently delivered its top performances in cooler climates, achieving significant successes in Canada and the United Kingdom.

As Qatar hosts another nighttime race, it may benefit Mercedes. However, given the fast-paced characteristics of the track, all teams are unlikely to face issues with getting their tires up to temperature.

As he looked forward to the upcoming weekend, Wolff remarked that the races in Las Vegas and Qatar are vastly distinct. The Losail International Circuit is characterized by numerous high-speed stretches and lacks significant braking areas. Although this year's event occurs later in the season compared to last year, the temperatures are expected to remain high.

The situation in Las Vegas is quite different, featuring cooler temperatures and numerous slow-speed segments. Despite this, our goal remains to perform well this weekend. The W15 tends to excel on tracks with numerous high-speed turns, like those found at Silverstone or Spa.

"We definitely gained an advantage from the cool temperatures at night in Las Vegas, but the track design in Qatar is expected to better suit our car's strengths. We're aware that our rivals will pose a tougher challenge than they did last weekend, but our goal remains to optimize car performance and compete at the top."

Mercedes achieved their first one-two victory since the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in 2022 with their performance in Las Vegas.

This solidifies their standing in fourth place in the constructors' championship, marking their poorest result since 2012 when they ended up in fifth place.

"We're eagerly anticipating the second-to-last race of the season in Qatar following our top two finish in Las Vegas," Wolff stated. "The team performed excellently over the three days in the U.S. We maintained strong pace throughout and delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night."

Starting from pole position, George dominated the race with excellent driving and maintained a comfortable lead. On the other hand, Lewis delivered an impressive recovery performance, starting from 10th place and skillfully maneuvering through the competitors to finish in 2nd place, ensuring the team claimed the top two podium positions.

"A standout achievement is precisely what we aimed for as the season concluded, and it is rightly earned due to the effort and dedication demonstrated by everyone during the latter part of the year."

Connor, known for his keen insight into the controversies and narratives of Formula 1, is central to our objective journalism.

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Mercedes cautions their Formula 1 competitors that the Qatar Grand Prix may be more advantageous for them compared to the Las Vegas event. The team anticipates a successful performance during the F1 race in Qatar.

Toto Wolff thinks that the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, where the race is set to happen this weekend, will be better suited to Mercedes and their 2024 Formula 1 car.

Mercedes secured both the first and second positions at the recent F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. George Russell emerged victorious, having started the race from pole position.

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Lewis Hamilton's climb from a starting position of 10th to secure a second-place finish underscored the speed advantage Mercedes had over the other competitors.

The W15 has frequently achieved its top performances in cooler climates, securing significant outcomes in both Canada and Britain.

Given that Qatar hosts another race under the lights, it might benefit Mercedes. However, the fast-paced characteristics of the track are likely to ensure that tire warm-up issues won't be a concern for any team.

Looking ahead to the upcoming weekend, Wolff commented: "The races in Las Vegas and Qatar offer quite a contrast. The Losail International Circuit is characterized by numerous high-speed areas and lacks major braking zones. Even though we're visiting later in the season compared to last year, the temperatures will remain quite high."

Unlike Las Vegas, which features cooler temperatures and numerous slow-speed segments, we are still targeting a robust performance this weekend. The W15 seems to perform better on tracks with numerous high-speed turns, like those at Silverstone or Spa.

"We definitely took advantage of the chilly nights in Las Vegas, but the track design in Qatar is likely to suit our car's capabilities better. We anticipate that our rivals will put up a tougher challenge compared to last weekend, yet our goal remains to fine-tune our car and compete at the forefront."

Mercedes achieved their first one-two victory since the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in 2022 during the race in Las Vegas.

This secures their hold on fourth place in the constructors' championship, marking their lowest standing since 2012 when they ended in fifth place.

Wolff expressed anticipation for the second-to-last race of the season in Qatar, following their first and second place finish in Las Vegas. He praised the team's performance over the three days in the U.S., noting their consistent speed and successful execution during Saturday night's event.

George dominated the race from the start, showcasing excellent driving skills and maintaining a significant lead. On the other hand, Lewis delivered an impressive performance by recovering from a P10 start, skillfully moving through the pack to finish in second place, ensuring the team claimed the first and second spots on the podium.

"The standout achievement we aimed for at the season's conclusion was truly earned, thanks to the dedication and effort displayed by everyone during the latter part of the year."

With a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives in F1, Connor is central to our impartial journalism.

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Max Verstappen needs to prioritize his own interests while considering his future with Red Bull in Formula 1. Although he is reluctant to part ways with a team that has contributed significantly to his success, he must focus on his personal goals.

Former F1 world champion from 2009, Jenson Button, thinks that Max Verstappen faces a "challenging" situation concerning his future with Red Bull, considering the team's recent decline in performance on the track.

During the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen secured his fourth F1 championship title.

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The driver from the Netherlands secured victory in seven out of the first ten races, establishing a strong lead in the championship standings.

Since late June, Verstappen has managed to secure only one win, as McLaren and Ferrari have made a strong comeback, and Mercedes has rarely been at the forefront.

As the rules have not changed during the winter, there is an anticipation of a very close competition among the leading four teams.

Max Verstappen has emphasized that driving the quickest car is his main focus, yet Red Bull's recent struggles could be a reason to worry.

During an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Button discussed the possibilities surrounding Verstappen's future and the likelihood of him possibly departing from Red Bull.

"They're likely the third or fourth strongest team right now," remarked Button. "It's a challenging situation. Max mentioned that we haven't had the top-performing car since around the seventh or eighth race, yet they haven't caught up to me in the championship standings. Perhaps he's contributing more significantly. They continue to extract the full potential from the car each weekend."

"Although they might not always come out on top, they're making the most of their resources, unlike some of the other teams who don't seem to do that consistently every weekend. The team remains impressive overall, but their car's performance isn't at the level we've become accustomed to over the past three and a half years."

"If they begin the season as they are currently performing, it increases the pressure on drivers to excel each weekend. Perhaps he will consider other opportunities. The team has provided him with significant performance advantages in recent years. It's always a difficult decision for a driver. He is reluctant to depart from a team that has offered him so much, but he must also consider his own future."

Verstappen has consistently expressed that he does not intend to continue racing in Formula 1 once he reaches his 40s.

Button believes that Verstappen will keep competing, although it may be in a different racing series than Formula 1.

"There are essentially two categories of Formula 1 drivers," Button clarified. "One group consists of those who are solely focused on being F1 drivers. For them, nothing else is important. Once they leave the sport, they won't continue racing. Instead, they'll either relax on a beach or pursue a different career that catches their interest. On the other hand, for people like Max and myself, our passion for motor racing goes beyond F1."

"It's not only Formula 1 that Max is focused on. When he decides to leave F1, it won't mean he's done with winning. Instead, he might pursue other racing opportunities, like participating in endurance events such as Le Mans or Daytona. Alternatively, he might delve into sim racing. Regardless of the path he chooses, his competitive drive to secure victories will remain unchanged."

"The surroundings will be different. Formula 1 is truly the top tier of racing. However, it comes with significantly more pressure and scrutiny compared to other racing categories. It's uncertain what the future holds. This might be his final contract in Formula 1. He could fulfill this contract and then retire from F1. It's anyone's guess. He will likely continue racing for many years, perhaps in a different role."

Connor, known for his keen insight into the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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Zhou Guanyu executed a discreet overtaking maneuver on Franco Colapinto, prompting a heated radio message filled with expletives at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In the final laps of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Zhou Guanyu executed a remarkable maneuver to pass Franco Colapinto.

As expected, the television cameras didn't focus on the fight for 13th place, especially as Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 drivers' championship.

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The Sauber driver was thrilled with the maneuver, exclaiming over the team radio: "See you later, Colapinto!"

It's uncertain if Zhou was just experiencing the excitement from his impressive final lap maneuver or if Colapinto's remarks in the press had drawn the Chinese driver's notice.

In a conversation with his sponsor, Quilmes, Colapinto hinted that Zhou might be the least skilled driver currently competing.

Colapinto expressed his indifference toward who his teammate might be, stating, "Regardless of whether it's Verstappen or Zhou beside me, my goal is to outperform them and stay ahead."

Neither of the drivers has a spot on a team for the upcoming year.

Zhou was released from Sauber as Mattia Binotto chose to bring in a completely new set of drivers for the coming year.

Colapinto is anticipating the possibility of a vacancy at Red Bull or VCARB, as there are reports that Christian Horner has shown interest.

Zhou had his most successful weekend of the year in Las Vegas, where he surpassed his teammate Valtteri Bottas during the qualifying rounds.

Zhou was in the running for points during the race but ultimately ended up in 13th place.

Looking back at his performance, Zhou remarked, "Today's race went well for me. It's been some time since we've been competitive in the middle of the field, close to the top ten, and today I believe we had a genuine opportunity."

"I think we achieved the best outcome possible given our speed, particularly since there wasn't much happening in front of us. Nonetheless, it's motivating to return to the level we reached this weekend. This progress boosts our confidence and suggests a more optimistic outlook as we prepare for the upcoming race in Qatar."

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

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Jenson Button anticipates witnessing a transformed Lando Norris following his battle with Max Verstappen. "He likely gained significant insights, and I'm eager to observe a somewhat changed Lando in the upcoming year."

Jenson Button, who won the Formula 1 world championship in 2009, anticipates that Lando Norris will show some changes in 2025 following his experience of closely competing with Max Verstappen.

Throughout much of the season, Norris emerged as the closest competitor to Verstappen, with the McLaren driver vying for his inaugural F1 drivers' world title.

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In a crucial event in Brazil, Verstappen secured a victory after beginning the race in 17th position, while Norris ended up in sixth place even though he had started from pole position.

Since the summer, McLaren has had a competitive advantage over Red Bull, yet Norris has found it challenging to close the points gap with Verstappen, who leads the championship.

Evaluating Norris' performance this season, Button shared on the Sky Sports F1 podcast that Norris has demonstrated both his talent and pace. According to Button, Norris should take pride in his accomplishments, as he was in contention for an F1 world championship, a remarkable situation to be in.

"Much of the success is due to his skill, but it also highlights the team's excellence and their progress over the recent years. I distinctly recall McLaren back in 2016 when I exited the sport, and they were in a different position compared to now. I am proud of the team as well."

Button believes that Norris will gain significant insights from his different on-track battles with Verstappen, especially during the races in the United States and Mexico.

Button stated that competing against Max is unlike facing any other driver on the grid. He described Max as having a singular focus during races, whether his objective is to secure a win or simply to surpass his main competitor for the championship. Max zeroes in on his rival, disregarding other distractions, and is determined to outpace them. Button noted this characteristic was particularly evident during the races in Austin and Mexico.

"When someone is so committed to defeating you, it really presents a challenge. He would have gained a lot of knowledge, and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing a somewhat changed Lando in the coming year."

"He plans to analyze all the video recordings from this season's races where he competed with Max. Next year, he'll emerge more powerful, and I believe we'll witness a transformed Lando. It's all about gaining experience. Facing Max is the only way to truly understand your response."

Norris is aiming to assist McLaren in securing their first F1 constructors’ title since 1998 during this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix.

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

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Helmut Marko expresses skepticism about the "great harmony" between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in 2025. He noted, "Ferrari's driver lineup will be more formidable next year, but I'm interested to observe whether they will achieve strong cohesion within the team."

Helmut Marko, a consultant for Red Bull F1, is eager to find out whether Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will have a harmonious partnership when they join forces at Ferrari in the 2025 season.

In February, it was revealed that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

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Hamilton's transition marks the conclusion of his lengthy partnership with Mercedes, as he has exclusively competed in F1 vehicles powered by the German manufacturer.

According to predictions, Ferrari is expected to have the most impressive team of drivers on the Formula 1 circuit; however, this doesn't guarantee their success.

In an interview with the Austrian media outlet OE24, Marko stated that George Russell has been "more dominant" than Lewis Hamilton this season. He also shared his thoughts on the roster of Ferrari's drivers.

He stated that Russell had been more commanding this year compared to Hamilton.

"Regarding their drivers, Ferrari is expected to be more competitive next year. However, I'm interested to see if they will maintain good team cohesion."

Throughout the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend in Formula 1, noticeable tension was evident between the Ferrari drivers on the team.

Leclerc was discontented with Sainz following the race in Las Vegas, which resulted in a profanity-filled outburst on the team radio.

The Monegasque driver was upset because Sainz passed him following the second series of pit stops, despite Ferrari's instructions not to do so.

In Las Vegas, Mercedes surprisingly secured the top two spots, despite widespread expectations that Ferrari would lead the race.

Marko believes that Mercedes must achieve greater consistency to be a strong competitor in the coming year.

Marko mentioned that the chilly weather in Las Vegas created unique circumstances.

"We should hold off and observe their performance in the final two races, though I’m not anticipating much. Ideally, we can secure victory in at least one of those races."

Connor's keen awareness of F1's dramas and narratives makes him the core of our fair and impartial reporting.

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Ferrari dismisses concerns that an unsuccessful Formula 1 upgrade during the mid-season will jeopardize their chances of winning the 2024 championship. "It's not just about having the fastest car; it's also crucial to accumulate as many points as possible throughout the season."

Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has downplayed concerns that their failed upgrade at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix will eventually prevent them from winning the constructors' championship.

As the last two rounds approach, Ferrari trails McLaren by only 24 points in the quest for the constructors' championship.

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Nonetheless, McLaren is still the leading contender due to their superior speed compared to Ferrari.

This weekend, the Losail International Circuit features only medium and high-speed turns.

Following an impressive beginning to the season, Ferrari's performance declined during the mid-season. The team experienced a setback when their upgrade in Spain turned out to be a failure.

This brought their season to an abrupt halt as the porpoising issue re-emerged.

After the summer break, Ferrari finally returned to the forefront, with their performance making them contenders for the championship.

In response to a question about whether the upgrade in Spain might be the cause of their failure to win the F1 title, Vasseur said: "It's simple to claim at the end of the season that if it weren't for the crash in Singapore or this or that incident, we would have been champions."

"I believe this applies to McLaren as well; they've encountered some problems. In fact, it holds true for every team on the grid—we've all let chances slip by."

"An important aspect of the business involves not just having the top-performing car but also accumulating the highest possible points throughout the season."

Indeed, Baku wasn't our strongest showing, and similarly, we faced challenges in Singapore. We also encountered difficulties with our outright speed in Spain, the UK, and Austria. However, we responded well, and after three races, we were competitive again at Spa. Nonetheless, our raw performance remained an area of weakness.

In the race for the drivers' championship, Charles Leclerc is locked in a tight battle with Lando Norris to clinch the second position, trailing Max Verstappen.

As they approach the Qatar event, there is a narrow 21-point gap between the two contenders vying for the second spot in the rankings

Connor, with his keen awareness of F1's dramas and narratives, is central to our objective journalism.

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