Reasons Revealed: Why Red Bull Chose Not to Pair 'Quicker' Driver with Max Verstappen

Helmut Marko explains why Red Bull favored Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda for promotion.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has shed light on the decision to not move Yuki Tsunoda up the ranks, even though he was considered "quicker" than Liam Lawson.

Lawson was chosen ahead of Tsunoda to fill the spot left by the ousted Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, marking the 22-year-old from New Zealand as Max Verstappen's fifth partner since his 2016 entry into Red Bull.

Perez became the most recent victim of Red Bull's uncompromising approach, as the team decided to let go of the Mexican driver due to his poor showings in the previous season, judging him not up to par for operating their second vehicle.

Before Perez's tenure at Red Bull, both Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon encountered similar outcomes. Now, the team has shifted its focus to Lawson, who has participated in only 11 Grand Prix events across two seasons.

Lawson's advancement occurred even though he didn't clearly surpass his Racing Bulls colleague Tsunoda in terms of speed, with Tsunoda outpacing Lawson in the six standard qualifying rounds they both competed in towards the close of 2024.

Marko explains Red Bull's decision to choose Lawson instead of Tsunoda, citing 'major emotional hurdles'.

"Marko expressed to Sport that while Tsunoda currently has the edge in speed over his counterpart, his performance is marred by a lack of steadiness and ongoing errors."

Marko also cited Tsunoda's emotional reactions communicated via the team radio as a contributing reason for Red Bull's choice to not advance the Japanese driver.

"The 81-year-old from Austria noted that while there has been a significant improvement in his fits of rage, the problem persists as he still struggles with maintaining control."

Marko mentioned that facing Verstappen would present Tsunoda with considerable emotional hurdles.

"He expressed concerns that realizing he couldn't match or even come near Max's performance could be emotionally taxing for Tsunoda, especially if things didn't unfold as he had envisioned."

Marko characterized Lawson as the most mentally resilient among our young athletes, even though he's less experienced.

"Marko emphasized that he possesses the psychological resilience required to compete with Verstappen, acknowledging his inability to contest the Dutch driver," Marko stated.

Tsunoda is set to embark on his fifth year with Red Bull's junior squad.

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has suggested that Tsunoda might be let go once his contract concludes at the close of 2025.

Horner acknowledged, "It's clear to us that if we fail to offer Yuki a chance at Red Bull this year, to be honest, does retaining him even make sense?"

"It's not feasible to keep a driver on the support team for five years. Constantly being in a secondary role isn't sustainable. At that juncture, you must consider either parting ways with them or exploring alternative options."

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Lewis Hamilton's Financial Status: How Much is the F1 Icon Worth?

The fortune of Lewis Hamilton stands at £350 million.

This information comes from the 2024 edition of The Sunday Times Rich List.

The esteemed list of the wealthiest individuals in the UK placed Hamilton in the 350th position.

Hamilton stood as the sole athlete currently competing to make the list.

Additionally, he secured the ninth spot on their list of '40 Wealthiest Individuals Under 40'.

Hamilton's value is estimated to be £10m higher than that of Ed Sheeran.

The individual who claimed the F1 world championship seven times holds the title for the wealthiest active athlete ever listed in The Sunday Times Rich List.

Yet, his move to Ferrari in 2025 is poised to enhance his financial standing.

Forbes has indicated that his earnings will see an uptick from the substantial $55 million payment he received from Mercedes in 2024.

Two years ago, his wealth reached £300 million, marking a £40m rise since 2021. However, this amount pales in comparison to Toto Wolff's fortune!

Hamilton is poised to reclaim the top spot on the Formula 1 driver earnings chart, surpassing Max Verstappen, following his partnership with Ferrari.

Verstappen led the earnings in F1, thanks to substantial bonuses for securing race victories and titles.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 will once again position him as the highest-paid Formula 1 driver.

He has profitable agreements with companies such as Monster energy beverages, Tommy Hilfiger, Sony, and Bose.

He possesses residences in the United States, London, and primarily resides in Monaco.

In 2020, Hamilton achieved the status of being the wealthiest British athlete ever according to The Sunday Times Rich List, surpassing David Beckham (who ended his career in 2013).

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EXCLUSIVE: Aston Martin acknowledges criticism with a 'failure to meet expectations' admission

Mike Krack speaks to Crash.net about Aston Martin's need for a rigorous evaluation of their performance due to not achieving their goals.

Team leader Mike Krack has acknowledged that Aston Martin fell short of their goals in the 2024 F1 season.

Aston Martin secured a fifth-place finish in the constructors' championship for the second year running in 2024, though the team earned under half the points it had in the previous season.

The team based at Silverstone kicked off 2023 with impressive momentum, quickly establishing themselves as the main competitors to Red Bull. Fernando Alonso secured six podium finishes in the season's first eight races.

Aston Martin experienced a decline, falling behind their competitors in the midfield as the season progressed, mirroring a pattern seen in the previous year. They failed to secure any podium finishes and amassed only 94 points, a significant drop from the 280 points they had gathered in 2023.

Lawrence Stroll, the ambitious proprietor of Aston Martin, has made it clear he envisions his team vying for the F1 world title in the near future.

The wealthy Canadian entrepreneur has poured substantial funds into a cutting-edge facility, notably including an advanced wind tunnel, established a significant engine deal with Honda set to commence in 2026, and has made notable recruitment moves, prominently featuring the celebrated designer Adrian Newey as a key addition.

Thus far, Aston Martin's performance in races has fallen short of their high aspirations.

In response to inquiries about how he would address detractors highlighting Aston Martin's less-than-impressive performances, Krack conveyed to Crash.net, "I believe they have a point. We haven't met our goals or lived up to what we hoped to achieve."

Viewing it from an external perspective, one might observe that since the initiation of this project, our finishes have been in the seventh, seventh, fifth, and then fifth positions again. Therefore, when taking a step back for a broader view, it appears to be steady advancement.

"As we delve into the details of the seasons, it becomes clear that we fell short of meeting our objectives. Our goal was to narrow the gap with our rivals, and frankly speaking, had we succeeded, our position might not have been much different from fifth place, but our overall view of the season would have been significantly more positive."

"It's important not to be overly focused on the end outcome. Finishing fifth from last is respectable. While it's not outstanding, it's certainly not awful either. This season may not be the poorest we've ever had, but it falls short of our aspirations and what we aimed to achieve."

Aston Martin focuses on evaluating performance closely

Krack added, “We must maintain a high standard for ourselves. It's crucial to remain truthful in our assessments. The essence of Formula 1 revolves around achieving peak performance.

Our team has seen tremendous progress in numerous aspects; from the pace of our upgrade deployment, the enhanced quality of components, to the efficiency of our pit stops, garage workflows, and race strategies – all areas have seen significant improvements.

"However, everything else takes a backseat to how well the car operates, and that's an area we truly must address."

One of the major challenges Aston Martin has encountered in the last two years is the inability to make significant advancements in their car development.

Dan Fallows, who assumed the position of technical director with the team in 2022, departed from his role in November following a downturn in Aston Martin's performance.

Aston Martin is optimistic that the addition of Newey and ex-Ferrari chassis technical director Enrico Cardile to their team will aid in improving specific aspects starting in 2025.

"This is a time for contemplation," Krack stated. "Perhaps for as long as 18 months, given we've encountered similar problems since mid-[2023]. We can't dismiss it as an isolated incident.

"Time and again, our progress in performance has fallen short of expectations. It's imperative that we subject this to rigorous examination. By doing so, we're closely inspecting the situation, especially as the team has expanded rapidly."

"We possess an established framework. What is our organizational layout? What are our processes? Who communicates with whom during performance development, and it's crucial to acknowledge that our current methods are not yielding successful outcomes. Thus, it's imperative to challenge these practices."

"Currently, this is our course of action, and it's crucial to determine whether any adjustments are necessary or if we need to modify certain procedures."

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In the heart of France, the roar of engines and the scent of burning rubber signal the commencement of one of motorsport's most revered spectacles: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a sports journalist on the ground, my mission is to deliver precision reporting from this legendary endurance race, providing real-time updates and event highlights that capture the essence of this high-stakes competition. From on-site reporting to exclusive interviews with drivers and race teams, this multifaceted coverage dives deep into race dynamics, technical analysis, and Rennteam details, offering an all-encompassing view of the event. With a focus on storytelling and audience engagement, live coverage will be complemented by background reports, social media updates, and captivating visual content, ensuring that every moment of this fast-paced environment is brought to life. Through collaboration with photographers, camerawork experts, and graphic designers, this comprehensive report aims to showcase the innovation and strategic planning behind each team’s race strategy. As the race unfolds, stay tuned for breaking news coverage, exclusive insights, and post-race analysis that will enrich your understanding of this pinnacle of endurance racing.

• 1. "Live from Le Mans: Real-Time Updates and Event Highlights from the World's Premier Endurance Race"

1. "Live from Le Mans: Real-Time Updates and Event Highlights from the World's Premier Endurance Race"

The adrenaline is palpable as engines roar to life at the Circuit de la Sarthe, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans transforms into a thrilling spectacle of endurance and precision. As a sports journalist, being on-site is essential to capture the essence of this extraordinary event. Our live coverage from Le Mans offers real-time updates and event highlights, bringing viewers into the heart of the world's premier endurance race.

Throughout the race, interviews with drivers and race teams reveal the intricate race dynamics and provide unique driver insights, offering a glimpse into the minds of those who brave the grueling 24-hour challenge. These exclusive interviews, coupled with detailed Rennteam details, paint a vivid picture of the strategy and determination driving each team.

In the fast-paced environment of Le Mans, precision reporting is key. Our technical analysis delves into vehicle technology and race strategies, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of the innovations showcased on the track. This, combined with comprehensive background reports, enriches the audience's experience with the history and technical developments that define this iconic race.

Media coverage extends beyond the track, as we harness the power of social media updates to engage with a global audience. Through dynamic storytelling and visual content, including photography, camerawork, and graphic design, we ensure that every moment is captured and shared in real-time. This approach not only boosts audience engagement but also highlights the teamwork and creative thinking that underpin successful sports journalism.

Collaboration with a dedicated team of camerapersons, photographers, and editors ensures that our broadcast journalism meets the highest standards. From breaking news coverage to post-race analysis, every aspect is meticulously planned and executed, showcasing our industry expertise and commitment to excellence.

As the race unfolds, our precision reporting and real-time data analysis keep viewers informed and engaged. The strategic planning behind our content distribution and cross-platform promotion ensures that our coverage reaches a wide audience, cementing our role as a trusted source for Le Mans news.

Through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes coverage, and a focus on race strategy, we offer unparalleled insights into the event. Our professional network and sponsorship integration further enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive coverage, while our multimedia skills and deadline management ensure that every story is told with clarity and impact.

In the world of sports journalism, covering the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a testament to the power of innovation, storytelling, and community interaction. As we bring the excitement of Le Mans to screens worldwide, we remain committed to delivering content that resonates, informs, and inspires.

As the checkered flag falls and the engines begin to cool at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, the 24 Hours of Le Mans once again proves why it stands at the pinnacle of endurance racing. Our comprehensive coverage of this prestigious event, fueled by on-site reporting, exclusive interviews, and real-time updates, has delivered a vivid tapestry of race dynamics and driver insights to our audience. From the strategic maneuvers of top racing teams to the intricate technical analyses that define the modern endurance race, every element has been meticulously captured and shared across media platforms.

Throughout this high-octane weekend, our collaboration with camerapersons, photographers, and graphic designers has ensured that every highlight, from the roar of the engines to the triumphant finish, has been visually stunning and engaging. Our commitment to precision reporting and storytelling has not only informed but captivated our readers, offering a window into the fast-paced environment of Le Mans.

As we conclude our coverage, we reflect on the immense teamwork and creative thinking required to bring this event to life. The race may be over, but the stories and insights gathered will continue to resonate, contributing to the rich tapestry of motorsport journalism. With every lap, every pit stop, and every driver’s pulse-pounding decision, the 24 Hours of Le Mans reminds us of the relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation that defines this sport. Until next year, we bid adieu to Le Mans, carrying forward the legacy of endurance racing into the annals of sports journalism.

Pedro Acosta's Opinion on KTM's Uncertain MotoGP Prospects

Young Racer Unfazed by KTM's Economic Challenges at 20

Pedro Acosta has provided a composed update regarding his mood in light of the uncertainty surrounding KTM's future in MotoGP, stating that it "does not impact" him.

The Austrian company is currently experiencing a financial crisis, prompting it to undergo a restructuring process in an effort to avoid going bankrupt.

The company is believed to owe more than €3 billion, but a recent meeting with creditors provided some hopeful outlook for the brand's future.

Further information: MotoGP could benefit from welcoming F1 legend Hamilton if KTM's acquisition takes place.

The company has been permitted to proceed with its restructuring process, and it has attracted interest from external investors amounting to €700 million.

In an interview with Speedweek not long ago, Pit Beirer, the head of motorsport at KTM, revealed that there were actual discussions involving the brand and the management of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, regarding a possible investment.

However, the future of KTM in MotoGP is still unclear.

KTM has announced that it will continue competing in 2025. However, during the initial meeting with creditors, it was also mentioned that there is an intention to exit grand prix racing, with this withdrawal expected to occur in 2026.

This situation has sparked discussions regarding the prospects of KTM's racers, especially the standout newcomer for 2024, Acosta, who achieved nine top-three finishes in his first season with the Tech3 team, which races under the GASGAS name.

He joins KTM's official team with Brad Binder after signing a contract that extends over several years starting in 2025.

Albert Valera, who manages Acosta, expressed his dissatisfaction with the circumstances during an appearance on the 'Por Orejas' podcast. He stated, "Back in May, we partnered with a company that appeared to be well-positioned to compete with Ducati. Now, the situation is completely different, and we're left questioning what transpired."

During a Pont Grup event, Acosta has taken steps to ease the atmosphere.

According to Marca, he expressed his satisfaction about advancing to the main team, which had been their goal from the start.

"The goal is to refine a few aspects of the motorcycle and aim for steady performance in races to compete for improved outcomes."

He mentioned, "The present circumstances facing KTM have no impact on us whatsoever, and I am confident they will overcome it."

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EXCLUSIVE: Aston Martin acknowledges shortcomings in performance, agrees with critics

In a conversation with Crash.net, Mike Krack from Aston Martin conceded that the team needs to closely examine their performance due to not meeting their objectives.

Aston Martin's team leader, Mike Krack, acknowledged that the team did not achieve their goals for the 2024 F1 season.

In 2024, Aston Martin secured the fifth spot in the constructors' championship for the second year running, yet the team accumulated less than half the points they had achieved in the prior season.

The team located in Silverstone kicked off the 2023 season with impressive performance, coming out of the winter as the primary competitors to Red Bull. Fernando Alonso secured podium finishes in six of the first eight races.

Aston Martin fell behind as the season progressed, with their competitors in the midfield making advancements. This mirrored a pattern from the previous year when they failed to secure any podium finishes and managed to earn only 94 points, a significant drop from the 280 points they accumulated in 2023.

Lawrence Stroll, the highly ambitious owner of Aston Martin, has openly declared his goal for the team to vie for the Formula 1 world championship in the near future.

The wealthy Canadian entrepreneur has poured a significant sum of money into a new manufacturing facility that includes a cutting-edge wind tunnel. Additionally, he has secured a factory engine collaboration with Honda starting in 2026. The entrepreneur has also made notable hires, with the most prominent being the iconic designer Adrian Newey.

To date, Aston Martin's results on the track have fallen short of their high expectations.

In response to inquiries about addressing criticism regarding Aston Martin's lackluster performance, Krack mentioned to Crash.net, "I believe the critics have a valid point. We have not met our goals or lived up to our expectations."

"From an outsider's perspective, you might observe that since the inception of this project, we've achieved seventh place twice and fifth place twice. Taking a broader view, one could conclude that this represents steady advancement."

"When you take a closer look at the individual seasons, it becomes clear that we didn't hit all our goals. Our aim was to close the gap with our competitors, and had we succeeded, to be frank, we likely would have ended up near fifth place. However, this would have significantly altered our view of the entire season."

"We mustn't focus solely on the outcome. Finishing fifth overall is respectable. It may not be outstanding, but it's far from disastrous. While this isn't our most successful season, it falls short of our goals and expectations."

Aston Martin is evaluating their performance closely. Krack stated, "We need to meet certain standards and be truthful with ourselves. In Formula 1, performance is key."

Several aspects of our team have seen significant advancements. We have accelerated the pace at which we implement upgrades, enhanced the quality of the components we use, and improved our pit stops and garage operations. Additionally, our race strategy has also seen considerable progress.

"However, the most critical aspect is how the car performs, and addressing this issue is essential for us."

One of the major challenges Aston Martin has encountered over the last two seasons is their inability to effectively improve their car.

Dan Fallows, who became the technical director of the team in 2022, stepped down from his position in November following a decline in Aston Martin's performance.

Aston Martin is optimistic that the inclusion of Newey and ex-Ferrari chassis technical director Enrico Cardile, starting in 2025, will assist in improving this aspect.

Krack mentioned that this is a time for reflection. He noted that these issues have been present for about 18 months, beginning around mid-2023, and cannot be dismissed as a singular occurrence.

"We have observed time and again that our performance development has fallen short. This requires careful examination. We are addressing it by thoroughly analyzing the situation, especially since the team has expanded rapidly."

"You possess a traditional framework. How are we organized? What are our methods? Who communicates with whom during performance development? We must acknowledge that our current approach is not achieving the desired results. Therefore, we need to challenge and reassess it."

"Currently, we are engaged in these activities and need to talk about whether any adjustments are necessary, or if we need to modify certain procedures."

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Why Red Bull Chose Not to Pair a 'Quicker' Racer with Max Verstappen Over Liam Lawson

Helmut Marko explains why Red Bull passed over Yuki Tsunoda and decided to advance Liam Lawson.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has clarified the reasons behind the team's decision not to advance Yuki Tsunoda, even though he is reportedly quicker than Liam Lawson.

Lawson has been chosen over Tsunoda to take the place of Sergio Perez, who was let go, for the 2025 season. The 22-year-old from New Zealand will be Max Verstappen’s fifth partner since Verstappen became part of Red Bull in 2016.

Perez became the most recent victim of Red Bull's stringent policies, as the team decided to let go of the Mexican driver following his poor performances last season, concluding that he did not meet the necessary standards to occupy the seat of the second car.

Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon experienced comparable situations at Red Bull prior to Perez, and the team has now chosen Lawson, who has competed in only 11 grand prix events across two seasons.

Despite not clearly surpassing his Racing Bulls teammate Tsunoda, who outpaced him in all six regular qualifying rounds they participated in at the end of 2024, Lawson has still been promoted.

'Tsunoda Faces Major Emotional Hurdles'

Marko has explained the reasons behind Red Bull's decision to choose Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

According to Marko's comments to Sport, Tsunoda currently has the edge in speed compared to his counterpart, but he struggles with maintaining consistency and still makes errors.

Marko mentioned that Tsunoda's emotional reactions during team radio communications influenced Red Bull's choice not to advance the Japanese driver to a higher position.

The 81-year-old Austrian mentioned that while his angry outbursts have gotten much better, they are still a problem. He tends to lose his temper.

Marko mentioned that competing with Verstappen would present Tsunoda with "considerable emotional difficulties."

He stated that they think Tsunoda might face considerable emotional difficulties if he were to compete alongside Max and found himself unable to defeat him or even come close, realizing that things weren't unfolding as he had envisioned.

Marko referred to Lawson as the "most mentally resilient among our junior members," even though he doesn't have much experience.

Marko concluded by saying that he possesses the mental strength to compete with Verstappen while coming to terms with the fact that he won't be able to rival the Dutch driver.

Tsunoda is set to remain with Red Bull's junior team for a fifth year.

The head of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, has suggested that there might be a chance of Tsunoda leaving once his contract concludes at the close of 2025.

Horner openly acknowledged that if Red Bull cannot offer Yuki an opportunity this year, it raises the question of whether it makes sense to keep him.

"A driver shouldn't remain in a supporting role for five years. It's not ideal to always be second in line. At that stage, you either need to release them or consider a new approach."

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Lewis Hamilton's Wealth: How Much is the F1 Star Worth?

The Formula 1 icon, Lewis Hamilton, has a net worth of £350 million.

This information comes from the Sunday Times Rich List for 2024.

According to a well-regarded list of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, Hamilton holds the 350th

Hamilton was the sole athlete currently competing to be featured on the list.

He was ranked ninth on their list of the "40 Wealthiest Individuals Under 40."

Hamilton is valued at £10 million more than Ed Sheeran.

The Formula 1 champion, who has won the world title seven times, was the wealthiest athlete still competing to ever appear in The Sunday Times Rich List.

Yet, his move to Ferrari in 2025 is expected to positively impact his finances.

According to Forbes, he is set to receive a raise on top of the significant $55 million salary he earned from Mercedes in 2024.

Two years ago, his wealth was valued at £300 million, marking a rise of £40 million since 2021. However, this amount is significantly overshadowed by Toto Wolff's financial standing.

Hamilton is poised to reclaim the top spot on the list of F1 driver earnings, surpassing Max Verstappen, due to his new association with Ferrari.

Verstappen became the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 thanks to generous bonuses tied to his race victories and championship titles.

However, Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 is set to make him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 once again.

He holds profitable agreements with companies such as Monster energy drinks, Tommy Hilfiger, Sony, and Bose.

He resides in the United States and London, while primarily living in Monaco.

In 2020, Hamilton surpassed David Beckham, who ended his career in 2013, to become the wealthiest British athlete ever recorded on The Sunday Times Rich List.

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Marc Marquez: Joining Factory Ducati provides “two strong opportunities” for championship contention

The eight-time world champion sets sights on MotoGP 2025.

Marc Marquez believes that joining the official Ducati squad has provided him with "two excellent chances" to pursue additional MotoGP world championships.

The 31-year-old Spanish rider is back with Ducati as a factory team member after spending a year competing for the satellite team, Gresini.

Marquez's stint with Gresini allowed him to regain the performance level he had been missing in recent years, which had been impacted by injuries and the uncompetitiveness of the Honda.

Marquez has expressed that the 2024 season with Gresini gave him a chance to "start anew," following his three grand prix victories and securing a spot with the Ducati factory team for 2025.

In a recent discussion with TVE, Marquez, who has officially become a factory Ducati rider starting January 1, shares his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 season.

According to Marca, he stated that "2025 and 2026 will be two excellent opportunities."

"We're unsure if these will be our final opportunities, but they represent two strong chances to compete for the championship. Being part of the top team, we'll put in our full effort."

"Initially, we have the pre-season to get through, but it's evident that starting with excitement is always the approach."

Accidents are an inevitable aspect of our sport, but my hope is that no one gets hurt.

"As for my objectives, I definitely aim to compete for the world championship right up until the final races."

In his first appearance for the factory Ducati team, Marquez participated in the Barcelona post-season test last November. During this event, he rode both the GP24 and GP25 models, following his 2024 season on the GP23.

He was promoted to the factory Ducati team, which resulted in the reigning world champion, Jorge Martin, losing his spot and moving to Aprilia instead.

In 2025, Pramac will change to using Yamaha equipment because Ducati reversed its initial decision to advance Martin.

On January 20, Ducati and Marquez are set to reveal the 2025 Desmosedici's new livery during their season launch event in Italy.

During the off-season, Marquez announced that he would be ending his long-standing sponsorship with Red Bull. This change is due to his transition to the Ducati team, which is supported by Monster Energy.

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Kevin Magnussen mentioned that there was interest from Ferrari and declined an offer from Red Bull. He shared that he had chances to join Ferrari and Red Bull, but those opportunities slipped away.

Kevin Magnussen has stated that there was a possibility he might have driven for either Ferrari or Red Bull at some point in his Formula 1 career.

The Danish driver, aged 32, who found himself without a Formula 1 position for 2025 after Esteban Ocon replaced him at Haas, has shared insights on how his career path might have taken a different direction.

In his initial stint with Haas, Magnussen disclosed that he was considered as a potential replacement for Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari. However, Ferrari decided to elevate their young talent, Charles Leclerc, to the team in 2019 following his remarkable debut season with Sauber.

Kevin Magnussen, speaking to Autosport, recalled his third season in Formula 1 when he was around 23 or 24 years old. At that time, he felt optimistic, believing that everything was still achievable. There were instances when he sensed that things were moving in a promising direction.

Back in 2018, our car performed exceptionally well during the first half of the year. Charles Leclerc had just made his debut in Formula 1 with Sauber. Initially, his season didn't start off on the right foot, while mine was going remarkably well. Then, out of the blue, Ferrari began to express interest.

Unexpectedly, I found myself using their simulator, not for Haas, but for Ferrari, as they were showing interest. I began to feel enthusiastic about the potential direction this might take. However, Charles began performing exceptionally well, and I didn't hear anything further.

"I'm not sure how close it came to happening. However, I believe that if Charles hadn't started showing good results and had a poor season throughout, I might have been one of the drivers they considered."

"There are moments when it seems like you're nearing your goal, yet it still feels out of reach. That's just how things are."

Rejecting an Offer from Red Bull

Magnussen had a chance to be part of the Red Bull team and thinks he might have eventually secured a spot racing next to Max Verstappen on the main squad.

After Daniel Ricciardo left Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2018 season, Kevin Magnussen's representatives contacted team leader Christian Horner, who then presented an opportunity for a possible position with Toro Rosso.

Magnussen declined the opportunity to race for Red Bull's affiliated team, as he wasn't interested at that moment. In retrospect, he acknowledges that refusing the offer might have been an error.

"Following that season, Daniel Ricciardo departed from Red Bull. I recall my management team having discussions with Christian Horner since there was a lot of buzz surrounding the available seat at Red Bull," he stated.

Christian mentioned that there were no opportunities at Red Bull, but he suggested discussing possibilities at Toro Rosso. I declined, saying, 'No, no, let's not go there,' a decision I might regret now.

Gasly was the one who secured the Red Bull position. Albon, who moved up from F2, initially joined Toro Rosso. However, when Gasly underperformed, Albon stepped in to take his place. As a result, the driver who initially landed the Toro Rosso spot eventually found himself at Red Bull.

Denmark's most accomplished Formula 1 driver admits his career could have taken a different path, but he remains content with how his journey in the sport unfolded without any regrets.

"I definitely had the potential to do more," he admitted. "Honestly, I don't think anyone can claim they gave it their all with no room for improvement. There are always areas where more effort could have been applied… There were moments when I didn't put in enough effort."

"There were moments when I put in a lot of hard work. I have no regrets about my choices. I believe there was nothing more I could have done to alter my career path."

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Toto Wolff was eager to prevent a situation similar to Max Verstappen's from happening again after Lewis Hamilton's unexpected move. Wolff details the challenge of choosing a successor for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Toto Wolff mentioned that he aimed to ensure Mercedes did not lose Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a promising young talent, as they had previously missed the opportunity with Max Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton's surprising choice to depart from Mercedes after 12 years and switch to Ferrari starting in 2025 has left the Silver Arrows in a rush to find a new teammate for George Russell.

Last year, amidst the chaos at Red Bull, Wolff made a public attempt to recruit Verstappen. However, when it became evident that the Dutch driver would not be leaving, Mercedes decided to elevate their young talent, Antonelli, to a higher position after only one season in Formula 2.

During an appearance on the Armchair Experts podcast hosted by Dax Shepard, Wolff discussed his desire to prevent Antonelli from considering other opportunities if Mercedes failed to provide him with a permanent position.

Wolff experienced a setback earlier when Mercedes' attempt to recruit Verstappen during his Formula 3 days fell through. Instead, Verstappen signed with Red Bull, where he was quickly given a spot to race with Toro Rosso in 2015. He was then elevated to the main Red Bull team just four races into the next season.

Hamilton's departure eventually cleared the path for Antonelli to secure a Mercedes seat ahead of schedule.

Wolff described Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari as an unexpected twist, admitting it is still strange to imagine him in Ferrari gear and behind the wheel of their iconic red car.

"It's somewhat unbelievable. However, we had this young talent, 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli, lined up. I didn't want to lose the opportunity with him like I did with Max Verstappen years ago, when I didn't have a vehicle available for him. Now, everything is coming together."

"I understand his perspective, as our performance wasn't up to par. Our vehicle lacked speed, and without a doubt, he received an incredible offer. It's a dream for every Formula 1 driver to race for Ferrari."

Wolff Unable to Decide on Dropping Hamilton

In the summer of 2023, Hamilton agreed to a fresh two-year contract with Mercedes. However, he opted to invoke a break clause in his agreement, allowing him to transfer to Ferrari.

By deciding his own future, the seven-time world champion prevented Mercedes from facing a potentially tough decision at the close of 2025.

Wolff confessed that he felt a significant sense of relief at not having to tackle the tough decision of determining when Hamilton would leave Mercedes.

The Austrian expressed that, from a personal perspective, they couldn't make the decision because they are greatly indebted to him.

"I was reluctant to make the decision, as Mercedes, to part ways with the greatest champion of all time."

"Perhaps he sensed it too, as it played a role, and he was aware that Antonelli was on his way. I had a feeling that this might occur, lingering in my thoughts."

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Johann Zarco anticipated feeling more sorrowful as he concluded his first year with Honda in MotoGP. However, he remarked that the experience turned out to be more optimistic than he initially thought it would be.

Johann Zarco of LCR confessed that he had expected to feel more disappointed about concluding his debut MotoGP season on the Honda, but he wasn't as upset as he had anticipated.

The former MotoGP race victor exchanged the top-performing Ducati bike for a two-year deal with Honda's factory team. Starting in 2024, he will race for LCR.

Discover more: Honda's Discovery of its Genuine MotoGP Leader for 2024

Despite securing a single victory in 2023, Honda experienced a significant decline in performance throughout the season. The struggles with the bike's competitiveness ultimately contributed to Marc Marquez's decision to leave the team at the end of the year and transition to the Gresini Ducati team.

In 2024, Honda experienced its third season without any victories within a five-year span. Despite this, Zarco stood out as the team's most impressive rider, particularly demonstrating strong performances in the latter part of the year.

Frequently making it into Q2, Zarco achieved Honda’s top performance of the year by finishing eighth in Thailand, effectively maximizing the potential of several bike improvements.

At the conclusion of the year, he was Honda's leading racer, finishing 17th overall with a total of 55 points.

Looking back on his initial year with HRC, Zarco confesses that a year ago, he anticipated being more disappointed with his performance than he currently is.

Last November in Barcelona, Zarco expressed that the season's conclusion was more favorable than he had anticipated.

"Additionally, a year ago, I anticipated feeling more upset, but I'm actually much happier than I thought I would be."

"That's a positive development. It happened when I started achieving better outcomes in Indonesia, and then when I was able to consistently replicate those results, I focused on improving my riding style."

"This project was yielding results on the track, which increased my motivation. It made me realize that I've unlocked new opportunities, and I'm confident I can become much stronger by exploring these discoveries."

Zarco will continue with the LCR team for the 2025 season, keeping Honda's lineup mostly the same. Their factory team will still feature Joan Mir and Luca Marini.

Somkiat Chantra is set to move up from the Moto2 class to join the LCR team for his first season in the premier class, partnering with Zarco. He will be taking over from Takaaki Nakagami.

Nakagami has joined Honda's testing squad, where he will work with Aleix Espargaro.

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