Max Verstappen has been encouraged to delay any decision regarding Aston Martin's F1 proposal, as suggested by a former leader of a Formula 1 team.

Max Verstappen has been advised to hold off on accepting Aston Martin's alleged £1 billion proposal until the conclusion of the 2026 F1 season.

The Daily Mail has recently reported on a rumor suggesting that Aston Martin has been reaching out to sponsors with the goal of assembling a massive £1 billion offer to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull.

Aston Martin has dismissed the claims, yet both they and Mercedes are thought to be interested in acquiring Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of 2028.

The team based in Silverstone has announced their ambitious goals to vie for the world championship in the near future. They plan to take advantage of the major regulation changes set for 2026 to advance towards leading positions on the Formula 1 grid.

Aston Martin has constructed a modern facility that includes a new wind tunnel, and the team has bolstered its technical staff by bringing on board Enrico Cardile and, crucially, Adrian Newey.

Adrian Newey, considered the best car designer in Formula 1 history, has been reportedly recruited from Red Bull, which is viewed as a significant move by Aston Martin. This strategic acquisition is believed to be part of Aston Martin's efforts to persuade four-time world champion Max Verstappen to join their team.

Ex-Haas team boss Guenther Steiner thinks that it would be in Verstappen's best interest to remain with Red Bull until the hierarchy under Formula 1's new regulations is clear.

"Steiner advised GPBlog to hold on for 26."

"I'm not familiar with the specifics of Max's contract or the conditions for his release, but I expect that it includes a performance clause related to the team's achievements."

"If the team doesn't perform well, he has the option to depart after 26. This is crucial because if the car performs well in 26, it should continue to perform well for the next three or four years."

"When you begin working on a new rule or concept for a car, it can take a significant amount of time to fully disengage from it."

£1 Billion Deal Called 'Fictional'

Although Steiner admitted that Aston Martin has the financial resources to attract Verstappen, he raised doubts about the truthfulness of the rumored £1 billion proposal.

He remarked, "Calling it a billion might be an exaggeration, as it would establish a record that could never be surpassed."

"That sounds somewhat fictional, yet I'm confident Aston Martin would be willing to offer a substantial sum for his services."

"It's possible it could happen by 2027, but there's no assurance for Max that Aston Martin will perform well."

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Pecco Bagnaia unveils remarkable resemblance to Marc Marquez

"Truly, it's astonishing how [for] the first time in my career I've…"

Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez collaborate as team members for the initial time this winter, readying the factory Ducati setup for the 2025 MotoGP championship.

As always, a crucial choice that needs to be determined is the engine configuration, since it must be selected for the entire season before it gets officially approved prior to the first race in Thailand.

However, the significance of the year 2025 is amplified due to the halt in development scheduled for the 2026 season. This freeze implies that the engine chosen within the forthcoming weeks for 2025 will be operational for two consecutive years.

Bagnaia emphasized the significance of the test, noting, "The outcomes and our comments on this test will have implications for the next two years. Therefore, it's crucial that we approach this decision with a level head and without haste."

"Possibly, you're achieving an impressive lap time on the new motorcycle, but that could be due to the fresh tires. Thus, every choice must be made with considerable [deliberation], and I believe we're performing exceptionally well."

Due to the significance of this examination, Bagnaia feels heartened by the resemblance between his observations and the input provided by his latest team member, Marc Marquez.

"Bagnaia expressed amazement, stating, 'For the first time in my career, it's remarkable to share the exact same sentiment as my teammate.'"

"This is excellent, as it significantly aids the engineers in their development efforts. Indeed, both share a positive outlook on the new engine, yet they also share similar inquiries regarding certain aspects of it."

Marquez also shared similar sentiments regarding the input from each rider, as he navigates his own challenges this year transitioning from the Desmosedici GP23 to the GP25, essentially bypassing the GP24 model completely.

"He admitted to After the Flag that it's among the toughest challenges for him."

"Switching from one bicycle to another means I'm dealing with two unfamiliar bikes. This requires me to be highly focused and extremely accurate."

"Currently, our feedback aligns closely with what Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] has mentioned, which is significant."

Bagnaia remains uncertain about selecting the engine model for 2025, describing his decision as a toss-up.

"Currently, it's a toss-up," he remarked. "The reason being, the GP24 serves as an excellent foundation, and there's a consensus that it still holds potential for further development.

The GP25 excels in speed and acceleration, especially on straight paths, thanks to its capability to reach maximum velocity which is largely due to its smooth performance coming out of turns. This smoothness allows for effective throttle control, enhancing its acceleration further.

"However, when it came to braking, the GP24 performed phenomenally. We achieved remarkable feats in braking with it, feats that are currently challenging to replicate with the GP25, despite making progress in closing the gap."

Bagnaia mentioned that the disadvantages he faces in braking due to the updated engine outweigh the benefits he receives from its enhanced acceleration and smooth performance.

"He pointed out that the disparity in acceleration is different from the disparity that can exist in braking and entering," he remarked.

"Therefore, we need to find a middle ground, as currently, the increase in speed we're achieving is slightly outweighed by the decrease in effectiveness when we brake."

Certainly, Bagnaia's hesitation is echoed by Marquez, who conveyed to After the Flag, "We still have to grasp the situation fully since we need to determine our path, given that the season kicks off in just three weeks.

"Thus, we must make another attempt tomorrow and assess everything thoroughly."

Marquez mentioned, "Our task is focused on determining the path for 2025, particularly in terms of the engine and aerodynamics. Ducati aims to be highly accurate in their approach," he explained, "whilst also being cautious to ensure they make the right choice."

He emphasized, "It's crucial to be absolutely certain about the path forward. We understand that the GP24 package is strong in competition, and we must be completely convinced, or observe a distinctly advantageous feature in the GP25, because once the engine is homologated, it's locked in for two years."

"It's important that you grasp this clearly."

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George Russell hints at upcoming modifications for the Mercedes F1 W16: “In development for a significant period”

As George Russell anticipates the 2025 F1 season, he suggests that the Mercedes W16 is set to undergo substantial changes.

George Russell has suggested that Mercedes has introduced major modifications to their 2025 Formula 1 car, stating that “these developments have been planned for quite some time.”

Although Mercedes secured victories in four races during the 2024 season, they ended up in fourth place in the Formula 1 constructors' championship, quite behind the leaders.

Since the beginning of the ground-effect era, Mercedes has struggled with inconsistency.

As the regulations remain unchanged throughout the winter, the competition at the forefront is anticipated to be more intense than ever.

Mercedes is optimistic that, following three years of gaining experience, they are now ready to compete for the championship.

During the event unveiling the new collaboration between Mercedes and Adidas, Russell shared his positive outlook for the upcoming season.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Russell explained that although it may not seem like there have been significant changes from last year to this year, these developments have been in the works for quite some time. He mentioned that while some features couldn't be added to the 2024 car, they have been under development for a long period.

"We're hopeful that this will be a positive move forward. Of course, it's always uncertain what our competitors might have accomplished."

"This year, as we look ahead to 2026, it will be fascinating to see if people continue to evolve or not."

Russell set for F1 championship chase

In 2025, George Russell will assume the role of team leader after Lewis Hamilton's departure.

Consequently, Russell believes he can be a strong contender for the championship if Mercedes provides him with the necessary resources to compete.

In 2024, Russell had a standout year, especially in qualifying, where he outperformed Hamilton.

Russell demonstrated his willingness to engage in a verbal battle with Max Verstappen during the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Evaluating his preparedness for a title bid in 2025, Russell commented: "Definitely. I believe I'm prepared, and the entire team is highly driven."

"I believe these years have mostly been a process of experimentation, but whenever we've had the opportunity to succeed, we've seized it."

"That's why I'm hopeful that, with the right car, we can accomplish it."

"We're putting in maximum effort to make it happen this year, and with everyone fully committed, it's set to be an exciting season."

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Alex Marquez Believes True Capability of Official MotoGP Motorcycles Remains Unveiled

“Our approach is solid yet humble”

Alex Marquez expresses that it would be ideal to kick off the 2025 MotoGP season immediately, given his impressive performance in testing. However, he cautions that the true capabilities of the manufacturers are yet to be revealed.

The rider from Gresini has taken over the GP24 Ducati, which was the standout performer last season, securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix events and clinching the brand's third consecutive world championship.

Beginning his tenure with Ducati on a high note in 2023 aboard the GP22, Marquez encountered difficulties in his 2024 season following his transition to the problematic GP23.

Leading the pack in the Barcelona trials last November on the GP24, Marquez secured the third quickest time on the second day of the Sepang trials, trailing the front-runner by only 0.130 seconds.

Currently positioned as the second quickest Ducati in the trial, trailing behind the leader of day two, Franco Morbidelli, Marquez is convinced that his lead will soon vanish.

"Being a part of Thailand's race by tomorrow would be ideal," Marquez stated.

"That would be ideal. However, they will continue to enhance their performance. The Ducati team, without a doubt, was experimenting with numerous components.

"Tomorrow could be the final day, yet it's in Thailand where things will truly come to fruition, showcasing the full capabilities not only of Ducati but also KTM and the rest of the manufacturers."

"Thus, we are performing well, we are quick, we are stable."

"However, remaining grounded since much of the preseason still lies ahead."

Alex Marquez Highlights Ducati's Advantage

Marquez points out that the GP24 shows a marked enhancement in corner-entry over the GP23, and mentions he can detect a slight increase in performance during acceleration due to the GP24's ride height mechanism.

"He also mentioned feeling more at ease when entering corners."

"In the '23, I struggled to execute at the braking point, particularly due to excessive weight at the front, which caused pushing from the back.

"This bicycle is naturally suited for this particular rear tire, as if it was made specifically for it, making it simpler to navigate into turns and sense the bike's equilibrium."

"Utilizing the ride height mechanism, during certain accelerations, there's a noticeable improvement in the ability to apply more torque, thanks to a reduction in front wheel lift."

"In particular circuits, such as Turn 3 in Thailand, it will definitely provide an advantage. However, even a minimal gain of 0.003 seconds is always beneficial."

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test: Alex Marquez Leads on Last Day

Gresini Racer Tops Friday's Time Trials

Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini Ducati, led the last day of the Sepang MotoGP pre-season test, edging out his teammate from the factory team, Francesco Bagnaia.

The initial segment of the final day focused on time attack sessions, where a hectic qualifying simulation saw the lead position shift several times.

At the forefront on Friday was Alex Marquez from Gresini, who clocked a time of 1m56.493s on his GP24, placing him at the top of the leaderboard by the conclusion of the second hour.

Marquez completed 50 laps on his GP24, finishing the test on a high note, as there was no competition towards the finish line.

Two-time world champion Bagnaia set the pace in the first hour with a lap time of 1 minute and 56.5 seconds. Although this was his best effort, it left him just 0.007 seconds short of securing the top position.

Fabio Quartararo secured third place for Yamaha, clocking a lap time of 1 minute and 56.724 seconds, setting a new record for the Japanese manufacturer at the Sepang circuit by improving their previous best by eight-tenths of a second.

On Thursday, Franco Morbidelli led the pace, securing fourth place on the VR46 Ducati. Meanwhile, on Friday, factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez attracted attention with an impressive quick simulation run.

On Friday, he finished 70 laps as Ducati aims to finalize its engine choice for the 2025 season.

Pedro Acosta was the fastest KTM rider, finishing in sixth place, 0.682 seconds behind the leader. Meanwhile, LCR's Johann Zarco claimed seventh, making him the highest-placed Honda rider.

Joan Mir secured the eighth position on his official Honda, clocking a time of 1 minute 57.279 seconds after a late surge. Meanwhile, Alex Rins ensured both Yamahas finished in the top 10 by achieving a time of 1 minute 57.351 seconds, placing him in 10th place.

Marco Bezzecchi led the Aprilia riders by securing ninth place with a lap time of 1 minute 57.328 seconds. The Italian rider completed 61 laps on his RS-GP, focusing on collecting as much data as possible for the team, especially since both Jorge Martin and Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez were not present.

Fermin Aldeguer led the newcomers by securing 11th place for Gresini, while Jack Miller finished in 12th for Pramac Yamaha, wrapping up his last day ahead of schedule after completing a comprehensive testing plan.

On Friday, Yamaha had Andrea Dovizioso testing on the circuit. The Italian rider completed 58 laps and achieved his fastest lap time at 1 minute 59.929 seconds, placing him in 22nd position, just behind Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

The last two days of testing are scheduled to take place in Thailand next week on February 12 and 13, ahead of the season's start later in the month in Buriram.

Results from the third day of MotoGP testing at Sepang

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Lewis Hamilton is now restricted from participating in additional TPC tests with Ferrari in Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton will not engage in any more Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) for Ferrari before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

This is due to the fact that he has already reached the maximum mileage allowed according to Formula 1 regulations.

Throughout the season, teams are restricted to 20 days of testing using TPC, with the stipulation that just one vehicle can be used for each session.

According to the Sporting Regulations, active drivers are restricted to a maximum of 1000 kilometers of running, which must be completed within four days out of a total of 20.

The regulations were adjusted following Max Verstappen's test drive of Red Bull's 2022 car during an in-season TPC session at Imola last year.

Ferrari has been utilizing their TPC allocation to assist Hamilton in acclimating to the team before he starts his first season with the Scuderia, following his surprising move from Mercedes.

The world champion, who has won seven times, finished his initial session of TPC driving, marking his first time on the track with a 2023 Ferrari at Fiorano in January.

Last week in Barcelona, Hamilton partnered with Charles Leclerc for two more days of driving the SF-23.

Ferrari's schedule faced interruptions after Hamilton experienced a crash during the second morning session last Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the Italian team returned to the track in Barcelona for a two-day Pirelli tyre test set for 2026. During the session, Hamilton had his first opportunity to experience Ferrari's 2024 car, although it was an altered model created to mimic the downforce conditions expected for the next season.

Reports indicate that Ferrari seized the chance to test their SF-23 once more at the Barcelona circuit on Tuesday. This allowed Hamilton to complete his fourth and last day of driving, as outlined by the TPC guidelines.

Hamilton is anticipated to take the wheel of Ferrari's upcoming 2025 model at Fiorano. This will occur during a shakedown session, utilizing one of the two filming days the team is allowed, after the SF-25 is unveiled on February 19.

Afterward, the 40-year-old British driver, along with Leclerc, will have the opportunity to test Ferrari's 2025 car under competitive conditions for the first time during the official pre-season testing event in Bahrain, scheduled from February 26 to 28.

Hamilton expressed that he feels "perfectly at ease" after spending his initial weeks with Ferrari.

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Ferrari Experiences Revival as New Lewis Hamilton Lap Records Come to Light

Recent Lap Records of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Unveiled on Wednesday

The recorded lap times from the second Pirelli test session on Wednesday for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been disclosed.

Oscar Piastri from McLaren took to the track in Barcelona for the last day to assist the official tyre provider of Formula 1.

On Tuesday, Hamilton playfully provoked Ferrari fans by clocking the quickest lap time among their drivers, yet the situation flipped the following day.

On Wednesday, Leclerc led the Ferrari team by recording the quickest lap at 1:14.971, completing a total of 74 laps.

Piastri completed a circuit in 1 minute, 15.815 seconds and also managed to do 74 rounds.

Hamilton completed 152 circuits with his quickest lap being clocked at 1 minute, 16.759 seconds

On Wednesday, Hamilton trailed Leclerc by nine-tenths of a second, and was 0.8 seconds slower than his top performance from the previous day.

Nonetheless, it's crucial to bear in mind that every driver followed a distinctive plan. Thus, consider their lap times with a degree of skepticism.

Pirelli established the test schedule for the drivers from Ferrari and McLaren.

"The session proved to be highly beneficial, especially in terms of offering an analysis of the diverse construction options for the upcoming season," Mario Isola from Pirelli remarked.

"Additionally, they are testing a few substances from the more challenging spectrum."

The Barcelona track is recognized for being particularly challenging for tyre endurance, due to the high levels of energy it demands and the wear and tear it causes. Thus, the data collected during these two intensive days will play a crucial role in advancing the technology of the current tyre generation.

"The onset of the year is proving to be quite challenging, with four test sessions scheduled prior to the season's kickoff. I'd like to extend my gratitude to all the teams collaborating with us, recognizing the hectic schedules they're currently managing."

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VR46 acknowledges that Fabio di Giannantonio got injured during a celebration that didn't go as planned. Fabio di Giannantonio's attempt at showing off backfired.

Fabio di Giannantonio suffered an injury due to a crash that occurred following a celebration that did not go as planned.

The VR46 Ducati motorcyclist experienced a significant crash during the first day of the MotoGP preseason testing at Sepang.

He fractured his collarbone, which led to him being excluded from the last two days of testing in Sepang, and he is now preparing for surgery to fix the injury.

There is no television video available of his accident that occurred on Wednesday.

In an embarrassing turn of events, it has been verified that the rumors about his crash were true, as it resulted from a failed wheelie.

According to Uccio Salucci from VR46, he came to Sepang with strong enthusiasm, having not been on a MotoGP bike since October, as reported by Sky Italy.

As the session concluded, he attempted a wheelie, but the front tire was unfortunately 0.3 degrees off and ended up closing on him.

"The element of misfortune had a significant role, and there's nothing you can criticize about someone like him…"

Di Giannantonio was absent from the concluding segment of last season as a result of an injury.

This season, he has access to a factory-spec Ducati, making him the sole rider besides Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia to benefit from such an advantage.

On the first day in Sepang, he remarkably recorded the seventh quickest time.

However, his excitement about coming back to MotoGP and achieving a decent lap time was short-lived when his attempt to impress ended in disaster.

Due to Giannantonio's broken collarbone, the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain.

The third Ducati GP25 racer on the lineup now faces a significant setback as the season's start approaches, all because of an accident that occurred under very unexpected conditions.

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Eddie Jordan shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's initial Ferrari crash, stating, "I would prefer to see…"

Eddie Jordan offers his perspective on Lewis Hamilton's accident in Barcelona.

Eddie Jordan believes that Lewis Hamilton will not be affected at all by his early accident while driving for Ferrari. He supports the seven-time world champion's strategy of pushing boundaries to understand them.

Last week at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Hamilton had an accident on his third day behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2023 model.

While participating in a TPC event, the 40-year-old driver had an accident at the Spanish circuit during the last segment of his lap.

Ferrari was swift to minimize the significance of the incident, despite the fact that it affected Charles Leclerc's performance.

Accidents during testing are frequent, especially for Hamilton, who crashed his McLaren in 2007 before starting his first season.

In 2013, he had an accident in a Mercedes during his initial test at Jerez because the brakes failed.

During an interview on the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan, the former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix F1 team, dismissed Hamilton's accident.

"I believe that minor setback won't affect him at all, as it's a common occurrence for everyone. Back when I was a team leader, we became accustomed to such things," stated Jordan.

"You have a large supply of spare parts, and it's essential for racing drivers to test the boundaries of their cars' capabilities. Understanding where the boundaries lie is crucial, otherwise, you're not maximizing speed. This is the main concern. Personally, I prefer Lewis to make these minor mistakes now, rather than during an actual race or qualification session."

Ferrari plans to grant him ample time. The company anticipates that, due to Lewis's influence, they will produce more road cars and enhance their profit margins. Consequently, any financial dealings involving Lewis will be balanced by the increased revenue, making it a worthwhile investment.

"I am completely unaware of any deliberate financial business decision made by Elkann, but I believe they will recover their investment several times over."

Hamilton prepares for his first race with Ferrari

In just a little over a month, Hamilton will officially race for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix.

Albert Park has consistently been a strong venue for Hamilton, especially when it comes to qualifying sessions.

As part of the Pirelli tire testing, Hamilton has been trying out Ferrari's 2024 car to get ready for the upcoming season.

Following that, Ferrari is set to unveil their vehicle on February 19, just a day after they reveal the livery, during F1's official season event held at the O2 in London.

The initial testing session before the season begins in Bahrain starts on February 26, and both Hamilton and Leclerc will participate in the three-day testing period.

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F1 driver earnings: A breakdown of each driver's annual income

Below, we present the projected yearly compensation for each Formula 1 racer.

According to estimates from RacingNews365, Max Verstappen continues to be the top earner in Formula 1.

These figures represent the foundational salary and exclude additional earnings from race victories, top-three finishes, or endorsement deals.

Lewis Hamilton, previously the highest-paid Formula 1 driver, now finds himself behind Verstappen in earnings. After his transition to Ferrari, his array of endorsements are set to significantly boost his initial salary.

Charles Leclerc has inked a fresh contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third top earner.

In the initial weeks of 2024, Lando Norris signed a new deal with McLaren, positioning him as the fourth highest alongside Fernando Alonso.

On the opposite side of the salary spectrum sit the Formula 1 newcomers.

Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar are reportedly the sole drivers making under $1 million.

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Michelin provides insights to Jorge Martin and Aprilia, detailing the cause of the accident.

Michelin offers new explanation for the incident involving Jorge Martin.

Michelin has announced that there was a variation in the temperature of the rear tire on Jorge Martin's bike when he crashed during the MotoGP test in Sepang on Wednesday.

In his second accident of the day, Martin, the current World Champion, sustained fractures in his left hand and foot, resulting in his absence from the rest of the testing session.

At the moment of the accident, the Spanish rider was using medium-compound tires, identical to the ones he had during his initial crash earlier in the day.

Back then, Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, stated that the tyre temperature during the crash was within a normal range. However, on Friday, Piero Taramasso, the two-wheel manager at Michelin Motorsport, clarified that although the surface temperature of the tyre was indeed normal, there was a noticeable temperature difference inside the tyre compared to Martin's Aprilia teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, at the time of the incident.

“We received all the information from Aprilia, and I’m grateful for that,” Taramasso stated.

"In the past hour, we have managed to review all the information. Due to the large volume of data, the process requires time."

Initially, Massimo Rivola mentioned that the tire's temperature seemed fine. However, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tire, which can fluctuate significantly based on factors like sliding and the bike's spinning motion.

"The temperature at the back, specifically the inner layer temperature, is the key indicator we use to determine whether the tyre is functioning properly. For example, this information is provided by the sensor from McLaren."

Taramasso provided further clarification, noting that teams typically measure what he calls the "cavity temperature" to gauge a tyre's temperature in the pits. This refers to the temperature of the air within the tyre.

He explained that the temperature inside the cavity is distinct from the temperature of the inner layer, which refers to the temperature of the rubber inside the tire. He also noted that it is usual for the various temperature readings from a single tire to differ.

"We examined all the information," stated Taramasso, "and the findings are unmistakable: when Jorge [Martin] exited the pit for his final attempt prior to the accident, the tire was 15 degrees cooler."

"Therefore, 15 degrees is a significant amount."

At the time of his crash, we analyzed his tire temperature against Marco Bezzecchi's rear tire temperature. Both were on the same type of bike, at the same moment, using a medium compound rear tire. We found that his tire was 15 degrees cooler.

Taramasso mentioned that the usual temperature range for the inside layer of a rear tire is from 90 to 100 degrees. Therefore, when Martin crashed, the 15-degree decrease in temperature represented a reduction of approximately 15 to 16.6 percent.

Taramasso explained: "This was a significant factor, especially when you consider the track conditions. It was very slippery, there was wind, it was cold, only reaching 30 degrees whereas it's usually 50 degrees here, and we had rain overnight. These poor conditions, coupled with the tyre not being prepared, led to the crash."

Additionally, Taramasso explained that Martin chose to use the medium tire during that phase of the test to conserve the soft-compound tires for future use, as the medium tire had been largely overlooked throughout this week's testing.

"Currently, every team begins with the medium option," stated Taramasso.

"On a race weekend, it's typical for teams to begin with the medium tires on a Friday, despite them not being ideal for the conditions. This strategy is used to preserve the softer tires for later."

It seems likely that a similar tactic was used here: they began with the medium tires because they understood that the soft tires offered better performance. Therefore, to clear the track, they opted to start with the medium tires.

"However, everyone faced the same situation. Additionally, the equipment we frequently used during the test performed flawlessly, even during the Shakedown."

On Wednesday, Taramasso responded to Aprilia's statements which suggested that a faulty tire was responsible for the crash.

On Wednesday, Massimo Rivola stated that there was a serious accident that seemed to occur without any apparent cause, with no errors from the bike or the rider.

"I had a conversation with them and shared all the reports," Taramasso stated on Friday.

"They comprehend the information we present, and it's not merely my perspective; it’s simply a statistic – this is data, and they trust the data."

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Transformed

Toto Wolff is confident that Mercedes will not experience any setbacks after Lewis Hamilton's departure. "We share a positive energy with our current partners and those interested in joining us, ensuring we won't face any lingering effects."

Toto Wolff is optimistic about the future of Mercedes in Formula 1, assuring that there will be no lingering effects or setbacks after Lewis Hamilton's exit.

Mercedes is entering the 2025 Formula 1 season without Hamilton as part of their driver lineup, marking the start of a new chapter for the team.

Hamilton dedicated 12 years to Mercedes, where he clinched six out of his seven championship titles.

After experiencing three underwhelming seasons with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion chose to switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton aimed to achieve a lifelong aspiration by racing for the renowned Italian team.

Mercedes has seen a change in their sponsorship lineup, with Tommy Hilfiger no longer on board. In a new development, they have secured a partnership with sportswear powerhouse Adidas, which will now serve as their main kit sponsor for the upcoming season.

During a media event focused on Mercedes' new collaboration with Adidas, Wolff expressed optimism about the future following Hamilton's time with the team in an interview with Sky Sports.

Wolff stated that when it comes to legendary brands in the sports industry, Adidas is hard to beat.

"This demonstrates the confidence this team has as we move ahead. When I talked about Lewis leaving and Kimi joining with the CEO, he responded, 'This is thrilling. Let's embrace the next generation!'"

"This reflects the sentiment within our team. We share a positive energy with our current partners and those interested in joining us, so there's no lingering negativity."

A Change for Mercedes and Hamilton

Wolff believes that Hamilton's choice to exit the team will eventually serve as a rejuvenation for both sides involved.

Hamilton's last season with the team could be considered the most letdown of his remarkable career in Formula 1.

Besides his pair of victories, Hamilton frequently trailed significantly behind his teammate, George Russell.

At the conclusion of the season, Hamilton's performance was so lacking that he made a surprising confession about not being quick enough anymore.

The 40-year-old appears revitalized at Ferrari, just a few weeks after joining the new team, and has referred to Maranello as his "home."

Looking back on Hamilton's initial weeks with Ferrari, Wolff commented: "It was the right decision for both parties. Observing Lewis during his early moments at Ferrari, especially the image of him in front of Enzo Ferrari's residence, is truly iconic. Lewis has a unique sense of style, and I have mentioned this to him."

"We are taking a new path by attempting to reinvent our team with a young driver, alongside George, who often doesn't get the recognition he deserves. We have an experienced driver who has secured race victories, and now we're bringing in a talented newcomer. This change feels like a rejuvenation for both our team and the drivers."

Mercedes is set to reveal their 2025 Formula 1 car, named the W16, on February 24.

Lately, Mercedes has chosen to unveil their vehicle at Silverstone prior to conducting a shakedown.

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