Helmut Marko points out where Liam Lawson needs to improve before the 2025 F1 season. Helmut Marko evaluates Liam Lawson as he is expected to move up to Red Bull in 2025.

Helmut Marko has commended Liam Lawson for proving himself to be a "tenacious competitor" in Formula 1, yet he pointed out that Lawson must work on maintaining steadiness throughout the races.

Lawson is anticipated to join Red Bull as Max Verstappen's teammate for the Formula 1 season in 2025.

Although Lawson was consistently outperformed in qualifying by his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda, with a record of 6-0, the two were frequently divided by a margin of under one-tenth of a

Lawson's ability to adjust and potential for growth, despite his limited experience in F1, have made him a strong candidate to compete for Red Bull in 2025.

Red Bull has not yet made a decision, as they continue to engage in "positive discussions" aimed at reaching an agreement with Sergio Perez.

Evaluating Lawson's performance in Formula 1 to this point, Marko admitted he is yet to determine if the New Zealander has the potential to be "a top driver."

"Liam has demonstrated that he's a formidable competitor, unafraid to challenge renowned drivers such as Alonso, Hamilton, and Perez," Marko mentioned during the Inside Line F1 Podcast.

"Now that he might have a complete season, he must prove that he can compete effectively once more. In terms of qualifying, he performed similarly to Yuki. We need to observe how much progress he makes to determine if he has the potential to become one of the top drivers."

"I would also mention that he consistently performs well in races and achieves top times regardless of the type of driver. Although there is still some variability in his performance, it's important to note that he hasn't participated in ten Grand Prix events yet. Gaining more experience will naturally help him improve."

The most challenging role in Formula 1 for Lawson

If Red Bull elevates Lawson to the position of Verstappen’s partner, he will face the most difficult role in Formula 1.

Since 2019, Verstappen's teammates have outperformed him in qualifying on just 11 occasions.

He outperformed Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, leading to both drivers eventually losing their positions.

Perez has spent four years with the team, and although he has outlasted those who came before him, his success can largely be attributed to the performance of the Red Bull car.

The Mexican team's lackluster performance in both 2021 and 2024 resulted in them missing the constructors' championship, even though Verstappen secured the drivers' title.

Lawson is set to take on the challenging task of approaching Verstappen, as McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are anticipated to exert significant pressure on Red Bull in the coming year.

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Giacomo Agostini offers his perspective on the competition between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi

"Their ages were different…"

Giacomo Agostini, who has clinched the World Championship title 15 times, shared his perspective on the competition between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi.

In the annals of Grand Prix racing, Agostini stands out as the sole competitor with a higher number of race victories than Rossi. However, since Marquez entered the premier class in 2013, he outperformed the Italian in the championship standings every season except for two instances (2015, 2020), securing six championships in his initial seven seasons at the top level.

"Marc [Marquez] is the one who really gets to me," Agostini confessed to the Spanish outlet Relevo, "because I believe he brings a thrill to the audience, to those who attend the races. He's someone who really knows how to entertain, and he's adored by all."

"Agostini described Rossi as 'a legend',"

"A strategist on horseback. Achieving nine world championships signifies inherent skill."

Agostini attributes the lack of direct confrontations on the track between the two, particularly beyond the year 2015, to timing and Marquez's personal approach.

Nonetheless, it remains one of the fiercest competitions in MotoGP over the last decade.

"He mentioned that their ages were different," he explained. "One had begun their journey, while the other hadn't. This might have influenced the outcome, you see?"

"While I acknowledge that Rossi has sparked excitement […] Upon reflection, I personally find Marquez to be more impulsive, adventurous, and courageous.

"He embodies resilience, which might appeal more to the audience. Marc consistently shows determination, providing an absolute show."

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Lorenzo Savadori Secures Continued Position as Aprilia MotoGP Test Rider with Latest Contract Renewal

Aprilia has officially announced the renewal of Lorenzo Savadori's contract, maintaining his position as the MotoGP test rider for the team.

Lorenzo Savadori has extended his tenure as Aprilia's designated MotoGP test rider, securing a fresh contract with the Noale-based team for an additional two years.

Under the terms of the recent agreement, Savadori will continue in his position through to the close of 2026, marking his seventh consecutive year as a test rider and coinciding with the last year of the existing 1,000cc MotoGP rules.

"I'm thrilled to extend this journey and carry on with my efforts alongside Aprilia Racing for the coming two seasons," Savadori expressed.

"Over the past few years, our performance has been exceptional, and I am confident that we will keep getting better as time goes on."

"Our progress has been steady and incremental, guided by a singular focus that is always at the forefront of our thinking: elevating the RS-GP to the pinnacle of MotoGP competition."

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, emphasized the critical role that Savadori will play as a test rider for the team, especially this year when Aprilia introduces two new racers: Marco Bezzecchi and the current MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin. Furthermore, Rivola confirmed that Savadori is set to participate as a wildcard entry in select Grand Prix events in 2025.

"Rivola expressed delight in announcing that Aprilia Racing will maintain its collaboration with Lorenzo Savadori, who is a cornerstone of our initiative. His role, in conjunction with the test team, has significantly contributed to the remarkable progress made in recent years."

"Sava' symbolizes a sense of ongoing partnership for us, which is crucial when collaborating with a deeply trusted test rider, particularly in a significant year when the factory team will welcome two new members.

"He will also serve as a crucial asset at several Grand Prix events, where his role as a wild card will allow for the exploration of innovative approaches."

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Augusto Fernandez has inked a contract until 2025, following his departure from KTM's MotoGP team, to become a test rider for Yamaha's MotoGP endeavor.

Augusto Fernandez is set to join the Yamaha MotoGP team in the role of a test rider, as officially announced.

After concluding his two-season tenure in MotoGP at the end of the 2024 season, Fernandez, who was released by KTM and the Tech3 squad, is set to team up with Cal Crutchlow in Yamaha's primary MotoGP testing crew.

In his initial two seasons competing in MotoGP, the Spanish rider's top performance was securing a fourth-place finish at the 2023 French Grand Prix. Transitioning to KTM's carbon frame in 2024 did not facilitate progress from his first year at the top tier for the Spaniard. However, due to Yamaha’s present concessions status, he is eligible to participate in as many as six wildcard races in 2025.

"Fernandez expressed his joy and immense enthusiasm about becoming a test rider for Yamaha in 2025."

"I'm immensely grateful to join the Yamaha team, and I extend my thanks to all those who played a role in making this possible."

"In this incredible new initiative, I am committed to assisting Yamaha in regaining their rightful position."

Lin Jarvis, the Managing Director at Yamaha Racing, elaborated that in the event of an injury sidelining one of their four racers in 2025, Fernandez will be the go-to substitute rider. Furthermore, it was hinted that Fernandez is slated to participate in all six of Yamaha's wildcard races.

"Yamaha is focused on advancing our bike technology as we strive to quickly get back to a winning position," stated Jarvis.

"We've officially brought Augusto on board as an additional Yamaha Test Rider, joining forces with Cal Crutchlow. Due to Cal's inability to meet all his testing responsibilities in 2024, it became clear that we required another rider to help us carry out all vital tasks for 2025."

"Our team is confident that Augusto will seamlessly integrate with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team as well as adapt well to the YZR-M1 motorcycle. Being young and quick, he has the opportunity to work closely with Cal and pick up the unique techniques needed for a dedicated test rider."

Our present performance status enables us to fully utilize the upper cap of the testing program. Beyond these tests, we plan to engage in as many as six wild-card entries. Moreover, Augusto will serve as the primary substitute rider for any members of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team or the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team who might be unavailable to compete at any point during 2025.

The numerous chances to ride should enable Augusto to keep up his pace in racing as he continues with his demanding testing commitments.

"Augusto has already begun collaborating with our team behind the scenes, and his initial genuine trial will occur during the shakedown test in Sepang, scheduled for the end of January 2025."

"Currently, we are closely monitoring Cal's recovery process regarding his arm problems encountered this year, with the expectation that he can swiftly come back to continue with his testing responsibilities."

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KTM terminates former racing star from testing position

Jeremy McWilliams has been removed from his longstanding position as a test rider for KTM.

Ex-Grand Prix competitor Jeremy McWilliams has allegedly been let go from his position as a test rider for KTM, a job he has maintained for a decade and a half.

McWilliams, famously recognized for securing the last pole position on a 500cc motorcycle during the premier class at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix, has held a position at KTM since 2009.

As reported by Speedweek, a German news outlet, McWilliams' contract with KTM, initially set to expire at the end of 2025, has been abruptly ended due to KTM facing financial difficulties. This brings to a close a 15-year partnership between the Mattighofen-based company and the rider from Belfast.

Serving as a test rider for KTM, McWilliams has primarily engaged in testing production models. However, he also played a part in the initial development phase of the RC16.

Lately, McWilliams has played a key role in creating the latest sports model from the Austrian company, the RC 990. This bike is KTM's contender in the Supersport categories, aiming to compete with major models such as the Ducati Panigale V2, Kawasaki ZX-6R, and Yamaha R9.

Prior to joining KTM, McWilliams was part of the BMW S1000RR initiative, where he contributed to the early development stages of the motorcycle. This bike, particularly in its latest M Power version, has since claimed victory in the World Superbike Championship with Toprak Razgatlioglu at the helm.

Recently, the racer from Northern Ireland has also shown strong performance in various competitions. He secured a podium finish in the second Supertwin race at this year's North West 200. Additionally, as a factory rider for Indian in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series, which features high-displacement touring motorcycles, he has been in contention for wins.

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KTM cuts ties with renowned former racer as a test rider

Jeremy McWilliams has been removed from his longstanding position as a test rider for KTM.

Ex-Grand Prix competitor Jeremy McWilliams is said to have been removed from his position as a test rider for KTM, a post he has maintained for a decade and a half.

McWilliams, who is famously recognized for securing the last pole position on a 500cc motorcycle in the top tier at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix, has held a position at KTM since 2009.

As reported by Speedweek, a publication based in Germany, the agreement between McWilliams and KTM, which was expected to continue until the close of 2025, has been abruptly canceled due to the financial difficulties faced by KTM. This decision puts an end to a 15-year partnership between the Mattighofen-based company and the rider from Belfast.

As a test rider for KTM, McWilliams has primarily focused on testing production models. However, he was also called upon during the initial development phase of the RC16.

Lately, McWilliams has played a significant role in creating the latest sports model from the Austrian brand, the RC 990. This model is KTM's contender in the Supersport categories, competing with top models such as the Ducati Panigale V2, Kawasaki ZX-6R, and Yamaha R9.

Prior to his engagement with KTM, McWilliams played a role in the development of the BMW S1000RR project, a time when the German brand was crafting the initial versions of the motorcycle. This model, especially in its recent M Power version, has since clinched the World Superbike Championship title with Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Recently, the racer from Northern Ireland has been performing exceptionally well in competitions. He secured a podium finish in this year's North West 200's second Supertwin race, and as a factory rider for Indian in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers class, which features large-displacement touring motorcycles, he has been in contention for wins.

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"Potential Escape Clause Could Pave the Way for Alex Albon's Red Bull Return

Rumors suggest that a contractual 'get-out clause' might allow Alex Albon to leave Williams and rejoin Red Bull."

It has been reported that Alex Albon's contract with Williams includes a provision allowing him to leave and rejoin Red Bull.

Sky Sports F1's pitlane correspondent, Ted Kravitz, shared the details in the most recent episode of the network's podcast.

At the conclusion of the 2020 season, Red Bull decided to part ways with Albon due to his inability to keep up with Max Verstappen's level of performance. Sergio Perez stepped in to fill the position, but it now appears that he may be at risk of losing his spot for the 2025 season

Following a year serving as Red Bull's backup driver, Albon earned a permanent spot with Williams for the 2022 season and has successfully restored his standing in the racing world over the last three years.

Liam Lawson, who stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull for the last six races of the 2024 season, is anticipated to succeed Perez in his position at the team.

However, Kravitz argues that this choice is not the right one and thinks Albon would be a more suitable option.

Reporter Kravitz expressed the view that Alex Albon, surprisingly, could be a key figure. He suggested that it wouldn't have required much persuasion from the engineering side to move Albon away from Williams.

"Williams had the option to include Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz in their lineup, which would have been ideal. Additionally, having Alex Albon would have provided a familiar benchmark to compare with Max Verstappen."

"Albon has gained more experience and maturity, allowing him to effectively manage interactions with Max and navigate the entire scenario. It's unclear why this hasn't been addressed."

Earlier this year, Albon finalized a contract extension with Williams that spans multiple years.

Kravitz mentioned that, to his knowledge, there is a provision in Albon's contract with Williams that would permit him to exit the team if Red Bull expresses interest in re-signing him.

Perez's departure is confirmed

Kravitz asserts that the choice to replace Perez for the upcoming season was finalized during the Qatar Grand Prix, which is the second-to-last race of the season.

Perez's disappointing showings last season contributed to Red Bull falling to third place in the constructors' championship, trailing McLaren and Ferrari.

According to Kravitz, the situation became completely evident to him following the race in Qatar. He mentioned that Christian Horner presented the constructors’ championship rankings on a sheet of paper during his press conference with journalists after the race.

"Every Sunday evening after the race, you can easily figure out what's on Christian Horner's mind based on the document he carries to his press conference."

Following the race in Mexico, he analyzed the telemetry data of Lando and Max, explaining which specific corners were involved and why he believed the two ten-second penalties given to Max were too severe.

Without any prompting, he suddenly mentions the constructors' standings, highlighting all the points that Sergio Perez failed to secure for the team.

"Considering the points Max has accumulated, this constructors' trophy rightfully belongs to Red Bull. However, due to Sergio Perez's performance, it isn't."

Christian Horner brought the constructors’ standings to Qatar, which led to the decision being made around that time. Since then, the focus has been on terminating the contract and settling the payment.

"We note that he hasn't done it, but he has departed from the team. Now, it’s just about managing the situation."

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Explanation of Formula E's 'fan boost'

The series is introducing a feature where viewers can select three drivers to receive an extra surge of speed during FIA Formula E competitions, enhancing fan engagement in the event.

Named 'FanBoost', this system allows spectators to cast a vote or multiple votes for their favorite racers in each competition. The top three drivers with the highest number of votes will gain a power boost, elevating their performance from 133kw (180bhp) to 200kw (270bhp), specifically designed to enhance their overtaking capabilities.

Designed to empower fans to have more influence over the race and support their preferred drivers, individuals can cast their votes through the official Formula E website (receiving one vote) and through the upcoming app (which allows for five votes).

The period for casting votes commences immediately after the conclusion of one race and extends all the way to the beginning of the next designated race, at which point the leading three drivers are revealed.

FanBoost represents one of many innovative features introduced in the upcoming all-electric Formula E series, set to begin on September 13th in Beijing. This series distinguishes itself with a one-day race schedule, races predominantly located in urban centers, and an extensive entertainment program aimed at enhancing the race experience.

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Helmut Marko provides an update about the decision on the Red Bull seat, stating, "Negotiations are progressing positively." He noted that it was the initial occasion for shareholder involvement, yet reiterated that discussions are moving forward in a positive direction.

Helmut Marko has disclosed that "constructive discussions are underway" as Red Bull considers a possible alteration to their Formula 1 driver roster for the year 2025.

It is anticipated that Red Bull will swap out Sergio Perez for Liam Lawson in the Formula 1 season of 2025.

Despite Perez's contract with the team running through the end of 2025, discussions are underway to decide if the Mexican driver will transition to a role as an ambassador or receive a buyout.

According to Marko's column in Speedweek, an announcement regarding the decision is anticipated before the Christmas holiday.

During a recent episode of the Inside Line Podcast, Marko provided the latest information.

"The talks are still in progress. I’m confident that a resolution and a statement will be made this week," he stated.

"You're correct; it's a complicated situation. This marks the first occasion that shareholders have been part of the process. However, as mentioned, there are constructive discussions taking place."

"Please be patient. I think a decision will be made and announced this week."

Will Lawson Replace Tsunoda?

It seems likely that Red Bull will choose Lawson to team up with Max Verstappen, rather than continuing with Tsunoda.

In 2024, Tsunoda consistently outperformed Lawson in qualifying sessions, achieving a 6-0 record. Despite this, the difference in their times was frequently less than one-tenth

Lawson's quick adjustment to the Formula 1 environment has caught the attention of F1 leaders, particularly due to his eagerness to compete against drivers like Fernando Alonso.

Since Pierre Gasly left at the close of 2022, Tsunoda has excelled, surpassing Lawson, Daniel Ricciardo, and Nyck de Vries in performance.

The Japanese racer stated that Red Bull was pleased with his technical insights during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Despite his impressive performance and an encouraging test result, it appears he hasn’t secured a spot on the main team.

Tsunoda is expected to continue for a fifth year with Red Bull, probably teaming up with Formula 2 second-place finisher Isack Hadjar.

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Experienced F1 official claims respect endures in the paddock despite critiques

An experienced FIA steward asserts that respect is still prevalent in the F1 paddock amidst criticism

Experienced Formula 1 steward Johnny Herbert has asserted that there is a mutual respect among people in the paddock, even though the sport faces significant criticism regarding its officiating.

The stewards from the FIA in Formula 1 faced heightened scrutiny after several notable events occurred towards the close of the 2024 season, with Max Verstappen being a central figure in many of these incidents.

Max Verstappen initially avoided any penalties for his aggressive defense against Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix, prompting a review of the racing regulations.

The driver, who has won the world championship four times, received two separate 10-second penalties for collisions involving Norris during the race in Mexico.

Jos Verstappen, the father of Max Verstappen, criticized Herbert after the event in Mexico, suggesting there might be a "conflict of interest."

The Red Bull racer has been outspoken in his disapproval of the stewards, referring to them as "idiots" after receiving a penalty for causing Oscar Piastri to spin during the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

No Hostility Among F1 Participants

In an interview with CoinPoker, Herbert, who serves as an FIA steward, stated that there is no ongoing hostility between the officials and the drivers.

"The drivers are more united than ever and act as a cohesive group. They are also very vocal about their views," he stated.

"It's been over three decades since I've witnessed such unity. It's beneficial that they have a voice. The more they express themselves, the more attention they receive. This is crucial for them."

"In the racing community, you simply keep going. Sure, there are times when you clash or feel annoyed, but you continue forward. It's the sole approach. There's no lasting resentment towards drivers or their parents."

"Being a steward is widely recognized as a challenging role. Personally, I haven't noticed any negative effects on my relationships with others in the paddock. There's a mutual respect among everyone involved."

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The decisive pit stop that secured McLaren's victory in the 2024 Formula 1 world championship

McLaren was just 0.7 seconds shy of missing out on the F1 constructors' championship.

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, stated that without an extremely fast pit stop, his team would have been defeated by Ferrari in the F1 constructors' championship.

Lando Norris clinched a win at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, which led McLaren to claim their ninth constructors' championship title, marking their first triumph since 1998.

Norris faced significant pressure, particularly after his teammate, Oscar Piastri, was spun by Max Verstappen at the first corner. Nevertheless, Norris remained flawless in his performance as he held off the challenge from Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

His fourth victory of the season ultimately placed the title out of Ferrari's grasp, leading to McLaren securing the championship by a margin of 14 points.

The McLaren pit crew played a key role by executing an essential two-second pit stop for Norris, who came in after Sainz had been closing the gap with newer tires. With Norris ultimately winning by just 5.8 seconds, the precise timing of the pit stops was critical to his success.

Brown praised the McLaren pit crew for their impressive performance in high-pressure situations.

In an interview on the High Performance podcast, Brown expressed that he wouldn't have liked the pressure of being on the pit crew tasked with executing a two-second pit stop, yet they successfully accomplished it.

"Consider the immense pressure involved. Although the season consists of 24 races, we were just approximately seven-tenths of a second from not winning the championship."

"Lando managed to emerge 1.6 or 1.7 seconds ahead of Carlos, who was showing impressive speed. With the turbulent air conditions, even though Lando might have had some extra performance to give, if Carlos had been within DRS range, defending against him would have been difficult. The Ferrari is extremely fast on straight sections, and Lando would have faced challenges due to the disturbed air."

Visualize this scenario: Carlos arrives and accomplishes a pit stop in just 2.2 seconds, setting a high benchmark. The pressure is immense to surpass that. However, they rose to the challenge and executed the fastest pit stop of the race. This level of performance has been consistent for the team throughout the year, and it has been truly remarkable.

McLaren's Standard Strategy

Brown expressed his desire for McLaren to treat the final race of the season just like any other, even though the championship was on the line.

He stated that things need to continue as they normally would. However, he acknowledged that while it's simple to claim this, the reality is different, as everyone is aware that the situation isn't normal.

Numerous individuals inquired about any changes I planned to implement for this race or the recent ones. My perspective is that it's essential to continue with the strategies that have led to my current success.

The moment you begin to alter your approach, it's as if you're saying, hold on, we've been executing excellent pit stops throughout the year and even hold the world record. There's no need to explain what's at stake; I believe they were already aware.

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Alex Lynn Secures First-Ever Formula E Pole Position in New York

Alex Lynn is set to lead the pack in his inaugural Formula E race, having clinched the top spot in Saturday's qualifying round in New York City, representing DS Virgin Racing.

Lynn is set to start at the front in today's inaugural FIA motorsport competition in New York, having outperformed Daniel Abt to secure the top spot during the Super Pole showdown at the Red Hook street circuit.

Lynn secured the quickest lap, clocking in at 1:03.296, outpacing Abt by two-tenths of a second, and also became the second newcomer in the series to achieve a pole position since Jean-Eric Vergne did so in Punta del Este three years earlier.

The qualifying round was a letdown for title hopeful Lucas di Grassi, who ended up in 10th place. He was aiming to take advantage of Sebastien Buemi's absence to close the 32-point lead in the standings, but failed to do so.

Sam Bird secured the fourth position for DS Virgin, followed by Jerome d'Ambrosio from Dragon in fifth, with Nick Heidfeld finishing sixth for Mahindra. NextEV NIO's duo, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Oliver Turvey, clinched the seventh and eighth positions respectively, whereas Nicolas Prost managed to grab the ninth spot for Renault e.dams. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly, filling in for Buemi and also a Red Bull Formula 1 junior, only managed to qualify in the 19th place.

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