During Marc Marquez's absence in 2020 due to injury, Honda made no advancements with its MotoGP motorcycle. The head of the LCR team has revealed how Marquez's injury negatively impacted Honda's progress.

Lucio Cecchinello, the head of the LCR MotoGP team, has stated that Honda "made no progress in development" during the 2020 season when Marc Marquez was absent due to an injury.

Marc Marquez, an eight-time world champion, along with Honda, led the racing world throughout much of the 2010s. Together, they clinched the championship titles for the years 2013-2014 and

In 2019, Marquez had an incredibly dominant season, securing victory in 12 races and earning second place in every race except one. This performance led him to claim his sixth premier class title, finishing 151 points ahead of Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso.

By this time, the RC213V was posing challenges for the rest of the Honda team, with Cal Crutchlow being the sole rider apart from Marquez to reach the podium in the 2019 season.

During the first race of the COVID-impacted 2020 season, Marquez suffered a severe fracture in his right arm, leading to Honda experiencing its first season without a victory in the top category since it resumed full-time participation in 1982.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Marquez faced ongoing injury challenges, prompting Honda to adjust its bike development strategy in an effort to accommodate all its riders more effectively.

During the period that extends to the conclusion of 2024, Honda has experienced three seasons without a victory out of the last five.

Speaking with GPOne, Cecchinello, who has been managing Honda motorcycles in MotoGP since 2006, discussed the significant impact Marquez's absence due to injury had on HRC.

"The motorcycle worked well for Marc, as he managed to handle Honda's unique front design and opted for a harder tire compared to his competitors," he stated.

One instance is the race that kicked off the 2020 season. In Jerez, he managed to pass all his competitors, but then he lost control of the front. After remounting his bike, he made an impressive recovery.

"Honda then suggested delaying until Marc had recuperated; however, as we are aware, unexpected issues arose."

While Marc was away, we made no progress on development, whereas the others kept advancing their projects.

"The focus shifted increasingly towards aerodynamics, and when Marc participated in some races in 2021, he provided feedback on the advancements achieved by others."

In 2023, Marquez decided to part ways with Honda due to the bike's lack of progress. He will be riding for the Gresini Ducati team in 2024.

In the previous racing season, he secured victories in three grand prix events, marking his first wins since 2021, and he also inked a contract with Ducati's factory team for the year

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Jos Verstappen clarifies the real story behind the gas station incident involving Max Verstappen. Jos Verstappen firmly states that he did not abandon his son Max at a gas station after a disappointing karting competition.

Jos Verstappen insists that he never abandoned his son, Max Verstappen, a multiple-time Formula 1 world champion, at a gas station as a consequence for an error during his kart racing years.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, once recounted an incident from his teenage years. At the age of 14, after an unsatisfactory karting race in southern Italy, his father abandoned him at a gas station.

In an interview with the German outlet F1-Insider, Verstappen Sr clarified that the real story was that he never abandoned his son; he simply didn't communicate with him for a week.

The ex-Formula 1 driver is recognized for significantly contributing to Verstappen's development into a highly respected racer, employing unconventional and occasionally extremely rigorous techniques.

Verstappen Sr stated, "I believe it's time to set the record straight about that incident." He clarified, "The reality is that I didn't abandon him; I simply didn't communicate with him for a week."

"Did it seem too severe? Max didn't think so. He believed that my approach had better equipped him for Formula 1."

This is why interacting with Helmut Marko, recognized for his very tough demeanor, no longer troubled him.

He values our decision to continue practicing with the kart using dry tires even though the track was wet. He seems to be thankful when reflecting on his upbringing with me.

What were Verstappen's comments? During a conversation with ESPN in 2022, Verstappen recounted the incident thoroughly, mentioning that he had to phone his mother to pick him up.

Certainly, Verstappen recalled that once they were in the van, he felt the urge to discuss the event with his father. However, his father responded by instructing him to remain silent, refusing to listen, and told him to sit in the back without discussing the matter further.

Naturally, I continued attempting to talk to him until he eventually stopped at a gas station and told me, "Get out. I don't want to listen to you anymore."

"He kicked me out and drove away, and this all happened in southern Italy."

Verstappen added: "Fortunately, my mother was also present, so I phoned her. She was driving on the highway behind us and managed to reach us about five minutes later."

As we were getting ready to leave, my dad came back with the van and told us to get in, but insisted, "I don't want to hear a single word." At that time, he was with his girlfriend, and it's likely she persuaded him not to go through with it.

During the entire journey back, which lasted around 17 hours, we remained silent. Once we returned, he continued to give me the silent treatment for an entire week. I focused on attending school and carrying out my usual activities, but each day after returning home, I typically visited the workshop. However, for that entire week, I avoided going there, and he still wouldn't speak to me.

He wasn't involved in any racing activities or even at the workshop, so it seemed like a harsh reality check and penalty to me. I came to understand that I had really messed up.

The experience proved beneficial for me. The following year, I significantly improved in evaluating my overtaking maneuvers and strategizing my race approach. I realized that the race wasn't decided in a single lap and that there would be more opportunities to overtake. If I had the speed advantage, I would eventually succeed in passing.

"It was a difficult experience, yet ultimately beneficial."

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Uncovered: The F1 Drivers Who Earned the Most in Bonuses for 2024

A Breakdown of the Top Bonus Payments to F1 Drivers from Last Season

Leading Formula 1 drivers receive high salaries and have the opportunity to earn substantial bonuses as well.

Typically, bonuses are awarded for winning grand prix races or securing championship titles.

The outcome is ultimately influenced by the team's financial resources and size, as well as the driver's level of experience.

F1 2024 Top Bonus Earnings

According to Forbes, Lando Norris received the highest bonus payments in the previous season.

Alongside his $12 million salary, he earned an additional $23 million for his excellent performance, concluding the season as the second-place finisher in the drivers' championship.

Norris gave Max Verstappen a strong challenge for the championship, securing victory in four grand prix races along the way.

Oscar Piastri, a member of the same team, was awarded the second-largest sum in bonuses.

Following McLaren's victory in the constructors' championship, Piastri received an additional $17 million in addition to his $5 million salary.

Due to a less competitive car during the latter part of the year, Verstappen only managed to secure a $15 million bonus.

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz received a total bonus of $21 million for securing second place for Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

George Russell from Mercedes secured an additional $8 million following his victories in two grand prix races. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton gained $2 million after achieving a single triumph at the Silverstone event.

Sergio Perez, who is probably in his last season in Formula 1, earned $7.5 million. He started strong with podium finishes in four of the first five races, but his performance significantly declined afterward.

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Who among the 2025 MotoGP newcomers might emerge as the next Pedro Acosta? Lewis Duncan from Crash evaluates the three new riders and discusses potential expectations.

After the 2022 season, MotoGP is set to introduce three newcomers to its lineup: Fermin Aldeguer, Ai Ogura, and Somkiat Chantra.

For many years, MotoGP has been known for consistently developing new talent. However, in the past two years, only one fresh face has entered the top tier of the sport. In 2023, Augusto Fernandez made his debut with Tech3 after claiming the Moto2 championship title. The following year, in 2024, the new Moto2 champion, Pedro Acosta, joined the premier class.

It was no surprise that there was a lot of excitement about Acosta's first year, during which he achieved nine podium finishes in both sprint races and grand prix events while riding for the Tech3 GASGAS team.

The anticipation hasn't fully extended to the rookies of 2025, but Ogura arrives as the current Moto2 champion. Meanwhile, Aldeguer's impressive performance in the 2023 Moto2 season was sufficient to persuade Ducati that he was prepared for MotoGP at the beginning of the previous year.

Chantra's entry into the MotoGP lineup has surprised some, considering his career record of just two grand prix victories in 106 races. However, he makes history as Thailand's first representative in the top tier of the sport, and his first appearance is expected to receive resounding cheers at the season opener in Buriram.

It's common for newcomers to be measured against past first-timers who established new standards. In this scenario, the performance of Acosta in 2024 will be (unjustly) compared to the achievements of Ogura, Aldeguer, and Chantra this year.

Instead, Crash has chosen to consider who the three new riders of 2025 will replace as rookies within their teams and the standards established by those predecessors.

Ai Ogura – Trackhouse Racing (Replaces Darryn Binder)

The current Moto2 world champion surprised many by joining Trackhouse Racing during the 2024 silly season. However, the decision to bring the Japanese talent on board has proven to be a very wise move over time.

Ogura has been close to making his MotoGP debut for a while. However, he decided not to take a sure opportunity with Honda and LCR, opting instead for a new venture that seems more promising, considering the current performance of the RC213V compared to the RS-GP.

In a conversation with Crash.net, scheduled to be published this weekend, Trackhouse team leader Davide Brivio shared that the US-based team was drawn to Ogura not only because of his racing speed but also due to his mindset and determination as a competitor.

As the Moto2 titleholder, Ogura will serve as the standard against which this year's newcomers will be measured. Within his own team, he faces the simplest comparison. Darryn Binder was the most recent rookie to compete for that squad when it was known as RNF.

The South African rider's move from Moto3 to MotoGP with the Yamaha satellite team was primarily driven by the financial support he provided. During his Moto3 career, he secured only one victory and developed a negative image due to his aggressive approach on the track.

Like any aspiring racer, he jumped at the opportunity to join MotoGP. However, in 2022, riding an outdated Yamaha setup, he managed to earn points only three times, achieving his highest finish with a 10th place in a rainy Indonesian Grand Prix. When RNF switched from Yamaha to Aprilia for the 2023 season, Binder was relegated back to Moto2, where he has also struggled to stand out.

Overall, Binder managed to earn only 12 points during his only year in MotoGP. Even though this was before the introduction of sprint races, Ogura is expected to easily achieve this score in his debut year.

Fermin Aldeguer – Gresini Racing (Replaces Fabio Di Giannantonio)

Aldeguer stands out as potentially the most fascinating newcomer in the 2025 lineup. His journey to grand prix racing was not typical, but he showcased his dominance in the CEV Stock600 series in 2020 and the CEV Moto2 series in 2021.

In 2021, he participated in the MotoE series before transitioning to a full-time role in Moto2 in 2022. The subsequent year, riding on a Boscoscuro chassis, he claimed victory in five grand prix races, including the last four of the season. This impressive performance secured him third place in the overall rankings and positioned him as a strong candidate for a MotoGP spot in 2025.

Before the start of the 2024 season, Ducati locked in his contract, and it turned out to be a smart move given Aldeguer's unpredictable performance. Despite achieving three wins, he concluded the season in fifth place, using the same chassis that Ogura had used to claim the championship.

Aldeguer encountered some doubts about what lay ahead for him. Initially, it seemed that he would join Pramac with a factory Ducati contract. However, the situation changed when Marc Marquez secured a factory deal, prompting Pramac to transition to Yamaha for the 2025 season. Ultimately, Ducati arranged for Aldeguer to ride for Gresini, although he would be using a motorcycle that was a year behind in terms of model.

For Aldeguer, the standard for newcomers at Gresini is set by Fabio Di Giannantonio, who began his MotoGP career with the team in 2022.

Di Giannantonio faced challenges during his debut season. It wasn't until the seventh race in France that he managed to earn any points, and he only achieved a top 10 finish once, placing eighth in Germany. However, everything changed for Di Giannantonio in 2023 when he teamed up with crew chief Frankie Carchedi, leading to his first victory in Qatar that year.

In 2025, the Italian will have a Ducati produced by the VR46 team.

In 2022, Di Giannantonio managed to secure a total of 24 points. The Gresini team, however, has shown that it functions like a close-knit family in recent years, willing to explore all possible options to enhance a rider's performance.

Di Giannantonio's situation could serve as a means to alleviate some of the stress for Aldeguer if he faces challenges during the initial year of his two-year contract.

Somkiat Chantra joins LCR Honda, taking over from Takaaki Nakagami. Many believed that when Ogura secured a deal with Trackhouse for the 2025 season, it ensured Nakagami would remain with LCR for an additional year.

LCR and Honda had different plans, choosing Chantra for the spot. The Idemitsu-sponsored section of the LCR team, designed for an Asian racer, welcomes Chantra with the enthusiastic support of Thailand, a country passionate about MotoGP.

For the upcoming two years, Buriram is set to hold the opening event of the season. Meanwhile, the championship plans to officially kick things off with an event in Bangkok on February 9. Given the profitable nature of the Thai market, Chantra's nationality certainly played in his favor.

In 2025, he stands as one of two former competitors from the Asia Talent Cup participating on the racetrack. Chantra claimed the championship title in the 2016 series, surpassing Ogura. To counter claims that he was selected merely for representation purposes, Chantra boasts two Moto2 grand prix victories.

Chantra is confronted with the most challenging situation among the three new riders in 2025. He is joining the team with the least competitive motorcycle and is succeeding Nakagami, who was a relatively strong newcomer for LCR.

In his debut season in 2018, the Japanese motorcyclist regularly earned points, concluding the year with a total of 33 points and achieving his top performance with a sixth-place finish in the chaotic and rainy final race at the Valencia Grand Prix. Nakagami subsequently became an important asset for Honda, particularly in the area of motorcycle development.

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Lando Norris undergoes a mental transformation: “He stopped being overly self-critical”

A Formula 1 analyst observed that Lando Norris changed his approach during the latter part of the 2024 season.

Ex-IndyCar racer James Hinchcliffe observed a distinct change in mindset from Lando Norris throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season.

In 2024, Norris had a standout year, securing four victories for McLaren and leading the team to their first constructors' championship in more than two decades.

Although those achievements were significant, Norris may have missed a chance to advance in the drivers' championship.

At the start of the season, Max Verstappen secured victory in seven out of the first ten races. Meanwhile, Norris and the McLaren team faced regret over several mistakes, especially in their race strategies, which enabled the Dutch driver to maintain a significant lead in the points rankings.

Norris gradually caught up to Verstappen, who made history by winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after starting in 17th position on the grid, which ultimately concluded the title competition.

During the 2024 season, Norris was openly self-critical during both the high and low points. However, towards the end of the season, Hinchcliffe noticed a shift in the British driver's mindset.

Hinchcliffe mentioned on The Red Flags podcast that there's a clear change in the way Lando discusses himself from the beginning of the year compared to the end.

"Every sportsperson tends to be extremely self-critical. Lando openly criticized himself a lot, but during the latter part of the year, he stopped doing that publicly."

"Even on days that weren't ideal, he wasn't being overly critical of himself anymore. When Oscar was eliminated in the first turn and Leclerc managed to climb from 19th to 8th place in the opening lap, the competition for the constructors' championship heated up. Lando had to be flawless; a single error that allowed Carlos to overtake would cost them the championship."

Is Norris poised to clinch the F1 championship in 2025? Considering McLaren's strong performance towards the end of the 2024 season, Norris is expected to enter the new year as the top contender for the title.

McLaren's vehicle performed reliably across various tracks.

On the other hand, Red Bull and Ferrari's performance fluctuated based on the specific features of each track, while for Mercedes, it was influenced by weather conditions.

After the summer break, Norris managed to correct several of his mistakes from earlier in the year, with the exception of a messy performance in the race in Brazil.

Facing significant pressure in Abu Dhabi, Norris secured victory starting from pole position, finishing ahead of both Ferrari drivers.

If Norris hadn't secured victory in the race, Ferrari would have clinched the constructors' championship because Oscar Piastri ended up in a poor position following his collision with Verstappen on the first lap.

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Max Verstappen recounts the story of how he trashed his room in Brazil in frustration. He explains that his father, Jos, played a soothing role in helping him regain composure following a challenging qualifying session in Brazil.

Max Verstappen confessed that he felt an urge to "wreck" his room in frustration after a poor performance during the qualifying session at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Last year in Brazil, the Dutch driver initially secured the 12th position in qualifying. However, he was pushed back to 17th place due to a penalty for surpassing his engine allocation, as he had a new power unit installed in his Red Bull car.

Lando Norris secured the top spot in qualifying, leaving his title competitor, Verstappen, frustrated with how the session unfolded. Verstappen shared that it was his father, Jos, who eventually helped him regain his composure.

On the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen expressed his disappointment with the qualifying session.

"I felt an urge to wreck my room, but when I entered, I found my dad sitting inside."

In response to whether his father had already wrecked the room on his behalf, Verstappen said, "No, he was the composed one. He remained very composed."

"I was really upset, but seeing him so composed actually helped me feel more relaxed."

A sea of disappointment was evident at Red Bull. However, Verstappen delivered a remarkable performance, starting from 17th on the grid and securing victory in a tumultuous race marked by intense rain. This triumph brought him to the verge of claiming his fourth world championship, which he achieved at the subsequent race in Las Vegas.

Reflecting on that day, he recalled that there was a somber atmosphere in the office as they got ready for the race, with many people showing signs of sadness, since everything unfolded at once.

"You're beginning the race in 17th position, while your main competitor is on pole position. This situation could lead to a significant shift in championship points, which had everyone feeling quite anxious."

However, the weather turned, and rain began to fall, making it a damp day. I quickly got into the car. While I do enjoy these conditions and have a preference for driving in the rain, the situation is unpredictable. There's always a chance of being forced out of the race or losing control and veering off the track, as the conditions are quite challenging.

"Once the race started, things went well. It was pleasant. I really enjoyed myself. I felt great, steadily moving up to the lead."

Verstappen confessed that he experienced a sense of "relief" while on the podium, realizing he was well-positioned to secure the world championship title, especially after Norris faced challenges during the race and ended up in sixth place.

He explained, "The moment I won the race and saw the result overall, I realized that was the end of it."

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Jorge Martin gives a somber assessment of his chances to keep the MotoGP title in 2025, stating, "The challenge is immense."

Current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin is setting his sights on the 2026 season as a more feasible opportunity to compete for the championship with Aprilia.

Following Ducati's reversal of its choice to advance him to their main team, opting instead for Marc Marquez, Martin inked a two-year contract with Aprilia.

Discover more: The promising indications following Jorge Martin's initial trial with Aprilia

After securing the championship for Ducati with the Pramac team last season, Martin will embark on defending his title this year using an RS-GP that dropped to third place in the constructors' standings for 2024.

Although Aprilia admitted that his initial impressions of the bike during his debut testing session last November in Barcelona were "better than anticipated," Martin has taken steps to manage expectations regarding his potential to contend for the championship in 2025.

During his appearance on the Tengo Un Plan podcast, he remarked that even if he had stayed with Ducati, his objective would have remained unchanged: to put in his best effort and strive for victory.

"At this point, I'm uncertain about what to expect, as I'm not sure about the condition of the bike."

"The difficulty is significant because I'm moving to a bike that's barely in the top 10, after parting ways with one that was among the leading contenders."

"If I began in fifth position and ended up winning races or securing second place, I would feel a great sense of pride. What truly matters, though, is making progress."

Competing for the championship with the Aprilia will be challenging, so the goal for the upcoming season isn't set that high.

"The chance might arise as soon as 2026, but for the moment, I need to focus on doing my best."

Martin is the first world champion to switch manufacturers while defending his title since 2004, when Valentino Rossi moved from Honda to Yamaha.

In 2004, Rossi took control of the season and clinched his fourth world championship in the premier class.

Aprilia has scheduled the unveiling of its 2025 season for January 16 in Milan. During this event, it is anticipated that Martin will announce his decision to race with the number one plate on his RS-GP for the upcoming year.

Throughout the winter months, he has frequently hinted at the change on his social media platforms.

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Max Verstappen Allegedly Prevented Carlos Sainz from Joining Red Bull

Claims suggest that Max Verstappen played a role in stopping Carlos Sainz from becoming a part of the Red Bull team.

Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that Max Verstappen "would have prevented" Carlos Sainz from becoming part of Red Bull's F1 team for the 2025 season.

There were speculations that Sainz might join Red Bull this season after news broke that he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari starting in 2025. However, Red Bull decided not to choose the Spaniard and instead maintained their support for Sergio Perez.

At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Perez was let go due to his inability to improve his poor performance. Racing Bulls decided to elevate driver Liam Lawson to the main team for this season.

Speculation had arisen that Sainz was not genuinely considered for a position at Red Bull because of alleged tensions between his team and Verstappen’s team. Back in 2015, Sainz and Verstappen were teammates at Toro Rosso, and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko disclosed that their relationship occasionally became "quite toxic."

Montoya, who has won seven grand prix races, believes that Verstappen likely would have blocked any attempt to bring Sainz onto the team.

Juan Pablo Montoya mentioned to CasasDeApuestas.bet that he believes Max Verstappen likely prevented Carlos Sainz from joining Red Bull to avoid tough competition within the team, although he noted that he couldn't verify this himself.

During their time together as teammates at Toro Rosso, their relationship was quite rocky. It's doubtful that Max would have wanted to experience that situation again. He made things quite challenging for Max Verstappen. Given that Max has some control over who his teammate is, it's unlikely he would choose to invite trouble.

"It's not a matter of Max Verstappen being afraid; it's about using good judgment. Why complicate things and create a challenging situation for yourself when you can avoid it?"

Montoya expressed his disappointment regarding Carlos Sainz's current position, suggesting that Sainz deserved a more favorable outcome. However, he is optimistic about Williams, predicting they could mirror McLaren's success in the coming years.

"In my opinion, Williams has the potential to achieve remarkable success in the future. In two or three years, they could reach the level where McLaren is currently, having completely transformed their situation. They have secured the necessary financial support and have all the resources required to accomplish their goals."

Montoya suggests that Colapinto might make a comeback at Williams, while also predicting that Alex Albon will face pressure to maintain his position on the team.

Montoya mentioned that Franco Colapinto is destined to join Williams.

"The individuals likely to face challenges next year are Jack Doohan, due to Pierre Gasly's strong performance, and Alex Albon, who finds himself in a similar situation as when he was paired with Max."

"At Williams, the focus will now be on Carlos Sainz. Previously, the emphasis was on Alex for several years."

"When someone has held the top position and is connected to the second spot but is still anticipated to maintain speed, stress is bound to increase, mistakes are likely to occur, and this could create a chance for Franco."

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Max Verstappen stated that he was serious about his intention to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko departed, and it wasn't just a bluff.

Max Verstappen has confirmed that his threat to leave Red Bull during last year's Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was genuine and not a mere bluff.

The future of the Dutch driver became a hot topic of discussion and conjecture following the controversy involving Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, and the resulting internal political unrest at the team early last year.

Max Verstappen, whose agreement with Red Bull runs through 2028, was also openly pursued by Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff. Wolff was in search of a new driver after the surprising announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.

During the second race of the season held in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen hinted that he might depart from Red Bull if Helmut Marko, his advisor, confidant, and ally, were to exit the team.

Verstappen's remarks added to the speculation about a possible separation, but he later confirmed his commitment to staying with Red Bull following his fourth consecutive world championship victory with the team.

In an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen emphasized that his statements in Jeddah were intentional.

Verstappen expressed his thoughts plainly, saying it was crucial to speak up at that moment. He emphasized that his words were genuine and not just a tactic. The team is aware of his sincerity.

Verstappen confessed that he wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation at Red Bull during that period, but emphasized that he wouldn't have reacted impulsively.

"At that point, did I have any uncertainties about my future with Red Bull? My confidence wasn't entirely solid," he mentioned. "There were numerous things happening."

"However, I believe that if a problem arises, it's not appropriate to instantly decide to walk away. That's not how I am."

Clause linked to Marko eliminated

Verstappen's contract previously included a provision that connected his future to Marko, allowing for an exit under certain conditions.

Marko has disclosed to De Telegraaf that this clause has now been "modified or eliminated."

Red Bull's team principal, Horner, assured Autosport that there has never been any question about Verstappen's dedication, even amid last season's rumors.

According to Horner, his dedication has remained steadfast. He takes pleasure in working with those he trusts and feels a strong sense of belonging within this team.

Naturally, given his skill set, it's certain that every team principal would love to have him on their roster. That's just a given. However, as long as we can keep offering him a car that's competitive and a racing atmosphere he enjoys, I don't think he'll want to leave us.

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KTM's stock price rises with anticipation of new funding

Encouraging developments in KTM's efforts to ensure long-term stability

KTM's chances of overcoming its financial difficulties have improved thanks to growing trust from potential investors in the company's reorganization efforts.

Before Christmas 2024, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe from Austria sought to avoid bankruptcy by entering self-administration, as it struggled with confirmed debts totaling €1.8 billion.

During the initial creditors' meeting on December 20, there was an optimistic perspective regarding the company's future viability. However, the report also mentioned that there would be an "intended" exit from MotoGP.

KTM has announced it intends to remain in the racing circuit through 2025, with an expected departure in 2026, although the circumstances are currently quite unpredictable.

Additional actions that have been implemented include a temporary halt in production, the dismissal of more than 700 workers, and the decision to sell its controlling interest in MV Agusta.

As reported by GPOne, KTM must secure an investment of €540 million by February 25, which is the date set for creditors to vote on the company's restructuring plan.

There is optimism for KTM as it attracts attention from major investors, and its stock price has increased by nearly 70 percent in the past month.

According to GPOne, Bajaj Auto and CFMoto, who currently hold shares in KTM, intend to boost their financial commitment to help preserve the brand. Additionally, Hong Kong's FountainVest has shown interest in investing.

Last month, Stefan Pierer, the CEO of KTM, announced that he plans to utilize his personal funds to assist in the company's restructuring efforts, which will involve the sale of different assets.

Although the considerable interest in investing has offered hope for KTM, it is expected to result in Pierer potentially sacrificing some of his control over the company he established.

KTM might need to scale back on some of its ventures, such as its bicycle division and the KTM XBow car division.

KTM's racing team has been implementing a detailed 100-point strategy to secure its future. Meanwhile, the head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, disclosed that they have engaged in "serious" discussions with Lewis Hamilton's management regarding potential investment opportunities.

In the world of MotoGP, KTM has reduced its participation by withdrawing the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands from the top-tier category, as well as from the Moto2 and Moto3 lineups.

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Prominent F1 drivers face crucial questions in 2025

A trio of leading F1 drivers approach 2025 with significant questions looming.

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Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell, who are among the most prominent figures in Formula 1, are all facing the challenge of demonstrating their capabilities in 2025.

Having had varied levels of success in the previous season, each of the three faces uncertainties as they approach the upcoming F1 season.

As the year 2025 approaches, a crucial time for all three, will they be able to prove their critics wrong?

Can Lewis Hamilton Overcome His Qualifying Challenges?

For Lewis Hamilton, the 2024 season fell short of his usual exceptional performance.

Even though he secured two race wins and broke a 945-day dry spell with an outstanding performance at Silverstone, the seven-time world champion ended up in seventh place in the overall championship rankings. This marked the lowest finish in his remarkable 18-year career.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced challenges as he was significantly outperformed by his teammate Russell in the qualifying rounds, losing 19-5. Russell also maintained his dominance during the races.

As Hamilton approaches the 2025 season, a major concern is his performance during qualifying laps. Once considered his strongest skill, Hamilton's subpar qualifying efforts in 2024 have led him, the F1 record holder for the most pole positions, to question whether he has lost some of his competitive advantage.

Transitioning to Ferrari, Hamilton encounters a significant challenge as he not only needs to adjust to a new team and vehicle after spending 12 years with Mercedes, but he must also compete against Charles Leclerc, who is considered one of the fastest, if not the fastest, drivers in qualifying laps.

Is it possible for the 40-year-old to quiet the doubters who wonder if he's beyond his prime? Hamilton will definitely face a challenge at Ferrari in 2025.

Title: Can Lando Norris Clinch the F1 Championship?

Lando Norris showcased his skills last season, silencing numerous critics by positioning himself as the nearest contender to Max Verstappen for the championship title.

The year 2024 is set to be a standout season for Norris in Formula 1. He successfully shed the nickname "Lando NoWins" after achieving his first victory in Miami. He went on to secure three more remarkable wins, ultimately securing second place in the championship standings, just behind Verstappen.

The 25-year-old British driver still has a lot to demonstrate as he approaches the 2025 season. Key among the challenges is whether he can eliminate errors and contend for the championship throughout the entire year. Doubts also linger regarding his mental toughness, as Norris often criticizes himself for performances he considers substandard, which some commentators view as a potential flaw.

Norris's aspirations for securing his first world championship were dashed as McLaren began the season at a disadvantage, leading him to fall behind Verstappen. Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining. Norris admitted that both he and McLaren made errors the previous year and confessed that he "wasn't prepared" to compete directly with the seemingly unbeatable Verstappen.

McLaren concluded the year 2024 as the leading team, securing their first constructors’ championship since 1998. As they head into the new season, they are regarded as the early frontrunners. If the team from Woking can keep up their current level of performance, Norris is expected to have a car that can compete for victories right from the start.

It remains uncertain if Norris can effectively challenge Verstappen throughout a 24-race season. However, he is certainly not short on confidence, declaring after his victory at the Abu Dhabi finale, "Next year will be my year as well."

Is George Russell poised to take the helm at Mercedes?

The inclusion of Russell's name on this list might come as a shock to some, especially considering his impressive 2024 season and his standout performances when compared to his esteemed former Mercedes teammate, Hamilton.

Nonetheless, Russell is still feeling the heat to deliver results. As the unofficial head of the Mercedes team, he is anticipated to drive the team onward during the period following Hamilton's tenure, working alongside young newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is entering the upcoming season without a contract for 2026, putting his future with the team in question. Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has consistently emphasized that Russell, along with Antonelli, represents the future of the Silver Arrows, he has also expressed willingness to seize any chance to bring Verstappen on board if such an opportunity presents itself.

Having previously missed out on Verstappen, Wolff is determined not to lose another chance to secure his talents. As a result, Russell must consistently perform at his best to prevent Wolff from pursuing Verstappen any further.

If Mercedes protégé Antonelli isn't decisively outperformed from the start, it could raise questions for Wolff and possibly threaten Russell's position, which currently seems unimaginable.

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Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-spot reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing industry.

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EXCLUSIVE – Joan Mir on Pedro Acosta's Future in MotoGP: "Victory Is Inevitable"

"His skills and natural ability make it inevitable. It's just a question of when."

Securing a podium finish in just his second MotoGP race and subsequently taking the lead before finishing second in Austin, Pedro Acosta quickly became the favorite among many to surpass Marc Marquez as the youngest winner in the premier class of racing.

Acosta, in his debut season with GASGAS Tech3, had a deadline until the German Grand Prix in July to surpass Marquez's 2013 achievement of securing a MotoGP victory by the age of 20 years and 63 days.

However, it did not occur prior to or following the Sachsenring event.

Acosta's opportunities for wins were often lost due to unexpected events and mishaps. Nevertheless, he stood out as the sole KTM competitor to secure multiple podium finishes last season, achieving this feat five times on Sundays.

Despite his efforts, he was unable to secure fifth place and the highest honor among non-Ducati riders, falling behind his future KTM team-mate Brad Binder in the final race in Barcelona.

2020 MotoGP titleholder Joan Mir commended Acosta's performance over the season and emphasized that a win is inevitable.

"Mir expressed to Crash.net that Pedro is performing excellently."

Being competitive across all circuits is a challenging task, and Pedro demonstrated remarkable speed at every track, which is truly impressive.

"Likely, the Ducatis have a notable lead in performance, which certainly didn't assist him in achieving his initial win."

"However, it's on its way… He's absorbing a great deal and his speed is remarkable."

It doesn't shock me that he didn't clinch victory – however, had he secured a win, that wouldn't have astonished me either, given his skill and capability.

"It's only a question of when."

Mir secured his initial MotoGP victory en route to claiming the global championship in his sophomore year in the top tier.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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