"Exit provision" allegation opens a possible return path to Red Bull for Alex Albon

Allegation surfaces that a special "exit provision" in his Williams agreement may allow Alex Albon to make a comeback to Red Bull.

It's been reported that Alex Albon possesses an escape clause in his Williams contract, allowing him the option to go back to Red Bull if he chooses.

During the most recent episode of their podcast, Sky Sports F1's pitlane correspondent, Ted Kravitz, disclosed the details.

Albon was let go by Red Bull at the conclusion of 2020 due to his inability to keep pace with Max Verstappen. Sergio Perez, who stepped in as Albon's successor, appears to be on the verge of being replaced for the 2025 season.

Following a year of serving as Red Bull's backup driver, Albon landed a permanent racing position with Williams in 2022, effectively revitalizing his career over the last three years.

Liam Lawson, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull for the last six events of 2024, is anticipated to fill Perez's position at Red Bull.

However, Kravitz is of the opinion that it is "an incorrect choice" and instead thinks Albon would be a more suitable option.

"Kravitz mentioned, somewhat unexpectedly, 'I believe that, in terms of engineering effort, it wouldn't have required significant leverage to move Alex Albon from Williams.'"

Williams had the opportunity to field Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz, ideally, while Alex Albon could have served as a reliable benchmark against Max Verstappen.

"Albon's age and experience have given him the wisdom to manage Max and the entire scenario effectively. It's puzzling why they haven't taken advantage of that yet."

Earlier this year, Albon secured a several-year contract renewal with Williams.

Kravitz disclosed that, to his knowledge, there's a provision in Albon's Williams contract that essentially permits him to exit should Red Bull express interest in him once more.

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

Perez's disappointing showings last season played a role in Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors' standings, falling behind both McLaren and Ferrari.

Kravitz mentioned, "It became unmistakably evident to me following the Qatar race." He referred to the moment when Christian Horner presented the constructors' championship rankings, written on a sheet of paper, during his media debrief after the race.

"Now, you can always decipher Christian Horner's thoughts based on the document he carries to his media session every Sunday evening following the race."

Following the race in Mexico, he analyzed the data from Lando and Max's cars, focusing on the specific turn and explaining his viewpoint on why the two ten-second penalties given to Max seemed excessive.

"Out of nowhere, it seemed, he shifted the conversation to the constructors' rankings, highlighting the points that Sergio Perez failed to secure for the team."

"Considering the amount of points Max accumulated, Red Bull genuinely deserves this constructors' trophy. The only thing holding them back is Sergio Perez's performance."

That's the reason Christian Horner presented the team rankings in Qatar, and it seems the verdict was made around that time. From then on, it's been a matter of figuring out how to terminate the agreement and settle his compensation.

"It's noted that he hasn't remained, rather, he has departed from the team. This situation is now about strategizing the process."

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Helmut Marko provides an update regarding the Red Bull seat decision: "We're engaging in constructive talks"

This marks the initial instance where shareholders participated, however, as mentioned, we're currently engaged in constructive discussions."

Helmut Marko has indicated that "constructive talks are in progress" as Red Bull considers a possible adjustment to their Formula 1 driver roster for the 2025 season.

Anticipation is high that Red Bull will swap out Sergio Perez for Liam Lawson in their Formula 1 lineup for the 2025 season

Nonetheless, discussions are currently in progress to decide if Perez, whose contract with the team extends through 2025, will transition to a representative position or receive a settlement.

Marko revealed in his Speedweek column that an announcement is anticipated to be made before the Christmas holiday.

Earlier this week, during an appearance on the Inside Line Podcast, Marko provided an update.

"Discussions are currently in progress. I'm optimistic that we will reach a conclusion and make an announcement within this week," he stated.

"Indeed, it's a nuanced tale, as you pointed out. This occasion marked the initial involvement of the shareholders, but as mentioned earlier, constructive discussions are currently in progress."

"Stay calm. I'm confident that a decision and an announcement will be made this week."

Lawson ahead of Tsunoda?

It appears that Red Bull is leaning towards promoting Lawson to partner with Max Verstappen, rather than opting for Tsunoda.

In 2024, Tsunoda consistently qualified ahead of Lawson in all six races, yet the margin separating them was frequently narrower than a tenth of a second.

Lawson's rapid adjustment to Formula 1 has caught the attention of the sport's leaders, particularly his eagerness to compete directly against veterans like Fernando Alonso on the circuit.

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

The driver from Japan stated that Red Bull was pleased with his technical input during the off-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Despite showcasing impressive performance and a promising trial, it appears he has not secured a move up to the primary squad.

Tsunoda is poised to enter his fifth year with Red Bull, probably teaming up with Formula 2 second-place finisher Isack Hadjar.

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Helmut Marko identifies improvement areas for Liam Lawson before potential 2025 Red Bull move

Helmut Marko reviews Liam Lawson's performance in anticipation of a possible elevation to Red Bull by 2025

Helmut Marko has commended Liam Lawson for demonstrating his resilience as a racer in Formula 1, though he emphasized the necessity for Lawson to improve his consistency during competitions.

It's anticipated that Lawson will be joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 F1 campaign.

Despite being outperformed in qualifying 6-0 by his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson frequently finished within a tenth of a second behind him.

Lawson's flexibility and potential for growth, considering his minimal experience in F1, have made him a strong candidate to compete for Red Bull in 2025.

Red Bull has not yet made a decision, but they are engaged in "positive negotiations" as they work towards reaching an agreement with Sergio Perez.

Evaluating Lawson's journey in F1 to date, Marko acknowledged that it remains to be determined if the New Zealander will emerge as "one of the legendary drivers."

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

"Hence, given a complete season, he must demonstrate his capability to compete once more. In terms of qualifying, he was virtually at par with Yuki, and we need to observe further progress to determine if he's on his way to becoming a remarkable driver."

"I would also mention that his performance in the races has been more steady, showcasing top speeds with drivers of different styles. There's still a bit of fluctuation, of course, but I believe he hasn't even competed in ten Grand Prix events yet. That level of consistency will naturally improve with more experience."

Lawson's most challenging assignment in Formula 1

Should Red Bull elevate Lawson to Verstappen's teammate, it will be Lawson's most demanding role in Formula 1.

Since 2019, a teammate has outperformed Verstappen in qualifying merely 11 occasions.

He outperformed Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, leading to both drivers eventually being let go.

Perez has spent four successful years with the team, surpassing the tenure of previous drivers mainly because of the superior performance of the Red Bull vehicle.

The subpar performance of the Mexican team in 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 role of closely competing with Verstappen, as Red Bull is anticipated to face intense competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes in the upcoming year.

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Doubts cast on Mercedes’ 2025 F1 championship ambitions due to concerns about their performance towards the season's end.

Former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer expresses doubt that Mercedes will compete for the championship in 2025.

In 2024, Mercedes experienced their least successful season in more than ten years, securing fourth place in the F1 Constructors' Championship.

Mercedes managed to secure four wins, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton each claiming two victories, though their performance showed remarkable inconsistency.

This trend has persisted since the beginning of the new regulations in 2022, showing Mercedes struggling to understand what it takes to continuously lead in Formula 1 speed.

Palmer, a former driver for Renault during 2016 and 2017, is skeptical that Mercedes will manage to sort out their issues by 2025.

"Las Vegas stood out because they showcased the top car. However, Vegas is an unusual track. It presents unique conditions not found elsewhere," Palmer detailed on BBC's Chequered Flag podcast.

The following week in Qatar experienced cooler weather, though not to the extent of Las Vegas cold. The two climates were quite distinct.

"Every passing year, particularly 22, left us puzzled. Their performance significantly improved, with Russell securing a victory in Brazil. This led many to believe they had made adjustments for '23. However, '23 remained just as baffling. Despite this, they managed to regain momentum. Hamilton showcased his skills towards the year's end with commendable performances in Austin, among other places, ultimately securing third place in the championship."

"You had the impression that, alright, age 24 would be their prime time. But, 24 turned out to be quite the puzzle. Following that, Hamilton and Russell really picked up the pace towards the year's end in Vegas. So, you reckon, 'alright, they're set for a breakthrough at 25.' You catch my meaning. I'm not holding my breath for it to occur, but let's wait and watch."

Mercedes embarks on a fresh chapter

The 2025 season marks a significant milestone for Mercedes as it will be their inaugural season without Hamilton, who has been with them since 2012.

The 18-year-old prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, advances from Formula 2, with Russell emerging as the inherent team leader for Mercedes.

With regulations staying consistent through the winter, the stage is set for a thrilling contest at the forefront among McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

Mercedes aims to achieve greater stability during the winter months in an effort to narrow their distance from the leading trio.

Nonetheless, they are setting their sights on 2026 and the introduction of the new engine regulations.

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Sergio Perez announces his departure from Red Bull after the end of the 2024 F1 season.

Sergio Perez has revealed his departure from Red Bull before the 2025 Formula 1 campaign begins.

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earlier in the month, the announcement was anticipated and was officially confirmed by Red Bull and Perez on Wednesday.

Perez found himself in an unsustainable situation at Red Bull, as his inability to improve his dreadful showings throughout the 2024 season made his position precarious.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth straight world title, with Perez adding only 152 points to Red Bull's overall score of 589 from the previous season, landing him in eighth place in the drivers’ rankings.

The 34-year-old racer from Mexico was unable to secure a top-five finish in 18 consecutive races, significantly contributing to Red Bull's drop to third in the constructors' championship due to his underwhelming performance.

Red Bull made the decision to end Perez's contract two years ahead of schedule, following his performance of securing just one point in the last three races of the season, with no indications of progress.

"Perez expressed deep appreciation for his four-year tenure at Oracle Red Bull Racing, highlighting the privilege of competing alongside a remarkable team. He emphasized that his time driving for Red Bull was a memorable journey, filled with achievements he'll forever hold dear.

We shattered records, achieved extraordinary achievements, and I've had the honor of encountering numerous amazing individuals throughout this journey. A heartfelt gratitude to each member of the Team, including management, engineers, mechanics, catering staff, hospitality crew, kitchen staff, marketing and communications team, as well as all the folks at Milton Keynes, I extend my best wishes to you all for what lies ahead.

Racing with Max as a teammate has been a privilege, and celebrating our victories together has been truly rewarding. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to supporters globally, with a particular shoutout to the Mexican fans for their relentless encouragement every day. We'll cross paths again in the near future. And always bear in mind…Never surrender.

Christian Horner, the team principal for Red Bull, expressed his gratitude towards Checo for his contributions to Oracle Red Bull Racing throughout the last four years.

Since his arrival in 2021, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional teamwork, contributing significantly to our securing two Constructors' championships and achieving our inaugural 1-2 ranking in the Drivers' championship. His remarkable achievement of five victories, each occurring on street circuits, underscores his relentless drive to perform at his utmost capacity.

"Though Checo won't be competing with the Team in the upcoming season, his status as a beloved member and a cherished aspect of our legacy remains unchanged. We express our gratitude to Checo."

Lawson is anticipated to occupy the seat left open by Perez, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull's affiliate team RB starting from the United States Grand Prix.

It is understood that Red Bull considers Lawson as the ideal choice to team up with Verstappen, even though the young driver from New Zealand, aged 22, has only participated in 11 Formula 1 races.

Lawson earned recognition in both the United States and Brazil and is considered the top choice over Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to qualify ahead of his RB colleague in their six events together in 2024.

Red Bull announced that more details about their complete 2025 roster will be shared in due time.

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According to circulating reports, Red Bull has allegedly made a decision regarding who will replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 F1 season.

According to reports, Red Bull has apparently made the decision to have Liam Lawson take over from Sergio Perez for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

This information comes from ESPN, which reports that Perez's anticipated exit from Red Bull is expected to be officially announced by Christmas.

Red Bull is anticipated to reveal their driver lineup plans this week, with Perez likely to be let go following his disappointing performance in the 2024 season.

Perez’s poor showings played a significant role in Red Bull falling to third position in the constructors’ championship.

Lawson, who took over for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull starting from the United States Grand Prix in October, is rumored to be a candidate for Perez’s position.

Key stakeholders at Red Bull held a critical meeting on the Monday following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where they debated Perez's future with the team.

Perez to Take on Red Bull Ambassador Role?

Negotiations have been ongoing between the 34-year-old Mexican driver and Red Bull to determine the specific terms of his departure.

Perez's current agreement with Red Bull extends until the conclusion of the 2026 season. Earlier this year, the team decided to give him an additional two-year contract. However, team principal Christian Horner recently confessed that this decision was an error.

According to an ESPN report, the talks have focused on whether Perez intends to continue as an ambassador for Red Bull in 2025 or if he plans to completely cut ties with the company.

Lawson is expected to be chosen as Max Verstappen's new partner, even though he has only participated in 11 races over two periods with Red Bull's affiliate team during 2023 and 2024.

The anticipated advancement of the New Zealander could create an opportunity for Isack Hadjar, who finished second in the Formula 2 championship, to join RB and race alongside Tsunoda.

Helmut Marko, who advises Red Bull on motorsport matters, hinted that the team would reveal its plans for the 2025 driver lineup later this week.

Marko mentioned in his recent Speedweek column that updates regarding the driver lineup for the upcoming year will be shared in the coming days.

"There is widespread speculation surrounding this matter, with baseless rumors circulating about potential transfer fees."

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Sergio Perez announces that he will be leaving Red Bull at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, though a successor has yet to be identified.

Sergio Perez has revealed that he will be departing from Red Bull before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earlier this month, the announcement was anticipated, and on Wednesday, Red Bull and Perez officially confirmed the news.

Perez's role at Red Bull was no longer sustainable because he couldn't improve his poor performances throughout the 2024 season.

As Max Verstappen clinched his fourth straight world championship, Perez added only 152 points to Red Bull's overall tally of 589 last season, ultimately placing eighth in the drivers' rankings.

The 34-year-old racer from Mexico did not manage to secure a spot in the top five for 18 consecutive races. His lackluster performance was a major factor in Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors' championship.

After Perez managed to secure just one point in the last three races of the season and showed no signs of getting better, Red Bull took decisive action by ending his contract two years ahead of schedule.

Perez expressed his deep appreciation for the four years he spent with Oracle Red Bull Racing, highlighting the privilege it was to compete with such an outstanding team. He described his time with Red Bull as an unforgettable journey and noted that he would always hold dear the accomplishments they achieved as a unit.

"We shattered records and achieved impressive milestones, and I've been fortunate to encounter numerous amazing individuals during this journey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the team, including those in management, engineering, mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing, and communications, as well as everyone in Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best moving forward."

"It has been a privilege to compete alongside Max as a teammate over the years and to celebrate our achievements together. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to fans worldwide, particularly those in Mexico, for your constant support. We'll cross paths again soon. And always keep in mind… Never give up."

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, expressed his gratitude towards Checo, acknowledging his contributions to Oracle Red Bull Racing during the last four seasons.

Since he became a part of the team in 2021, he demonstrated remarkable teamwork, contributing significantly to our achievement of two Constructors’ championships and securing our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ standings. His five victories, all on street courses, highlighted his relentless drive to consistently perform at the highest level.

"Although Checo won't be competing with the Team next season, he remains a highly popular figure among us and is an invaluable piece of our legacy. We appreciate you, Checo."

Lawson is anticipated to take over the position

With Perez stepping down, Lawson is likely to fill his spot. This change comes after Lawson took Daniel Ricciardo's place at Red Bull's affiliated team, RB, starting from the United States Grand Prix.

According to reports, Red Bull has concluded that Lawson is the ideal choice to partner with Verstappen, even though the 22-year-old from New Zealand has participated in just 11 Formula 1 races.

Lawson earned points during the races in the United States and Brazil and is considered the frontrunner to be chosen over Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to qualify ahead of his Red Bull teammate in their six joint appearances in 2024.

Red Bull announced that more details about their complete 2025 team will be shared at a later time.

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Christian Horner suggests that Sergio Perez will continue to have a connection with the Red Bull brand even as he takes a break from Formula 1.

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, announced that Sergio Perez has chosen to take a break from Formula 1.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Perez and Red Bull will part ways, with the 34-year-old Mexican driver leaving the team after the 2024 season, marking the end of their four-year partnership.

The anticipated announcement was made after discussions aimed at finalizing the details of Perez's departure, despite him having agreed to a two-year contract extension for the 2025 and 2026 seasons earlier this year.

Reports indicate that Perez might be given a position as an ambassador for Red Bull. Horner mentioned that even though Perez will no longer be racing, he is expected to continue his involvement with the company.

"He has been an outstanding team member. Although this year has been challenging for him, he remains an excellent individual and was crucial to winning the Drivers' Championship in 2021, as well as the Constructors' titles in 2022 and 2023," Horner said to Sky Sports F1.

Last year, he finished as the runner-up in the Drivers' Championship and secured victories in five grands prix driving our vehicles. After the season concluded, he took some time to think about his future. We had a meeting last week to talk about what the future holds.

He has chosen to take a break from Formula 1, essentially going on a sabbatical. While he will remain connected with the brand and team, he will no longer be participating as a driver for the time being.

"We're disappointed to see him depart from the team, but it's clear that he needs to prioritize time with his young family and focus on his future plans."

Tsunoda or Lawson?

Red Bull has not yet officially announced who will take Perez's place in 2025, though Liam Lawson is considered the frontrunner to partner with Max Verstappen.

Horner announced that the final decision will be made between the 22-year-old racer from New Zealand and his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, both of whom tested Red Bull's 2024 Formula 1 car after the season concluded in Abu Dhabi.

Official confirmation regarding Red Bull's driver roster for the 2025 season is anticipated shortly.

"We possess all the necessary details," Horner stated. "Ultimately, the decision will be between Yuki and Liam, as both have impressive qualifications."

Recently, we had the opportunity to evaluate Yuki during a tire test in Abu Dhabi, allowing him to collaborate with the engineering team. This year, Liam has also been extensively involved in testing activities with us away from the spotlight and has performed admirably in the six or seven races he participated in.

"We've gathered all the details we need. Currently, we're reviewing everything and consulting with the engineering team. We expect to reach a decision within the next few days."

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Liberty Media faces a new challenge from the EU in its acquisition of MotoGP

The European Union plans to initiate an investigation into the planned acquisition

The European Union is poised to investigate Liberty Media's intended acquisition of the MotoGP World Championship.

According to information from Bloomberg & Reuters, the European Union's newly appointed antitrust head, Teresa Ribera, along with her staff, have expressed concerns that the acquisition valued at 3.5 billion euros might hamper competitive practices in the broadcasting and streaming sectors. This apprehension arises from the potential consolidation of the MotoGP and F1 franchises under a single proprietorship.

Earlier in the year, the American corporation that holds ownership of Formula 1 disclosed its purchase of an 86% majority stake in Dorna Sports, the entity behind MotoGP. Following this announcement, Liberty Media has successfully navigated the required regulatory steps to finalize this acquisition by the end of the year target.

In August, it was revealed that Liberty Media intended to offload Formula 1 shares valued at $825 million as part of financing its proposed purchase of MotoGP.

In November, Chief Executive Officer Greg Maffei announced that the acquisition of MotoGP by the company had been officially submitted to the European Commission.

He mentioned, "Briefly touching on MotoGP; we have submitted to the European Commission for regulatory clearance and anticipate being on schedule to obtain that by the end of the year."

The European Commission is facing a decision-making deadline on Liberty's acquisition of MotoGP, set for December 19th. Recent developments suggest that authorities are gearing up for a secondary phase of investigation by this same date, based on information from a Bloomberg report. It was also noted that the decision is presently in a preliminary stage and could be altered.

In the same vein, the acquisition of Formula 1 by CVC Capital in 2006 led to regulatory intervention, requiring the firm to divest its stake in MotoGP due to antitrust concerns. Regulators viewed this as creating a motorsport monopoly. Consequently, MotoGP was transferred to its present owners, Bridgepoint.

As early as October of this year, Pascal Arimont, a Member of the European Parliament from Belgium, called upon the European Commission to conduct an inquiry into Liberty Media due to concerns about the company potentially monopolizing global motorsport by owning both Formula 1 and MotoGP.

Nonetheless, from the outset, Liberty has maintained a strong belief that the situation will not repeat itself this time. When Reuters contacted Liberty Media seeking a statement, they did not provide a response at this moment.

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Marc Marquez reveals his genuine perspective on maintaining their rivalry to Valentino Rossi

Marc Marquez reacts to Valentino Rossi's fury

Marc Marquez has replied to Valentino Rossi's latest outburst, sharing his own perspective on their ongoing dispute.

Recently, Rossi reignited the contentious issues from their 2015 clash, criticizing Marquez for lacking sportsmanship and holding him responsible for his inability to secure the MotoGP championship during that controversial year.

Rossi's harsh comments were made as Marquez was getting ready to join the Ducati team, working closely with VR46's rising star, Pecco Bagnaia.

However, Marquez has now given a response.

"Marquez expressed the sentiment that a fight cannot happen without mutual consent, as reported by Marca."

His efforts to dampen the flames ignited by Rossi could be the perfect strategy leading up to 2025.

Marquez is required to adjust to the current factory edition of the Ducati, having spent the previous season on an older model of the bike.

At last, equipped with machinery on par with Bagnaia, and with titleholder Jorge Martin adjusting to the Aprilia, Marquez is in clear sight of securing another MotoGP title.

Marc Marquez expressed his eagerness to move forward, stating, "I didn't question it; I simply asked, 'where do I sign?'" Looking back on a triumphant 2024, Marquez saw it as a significant rebound from the series of falls and injuries that marked his last period with Honda.

He managed to remain a contender for the championship title until the final stages of the series, and he found his way back to victory by choosing to switch from Repsol Honda to Gresini Ducati.

"He mentioned that when you suddenly encounter the negative aspects of sports, it transforms you in ways you didn't anticipate."

"Suffering from an injury can lead to a downward spiral, and from there, the consequences can be unpredictable."

"Returning from an injury, even while still feeling discomfort, one realizes that winning isn't the default outcome. Instead, being second, third, or even lower is more typical, as victories are rare, often coming after numerous losses."

"This is the reason I find more joy in winning now than I did previously."

This season, I've discovered the ideal setting for a fresh start, a place where I can thrive without stress and truly enjoy myself. Gresini, a team deeply rooted in passion, originally led by Fausto and currently managed by his spouse alongside long-standing members, operates as a satellite team. It seamlessly blends enthusiasm with expertise.

In sports, the focus is on the current moment; your value is determined by your recent performances. I was beginning to shine, adjusting to the Ducati and continually improving my performance.

Upon being informed that I had been selected, I didn't question their choice. Instead, I simply inquired, "Alright, where's the contract?" and that was all.

Gigi Dall'Igna shared the news with me, and I responded with gratitude. I'm committed to proving it was the correct choice.

Marquez likened his move to Bagnaia's team to a football transfer.

"Vinicius is the key figure present; he's the focal point," he commented on the Real Madrid soccer player.

"Following this, Mbappé will undergo a period of adjustment."

"Pecco sets the standard within the Ducati team, having secured 11 race victories this season. He remained a contender for the World Championship until the final race and has claimed the world champion title twice within that team."

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Outgoing KTM leader identifies precise reasons for this year's failures

KTM chief evaluates below-average performance in 2024

Francesco Guidotti has openly pinpointed the precise missteps KTM made this season.

At the beginning of the season, many expected KTM to be Ducati's primary competitors, but they failed to secure a victory throughout the year.

Brad Binder, who came in fifth, and Pedro Acosta, who finished sixth, were the highest-placed riders not on Ducati motorcycles in the MotoGP rankings. However, their team was unable to provide them with a motorcycle capable of winning races.

In contrast, Aprilia facilitated victories in sprint races for both Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. Additionally, Vinales claimed victory in the grand prix at COTA.

Despite Acosta's initial flashes of genius, the forecast of him securing a race victory never materialized.

"According to the departing team leader Guidotti, they had a strong start with various riders achieving podium finishes, setting high expectations."

We initiated our journey with a substantial goal in mind. Up until the halfway point of the season, we were performing quite well.

"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some challenges. Our chosen path turned out not to be the most suitable for us."

The leading competitors achieved slight progress, further widening the existing disparity.

"There was an unusual instance halfway through the season."

"This marked the point where we missed the opportunity to remain close to the leading position."

"The conduct of the riders was appropriate; they persisted without surrendering. Similarly, the technicians maintained their efforts. However, in truth, we weren't truly competing."

Acosta's second-place finish in Texas was filled with hope, but afterward, he endured a tough stretch of eight races without securing a spot on the podium.

Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez consistently trailed behind their team members.

"Guidotti mentioned they had to go back and begin the movie from the start."

Toward the season's finale, it was clear that KTM led the pack. The period was marked by several mishaps and occurrences.

"In general, it's acceptable. It might not be our ideal choice, but it's what's currently available to us."

"At the beginning of the year, we failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities, which ultimately led to our defeat in the game."

Guidotti is set to step down, with Aki Ajo taking over as the team boss for KTM in 2025.

"Definitely, there have been numerous modifications," Guidotti stated.

"Typically, alterations provide additional inspiration."

"As a result of these transformations, we also forfeit expertise and a bond."

"However, I'm confident that Aki will guide the team in his own way."

The composition of the riders appears considerably more robust.

Acosta has advanced to join the factory team, partnering with Binder.

The updated Tech3 KTM squad will feature Enea Bastianini and Vinales.

Concerns for KTM could stem from their financial troubles, aside from their involvement in MotoGP.

The announced €3 billion launch indicates that the company has entered into self-management.

They maintain that their MotoGP ambitions for 2025 remain on track, with scheduled tests set to jumpstart their development, aiming for a strong start in the upcoming year.

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James spent ten years as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Crash.Net

KTM's departing leader identifies specific failures of the year

KTM's chief evaluates the below-average performance in 2024

Francesco Guidotti has openly pinpointed the mistakes KTM made this year.

At the beginning of the season, KTM was widely regarded as Ducati's primary competition, yet they failed to secure a single race victory throughout the year.

Brad Binder, who came in fifth, and Pedro Acosta, ranking sixth, were the highest-placed riders not on Ducati motorcycles in the MotoGP rankings, yet their team was unable to provide them with a motorcycle capable of winning races.

In contrast, Aprilia facilitated victories in sprint races for both Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. Additionally, Vinales secured a win in the grand prix at COTA.

Despite Acosta's initial exceptional performances, the expectation that he would secure a race victory never materialized.

"Guidotti, the departing team leader, mentioned, 'We kicked off impressively, achieving several podium finishes with various riders. The anticipation was significant.'"

We began with a significant goal in mind. Up until the middle of the season, we were performing quite well.

"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some challenges. Our chosen path didn't turn out to be the most advantageous for us."

The leading competitors achieved slight progress, further widening the existing disparity.

"During the middle of the season, we experienced an odd period."

"This marked the moment we missed the opportunity to remain close to the peak."

"The conduct of the riders was commendable; they consistently persevered. Similarly, the technical team maintained their efforts without surrendering. However, the truth is we were never truly contenders in the competition."

Acosta's second-place finish in Texas was a hopeful moment, but it was followed by a challenging stretch of eight races without making it to the podium.

Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez consistently trailed behind their team members.

"Guidotti mentioned that we needed to backtrack the film and begin anew."

Towards the season's end, it was clear that KTM led the pack. This period was marked by several accidents and unexpected events.

"In summary, it's acceptable. While it doesn't fully meet our expectations, it's currently what we have to work with."

"At the beginning of the year, we failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities, leading to our defeat in the game."

Guidotti is set to step down, with Aki Ajo taking over as the team boss for KTM in 2025.

"Definitely. The transformations are numerous," Guidotti remarked.

Typically, alterations provide additional inspiration.

"Amidst these transformations, we also forfeit expertise and a bond.

"However, I'm confident that Aki will guide the team in his own way."

The roster of riders appears considerably more formidable.

Acosta has advanced to join the factory team, partnering with Binder.

The updated lineup for the Tech3 KTM squad consists of Enea Bastianini and Vinales.

Concerns for KTM could center around their monetary troubles, separate from their MotoGP operations.

The announced launch of €3 billion signifies that the manufacturer has entered into self-management.

They maintain that their MotoGP strategies for 2025 remain on track, with scheduled tests set to propel their development efforts forward, beginning with significant momentum next year.

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For ten years, James dedicated his career to sports journalism at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sporting events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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