Highlighting the underappreciated star of this year's MotoGP

Our specialists identify the standout performer of MotoGP in 2024

Being named the year's top overachiever isn't always considered a desirable honor.

However, when it comes to MotoGP in 2024, it serves as acknowledgment for a sequence of remarkable, yet often overlooked, performances.

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This might refer to an athlete who delivered surprisingly impressive performances, or an individual who achieved the best possible outcomes with their less-than-ideal resources.

Our MotoGP specialist group has highlighted their overlooked star of the 2024 season…

Jordan Moreland: Johann Zarco surpasses Repsol Honda's racers, establishing himself as the leading Honda competitor.

Truly amazed by his performance throughout the season, demonstrating his genuine skill and expertise, ultimately emerging as the main powerhouse for Honda.

Lewis Duncan: Throughout the 2024 season, Fabio Quartararo, the world champion of 2021, consistently exceeded expectations with the less competitive M1 package, achieving his highest finish, sixth place, at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

He concluded the season ranked 13th with a total of 113 points, a significant decrease from the 172 points he scored the previous year, highlighting the challenges Yamaha faced.

The motorcycle demonstrated incremental progress, and as Yamaha moves towards 2025, it appears to be on the correct path. However, without Quartararo among its team members, the Japanese manufacturer would indeed be at a disadvantage.

Peter McLaren remarked that in his view, Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco, both from France, emerged as the overlooked standouts of the current season.

I'm choosing LCR's Zarco, who, despite his 17th place overall ranking, stood out as the leading Honda competitor in qualifying rounds, races, and the global championship throughout his initial season on the RCV.

He managed to rack up twice as many points as the official Repsol team riders.

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Gossip suggests competition is attempting to lure Pedro Acosta as concerns grow at KTM

Competitors are considering the prospects of Pedro Acosta's career longevity

It's rumored that another manufacturer might be setting their sights on Pedro Acosta, amid worries surrounding KTM.

KTM is currently grappling with a severe financial dilemma, facing reported debts amounting to €3 billion. To address these critical financial concerns, they have opted for self-administration.

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Despite assurances that their racing operations will remain unaffected, there could be indirect consequences for their leading figure.

In his debut season, Acosta made a significant impact on the MotoGP circuit, leading to a rapid ascension from Tech3 to the main team for the 2025 season.

However, Ducati is now closely monitoring Acosta's future prospects, according to a report from GPOne.

Acosta's agreement is set to expire at the close of 2026, however, financial worries at KTM might see competitors try to lure him away.

Albert Valera, who is also the representative for Jorge Martin and Aleix Espargaro, serves as his manager.

Yet, Ducati has learned that attempting to accumulate an excess of top-tier riders is not practical.

Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi will no longer be with the manufacturer next season, following the choice to select Marc Marquez for the factory team.

Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia are anticipated to secure their positions in the factory team for the upcoming two years, effectively blocking Acosta's access.

VR46 and Gresini continue as Ducati's additional satellite teams, sharing one official Ducati motorcycle, which will belong to Fabio di Giannantonio in 2025.

However, there's an opportunity for changes in the lineup in the next year, a period during which Ducati is expected to closely monitor the talented Acosta.

He secured the sixth position in this season's MotoGP rankings.

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

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Yamaha is faced with a decision regarding adopting a V4 engine for MotoGP by 2025.

"The priority is to stick with the quickest option, regardless of what it is…"

Yamaha has recently revealed its plans to create a V4 MotoGP engine, introducing two distinct directions for the company. However, it will soon be necessary for Yamaha to decide on a specific path to pursue.

Following Suzuki's departure from MotoGP at the close of 2022, Yamaha remains the sole constructor employing an inline-four-cylinder engine, with all other competitors opting for V4 engines.

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Considering Yamaha's recent struggles, underscored by their absence from the winner's podium since Fabio Quartararo's triumph at the 2022 German Grand Prix, the argument for transitioning to a V4 engine at the earliest opportunity is clear and compelling.

Nonetheless, Max Bartolini, the MotoGP technical director for Yamaha, who transitioned to the Iwata-based team from Ducati the previous winter, clarified that swapping out one engine for another isn't as straightforward as it might seem.

"Bartolini emphasized during a discussion with MotoGP.com that considering the V4 engine involves more than just the engine itself."

"Opting for a V4 engine necessitates the construction of an entirely unique motorcycle. This involves a distinct chassis, altered weight allocation, and various components on the bike."

"Currently, we're unsure if it will be quicker. Therefore, we need to construct the engine and the motorcycle, test its speed, and then make a decision."

"Our decision is set for 2025, and I aim to gather all necessary details by then to make an informed choice."

Amidst the continued discussions about the engine, Bartolini remains confident that Yamaha will be able to advance in the near future.

"He expressed, "We aim to maximize our competitiveness. My vision involves achieving significant improvements by the end of next year and narrowing the gap by 2026 — that would be the ideal scenario I could envision.

"However, it's essential to consider that your competitors aren’t resting; they're putting in a lot of effort and continuously striving to do better. Therefore, it's not enough to merely catch up; you must accelerate your pace beyond theirs, which extends the duration of the effort."

Another challenge Yamaha faces in creating a V4 engine and determining whether to follow this route is the impending rule change set for 2027.

"Bartolini mentioned, "2027 is fast approaching. Regardless, it's not sustainable for us to continue working on numerous projects simultaneously—it requires too much time and energy."

"Thus, we need to make a decision promptly. Regardless of which option, we're sticking with the quicker package."

Advancing the YZR-M1

Beyond engine considerations, Yamaha is also focused on enhancing numerous other aspects of its YZR-M1 at present.

Impressive performances by Fabio Quartararo in the latest series of international races indicate that advancements are occurring, and according to Bartolini, this improvement can be attributed to the successful integration of Japanese and European traditions.

"I've visited Japan eight times already, as I make an effort to go as often as I can," he mentioned.

"Every time I stumble upon something unfamiliar, I find myself asking: 'When did this happen, what exactly is it?' It might take me years to fully adapt."

"The positive aspect is that those involved in racing share commonalities, ultimately aiming for a similar goal."

"Adjustments are being made mutually, as I believe they also have to become accustomed to me, given that they didn't previously have a 'technical director' in place."

"I believe there's validity in the saying that they deliberate tenfold to create a single item, whereas we Europeans produce ten items with only a single thought. Should we manage to alter our mindset towards racing and blend both cultural strategies, I'm convinced we could achieve an effective balance."

He mentioned, "I believe we're gradually catching up to our rivals; the motorcycle isn't in poor shape. We need to enhance the motorcycle in several aspects, and I believe that's why the challenge is quite tough."

"When something isn't functioning, addressing that single issue can resolve it; however, when numerous minor improvements are needed, it requires significant effort and time to make those enhancements. Nonetheless, I believe we're heading in the correct direction, as we've at least identified our action plan. The challenging part now is figuring out how to implement it."

Modifications remain minimal except for the racers

At first glance, despite the persistence of the inline-four engine and the unchanged factory team's racer roster, very little seems to be evolving at Yamaha in 2025.

Conversely, it's almost certain that Augusto Fernandez is set to become Yamaha's designated MotoGP test rider, with an additional two M1 bikes expected to join the lineup next season. This comes as the Pramac team steps in to be Yamaha's initial satellite team since 2022.

Bartolini mentioned, "We've significantly transformed our working methods, including our work processes, structure, and organization. So, I believe maintaining [the same riders] isn't a negative choice."

"Definitely, it's going to be beneficial, and on top of that, with Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira joining us as new riders, we'll gain fresh insights and perspectives."

"Therefore, I believe that adopting this approach could be a beneficial combination. We are the sole [manufacturer] currently with only two riders; expanding to four riders next season might offer some advantages."

Regarding the new Pramac team members, Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller, Bartolini mentioned, "I haven't had the opportunity to collaborate with Miguel [Oliveira], but I have experience working alongside Jack [Miller].

"Jack typically exhibits remarkable speed, which, in my opinion, hasn't been fully showcased throughout his career. He possesses incredible velocity. Our hope is that we can find an ideal setting for him here, as well as for Miguel."

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he focused on reporting about consumer motorcycles and racing news.

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"Rossi achieved a great deal, and Marquez has also made significant contributions; it's not logical to compare different eras."

"Marc, who continues to compete, has made considerable achievements as well…"

A top official at Dorna emphasizes that drawing comparisons between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez's eras is illogical.

Marquez, a formidable competitor, has the chance to equal Rossi's impressive record of nine world championships in the coming year.

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Marquez is transitioning to the factory Ducati team, a setting where Rossi notably struggled. However, the motorcycle he will be riding is notably different from the one Rossi had at his disposal.

"Valentino has significantly contributed to the sport, yet Marc, who remains active, has equally made substantial contributions," said Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna's sporting director, in a statement to Relevo.

"Throughout history, we've consistently had skilled riders and have always looked up to icons; heroes have always been among us."

"I believe that drawing comparisons across different generations isn't entirely logical."

"I believe the current MotoGP racers are the finest ever, given their track performances. This is possible because the motorcycles and the tires are technologically advanced, enabling a level of racing previously unattainable, making them the greatest."

Is the rivalry between Rossi and Marquez now a thing of the past?

The ongoing conversation often centers around how modern rivalries don’t compare to those involving Rossi with Marquez or Jorge Lorenzo.

The championship contest this year among Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and even Marquez, was marked by a considerable level of respect.

In response to a question regarding the absence of traditional rivalries, Ezpeleta stated, "Undoubtedly, the riders remain the central figures in this narrative, a point we emphasize repeatedly. We continually strive to ensure they can draw the largest audience to the sport."

"Regardless of whether they follow individual racers or are enthusiasts of the MotoGP championship as a whole, of which there are plenty."

"In other tournaments, it's not the championship itself that attracts followers, but rather supporters are typically devoted to specific teams like Madrid, Barcelona, and so on. However, in MotoGP, the situation is different, as the league

"However, I don't observe any constraints on our current riders, I don't notice anything preventing them from gaining a following.

"The potential of our sport is directly linked to the capabilities of our riders, and we strive alongside them to ensure that this threshold is maximized to its fullest extent."

"In my opinion, they possess remarkable characters. For those of us who spend significant time around them and are constantly in their company, there's absolutely nothing lacking."

"In today's society, where it's increasingly important for drivers to set a good example, not just in their sport but also in social and ethical aspects, it’s crucial to have individuals like Pecco, who consistently excel in their conduct."

"Imagine a competition that has been brewing in MotoGP for several years now. These competitors were once allies, racing together in earlier classes. Throughout the recent events, it's evident they share a profound respect and admiration for one another, which is truly remarkable."

"Possibly, the notion of competition is more widely embraced, but what truly brings us joy surpasses the lessons currently imparted."

Ezpeleta has acknowledged that Marquez's regained competitive edge following a dry spell with Honda is vital for MotoGP's prosperity.

"Absolutely, I concur that Marc plays a crucial role. Without a doubt, Marc stands as one of the greatest riders of all time," he expressed.

His accomplishments, his battles, and his efforts to return to the competitive scene, all with the potential to once again secure race victories and possibly claim a championship title.

"It's my belief that numerous other competitors, given the same path and achievements Marc has experienced, could have chosen to retire sooner. We really must admire Marc's accomplishments because they represent an extraordinary feat of human endeavor."

"Marc proves to be an invaluable addition to the World Championship, both in competition and in his activities outside of it. It's anticipated that this upcoming season, he will attract significant attention and face high expectations."

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

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Unveiled: Price of incredible MotoGP memorabilia auctioned at Valencia

Maverick Vinales' motorcycle, Valentino Rossi's headgear, numerous leather outfits…

A fundraiser auction for those affected by floods in Valencia has amassed a total of £219,507.70.

MotoGP teamed up with the Spanish Red Cross to offer fans an opportunity to purchase amazing collectibles, with the proceeds benefiting the flood-affected Valencia.

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Here are the selling prices for the most sought-after items…

Maverick Vinales' Moto3 championship-winning motorcycle from 2013 sold for £41,497.

£25,728 secured for an inaugural Moto2 motorcycle, courtesy of a donation from Dorna's Carmelo Ezpeleta

Exclusive Yamaha VIP package valued at £15,147 for the 2025 Buriram season kick-off event

Valentino Rossi's autographed helmet fetches £7,884

A helmet from the Roby Starline collection, autographed by MotoGP competitors, fetched £7,470.

£6,847 secures a premium Yamaha experience at the 2025 Catalan Grand Prix

Aleix Espargaro's racing suit sold for £6,640

A premium experience for a pair at a MotoGP event in 2025 is priced at £5,851.

The front fairing from Dani Pedrosa's inaugural KTM is priced at £5,810.

Fabio Quartararo's helmet priced at £4,980

Miguel Oliveira's racing suit sold for £4,150

Aleix Espargaro's paddock scooter sold for £3,943

Here's a list of all items auctioned off to support the Valencia flood victims.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Four racers, Charles Leclerc among them, face penalties in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari's aspirations for the championship take a hit with Charles Leclerc receiving a 10-spot penalty, reports Lewis Larkam from Abu Dhabi.

Charles Leclerc is one of four racers to receive grid penalties during the final Formula 1 race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari has announced that Leclerc, who started 14th on the grid at the Yas Marina Circuit, has switched to a new power unit for the final race of the season.

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Due to this being his third out of two permitted units for the year, the driver from Monaco will incur a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's grand prix.

He is set to begin in the 18th position, taking into account the grid penalties of other drivers.

This represents a setback for Ferrari's ambitions to outperform McLaren in clinching the constructors' championship title in Abu Dhabi.

Heading into the weekend, the Italian team was behind McLaren by 21 points, aiming to reverse the shortfall.

The McLaren pair will kick off from the leading row, intensifying the challenge for Ferrari.

The Williams team members, Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto, have been hit with grid penalties for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well.

Both competitors have surpassed the permissible limit of gearbox parts for the year, resulting in an immediate five-spot grid penalty for each.

The drivers from Williams will begin from the last positions on the starting grid.

Haas' Nico Hulkenberg was the fourth driver to receive a penalty.

He impressively secured the fourth position in qualifying, but received a three-place penalty on the grid for overtaking on the pit exit road.

Hulkenberg is set to commence the race from the seventh position.

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He frequently reports directly from the locations, sharing narratives about the key figures in the racing world.

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Initial lineup for the 2024 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix following penalties affecting four drivers

The commencement order for the 2024 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Here's the lineup for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the conclusion of the 2024 F1 racing season.

McLaren secures the top two starting positions for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lando Norris leading the way in pole position, followed closely by his teammate Oscar Piastri.

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Carlos Sainz secured the third position for Ferrari, surpassing Max Verstappen, who moved up to fourth place after Nico Hulkenberg received a three-place grid penalty.

Hulkenberg received a penalty that affected his starting position for passing two vehicles in the tunnel area while exiting the pit lane.

The sanction also elevates Pierre Gasly to fifth place, narrowly surpassing Mercedes' George Russell.

Hulkenberg is set to begin from the seventh position following his penalty.

Coming up next are Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas, with Sergio Perez starting from the 10th position, in what is anticipated to be his last race with Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton, unexpectedly eliminated in Q1, will start from the 16th position in his final race for Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc climbs from 18th position following a 10-place grid penalty incurred after Ferrari had to swap out his car's battery.

Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto of the Williams team will commence the race from the 19th and 20th positions respectively, following the imposition of five-place grid penalties on each driver for surpassing their season's gearbox allotment.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, often delivering firsthand reports from the events. He narrates the tales of influential figures in the sport.

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Nico Rosberg Highlights Lewis Hamilton’s Extraordinary Ability in His Final Mercedes Appearance

Former Teammate Showcases Lewis Hamilton's Remarkable Skill as He Departs from Mercedes

Today marked Lewis Hamilton's last race driving for Mercedes.

Securing a fourth-place finish at the 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of the season and concluded Hamilton's notable career with Mercedes.

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In 2025, he is set to join Ferrari, concluding an iconic period that saw him clinch six out of his seven Formula 1 titles.

Lewis Hamilton's last appearance for Mercedes took place in Abu Dhabi

Reflecting on Hamilton's legendary tenure with Mercedes was Nico Rosberg, a past teammate of his.

"It's quite moving for me to witness. I observed it firsthand," he shared with Sky Sports.

"This is the most remarkable collaboration between a Formula 1 driver and their team in the history of the sport."

"It's astonishing to think it's all wrapping up. He has been a part of the Mercedes family for nearly three decades."

"I witnessed it firsthand. We began our racing journey together at the age of 12. By the time we were 13, we were both members of the same go-karting squad.

"It sends shivers down my spine…"

Rosberg highlighted Hamilton's extraordinary skill in driving: "What was it like? He possesses the most remarkable innate ability ever witnessed in the sport.

"It's simply astonishing."

"Numerous times, we found ourselves driving identical vehicles. When we returned, we'd review the performance data and be astounded by his capabilities, thinking, 'That’s beyond human!'”

"I was actually a good driver too! However, there were numerous instances that were absolutely crazy."

In 2016, Rosberg claimed his only F1 championship, while also serving as Hamilton's teammate during two of Hamilton's championship-winning years.

Rosberg praised him, saying, "It's impressive how he structured his life to accommodate his achievements."

Time and again, we've seen individuals with talent secure a single championship victory. However, achieving seven titles requires a life dedicated and meticulously oriented towards racing. He has successfully navigated this path, overcoming various challenges along the way.

"Given his past, it was a challenge. The world is wild. Yet, he managed it brilliantly."

Hamilton has never paused his career

In contrast to certain iconic racers, Hamilton has continuously competed in F1 without taking a hiatus and making a comeback.

"Lewis shows up during the crucial moments," Martin Brundle of Sky Sports commented.

"The distinction between legends such as Lewis and Nico, and those who were merely good, like myself, in a Formula 1 vehicle, lies in their consistent delivery of top-notch performance every single day."

"Lewis has exhibited unwavering determination. While numerous racers opt for a hiatus—such as Alain Prost, Niki Lauda, Fernando Alonso—he remains steadfast."

"Lewis remains committed! Approaching 40 in January, he continues to discover the drive to hit the gym, engage with the simulator, and put in the effort…"

In his last Formula 1 race with Mercedes, he made an impressive move from 16th place up to fourth.

Toto Wolff firmly stated that it was completely unacceptable for the team to provide Hamilton with a car that only managed to qualify in 18th place.

However, a last showcase of Hamilton's exceptional performance in a Mercedes somewhat salvaged the weekend.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter with Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned an array of sports including American athletics, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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"Max Verstappen's Integrity Under Scrutiny Following Altercation with George Russell

"The only thing left is for them to start throwing punches!"

Questions have been raised about Max Verstappen's integrity following his refutation of George Russell's allegations regarding their dispute.

Russell alleged that Verstappen had warned he would "smash my head into the wall," a statement the F1 champion outright denied as false.

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Their spirited exchange of words has taken center stage in the lead-up to Sunday's F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen versus Russell dispute in Abu Dhabi

"The only thing left is for them to start throwing punches! It's definitely more than a minor irritation," Nico Rosberg commented to Sky Sports.

Observing from afar might seem exciting, but believe me, experiencing it firsthand is dreadful!

"It becomes all-encompassing. The squads are drawn in, the leaders of the teams begin clashing, with Toto Wolff and Christian Horner reigniting their dispute over the matter, even family members become part of the situation…

Within, the atmosphere is extremely high-pressure and fraught with tension.

"Max, a streetfighter, believes he's now the ultimate authority and beyond legal restraint."

"George, as the saying goes in the Netherlands, should return to his stroller, and you ought to hand him a plaything!

"Frankly, I believe it's a toss-up."

Rosberg mentioned, "Max declared he would push George's head against a wall, ending any friendly relations!"

Quickly, it was observed that Verstappen omitted the harsh remark from his account of the events.

However, Rosberg is skeptical.

Rosberg recounted a moment from a 2018 press conference, saying, "Max warned every reporter present, saying, 'Mention it one more time and I'll headbutt you.'"

Max Verstappen and George Russell Together at F1 Drivers' Banquet

Classic GPDA Season-Closing Gathering. #RacingUnited For the love of our sport, for safety, and for our supporters.

The yearly gathering for drivers occurred in Abu Dhabi, where Lando Norris humorously suggested that the feuding Verstappen and Russell were deliberately placed at a distance from each other.

An image shared by Alex Wurz of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association showed the competitors side by side.

Rosberg chuckled, saying, “It was sheer luck that they found themselves in the spotlight side by side!”

"This had been the most uncomfortable situation of the weekend up to that point, or so I was told."

Danica Patrick mentioned, "It seems that during the dinner, they intentionally kept a seat empty for George, right beside Max!"

Signs of a possible rapprochement between Verstappen and Russell have started to emerge.

"Verstappen stated, 'We have our disagreements. I'm confident we'll resolve it once more.'"

"Taking a short pause is beneficial. I'm confident we'll reunite in Monaco."

The disagreement originated from Qatar the previous week, where both racers were called into the officials' room.

Verstappen faced a grid penalty and attributed part of the blame to Russell, suggesting his actions influenced the stewards' decision to penalize him.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of athletic events including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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"Doing Whatever Necessary" offer for Daniel Ricciardo valued at $10 million

"The approach is essentially offering an open-ended sum to secure his agreement"

It's rumored that Daniel Ricciardo might receive an offer aimed at doing "whatever necessary" to bring him back into racing.

However, it's not a Formula 1 team that is reportedly keen on securing his talents.

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Toyota has emerged as the surprise company in discussions for a contract with Ricciardo, potentially worth up to $10 million.

Daniel Ricciardo Linked to Toyota?

The speculated agreement involves Ricciardo competing in NASCAR within the US and in Supercars events down under in Australia.

Race.news has disclosed that an ex-Toyota executive has revealed the company's interest in Ricciardo.

Akio Toyoda, the head of Toyota Motor Corporation, is said to have led a private meeting to talk about the matter.

A source mentioned that Toyoda-san recognizes Ricciardo's worth, not merely for his skills on the track but also for his innate charm that has the potential to attract a large fanbase.

Toyota aims to create a significant impact upon joining the Australian Supercars series in 2026, alongside their participation in NASCAR with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team.

"The Toyota insider mentioned that Toyoda sees no negatives in making him the representative of Gazoo Racing, which is truly his passion project."

"Based on the information provided to me, it seems they're willing to offer him virtually anything to secure his agreement."

Has Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 journey come to an end?

After being let go by McLaren at the conclusion of 2022, Ricciardo managed to make a triumphant comeback with AlphaTauri, the affiliate team of Red Bull, during the 2023 season.

His lap time during a Red Bull test session left Christian Horner highly impressed.

Ricciardo had expressed his intention to rejoin the primary team next to Max Verstappen, but it didn't come to fruition.

Following his return, a hand injury momentarily provided Liam Lawson with an opportunity to demonstrate his skill.

Despite keeping his position with the newly named RB team this year, Ricciardo faced challenges throughout the season. In the end, Lawson took over his spot on a permanent basis.

Ricciardo is set to bow out from F1 racing by 2025, signaling an apparent end to his championship career.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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The Battle for the F1 Constructors' Championship: A $20 Million Struggle Between McLaren and Ferrari

Lewis Larkam reports from Abu Dhabi on the intense rivalry unfolding behind the scenes of the F1 constructors' title race.

The battle for the F1 constructors' title between McLaren and Ferrari is expected to be the center of focus at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Sunday.

Entering the race with a 21-point lead and securing the first two starting positions, McLaren is on the brink of clinching their first constructors' championship since 1998, and their first championship in any category since 2008. Meanwhile, a victory for Ferrari would conclude a 16-year drought for the team's championship title.

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Yet, a bit further down the starting lineup, there's a crucial competition for the constructors' championship titles.

The battle for sixth place in the championship is underway. Alpine is in possession of this sought-after position, but Haas is trailing by a mere four points.

RB still have a mathematical chance of catching up, trailing by 13 points, though it seems improbable they'll manage a significant points shift. This is particularly challenging as both of their drivers are beginning the race positioned outside the top 10 and behind their competitors.

Consequently, the focus is on the competition between Alpine and Haas. Pierre Gasly is in the fifth starting position for Alpine, while Nico Hulkenberg is not far behind, positioned in seventh. The German driver managed to deliver an impressive lap on Saturday evening, securing the fourth spot on the starting grid, but was later penalized with a three-place drop.

Undoubtedly, the grid penalty is a setback for Haas, as they must surpass Alpine by at least five points to surpass the French team and secure the at least $20 million in prize money that would be theirs if they manage to do so.

Haas seems to possess a quicker vehicle compared to Alpine, and with the respective drivers from Haas and Alpine, Kevin Magnussen and Jack Doohan, beginning the race from 14th and 17th positions, the upcoming Sunday's grand prix introduces yet another compelling narrative.

'An intense and challenging competition'

Following the confirmation of Hulkenberg's penalty, Haas team leader Ayao Komatsu expressed: “I have ambivalent feelings post-qualifying. The speed within the car was remarkable, and I believe both of our drivers demonstrated incredible speed too.

"In an attempt to avoid Hamilton, Kevin drove over the curb, resulting in considerable damage to his vehicle. During the second qualifying round, his car sustained major aerodynamic damage, eliminating any possibility of advancing to the third qualifying round."

"In the first quarter, Nico managed to pass vehicles ahead of him in the pitlane, an action that's against the rules, leading to a three-position grid penalty for us. It's a setback, yet his performance in the third qualifier, and generally speaking, indicates that we have impressive speed. Our car demonstrates robust performance and speed, so we're committed to achieving the best possible position."

Hulkenberg is gearing up for a closely contested and challenging fight with Alpine.

"Recently, Alpine has shown impressive performance, yet the competition is so tight that ultimately, it boils down to how we handle each racing scenario and our strategic approach," he explained. "For me, it's crucial that we give our all tomorrow, ensuring we've left no stone unturned, aiming for a satisfying conclusion to our evening."

Meanwhile, Gasly mirrored Hulkenberg's evaluation, commenting, "Nico has really stepped up his game, which was quite remarkable. They've been looking solid throughout the weekend, and it was evident they had an advantage over us. I'm quite pleased we managed to narrow the gap – it was just a tenth in the end, so it looks like we're set for an exciting battle tomorrow."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the event locations, he shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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Four F1 racers poised for their final grand prix today?

Quartet of drivers anticipated to bid farewell to F1 in Abu Dhabi

Today might mark the final appearance of four Formula 1 drivers in a grand prix race.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season, and the roster of drivers for the 2025 season is expected to undergo notable changes.

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Which racers are departing Formula 1 following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Valtteri Bottas finds himself without a spot on the grid for 2025.

He aims to secure more points for Sauber in his last appearance, expressing to Sky Sports, “It’s gratifying, yet it’s quite late in the season to receive the upgrade!

"People often remark that your worth is measured by your performance in the most recent race? Let's hope ours is a success…

"Feelings are stirred. The sensation is unique due to the ambiguity surrounding what will happen next."

"Inside the vehicle, everything remains the same. However, the moments leading up to and following the experience feel somewhat strange."

Sauber, set to transform into Audi by 2026, has chosen to bring on board Nico Hulkenberg from Haas and elevate Gabriel Bortoleto from Formula 2 for the upcoming season.

This implies that experienced driver Bottas found himself without options, potentially leading him back to Mercedes in a backup driver role.

During his prime, Bottas secured victories in 10 Grand Prix races while racing for Mercedes.

Today might mark the final race for Guanyu Zhou, Bottas' present colleague at Sauber.

Zhou became the inaugural Chinese Formula 1 driver, marking a historic moment with his entry in 2022.

Sauber's choice to opt for two fresh faces behind the wheel in 2025 leaves him out of a racing position. However, being just 25, Zhou holds onto the possibility of making a return to racing.

Sergio Perez's career on the line

It could potentially be the final race for Red Bull's Sergio Perez as well.

Throughout the season, there has been intense speculation about his career prospects, but Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull Racing, is now refraining from guaranteeing Perez's comeback.

Despite having a contract for the upcoming year, there's a strong expectation among those in the F1 circuit that he will no longer race for Red Bull following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

A meeting among shareholders is anticipated to officially determine the future of Perez once the season ends.

Horner made it clear that he would come to his own decisions, offering a vague comment on Perez's future.

His struggle to rack up points this season has played a significant role in Red Bull losing their top spot in the constructors' championship to McLaren and Ferrari.

F1 seasoned racer Kevin Magnussen is set to bid farewell to the racing scene this Sunday in Abu Dhabi.

Haas has decided to elevate newcomer Ollie Bearman to their team next season and has secured Esteban Ocon from Alpine.

This announcement marks the conclusion of Magnussen's tenure at Haas, and despite his attempts, he hasn't secured another opportunity for the upcoming year.

Magnussen, aged 32, has competed in Formula 1 for nine years.

He has signed an agreement with BMW to compete in sportscar racing next year.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where his beat included a wide range of sports, from American games and soccer to Formula 1 racing.

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