'Difficult to Witness' – Sergio Perez Nearing Loss of Former F1 Competitor’s Esteem

Ex-F1 driver David Coulthard has criticized Sergio Perez, stating his "stubbornness in accepting the truth" is "difficult to witness."

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has expressed that he is on the verge of losing respect for Sergio Perez due to the manner in which Perez's future with Red Bull is being managed.

It is anticipated that the 34-year-old driver from Mexico will be removed from Red Bull’s racing team for the 2025 season due to underperformance, with the official news likely to be released before the Christmas holiday.

Following the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull convened an urgent meeting with the team's investors to deliberate on Perez's continued involvement.

Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world title with a total of 437 points, whereas Perez amassed just 152 points, ending up in a disappointing eighth place in the rankings.

Perez's poor performance and inability to improve significantly contributed to Red Bull's fall to third in the constructors' standings, trailing behind McLaren and Ferrari, casting doubt on his continued presence in the team.

Even so, Perez has continually affirmed his commitment to race for Red Bull in 2025, referring to the agreement he holds for the upcoming season.

On the Formula For Success podcast, ex-Red Bull racer Coulthard expressed dissatisfaction with how Perez and his manager, Julian Jakobi, are managing the situation.

"Coulthard described Checo as a genuinely nice person, yet expressed frustration over the apparent denial of reality, suggesting it might be a tactic employed by his management."

Julian Jakobi acts as his manager, a person whom we have known and esteemed for numerous years; he's a smart, competent manager. However, his primary responsibility is to ensure the financial aspects are handled properly.

"Therefore, it seems the objective is to secure the largest possible settlement to encourage his voluntary departure, instead of simply stating, ‘Alright, we will fulfill our financial obligations to you for the upcoming year, but you won't be provided with a race car.’ This scenario is conceivable, yet it would be truly regrettable."

"My regard for Julian and Checo would diminish slightly.

Ultimately, the facts speak for themselves. Should there be a contract in place, naturally, it ought to be upheld through discussion.

"Hopefully, they can handle it maturely instead of taking it personally and resorting to legal action."

Speculation on exorbitant exit clause 'utterly unfounded'

Speculation has been rife about Perez seeking a hefty separation payment, believed to be around $20 million, from Red Bull to leave his position prematurely.

However, Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has firmly stated that such rumors are "utterly baseless."

"In his Speedweek column, Marko mentioned, “Much has been speculated in this regard. This includes unfounded rumors about potential transfer fees, which are utterly baseless.”

Marko mentioned that Red Bull plans to reveal their driver lineup for the upcoming year in the coming days.

Liam Lawson is considered the top contender to take over Perez's spot at Red Bull in the coming year.

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Aleix Espargaro, who recently stepped away from MotoGP racing, has revealed that he is now part of the Lidl-Trek professional cycling squad.

After ending his full-time career in MotoGP, Aleix Espargaro has become a member of the Lidl-Trek professional cycling team.

Starting January 1, 2025, Espargaro will take on a role as an ambassador for the Lidl-Trek team.

According to a statement from the team, Espargaro will participate in the Lidl-Trek team at several of the most renowned events on the schedule.

Espargaro expressed excitement about becoming part of the Lidl-Trek team, which includes some of the top cyclists globally.

"I am eager to gain knowledge from top cyclists and experienced staff, challenge myself, and involve fans in this unique experience."

Espargar, who has been passionate about cycling for many years, shared that he decided to leave his MotoGP racing career sooner than he had intended in order to become part of the Lidl-Trek team.

He expressed that cycling has long been a personal passion, and he chose to leave MotoGP sooner than he initially intended to participate in a program that perfectly matches his interests.

"I am incredibly thankful to Lidl-Trek for accepting me into their team and backing me. I am committed to putting in my utmost effort."

Espargaro revealed that he would step down from competing full-time in MotoGP at the Catalunya Grand Prix, which is his home race, this year.

In addition to his responsibilities with Lidl-Trek, Espargaro has taken on a new testing role for HRC's MotoGP project. He started this position during the official test in Barcelona last month, which occurred after the season-ending Solidarity Grand Prix.

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Davide Tardozzi criticizes Pecco Bagnaia: “Those competitors are defeating you”

“You can’t constantly act politely. It’s not always possible…”

A newly released three-part MotoGP series by Ducati showcases a rather intense exchange between Francesco Bagnaia and Davide Tardozzi.

The documentary series titled "Dream On: Ducati and Bagnaia’s Pursuit of Glory" aims to provide an insider's perspective on the concluding stages of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, specifically highlighting the Ducati Lenovo Team and their spotlight on Bagnaia.

A significant moment in the initial episode, released on Ducati's YouTube channel on December 15, occurs following the Sprint at the Thai Grand Prix.

Starting from pole position, Bagnaia found himself in third place after the initial corner as his championship competitor, Jorge Martin, overtook him on the inside approach to the first turn.

The Italian rider regained his place ahead of Martin as they exited the corner. However, later in the race, the Spaniard overtook him again during the transition from turn six to turn seven, pushing Bagnaia down to third place.

The scene takes place inside Bagnaia's truck following the Sprint event, featuring a conversation among Bagnaia, his wife, sister, press officer, and Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati Lenovo Team.

"Martin showed courage today," Tardozzi remarked to Bagnaia.

"The courage to take you down. […] He had already made up his mind to trouble you. He did what was necessary."

"That's your task for tomorrow. You can't constantly be the nice guy. It's not possible, especially when these guys are beating you."

According to the statement, Martin deliberately aimed for you at the initial turn, having premeditated his decision to collide with you. This is absolutely certain.

"You should stop being overly polite, as these individuals will take advantage of you."

Following a last-minute decision, which was highlighted in the initial episode of *Dream On*, Bagnaia's team altered his main bike to a wet setup. This strategic move allowed him to recover from the Sprint's setbacks and secure his first Grand Prix victory in the top category under rainy conditions.

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Lando Norris advised to confront Max Verstappen "more frequently" in the 2025 F1 season

Johnny Herbert advises Lando Norris on how to surpass Max Verstappen in the coming year

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has advised Lando Norris to more frequently assert himself against Max Verstappen if he's vying for the championship next year.

In 2024, Norris experienced his most successful Formula 1 season to date, finishing in second place in the drivers' standings.

The UK racer secured four wins, contributing to McLaren's first Formula 1 constructors’ title since 1998.

Nonetheless, Norris found himself regretting several lost chances in the competition for the drivers' championship.

Subpar beginnings and intense battles on the track with Verstappen led to a significant loss of points, enabling the Dutch driver to secure the championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In a conversation with Coin Poker, Herbert discussed the strategies Norris must employ to compete against Verstappen.

"Herbert believes Norris should confront Verstappen with greater frequency," he remarked. "He's acknowledged that perhaps his top performance hasn't been consistent this year."

Based on what I've been told, he has come to terms with the fact that he now needs to make a change.

"This is an exciting time as numerous racers share the same mindset as Max. It will be fascinating to see who emerges as the leader next year."

"The upcoming season could be quite tumultuous, which is exactly the kind of intensity and competition you look for in Formula 1, combining aggressive tactics with rational strategies. Max really knows how to ramp up the tension for everyone involved."

Norris acknowledges the need for enhancement

Norris has candidly admitted that enhancing his performance next season is essential.

During the end-of-season FIA award ceremony, Norris acknowledged that Verstappen was the superior driver.

The McLaren competitor withdrew his comment about luck being the reason for his adversary's victory, after Verstappen managed to secure a win at the São Paulo Grand Prix starting from 17th position on the grid.

Norris showcased remarkable performance during the qualifying rounds, outperforming Piastri with a score of 20-4 on Saturdays. However, he is likely to be disheartened by several weak starts and less-than-ideal strategic decisions made by McLaren.

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The adjustments Aprilia must implement for Jorge Martin to secure a significant place in MotoGP history

While maintaining a MotoGP world championship is challenging, Jorge Martin faces an additional hurdle as he will be defending it with a new manufacturer in 2025.

Spanish racer Jorge Martin's transition from the Pramac Ducati team to Aprilia offers him a unique chance to secure MotoGP championships with multiple manufacturers.

In order for him to achieve that, Aprilia, which secured third place in the constructors' standings this year, must enhance its MotoGP package.

"The situation is indeed a step down," stated Jordan Moreland, host of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, explaining that Ducati's dominance is the reason. He noted that during Jorge Martin's initial test in Barcelona, although his personal thoughts weren't shared publicly, the team appeared to be quite satisfied with the results.

"The focus for Aprilia is on advancing further, as they've been working towards this goal for the past season and a half. The progress they've made, especially compared to Ducati, has been quite evident."

Peter McLaren, the editor at Crash.net for MotoGP, highlighted that a crucial factor for Martin's championship in 2025 is maintaining consistency. This was an area where the Mallorcan excelled in 2024, unlike Aprilia, which struggled with it.

McLaren commented, "I believe it was [Massimo] Rivola who mentioned that they need to improve their overall average, right?"

This year, they stood out as the sole factory to surpass Ducati, marking a significant accomplishment. However, they also fell behind KTM in the constructors' rankings.

"Aprilia's performance has been somewhat inconsistent, and they must improve their average results to remain competitive in the championship race."

Securing the championship would position Martin as just the third racer ever to claim consecutive premier class Grand Prix titles on different motorcycle brands, following in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi (2003–04) and Eddie Lawson (1988–89).

McLaren stated that achieving this would be incredibly significant for Martin.

"To my knowledge, only Valentino Rossi and Eddie Lawson have won consecutive championships with different manufacturers. This presents an opportunity for him to achieve a significant historical feat."

"He definitely faces a significant challenge, but the initial step is to achieve consistency."

"We witnessed Maverick's incredible performances at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where he secured a victory that left even him puzzled as to why everything clicked so perfectly at that venue. However, he hasn't reached the podium since then, highlighting the importance of consistency."

"It's not the most exciting term, and it might seem dull, but consistency is crucial for winning championships, especially when the season includes over 40 races. This fact was evident this year when Martin managed to outperform Bagnaia, despite Bagnaia having claimed victory in more Grands Prix."

A crucial factor in improving consistency will be making more effective use of the 2024 Michelin rear tire. This was a variable in the past season that only Ducati managed to fully optimize.

Crash.net journalist Lewis Duncan stated that Aprilia's primary requirement from Martin is insight into how the 2024 Ducati managed to optimize the performance of the 2024 Michelin rear tire.

The crucial aspect for Aprilia is this: when you talk to riders from KTM or Aprilia, they’re uncertain but tend to believe that the issues they encountered this year differ from those they faced in the previous year. Consequently, the only thing that can be held responsible is the new rear tire.

"The issue isn't with the rear tire itself; the new rear tire offers such enhanced grip that only Ducati managed to fully take advantage of it."

"After they discovered its potential, no one else could achieve the same."

It has been observed that KTM experienced significant vibration issues, which were likely tied to the rear tire. Honda encountered similar problems, and Ducati faced them initially. While the Aprilia riders did not seem to voice many complaints about vibrations, they dealt with other challenges such as grip problems, traction difficulties, and notably high degradation during Grand Prix races.

The ability to deliver a powerful performance in a single lap was evident, and their speed was acceptable in shorter races; however, they faced difficulties maintaining this over extended distances.

In Malaysia, Aleix Espargaro seemed unaware of the situation. Aprilia is likely expecting that Martin can provide at least this level of insight. If Aprilia's hypothesis is correct—that the issue involves the 2024 rear tire—then Martin is someone who has experience with making that tire perform effectively on a bike.

Nonetheless, even though Aprilia's goals leading up to the 2025 Thai Grand Prix in early March are evident, reaching those objectives will be challenging due to staffing changes in Noale this winter.

Marco Bezzecchi and Martin, along with Fabiano Sterlacchini, the new technical director stepping in for Romano Albesiano, have all now joined the factory.

Duncan stated that Aprilia is undergoing changes with a fresh set of riders and a new technical head, as Fabiano Sterlacchini has stepped in to succeed Romano Albesiano.

Sterlacchini parted ways with the KTM project in June. However, he struggled to fully optimize the performance of the KTM RC16's rear tire before his departure. The team faces a significant winter season, and the initial tests are expected to be intriguing.

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Mercedes leader Toto Wolff often disagrees with FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem, but they share common ground on a particular issue despite their usual conflicts.

Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff has disclosed an uncommon point of consensus he shares with FIA head Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Wolff has openly acknowledged his opposition to several policies introduced by Ben Sulayem during his contentious term as the head of F1's regulatory organization.

Formula 1 racers have voiced their disapproval of Ben Sulayem's recent actions against profanity, leading to Max Verstappen being assigned "public interest work" by the FIA as a consequence for swearing at a press event in Singapore.

However, this is an uncommon subject on which Wolff finds common ground with the FIA president.

Wolff, speaking to media outlets such as Crash.net during the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi, shared an anecdote about his seven-year-old child who is into go-karting and closely follows the sport. He recounted how, for the first time a few months back, his child used the phrase "what the f**k", prompting Wolff to inquire where he had learned such language. According to Wolff, his child attributed it to the drivers.

"I do have my disagreements with Mohammed, but in that situation, all the drivers, without exception, serve as role models. They are broadcasted live, and they have both the right and the authority.

"I don't share the same opinion on numerous topics he [Ben Sulayem] has raised, but in this instance, I believe if you convert ‘f**k’ into your native language or mine, it's quite offensive. I would never utter that over the radio.

"George [Russell], Lewis [Hamilton], and I had a discussion, and they're aware of my dislike for it. Thus, I am completely content with our ability to minimize that.

"A few drivers, some local and others from different places, emerge with certain items, and personally, I would fully support increasing that. That's simply how I see it."

In response to a question about whether he believed the effort to curb swearing was a battle worth engaging in, Ben Sulayem told Motorsport that he indeed sees it as a worthwhile endeavor if it means purifying the sport.

"Am I the author of these swearing regulations? Did I establish and enforce them? I'm posing this question to you because it's actually the stewards' responsibility, not mine. It falls under their jurisdiction. So, I suggest you direct your inquiries to them, asking why this is the case."

"We're conveying a message to the young people of all ages through this. And, pardon me, but advertisements, films, they're classified however."

"Is it necessary to use offensive language? Truly. Did Michael Schumacher ever use such language? What about Mohammed Ali? He admitted to being outspoken. But did he actually utter any obscenities? And Pele, did he ever resort to it?

"In our distinct sport, it's crucial to shield it from negative remarks. Remarks that I will consistently oppose."

At the FIA's award ceremony in Rwanda, Ben Sulayem commended Verstappen for his method of fulfilling his community service obligations before he was awarded his world championship trophy.

"Max truly lived up to his word," Ben Sulayem stated. "This is the kind of community involvement we require from every driver, every champion, if we aim to expand.

"When discussing diversity, this embodies genuine diversity. The focus wasn't so much on the vehicle as it was on the individuals present."

"I think that eventually, it won't be necessary to enforce this as a punishment. It should be an act willingly undertaken by drivers, and perhaps I will include it in the agreement when they receive their license."

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Giacomo Agostini shares his thoughts on the rivalry between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, noting that "they were not contemporaries…"

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

Agostini holds the record for the most race victories in Grand Prix racing history, surpassing Rossi. However, after Marquez joined the premier class in 2013, he consistently outperformed the Italian in the riders' rankings, except for the 2015 and 2020 seasons. During his first seven seasons in the top class, the Spanish rider claimed six championship titles.

Giovanni Agostini expressed to the Spanish outlet Relevo that Marc Marquez is his soft spot, explaining that Marquez captivates audiences and racegoers with his performances. Agostini noted that Marquez is an entertainer who is adored by fans.

According to Agostini, Rossi is considered "a great."

"A rider with great strategic skills. To achieve nine world championships, one must possess excellent instincts."

The competition between the two was seldom evident in direct confrontations during races, particularly beyond the year 2015, which Agostini attributes to the timing and Marquez's personal mindset.

Nevertheless, it remains considered one of the fiercest rivalries in MotoGP over the last decade.

"They were not of the same age," he explained. "One of them had begun, while the other had not. This might have influenced the outcome in the end, you see?"

"While I acknowledge that Rossi has also sparked excitement, I believe that Marquez is actually more audacious, fearless, and adventurous."

“He is a warrior, and this could endear him to many. Marc is relentless and always puts on a great show.”

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Giacomo Agostini shares his thoughts on the rivalry between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, noting that they were not contemporaries in terms of age.

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

Agostini holds the record for the most race victories in the history of Grand Prix racing, surpassing Rossi. However, after Marquez entered the premier class in 2013, he consistently outperformed the Italian in the riders' rankings, except in the 2015 and 2020 seasons. During his first seven seasons at the top level, the Spaniard clinched six championship titles.

In an interview with the Spanish outlet Relevo, Agostini expressed that Marc Marquez is his soft spot. He believes Marquez energizes the audience and captivates race-goers with his performances, making him a crowd favorite.

Agostini described Rossi as "a great."

"A racer with strategic skill. To secure nine world championships, one must possess natural talent."

The competition between the two rarely translated into direct confrontations on the track, notably after 2015. Agostini attributes this to the timing and Marquez’s personal mindset.

Despite everything, it continues to be seen as one of the fiercest rivalries in MotoGP over the last decade.

"They weren't the same age," he remarked. "One of them had begun, while the other hadn't. This might have influenced the end results, you know?"

While I acknowledge that Rossi also sparked excitement, I must admit that, upon reflection, Marquez strikes me as more audacious, fearless, and adventurous.

"He is a warrior, and this trait might appeal to people even more. Marc is relentless and always puts on a great show."

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Flavio Briatore clarifies his stance on why acquiring Carlos Sainz was illogical for Alpine

"Securing a driver of Carlos's caliber for merely one or two seasons is illogical."

Flavio Briatore disclosed that Alpine was not keen on recruiting Carlos Sainz for the 2025 Formula 1 season due to his reluctance to make a prolonged commitment.

Following Ferrari's acquisition of Lewis Hamilton, Sainz found himself without a team for the upcoming season.

In the end, he had three choices available.

Rumors had persistently connected Audi/Sauber with Sainz, largely due to their relationship with his dad.

Sainz chose Williams over Alpine, swayed by James Vowles' management of the Grove team.

Suggestions emerged that Williams' more appealing contract conditions, possibly enabling Sainz to transition to a leading team, presented a more attractive choice compared to Alpine, which sought extended commitment.

Briatore revealed that Alpine was interested in securing Sainz for a four-year deal.

He conveyed to the German outlet AMuS, “I had a conversation with Sainz. He caught our interest, but it was merely for a four-year duration. Opting for a driver of Carlos’s caliber for just one or two years would not be logical.

"He's either committed to our plan or he's not. There's no point in having an expensive driver who's eyeing a move to a different team the moment a chance presents itself."

A shift in generations in Formula 1

Both Red Bull and Mercedes bypassed Sainz.

Red Bull is expected to select Liam Lawson to partner with Max Verstappen for the upcoming season, whereas Mercedes has elevated 18-year-old prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take over for Hamilton.

Briatore thinks it's "moment for a shift in generations."

"Briatore emphasized that the moment has arrived for a new generation to take over."

"Sainz is an excellent driver. However, when he was available, none of the leading teams signed him."

"They opt to concentrate on emerging talents behind the wheel. Toto Wolff has his sights on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Christian Horner is keeping an eye on Liam Lawson."

Newer drivers possess a greater ambition compared to someone who already has a family with two kids and a substantial financial security of 30 or 40 million in their account.

"According to Enzo Ferrari, becoming a parent often leads drivers to reduce their speed."

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Lorenzo Savadori has signed a new agreement to continue his position as a test rider for Aprilia in MotoGP. The company has officially announced that Savadori will remain in his role.

Lorenzo Savadori has agreed to continue his role as the official MotoGP test rider for Aprilia for a minimum of two more years after signing a fresh contract with the Noale-based company.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Savadori will continue in his position until at least the conclusion of 2026. This will mark his seventh year as a test rider and coincide with the final year of the existing 1,000cc MotoGP regulations.

Savadori expressed his delight at extending his journey with Aprilia Racing for another two seasons, stating that he is thrilled to keep working with the team.

"In the past few years, our performance has been remarkable, and I am confident that we will keep getting better and better."

"Our expansion has been steady and methodical, driven by a clear objective that remains our priority: helping the RS-GP reach the pinnacle of MotoGP."

The head of Aprilia Racing, Massimo Rivola, emphasized the significance of Savadori's position as a test rider for Aprilia this year. This comes as the Italian manufacturer introduces two fresh competitors: Marco Bezzecchi and the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin. Rivola also announced that Savadori will compete in select Grands Prix as a wildcard entry in 2025.

Aprilia Racing is pleased to announce that it will maintain its collaboration with Lorenzo Savadori. Savadori has been a crucial part of the team, contributing significantly to the remarkable progress achieved in recent years, alongside the test team, according to Rivola.

The term "Sava" symbolizes ongoing progress, which is crucial for collaborating with a highly reliable test rider. This is particularly important in a pivotal year when two new riders are set to become part of the factory team.

"He'll serve as a significant asset during several Grand Prix events, where he will still make appearances as a wildcard, testing out innovative solutions."

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Augusto Fernandez has secured a contract for 2025 following his departure from KTM's MotoGP team. He will now serve as a test rider for Yamaha’s MotoGP initiative.

Augusto Fernandez has been officially announced as a test rider for the Yamaha MotoGP team.

Earlier this year, Fernandez's stint as a full-time MotoGP racer concluded after two years when KTM and the Tech3 team decided to part ways with him at the conclusion of the 2024 season. He is now set to become part of Yamaha's official MotoGP test team alongside Cal Crutchlow.

The racer from Spain managed to secure a top finish of fourth place during his two-year stint in the MotoGP series, with this achievement occurring at the 2023 French Grand Prix. In 2024, the transition to KTM's carbon frame proved challenging for the Spaniard, hindering further progress during his initial year in the top category. However, due to Yamaha's current concessions status, he will have the opportunity to participate in as many as six wildcard races in 2025.

"I am thrilled and extremely excited to become a test rider for Yamaha in 2025," stated Fernandez.

"Being included in the Yamaha team is a significant privilege, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this possible."

"In this exciting venture, I am committed to putting in my utmost effort to return Yamaha to their rightful position."

Yamaha Racing's Managing Director, Lin Jarvis, shared that Fernandez is set to be the main substitute rider for Yamaha in the 2025 season. This means if any of their four riders are unable to compete due to injury, Fernandez will step in. Furthermore, it is suggested that Fernandez will participate in all six of Yamaha's wildcard races.

Yamaha is focusing on bike development in order to quickly get back to their winning form, according to Jarvis.

"We have brought on Augusto as our second Yamaha Test Rider to work alongside Cal Crutchlow. Cal was unfortunately unable to handle all his testing responsibilities in 2024, making it clear that we needed to hire an additional rider to help complete all the necessary tasks for 2025."

"We are confident that Augusto will integrate well with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team and the YZR-M1 motorcycle. As a young and speedy rider, Augusto has the opportunity to work with Cal and master the unique techniques needed for a dedicated test rider role."

"Our present standing allows us to fully utilize the maximum capacity of the testing program. Beyond the tests, we plan to engage in as many as six wild-card races. Additionally, Augusto will serve as the designated substitute rider if any of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team or Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders are unable to compete at any point during the 2025 season."

"The numerous chances to ride ought to help Augusto keep up his racing pace as he continues with the demanding testing duties."

Augusto has begun collaborating with us behind the scenes, and he will officially take part in his first test during the shakedown session in Sepang, scheduled for late January 2025.

"Currently, we are keeping a close eye on Cal's recovery from his arm problems earlier this year, and we are optimistic that he will be back soon to continue his testing responsibilities."

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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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Carlos Sainz marks his departure from Ferrari with a unique lap on the circuit accompanied by his dad

A final farewell from Carlos Sainz to Ferrari

Carlos Sainz marked his departure from Ferrari by participating in a unique Formula 1 track event at Fiorano, where he drove alongside his dad.

On Tuesday, Sainz took the wheel of Ferrari's F1 car for the 2022 season, testing it out on Ferrari's private circuit in Italy.

The driver headed to Williams was racing alongside his father, Carlos Sainz Senior.

The duo took turns driving the Ferrari F1-75, the vehicle that secured the runner-up position in the 2022 Formula 1 constructors' championship.

Sainz bid his farewell to the team, as he is set to join Williams in 2025.

"Following in each other’s tracks! Thank you, Scuderia Ferrari," Sainz expressed on his Instagram, alongside a video showcasing him and his dad racing together at the Fiorano circuit.

Check out this Instagram post from Carlos Sainz (@carlossainz55)

Sainz departs from Ferrari with his reputation significantly improved.

While part of the squad, he clinched a Grand Prix victory at the 2022 British Grand Prix.

He stood out as the sole victor from a team other than Red Bull in the 2023 season, clinching victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In 2024, Sainz secured an additional two victories.

His victory in Australia was remarkable, especially since he had to skip the previous race because of appendicitis.

He experienced triumph, possibly for the last occasion in Formula 1, during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Despite his collaboration with Charles Leclerc, they were unable to secure the constructors' championship.

Ferrari came close but ended up 14 points short of McLaren.

Sainz initiates his journey with Williams

Last week, in Abu Dhabi's post-season test, Sainz experienced driving a Williams vehicle for the first time.

He clocked in with the day's second-quickest time, narrowly missing Leclerc's pace by just a little over a tenth.

Williams faces a busy winter ahead as they aim to recover from a disappointing ninth-place finish in the constructors' Championship.

The revival of Williams might not kickstart until 2026, as James Vowles is aiming for the team's resurgence to align with the introduction of new regulations.

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