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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 2024 Top Bonus Earnings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McLaren's vehicle performed reliably across various tracks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Max Verstappen Allegedly Prevented Carlos Sainz from Joining Red Bull

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montoya mentioned that Franco Colapinto is destined to join Williams.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clause linked to Marko eliminated

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

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

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

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

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

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Prominent F1 drivers face crucial questions in 2025

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

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

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

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

Can Lewis Hamilton Overcome His Qualifying Challenges?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Can Lando Norris Clinch the F1 Championship?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is George Russell poised to take the helm at Mercedes?

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

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

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

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

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

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Belgian Grand Prix to Rotate on F1 Schedule Under New Agreement

The Belgian Grand Prix will now alternate its position on the Formula 1 calendar following the extension of its contract.

The Belgian Grand Prix is set to become part of a rotating schedule on the Formula 1 calendar, following a new multi-year agreement extension.

The renowned Spa-Francorchamps racetrack had a contract set to end in 2025, but it has now confirmed its continuation into 2026 and the years following. This agreement follows a series of recent temporary contracts.

Belgium is set to join the rotational schedule and will feature on the Formula 1 calendar for four out of the next six seasons.

The Spa circuit is set to hold Formula 1 races in the years 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, but it will not feature in the 2028 and 2030

In recent years, the circuit has benefited from substantial new funding, leading to the construction of two additional grandstands. These expansions have boosted the venue's capacity by 10,000 seats.

Formula 1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, remarked that the Belgian Grand Prix was among the original races when the Championship began in 1950. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it is appropriate to announce this significant contract extension.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is widely celebrated by both drivers and enthusiasts as one of the top racing tracks globally. It has been the backdrop for numerous remarkable events throughout its long history in Formula 1.

"Over the past few years, substantial efforts have been made to enhance the venue and elevate the fan experience. I want to acknowledge the promoter and the Wallonia Government for their committed and enthusiastic backing of Formula 1 in Belgium."

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, who serves as the Vice President of the Walloon Government and also holds the position of Minister of the Economy, expressed his pleasure by stating: "I am thrilled that the Belgian Grand Prix, a significant event for Wallonia, has secured its place on the Formula 1 schedule for the upcoming years."

The racetrack offers the area top-notch sports facilities that can accommodate world-class events. With the FIA Formula 1 World Championship taking place, Spa-Francorchamps, along with the Wallonia region, gains significant global visibility. Besides serving as an international platform, the event also brings substantial economic advantages to Wallonia and Belgium as a whole.

"The long-term continuation of this partnership will enable the circuit teams to strategize for the future, which is highly beneficial."

Melchior Wathelet, who serves as the President of Spa Grand Prix, and Vanessa Maes, the Chief Executive Officer of Spa Grand Prix, expressed their pride in the extension. They stated that the renewal signifies the strong mutual trust that has developed as they have enhanced their facilities and achieved record-breaking attendance alongside providing an exceptional experience for fans in recent years.

The renewal of this contract has been achieved with the aid of the Walloon Government and the dedicated fans of what we consider the world's most stunning circuit. Collectively, we are deepening our dedication to advancing our remarkable region.

Additional races on a rotational basis in Europe

At present, it remains uncertain which other races will be included in the rotational schedule, though it is anticipated that these will primarily be other European races.

This aligns with Formula 1's goal to expand the sport into various markets, while still preserving the historic and traditional races of the world championship.

The Formula 1 schedule already includes a demanding total of 24 races, which is the maximum allowed by the present Concorde agreement.

Recently, Domenicali suggested that races on a rotating schedule could be introduced to the sport's calendar in the future.

During a call with Liberty Media investors, Domenicali mentioned that they will be announcing some news shortly about the potential for rotational European Grand Prix events and additional new possibilities in the mid-term future.

"We will certainly address this matter in due time. It's accurate to say that there's significant interest from potential new venues wishing to join us. Our decision will always weigh the financial advantages for our overall system against the opportunities for market expansion that could further boost our business growth."

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EXCLUSIVE: Aston Martin acknowledges shortcomings in performance, agrees with critics

In a conversation with Crash.net, Mike Krack from Aston Martin conceded that the team needs to closely examine their performance due to not meeting their objectives.

Aston Martin's team leader, Mike Krack, acknowledged that the team did not achieve their goals for the 2024 F1 season.

In 2024, Aston Martin secured the fifth spot in the constructors' championship for the second year running, yet the team accumulated less than half the points they had achieved in the prior season.

The team located in Silverstone kicked off the 2023 season with impressive performance, coming out of the winter as the primary competitors to Red Bull. Fernando Alonso secured podium finishes in six of the first eight races.

Aston Martin fell behind as the season progressed, with their competitors in the midfield making advancements. This mirrored a pattern from the previous year when they failed to secure any podium finishes and managed to earn only 94 points, a significant drop from the 280 points they accumulated in 2023.

Lawrence Stroll, the highly ambitious owner of Aston Martin, has openly declared his goal for the team to vie for the Formula 1 world championship in the near future.

The wealthy Canadian entrepreneur has poured a significant sum of money into a new manufacturing facility that includes a cutting-edge wind tunnel. Additionally, he has secured a factory engine collaboration with Honda starting in 2026. The entrepreneur has also made notable hires, with the most prominent being the iconic designer Adrian Newey.

To date, Aston Martin's results on the track have fallen short of their high expectations.

In response to inquiries about addressing criticism regarding Aston Martin's lackluster performance, Krack mentioned to Crash.net, "I believe the critics have a valid point. We have not met our goals or lived up to our expectations."

"From an outsider's perspective, you might observe that since the inception of this project, we've achieved seventh place twice and fifth place twice. Taking a broader view, one could conclude that this represents steady advancement."

"When you take a closer look at the individual seasons, it becomes clear that we didn't hit all our goals. Our aim was to close the gap with our competitors, and had we succeeded, to be frank, we likely would have ended up near fifth place. However, this would have significantly altered our view of the entire season."

"We mustn't focus solely on the outcome. Finishing fifth overall is respectable. It may not be outstanding, but it's far from disastrous. While this isn't our most successful season, it falls short of our goals and expectations."

Aston Martin is evaluating their performance closely. Krack stated, "We need to meet certain standards and be truthful with ourselves. In Formula 1, performance is key."

Several aspects of our team have seen significant advancements. We have accelerated the pace at which we implement upgrades, enhanced the quality of the components we use, and improved our pit stops and garage operations. Additionally, our race strategy has also seen considerable progress.

"However, the most critical aspect is how the car performs, and addressing this issue is essential for us."

One of the major challenges Aston Martin has encountered over the last two seasons is their inability to effectively improve their car.

Dan Fallows, who became the technical director of the team in 2022, stepped down from his position in November following a decline in Aston Martin's performance.

Aston Martin is optimistic that the inclusion of Newey and ex-Ferrari chassis technical director Enrico Cardile, starting in 2025, will assist in improving this aspect.

Krack mentioned that this is a time for reflection. He noted that these issues have been present for about 18 months, beginning around mid-2023, and cannot be dismissed as a singular occurrence.

"We have observed time and again that our performance development has fallen short. This requires careful examination. We are addressing it by thoroughly analyzing the situation, especially since the team has expanded rapidly."

"You possess a traditional framework. How are we organized? What are our methods? Who communicates with whom during performance development? We must acknowledge that our current approach is not achieving the desired results. Therefore, we need to challenge and reassess it."

"Currently, we are engaged in these activities and need to talk about whether any adjustments are necessary, or if we need to modify certain procedures."

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Why Red Bull Chose Not to Pair a 'Quicker' Racer with Max Verstappen Over Liam Lawson

Helmut Marko explains why Red Bull passed over Yuki Tsunoda and decided to advance Liam Lawson.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has clarified the reasons behind the team's decision not to advance Yuki Tsunoda, even though he is reportedly quicker than Liam Lawson.

Lawson has been chosen over Tsunoda to take the place of Sergio Perez, who was let go, for the 2025 season. The 22-year-old from New Zealand will be Max Verstappen’s fifth partner since Verstappen became part of Red Bull in 2016.

Perez became the most recent victim of Red Bull's stringent policies, as the team decided to let go of the Mexican driver following his poor performances last season, concluding that he did not meet the necessary standards to occupy the seat of the second car.

Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon experienced comparable situations at Red Bull prior to Perez, and the team has now chosen Lawson, who has competed in only 11 grand prix events across two seasons.

Despite not clearly surpassing his Racing Bulls teammate Tsunoda, who outpaced him in all six regular qualifying rounds they participated in at the end of 2024, Lawson has still been promoted.

'Tsunoda Faces Major Emotional Hurdles'

Marko has explained the reasons behind Red Bull's decision to choose Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

According to Marko's comments to Sport, Tsunoda currently has the edge in speed compared to his counterpart, but he struggles with maintaining consistency and still makes errors.

Marko mentioned that Tsunoda's emotional reactions during team radio communications influenced Red Bull's choice not to advance the Japanese driver to a higher position.

The 81-year-old Austrian mentioned that while his angry outbursts have gotten much better, they are still a problem. He tends to lose his temper.

Marko mentioned that competing with Verstappen would present Tsunoda with "considerable emotional difficulties."

He stated that they think Tsunoda might face considerable emotional difficulties if he were to compete alongside Max and found himself unable to defeat him or even come close, realizing that things weren't unfolding as he had envisioned.

Marko referred to Lawson as the "most mentally resilient among our junior members," even though he doesn't have much experience.

Marko concluded by saying that he possesses the mental strength to compete with Verstappen while coming to terms with the fact that he won't be able to rival the Dutch driver.

Tsunoda is set to remain with Red Bull's junior team for a fifth year.

The head of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, has suggested that there might be a chance of Tsunoda leaving once his contract concludes at the close of 2025.

Horner openly acknowledged that if Red Bull cannot offer Yuki an opportunity this year, it raises the question of whether it makes sense to keep him.

"A driver shouldn't remain in a supporting role for five years. It's not ideal to always be second in line. At that stage, you either need to release them or consider a new approach."

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Lewis Hamilton's Wealth: How Much is the F1 Star Worth?

The Formula 1 icon, Lewis Hamilton, has a net worth of £350 million.

This information comes from the Sunday Times Rich List for 2024.

According to a well-regarded list of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, Hamilton holds the 350th

Hamilton was the sole athlete currently competing to be featured on the list.

He was ranked ninth on their list of the "40 Wealthiest Individuals Under 40."

Hamilton is valued at £10 million more than Ed Sheeran.

The Formula 1 champion, who has won the world title seven times, was the wealthiest athlete still competing to ever appear in The Sunday Times Rich List.

Yet, his move to Ferrari in 2025 is expected to positively impact his finances.

According to Forbes, he is set to receive a raise on top of the significant $55 million salary he earned from Mercedes in 2024.

Two years ago, his wealth was valued at £300 million, marking a rise of £40 million since 2021. However, this amount is significantly overshadowed by Toto Wolff's financial standing.

Hamilton is poised to reclaim the top spot on the list of F1 driver earnings, surpassing Max Verstappen, due to his new association with Ferrari.

Verstappen became the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 thanks to generous bonuses tied to his race victories and championship titles.

However, Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 is set to make him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 once again.

He holds profitable agreements with companies such as Monster energy drinks, Tommy Hilfiger, Sony, and Bose.

He resides in the United States and London, while primarily living in Monaco.

In 2020, Hamilton surpassed David Beckham, who ended his career in 2013, to become the wealthiest British athlete ever recorded on The Sunday Times Rich List.

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Kevin Magnussen mentioned that there was interest from Ferrari and declined an offer from Red Bull. He shared that he had chances to join Ferrari and Red Bull, but those opportunities slipped away.

Kevin Magnussen has stated that there was a possibility he might have driven for either Ferrari or Red Bull at some point in his Formula 1 career.

The Danish driver, aged 32, who found himself without a Formula 1 position for 2025 after Esteban Ocon replaced him at Haas, has shared insights on how his career path might have taken a different direction.

In his initial stint with Haas, Magnussen disclosed that he was considered as a potential replacement for Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari. However, Ferrari decided to elevate their young talent, Charles Leclerc, to the team in 2019 following his remarkable debut season with Sauber.

Kevin Magnussen, speaking to Autosport, recalled his third season in Formula 1 when he was around 23 or 24 years old. At that time, he felt optimistic, believing that everything was still achievable. There were instances when he sensed that things were moving in a promising direction.

Back in 2018, our car performed exceptionally well during the first half of the year. Charles Leclerc had just made his debut in Formula 1 with Sauber. Initially, his season didn't start off on the right foot, while mine was going remarkably well. Then, out of the blue, Ferrari began to express interest.

Unexpectedly, I found myself using their simulator, not for Haas, but for Ferrari, as they were showing interest. I began to feel enthusiastic about the potential direction this might take. However, Charles began performing exceptionally well, and I didn't hear anything further.

"I'm not sure how close it came to happening. However, I believe that if Charles hadn't started showing good results and had a poor season throughout, I might have been one of the drivers they considered."

"There are moments when it seems like you're nearing your goal, yet it still feels out of reach. That's just how things are."

Rejecting an Offer from Red Bull

Magnussen had a chance to be part of the Red Bull team and thinks he might have eventually secured a spot racing next to Max Verstappen on the main squad.

After Daniel Ricciardo left Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2018 season, Kevin Magnussen's representatives contacted team leader Christian Horner, who then presented an opportunity for a possible position with Toro Rosso.

Magnussen declined the opportunity to race for Red Bull's affiliated team, as he wasn't interested at that moment. In retrospect, he acknowledges that refusing the offer might have been an error.

"Following that season, Daniel Ricciardo departed from Red Bull. I recall my management team having discussions with Christian Horner since there was a lot of buzz surrounding the available seat at Red Bull," he stated.

Christian mentioned that there were no opportunities at Red Bull, but he suggested discussing possibilities at Toro Rosso. I declined, saying, 'No, no, let's not go there,' a decision I might regret now.

Gasly was the one who secured the Red Bull position. Albon, who moved up from F2, initially joined Toro Rosso. However, when Gasly underperformed, Albon stepped in to take his place. As a result, the driver who initially landed the Toro Rosso spot eventually found himself at Red Bull.

Denmark's most accomplished Formula 1 driver admits his career could have taken a different path, but he remains content with how his journey in the sport unfolded without any regrets.

"I definitely had the potential to do more," he admitted. "Honestly, I don't think anyone can claim they gave it their all with no room for improvement. There are always areas where more effort could have been applied… There were moments when I didn't put in enough effort."

"There were moments when I put in a lot of hard work. I have no regrets about my choices. I believe there was nothing more I could have done to alter my career path."

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