Charles Leclerc Criticizes Misleading Media Coverage on Relationship with Carlos Sainz

Charles Leclerc has expressed his disapproval of how the media has represented his remarks concerning his departing Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz.

Charles Leclerc has taken steps to clarify the nature of his relationship with his ex-Ferrari Formula 1 teammate, Carlos Sainz.

Following four seasons together at Ferrari, Leclerc and Sainz will no longer be teammates. Sainz is set to join Williams, which opens up a spot for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is transferring from Mercedes.

Leclerc expressed his frustration over how his remarks before the second-to-last race of the season in Qatar were misinterpreted.

Before the Qatar Grand Prix, the driver from Monaco expressed, "I've mentioned this often; on one side, it's not as though I'll be missing him intensely since he'll still be around in the paddock, probably just about 20 meters away."

During the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Leclerc expressed his dissatisfaction with the way certain media organizations had represented his remarks.

"In recent days, I've noticed a number of inaccurate headlines," stated Leclerc.

The statement I made has been somewhat misinterpreted. Regarding my comment about not missing Carlos, I simply meant that he is only 20 meters away from me in the paddock.

"I've genuinely had a fantastic connection with Carlos. As an individual, he's truly a great person."

"We have consistently maintained an exceptionally strong relationship."

Leclerc maintains that their relationship is ‘really good.’ Despite experiencing some tensions on the track, particularly during the Las Vegas Grand Prix which led to Leclerc expressing his frustration over the radio, he emphasized that they share a solid relationship.

Leclerc acknowledged that while there have been moments of friction on the track, it is a common occurrence.

"In the end, while both of us compete for Ferrari, our goal is also to secure race victories."

"When we are in such close competition on the track, there will inevitably be disagreements between the parties involved."

"What stands out to me is that each time we faced a situation like this, we emerged a little stronger and more united."

"We have an exceptionally strong bond and share many interests beyond just racing."

"While [Sainz] won't be with the team next year, I believe we'll probably still attend races together to enjoy each other's company."

"Our relationship is very strong, so I genuinely hope everything goes well for him."

Starting in 2025, Leclerc will team up with Hamilton, marking his third different Ferrari partner.

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Daniel Ricciardo comments on the ongoing dispute between Max Verstappen and George Russell, describing it as "a challenging conflict to overcome." Ricciardo shares his thoughts on the tension between Verstappen and Russell.

Daniel Ricciardo has shared his thoughts on the disagreement between Max Verstappen and George Russell that occurred at the end of the F1 season.

The final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was overshadowed by a verbal clash between Verstappen and Russell.

This occurred after the Qatar Grand Prix, where Verstappen received a one-position grid penalty due to a minor incident with Russell during the qualifying session.

Verstappen was annoyed by Russell's involvement in the penalty decision and his behavior during the meeting with the stewards.

Following the race on Sunday, the racer from the Netherlands stated that he no longer had any respect for Russell. He maintained this position during the press event in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Russell responded strongly to Verstappen, suggesting that Verstappen struggles to cope with challenges. He also alluded multiple times to Verstappen's conduct during the 2021 championship fight with Lewis Hamilton.

Since that time, Verstappen has suggested that he might mend fences with Russell, expressing his belief that "we will resolve it once more."

After the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo, who had exited from Formula 1, shared his perspective on the matter.

During an interview with The Red Flags Podcast, Ricciardo remarked, "It's compelling TV. This is the first instance I've witnessed George getting upset."

When questioned about whether it was wise to engage in a rivalry with the current world champion, Ricciardo replied: "Not right now. The young guy, Verstappen, is really on point. I think it's a challenging fight to come out on top of."

Ricciardo has expressed a clear disinterest in returning to Formula 1, despite potential interest from Cadillac.

Cadillac is preparing to join Formula 1 as the 11th team in 2026 and has been associated with various drivers.

It is anticipated that they will bring on board an American talent, with Colton Herta being the leading contender.

Aside from that, it is anticipated that Cadillac will prioritize seasoned drivers, considering options such as Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and possibly Sergio Perez, who may be available.

It seems that the ex-Red Bull racer has fully stepped away from Formula 1.

In a brief interaction with a fan, Ricciardo was questioned about Cadillac and responded by saying, "No, I'm finished."

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Max Verstappen engaged in 'productive discussions' with Mercedes

Max Verstappen shares insights into his discussions with Mercedes while contemplating his future in Formula 1 with Red Bull.

Max Verstappen shared that he engaged in "highly productive discussions" with Mercedes regarding the possibility of becoming part of their team.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion became Mercedes' top choice for a driver after Lewis Hamilton unexpectedly revealed in February that he would be joining Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Mercedes' team boss, Toto Wolff, made efforts for several months to attract Max Verstappen during a challenging beginning of the season for Red Bull. However, he ultimately abandoned his pursuit to sign the 27-year-old Dutch driver away from Red Bull.

Wolff chose to elevate the young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes to join George Russell for the upcoming season, while dismissing rumors about attempting to secure Verstappen in the near future.

In an interview with the Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, Verstappen discussed the conversations he had with Mercedes while contemplating his future in Formula 1.

"The major teams certainly catch people's attention, yet I am already part of a significant team myself. I've experienced considerable success with them, and it genuinely feels like a second family to me," Verstappen revealed.

"Naturally, we maintain open communication with one another. I'm truthful when I say that we've had meetings. Our discussions have been productive, and I believe everyone has consistently approached them with honesty and transparency."

"Conversely, I have a strong sense of loyalty to my team, and it feels like a place where I truly belong. As a result, there's not much more I need to accomplish right now. Given my youth, there's plenty of time for new opportunities and developments down the road."

Verstappen has 'no issues to raise'

Max Verstappen, whose contract with Red Bull extends through 2028, emphasized once again that he is "extremely satisfied" with the team based in Milton Keynes and has no intention of departing.

This comes even though the controversy involving Red Bull team boss Christian Horner earlier this year led to tensions with Jos Verstappen, Max's father, and resulted in the exit of major figures such as iconic designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

He explained that in Formula 1, it's rare for a person to break their contract. Unlike in football, where players might sign a five-year deal but depart after just one year, this isn't usually the goal in F1.

"It's impossible to predict what the future holds, whether that's next year or two years from now. Since it's beyond my control, I don't spend much time worrying about it. Right now, I'm extremely satisfied with my current situation, especially after securing another championship victory."

Naturally, the car requires some enhancements, which is quite understandable. However, I feel positive about my place in the team, where I can truly be myself.

"Everyone is putting in maximum effort to consistently provide me with top-quality resources. I have no complaints in that regard."

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Daniel Ricciardo responds briefly to F1 comeback rumors as Cadillac shows interest

It appears Daniel Ricciardo has hinted at stepping away from Formula 1.

Daniel Ricciardo seems to have closed the chapter on his Formula 1 career, as indicated by his brief three-word reply to a supporter, despite Cadillac's possible interest in him.

Following the Singapore Grand Prix this year, Ricciardo bid farewell to his career in Formula 1.

Due to the Australian driver's lackluster performance, Red Bull opted to substitute him with Liam Lawson for the concluding races of the 2024 F1 season.

An additional team is expected to enter the competition in 2026, which might offer Ricciardo a chance to return to the sport.

The Australian athlete has nearly confirmed his retirement following a short conversation with a supporter during the weekend.

A fan inquired if Ricciardo had a Cadillac, to which the ex-Formula 1 driver responded, "No, I'm finished with that."

Cadillac will have plenty of choices in 2026, thanks to the arrival of many new drivers in the field.

With Ollie Bearman, Jack Doohan, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Gabriel Bortoleto set to join the lineup next year, several seasoned drivers have lost their spots.

Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu will not be participating in the 2025 season.

If Red Bull chooses to elevate either Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, Sergio Perez might find himself among those who have been replaced.

Cadillac advisor Mario Andretti has revealed that the company aims to have a young American racer, potentially Colton Herta, join forces with a driver who has established experience in Formula 1.

In an interview with NBC Sports, he mentioned, "When it comes to potential candidates, Herta is certainly one we are considering."

"It seems wise to remain flexible about those options because we won't be participating as players in the upcoming season."

"Currently, the number of drivers exceeds the number of teams. While ten teams might appear sufficient, the pool of talented drivers is significantly larger."

"In our view, the initial plan should involve having one seasoned driver, regardless of nationality, alongside a promising young American driver. These are our current goals."

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Lando Norris takes back his sarcastic remark about Max Verstappen, suggesting his success is due to luck rather than skill. Norris commented, "The media often twists words."

Lando Norris has apologized for previously stating that Max Verstappen's success was due to "all luck and no talent" after the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Following a significant setback in the 2024 F1 championship battle in Brazil, Norris made a sarcastic remark.

Max Verstappen capitalized on the red flag's timing to secure a victory at the Interlagos race, despite starting from the 17th position on the grid.

On the other hand, Norris, who began the race in pole position, ended up in sixth place after veering off track twice.

Following the race, Norris criticized the regulation regarding the red flag.

Lando Norris mentioned to F1 TV that it's permissible to swap tyres during a red flag situation, which is precisely what the other teams opted to do.

"Simply a matter of bad luck. It was unfortunate, and occasionally things just don't work out in your favor. We didn't make any mistakes. I'm not concerned about others' opinions."

Remaining on the track was not the correct decision. The race should not have been stopped with a red flag, and ultimately, the accident at the end led to the red flag being issued.

"That's just how life works at times. You take a risk, and for them, it has worked out. It’s not about skill; it's simply a matter of luck. It’s just a bit of misfortune, nothing more."

Following the FIA prize gala on Friday, where he received his trophy for securing second place in the F1 drivers' championship, Norris spoke about his remark after it was featured in a montage.

"Initially, I take back what I mentioned earlier about it being entirely luck and lacking any talent," Norris stated.

"You're aware of how the media can alter narratives."

Norris admitted that he must enhance his performance if he intends to surpass Verstappen in 2025.

Lando Norris extended his congratulations to Max, stating, “His achievements this year, particularly his performance in Brazil, were outstanding. I’m quick to commend him, especially since I'm competing against him.”

"This season was challenging, undoubtedly. I did my utmost to perform and fought hard, but this year my efforts fell short. However, there are times when I'm content with being the runner-up to Max, as I consider it a significant accomplishment to consistently improve beyond that."

"This year has been fantastic for me, filled with numerous accomplishments and personal growth. However, I recognize that I need to elevate my efforts and surpass what I have done this year. I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming year and aiming to replicate this success."

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Helmut Marko suggests that news regarding Sergio Perez's future with Red Bull will be revealed "soon." Helmut Marko provides the latest information as anticipation builds for Red Bull's decision.

Helmut Marko has indicated that Red Bull is poised to announce who their second driver will be for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with the decision expected to be finalized "within the next few days."

According to reports, Red Bull convened on Monday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to talk about Sergio Perez's future in Formula 1.

Due to Perez's lackluster performance for the majority of the season, Red Bull secured only a third-place finish in the constructors' championship, marking their worst result since 2019.

Since the Chinese Grand Prix in April, Perez has not managed to secure a spot on the podium.

Mid-season, the Mexican driver was at risk of losing his position, as Red Bull was giving serious thought to bringing in Daniel Ricciardo.

In his most recent piece for Speedweek, Marko disclosed that Red Bull is set to share an update about their driver lineup within the week.

He also rejected Nico Rosberg's extravagant idea that Red Bull would need to compensate Perez with $16 million to terminate his ongoing contract.

Marko stated that they will reveal information about next year's driver lineup in the coming days.

"There are numerous theories circulating on this topic, with some even suggesting potential transfer costs, but these claims are entirely baseless."

Tsunoda receives accolades for Red Bull trial

In the post-season Abu Dhabi test held last week, Tsunoda had his inaugural chance to drive for Red Bull.

Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with how effortlessly he adjusted to the RB20, despite not achieving any standout lap times.

Marko commended Tsunoda for his hard work, noting that the team was pleased with the technical insights he provided.

Marko mentioned that Yuki was permitted to drive the RB20 on the track during the post-season testing, and the team was pleased with the technical feedback he provided.

"In this regard, he surpasses the reputation he has been given."

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Kimi Antonelli acknowledged that there is an expectation for him to achieve results at Mercedes | "That reason won't work anymore"

Kimi Antonelli is under pressure to succeed right from his inaugural race with Mercedes.

Former Formula 1 racer Karun Chandhok has cautioned Andrea Kimi Antonelli that there will be expectations for him to perform well, regardless of whether or not Mercedes is competing for the championship in 2025.

Antonelli is set to join Formula 1, taking over Lewis Hamilton's spot at Mercedes.

The young Italian driver, frequently called the prodigy of Mercedes, is considered by some to be the possible heir to Max Verstappen's legacy.

Antonelli is confronted with the formidable task of taking over for a seven-time world champion in a leading team such as Mercedes.

Mercedes might choose to concentrate on the year 2026, aligning with the introduction of new regulations, which would ease the pressure on Antonelli during his debut season.

Nonetheless, Chandhok asserts that he must deliver results right away, irrespective of how competitive Mercedes is.

Chandhok expressed on the Sky F1 podcast that, in his view, it doesn't matter if you're racing for the team that ended up last in the championship standings or for the team leading the pack. As a newcomer in Formula 1, there is no place to escape the scrutiny.

For Kimi Antonelli, joining a leading team as a newcomer brings high expectations, similar to when Lewis Hamilton started at McLaren and immediately secured nine podium finishes. Oscar Piastri has also demonstrated his abilities over the past couple of years.

The bar for newcomers is set quite high. Simply claiming, "I'm here to learn," is no longer a valid excuse. This is largely because drivers like Verstappen, Leclerc, Russell, and Lewis have significantly heightened the standards for rookies.

Newcomers Shake Up the 2025 F1 Lineup

Antonelli is just one of several first-time drivers entering the F1 scene in 2025.

Oliver Bearman is set to join the Haas team as a full-time driver, partnering with Esteban Ocon.

Jack Doohan has taken over for Ocon at Alpine, and Gabriel Bortoleto has been chosen instead of Valtteri Bottas at Sauber.

Isack Hadjar might be included in the lineup if Red Bull chooses to advance either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, which could create an available position at VCARB.

The introduction of numerous newcomers suggests that next year’s lineup might not include Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, or possibly Sergio Perez.

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Red Bull expressed their admiration for Yuki Tsunoda following his first Formula 1 test in Abu Dhabi. "They told me they were very impressed with the feedback I provided," he said.

Yuki Tsunoda stated that Red Bull was "impressed" by the insights he provided during his first Formula 1 test with the team in Abu Dhabi.

On Tuesday, Tsunoda had his initial experience with the team during the post-season Formula 1 test. The Japanese racer drove the RB20 for the first time, sharing the track with Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar.

Although Tsunoda didn't compete for the fastest times, he was satisfied with how swiftly he adjusted to driving the Red Bull.

Tsunoda is being considered for an advancement for the upcoming year, as Red Bull has yet to make a final decision on whether to retain Sergio Perez.

Reports suggest that Liam Lawson is currently favored over Tsunoda as the potential teammate for Max Verstappen.

During the final event of the season for Honda Racing, Tsunoda shared his thoughts on his significant appearance with Red Bull.

Tsunoda mentioned, as reported by Autosport, that he received many positive comments, especially regarding his feedback.

"The feedback wasn't just from the engineers at the track; it also came from those working remotely at Red Bull's facility in Milton Keynes. They expressed their admiration for my contributions."

"That region was a significant focus for me. I think Red Bull is already aware that my speed isn't really a concern. Rather, their primary interest seems to lie in my ability to provide feedback, how I interact with the team, and my overall conduct while driving. These aspects were likely seen as the greatest uncertainties by them."

Bearing that in mind, I persistently offered feedback in my usual manner, striving to convey information as comprehensively and with as much detail as I could.

Red Bull is preparing to make an important choice regarding their team. Throughout the 2024 F1 season, the issue with their second driver has been a frequent subject of discussion.

Although Perez began the year on a high note, his performance soon declined.

Starting in May, Perez did not manage to achieve any finishes within the top three positions.

Due to his poor performance, Red Bull fell to third place in the constructors' championship, marking their lowest finish since 2019.

Red Bull is faced with a decision to select either Tsunoda or Lawson.

Although Tsunoda generally demonstrated superior performance, Lawson has done admirably considering his limited experience.

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Max Verstappen criticizes McLaren's 'papaya rules': 'I would instruct my engineer to be quiet'

"They said, 'You can race.' The team should have addressed this situation more efficiently and effectively."

Max Verstappen has criticized McLaren's 'papaya rules,' labeling them as "ridiculous."

McLaren implemented the 'papaya rules' to regulate the competition on the racetrack between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The term "papaya rules" was initially mentioned during the Italian Grand Prix when Piastri passed Norris during the first lap at Monza.

Looking back at the season, Verstappen showed little regard for McLaren's implementation of team orders.

"This is just another ridiculous statement," Verstappen mentioned to Viaplay. "What does that even mean? Papaya rules… I find it completely useless."

"When my engineer tells me something like that, I quickly respond with, 'Just be quiet.' What exactly does that mean?"

The phrase "You can compete" suggests that the situation could have been handled more efficiently and effectively by the team.

What do 'papaya rules' refer to?

The term 'papaya rules' is McLaren's method of instructing their drivers to compete with integrity and sportsmanship.

During the Italian Grand Prix, as both vehicles approached their second pit stop, Norris was rapidly gaining on Piastri to challenge for the race lead. This led to the well-known radio message regarding the 'papaya rules.'

Guidelines for how drivers interact on the track have long been established in Formula 1, but the term 'papaya rules' is definitely distinctive.

During a talk in Monza this September, Stella discussed the concept known as ‘papaya rules’.

"Our advice consistently follows the papaya guidelines, which means that when the vehicle is papaya-colored, you should be cautious around other competitors. However, if the vehicle is papaya, you must exercise even more caution," he clarified.

"It is crucial for us, given how competitive the car is, to finish the race and work in harmony between our two drivers, instead of viewing each other as the primary rivals."

"We avoid adopting this way of thinking since it doesn't lead to productivity."

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Lewis Hamilton's choice to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari is considered "a calculated risk."

"He does view it that way, and it's a decision based on careful consideration. It was successful once before. We'll have to wait and see if it turns out well again."

Former Formula 1 racer Karun Chandhok thinks that Lewis Hamilton's choice to switch from Mercedes to Ferrari is a "strategic gamble," although it is a move that has been successful in the past.

Before the start of the 2024 season, it was revealed that Hamilton would be making a major move to join Ferrari.

Hamilton dedicated 12 years to Mercedes, where he secured six out of his seven championship titles.

The driver, who has won the world championship seven times, is now expected to conclude his Formula 1 career with the Scuderia team.

This marks the second occasion in Hamilton's Formula 1 career that he has made a groundbreaking decision.

Towards the close of 2012, Hamilton departed from McLaren, a team that was in the running for the championship, and joined Mercedes, a team that was largely considered to be in the middle of the

Reflecting on his choice to part ways with Mercedes after a challenging last season, Chandhok shared on the Sky F1 podcast that it was a gamble. He questioned how one could truly know what rival teams were planning, noting that he likely had some insight into the situation at Mercedes.

He mentioned that people aren't always paying attention to his ideas and aren't completely considering his opinions on the future direction of the cars.

Upon reconsideration, he mentioned some of those discussions earlier this year. Perhaps that led him to a place where people were more willing to pay attention.

"Hamilton's previous switch to an F1 team exceeded all expectations."

Mercedes quickly surpassed McLaren in terms of performance.

After Hamilton left, McLaren climbed back to the top tier of Formula 1 this year, surpassing Mercedes in the constructors' championship standings.

Chandhok notices similarities between Hamilton's choice to depart from McLaren and the criticism it faced back then.

He mentioned that he had been revisiting some interviews featuring both Ted Kravitz and Martin, conducted in late 2012. These interviews included discussions with individuals like Niki Lauda about Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Mercedes.

"Even that decision was somewhat of a gamble. He simply desired a different setting and aimed to depart from McLaren to explore new opportunities elsewhere."

"He probably does, but it's a well-thought-out gamble. It succeeded once before; we'll have to wait and see if it works again."

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"Hard to Witness" – Ex-F1 Driver Criticizes Sergio Perez's Stance

David Coulthard, a former Formula 1 driver, has remarked that Sergio Perez's unwillingness to acknowledge the reality of his situation is difficult to observe.

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has expressed that his respect for Sergio Perez is nearly diminished due to the way the situation regarding Perez's future with Red Bull has been managed.

A 34-year-old driver from Mexico is likely to be removed from Red Bull's racing team for the 2025 season following an unsatisfactory performance this year, with an official statement anticipated before the end of the year.

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull convened an urgent meeting with the team's shareholders to deliberate on the future of Perez with the team.

Max Verstappen secured his fourth world championship title in a row, amassing 437 points, whereas Perez ended up with just 152 points, placing him in a disappointing eighth position in the rankings.

Perez's poor performance and inability to improve were significant factors in Red Bull dropping to third place in the constructors' championship, trailing McLaren and Ferrari, and putting his future with the team in jeopardy.

Nevertheless, Perez has consistently claimed that he will be racing for Red Bull in 2025, pointing to his contract that extends into the following year.

During an appearance on the Formula For Success podcast, ex-Red Bull racer Coulthard expressed disapproval regarding how Perez and his agent, Julian Jakobi, are managing the current situation.

"Checo is a genuinely nice person, yet it's difficult to witness the denial of reality, which I suspect might be a strategic move by management," remarked Coulthard.

Julian Jakobi, who has been a respected and intelligent manager for years, is responsible for managing him. His primary responsibility is to ensure that the funds are secured.

It seems likely that the goal is to arrange the most substantial financial settlement to encourage him to leave voluntarily. Otherwise, they might end up telling him, "We'll fulfill our payment obligations for the upcoming year, but you won't have a car to race." While this is a possibility, it would be unfortunate if it came to that.

"I would have slightly less respect for Julian and Checo."

Ultimately, the facts are clear. When there is a contract in place, it should definitely be upheld through discussions.

"But ideally, they should handle it maturely instead of resorting to legal action over emotional grievances."

Reports about the transfer fee are 'utterly false.' Speculation has arisen suggesting that Perez is asking Red Bull for a hefty buy-out fee, approximately $20 million, to leave his position ahead of schedule.

However, Helmut Marko, the advisor for Red Bull motorsport, has dismissed these rumors as "utter nonsense."

Marko expressed in his Speedweek column that there is significant speculation surrounding the matter. He also dismissed any rumors regarding potential transfer fees as utterly baseless.

Regarding the timing of Red Bull's decision, Marko mentioned that they plan to reveal information about their driver lineup for the upcoming year within the next few days.

Liam Lawson is the leading candidate to take over Perez's spot at Red Bull next year.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-spot coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing industry.

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Lando Norris advised to assert himself against Max Verstappen more frequently in the 2025 F1 season.

Johnny Herbert advises Lando Norris on how to challenge Max Verstappen in the upcoming year.

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has encouraged Lando Norris to be more assertive with Max Verstappen, especially if Norris is competing for the championship in the coming year.

In the 2024 Formula 1 season, Norris had his most successful year, finishing second in the drivers' championship.

The British racer secured four wins and contributed to McLaren achieving their first Formula 1 constructors' championship since 1998.

Norris was left regretting several missed chances in the competition for the drivers' championship.

Struggles at the beginning of races and close battles with Verstappen resulted in him losing important points, which enabled the Dutch driver to clinch the championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In an interview with Coin Poker, Herbert outlined the steps Norris must take to compete with Verstappen.

"Norris should challenge Verstappen more frequently," Herbert remarked. "He has openly admitted that he might not have performed at his best this year."

According to the information I have received, he has come to terms with the fact that he needs to make this change.

At this point in time, numerous drivers are sharing the same thoughts as Max. It will be incredibly fascinating to observe who will emerge victorious next year.

"Next year might be quite intense, but that's exactly what you hope for in Formula 1—tough competition combined with practical thinking. Max really puts everyone under pressure."

Norris acknowledges the necessity for his own improvement, candidly admitting that he must "raise his game" in the upcoming season.

During the end-of-season FIA awards event, Norris acknowledged that Verstappen had outperformed him as a driver.

The McLaren driver took back his comment about his rival's success being "just luck" after Verstappen secured a victory starting from 17th position on the grid at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Although Norris showed remarkable performance during qualifying, outshining Piastri 20-4 on Saturdays, he is likely frustrated with several of his lackluster starts and McLaren's less-than-ideal strategic decisions.

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With a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives in Formula 1, Connor is central to maintaining the integrity of our impartial coverage.

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