Rookie Sensation Kimi Antonelli Warned to ‘Slow Down’ Ahead of High-Stakes F1 Debut
Kimi Antonelli advised to 'ease up' to steer clear of 'uncomfortable' circumstances
F1 race champion cautions Andrea Kimi Antonelli before his debut season.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been counseled to "ease off the pace" before his first season in Formula 1 with Mercedes begins.
Following only one season competing in Formula 2, without participating in Formula 3, the 18-year-old racer from Italy is set to take over from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, joining forces with George Russell.
Antonelli grabbed the spotlight after his F1 practice debut ended in a crash just minutes into the session at the previous year's Italian Grand Prix, coincidentally the same weekend he was revealed to be joining Mercedes as a driver for the 2025 season.
Ex-Formula 1 victor Juan Pablo Montoya believes Antonelli will struggle to meet the high expectations during his debut season in F1.
"The seven-time grand prix champion expressed to CasinoApps that living up to the expectations will be a significant challenge for Kimi Antonelli, emphasizing the difficulty of the task."
His velocity is sufficient for him to achieve remarkable success; however, high speeds can lead to mishaps. There's frequent discussion about his numerous accidents in the previous vehicles.
He seems to be genuinely dedicated, and if Kimi manages to keep his feelings in check, realizing that it may require some time to excel, I believe he'll be just fine.
Should he decide to emerge and outpace the competition, such a strategy might rapidly turn against him. If someone could take control and advise him to 'Ease up, tiger'.
There are moments when he could avoid placing himself in difficult circumstances. However, there's a significant possibility he may find himself in a tricky situation given his demonstrated speed, but also his propensity to err.
"Speeding leads to accidents, but if you avoid accidents, it means you're moving at a slower pace."
Montoya added, "It's essential to maintain a pace that's quick yet not excessive."
"Having Russell at the peak of his career as your colleague, with his extensive tenure at the team, presents its own set of challenges; there's no sense of precedence or advantage to be found."
"This is the situation at hand; he must strive to maximize it. You'll find yourself experiencing excellent periods or facing exceptionally poor and mediocre times. It's crucial to master the art of optimizing those periods."
"It's crucial to grasp the reasons behind their shortcomings. The minor adjustments he could implement to elevate from mediocre to proficient are key. By dedicating effort to recognize these nuances, he will transform and respond appropriately to various scenarios."
Antonelli successfully completes driving exam
This week, it was confirmed by Antonelli himself that he had successfully completed his driving examination, a mere six weeks prior to his first Formula 1 race at the season's inaugural Australian Grand Prix.
Despite accumulating thousands of miles in an F1 car as part of his preparation for his rookie season, Antonelli had not yet qualified for road legality – until this moment.
"Antonelli admitted to a minor error in his theory during an interview with Sky Sports at the Autosport Awards on Wednesday evening, but he felt that, on the whole, things went quite smoothly."
"I won't sugarcoat it; I was quite anxious. The fear really set in because I was aware that was my only chance to get it right, given that once the season kicked off, there wouldn't be an opportunity to try again."
"I kept convincing myself that it was necessary to go through with it. Thankfully, it turned out well, which was a huge weight off my shoulders, truly a significant relief."
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Yamaha and Pramac Racing Unveil Striking New Liveries for 2025 MotoGP Season in Malaysia
Yamaha and Pramac Unveil Fresh Color Schemes for the 2025 MotoGP Season in Malaysia
Yamaha and Pramac Showcase New Designs
The Pramac team has revealed its updated appearance for its inaugural MotoGP season with Yamaha in 2025, showcasing significant Alpine branding, although the primary team hues stay mostly the same.
Yamaha is currently undergoing a period of restructuring after experiencing a significant drop from competing for the championship with Fabio Quartararo as the reigning champion in 2022 to failing to achieve a single podium finish last year.
The brand from Japan concluded the season in fourth place in the constructors' rankings, with Quartararo being the highest-placed rider for the team, finishing 13th.
Nonetheless, towards the end of the campaign, there were encouraging indicators of advancement, and with Max Bartolini at the helm as technical director, Yamaha is gearing up for a more substantial effort in 2025. This includes the anticipated launch of its inaugural V4 at some stage during this season.
Before resigning from his position as team leader, Lin Jarvis successfully negotiated a fresh two-year agreement with Quartararo, then with Alex Rins, and also managed to acquire a satellite team for Yamaha, marking the first time since 2022 that this has occurred.
Pramac, victorious in the 2024 independent teams' championship and instrumental in Jorge Martin securing the riders’ championship, chose to switch from Ducati to Yamaha's factory equipment.
The team is set to introduce a completely fresh roster featuring Jack Miller, previously with the team riding a Ducati from 2018 to 2020, alongside Miguel Oliveira, making a move from Trackhouse Aprilia.
The Pramac team recently announced the addition of French car maker Alpine as a primary sponsor, prominently displayed on its updated team colors.
At the event, the unveiling of the Pramac Yamaha Moto2 motorcycles ridden by Tony Arbolino and Izan Guevara took place. Ex-MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis has been appointed as the team manager.
Yamaha announced plans to commemorate its 70th anniversary with unique celebrations scheduled for July this year.
The brand was present on the Sepang circuit on Friday for the preliminary runs, with its competing racers slated to join over the weekend in preparation for the initial official testing from February 5-7 in Malaysia.
As of now, only two teams have not revealed their new liveries for the upcoming season. The factory Honda team will unveil theirs on Saturday, February 1st, in Indonesia.
LCR Honda is set to make their announcement on February 8, just before the MotoGP season kicks off with an event in Bangkok.
The Honda team is gearing up to present its inaugural motorcycle not featuring the Repsol colors in more than three decades, following the conclusion of its partnership with the Spanish petroleum company as the main sponsor.
The 2025 season kicks off from February 28 to March 2 with the Thai Grand Prix.
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Yuki Tsunoda Poised for Red Bull Reserve Role in 2025: A New Opportunity Awaits
Yuki Tsunoda might still compete for Red Bull with a potential new position being suggested.
It is anticipated that Yuki Tsunoda will be officially announced as Red Bull's Formula 1 backup driver.
Sources indicate that Yuki Tsunoda is expected to be announced as Red Bull’s backup driver for the 2025 Formula One campaign.
The 24-year-old racer from Japan will continue for a fifth season with Racing Bulls, the affiliate team of Red Bull, having not been selected by the main team for the 2025 season.
Red Bull chose to elevate Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's new Formula 1 partner, after making the decision to part ways with Sergio Perez following a disappointing 2024 season.
Based on information from Autosport and RacingNews365, Tsunoda is expected to become Red Bull's backup driver this year.
Should Lawson fail to meet expectations, Tsunoda would not only serve as a secondary choice but also as the primary replacement for either the Kiwi or Verstappen, should any of Red Bull's main drivers be unable to participate.
Verstappen faces the ongoing risk of being banned from races as he enters 2025 carrying eight penalty points on his super licence.
The quadruple world champion has stated firmly that his racing approach will remain unchanged, even though he is just four points shy of activating an obligatory suspension for one race.
Verstappen must strategically approach the initial 11 races of the 2025 season as he awaits the expiration of two penalty points on June 30.
Theoretically, Tsunoda, who first tested with Red Bull during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, might end up competing for the team even though he was initially overlooked.
Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has acknowledged the possibility of Tsunoda leaving the squad once his current deal concludes in late 2025.
Horner acknowledged, as last year came to a close, the pressing need to secure a spot for Yuki within Red Bull. He openly questioned the logic of retaining him if they fail to do so, stating, "If we can't manage to offer Yuki an opportunity at Red Bull this year, honestly, does continuing to hold onto him make any sense?"
"Having a driver remain in the support crew for half a decade isn't feasible. Constantly playing second fiddle isn't an option. At that juncture, the choice becomes clear: either release them or consider an alternative approach."
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Yamaha MotoGP Riders Focus on the Present Amid V4 Engine Speculations
Yamaha's MotoGP competitors were questioned on their V4 engine strategy
“Our test riders are handling that…”
Yamaha's racing team is scheduled to start their trial runs at the Sepang shakedown for the MotoGP this Saturday, with their attention not centered on the much-anticipated V4 engine.
In a departure from its longstanding commitment to inline-four engines, Yamaha revealed plans last year to venture into the development of a V4, marking its first such endeavor in recent times.
This shift in its customary approach to development stems from the innovative perspective that technical director Max Bartolini has introduced to the Japanese company.
There is no specific schedule for the V4's introduction in 2025, as its racers kept details under wraps at Yamaha's event on Friday.
"My aim is to familiarize myself with this motorcycle, to understand the M1, and to focus on the ongoing project," Pramac's recent recruit Miguel Oliveira shared with Crash.net.
"That's where I'm directing all my attention. Considering something that isn't a reality yet doesn't seem wise to me. My goal is to concentrate completely on this bike."
When questioned about the same topic, 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo emphasized that test riders, rather than himself, will concentrate on this issue. He also cautioned that Honda, with its V4 engine, faces challenges comparable to those of Yamaha.
"Quartararo expressed that there's a high level of anticipation placed on the V4 by many, but he personally doesn't share that sentiment. He pointed out that Honda also uses a V4 engine, yet they're facing similar challenges to us," Quartararo mentioned.
"Hence, I believe this isn't actually our primary concern."
"Thus, we need to examine and identify the issues before deciding whether we can proceed further."
"Currently, our primary attention is directed towards 2025, concentrating on the four inline projects."
"For evaluating the V4, we employ test riders. Ultimately, we'll have three individuals in this role, and I'm confident they'll get the opportunity to test out the V4."
"I'm unsure of the timing because it never occurred to me to inquire."
Yamaha announced at its unveiling event, where it showcased the new designs for its main team and Pramac, that its racers will hit the Sepang circuit starting Saturday to kick off their off-season training.
As a producer of race vehicles, Yamaha has the liberty to experiment extensively with its racing team members.
Additionally, it won't be affected by MotoGP's implementation of the engine freeze starting this year, which means it has the possibility of racing its V4 when it becomes ready, potentially in 2025.
Unique insights shared by Peter McLaren, the MotoGP Editor at Crash
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Lewis Hamilton Emerges Unscathed from Minor Crash During Ferrari F1 Test in Barcelona
Lewis Hamilton emerges unscathed from an accident during Ferrari's second F1 trial
During a test session for Ferrari in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton experiences a minor accident.
Lewis Hamilton has been involved in an accident during his second Formula 1 trial with Ferrari in Barcelona.
The seven-time world champion skidded off the track during the last section of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, colliding with the barriers.
According to a source speaking to Crash.net, Hamilton emerged from the accident without any injuries.
Initial accounts suggested substantial harm, yet it has been clarified that the incident was relatively minor.
Ferrari anticipates that the necessary repairs will be completed, allowing Charles Leclerc to resume the team's scheduled activities for the afternoon.
Ferrari views Hamilton's accident as a typical phase of him adjusting to a new vehicle as he familiarizes himself with it.
Leclerc and Hamilton split their driving duties on Tuesday, with Leclerc behind the wheel in the morning session and Hamilton taking the helm in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the 40-year-old British driver took his turn at the wheel, but an accident cut his session short.
Hamilton is actively progressing in his training to be fully prepared for his eagerly awaited first season with the Scuderia team.
Interestingly, this isn't the initial instance of Hamilton experiencing a crash during his teams' preliminary F1 trials.
Before his debut season in 2007, Hamilton experienced a severe crash at McLaren, and in 2013, he encountered a braking issue during his initial test run with Mercedes.
AutoRacer reports that for the concluding day of their exclusive testing on Thursday, Ferrari plans to include backup driver Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic in the lineup.
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Ducati Partners with WRS for Cutting-Edge Windscreens: A New Era for Marquez and Bagnaia
New update on Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia's Ducati windscreen revealed
Ducati unveils new feature for GP25
The newest information on the Ducati GP25 has just been revealed.
Ducati has announced a collaboration with a new sponsor for the forthcoming MotoGP season, which will supply the windscreens for the motorcycles ridden by Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.
WRS, a company based in Italy known for being a premier producer of motorcycle windscreens, has recently become a technical collaborator with Ducati.
The firm pledges to cater to the unique requirements of both cyclists and their bicycles, guaranteeing superior efficiency in aerodynamics, visibility, and durability.
Mauro Grassilli, the Sporting Director at Ducati Corse, expressed: "WRS plays a significant role in our local area, and we find common ground in aspects like advanced technology, dedication to research, and innovation."
"We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership, united by a shared objective: to remain competitive and to constantly seek improvement."
Nicolas Zavoli, the CEO of WRS, expressed his excitement and privilege in joining the remarkable journey alongside Ducati Corse.
"Collaborating with riders like Bagnaia and Marquez places a significant responsibility on our shoulders, yet it simultaneously serves as an additional incentive for us to constantly strive to extend the boundaries of our technology."
"Each windshield we produce is a testament to our longstanding expertise and commitment, and we are confident that our input will be crucial for the Team's success throughout the season."
Bagnaia and Marquez are expected to showcase the most intense competition in this season's MotoGP lineup.
Bagnaia is accustomed to adjusting to the most recent version of the Desmosedici.
Marquez, previously aligned with Honda, has completed a season riding a Ducati from the previous year and now needs to adjust to the most recent model.
Fabio di Giannantonio from the VR46 squad becomes the third competitor to race on a GP25 motorcycle this season.
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Certainly! However, I'll
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Mercedes at a Crossroads: Navigating the 2025 Season Amid Regulation Challenges and Uncertain Future
Mercedes faces an "unusual predicament" as F1 2025 approaches: "They're not foolish."
"They're not foolish. Yet, for some reason, they're struggling to master the current regulations."
Ex-Formula 1 racer Karun Chandhok thinks Mercedes finds themselves in a somewhat peculiar position as the 2025 season approaches.
Mercedes has struggled to compete for victories consistently since the introduction of the ground effect regulations at the beginning of 2022.
Throughout the previous year, Mercedes experienced fluctuating performance levels.
At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, George Russell led the charge, securing a commanding win, yet for the majority of the season, they found themselves as the fourth quickest team.
As the regulations stay consistent through the winter, it's uncertain if Mercedes will be able to master the rules.
Chandhok acknowledged that Mercedes stood out as one of the major letdowns of the previous year.
Commenting on their results, Chandhok mentioned on the Evo India podcast, “Honestly, that has been quite frustrating. They truly were the major letdown of 2024.
"We had high hopes for Canada, believing it marked significant progress when George secured a good qualifying position, but it ultimately didn't materialize. Then, in the unexpectedly chilly conditions of Las Vegas, they completely dominated their competitors. George had the potential to finish the race a full 30 seconds ahead of the rest had he chosen to. The whole situation is baffling."
"They're perplexed. That was their consistent reaction following the race, completely uncertain about how they managed to secure the victory. Remember, the key individuals responsible for clinching those seven consecutive world titles haven't gone anywhere. They're certainly not fools. However, for some reason, they seem unable to grasp the current set of rules."
Mercedes faces a significant challenge in 2025.
Next year's introduction of completely redesigned engines and chassis could lead some teams to abandon their 2025 plans early in order to concentrate on adapting to the forthcoming regulations.
Mercedes might be among the teams facing difficulties lately.
Chandhok mentioned, "They find themselves in a somewhat peculiar position. They're facing a decision point. To what extent do they concentrate on 2025 in hopes of achieving some positive outcomes?"
"Or should we simply acknowledge that we haven't mastered these regulations and shift our full attention to 2026?"
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Alex Rins Unveils Yamaha’s Impressive Winter Work on 2025 MotoGP Bike: New Parts, Renewed Hope
Alex Rins highlights Yamaha's remarkable winter work on the 2025 MotoGP motorcycle
The Spanish rider discusses the completely new components introduced for evaluation
Alex Rins has shared comprehensive insights into the innovations Yamaha introduced during the winter, ahead of the inaugural MotoGP test of 2025, expressing his considerable admiration for the advancements made.
Yamaha is gearing up for the 2025 season with a revitalized effort to climb back to the leading positions in MotoGP, following two consecutive seasons without any victories.
Despite the attention gravitating towards the upcoming V4 project, Yamaha continues to devote attention to its existing motorcycle model.
Discover further: Max Bartolini discusses how half a second is considered "catastrophic" in MotoGP
Alex Rins, embarking on his sophomore year with Yamaha, has revealed that the Japanese brand plans to introduce a fresh engine, frame, swingarm, and fairing, among other upgrades, for evaluation during this week's Sepang shakedown and official trial.
"He admitted to Crash.net that claiming we'll be battling for wins right from the start isn't accurate, emphasizing the challenge in making such a statement."
Currently, there's an opportunity to enhance the bicycle. Yamaha dedicated significant effort during the winter season.
"I'm thrilled about getting back on the bike tomorrow for the second day of testing."
They put in a lot of effort. They introduced a new engine, chassis, swingarm, fairing, among other components – everything's new. So, I'm really amazed.
"We plan to conduct consecutive tests, beginning with the baseline motorcycle we used in Montmelo, albeit incorporating the new chassis we experimented with during the test."
"Therefore, we used that as our fundamental motorcycle. We'll now focus on developing a fresh engine, updated electronic systems, and an additional new frame. It's going to be a hectic winter ahead."
In December, Rins had an operation to assess the severe leg injury he sustained in 2023. He claims to feel "absolutely fine," even though he was seen using a crutch at Yamaha's unveiling event.
"I'm undergoing surgery this December to assess how things are," he stated.
"The operation aimed to assess the healing progress of the bone. Upon opening, it was observed that there was only a small amount of bone, indicating that the tibia had not fully recovered."
"Truthfully, after two months, I feel absolutely fantastic, really great."
"Truthfully, it's just like it was prior to the operation because I was already in a decent state before undergoing surgery
"So, currently, I'm using this [crutch] to alleviate some of the pressure on my leg due to the metal implants. You might recall I was moving somewhat awkwardly before – that's because my ankle has been causing me some discomfort."
"I've retained all the metal, which is why I need this [crutch].
"However, cycling isn't an issue for me. I underwent intense preparation during the off-season, focusing on both physical training and mental readiness. Additionally, I spent four to five days practicing on the R1 at both Jerez and Almeria."
Statements given by Crash MotoGP Editor Peter McLaren
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Lewis Hamilton Emerges Unscathed from Minor Crash During Barcelona Ferrari Test
Latest News on Lewis Hamilton Following His Ferrari Crash During Barcelona Testing
"From what a high-ranking Ferrari insider has shared with me…"
Lewis Hamilton emerged without injury, and Ferrari is unfazed following his accident in Barcelona.
On Wednesday, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Hamilton experienced a loss of control over his Ferrari during his third day of testing with his new Formula 1 squad.
He emerged without injuries from the event, now characterized as a "minor crash" by Sky Sports.
Craig Slater conveyed that a high-ranking individual from Ferrari assured he was completely okay following the incident.
"However, the vehicle needed to be retrieved and brought back to the pit area for fixing."
"A senior Ferrari insider has clarified to me that this situation is entirely typical for the season, especially for an individual like Hamilton who is aiming to explore the maximum capabilities of his latest gear."
Lewis Hamilton Involved in Ferrari Incident
On Wednesday, Hamilton found himself in the driver's seat of a 2023 Ferrari, following the TPC [Testing of Previous Car] regulations that mandate the use of a car that is no less than two years old for any testing activities outside the official F1 sessions.
Hamilton was scheduled for the morning driving session, with his team member Charles Leclerc set to take the wheel in the afternoon.
However, following Hamilton's shortened session due to his accident, Leclerc was completely unable to take to the track.
The initial schedule for Thursday, marking the culmination of Ferrari's three-day testing session in Barcelona, involved assigning the driving responsibilities to a pair of test drivers.
Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic are reportedly set to assume new roles.
However, since Hamilton's time on the track was cut short, and Leclerc's session was completely canceled, it's still uncertain whether Ferrari will adjust their strategy to provide their two leading drivers with additional track time.
Sources within Formula 1 have emphasized that while Hamilton's accident on Wednesday came as a surprise, it could be seen as an inevitable result of a driver pushing a new vehicle to its boundaries in an effort to rapidly gauge its performance.
Hamilton previously encountered an incident where he crashed his Formula 1 car while racing for his newly joined team.
He experienced incidents during preseason testing at both McLaren and Mercedes.
In early 2007, he couldn't keep the McLaren MP4-22 on track in Valencia, and later, during his 15th lap with his new team in early 2013, he crashed his Mercedes.
The record-breaking Hamilton didn't suffer setbacks from those partnerships and will likely wish that Wednesday's mishap is merely a minor stain on his upcoming significant journey.
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Quartararo’s Quest for Glory: Yamaha’s 2025 MotoGP Revival Led by a World Champion
Fabio Quartararo is set for a comeback at the forefront of MotoGP in 2025
Yamaha is gearing up for a significant 2025 season, aiming to break its streak without a win. At the helm of this effort is a world champion eager to realize his full potential, according to Lewis Duncan.
Financial incentives are a significant allure for any competitor. At the beginning of the previous year, Yamaha was aware it was at risk of parting ways with its top racer, Fabio Quartararo, due to its repeated inability to provide him with the motorcycle required to secure a second MotoGP world championship following his 2021 victory.
Aprilia expressed interest but lacked the necessary financial resources. Yamaha, however, invested heavily, committing €12 million annually until the conclusion of 2026, leading to a swift agreement. These actions marked one of two significant strategic moves by departing team leader Lin Jarvis, with the other notable decision being to appoint Pramac as its official secondary team partner.
Rejecting a significant financial offer was a challenging decision, but Quartararo committed himself to the challenging work of restoring Yamaha to its rightful status. This commitment became more palatable when Yamaha persuaded Max Bartolini, previously a key ally of Gigi Dall’Igna at Ducati, to join as the technical director.
On the technical front, Bartolini has successfully softened the traditionally rigid approach of Yamaha's Japanese operations. Throughout 2024, the M1 was consistently updated with new components at every testing and racing event, taking full advantage of its allowances.
His most significant achievement, at least in terms of technology, has been persuading Yamaha to embark on a V4 project – however, there's no specified date for its first appearance on the race track. Traditionally, Yamaha has opted for inline-four engine configurations in recent times, standing as the sole manufacturer to do so.
In alignment with Yamaha's efforts to enhance engine performance, Bartolini shared with Peter McLaren of Crash.net last winter that the primary objective isn't solely about power: “The common perception with the V4 is focused on the engine. However, I believe the major benefits come from the bike's configuration, rather than the engine itself.
Regarding sheer performance, from what I've heard from our engine team, the change shouldn't be significant. "However, the V4 design does offer some opportunities for more straightforward bike configuration management."
Yamaha's primary issue with the M1 model has been the insufficient rear grip, a problem that has persisted over several years. This issue has led to a reduction in the bike's renowned nimbleness, which initially allowed Quartararo to make a significant impact upon joining Yamaha in 2019 as a newcomer.
As the 2024 season progressed, these elements contributed to incremental enhancements, culminating in Quartararo delivering the brand's top performance of the year by finishing sixth at the Malaysian Grand Prix. With the onset of winter testing, Yamaha aims to continue building on this momentum.
Yamaha faces a formidable challenge. Last season, they ranked fourth among five teams in the constructors' championship, scoring 124 points, which placed them 598 points behind the leader, Ducati, and 178 points short of Aprilia, who finished third. Quartararo emerged as the top performer for Yamaha's duo, finishing 13th with a mere 113 points, marking the lowest point total of his career. Meanwhile, his teammate Alex Rins, in his debut season riding the M1, finished 18th, his performance hindered by ongoing injuries.
During Yamaha's unveiling on Friday, Rins highlighted the challenge by stating, “Claiming we'll be in contention for a win from the very first race isn't accurate.”
Quartararo has experienced a shift in attitude over the past season, moving away from his previous dismay caused by Yamaha's inability to meet his needs. He's come to understand that hard work is the key to victory on the Yamaha, and mentioned at the launch that he's heading into the new year without any specific expectations, focusing instead on continuing the momentum from the end of the previous season.
Speaking to Crash.net during Yamaha's unveiling event, he expressed his satisfaction with the team's advancements, particularly in the latter half of the year. "We've managed to make progress, which is encouraging. However, the challenge ahead is to enhance our speed through better grip, power, electronics, and aerodynamics. These areas are crucial for our success," he stated.
If that's the situation, Yamaha should naturally emerge as a steady contender for the top 10 positions right from the start. With Pramac shifting allegiance to Yamaha and consequently reducing the number of Ducatis on the grid by two, Yamaha's task becomes a tad simpler.
During Yamaha's challenging times, Quartararo has consistently been a beacon of hope. The internal conflict between leadership and Maverick Vinales didn't deter him from his path to the championship in 2021, and he stayed in the title race until the last round of the 2022 season, even though he was at a noticeable equipment disadvantage compared to Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia.
As Quartararo clinched victories and contended for the title that season, his closest Yamaha rival, team colleague Franco Morbidelli, trailed significantly in 19th place. Andrea Dovizioso's return to racing with RNF Racing was short-lived, ending his stint by the time of the San Marino GP due to an underwhelming performance.
In 2023, Quartararo stood out as the sole Yamaha rider to reach the podium, maintaining a lead of 70 points ahead of the closest competitor from the same brand in the rankings. Despite Rins experiencing inconsistent performances, Quartararo surpassed him by winning 12 out of 17 grands prix, securing a better qualifying position in 14 out of 18 races, and uniquely earning points for Yamaha in the sprint races.
Many competitors claim they always put in their utmost effort, even in challenging circumstances. However, Quartararo stands out as one of the rare individuals whose commitment you can truly trust. He's not just a top-tier athlete; he's fully aware of his elite status. Perhaps the most significant impact Bartolini has made on Yamaha is his role akin to a chief mentor for Quartararo. He has played a crucial part in calming Quartararo's anxieties and, with the support of the French rider, instilling the confidence that the dry spell will eventually be over.
Previously, Quartararo displayed frustration during media interactions if introduced bike modifications failed to perform as expected. However, his perspective on this matter has since drastically changed.
"He suggested beginning with the 2024 foundation in the examination and then assessing its improvement. He emphasized that new doesn't necessarily equate to better, noting this as a crucial consideration."
Throughout the initial months of the previous year, Quartararo was vocal in urging Yamaha to secure a satellite team for itself. The strategic maneuver by Marc Marquez to secure a seat with the factory Ducati team, after rejecting an offer from Pramac, inadvertently benefited Yamaha. Pramac, which had been a top-tier satellite team for several years, had played a crucial role in advancing Jorge Martin's career – who has since moved to Aprilia – helping him clinch the riders' championship last season.
For many years leading up to 2025, Yamaha functioned almost as a branch of the Ducati team, albeit under a different brand. Now, with the collaboration of Yamaha, they have the ideal ally to accelerate the process of bike innovation. With seasoned riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira on board, they have the expertise needed to advance this mission
Yamaha's progress in development, along with Quartararo's evident skills, has certainly caught the attention of many. Francesco Bagnaia identified the French rider as a potential leading contender for 2025, a sentiment echoed by Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola.
Quartararo's steady performance on the Yamaha, despite its declining position in the rankings over the past two years, has been notably commendable. Should Yamaha continue on its current path, it won't be long before Quartararo begins to draw significant attention once more in the MotoGP scene…
Statements given by Peter McLaren, the Editor for Crash MotoGP
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Christian Horner Brands Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Move as ‘Box Office’ for Formula 1
Red Bull Racing's principal, Christian Horner, shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's high-profile switch to Ferrari.
Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, thinks Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari would be a huge draw for F1.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari during the offseason, leaving behind his competitors at Mercedes to gear up for his inaugural season with the Scuderia.
Hamilton's switch to Ferrari has gripped the Formula 1 community as the 2025 season approaches, with the 40-year-old's initial visit to Maranello and his maiden outing on the track sparking widespread media excitement.
During his appearance at the Autosport Awards on Wednesday night, Horner acknowledged that Hamilton appeared impressive wearing Ferrari's signature red uniform.
Horner mentioned to Autosport, "From the images I've observed, it appears to match him well. I believe it's fantastic for Formula 1. Having Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of a Ferrari truly is a major attraction."
"Therefore, I believe it's an additional factor for this year that might be incredibly thrilling."
Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, creating a formidable duo among the grid's competitors.
McLaren enters the season as the current world champions in the constructors' category and are seen as the frontrunners, but it is anticipated that Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes will all be in tight competition.
Horner believes F1 might witness a four-team fight for the world titles this season.
"He believes the competition will be extremely close," he stated. "There will be four teams battling fiercely. He anticipates a highly competitive race, with any team having a chance to win.
"McLaren is expected to perform well, Ferrari is also anticipated to showcase strength, and Mercedes will be keen to demonstrate their prowess, setting the stage for an outstanding year."
Following a drop to third place in the previous season's championship rankings, Red Bull elevated Liam Lawson from their affiliate team, Racing Bulls, to take over for the struggling Sergio Perez.
Lawson is set to join Max Verstappen, the current world champion, as his new partner in Formula 1.
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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, typically delivering reports directly from the events. He shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.
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Adrian Newey: Fernando Alonso’s Two World Championships Don’t Reflect His True Talent
Adrian Newey highlights a statistic about Fernando Alonso, stating, "His tally of just two world championships certainly doesn't do justice to his skill level."
Adrian Newey remarked that Fernando Alonso's record of only two world championships does not truly showcase his talent, as they are set to collaborate at Aston Martin later this year.
On March 3, Newey will officially begin his role at Aston Martin as the managing technical partner.
The 66-year-old will lead Aston Martin's technical department as they aim to begin the 2026 regulations successfully.
Adrian Newey has recently been added to Lawrence Stroll's roster of notable hires, joining the ranks of Andy Cowell, who serves as the team principal, and Enrico Cardille, the technical director.
For the 2025 season, Alonso will continue to be a teammate of Lance Stroll.
Newey will have the opportunity to collaborate with Alonso at last, a partnership he has expressed interest in pursuing for several years.
While Adrian Newey held the position of technical director at McLaren, Fernando Alonso thwarted their efforts to secure the world championship in 2005, with Kimi Raikkonen as
In the early 2010s, Ferrari's Alonso was Red Bull's primary competitor for the championship.
In a conversation with AMuS, Newey discussed Alonso.
"Newey remarked that Fernando has posed some challenges over the years. However, he expressed eagerness to collaborate with him, noting his deep respect for Fernando."
"His talent is not accurately represented by the mere two world championships he has secured."
Alonso has consistently received high praise from Newey.
In an interview with the BBC the previous year, Newey expressed, "Regarding drivers, Fernando is someone I have always… It's unfortunate that it never came to pass, as I hold Fernando in very high regard."
"To be honest, my focus is on living in the now and what lies ahead, rather than dwelling on what has already happened."
"Do I have any regrets? Not at all. I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced the opportunities I've been given and to have collaborated with the individuals I've worked with and encountered throughout my journey."
Newey is set to collaborate with Alonso for a minimum of two years, as the Spanish driver's contract is set to expire at the close of 2026.
Following that, Aston Martin might attempt to recruit Max Verstappen.
Aston Martin has rejected claims of a massive £1 billion offer to acquire Verstappen. However, considering his connections to Newey and the team’s engine collaborator for 2026, Honda, such a move might be feasible down the line.
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Connor, known for his keen insight into the controversies and narratives of Formula 1, is the driving force behind our fair and impartial news coverage.
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Lewis Hamilton Bounces Back: Eager for 2025 F1 Opener After Ferrari Testing Crash
Lewis Hamilton breaks silence after Ferrari accident
Lewis Hamilton looks forward to the 2025 F1 season start
Lewis Hamilton has made his initial public remarks following his recent accident while testing his Ferrari.
He took to social media to share his excitement about the F1 Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of the 2025 season, which will also mark his first race with Ferrari.
This week, his transition from Mercedes to his current team experienced a slight hiccup after he wrecked a 2023 Ferrari, prematurely ending his third day of test driving.
This also resulted in Charles Leclerc being unable to take his scheduled turn behind the wheel later that Wednesday.
Hamilton's accident was deemed slight, and he walked away without injuries, leaving Ferrari unconcerned about the incident.
Check out this Instagram post from Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)
"Can't wait for the first race," Hamilton expressed eagerly in his initial post since the Ferrari crash.
He also shared a collection of previously unreleased pictures from his time at Ferrari up to now.
This year, Hamilton is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth F1 drivers' title with Ferrari.
This represents the collaboration between Formula 1's top-performing driver and its most victorious team.
Hamilton is parting ways with Mercedes, the team behind six of his seven championships, after they failed to provide him with a car capable of winning the title for the past three years.
Last year, Ferrari secured victories in five Grand Prix races and came in second in the constructors' standings, providing Hamilton with optimism about competing at the forefront.
The conflict kicks off in Australia, from March 14th to 16th.
This is a major race where both Hamilton and, notably, Ferrari have historically performed well.
However, before he can start competing again, Hamilton is set to return to driving next week.
Ferrari's pair of Formula 1 racers are set to participate in tire testing with Pirelli, using a 2024 version of their vehicle, at the Barcelona circuit.
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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.
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