"Max Verstappen comments on Sergio Perez's difficulties with Red Bull, stating, 'He's not foolish.' He added that criticism towards Perez has often been overly severe, emphasizing that Perez is not unintelligent."

Max Verstappen has commented on Sergio Perez's challenging season with Red Bull in Formula 1, asserting that "he's not foolish."

The future of Perez with Red Bull remains uncertain following a meeting reportedly held by shareholders on Monday to address the issue.

The Mexican driver's lackluster performance affected Red Bull's efforts in the constructors' championship, resulting in the team falling to third place behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Consequently, Red Bull is giving serious thought to the possibility of swapping him out for Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson.

Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen was questioned once more regarding the future of Perez.

"I'm not sure. It's a decision for the team to make," he mentioned. "I've consistently had a good working relationship with Checo. He's genuinely a fantastic person."

"It's uncommon to have a teammate like him, someone who consistently performs well and is genuinely kind."

"I collaborate with him every weekend, consistently. In my opinion, he has faced a lot of unfair criticism from others."

"Certainly, there are weekends that might have gone more smoothly. However, at times, criticism directed at him has been quite severe, even though he's not lacking in intelligence."

He has consistently been seen as an excellent driver. The challenges have been significant, not just for him but for the entire team, as there were times when handling the vehicle proved to be extremely difficult.

Who will join Verstappen at Red Bull: Tsunoda or Lawson?

It seems increasingly likely that Lawson will be chosen to team up with Verstappen at Red Bull next season.

Despite Lawson being consistently outperformed by Tsunoda in qualifying sessions, with a score of 6-0, the difference in their times was frequently under a tenth of a second, except for the event in Las Vegas.

Red Bull's leadership has been impressed by how well Lawson has adjusted to Formula 1 despite having little experience, although there remain worries about Tsunoda's attitude.

During the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, Tsunoda showcased strong performance.

He stated that adjusting to the Red Bull RB20 was not challenging, as the car matched his driving preferences well.

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Lewis Hamilton identifies his "top world champion" amid his ongoing farewell tour with Mercedes, reflecting on the memorable races they shared.

Lewis Hamilton has praised his former Formula 1 competitor Sebastian Vettel, calling him "the greatest world champion I am familiar with."

For many years, Hamilton and Vettel were fierce competitors leading the Formula 1 races, engaging in some unforgettable duels.

Vettel came out on top in their initial title battles, particularly in 2010. During that season, both competitors were still vying for the championship as they approached the final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber also in the mix.

The competition between them became more heated during 2017 and 2018, as Hamilton and Vettel took charge of Mercedes and Ferrari.

Hamilton emerged victorious in both seasons, preventing Vettel from achieving his goal of following in the footsteps of his hero, Michael Schumacher, by securing championship victories for Ferrari.

During his farewell tour in Malaysia, Hamilton addressed a gathering of fans, sharing his thoughts on his Formula 1 journey and highlighting what makes Vettel exceptional.

"He stated that Seb is the greatest world champion he knows, as Seb is much more than just a racer."

"He is genuinely passionate, shows empathy, and is considerate towards others. In fact, he stands out as the only person who has attempted to use his influence for a positive cause."

"I have encountered numerous famous individuals and a variety of other people. Many of them don't make an effort to engage with others."

"For me, it means that no matter how skillfully he drives, his speed is always impressive. We've shared some fantastic races together."

"In my opinion, the races we had together were the most exceptional."

A catalyst for transformation away from the race circuit

Vettel's decline in performance and subsequent transition to a mid-tier position with Aston Martin led to a change in his priorities.

The German started to focus more on topics beyond Formula 1.

During the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, Vettel donned a t-shirt with a rainbow design before the race to support LGBTQ+ rights.

This legislation came about following Hungary's suggestion of a contentious law that restricts how schools can educate students on topics related to homosexuality and transgender matters.

The ex-Red Bull racer has also been outspoken about environmental and sustainability concerns, topics he has passionately supported since stepping away from Formula 1.

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Lewis Hamilton has extended his congratulations to McLaren following their victory in the F1 constructors' championship.

Lewis Hamilton has extended his congratulations to McLaren for securing their first F1 constructors' championship victory since 1998.

Lando Norris' win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Formula 1 clinched the 2024 constructors' title for McLaren.

Approaching the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren was ahead of Ferrari by 21 points.

The team had a significant advantage because Charles Leclerc had a disappointing qualifying session and received an engine penalty, starting him in the 19th position on the grid.

Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri's clash with Max Verstappen occurred at the same time as Leclerc's impressive opening, where the Ferrari driver managed to move up to eighth place by the end of the first lap.

Nevertheless, Norris stood firm against Carlos Sainz's challenge, clinching his fourth victory of the season and ensuring McLaren's championship title.

The team from Woking has secured their first Formula 1 world championship since 2008, when they claimed the drivers’ title with Hamilton.

Hamilton used social media to send his congratulations to his old team for their win. On his Instagram story, he posted: "Huge congrats to McLaren. Thrilled for everyone, savor this moment."

McLaren aims to achieve a higher position in the 2025 F1 season, targeting the drivers' championship with one of their racers.

As Formula 1's rules remain unchanged during the off-season, McLaren is anticipated to be the leading team as they approach the opening race in Australia.

Overall, McLaren has been equipped with the quickest car this year, yet mistakes by their drivers and ineffective strategies have stopped them from increasing their tally of six wins.

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Lando Norris receives accolades for his impressive speed, reminiscent of a champion, yet he is cautioned about his personal struggles. Nico Rosberg analyzes Lando Norris as he potentially eyes a championship run in 2025.

Nico Rosberg, who won the F1 world title in 2016, thinks that Lando Norris has shown a natural speed that is comparable to a world champion's. However, Rosberg cautions that Norris will have to conquer "some inner demons" if he hopes to clinch the world championship next year.

In 2024, Norris had his best Formula 1 season yet, finishing second overall, just behind Max Verstappen.

The British driver secured four wins and claimed eight pole positions, establishing himself as the closest competitor to Verstappen in the race for the world championship.

At one stage, Norris seemed poised to challenge for the championship, securing pole position in Brazil while Verstappen started way back in 17th place.

In a race filled with mistakes by Norris, Verstappen delivered an exceptional performance, greatly increasing his chances of winning the title.

Nevertheless, Norris concluded the year on a high note by securing an impressive win at the Yas Marina Circuit, which earned McLaren its first constructors' championship since 1998.

During an appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Rosberg lauded Norris for his impressive natural speed, though he cautioned that Norris should address the minor mistakes he committed over the season.

Rosberg stated that his sheer speed is comparable to some of the top drivers, including Max Verstappen. This impressive speed is remarkable and befitting of a world champion.

"He continues to struggle somewhat because he battles with personal challenges that occasionally lead to mistakes."

One of the most remarkable instances occurred in Singapore, where he had a 20-second lead but nearly crashed twice. It seemed a bit unusual. He still needs to improve in that aspect to minimize mistakes, an area where Piastri excels.

Piastri may not have the highest top speed, but he is consistently reliable and makes no errors. Meanwhile, Lando is now considered the top contender to clinch the championship next year.

Did Norris Miss a Chance in 2024?

Despite Norris and McLaren being satisfied with their advancements in 2024, did they let a potential win in the drivers' championship slip away?

Norris missed out on victories in Canada and Britain due to ineffective strategic choices, and sluggish starts led to him falling behind Piastri in both Hungary and Italy.

The positive development for McLaren is that they concluded the year possessing either the most reliable or the most robust car.

Since the rules are not changing during the winter, they are likely to have a strong opportunity to chase the title.

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'Russell Touted as Mercedes' Key to F1 Success – Unmatched Speed in Qualifying'

Nico Rosberg has lauded George Russell's performance in qualifying, highlighting his prowess compared to Lewis Hamilton.

According to Nico Rosberg, George Russell is prepared to clinch the F1 world championship with the Mercedes team.

In the 2024 Formula 1 season, Russell had a successful run, reclaiming victory at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The British racer would have secured a victory at Spa if they hadn't been disqualified because of a technical violation.

Russell accumulated more points than Hamilton, placing above him in the championship rankings for the second time over the past three years.

One could say that the standout feature of Russell's season was his remarkable performance during qualifying sessions.

Russell secured three pole positions and outperformed Hamilton in the Saturday qualifying sessions, winning 19 out of 24 head-to-head matchups.

In the most recent episode of the Sky F1 podcast, former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, who competed with the team from 2010 to 2016, expressed his support for George Russell, suggesting that Russell could secure the world championship title if provided with a competitive car.

"According to Rosberg, George has the potential to secure the World Championship title, provided that Mercedes supplies him with a competitive car."

During qualifying sessions, he's unmatched in speed. While there are others like Verstappen who can match his pace, his performance in qualifying is truly remarkable. As for racing, it's important to keep in mind that we're constantly measuring him against the greatest driver in history.

The statement draws a comparison between him and Lewis when they drive the same vehicle. Lewis is regarded as the greatest ever. George is quite close to that level, but he occasionally lacks a bit in terms of race speed.

Questions have been expressed regarding Russell's speed during races. Despite being exceptional in single-lap situations, Rosberg remains doubtful about his ability to maintain that speed throughout an entire race.

"As a driver, you're ultimately responsible for the car's setup, which makes me wonder," he remarked.

"You decide what to do. I question whether he might be overly aggressive, which can be beneficial in qualifying with impressive speed but may slightly hinder race performance due to the setup."

"There might be a reason why he's always close to qualifying, or perhaps there's something else at play. However, he needs to improve slightly in his racing skills. Given how he's been performing this season, if the car is competitive, he has the potential to win and become a world champion."

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Yuki Tsunoda found it relatively easy to adjust to the Red Bull car during an F1 test, which comes before a crucial decision. "I believe the car aligns well with my driving style, and I haven't faced significant difficulties adapting, even during extended runs…"

Yuki Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with his debut appearance for Red Bull in Formula 1 at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Tsunoda eventually got the opportunity to drive for Red Bull, taking part in the Pirelli tire test held after the season at the Yas Marina Circuit.

He drove the RB20 for a total of 127 laps, achieving the 17th quickest time of the session.

The driver from Japan likely aimed to make a strong impression on Red Bull executives as they prepare to make an important choice about the team roster for the upcoming year.

Red Bull is currently considering whether to replace Sergio Perez and, if they decide to do so, who will take his place as the driver.

Liam Lawson is considered the leading candidate to replace Perez if a change is decided, although Tsunoda is still a formidable option.

Looking back at his experience with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi, Tsunoda expressed: "Today's post-season test in Abu Dhabi has been incredibly enjoyable. It's the first time in four years that I've had the opportunity to drive a different vehicle."

"You can actually sense why the RB20 has been a strong contender in this year's championship; it's a unique experience behind the wheel. Today was incredibly productive, and I'm thrilled about it. Although there's still much for me to learn, the team has excelled in setting up an excellent session today, and the mood in the garage has been fantastic."

"I believe the car matches my driving approach well, and I've had little difficulty adjusting to it. Even during extended runs, I've maintained a steady pace and could identify the car's limits. It's crucial to have confidence in the vehicle to push its boundaries. Right now, I'm more satisfied than ever, and ensuring the team receives the necessary data from each session is today's top priority."

Red Bull is on the verge of making a decision regarding their Formula 1 drivers for the 2025 season. According to reports, team executives recently convened to deliberate on the drivers for the upcoming year. Concerns over Perez's recent performances have led them to consider the possibility of advancing Lawson or Tsunoda to the team.

Although Tsunoda has maintained an advantage in racing, Red Bull has been amazed by Lawson's rapid adjustment, especially considering his limited experience in Formula 1.

In 2024, Red Bull fell to the third position in the F1 constructors' standings, marking their lowest performance since 2019.

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Sergio Perez's difficulties lead to comparisons with Daniel Ricciardo: "Glad when it's finished"

"My feelings towards Sergio are similar to those I had for Daniel Ricciardo…"

Martin Brundle, who provides commentary for Sky Sports F1, has expressed that he will feel "relieved" once a decision regarding Sergio Perez's future has been finalized.

According to reports, Red Bull convened a meeting on Monday to talk about Perez's future in light of his recent disappointing performance.

Due to Perez's underwhelming performances, Red Bull has slipped to third place in the F1 constructors' championship, marking their lowest standing since 2019.

Consequently, Red Bull is contemplating the possibility of advancing either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda to race alongside Max Verstappen in the coming year.

Daniel Ricciardo Analogy Drawn

While considering Perez's circumstances, Brundle drew a comparison to Daniel Ricciardo's situation.

Since departing from Renault at the conclusion of 2020, Ricciardo's career has significantly declined.

In 2021, he faced difficulties mastering the McLaren, even though he managed to break the team's winless streak at Monza. However, in 2022, the team decided to let him go.

During his time with Red Bull, he occasionally demonstrated speed, but after the Singapore Grand Prix, he was replaced by Lawson.

During Sky's coverage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Brundle shared his views on the matter, saying that Perez seemed to be in a state of "purgatory."

Brundle mentioned that his feelings towards Sergio are similar to how he felt about Daniel Ricciardo.

"I hold a deep admiration for both the individual and the racer, as well as the successes he has achieved, including some remarkable overtaking maneuvers and the impressive feats we have witnessed Sergio accomplish."

Even when driving cars that weren't the best, he managed to win races without having the quickest vehicle on the track. Complete admiration.

"I'll feel a bit of relief once it's finished. It must be a difficult situation for him right now."

"He seems to have lost his confidence and direction, and with all the pressure piling up on him, it must be really challenging."

"Attending the track daily is likely to be a difficult experience."

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What took place during the post-season Formula 1 testing in Abu Dhabi in 2024? Here’s a summary of the events that unfolded at the Yas Marina Circuit during the F1 post-season tests. We appreciate all the fans who have been with us all season long. It has been a lengthy and satisfying journey.

Have a wonderful holiday season! We'll return in the New Year with more live coverage for testing, and the complete season will kick off in March.

The testing phase has been completed and wrapped up!

Leclerc leads the pack, followed by Sainz, Russell, Hulkenberg, and Antonelli.

The reason behind it is somewhat unclear. Testing has resumed with three minutes remaining on the timer.

As we enter the last 10 minutes, the red flag has been displayed.

Leclerc has surged to the lead on the timing charts, surpassing Russell. The Ferrari driver clocked a time of 1 minute and 23.557 seconds.

Pato O’Ward has clocked the quickest time, leading the results by a margin of 0.070 seconds over Sainz.

A new chapter begins for Mercedes in the post-Lewis Hamilton period, with Kimi Antonelli and Bono reviewing the Italian driver's initial outing today. #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Zeuk8WEUXv — Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) December 10, 2024

Jerome d’Ambrosio has assumed his role at the pit wall as the assistant team principal for Ferrari, working under Fred Vasseur, during F1 testing. #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/1y85NCZzwe — Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) December 10, 2024

The present lineup is as follows: Sainz is in the lead, followed by Leclerc, then Norris. Next in the sequence are Doohan, Vesti, and O'Ward. Fuoco holds the subsequent position, with Bortoleto, Browning, and Piastri

Antonelli drove 12 laps in the Mercedes. He was unable to participate in both Formula 2 races because he was sick.

After running for four hours, these are the outcomes.

The process of dismantling the F1 paddock is happening at the same time as F1 testing. It's hard to tell if it's more hectic here or in the active pit lane. 😅 pic.twitter.com/QHrTl0jA7e

A different perspective, now from the grandstand with a view of the pitlane #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Zc5zkufMXj — Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) December 10, 2024

A different perspective, now from the grandstand with a view of the pitlane #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Zc5zkufMXj

Fred Vesti achieved a lap time of 1:25.159, securing the fifth position on the leaderboard.

Vesti is currently behind the wheel for Mercedes, substituting for Kimi Antonelli, who is anticipated to resume his role later today.

Super Formula announced on social media that Kimi Antonelli will not be participating in a test session at Suzuka, which was set for later this week, due to his illness.

Antonelli hasn't been in the driver's seat of his Mercedes in Abu Dhabi today, though reports suggest he plans to take it for a spin soon.

However, he has called off his journey to Japan.

Carlos Sainz from Williams is not the sole racer debuting with a new team today.

Nico Hulkenberg is participating in the Abu Dhabi test session as a driver for the Sauber team.

Sauber, set to transition into Audi by 2026, has recruited Nico Hulkenberg from the Haas team. The presence of the German driver is expected to bring a sense of national identity to the Germany-based Audi as they prepare to join Formula 1 in a year.

Gabriel Bortoleto is participating with Sauber today. He received the opportunity to advance from Formula 2.

Esteban Ocon is a driver for the Haas team.

Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar are currently racing for Red Bull, but neither has been confirmed for the team's 2025 lineup.

Jack Doohan is a driver with the Alpine team.

Three motorists have not started their planned drives today.

Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes, Oscar Piastri from McLaren, and Arthur Leclerc from Ferrari have not yet entered their vehicles.

It is anticipated that they will be driving at a

According to Lewis Larkam's report from Abu Dhabi, Antonelli was unwell over the weekend, but he is feeling well enough to drive today.

Christian Horner emphasized that Yuki Tsunoda's drive in the Red Bull today had been planned in advance.

Given the uncertainty regarding Sergio Perez, today presents a significant opportunity.

Yuki Tsunoda is driving the Red Bull car during the postseason test in Abu Dhabi. He is aiming to be chosen over Liam Lawson if Sergio Perez's spot becomes available.

Carlos Sainz navigated Turn 14 recently during F1 testing, as shared by Lewis Larkam on December 10, 2024. #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/SgXBIRO417

I recently took some time to watch the cars speed by as they exited Turn 14, and it was truly exhilarating.

It's astonishing to see the velocity the drivers achieve as they exit the turn and how boldly they approach the armco barriers.

Peering through a narrow opening in the fence reserved for photographers, one can truly appreciate the power driving a Formula 1 car. The roar of the engine becomes evident as drivers accelerate, and there's a palpable sensation of air being pulled away as the cars flash by almost instantaneously.

While I was on the track earlier, Lando Norris from McLaren experienced a minor spin as he exited the corner.

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The cost, amounting to millions, has been disclosed for settling with Sergio Perez, with legal experts expected to be involved. "Legal negotiations are anticipated."

According to Nico Rosberg, if Red Bull decides to part ways with Sergio Perez, the driver will likely seek a substantial financial settlement.

Red Bull is anticipated to hold discussions to determine the fate of their driver who has not met performance expectations, following the conclusion of the 2024 season. All indications point to him being replaced ahead of the 2025 season.

Christian Horner confessed that the decision to extend Perez's contract earlier this season did not go as planned, but Perez remains bound by that agreement.

Rosberg stated that settling the payment might amount to as much as $16 million.

Red Bull might consider buying out Sergio Perez's contract. Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg shared his thoughts with Sky Sports, expressing his surprise at Perez's sudden decline in performance, calling it one of the recent enigmas in the sport.

"He's trailing quite a bit, finding it difficult to close the gap to just six or seven-tenths of a second behind Max, which is a significant difference in Formula 1."

There are widespread rumors suggesting that he will leave, but he hasn't officially stated anything since he is still under contract for the following year.

There is speculation that the amount is approximately $16 million! He is determined to get his payment, so he is unlikely to back down without a fight.

"Conversations with attorneys will take place."

Danica Patrick mentioned that the individual has consistently found qualifying to be difficult, mainly due to his tendency to prefer heading out later in the session.

"He hasn't managed to figure it out."

What catches my attention are the minor errors, such as beginning a race too far back from the starting line, which happened a few races earlier. Additionally, there was an incident where he missed exiting the pit, preventing him from completing a lap. I'm uncertain if this is due to a lack of concentration.

"However, it's not just about the final outcomes; it's also about the errors made during the process."

"I believe that jeopardizing his career's reputation isn't justified, given his numerous achievements."

Who is set to take over from Sergio Perez? Martin Brundle expressed, "I have similar feelings towards Sergio as I had for Daniel Ricciardo."

"I hold great admiration for him as an individual, a racer, and for his accomplishments."

"There have been occasions when he secured victories even though his car wasn't the quickest. Full admiration."

"However, I'll feel a bit of relief once it's finished. Right now, it must be a very difficult situation for him."

"He seems to have lost his spark and direction. With all the stress piled on, showing up daily must be really tough for him."

Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, both drivers for Red Bull, are in the running to take over from Perez

Yuki Tsunoda will be behind the wheel of a Red Bull car during the postseason testing session in Abu Dhabi.

The potential move for Williams' Franco Colapinto did not materialize. Should Lawson or Tsunoda be selected, Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar is set to advance from Formula 2 to join the RB team in 2025.

Rosberg commented, "It's a tough choice to make. The alternatives aren't great due to Lawson's limited experience."

There is speculation that they will choose Lawson.

"It's not immediately apparent. When compared to Tsunoda, he hasn't been in a completely different league; instead, he's been fairly close in performance."

"They are willing to take that risk, and it's the right move for them to make."

Brundle commented that Red Bull is facing challenges due to having Max Verstappen on their team, and they lack a clear solution.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Uncertainty somewhat resolved as Formula 1 team plans to rebrand in 2025

Distinct identity suggested for the upcoming year for existing Formula 1 team

The confusion surrounding the name change of a particular Formula 1 team for 2025 has been resolved.

Throughout this season, Red Bull’s affiliated team has been referred to by various names, including RB, Visa Cash App, Racing Bulls, and VCARB.

They expressed a plan to establish a distinct identity by 2025; however, this announcement led to some misunderstanding.

Racing Bulls or RB?

During the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, team principal Laurent Mekies clarified, “We are the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team, not RB.”

It appears that they do not intend to be commonly referred to as Racing Bulls next year, after all.

At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, CEO Peter Bayer admitted that they have faced some difficulties in effectively communicating the name of the team to the public.

"You've encountered numerous iterations. We introduced this back in January, and everything unfolded over the course of a few weeks."

"In the end, people are calling us the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls."

"Our company is called Racing Bulls. I've noticed that this name frequently appears in media from Germany, Austria, Italy, and France."

Individuals are having difficulty with the term "RB"; some are confusing it with Red Bull, while others are unsure of its meaning.

"We chose to make it clear by stating that in the future, you'll be seeing Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, abbreviated as VCARB."

Got it? Excellent. In 2025, the team will mostly be referred to as VCARB, despite their complete name being Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, which includes their main sponsor.

A year has passed since they changed their name from AlphaTauri in 2023.

2025 VCARB Driver Discussion

While the team seems to have finalized their name, the selection of drivers remains undecided.

This is due to the fact that they are anticipating a verdict concerning Red Bull, the team affiliated with them.

Red Bull is considering the possibility of parting ways with Sergio Perez, despite him having a contract that extends until 2025.

Should they decide to part ways, as all signs point to them doing, the drivers from their affiliated team, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, are the likely candidates to take his place.

During the postseason test, Tsunoda was behind the wheel of a Red Bull car, despite reports suggesting that Lawson is the leading candidate for the promotion.

VCARB has expressed interest in offering a race seat to Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar in 2025, provided that one of their existing drivers is promoted to replace Perez.

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

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Martin Brundle has criticized a significant choice made by Mercedes and Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season, calling it a "travesty."

Martin Brundle, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, has expressed his opinion that it is a "travesty" Carlos Sainz will not be racing for either Red Bull or Mercedes in the year 2025.

Carlos Sainz concluded his time with Ferrari at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by securing an impressive second-place finish.

Despite their efforts, Ferrari fell short of clinching the F1 constructors' championship, with Lando Norris taking first place in the race.

Sainz has started collaborating with his new team, Williams, at the end-of-season test held at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Over the coming years, it will be the responsibility of the Spaniard to lead Williams back to the forefront of the racing grid.

Following Ferrari's decision to bring Lewis Hamilton on board to race with Charles Leclerc, Sainz was aiming to join either Red Bull or Mercedes.

Red Bull opted to retain Sergio Perez, whereas Mercedes made the decision to elevate 18-year-old prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

This resulted in Sainz having three possible teams to join in the midfield: Alpine, Sauber/Audi, and Williams.

Sainz eventually decided to join Williams, motivated by James Vowles' plans for the team's upcoming direction.

In his column for Sky F1 following the race, Brundle explained why he believes Sainz embodies the ideal mindset for Williams. However, he also shared his disappointment over the fact that Sainz will not have the opportunity to drive a leading car next year.

Brundle noted that Sainz delivered a remarkable performance to secure second place, even as he faces the necessity of leaving the team to make way for the arriving Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Leclerc managed to climb from the back of the grid to an impressive third-place finish.

Sainz possesses an ideal approach and mentality for joining the current midfield team, Williams. However, it's unfortunate that he won't be driving for either Mercedes or Red Bull next season.

Sainz starts his journey with Williams

Just a day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz was actively participating with his new team on a Monday set aside for filming activities.

He did several rounds on the Abu Dhabi track to get used to his new environment.

This allowed him to begin with an advantage before the entire day of evaluations on Tuesday.

Sainz will soon understand the changes Williams must make for next season, especially since he is transitioning from a car that frequently won races to one that had difficulty earning points consistently.

In the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' championship, Williams secured the ninth position, placing just above Sauber.

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Nico Rosberg points out the main advantage Oscar Piastri possesses compared to Lando Norris. In anticipation of a potential Formula 1 championship contention in 2025, Rosberg analyzes the strengths of the two McLaren racers.

Nico Rosberg, who won the F1 World Championship in 2016, has stated that Lando Norris outpaces Oscar Piastri in terms of sheer speed. However, he noted that Piastri, the Australian driver, is slightly more dependable.

McLaren secured their first Formula 1 constructors’ championship since 1998 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Norris taking victory ahead of the two Ferrari drivers.

The team from Woking had an anxious Sunday when Max Verstappen caused Piastri to spin out at the very first corner.

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc made a remarkable leap from 19th position on the starting grid to eighth place by the end of the first lap, significantly challenging McLaren in the battle for the constructors' championship.

Despite the pressure, Norris remained composed, leading McLaren to secure the team's championship, ultimately triumphing with a narrow margin of 14 points.

As McLaren wraps up the year with impressive performance, focus is now shifting to the upcoming year and the anticipated championship contention at the forefront.

Rosberg has expressed that Norris is his top contender for the championship, yet he has pointed out a specific aspect where Piastri might have an advantage.

During the Sky Sports F1 broadcast on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, Rosberg discussed the performance of the two McLaren drivers as they prepare for the upcoming season.

To sum it up, Rosberg noted that Lando possesses a slight edge in sheer speed, which was evident once more during the qualifying session this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

"However, Oscar occasionally makes small errors, though he's slightly lacking in raw speed, he compensates with more consistency."

"It will be fascinating to watch how things develop in the next season. Additionally, Oscar has an opportunity to secure the drivers' championship."

Norris Dominates Over Piastri in 2024

Although Piastri is known for his remarkable speed, it was Norris who consistently outperformed him in the qualifying sessions at McLaren in 2024.

Norris dominated the qualifying rounds with a 20-4 victory, which is particularly noteworthy considering Piastri's well-known skill and the impressive pace he demonstrated during his first season.

In 2024, Norris secured eight pole positions, while Piastri did not achieve any.

Piastri generally showed stronger performances during the Sunday races, even though Norris secured two additional wins and outpaced him by 82 points in the drivers' Championship.

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