Pedro Acosta's Opinion on KTM's Uncertain MotoGP Prospects

Young Racer Unfazed by KTM's Economic Challenges at 20

Pedro Acosta has provided a composed update regarding his mood in light of the uncertainty surrounding KTM's future in MotoGP, stating that it "does not impact" him.

The Austrian company is currently experiencing a financial crisis, prompting it to undergo a restructuring process in an effort to avoid going bankrupt.

The company is believed to owe more than €3 billion, but a recent meeting with creditors provided some hopeful outlook for the brand's future.

Further information: MotoGP could benefit from welcoming F1 legend Hamilton if KTM's acquisition takes place.

The company has been permitted to proceed with its restructuring process, and it has attracted interest from external investors amounting to €700 million.

In an interview with Speedweek not long ago, Pit Beirer, the head of motorsport at KTM, revealed that there were actual discussions involving the brand and the management of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, regarding a possible investment.

However, the future of KTM in MotoGP is still unclear.

KTM has announced that it will continue competing in 2025. However, during the initial meeting with creditors, it was also mentioned that there is an intention to exit grand prix racing, with this withdrawal expected to occur in 2026.

This situation has sparked discussions regarding the prospects of KTM's racers, especially the standout newcomer for 2024, Acosta, who achieved nine top-three finishes in his first season with the Tech3 team, which races under the GASGAS name.

He joins KTM's official team with Brad Binder after signing a contract that extends over several years starting in 2025.

Albert Valera, who manages Acosta, expressed his dissatisfaction with the circumstances during an appearance on the 'Por Orejas' podcast. He stated, "Back in May, we partnered with a company that appeared to be well-positioned to compete with Ducati. Now, the situation is completely different, and we're left questioning what transpired."

During a Pont Grup event, Acosta has taken steps to ease the atmosphere.

According to Marca, he expressed his satisfaction about advancing to the main team, which had been their goal from the start.

"The goal is to refine a few aspects of the motorcycle and aim for steady performance in races to compete for improved outcomes."

He mentioned, "The present circumstances facing KTM have no impact on us whatsoever, and I am confident they will overcome it."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the world of MotoGP straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Join Our MotoGP Mailing List

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For further details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels to various international Grand Prix events on behalf of Crash.net. He often provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the world of racing.

Discover More

Join our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the entire or any part of the text, images, or drawings in any manner is prohibited.

Website Map

Crash.Net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Tsunoda Faces Major Emotional Hurdles'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-scene reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to completely or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Layout

Crash.Net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates on F1, including exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers, delivered straight to your email.

To get further details, please refer to our Privacy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Stay Informed on Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part of the text, images, or drawings is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Layout

Crash.Net

Marc Marquez: Joining Factory Ducati provides “two strong opportunities” for championship contention

The eight-time world champion sets sights on MotoGP 2025.

Marc Marquez believes that joining the official Ducati squad has provided him with "two excellent chances" to pursue additional MotoGP world championships.

The 31-year-old Spanish rider is back with Ducati as a factory team member after spending a year competing for the satellite team, Gresini.

Marquez's stint with Gresini allowed him to regain the performance level he had been missing in recent years, which had been impacted by injuries and the uncompetitiveness of the Honda.

Marquez has expressed that the 2024 season with Gresini gave him a chance to "start anew," following his three grand prix victories and securing a spot with the Ducati factory team for 2025.

In a recent discussion with TVE, Marquez, who has officially become a factory Ducati rider starting January 1, shares his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 season.

According to Marca, he stated that "2025 and 2026 will be two excellent opportunities."

"We're unsure if these will be our final opportunities, but they represent two strong chances to compete for the championship. Being part of the top team, we'll put in our full effort."

"Initially, we have the pre-season to get through, but it's evident that starting with excitement is always the approach."

Accidents are an inevitable aspect of our sport, but my hope is that no one gets hurt.

"As for my objectives, I definitely aim to compete for the world championship right up until the final races."

In his first appearance for the factory Ducati team, Marquez participated in the Barcelona post-season test last November. During this event, he rode both the GP24 and GP25 models, following his 2024 season on the GP23.

He was promoted to the factory Ducati team, which resulted in the reigning world champion, Jorge Martin, losing his spot and moving to Aprilia instead.

In 2025, Pramac will change to using Yamaha equipment because Ducati reversed its initial decision to advance Martin.

On January 20, Ducati and Marquez are set to reveal the 2025 Desmosedici's new livery during their season launch event in Italy.

During the off-season, Marquez announced that he would be ending his long-standing sponsorship with Red Bull. This change is due to his transition to the Ducati team, which is supported by Monster Energy.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the world of MotoGP straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock delivered straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rejecting an Offer from Red Bull

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the racing scene straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He is often on-site to cover the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing community.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special insights, interviews, and offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any way.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Toto Wolff was eager to prevent a situation similar to Max Verstappen's from happening again after Lewis Hamilton's unexpected move. Wolff details the challenge of choosing a successor for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Toto Wolff mentioned that he aimed to ensure Mercedes did not lose Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a promising young talent, as they had previously missed the opportunity with Max Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton's surprising choice to depart from Mercedes after 12 years and switch to Ferrari starting in 2025 has left the Silver Arrows in a rush to find a new teammate for George Russell.

Last year, amidst the chaos at Red Bull, Wolff made a public attempt to recruit Verstappen. However, when it became evident that the Dutch driver would not be leaving, Mercedes decided to elevate their young talent, Antonelli, to a higher position after only one season in Formula 2.

During an appearance on the Armchair Experts podcast hosted by Dax Shepard, Wolff discussed his desire to prevent Antonelli from considering other opportunities if Mercedes failed to provide him with a permanent position.

Wolff experienced a setback earlier when Mercedes' attempt to recruit Verstappen during his Formula 3 days fell through. Instead, Verstappen signed with Red Bull, where he was quickly given a spot to race with Toro Rosso in 2015. He was then elevated to the main Red Bull team just four races into the next season.

Hamilton's departure eventually cleared the path for Antonelli to secure a Mercedes seat ahead of schedule.

Wolff described Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari as an unexpected twist, admitting it is still strange to imagine him in Ferrari gear and behind the wheel of their iconic red car.

"It's somewhat unbelievable. However, we had this young talent, 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli, lined up. I didn't want to lose the opportunity with him like I did with Max Verstappen years ago, when I didn't have a vehicle available for him. Now, everything is coming together."

"I understand his perspective, as our performance wasn't up to par. Our vehicle lacked speed, and without a doubt, he received an incredible offer. It's a dream for every Formula 1 driver to race for Ferrari."

Wolff Unable to Decide on Dropping Hamilton

In the summer of 2023, Hamilton agreed to a fresh two-year contract with Mercedes. However, he opted to invoke a break clause in his agreement, allowing him to transfer to Ferrari.

By deciding his own future, the seven-time world champion prevented Mercedes from facing a potentially tough decision at the close of 2025.

Wolff confessed that he felt a significant sense of relief at not having to tackle the tough decision of determining when Hamilton would leave Mercedes.

The Austrian expressed that, from a personal perspective, they couldn't make the decision because they are greatly indebted to him.

"I was reluctant to make the decision, as Mercedes, to part ways with the greatest champion of all time."

"Perhaps he sensed it too, as it played a role, and he was aware that Antonelli was on his way. I had a feeling that this might occur, lingering in my thoughts."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally as a representative for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-scene coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures within the sport.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the Formula 1 world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing any text, photos, or illustrations, whether in full or in part, is prohibited in every format.

Website Structure

Crash.Net

Johann Zarco anticipated feeling more sorrowful as he concluded his first year with Honda in MotoGP. However, he remarked that the experience turned out to be more optimistic than he initially thought it would be.

Johann Zarco of LCR confessed that he had expected to feel more disappointed about concluding his debut MotoGP season on the Honda, but he wasn't as upset as he had anticipated.

The former MotoGP race victor exchanged the top-performing Ducati bike for a two-year deal with Honda's factory team. Starting in 2024, he will race for LCR.

Discover more: Honda's Discovery of its Genuine MotoGP Leader for 2024

Despite securing a single victory in 2023, Honda experienced a significant decline in performance throughout the season. The struggles with the bike's competitiveness ultimately contributed to Marc Marquez's decision to leave the team at the end of the year and transition to the Gresini Ducati team.

In 2024, Honda experienced its third season without any victories within a five-year span. Despite this, Zarco stood out as the team's most impressive rider, particularly demonstrating strong performances in the latter part of the year.

Frequently making it into Q2, Zarco achieved Honda’s top performance of the year by finishing eighth in Thailand, effectively maximizing the potential of several bike improvements.

At the conclusion of the year, he was Honda's leading racer, finishing 17th overall with a total of 55 points.

Looking back on his initial year with HRC, Zarco confesses that a year ago, he anticipated being more disappointed with his performance than he currently is.

Last November in Barcelona, Zarco expressed that the season's conclusion was more favorable than he had anticipated.

"Additionally, a year ago, I anticipated feeling more upset, but I'm actually much happier than I thought I would be."

"That's a positive development. It happened when I started achieving better outcomes in Indonesia, and then when I was able to consistently replicate those results, I focused on improving my riding style."

"This project was yielding results on the track, which increased my motivation. It made me realize that I've unlocked new opportunities, and I'm confident I can become much stronger by exploring these discoveries."

Zarco will continue with the LCR team for the 2025 season, keeping Honda's lineup mostly the same. Their factory team will still feature Joan Mir and Luca Marini.

Somkiat Chantra is set to move up from the Moto2 class to join the LCR team for his first season in the premier class, partnering with Zarco. He will be taking over from Takaaki Nakagami.

Nakagami has joined Honda's testing squad, where he will work with Aleix Espargaro.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight in your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Email Updates

Receive the newest updates, special stories, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

Any form of copying or reproducing the text, images, or drawings in whole or in part is prohibited.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Rumors about Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull have been dismissed, with Christian Horner stating that Verstappen is fully committed to the team.

Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, asserts that Max Verstappen is not interested in departing from the Formula 1 team.

There has been ongoing discussion and conjecture about the future of Verstappen, a four-time world champion, even though he is signed with Red Bull through the conclusion of the 2028 season.

Throughout last year, Red Bull faced various controversies away from the racetrack, leading to doubts about Verstappen's dedication to the team. During this period, the Dutch driver was frequently associated with Mercedes, as Toto Wolff openly expressed interest in Verstappen as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton.

Despite the circulating rumors, Verstappen has consistently stated that he has no plans to depart from Red Bull. He expressed satisfaction with the team, where he has secured all four of his world championships since 2021.

In an interview with Motorsport, Red Bull's team leader, Horner, emphasized that Verstappen's future was always secure.

Horner stated that Max has consistently been transparent with the team. His dedication has never wavered. He takes pleasure in working with trusted colleagues and relishes being a member of this team.

Given his exceptional skills, it's certain that every team leader would love to have him on their roster. It's only natural.

"However, as long as we are able to offer him a car that can compete well and a racing environment he finds enjoyable, I don't think he has any wish to be elsewhere."

During the previous Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen indicated he might leave Red Bull if advisor Helmut Marko were to be dismissed following the controversy involving Horner at the beginning of the season.

When questioned about Verstappen's remarks in Saudi Arabia, Horner replied: "Helmut hasn’t departed and isn’t planning to, so I believe that Max understands the importance of the team, which is something he has developed during this time."

"When the vehicle isn't performing as expected, it's crucial that pitstops are efficient, the strategy is effective, reliability is maintained, and the decisions made are timely and correct."

Horner is continuing with his usual business activities despite accusations regarding his conduct with a female staff member. These allegations have led to rumors about his position and have sparked internal political conflicts and unrest at Red Bull.

After an internal review led by an independent attorney, Horner, who consistently refuted the claims, was found not guilty of any misconduct. The appeal filed by the woman who had accused Horner was rejected.

Horner maintains that the dispute has not influenced his management of the team.

According to him, crossing the red line into the garage means leaving all the paddock's distractions behind. Once you cross that line, it's back to business as usual.

My responsibilities have not shifted. I have numerous duties, including being present at the racetrack, serving as the leader of a successful sports team, and managing three tech companies related to chassis, engines, and cutting-edge technology from Monday through Friday.

"Therefore, everything remains the same, and operations continue as usual."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently travels to various global Grand Prix events on behalf of Crash.net. He is usually on-site to cover the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any text, images, or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Site Layout

Crash.Net

EXCLUSIVE: Davide Brivio reveals insights into the collaboration between Trackhouse and Aprilia

"We discuss ways to enhance our performance and identify areas for improvement…"

Davide Brivio, the manager of the Trackhouse Racing team, praised the strong partnership with Aprilia's MotoGP team, emphasizing that they work together completely.

In 2023, Aprilia established a satellite team through a partnership with RNF. This collaboration became possible after the American company Trackhouse took control of RNF last year when the previous setup fell apart.

Trackhouse achieved a podium finish in the sprint race held in Germany and secured their highest grand prix placement by finishing sixth at the Catalan Grand Prix. However, injuries and a mid-season change of motorcycle for Raul Fernandez were factors that led to the team ending up in ninth place in the overall standings.

Nevertheless, the connection between Trackhouse and Aprilia has grown even stronger, with Fernandez and newcomer Ai Ogura set to ride full factory bikes in 2025.

When Trackhouse entered MotoGP, it sought to establish a factory partnership with Aprilia, similar to the collaboration Pramac maintained with Ducati until the conclusion of 2024.

Brivio, who made his comeback to MotoGP last year with the team owned by Justin Marks, commented on the partnership between Trackhouse and Aprilia during an interview with Crash.net: "Certainly, we have a strong connection with Aprilia."

"To begin with, we currently have identical bikes, and notably, in 2025, we will kick off the season with completely identical factory equipment and bikes."

"This already demonstrates the link and the significance."

“We had a strong relationship with Aprilia, exchanging a lot of information and having many discussions about our decisions and similar matters.

"Naturally, as an autonomous group, we maintain independence in some areas."

"We exchange thoughts, offer feedback, and discuss ways to enhance and improve things."

"I would describe our relationship as having excellent communication and complete collaboration with them."

"In my opinion, having an independent team is advantageous for Aprilia. It provides additional information and data, which has been quite effective up to this point."

Trackhouse is set to kick off its 2025 season from its headquarters in Charlotte, USA, on January 14. This event will make it the premier team to reveal its fresh livery. During the break between seasons, the team disclosed a new collaboration with Gulf.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Join Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates on MotoGP, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers, delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to completely or partly copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

KTM's head of MotoGP operations sheds light on the appointment of a new team manager. Aki Ajo is set to take over from Francesco Guidotti at the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team starting in 2025.

For the 2025 season, KTM has made a change in their team management by appointing Aki Ajo to the position formerly occupied by Francesco Guidotti.

The decision followed a second consecutive season where KTM failed to secure a victory in a Grand Prix. In fact, during 2024, they were unable to claim a win in either a Grand Prix or a Sprint race.

In an interview with MotoGP.com, KTM's motorsport director, Pit Beirer, expressed that while he hopes it doesn’t come across negatively, he is genuinely pleased that Francesco Guidotti is departing KTM on good terms.

"Regrettably, we did not achieve the success we were aiming for due to several minor factors."

Beirer clarified that the reason for choosing Ajo was based on his experience managing KTM's official teams in the Moto3 category since the beginning in 2012 and the Moto2 team since KTM entered that category in 2017. The Finnish team leader has shown a strong track record in collaborating with riders in both the intermediate and lightweight divisions throughout the years.

Beirer stated that they chose Aki [Ajo] due to his hands-on approach with the riders, believing he can offer them excellent guidance for their performance on the track.

"To be clear, we don’t expect Aki to be the solution to all our issues. However, if we work together to provide the missing components, we'll create a more efficient setup at home. When the riders contribute their best efforts at the appropriate moments, it underscores that the focus isn't solely on them."

"It's also a matter of strategizing as a team: deciding the best time to go out for qualifying, determining when to clock in the fastest lap, and managing all those logistical elements."

"We think Aki is possibly among the most powerful in this field, consistently showing talent in cultivating champions on our behalf."

Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta are quite familiar with him and are eager to collaborate again. He has previously guided them to championship victories, so we have confidence in Aki to help us gain the crucial fractions of a second we require in the competition.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Updates

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Stay Informed on Crash MotoGP

Reproducing any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner is prohibited.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Mercedes reveals a 'revolutionary' partnership with Adidas following a major brand shift. Adidas will replace competitor Puma as the new apparel supplier for the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has revealed a long-term collaboration with Adidas, naming them as their new apparel partner.

The German company known for its sportswear is set to join Formula 1 in collaboration with Mercedes starting in the 2025 season, marking the conclusion of the Silver Arrows' earlier sponsorship agreement with competing brand Puma.

Adidas plans to develop and produce a full collection that merges functionality with fashion, catering to the whole team, which includes the drivers, mechanics, and engineers.

Mercedes claims that the collaboration will pioneer new advancements in a sport where every millisecond counts.

Mercedes has announced that fans will also have the opportunity to purchase the uniquely designed team apparel.

The collaboration will also feature clothing, shoes, and accessories that are "developed and tailored especially for fans of the team and its drivers."

The agreement offers Adidas a significant new partnership following the loss of its well-known sponsorship of Germany's national soccer team. The American company Nike is set to assume the contract starting in 2027, a decision that has sparked debate.

An agreement described as pioneering

Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden expressed enthusiasm, stating: "We are thrilled to re-enter the motorsport arena. There has been a significant rise in interest in motorsport overall, with Formula 1 gaining particular attention. It is engaging new audiences and greatly impacts both sports and street fashion cultures."

"We are thrilled to announce that we have become the Official Team Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, bringing the iconic Three Stripes into the world of Formula 1 with one of the most accomplished teams in history."

As a united entity, we are driven by a mutual enthusiasm for speed, innovation, and excellence. Our commitment lies in backing the drivers and the team to challenge boundaries on the racecourse. Beyond the racetrack, we aim to invigorate the sport with innovative lifestyle offerings and broaden its appeal to engage a younger audience of enthusiasts.

"We are eager to collaborate with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 and achieve victory together."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff called the move to Adidas a "definitive declaration of our purpose as we embark on a new phase for our team."

"Adidas is a legendary brand that not only matches our commitment to top-notch performance but also to elegance and style," he stated.

This declaration signifies an innovative partnership poised to transform the concept of team and fan apparel within our sport.

"We are thrilled to embark on this new journey in collaboration with adidas, as we unite in our pursuit of winning world championships."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers right in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He typically provides on-the-scene updates and shares the narratives of key figures in the racing community.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world directly in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is prohibited.

Site Map

Crash.Net