"Should MotoGP introduce bonus points for double victories and fastest laps?

Is it time to revamp the MotoGP points system?"

Francesco Bagnaia was quoted saying, "This scoring system has been around for a very long time," at Ducati's 'Campioni in Festa' event held in Bologna on Tuesday evening.

The MotoGP scoring method has been used for a considerable period, dating back to 1993, which is four years prior to Bagnaia's birth.

With the introduction of Sprint races starting in 2023, which provide an additional 12 points each weekend alongside the standard 25 points for a grand prix victory, Bagnaia believes that the points system might now be improved with some 'bonus' adjustments.

According to GPone.com, Bagnaia explained that this points system has been in place for a long time, even before the introduction of Sprint races, which significantly altered how points are awarded during a race weekend.

With the launch of the Sprint race, I believe we ought to contemplate adding incentives for drivers who secure victories in both races during a weekend, or perhaps for achieving the fastest lap. It's important to recognize and reward the speed of these competitors.

In this year's MotoGP championship battle, Bagnaia was defeated by Jorge Martin, who won by a margin of ten points.

The Pramac rider earned considerably more points than Bagnaia on Saturdays. Despite this, the Italian rider was the second-best performer in Sprint races for the season and tied with Martin by achieving seven Sprint victories.

Bagnaia highlighted that the existing system is 'fair' and noted that it allowed him to remain competitive in the championship race even though he had eight races without points (five in Sprint races and three in Grand Prix events).

Nevertheless, he believes that additional factors need to be taken into account.

He stated, "MotoGP has traditionally been a championship that values consistent performance, and the current scoring system has enabled me to contend even with eight non-scoring races, making it fair."

"In my view, the Sprint impacts multiple areas beyond just the performance, so it might be worth considering additional factors."

Focusing solely on the Sunday grand prix events, Bagnaia accumulated 370 points throughout the season, a tally achieved from winning 11 races. In contrast, Martin, who secured victory in just three grand prix races, earned 337 points.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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Title: BMW or Suzuki? New MotoGP Entrants Given Guidelines for Participation

Dorna's leadership states that existing manufacturers should have input

A Dorna executive has outlined the steps that manufacturers such as BMW or Suzuki need to take to join the MotoGP lineup.

BMW has considered the possibility of entering MotoGP as a new manufacturer, following their remarkable achievement in the World Superbike Championship this year, where Toprak Razgatlioglu clinched the title.

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In an unexpected move, Suzuki exited MotoGP in 2022, but they have now hinted at the possibility of returning.

Dorna's sporting director, Carlos Ezpeleta, expressed to Relevo that he believes the championship is currently experiencing an exceptional period in terms of sports performance.

"Having additional factories might improve the situation, perhaps."

"It's possible that we are uncertain, and it hinges on how well it performs, the amount of investment put into it, and the promotional efforts made by that brand."

The main point is that there's an opportunity available, but it requires consensus with the current teams. Our aim is to maintain a maximum of 22 riders and no more than 11 teams.

"There are 11 teams, each with its own worth, and anyone interested in joining must negotiate with one of these teams."

"Our aim has been to create a technical framework that allows a new factory to make a sensible investment, ultimately benefiting their business operations. This is the outcome we are striving to achieve."

In 2025, a significant shift will occur with fewer Ducati motorcycles competing on the track.

Ducati, which has been the leading team in MotoGP for the past two years, plans to reduce its number of bikes from eight to four and its factory bikes from four to three.

Yamaha has brought the Pramac satellite team over from Ducati, increasing their team count from two to four.

Ezpeleta mentioned that Dorna's approach has consistently been to craft sporting and technical rules aimed at ensuring fairness and equality.

"This year, we are seeing a shift as Jorge has emerged as the champion."

The gap is less pronounced now compared to years past. While the labels are different, the actual distinction is not as significant as it once was.

From the perspective of the teams and the number of motorcycles each manufacturer provided, having eight Ducatis on the track was a result of the private teams' decisions. These teams, which compete and aim to secure the best performance for their budget in a free market, naturally led to this outcome.

"We didn't need to step in. Last year, Dorna and IRTA made a decision to revise the concession system from an organizational perspective to ensure it aligns better with current needs, and that revision has been implemented."

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

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Poncharal: KTM's MotoGP initiative continues uninterrupted

Is everything steady for KTM Racing GmbH? Could Red Bull provide support?

The head of KTM's satellite Tech3 team, Herve Poncharal, stated that preparations for the 2025 MotoGP season are moving forward as planned, even though the Pierer Mobility Group is experiencing financial difficulties.

In an interview with GPOne.com, Poncharal stated that plans for 2025 are set in stone. He mentioned having a discussion with Hupert Trunkenpolz, Pit Beirer, and Carmelo Ezpeleta at the most recent Grand Prix in Barcelona. During this meeting, they agreed on a strategy that will be adhered to. According to the details Poncharal received, the financial challenges faced by the Pierer Group will not impact the operations of the Racing Department.

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"A mere week prior, the crew chiefs for all four MotoGP racers were in Austria at the Racing Department, with operations continuing as they normally do."

The standard winter preparations are underway, and the dates for assembling bikes have been set for the end of the month. Essentially, operations are proceeding as normal," mentioned the French team member, noting that in 2025, the team will transition from GASGAS to Red Bull KTM branding.

Are KTM Racing GmbH seeing any alterations?

Recent evaluations suggest that Pierer Industrie AG owes around 1.8 billion euros. Consequently, KTM AG, along with KTM Components and KTM F&E (Research and Development), is currently involved in a ‘judicial restructuring process with self-governance’.

KTM Racing GmbH remains unchanged by the restructuring efforts; however, it will face impacts from the financial difficulties affecting every company within the Pierer Group.

According to Poncharal, Crash.net is also aware that KTM's racing division is operating as usual, though they are managing expenses carefully.

According to recent reports, KTM is set to conduct a private MotoGP test session at Jerez. Meanwhile, it is noted that the budget for the 2025 season remains aligned with the existing financial agreements.

An insider associated with one of KTM's riders for the upcoming year also conveyed assurance that the MotoGP project will maintain its current level of backing.

Some individuals cautioned that the full picture of the motorsport scenario may remain uncertain until after the vote on the suggested restructuring plan and potential losses, which is scheduled for February 25.

According to Pierer Mobility, the restructuring will likely lead to more potential losses. These could stem from one-time expenses, including necessary write-downs like those for capitalized development costs. Additionally, there will be expenses related to staff reductions, a decrease in fixed cost coverage due to lower operational performance, and other costs associated with the restructuring efforts.

"As a result of the previously mentioned factors, the company anticipates reporting a substantial negative net income for the 2024 fiscal year, amounting to several hundred million."

According to some paddock insiders who spoke to Crash.net and are not directly affiliated with KTM, there is a worry that banks and creditors might hesitate to continue funding costly motorsport ventures if they are dealing with significant financial losses and layoffs.

KTM might argue against reducing its racing budget by saying that their brand and sales heavily rely on motorsport, especially with their ‘Ready to Race’ motto. Cutting the racing budget too much could harm their business interests beyond the essential needs.

KTM Motorsport director, Pit Beirer, stated during last month's MotoGP finale in Barcelona that while they no longer have funds for non-essential expenses, they are committed to securing necessary finances. He emphasized that any budget cuts will be made in areas that do not negatively impact the riders' performance on the track.

The expenses associated with KTM's grand prix endeavors, which include the Rookies Cup, Moto3, Moto2, and primarily MotoGP, are estimated to be around 40 million euros. Of this amount, sponsorship from Red Bull contributes approximately 10 to 15 million euros.

Could Red Bull step in to save the day?

To shield the MotoGP project from financial cutbacks and to alleviate uncertainties about its sustainability, especially with the introduction of new 850cc bikes in 2027, bringing in an external investor to acquire 'KTM Racing GmbH' could be a viable solution.

One of the ideal candidates would be Red Bull, or one of its Austrian investors, due to its strong existing connection with KTM. Red Bull could potentially integrate the prototype MotoGP and Moto3 operations into its expansive 'Red Bull Racing' and related technology sectors.

Red Bull Advanced Technologies is currently involved in developing the aerodynamics for the RC16. Additionally, Red Bull has a wealth of Formula 1 engineers capable of constructing its carbon fiber chassis. Red Bull Powertrains might add to what is already considered the most powerful engine in MotoGP.

A source familiar with legal matters, observing from an external perspective, suggested that this scenario might be an ideal way for the racing team to sidestep any disputes with KTM's creditors.

KTM AG might continue managing its own racing events focused on production, including motocross, enduro, and rally raid competitions.

Currently, everything remains uncertain as Red Bull Racing has informed Crash.net during the Abu Dhabi F1 season finale this weekend that they have no remarks regarding the KTM matter.

The initial meeting for creditors to review the KTM restructuring proposals is set for December 20.

For two decades, Peter has been a notable presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's departure and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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I equaled Valentino Rossi's achievement – now I need to aim for what many consider his most impressive accomplishment.

An extraordinary achievement by Valentino Rossi is set to be pursued in 2025.

An extraordinary record held by Valentino Rossi has been equaled, and another of his achievements may soon be matched as well.

Jorge Martin, a MotoGP competitor, has a significant opportunity to make history.

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This year, racing for Pramac Ducati, Martin made history by becoming the first racer from an independent team to clinch the MotoGP championship since Rossi achieved the feat 23 years prior.

Rossi achieved this milestone while racing for the Nastro Azzuro Honda team, using a factory-spec NSR500, during the last year of the 500cc era.

Martin has the opportunity to equal a legendary achievement by securing victory in the opening race of his title defense as the MotoGP champion, riding a bike from a different manufacturer. In 2025, he will transition from Ducati to Aprilia.

Rossi, known for his high-profile switch from Honda to the less-favored Yamaha team, surprised everyone by clinching victory in South Africa during the opening race of the 2004 season.

Martin expressed that he believes winning his first race on the Aprilia will be a significant challenge and quite difficult, as reported by Motorsport.

"Transitioning from a highly successful initiative to one that currently lacks success is challenging."

"However, I feel very assured, and I believe that this new endeavor provides me with additional drive."

"I enjoyed my time at Ducati and even secured a championship there."

"This new venture provides me with even greater drive to make a name for myself in the motorcycling community."

When questioned about his confidence in securing a victory with Aprilia at the beginning of 2025, Martin responded affirmatively: "Absolutely. As Gigi Dall'Igna mentioned, entering a season without the belief that you can win means you might as well not participate at all."

"I believe I have the ability to achieve it since the start of the season."

Martin elaborated on his objectives for the upcoming year as he prepares to defend his title as the MotoGP champion.

"I'm not sure yet; we'll find out in time. Initially, we will definitely need to construct and gain knowledge," he acknowledged.

"We need to make progress daily, and then anything could be possible. A strong start can lead to remarkable achievements."

"If we don't begin as strongly, there will be more challenges ahead, but we'll have to wait and see. However, I am confident that the possibilities are immense."

Martin and Marco Bezzecchi will be teammates as they both familiarize themselves with the factory Aprilia motorcycles.

Uncertain about using the #1 plate, Martin will be the focus of everyone's attention nonetheless.

"Winning the championship feels amazing," he remarked.

"I haven't been able to return home at all; a lot has occurred, and I'm exhausted."

"I am grateful for this chance and feel fortunate to have the honor of being in this role."

"I am gradually coming to understand the situation. I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, the team, and all those who played a role in the events."

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

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Exclusive Interview with Frankie Carchedi: “Had Marc Marquez's Initial Victory Come Sooner…”

“The outcome might have been different if his first victory had occurred earlier.”

During a crucial MotoGP season with Gresini, Marc Marquez experienced a resurgence, breaking a three-year spell without a win by clinching three grand prix victories. This impressive performance earned him a factory Ducati contract for the 2025 season.

This year, his crew chief was Frankie Carchedi, who had earlier led Fabio di Giannantonio to his first MotoGP win with Gresini in 2023 and helped Joan Mir secure the world championship with Suzuki in 2020.

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In an upcoming episode of the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi discussed how Marquez adjusted to the Desmosedici. He said, "Marc was quick right away at Valencia. However, during testing, you have the flexibility to progress at your own pace and follow your planned schedule."

"His performance during race simulations at Sepang and Qatar was impressive. The issue arose when we returned to the European circuits; after completing 20 laps, we headed into qualifying, and we found ourselves unprepared."

"There is a specific method for completing a single flying lap on a Ducati to optimize its performance, and I believe we didn't frequently secure direct entries into Q2 during the first half of the year."

The entire weekend focused on comebacks, which is typical for this kind of weekend format. It's really challenging for a newcomer to immediately excel when they're on a different bike for the first time.

"By the latter part of the season, we typically reached Q2 without much difficulty. This shift allows for a change in weekend strategy, enabling us to focus more extensively on improving race pace and other aspects."

"The most significant change over the course of the year was that."

Following five second-place finishes in Sprints and three in Grands Prix, Marquez ended his 1,000-day MotoGP winless streak by achieving an impeccable performance during the 12th round in Aragon.

Carchedi pondered whether an earlier first win might have changed the course of events.

In Jerez, I have vivid memories, though not all are pleasant. While we were in the lead during the Sprint, we hit a wet spot and crashed. This incident slightly impacted our performance in the main race, where Marquez narrowly lost to Francesco Bagnaia, finishing in second place.

"We were returning from Austin after experiencing a brake problem that caused us to crash while in the lead. Therefore, completing the race was crucial for us."

Following his victory in Aragon, Marquez triumphed once more at both Misano and Phillip Island, securing third place in the world championship standings, just behind the GP24 racers, Jorge Martin and Bagnaia.

However, Carchedi also noted the less apparent standout moments, like the #93's impressive showing during the high-speed right turns at the final events of the season in Sepang and Barcelona.

Carchedi clarified that Marc has typically struggled more with fast right-hand turns compared to left-hand ones. He mentioned that they conduct what is known as median analysis, focusing on race pace. This involves examining not only the quickest sectors but also the average performance.

Sepang and Catalunya are likely the two circuits he dislikes the most! Surprisingly, we recorded the fastest times in the final sector during the Catalunya race, which consists solely of rapid right-hand turns. Similarly, we achieved top speeds in Sector 1 at Sepang, known for the extremely quick turn 3.

"From our perspective, considering our starting point, it was a significant achievement on a personal level. He transformed something he initially found challenging or unpleasant into an area where he became extremely competitive."

On Monday, the complete MotoGP podcast featuring Frankie Carchedi will be available on Crash.net.

Peter has spent two decades working in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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"I'm thrilled to witness the return of figures reminiscent of the Valentino era."

The year 2024 marked a historic high for MotoGP audiences, but how does it stack up against the days of Rossi?

The 2024 MotoGP World Championship set a new benchmark for season attendance, drawing in more than three million spectators.

Topping the list was a fresh 'official' weekend attendance record of 297,471 at the French Grand Prix held in Le Mans.

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Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, expressed his delight at the resurgence of [spectator] attendance, comparing it to the 'Valentino era' when the stands were packed with fans. He made these remarks following the final race test of the season in Barcelona.

How did the fan attendance at MotoGP 2024 compare to the levels observed during the 'Valentino era'?

From 2000 to 2021, Rossi competed in the top tier of racing. Although there is often discussion about the precision of attendance numbers—particularly regarding the weekend counts which tally the same individual's presence over three days as three separate attendees—official statistics have been made available starting in 2006.

However, the table below contrasts the total numbers for Sundays and weekends this year with the highest figures recorded for the same circuits during the period from 2006 to 2019, which was the last typical season for Rossi before the onset of the Covid pandemic.

While only Assen and Qatar reached a new peak for Sunday attendance this year alongside Le Mans, the growing appeal of the Saturday Sprint races might account for why three additional locations—Sachsenring, Misano, and Sepang—surpassed their best weekend records set between 2006 and 2019.

"We have tremendous potential," Rivola stated. "I am optimistic that Liberty Media will be able to add more value in 2025."

"Our performance is truly one-of-a-kind. I believe that next year will be even more impressive due to numerous changes in riders and the resurgence of competitiveness among Japanese manufacturers. I'm eagerly anticipating it."

Spectator Turnout in the MotoGP World Championship

Sunday, 202

Maximum recorded on Sundays from 2006 to

Weekend of 202

The maximum weekends from 2006

One hundred nineteen thousand

One hundred five thousand

Two hundred ninety-seven

Two hundred six thousand

One hundred eight point

One hundred five thousand

One hundred ninety-two

One hundred sixty-seven

Ninety-eight

One hundred one thousand

Two hundred fifty-two thousand eight

Two hundred thirty thousand

Eighty-nine thousand

One hundred thousand four

One hundred sixty-three

One hundred fifty-nine

Eighty-eight thousand

One hundred three thousand nine hundred

One hundred eighty-four thousand nine

One hundred seventy thousand

Eighty-five thousand

One hundred thousand two

Two hundred five thousand

Two hundred twenty-six

Eighty-one thousand

One hundred thousand six

One hundred fifty-six

One hundred sixty-four

Eighty-one thousand

One hundred thirty-two

One hundred eighty-one

Two hundred sixty-three

Seventy-six thousand

One hundred thirteen thousand

One hundred seventy-six

Two hundred five thousand

Seventy-two thousand

I'm sorry, but

One hundred seventy-four

I'm sorry, but

Sixty-seven thousand

Ninety-five

One hundred fifty thousand

Two hundred fifteen thousand

Sixty-two thousand

Certainly

One hundred thirty-four thousand eight

I'm

Sixty thousand seven

I'm sorry, but

One hundred twenty-one

I'm sorry, but

Fifty-five thousand, nine

Seventy thousand five hundred forty

One hundred seven thousand

One hundred sixteen thousand nine hundred

Forty-five thousand

I

Eighty-two thousand

I'm

Forty-four thousand

Sixty-one thousand ninety-one

One hundred twenty-two

One hundred thirty-one thousand eight

Forty-two thousand

Seventy-three thousand

One hundred seventeen thousand eight hundred

One hundred fifty-nine

The number is forty

Sixty-three thousand

Eighty thousand one

Ninety-six

Thirty-six thousand four

Fifty-three thousand

Ninety thousand

One hundred twenty-two

Fifteen thousand

Fourteen thousand five

Forty thousand three

Thirty-two thousand two

*Recurring (substitute) occasion.

For two decades, Peter has been a familiar face in the paddock and has witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently at the center of the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injury.

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EXCLUSIVE: Mike Krack Stands Up for Lance Stroll Against Criticism

Mike Krack, the head of Aston Martin's Formula 1 team, expressed to Crash.net that he believes Lance Stroll faces undeserved criticism.

Aston Martin's F1 team principal, Mike Krack, believes that the amount of criticism directed at Lance Stroll is "very unfair."

Concerns have been expressed regarding Stroll's performance and dedication to Formula 1 this season, especially following a humiliating mistake that led to him crashing during the formation lap at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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Some critics argue that Stroll is the least strong member of the Aston Martin team and remains in his position mainly because his father, Lawrence, who owns the team, is a billionaire.

Krack highlights the comparison between Stroll and Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion considered one of the best F1 drivers ever, to show how Stroll's abilities are often overlooked.

According to the statistics, Alonso appears to have a clear advantage. Over the two seasons they raced alongside each other, Stroll accumulated 98 points, while Alonso amassed 274. Additionally, in grand prix qualifying sessions, Alonso outperformed Stroll 37 times compared to Stroll’s 8.

However, Krack contends that the difference between the two is "minimal" and has been affected by various elements, such as Aston Martin failing to provide both drivers with adequate equipment.

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net, Krack stated, "Lance faces significant unfair treatment. To begin with, the difference in performance between him and his teammate, who is among the greatest ever, is minimal."

"We have an individual who is deeply committed to vehicle development, actively participates in simulator sessions, maintains physical fitness, and contributes positively during discussions."

Krack thinks that the public's perception of Stroll is primarily shaped by his media interactions, though this view is mistaken.

Krack stated that the primary evaluation for him revolves around handling media responsibilities. However, he emphasized that the fundamental role of a racing driver is to be behind the wheel.

"Formula 1 has changed over time, with increased visibility and numerous media responsibilities. I believe this is an area where people are paying a lot of attention."

"Our primary focus as a team is to close the gap with one of the greatest competitors of all time. This individual is incredibly competitive. Our shortcoming lies in providing both drivers with the necessary equipment and vehicle to perform at their best."

"When Fernando ends up ninth in the championship standings, it might not seem impressive at first glance. However, because it's Fernando, people often attribute it to the car's performance. On the other hand, Lance achieved a remarkable result in Mexico by finishing 11th with what was considered the slowest car that day, yet this goes largely unnoticed."

Fernando's performance at Monza, where he secured the 11th position, has become a significant talking point. It's quite unjust how his image is portrayed to the public.

"In contrast, we aren't overly concerned. We recognize that we have someone unique; they're pleasant, productive, diligent, driven, and quick."

Stroll enjoys driving and competing in Formula 1. Observers have speculated that Stroll might have lost his passion for Formula 1, citing his attitude and demeanor in interviews as possible indicators.

During a recent appearance on the Red Flag Podcast, former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner commented, "No matter what occurs, he appears to be perpetually dissatisfied."

To put it simply, if Lance's father didn't own a team, it's unlikely Lance would be a Formula 1 driver, as he doesn't have the desire to pursue it.

However, Krack firmly denies this claim, stating it's false. He disclosed that during the recent three-week hiatus, Stroll reached out to him personally to discuss the possibility of doing some private testing with older F1 cars.

When questioned about whether Stroll's enthusiasm for Formula 1 is evident, Krack responded: "Definitely, without a doubt."

"During the recent three-week hiatus, Lance reached out to me by phone, eager to see if we could arrange a way for him to drive an old car. His enthusiasm for driving really sets him apart, especially in a sport where there is no opportunity for testing."

"It's quite unjust to see certain remarks, which are frequently penned with little investigation, simply because they align with popular beliefs. People think, 'Let's put that down and fill some space.' This results in a very distorted representation."

"In every sport, there are villains and heroes, roles to play, and Formula 1 is no different."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Fernando Alonso discloses the single instance he experienced having “the best car” in his racing career.

“I’m accustomed to not having the superior vehicle.”

Fernando Alonso mentioned that staying motivated during the challenging 2024 Formula 1 season with Aston Martin was "not difficult" for him, as he is "accustomed to not having the best car."

At 43 years old, the competitor enters the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi ranked ninth with 68 points, having not achieved any podium finishes during a challenging year for Aston Martin.

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It is quite different from the achievements of him and his team in 2023, when Alonso secured fourth place in the championship by earning 206 points and landing on the podium eight times.

While Aston Martin's AMR24 car has not advanced as expected, Alonso believes that the busy schedule has made it simple to stay driven by new objectives.

He mentioned that his issues with his car weren't a significant concern for him, as he feels that the only period in his racing career when he had top-notch equipment was during the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

On Thursday in Abu Dhabi, Alonso spoke to reporters, including those from Crash.net, stating that staying motivated was easy because every two weeks offered an opportunity to improve upon the last performance.

"This schedule leaves no room for rest or reflection; you're constantly on the move."

"It wasn't hard to find motivation. In some ways, I'm accustomed to not always having the top-performing vehicle."

"I believe that, in my 25 years of competing in the WEC, I currently have the best Toyota car I've ever had. This keeps me constantly motivated."

The 2018/19 World Endurance Championship, referred to as the 'super season', featured Alonso and Toyota winning five out of the eight events, including two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This took place during a period when the Japanese brand was the sole significant manufacturer participating in the top tier of the series.

Although he managed to stay motivated during a challenging 2024 season, Alonso confesses that he is "glad it's coming to an end" after this weekend. He believes that Aston Martin has been "struggling without purpose" during the latter part of the season.

He mentioned that the season feels lengthy for everyone involved, including the mechanics and the entire team.

"Having 24 races is extremely challenging, particularly the final stretch of three consecutive races. When the championship is already decided, like when Max clinched the title in Vegas, it feels different. By the time summer ended, we were comfortably in fifth place in the constructors' championship with no pressure from competitors behind us and no opportunities to advance ahead."

"The last seven or eight races feel quite lengthy since there's nothing at stake."

"We are working on understanding the car for next year's project, but besides that, there isn't much else to focus on."

"I’m glad to begin the winter break now, and I’m looking forward to starting fresh next year with the aim of being more competitive."

"The drive to succeed shifts when the Abu Dhabi race concludes and the focus turns to developing the car and working on the simulator for the upcoming year, compared to arriving here with the expectation of finishing between ninth and 12th."

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Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet share joyful personal news

Pair reveal significant announcement before the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet have shared some delightful personal news.

They announced that they are expecting their first child together.

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The Formula 1 champion announced on social media that a "Mini Verstappen-Piquet" is coming soon.

"Our joy over our tiny miracle knows no bounds."

Check out this Instagram post from Max Verstappen (@maxverstappen1), with content shared by the racing driver.

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are expecting a child together. Kelly is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, who won the Formula 1 championship three times in his career.

She already has a daughter, and the child's father is Daniil Kvyat, the racer whom Verstappen took over from at Red Bull.

Verstappen has stated that he avoids discussing racing topics with his father-in-law.

Verstappen and Kelly took an unexpected approach by sharing their personal news on social media.

Verstappen has mentioned before that he doesn't feel the urge to share his personal life with the public.

Kelly is engaging in it far less frequently than before. When I eventually finish with Formula 1, I doubt I'll be sharing much online. It's simply not something I enjoy.

"There are individuals who have nothing else to do throughout the day, but I'm occupied with various tasks. For instance, I dedicate a significant amount of time to my phone, primarily to manage activities related to my simulation team."

Max Verstappen and George Russell are in a dispute. The announcement about the baby came before the Friday sessions of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On Thursday, a heated verbal exchange took center stage between Verstappen and George Russell from the Mercedes team.

Russell accused Verstappen of being a "bully" following the resurgence of their argument from the previous weekend in Qatar.

In a heated exchange, Verstappen challenged Russell's remarks, an altercation that also involved Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, and numerous other F1 drivers.

Initially, Verstappen was upset because he believed Russell played a part in the penalty he received from the FIA in Qatar.

James spent ten years working as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of events, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Max Verstappen and George Russell distanced themselves from each other at the F1 driver dinner, choosing seats at the far ends of the table.

During the yearly F1 driver dinner hosted by Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and George Russell were seated at opposite ends of the table.

This information comes from McLaren's Lando Norris, who made a playful comment about the ongoing rivalry between the duo, which intensified into a verbal clash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale.

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Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, organized a dinner for the drivers, a tradition they have adopted at the end of each year. Typically, the reigning world champion is the one who pays for the meal.

Valtteri Bottas, who is leaving Sauber, disclosed that he footed the bill, mentioning that it amounted to "around 20,000 in local currency," equating to slightly more than £4,000.

Norris stated that his competitor for the title, Verstappen, and Russell were positioned at different sides of the table in a group picture they posted on social media.

"2024 dinner! And indeed, the two people you're thinking of were seated at opposite ends of the table," Norris wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.

It seems that Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, as well as Haas's Kevin Magnussen, did not go to the dinner.

Jack Doohan, the latest addition to the Formula 1 driving roster, was absent. However, Esteban Ocon, who is set to be replaced by a newcomer for the 2025 season and will not compete in Abu Dhabi, was present.

Dispute between Russell and Verstappen intensifies

In a dramatic turn on Thursday, Russell alleged that Verstappen had menaced him with threats of deliberately causing a collision and said he would "slam his head into the f*****g wall" in Qatar.

Russell expressed his confusion over the personal attack, telling reporters, including those from Crash.net, that he would not tolerate it. "I want to clarify the situation: I refuse to stand by while someone criticizes me on a personal level," he stated.

It was clear that it was an impulsive decision, but the following day, while we were having some light-hearted fun with [Sergio] Perez and Carlos [Sainz], I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was serious about it.

He has won the championship four times. Lewis Hamilton is the kind of champion I aim to emulate—tough yet just, always staying within the rules. As drivers, we have a responsibility.

"It's not appropriate for a world champion to announce that he intends to deliberately collide with someone and cause them harm; that's not the kind of example we should be promoting."

This followed Verstappen's criticism of Russell, accusing the Mercedes driver of influencing the decision to penalize the four-time world champion after qualifying last weekend.

Verstappen, expressing that he no longer held any respect for Russell, intensified his criticism during the Abu Dhabi event.

The individual from the Netherlands referred to Russell as both a "traitor" and a "failure."

"Verstappen described George as someone who betrays trust during an interview with De Telegraaf, as reported by ESPN Netherlands."

The way he constantly mentions all this irrelevant stuff marks him as nothing but a loser. He fabricates stories and pieces together things that don’t make sense. I simply expressed my thoughts on how he acted with the stewards.

"It was obvious that he couldn't manage the situation. As for his remarks regarding 2021, that's reflective of his behavior with the officials, suggesting unfounded claims."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing industry.

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Francesco Bagnaia: Equal Footing with Marc Marquez as the Benchmark

"Should one of us gain the lead while the other lags behind as the season progresses, it's essential to support the leading rider"

Francesco Bagnaia has dismissed remarks made by his new team-mate Marc Marquez suggesting that as a two-time MotoGP champion, Bagnaia begins 2025 with a higher 'status' in the Ducati team, being considered the 'benchmark' within the squad.

However, Bagnaia, who fell short of securing his third consecutive title by a mere ten points to Jorge Martin this season, noted that the situation could shift if a significant gap in the championship standings between the teammates became apparent.

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"Rationally speaking, the one in control and making the decisions is Pecco," said Marquez, who secured six MotoGP championships with Honda from 2013 to 2019, in a recent statement.

"Given that Pecco has secured two world championships for Ducati, including triumphing in eleven races last season, it stands to reason that he should be the primary decision-maker during this pre-season and the initial races."

"I'll make an effort to narrow the gap with him since he's the benchmark, the racer who brought Ducati back to championship glory, and who is moving at an impressive speed."

Inquired about his remarks during Ducati's 'Champions in Celebration' event in Bologna on Tuesday night, Motorsport.com reports Bagnaia's response as:

I'm convinced that ultimately, the 'top spots' in the ranking are unoccupied and rightfully shouldn't be.

"Each season kicks off anew, providing all riders with an equal opportunity, and I hold the view that as the season progresses, dynamics shift because it's always a fresh start."

"I'm convinced it's identical in nature, that when during the season one competitor is leading [in the championship] and another lags behind, efforts must be made to assist the frontrunner."

"I believe that Marc, as a remarkably smart individual, quickly grasped the nature of our environment and our working methodology."

"During the trial run in Barcelona, we collaborated effectively, and if we maintain this momentum, we're certainly headed in the right direction."

Bagnaia and Marquez secured the third and fourth quickest times, respectively, while testing a prototype of next year’s GP25 at the Barcelona trials.

The Italian believed that switching locations, following the cancellation of the Valencia event, was advantageous for trial objectives.

"This season in Barcelona, the circuit has improved significantly for testing from various perspectives: it's among the locations with the highest maximum speeds in the World Championship, and with the grip level being low, it offers an opportunity to evaluate a wider range of aspects," he detailed.

"Marc and I shared a mutual sentiment, which was incredibly beneficial, as we swiftly pinpointed areas for improvement. We recognized both our strengths and weaknesses."

"Ultimately, it became simpler for both the engineers and Gigi to discern the route that would better prepare them for their arrival in Malaysia."

The scheduled Sepang trial is set for February 5th to 7th, 2025.

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2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Friday Practice Session – LIVE Updates!

Stay tuned for live updates as the Friday practice session unfolds at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Marking the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Friday kicks off with the final practice day at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Although Max Verstappen has already secured the drivers' championship, the primary attention is now on the battle for the highest position in the constructors' rankings.

As they approach the final race, McLaren and Ferrari are separated by a mere 21 points. Ferrari managed to set up a potential title decider by their performance in the recent race in Qatar.

Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi before moving to Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan will make his first appearance with the Alpine team this weekend.

The growing conflict between Max Verstappen and George Russell after the Qatar Grand Prix has been a major focus in the news this weekend. There is potential for this tension to impact the race if the two drivers find themselves close to one another on the track during Sunday's event.

The first practice session starts at 9:30 a.m. GMT, while the second practice session is scheduled for 1 p.m

Leclerc's Grid Penalty

Charles Leclerc, who recently finished first in the first practice session, will face a 10-place grid penalty due to Ferrari's decision to replace the battery in his vehicle.

This is a significant setback for Ferrari in their fight for the constructors' championship.

Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with the traffic conditions he encountered on the track, communicating his concerns to the Aston Martin team.

End of FP1

The session concludes in Abu Dhabi as the chequered flag signals the end of FP1.

Charles Leclerc is in the lead with a lap time of 1 minute and 24.321 seconds, closely followed by Lando Norris. The battle for dominance between McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors' championship is intensifying.

The Williams team has announced that both of its drivers will incur grid penalties due to changes in their gearboxes. As of now, Colapinto is in seventh place, and Browning holds the 20th

The race officials stated that after examining the situation, there's no requirement for any additional inquiry regarding Gasly's failure to slow down under yellow flags. Consequently, the Alpine driver will not face any penalties.

Charles Leclerc clocked the quickest lap with a time of 1 minute and 24.321 seconds using soft tires. At the same time, Pierre Gasly has been observed for not reducing speed when yellow flags were displayed, and Lewis Hamilton will be under investigation after the session for potentially obstructing Lando Norris.

Pierre Gasly moves up to fourth place in the Alpine car while using a set of soft tires.

With slightly more than 10 minutes remaining, the current ranking of the top 10 is as

During Hadjar's most recent fast lap, he once again clashed with Browning at the final corner, resulting in Browning receiving a black and white warning flag.

Hamilton has reduced the distance to Norris by clocking a time of 1 minute and 24.806 seconds. Meanwhile, Russell has moved up to third place with a time of 1 minute and 25.165 seconds, despite facing challenges with his brakes

Russell is currently dissatisfied with his vehicle: "I'm not a fan of these brakes, even when I'm entering the pit lane."

Charles Leclerc is currently on the track, marking the first occasion where two siblings from the same team are participating together in an F1 session.

Hadjar expressed his dissatisfaction with Browning's actions at Turn 6, telling his Red Bull team, "The Williams really messed up my run through the chicane."

This year, the last corner has been expanded, and Norris took full advantage of the extra space on the track to clock in a time that places him 0.831 seconds ahead of the rest.

An increasing number of drivers have opted for soft tyres, resulting in Norris setting the quickest lap time at 1 minute 24.542 seconds. He currently leads the timesheets, followed by Hulkenberg, Russell, Hamilton, Perez, Bottas, Magnussen, Gasly, Hadjar, and Alonso.

Russell achieved the quickest time of 1 minute and 25.410 seconds after changing to soft tires.

Drugovich, driving the other Aston Martin, slightly enhances his position, moving up to 14th place.

Alonso has moved up to the sixth position while driving the Aston Martin.

Charles Leclerc is preparing to get back into his Ferrari now that the team appears to have completed the necessary repairs.

Lewis Hamilton climbs to the leading position with a lap time of 1 minute 25.586 seconds, all while using medium compound tires.

This session, set during twilight, doesn't fully reflect typical conditions, but Mercedes has begun strongly, occupying the first and second positions.

At the moment, Doohan leads the rookie pack, securing the ninth spot. Browning holds the 12th position for Williams, while Hadjar is in 14th for Red Bull. A. Leclerc takes 15th place for Ferrari, Drugovich is in 17th for Aston Martin, Hirakawa ranks 18th for McLaren, and Iwasa is 19th for Red Bull.

After 20 minutes of running, the current top 10 are as follows:

Russell climbed to the top of the leaderboard by clocking a time of 1 minute and 25.963 seconds on medium tires, while his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton secured the second spot with a time of 1 minute and 25.993 seconds. Perez claimed the third position.

It seems Charles Leclerc is staying put for now. There's still plenty of effort being put in. This is not the best beginning for Ferrari in their battle for the constructors' championship.

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