Rossi shares how two unexpected figures assisted him during his initial 500cc class trial

Motorcycle racing icon Valentino Rossi disclosed that his initial test on a 500cc bike in 1999 nearly ended in calamity, if not for the unexpected assistance of two individuals who were relatively unknown at the time.

Rossi joined Honda to compete in the MotoGP series starting in the 2000 season, representing what appeared to be a secondary team, after securing the 125cc and 250cc championships in 1997 and 1999, respectively.

Explore further: Reflecting on Valentino Rossi's transformative Yamaha MotoGP switch

He first got a taste of the NSR500, which he would compete with in 2000 and 2001 during the final years of MotoGP's 500cc class, during trials at Jerez following his championship victory in the 250cc category.

In a conversation on Andrea Migno’s podcast last year, Rossi's manager confirmed that they had struck a deal with Aprilia for Rossi to wear their racing suits for a test. However, he forgot to bring them along and also realized he didn't have a helmet to wear.

"He started off by saying, 'The initial 500cc trial was splendid.'"

Upon my arrival in Jerez at the close of 1999, I was in possession of two Honda suits. My manager had previously arranged with Aprilia for me to wear their suit.

Upon arriving in Jerez, I brought along two brand-new suits from Honda, but ended up not being able to wear them. Instead, I inadvertently left my Aprilia suit behind at home.

"I took Marcellino Lucchi's outfit on loan. I reached out to a buddy in Tavullia and told them, 'we're going to fly you out here, get the Aprilia outfit to us!'"

I unzipped my backpack and found eight shields inside, yet the helmet was missing! Panic had already set in earlier when I realized I'd left the suit behind.

Rossi and his close associates devised a minor falsehood to extricate themselves from a difficult situation.

He explained, "A stroke of brilliance occurred – 'my helmet was taken!' That's how I was rescued, even though I lacked a helmet.

During my initial 500cc trial, I donned the racing suit of Marcellino Lucchi and the helmet belonging to Gregorio Lavilla, a Kawasaki Superbike racer known for his personalized helmet.

"I asked Lavilla if I could use a helmet since mine had been taken."

The initial experience of handling a 500cc is an unforgettable milestone in the journey of any rider. The sensation when you rev the engine…

"I recall the sensation of the track becoming more compact and confined, a pleasant experience. The velocity becomes familiar over time.

"On day two, as soon as I received my racing gear and helmet, I accelerated my pace. Similarly, at Phillip Island, my speed was noteworthy."

Lucchi participated in grand prix races between 1982 and 2004, achieving a single win at the 250cc Italian Grand Prix in 1998.

In 2005, Lavilla clinched the British Superbike title riding for Ducati and currently serves as the Executive Director of World Superbikes for Dorna.

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Enea Bastianini offers a glimmer of hope amidst KTM's financial troubles

New Tech3 recruit acknowledges a "difficult off-season" due to KTM's instability

Enea Bastianini has described the off-season as challenging because of the continuing doubts surrounding KTM's MotoGP endeavor, yet he has indicated that "things are becoming more stable."

The rider, who has triumphed in seven MotoGP races, inked a contract with KTM the previous year to become part of the Tech3 team under a factory agreement starting in 2025

A monetary turmoil has cast doubts over the continuity of the Austrian company's racing initiatives, with a creditors meeting held before Christmas indicating that KTM's withdrawal from MotoGP is being considered as a strategy to reduce expenses.

KTM has officially announced its continuation in racing until 2025, but has not made any commitments past that point as of yet.

Bastianini has secured a long-term agreement with KTM, though current circumstances cast doubt on his future in MotoGP.

In a fresh interview with Sky Sports Italy, Bastianini provided a new update.

"The winter season has been challenging, but I've devoted myself to training and maintaining a focused mindset," he mentioned.

"I strive daily to prepare myself for the championship, doing all I can to be at my best."

Currently, the situation is becoming more stable, leading to a noticeably calmer atmosphere.

"I'm fully committed and always ready."

Bastianini has been reserved in setting specific goals for himself for the year 2025, given that he has only participated in a single test session with the KTM as of last November.

"He emphasized that establishing a goal right now is impractical."

"I've only completed 50 circuits on the KTM, making it challenging to envision a potential goal."

"I believe the motorcycle has promise, though I might not fully tap into its capabilities right from the initial races."

"I'm confident that with each event, we'll reach our goal."

Last week, Bastianini competed in Valentino Rossi's 100Km of Champions race in Tavullia, teaming up with Matteo Casadei.

The duo ended up in 15th place in the competition, with Diogo Moreira and Thomas Chareyre taking the victory.

Last week, Bastianini disclosed that he had parted ways with his long-standing manager Carlo Pernat, opting instead to sign a new agreement with the London-based agency MSM.

In an interview with GPOne, Pernat revealed that health issues, preventing him from attending races, were the cause behind their separation.

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Marc Marquez on 2027: Advocates for Reduced Tech, Emphasizes Rider Impact

“The increase in technical components translates to greater reliance on engineers,” he asserts.

Marc Marquez has secured a factory Ducati deal, ensuring his presence in MotoGP races through to the conclusion of the existing engine regulations in 2026.

Significant modifications are slated for 2027, involving the adoption of compact 850cc engines, diminished aerodynamic features, and the prohibition of ride-height mechanisms.

The eight-time world champion, who entered MotoGP in its second year of adopting 1000cc engines in 2013, is skeptical that the reduction in engine size will significantly alter lap times.

"Marquez mentioned that the rules will be adjusted in 2027, involving a reduction in aerodynamics and a minor decrease in engine size, yet he believes the motorcycles will perform just as well."

"I'm not sure of the exact methods used by the factories, but somehow, they consistently manage to restore their speed to the original pace."

Marquez is of the opinion that decreasing aerodynamics will improve the ability to overtake, and eliminating ride height adjustments, such as holeshot mechanisms used at the start of races, will return greater control to the riders.

"He expressed approval for the reduced reliance on aerodynamics, believing it would result in increased overtaking opportunities and allow the rider to have a greater impact on the outcome."

"The topic of [ride] height mechanisms evolves as well. In my opinion, the fewer mechanical components a bike possesses, the greater the impact the rider can have. Conversely, the more technical elements involved, the more reliant you become on the [engineers]."

"In 2024, avoiding injuries was paramount."

Marquez not only reclaimed his position at the forefront of the MotoGP with Gresini Ducati the previous year, but he also managed to go through an entire season unscathed for the first time since 2017.

Subsequent to those events, the individual underwent significant surgeries on their shoulder during the winters of 2018 and 2019. This was in addition to four surgical procedures on a fractured right arm resulting from an incident in Jerez in 2020, two instances of double vision, a fractured thumb during the Portimao 2023 event, and multiple other injuries that did not require surgery.

"Marquez stated, "I'm in good physical shape." However, he added, "As any medical professional can tell you, attaining your previous peak performance after severe injuries is challenging."

"Therefore, you'll need to put in more effort than previously. Concentrate on the areas weakened by my injuries, and from that point, aim to give your all to ensure I'm fully prepared for the pre-season."

In 2024, it was crucial to avoid injuries, which tend to occur unexpectedly, yet maintaining steady progress, positive momentum, and advancing physically was equally important and beneficial.

"This winter presents an opportunity for us to bolster our vulnerabilities and kick off the 2025 season at peak performance."

Marquez, securing the fourth quickest time during his initial run with the factory Ducati in the Barcelona test this past November, will return to the GP25 for the official pre-season testing scheduled to kick off in Sepang come February.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Gresini's secret tool for its MotoGP newcomer to excel

Gresini team leader Michele Masini discusses MotoGP newcomer Aldeguer

Gresini's team principal believes that in Frankie Carchedi, they have provided Fermin Aldeguer with the finest team leader a newcomer to MotoGP could ask for in their debut season.

At 19 years old, Aldeguer advances to the MotoGP category this year, joining the Gresini team following a contract agreement with Ducati early last year.

Aldeguer, after shining in the Moto2 class where he clinched eight grand prix victories in the past two seasons, captured attention during his initial Ducati trial in Barcelona last November, emerging as the leading newcomer.

He will team up with Carchedi as his crew chief. Carchedi previously collaborated with Marc Marquez the preceding year and secured a world championship with Joan Mir in 2020 while at Suzuki.

During the 2025 season launch event for Gresini on Saturday, Masini outlined his expectation for Aldeguer to secure the rookie of the year award.

"Definitely, the previous year had its highs and lows, but in my opinion, he possesses the pace and the skill," he mentioned.

"Indeed, I'm somewhat taken aback by his initial trial in Barcelona too, as he managed to clock some notable laps on worn tyres."

"However, I believe our initial year with a newcomer will be enjoyable, as it presents a distinct challenge involving Alex and Fermin for our team."

"However, we are prepared, and I believe we possess the top crew chief to develop a newcomer. Moreover, becoming rookie of the year is merely our initial goal."

In a special conversation with the Crash MotoGP Podcast, Carchedi shared that during his initial trial, Aldeguer managed to make an intimidating advancement in braking techniques.

Aldeguer is set to hit the Sepang circuit for the initial shakedown at month's end, preceding the inaugural official pre-season trial.

Looking forward, the Spanish rider believes that concentrating on lap times isn't beneficial and emphasizes the importance of relishing the process of mastering a MotoGP motorcycle.

He mentioned that he spent a lot of time reflecting this winter, attributing it to the successful initial test which left him feeling optimistic from the outset.

"However, there's still more for me to grasp. I made an attempt during the winter, and now, while in Malaysia, it's crucial for me to remain concentrated, approach my work positively, maintain tranquility, avoid obsessing over the timings and rankings, and simply relish the process and absorb knowledge with every lap."

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In Italy, it's rumored that Valentino Rossi is eager to bring Pedro Acosta into the VR46 team soon.

Valentino Rossi is said to have shown interest in discussing MotoGP matters with Pedro Acosta.

Last weekend's gathering of Valentino Rossi and Pedro Acosta in Tavullia has sparked speculation across Italy.

Acosta participated in Rossi's 100km of Champions race in his own hometown.

This wasn't the inaugural visit to Rossi's residence for the latest sensation in MotoGP.

In Italy, it's been reported that Rossi was keen on discussing business matters with Acosta.

According to a report by Gazzetta, Pedro and Valentino appear to be more keen on having a direct verbal confrontation rather than just competing on the flat track, focusing on a future that has already arrived.

The nine-time global victor hailing from Pesaro possesses a definitive vision and, as rumors suggest, he’s already eyeing his next big move: integrating Acosta into his VR46 team.

"When? At the earliest opportunity. Let's find out."

Acosta made a remarkable impression in his first MotoGP season, quickly moving up from KTM's secondary team to their primary team for the 2025 season.

This year, he's set to partner with Brad Binder. However, even with a formidable four-rider roster announced, KTM faces significant concerns away from the race track.

The monetary issues they've faced, stemming from the end of the previous MotoGP season, have been thoroughly reported.

The maker is in debt, owing around €1.8 billion.

KTM maintains that financial concerns will not hinder their racing operations.

Now, Acosta could be receiving advice from Rossi – and the legendary MotoGP rider brings a significant opportunity to the table.

Rossi's VR46 squad has become Ducati's top independent team following Pramac's switch to Yamaha.

In a groundbreaking move this year, VR46 will own a factory-spec Ducati for the first time.

Fabio di Giannantonio is set to compete on the premier motorcycle in the sport currently, whereas his teammate, Franco Morbidelli, will be equipped with a machine from last year.

Should Acosta desire a switch to Rossi's squad, he could gain immediate access to MotoGP's premier bikes, but such a transition couldn't happen before 2026.

He is bound by a multi-year agreement with KTM, but issues away from the track will be his primary concern.

One significant consequence of KTM's economic situation is the uncertain future of their valuable talent, Acosta.

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

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LIVE STREAM: Marc Marquez kicks off his inaugural season with Ducati's official MotoGP team

Tune in for the 2025 team unveiling of Ducati with stars Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia

The Ducati team will officially kick off its 2025 MotoGP campaign on Monday, January 20th, in Italy, showcasing Marc Marquez for the first time in the team's official hues.

Ducati is set to host its customary unveiling ceremony at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in Italy on Monday, revealing its official team livery for the upcoming MotoGP season.

Despite the brand achieving global championship glory last season through Pramac's Jorge Martin in Ducati's most successful season to date in the top tier, securing victories in 19 out of 20 grands prix, the factory team finished as runners-up with Francesco Bagnaia.

Initially intending to elevate Martin to its official team, Ducati's decision-makers had to pivot when Marc Marquez declined an offer for a factory bike at Pramac, leading them to instead opt for the eight-time world champion.

In 2025, Martin is set to compete under the Aprilia banner, having revealed the team's colors during a presentation in Milan the previous week.

In 2025, Marquez is set to make his comeback as a factory rider, following his 2024 stint with the satellite team Gresini Ducati, a move he made after deciding to leave the official Honda team.

He is set to team up with two-time MotoGP world champion Bagnaia, forming a duo that's anticipated to dominate in 2025.

Marquez first joined the team during the Barcelona test after the season ended last November, where he rode a bike that had no sponsorship logos, neither on the motorcycle itself nor on his racing suit.

Ducati's unveiling ceremony starts at 10am GMT.

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Was the 2025 F1 color scheme for Alpine accidentally disclosed in an insider video?

Has the design for Alpine's 2025 F1 car unexpectedly surfaced?

A video shared on the Instagram profile of Flavio Briatore seemed to unveil the paint scheme of Alpine's 2025 racing vehicle.

The clip was shared on the Italian's Instagram story, but it's no longer accessible when you look up his account.

Briatore, serving as the executive advisor for Alpine, attended a discussion with the marketing department.

Photos showcasing a Formula 1 vehicle adorned in a blue and pink color pattern were visibly displayed on the desk.

It remains uncertain if this design represents the actual livery for the 2025 F1 car or if it's simply a conceptual design.

The visuals provided in the video suggest that it would be a positive shift, especially considering that Alpine mainly utilized bare carbon throughout 2024 as a weight reduction strategy.

It won't be until the F1 season kickoff in mid-February that we can confirm the authenticity of the leaked video.

Sneak Peek at Alpine's 2025 Racing Colors 🚨A glimpse of Alpine's new season livery was revealed in a video of a team meeting shared by Flavio Briatore. #F1 pic.twitter.com/FPQPjzzBqY— sim (@sim3744) January 15, 2025

Upon his return to Enstone earlier this year, Briatore has actively engaged with the team.

Under the leadership of Oliver Oakes as the principal of Alpine's F1 team, it seems that Briatore is the one directing the organization according to his preferences.

Alpine will no longer use Renault's factory engines from 2026, transitioning to a customer team instead.

Briatore played a crucial role in facilitating Esteban Ocon's premature exit, enabling Jack Doohan to make his first appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concluded the season.

His presence coincided with a notable improvement in Alpine's performance, culminating in a sixth-place finish in the constructors' championship after a strong conclusion to the season.

The uncertainty surrounding Franco Colapinto persists as Alpine has integrated the ex-Williams standout into their lineup of test and reserve drivers.

In 2024, Colapinto made his mark racing for the Grove team, stepping in for Logan Sargeant halfway through the season.

The Argentine's performance was so remarkable that it even caught the attention of Red Bull.

Colapinto has joined Alpine with the anticipation of eventually securing a permanent position.

This implies there is strong expectation for Doohan to excel in the initial competitions of the season.

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Aston Martin's candid acknowledgment of concerning progress pattern

Andy Cowell concedes that Aston Martin's efforts in F1 car evolution have not met expectations.

Aston Martin's team leader, Andy Cowell, has acknowledged that their team did not meet expectations in terms of development throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The team based at Silverstone kicked off 2023 as the closest competitors to Red Bull, following an impressive overhaul during the winter. Throughout the season, Fernando Alonso achieved eight podium finishes.

Aston Martin maintained their position at fifth in the constructor standings last season, however, their performance declined as Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll failed to secure any podium finishes and only amassed 94 points, a significant drop from the 280 points they achieved in 2023.

Aston Martin has faced challenges in enhancing their Formula 1 vehicles throughout the season for two consecutive years, a point that Cowell, recently named team principal following an organizational reshuffle, admitted is a shortcoming.

Late last year, Dan Fallows was dismissed from his role as technical director due to this troubling pattern.

"Cowell emphasized the team's unwavering dedication on the official Aston Martin website."

"We undoubtedly claimed the title for the highest number of updates in 2024, yet those modifications failed to enhance our speed on the track – and the ultimate goal in this industry is to improve lap times.

This doesn't imply that perfection is required on every attempt. I've come across data indicating that achieving a success rate of 20 percent is considered quite good in genuine research and development settings.

"Achieving a success rate of 20 percent would be satisfactory, however, it's crucial that this occurs at the AMR Technology Campus rather than on the race track."

Aston Martin has transitioned to a new facility and is set to have a cutting-edge wind tunnel operational by 2026.

Cowell mentioned that there are opportunities for enhancement using the existing resources the team possesses.

"It's crucial that we verify the efficiency of all our instruments and methodologies at the Tech Campus, so that when we implement an upgrade to the circuit, there's a minimum of 90 percent assurance that it will perform successfully on the track and fulfill our standards,” he elaborated.

Attaining this goal is challenging, yet it's essential for us to strive toward it. We're equipped with highly sophisticated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technologies and the upcoming premiere wind tunnel in the sport. However, these are merely simulations; there's an inherent risk that the data might not align perfectly with our real-world track findings. Nonetheless, these simulations offer us a strong guidance, and I'm optimistic that we can achieve an accuracy rate of about 90%.

"Our goal, at the very least, should be to match the performance standards set by teams that have won the World Championship."

Aston Martin Sets Sights Beyond 2026 for Championship Contention

Aston Martin is aiming high with plans to be at the forefront of championship contention in the future. The team views the upcoming engine and design regulation modifications set for 2026 as a critical chance to advance towards the leading positions in the race.

The hiring of esteemed F1 designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull, along with chief technical officer Enrico Cardile from Ferrari, is poised to bolster the team's design department this year.

Starting in 2026, Aston Martin is set to adopt the Honda engine technology previously utilized by Red Bull.

"Cowell emphasized that the year 2026 presents a significant chance for us, yet the focus isn't solely on that year. It extends to 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. The goal is to assemble a team capable of maintaining success over the long term."

"Indeed, the year 2026 holds significance, but it represents merely one phase in our ongoing progress. The year 2025 is equally pivotal to our journey, as we concentrate on enhancing our current performance and ensuring a strong lead into 2026."

"It's crucial not to overlook the enormity of the task at hand in integrating all these aspects. Transitioning from a customer-based team to a factory team coincides with the introduction of new regulations. Additionally, we are tasked with designing and producing our own gearbox and other car parts that were formerly provided by Mercedes."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He often provides firsthand reports on the events, sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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The groundbreaking, unforeseen F1 narrative of 2025 anticipated

Our team foresees what's to come – and significant F1 turmoil

Will Max Verstappen face a breakdown, or is there further disappointment in store for Mercedes

Our specialists are attempting to forecast the significant narrative in 2025 that will shake up the Formula 1 circuit.

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, along with the competition for top speed between Red Bull and McLaren, has significantly disrupted the racing scene.

Yet, which murmured hint will materialize? Which serene connection might abruptly ignite?

Journalists at Crash.net forecast the excitement and surprises set to happen this season…

Lewis Larkam: Exploring the Dynamics Between Max Verstappen and Red Bull Amidst Staff Departures and Rising Rivalries.

Last season, Red Bull faced its first significant challenges, including controversies, internal disputes, and difficulties in their racing performance, all of which left Verstappen feeling frustrated and contemplating his next moves.

Despite facing challenges, Red Bull and Verstappen managed to secure the drivers' championship. It remains to be seen what 2025 holds for the team—whether they will face a breakdown or recover from a difficult year.

Red Bull's newly established powertrains division is under immense pressure to perfect their inaugural engine in preparation for the critical 2026 regulations update.

The success, or failure, of Red Bull is going to be crucial for Verstappen's career, as Mercedes keeps a keen eye on him with growing interest.

Connor McDonagh: As the 2026 rules approach, it will be intriguing to see when teams decide to shift their efforts from 2025 to fully concentrate on the upcoming season.

In 2008, Ferrari and McLaren were contenders for the championship until the last race, which led them to prioritize that season. As a result, they were at a disadvantage when new rules were introduced in 2009.

During the same year, BMW relinquished their championship aspirations with Robert Kubica in 2008, shifting their attention to adapting to the upcoming regulations. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results, as they began the next season trailing significantly behind the frontrunners.

Lewis Duncan: Mercedes has made a significant gamble by advancing Andrea Kimi Antonelli to an F1 position so early in his racing journey.

There are two possible outcomes: Kimi Antonelli might emerge as an exceptional newcomer, showcasing extraordinary talent, or he might face significant difficulties, indicating that his advancement was premature.

In 2024, the champion of the 2023 Formula Regional European Championship made a swift transition to Formula 2, securing two wins – with one being in a reversed-grid sprint race – and regularly finishing in the top six, ultimately placing sixth overall in the rankings.

He also outperformed his well-regarded Prema teammate, Oliver Bearman, who is set to join Haas in 2025, in the rankings. Bearman's season, however, was plagued with misfortune and was disrupted twice due to Formula 1 opportunities.

Mercedes intends to alleviate any pressure on him, yet his actions will be closely monitored. Should things not go as planned, the senior management at Mercedes will face intense scrutiny, especially considering there were several notable drivers available for selection on the current grid.

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McLaren to Update Approach to F1 Team Orders, According to Lando Norris

Lando Norris reveals that McLaren plans to update its approach to Formula 1 team orders by 2025.

Lando Norris has announced that McLaren plans to update its strategy regarding team orders for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

In 2024, McLaren found itself at the center of discussions regarding team orders when they decided to support Norris, who had become the main competitor to Max Verstappen for the championship title during the latter part of the season.

Following some backlash regarding their approach in Hungary and Italy, where Norris was outperformed by Verstappen, McLaren ultimately decided to give priority to the British driver.

Norris has stated that McLaren's 'Papaya Rules' are going to be updated before the upcoming season starts, allowing both drivers to compete on a level playing field.

"2025 represents a new beginning, and Oscar also has a chance to compete for a championship," Norris stated.

Much of the discussion and coverage you all provide stems from the battle for the Drivers' Championship. This contest has sparked a significant portion of the conversations and topics.

"I've rightfully earned my share of those benefits."

"I secured my position by consistently performing well throughout the entire season, earning the chance to be offered that opportunity. I don't make a habit of requesting it.

"Winning a championship this way is definitely not my preference. I wish to compete against Max fairly, contribute my efforts, and secure my victory on my own terms."

"At times, Oscar has assisted me on several instances, which are the inclusions."

"People talked as if it would encompass all races.

We entered Baku, and surprisingly, the situation was reversed. I managed to slow Sergio Perez down a bit there, and then Oscar assisted me in securing a victory in Brazil.

Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated on Sunday, and the chance was lost, but I made amends for it.

"In my opinion, it's what sets our team apart. I believe other teams don't operate in this manner."

"Undoubtedly, this factor plays a significant role in our current standing as the leading team in Formula 1, and it's a key reason we were contenders for the Constructors' Championship victory."

Piastri on McLaren's 'perfect outcome'

Piastri was content with how things played out last season since he wasn't vying for the championship, but he's committed to ensuring this season doesn't follow the same pattern.

"The double grand prix champion expressed to Autosport, "It's quite the paradox. In my opinion, if my position were improved, we wouldn't have to deal with team orders."

In my view, the issue has been exaggerated far beyond its actual significance. So far, there hasn't been a real need to employ them, if you get what I mean.

Indeed, there have been minor adjustments and a handful of additional regulations or modifications to our racing strategies. However, these alterations apply to quite particular situations. Consequently, it appears the changes have garnered more attention from those outside the team than within it.

For those of us engaged in this, we understand the importance of acting correctly when the situation demands it. Certainly, looking ahead to next year, my aspiration is to be in a competitive stance, ideally contending for the championship exclusively against Lando. That's the perfect situation we're aiming for.

"However, even in the absence of specific directives for team behavior, we've consistently focused on supporting one another appropriately, and I believe that's something that won't ever shift."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Typically providing coverage directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Gianpiero Lambiase celebrated for his "egalitarian approach" and spirited disputes with Max Verstappen

Former Ferrari member Rob Smedley sheds light on the skillset of a race engineer

Gianpiero Lambiase has received recognition for his approach in communicating with Max Verstappen.

Verstappen and his race engineer have gained fame in Formula 1 circles for their spirited exchanges over the radio.

Lambiase is particularly celebrated for his calm and composed reactions to Verstappen's frequently heated comments.

"Rob Smedley mentioned on the Red Flags Podcast that he shares an engineering background with him."

Smedley was employed by the Formula 1 teams of Jordan, Ferrari, and Williams, where he was most recognized for his role as the race engineer for Felipe Massa.

He described the distinct responsibility of a race engineer who needs to communicate with a high-pressure driver over the radio throughout a grand prix.

"When I began, Gary Anderson told me, 'you need to be extremely supportive of one another,'" Smedley recounted.

"Here, there's no pecking order; it's just two individuals striving to maximize this opportunity."

"It's also a highly stressful environment. Maintaining an utterly transparent relationship is essential."

There will be moments when you're frustrated with him, or he becomes frustrated with you.

"However, it's similar to other profound connections. You experience those instances, and then, five minutes later, everything is back to normal."

"When the connection is properly established, that is how the interaction ought to be between an engineer and a driver."

Gianpiero Lambiase has been commended for keeping Max Verstappen in check.

"GP isn't afraid to be straightforward with him, and Max isn't shy about responding," Smedley added.

Something I appreciate about Grand Prix racing, mirroring my own longstanding sentiment, is the occasional tendency among drivers to exhibit a rather individualistic, if not sociopathic, attitude towards team dynamics.

"These are individuals who remain awake until the stroke of twelve, dedicating their time to your service."

"You've likely heard GP mention a few times, as I've also told my drivers, that 'you should head to the garage and say sorry to the crew, because your behavior has been immature and unpleasant'.

"GP successfully achieved this with Max, and I definitely did so during my era."

Gianpiero's behavior on the radio mirrors their actual relationship.

They completely depend on one another and have total trust in each other.

"Each time I conveyed a message, I was mindful that it isn't named ‘Massa Formula 1’, ‘Smedley Formula 1’, or ‘Alonso Formula 1’. It's known as Ferrari Formula 1."

"Our salaries are issued by Scuderia Ferrari; they're our employer."

"Finding the right equilibrium is crucial. If a race engineer dedicates all their attention solely to the team's requirements, they're failing to fully enhance their car's performance."

"Failing to enhance the package lets the team down. It's a delicate balance between improving the car and not going too far to the point where it harms the team."

Lambiase, who has been a constant presence by Verstappen's side during his streak of four drivers' championships in a row, is set to receive a promotional position at Red Bull this year.

He is set to take on the role of Head of Racing, following a reorganization prompted by Jonathan Wheatley's departure.

Importantly, Lambiase will continue to be the voice communicating with Verstappen throughout the races.

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

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Sergio Perez's Dad Supports Potential Surprise Shift Beyond Formula 1

According to his father, Sergio Perez might transition to a surprising racing category

Sergio Perez's dad has suggested that he could switch to a different motorsport series, moving away from Formula 1.

Perez was replaced in his position at Red Bull Racing for the Formula 1 season of 2024 due to underperformance, with Liam Lawson stepping in as the new partner for Max Verstappen.

Perez is left out of the 2025 Formula 1 driver roster, yet his father has pinpointed a surprising chance for him.

"Formula E was beyond my imagination," Antonio Perez shared with Estadio Deportes during his attendance at the Mexico E-Prix.

"Exercise caution, as there's a possibility of Checo Perez competing in this event."

When questioned about the possibility of his son truly participating in Formula E, he responded, "Absolutely, without any issue."

"This category has been operational in this location for 11 years, indicating it's relatively new."

"Currently, it holds the position of being the second largest globally, and in the upcoming five years, it is set to become the leader. This is the reason for my presence; I'm focused on what the future holds…"

What's in store for Sergio Perez?

Following a challenging season in which his low points tally played a significant role in Red Bull's loss of their constructors’ championship title to McLaren, Perez's return to F1 appears doubtful.

Fresh entrants like Cadillac, or the transforming Audi, could signify a surprising chance, yet it's equally plausible that their prime time has passed.

Perez stated that his departure from F1 came as a surprise to him, hence he is taking his time to contemplate his future steps.

He acknowledged that a captivating project in F1 would grab his attention.

However, if he isn't introduced into the team during the middle of the season, akin to how Daniel Ricciardo joined AlphaTauri in 2023, it appears to be improbable.

Perez is aware that with Cadillac's entry in 2026, there will be two additional slots for drivers.

His broad expertise could position him as a potential contender for the upcoming position.

However, the previous year might remain memorable for anyone contemplating Perez.

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

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