Ferrari dismisses concerns that an unsuccessful Formula 1 upgrade during the mid-season will jeopardize their chances of winning the 2024 championship. "It's not just about having the fastest car; it's also crucial to accumulate as many points as possible throughout the season."

Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has downplayed concerns that their failed upgrade at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix will eventually prevent them from winning the constructors' championship.

As the last two rounds approach, Ferrari trails McLaren by only 24 points in the quest for the constructors' championship.

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Nonetheless, McLaren is still the leading contender due to their superior speed compared to Ferrari.

This weekend, the Losail International Circuit features only medium and high-speed turns.

Following an impressive beginning to the season, Ferrari's performance declined during the mid-season. The team experienced a setback when their upgrade in Spain turned out to be a failure.

This brought their season to an abrupt halt as the porpoising issue re-emerged.

After the summer break, Ferrari finally returned to the forefront, with their performance making them contenders for the championship.

In response to a question about whether the upgrade in Spain might be the cause of their failure to win the F1 title, Vasseur said: "It's simple to claim at the end of the season that if it weren't for the crash in Singapore or this or that incident, we would have been champions."

"I believe this applies to McLaren as well; they've encountered some problems. In fact, it holds true for every team on the grid—we've all let chances slip by."

"An important aspect of the business involves not just having the top-performing car but also accumulating the highest possible points throughout the season."

Indeed, Baku wasn't our strongest showing, and similarly, we faced challenges in Singapore. We also encountered difficulties with our outright speed in Spain, the UK, and Austria. However, we responded well, and after three races, we were competitive again at Spa. Nonetheless, our raw performance remained an area of weakness.

In the race for the drivers' championship, Charles Leclerc is locked in a tight battle with Lando Norris to clinch the second position, trailing Max Verstappen.

As they approach the Qatar event, there is a narrow 21-point gap between the two contenders vying for the second spot in the rankings

Connor, with his keen awareness of F1's dramas and narratives, is central to our objective journalism.

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Schedule for Final 2025 MotoGP Tests Announced

Three In-Season Tests Planned for 2025

The MotoGP season for the year 2025 will include three tests during the season itself, in addition to two pre-season sessions and the customary day of testing after the season concludes.

The schedule for testing in the 2025 season began on Tuesday after the Solidarity Grand Prix, which took place in Barcelona.

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The activity will start again in Malaysia from February 5 to February 7 next year. Before that, there will be a three-day preliminary session for test riders and newcomers at Sepang, scheduled from January 31 to February 2.

The last pre-season test is scheduled for February 12-13 in Buriram, as teams prepare for the 2025 season, which kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix on February 28.

Dorna Sports has revealed plans to conduct in-season testing over three days in 2025.

The initial event is scheduled for April 28, immediately succeeding the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. The next session will take place on Monday, June 9, right after the Aragon Grand Prix.

The last in-season testing session is scheduled for September 15, following the San Marino Grand Prix. This event has traditionally served as the initial chance for manufacturers to test their prototypes for the upcoming year on the track.

The final test of the year is scheduled for the Tuesday following the conclusion of the Valencia GP, and it also serves as the initial test for 2026.

During the season, Ducati's Michele Pirro will only have the chance to join the current lineup during scheduled test days, unless he is summoned to fill in for another rider. This is because the Italian bike maker is unable to enter any wildcard entries due to its concession status.

The Moto3 class will have their pre-season testing on February 10th and 11th, while the Moto2 class will conduct theirs on February 12th and 13th, both at the Portimao circuit.

The sanctioned pre-season testing for both categories is scheduled to take place from February 18 to 20 at Jerez.

The Moto2 events are scheduled for May 13th at Le Mans and July 21st at Brno. Meanwhile, Moto3 races will take place on May 12th in France and July 22nd in Czechia.

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LCR Honda chief highlights unnoticed bright spot amidst challenging season

Lucio Cecchinello offers a glimpse of hope for 2025

LCR team leader Lucio Cecchinello has stated that his team solidified its collaboration with Honda during the Japanese brand's challenging 2024 season.

Since 2006, Honda and LCR have collaborated as a satellite team in MotoGP, achieving four grand prix victories between 2016 and 2022, thanks to riders Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins.

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The past three years have proven to be particularly challenging, with the performance of the RC213V declining significantly. This has resulted in Honda occupying the bottom position in the constructors' standings from 2022 to 2024.

LCR and Johann Zarco managed to alleviate some of Honda's challenges in 2024, with Zarco being the top performer for the brand in the standings at 17th place and securing their highest grand prix finish of eighth at the Thailand GP.

Zarco's performance secured his role as a crucial contributor to the bike's evolution, with Cecchinello disclosing that the collaboration between his squad and Honda is at its peak.

"Indeed, we gathered an extensive amount of data, and notably, this year, our collaboration with HRC was tighter than it has ever been. Our engineers also engaged more closely with HRC, sharing a wealth of data and information, including video measurements, among other things," he shared with the MotoGP world feed at the Barcelona test following the season.

"Thus, we now possess a more precise understanding of the areas where our developmental focus needs to be directed."

"Throughout the winter, we'll definitely be getting the 2025 motorcycle ready. The version we'll bring to Sepang in 2025 will closely resemble the model we're currently evaluating in Barcelona."

"We anticipate an improvement in rear traction, as our riders frequently express concerns regarding mechanical grip."

"We aim to enhance the machine's maneuverability and its ability to slow down. These are key areas we are concentrating on for improvement."

In 2025, Honda's engineering squad will be bolstered with the addition of Romano Albesiano, formerly of Aprilia, stepping in as technical director. His tenure officially commences in January 2025.

Although Albesiano has not started his role at Honda, Cecchinello views his hiring as an indication that the Japanese brand recognizes the necessary steps it must take to achieve success once more.

"Cecchinello expressed, "It didn't exactly catch me off guard."

"This indicates that Honda understands the evolving landscape of MotoGP, acknowledging that even highly skilled manufacturers must have top talent who possess specialized expertise in crafting MotoGP motorcycles."

Honda boasts highly skilled engineers. However, in terms of logistics, MotoGP heavily relies on competitions in Europe, utilizing European suppliers, and the technology from Formula 1 is making its way into MotoGP.

"Japan might not be the ideal location for creating a MotoGP bike."

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Lewis Hamilton might experience "conflicting feelings" if he leaves Mercedes after securing another win. As he approaches the last two races with Mercedes, Hamilton could be dealing with "conflicting feelings."

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, thinks that Lewis Hamilton might have "conflicting feelings" if he departs Mercedes after securing another win in either the Qatar or Abu Dhabi races.

Hamilton is set to compete in two more races with Mercedes before transferring to Ferrari for the upcoming year.

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At 39 years old, he has claimed six out of his seven championship victories while racing for Mercedes, with all his achievements in Formula 1 being driven by the German manufacturer.

Although Hamilton has secured victories in two races this year, he aims to leave Mercedes on a positive note by triumphing in either Qatar or Abu Dhabi.

In their previous race in Las Vegas, Mercedes achieved a 1-2 finish, with George Russell securing first place. Team leader Toto Wolff believes that the upcoming race at the Losail International Circuit will be favorable for the W15.

In a recent episode of the Sky F1 podcast, Jenson Button, who raced alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren from 2010 to 2012, discussed the potential for mixed feelings if Mercedes were to secure another victory.

Button expressed that there are numerous reasons why they are capable of competing for victories in the final two races, and it would be a fantastic way for Lewis to conclude the season.

"It has been a decade and a few days since he secured his inaugural world championship title with Mercedes, and it would be wonderful if he could conclude with a victory."

"There's a blend of feelings involved in such a situation. On one hand, it's wonderful to conclude a decade-long journey with the team, but on the other hand, it brings a sense of uncertainty, making you question, 'Did I make the right choice?' Time will reveal the answer."

Looking ahead to 2024, Hamilton's choice seems to be the best one in terms of performance.

Mercedes finds itself in a middle position in the constructors' championship, trailing Red Bull but leading Aston Martin.

Conversely, Ferrari is competing with McLaren for the constructors' championship.

As the competition nears its end, only 24 points divide the leading two teams, with just two rounds remaining.

Connor, keenly aware of the controversies and narratives in the world of F1, serves as the driving force behind our objective journalism.

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Marc Marquez discusses a mental revival in the 2024 MotoGP season.

"A year ago, I was filled with uncertainty and had numerous doubts…"

In 2023, Marc Marquez nearly decided to retire from motorcycle racing. However, his enthusiasm to stay in the sport was reignited after he transitioned to a more competitive bike.

Following his impressive achievement of securing six MotoGP championships over seven seasons, Marquez faced ongoing injury issues from 2020 to 2022. During the times he was able to compete, he noticed that the Honda RC213V, which he had been riding since 2013, was consistently underperforming relative to its competitors.

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In 2024, Marquez joined the Gresini team and began riding a year-old Ducati bike. This change helped him regain his competitive form, allowing him to fight for podium finishes and eventually secure a victory.

Marquez stated to MotoGP.com that the decision he made last year has proven successful for him. Otherwise, he would have declared his retirement this year.

"A year ago, I was filled with uncertainty and had numerous questions. However, over the course of the year, all those doubts vanished, and I returned to a competitive state."

"We won't refer to the standards of 2019; instead, we'll focus on maintaining a competitive level that's sufficient to keep driving forward, keep working hard, and, most importantly, preserve the unique spirit of MotoGP."

"We experience once more the triumph, the podium, and the unique intensity that comes with competing at the highest level."

Marquez shared that his period without victories, despite his numerous triumphs since joining the top tier in 2013 and even earlier back in 2010 when he began claiming wins in the 125cc category, allowed him to alter his viewpoint on achieving success in MotoGP.

"When you go a long while without experiencing the joy of winning, you begin to lose that memory," he remarked.

"However, once you experience it again, following the wins in Aragon and Misano, the desire intensifies. It's addictive, and you crave it repeatedly."

"I appreciated it even more this time, as winning used to be a regular occurrence, but now we realize that victories are not always guaranteed."

"Winning provides a significant boost to your confidence. After enduring several challenging years, including four arm surgeries and a string of poor performances, doubts begin to creep in. You start questioning whether the issue lies with the bike, your own abilities, or your physical state."

"You have to gradually address each of those questions and regain confidence by achieving podium finishes, performing well in races, securing pole positions, winning Sprint events, and ultimately clinching victories in the main races, which was extremely crucial."

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

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Marc Marquez acknowledged the existing hierarchy, stating, "Naturally, there's a pecking order, and Pecco is the one in command."

Despite holding six MotoGP championships to Francesco Bagnaia's two, Marc Marquez acknowledges that Bagnaia is the one who currently has the upper hand in their relationship within the Ducati team.

Marquez described the scenario as 'sensible' for the 'pre-season and initial races' considering Bagnaia's achievements.

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Over the last four seasons, Bagnaia has spearheaded Ducati's official team, securing 29 grand prix victories and two consecutive championships. Despite clinching eleven GP victories this year, Bagnaia narrowly missed the title to Jorge Martin from the Pramac team by a margin of ten points.

Marquez joins Bagnaia as the latest addition to the team, following a season that saw him clinch three victories, marking his first MotoGP wins since 2021, while riding for the independent Gresini team.

Marquez has switched teams for the third time in three years, and similar to his departure from Repsol Honda, only his mechanic Javi Ortiz has followed him from Gresini to Ducati.

As he teams up with his younger sibling Alex at Gresini, the #93 rider is now stepping into the factory team, joining the ranks of the only other rider on the grid with multiple MotoGP championships.

"Currently, I find myself in a completely new scenario where I enter the pit box and, despite the absence of formal first and second positions, it's clear there's a hierarchy and Pecco is the one making the decisions," Marquez expressed during a press conference for Estrella Galicia 0,0.

"Why does Pecco hold such a pivotal role? It's because he's the driving force behind Ducati's acquisition of two world championships, having clinched victory in eleven races just last season. Consequently, it's only natural for him to take the lead during this pre-season and the initial series of races."

"On my end, I'll make an effort to bridge the gap with him since he is the benchmark, the racer who brought Ducati another championship win, and who continues to show remarkable speed."

"To claim the championship title, one must prove their worth on the racetrack. However, I possess the finest tools to contend for the crown," he further stated.

During his first outing with the factory Ducati team at the Barcelona trial, Marquez secured the fourth quickest time, trailing Bagnaia by a mere 0.056 seconds, who was riding a prototype model of the GP25.

Nonetheless, Alex managed to outpace them by half a second on the GP24, positioned ahead with Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo slotted in the middle.

"During the initial day of trials with a fresh team, the primary objective involves familiarizing oneself with the team members. However, Marquez noted that he devoted the vast majority of the day, nearly 90%, to piloting the Desmosedici GP25. This is because, on such testing days, riders are tasked with deciding on a development path for the motorcycle for the upcoming year," Marquez explained.

"The encouraging aspect is that Pecco and I both identified the same strengths and weaknesses. Clearly, there was progress from the GP23 to the GP24 model, but the GP25 presents a new set of characteristics."

"When you introduce a new motorcycle to the race circuit, it's unlikely to outperform a bike that has been competing for a year right from the initial laps. However, I felt at ease, which boosts my confidence."

Marquez and Bagnaia are set to pilot the GP25 again during the official Sepang test scheduled for February.

For two decades, Peter has been a mainstay in the racing paddock, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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2024 MotoGP competitor aims high, striving to match the skills of Marquez and Bagnaia. "I enjoy setting objectives that are tangible and achievable."

Fabio Di Giannantonio has ambitiously set his sights on reaching "the same level as Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia" while riding the GP25 Ducati MotoGP motorcycle.

The racer, who had previously won a grand prix, found his MotoGP career hanging in the balance until VR46 stepped in at the last moment to offer a lifeline at the conclusion of the 2023 season. He made sure to make the most of this unexpected chance.

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Throughout the 2024 season, Di Giannantonio consistently outperformed all other GP23 riders, except for Marc Marquez. Despite having to sit out the final two races due to shoulder surgery following an injury at the Austrian GP, he still managed to surpass his VR46 team-mate, Marco Bezzecchi, in the overall standings.

Di Giannantonio's performance was so remarkable that Ducati has decided to provide him with the last GP25 bike for next year's grid, joining its factory team riders Marquez and Bagnaia.

Although Di Giannantonio is recovering from surgery more successfully than anticipated, he is not setting specific results-oriented goals for himself. Instead, he aspires to match the competitive performance of Marquez and Bagnaia.

When questioned about his expectations for the upcoming season, Di Giannantonio expressed that he prefers not to set goals based on outcomes.

"I prefer to set objectives based on practical matters."

"I aim to develop myself, enhance my abilities, and gain knowledge from them. I strive to reach their standard."

"I'm uncertain about what this stage will bring or where we might end up."

"The outcomes depend on numerous factors, including injuries, results, accidents, and decisions."

"The ultimate outcome is hard to predict. However, I aim to reach the same standard as Marc Marquez and Bagnaia in the coming year."

Di Giannantonio, as a member of the Ducati team, has been able to review the data from renowned riders such as Bagnaia, Marquez, and the 2024 world champion Jorge Martin.

He claims that the data indicates his performance "wasn't too far off" from Ducati's top riders, yet it also highlights areas for potential improvement.

"When asked about what distinguishes each Ducati rider, he replied, 'Each rider has their own unique strengths.'"

Marc shows exceptional skill when navigating the left corners, demonstrating impressive ability. However, his performance tends to decline when it comes to handling the right corners, where he often falls short.

"Pecco excels when it comes to braking; he might be the top Ducati rider in that aspect."

Bastianini excelled at maintaining the condition of his tires towards the conclusion of the race.

"Martin has the potential to significantly impact the qualifying sessions."

"I was focusing on analyzing Martin and Pecco, and occasionally Marquez too, since we were all using the same motorcycle."

"Fortunately, my performance this year has been quite decent, so the gap isn't significant. We definitely have several areas that need enhancement, and I will certainly keep analyzing them."

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KTM seeks to avoid insolvency through reorganization

KTM outlines their strategy to address financial issues

The Pierer Mobility Group has revealed that KTM is opting for voluntary reorganization to sidestep insolvency due to the company's continuing financial difficulties.

KTM has faced significant monetary challenges, prompting the company to undertake severe actions lately. This included reducing its board of directors from six members to just two, alongside implementing multiple phases of employee reductions.

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In the past few weeks, it has been announced that KTM plans to dismiss up to an additional 300 staff members, with all manufacturing operations coming to a halt in January and February.

This development follows a dramatic 90% drop in its stock value from its highest point in February 2022, as the company anticipates challenges in obtaining the required funding, amounting to a sum in the high hundreds of millions.

It is now set to file for insolvency in Austria, with plans to separate and reorganize the KTM brand as a strategy to prevent filing for bankruptcy.

The complete announcement states: “KTM AG, entirely owned by Pierer Mobility AG, intends to request the commencement of court-supervised reorganization processes under its own management on November 29, 2024.

KTM AG is currently in need of funding that reaches into the high hundreds of millions. The company's executives no longer believe they will successfully obtain the required short-term financing promptly.

Today, the Executive Board of KTM AG made the decision to submit a request to commence court-supervised reorganization processes, allowing for self-management of the assets belonging to KTM AG and its subsidiaries, KTM Components GmbH and KTM F&E GmbH.

"The process allows for the continued oversight and management of assets, enabling the KTM Group to independently restructure. It's important to note that this situation does not impact other subsidiaries of KTM AG, especially the sales branches."

The objective of the process is to reach a consensus on a restructuring scheme with the creditors within a three-month period. By reshaping the group, the goal is not only to ensure the KTM Group's long-term viability but also to lay the groundwork for it to emerge more robust from the process.

A restructuring of manufacturing processes is expected to result in a steady reduction of surplus inventory at KTM and its associated dealerships within the upcoming two years.

"This is expected to lead to a decrease in operational efficiency at the Austrian locations, amounting to more than €1 billion across 2025 and 2026."

The reorganization effort is expected to lead to further potential financial drawbacks, including singular expenses like mandatory devaluations (for instance, for capitalized development expenses) and expenses related to workforce downsizing, as well as a decrease in fixed cost coverage owing to diminished operational efficiency and various expenses stemming from the reorganization effort.

"As a result, the company anticipates reporting a substantial annual net loss, projected to be in the upper hundreds of millions, for the fiscal year 2024, owing to the previously mentioned factors."

KTM's Chief Executive Officer, Pierer, stated: "In the last thirty years, our company has expanded to be the biggest maker of motorcycles in Europe.

"Our products motivate millions of motorbike enthusiasts globally. Currently, we're pausing to look ahead. The KTM brand represents the culmination of my life's efforts, and I am committed to defending it."

KTM has emphasized in the past week that its MotoGP initiative will proceed as planned in 2025, despite the financial challenges the company is facing.

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Honda's factory team concludes their 2024 season with a private test session in Jerez. The HRC team has been actively participating at Jerez.

The Honda MotoGP factory team concluded their year by conducting a final private testing session at the Jerez circuit.

The 2024 season marked Honda's most challenging period in recent times, as the team was unable to finish in the top five in any grand prix and experienced its third season without a victory in the past five years.

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Honda secured the last position in the constructors' ranking, accumulating only 75 points. This total was 49 points behind their Japanese competitor Yamaha and a significant 647 points away from Ducati.

At the Malaysian Grand Prix, Johann Zarco of LCR achieved the highest placement for HRC this year, securing eighth place, which was the team's sole top-eight finish on a Sunday throughout the year. Additionally, the French rider also finished in eighth place during the sprint race at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

Zarco led the Honda riders in the rankings, securing 17th place, while Takaaki Nakagami finished 19th, Joan Mir took the 21st spot, and Luca Marini ended up at the bottom of the full-time grid in 22nd position.

Throughout 2024, Honda has been actively conducting various private tests during the season, taking advantage of its position as a concession manufacturer.

However, advancements were gradual, with the biggest leap occurring post-San Marino GP, when a new aerodynamic package was introduced, enhancing cornering capabilities.

During the test session in Barcelona after the conclusion of the 2024 season, the responses from Honda's team were varied regarding the updates they introduced.

Mir expressed dissatisfaction because everything he tested was familiar to him, while his teammate Marini disagreed with this view.

Zarco mentioned that the 2025 chassis he tested did not represent an improvement, but he did not feel it necessary to become "stressed" over this issue.

In Barcelona, Marini mentioned that Honda is planning to experiment with some new and exciting developments during a private testing session at Jerez.

On Tuesday, the Jerez circuit saw Marini and HRC test rider Aleix Espargaro in action, followed by Mir and Zarco taking their turns on Wednesday.

Honda's activities happened at the same location where World Superbike testing was underway.

After retiring from full-time racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season, Espargaro will become a test rider for the Honda project.

He will collaborate with Ken Kawauchi, Honda’s previous technical director who transitioned to the test team this year, as Romano Albesiano, formerly with Aprilia, assumes Kawauchi's former role in the factory race team.

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Miguel Oliveira Highlights Substantial Yamaha Commitment to Pramac Initiative

"Yamaha is making a significant push to ensure uniformity in equipment across all motorcycles," Oliveira notes.

Should Miguel Oliveira have harbored any uncertainties regarding Yamaha's commitment to the fresh Pramac satellite collaboration, they would have been dispelled as he found himself surrounded by factory engineers at the Barcelona MotoGP Test.

After being represented exclusively by its factory team for the last two years, Yamaha is expanding its presence to four bikes on the grid for the upcoming season.

In a groundbreaking move within the MotoGP landscape, satellite bikes will match the full factory specs of those ridden by Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins in the Monster team, marking a first in the competition's history.

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For Oliveira, it represents the sole method to bridge the gap.

"Oliveira mentioned that for the first time ever, Yamaha is making a significant push to ensure that all bikes have the same quality of equipment, stating that this approach is undoubtedly the right direction."

"This is the sole strategy to match the pace of your rivals."

Since launching his MotoGP journey with Tech3 in 2019, Oliveira has competed for teams such as Red Bull KTM, RNF, and Trackhouse Aprilia.

The trial in Barcelona marked his initial encounter in collaborating and exchanging ideas with a manufacturer from Japan.

"Oliveira mentioned, 'It definitely stands out as unique. What's great is that you have to communicate in a straightforward manner, and then they confirm with you to ensure that your words accurately reflect your intentions.'"

"That's beneficial since, aside from the information, their only task is to analyze our remarks."

A notable development is that Oliveira, along with his colleague Jack Miller, has become qualified for independent MotoGP trials thanks to Yamaha's D category status.

"I'm prepared. I'm prepared to do some rounds and experiment," Oliveira expressed regarding a more extensive track schedule for 2025. "I was aware of what I was signing up for, and it's gratifying that we can offer this input and progress in this manner."

This additional testing grants entry to the Sepang Shakedown test happening next year, ahead of the Official test scheduled for early February.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of talent in the paddock, including the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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General Motors is set to pay Formula 1 a staggering sum for entry into the global racing competition.

General Motors is said to be spending $450 million (£358 million) as an anti-dilution fee to enter the Formula 1 racing series in 2026.

According to BBC Sport, "senior sources in F1" have disclosed that GM and the US organization TWG Global are set to spend a significant amount to guarantee their participation.

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The disclosed amount surpasses the current anti-dilution fee of $200 million outlined in F1's present regulations by over two times.

F1 squads are advocating for a significant hike in the entry fee for any newcomer as part of the negotiations for the upcoming Concorde Agreement, set to take effect from 2026.

The anti-dilution fee aims to recompense existing teams when a newcomer enters the competition, consequently reducing the prize fund.

Approximately 63% of Formula 1's revenue is distributed among the teams, but this amount will be divided among 11 teams instead of the usual 10 following General Motors' introduction of its Cadillac brand into the sport.

F1 confirmed on Monday that they have preliminarily agreed for General Motors to join the sport in 2026.

"Greg Maffei, the departing head of F1's commercial rights owner Liberty Media, expressed that the inclusion of a notable American brand such as GM/Cadillac into the races, along with GM's role as a prospective supplier of power units, could enhance the sport's appeal and value, aligning with Formula 1's expansion objectives in the United States."

We attribute the advancements made by General Motors and their associates in their preparation to join Formula 1 to their leadership.

"We're thrilled to progress with the application steps for the GM/Cadillac group to join the Championship in 2026."

The initiative to enlarge the Formula 1 roster has been propelled by the FIA, under the leadership of its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

"General Motors stands as a colossal international entity and a dominant force in the realm of original equipment manufacturing (OEM), collaborating with remarkable allies," Ben Sulayem remarked.

"I wholeheartedly back the endeavors of the FIA, Formula 1, GM, and the respective team in sustaining conversations and advancing towards a preliminary agreement aimed at facilitating the introduction of a GM/Cadillac branded team into the lineup for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.

"Every group involved, along with the FIA, will collaborate to guarantee a seamless advancement of the process."

Lewis frequently visits Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net, providing on-site coverage. By doing so, Lewis shares the narratives of the key individuals in the sport.

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Who are the potential driver signings for GM's F1 2026 lineup? Here are 10 prospective candidates

As General Motors looks poised to join F1 as the 11th team by 2026, the question arises: which drivers will they recruit?

General Motors is set to join Formula 1 in 2026, creating two additional spots for drivers on the starting lineup.

General Motors, together with its luxury division Cadillac, is poised to join the global championship as the eleventh team in a little over a year, following a tentative deal with F1 that was revealed on Monday.

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This raises the query, who might be behind the wheel for the major American automobile manufacturer in 2026?

Should General Motors be in search of a seasoned grand prix racer for one of their vehicles, Valtteri Bottas would emerge as a prime candidate.

The driver who has clinched victory in 10 grand prix races appears poised to join Mercedes as a backup driver in 2025 following the loss of his position at Sauber. However, the 35-year-old from Finland has no intention of remaining in a limited role.

Bottas would eagerly seize the chance to get back into racing, and the allure of the thrilling General Motors-Cadillac initiative would undoubtedly be appealing.

Kevin Magnussen presents another seasoned choice, similar to Bottas, as he also lacks a seat in the F1 2025 lineup.

Known for his expertise in midfield play, the 32-year-old Danish driver has reliably contributed performance and points for the American team Haas ever since he first became part of the team in 2017.

Yuki Tsunoda presents a fascinating and promising opportunity for General Motors.

Tsunoda seems to have been disregarded by Red Bull, with his prospects of joining the main team looking dim, even though he has shown better performance compared to former teammates such as the recently dismissed Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo, on the other hand, might be considered an unexpected, though improbable, choice for General Motors.

The 24-year-old driver from Japan is committed to Red Bull's affiliated team, RB, until the close of 2025, at which point he will face a significant choice.

If Red Bull continues to overlook Tsunoda, he might consider exiting the team entirely. In such a scenario, General Motors could potentially provide him with an opportunity, especially if they choose Honda as their temporary engine provider.

Starting in 2026, Aston Martin will also be equipped with Honda engines, potentially putting General Motors in a competitive situation with multiple parties to lock in Tsunoda's talents.

General Motors has identified a new, youthful prospect in Franco Colapinto. Despite not attracting much attention in Formula 2, the 21-year-old from Argentina has quickly risen to fame in Formula 1.

Stepping in for the dismissed Logan Sargeant at Williams for the latter part of the 2024 season, Colapinto has garnered attention with multiple outstanding displays.

He has impressively challenged his esteemed colleague Alex Albon, contributing five vital points to Williams' score in the crucial constructors' championship.

During his brief time in Formula 1, Colapinto has demonstrated ample talent and skill, indicating that he merits a permanent position on the racing lineup, a prospect he, as of now, lacks for the 2025 season or any future seasons.

Should General Motors be in the market for an American driver, several intriguing options are available.

If Williams considers Sargeant to be below their standards, it would be unexpected for General Motors to consider offering him another opportunity.

For some time now, Colton Herta has been rumored to be considering a move to Formula 1. However, his aspirations have been hindered by not having enough points for a super licence, which dashed his hopes of possibly becoming part of Red Bull's lineup. Additionally, he was quickly associated with Andretti Global's first attempt to enter the competition.

The young racer from California, aged 24, has quickly become an IndyCar sensation, significantly advancing in the sport since setting a record as the youngest winner of a race in the series back in 2019.

Herta has since accumulated an additional eight victories and recently experienced his most successful season in IndyCar yet, securing a second-place finish in the 2024 championship.

General Motors has the option to consider two promising young talents from America for future racing prospects: 19-year-old Jak Crawford, currently competing in F2, and 17-year-old Ugo Ugochukwu, who has clinched victory at the Macau Grand Prix and is part of McLaren's junior team. Nevertheless, the transition to F1 by 2026 might be slightly premature for both drivers.

Alex Palou, achieving significant triumphs in IndyCar by securing three championships within a four-year period, may be considered a potential contender. He has been associated in the past with the upcoming Audi team and various potential Formula 1 projects.

IndyCar sensation Pato O’Ward has experienced the thrill of Formula 1 cars, serving as a reserve driver for McLaren and participating in multiple first practice sessions.

The champion of the 2018 Indy Lights and victor of seven IndyCar races also maintains a close connection with General Motors via his existing relationship with Chevrolet.

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

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