In 2025, Europe will be introduced to bagger racing, steered by a former Superbike champion

The bagger category is poised for its first appearance in Europe

Ex-World Superbike and MotoGP competitor Ruben Xaus plans to introduce Bagger racing to Europe in 2025 by establishing the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The phenomenon of Bagger racing surged in popularity when it was initially included in the MotoAmerica lineup in the United States, dubbed as the 'King of the Baggers'.

It has evolved into a highly competitive motorcycle racing championship in the US and has also become incredibly popular among viewers.

The excitement it has sparked prompted Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports to embark on a fresh strategic alliance, which was announced following the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in November.

Although there are no concrete plans as of now, Harley intends to compete with its Bagger bikes in the grand prix events.

In 2025, Europe is poised to witness the emergence of bagger racing independently of this collaboration, thanks to the establishment of the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The series is under the leadership of Xaus, who was the second-place finisher in the 2003 World Superbike Championship and has achieved podium finishes in MotoGP. This year, he competed in and emerged victorious in the Bagger Racing League across North America.

Details regarding the Cup's schedule remain largely undisclosed.

An announcement regarding the Cup specifies that it is accessible to all types of machinery “capable of being fitted with bags available in the market”, paving the way for brands such as Harley, Honda, Triumph, and Ducati – to name a few – to participate.

The event series is set to be coordinated by Xaus, supported by the Andorran Federation, and officially approved by FIM Europe.

Xaus mentioned regarding the Cup, "This project found a welcoming and supportive environment within FIM Europe, which quickly received it with great eagerness."

"I firmly believe that hosting this championship could enhance the events, elevating both the excitement and appeal involved."

"We are currently outlining the schedule, set to be formally announced in the coming days, and it will encompass the key countries in Europe."

"The rules will be straightforward and accessible to everyone. Our goal is for the participants in the championship to enjoy themselves and have a good time."

The tournament will include two competitions in each stage, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and the weekend events will begin with a practice session before moving on to the qualifying rounds.

Sh Services and Gestion A L Instant sl have been appointed to oversee race events.

"FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco expressed great satisfaction each time a new event is incorporated into their sports portfolio."

Introducing a new title signifies a positive outlook for our world and also demonstrates trust in the opportunities that FIM Europe presents.

"What sets us apart from the broader sports community, particularly those operating beyond the global sports framework, is our unique proposition. We provide established regulations for sports, ensure safety during sports activities, offer insurance protection, and maintain organizations equipped to handle any scenario."

"The Baggers competition will provide riders of all ages, from the young to the elderly, a chance to participate in a secure yet lively setting. This environment is further enhanced by the involvement of a new promoter, who will introduce appealing entertainment features alongside the racing event."

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Francesco Bagnaia hasn't dismissed the competition from a past championship contender for the 2025 MotoGP season

The two-time MotoGP champion anticipates challenges in the 2025 races

Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia mentioned he is open to the possibility of competing against Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo for the lead position in 2025.

Bagnaia will continue with the official Ducati team for the upcoming season, but for the first time since 2022, he won't begin the season as the reigning champion.

Despite securing 11 Grand Prix victories last season, Bagnaia fell short by 10 points behind the departing Pramac Ducati competitor, Jorge Martin.

In the upcoming season, Bagnaia is set to encounter his most formidable opponent to date, as he competes directly with Marc Marquez, who joins him at the factory Ducati team, ensuring they both have access to the same level of

During an appearance on Andrea Migno's podcast, a fellow member of the VR46 Academy, Bagnaia expressed his expectation of numerous head-to-head races with Marquez.

Yet, he also identified an unexpected contender he expects to challenge him.

"He mentioned that his upcoming objective is to secure victories in three MotoGP world titles."

In 2025, Ducati is expected to be the dominant motorcycle brand, though they will have one fewer official team bike.

"I anticipate many races where it's just Marquez and myself out in front, but Aprilia is introducing a fresh pair [Martin and Marco Bezzecchi], and KTM has [Pedro] Acosta and [Brad] Binder to rely on.

"I also wouldn't dismiss Quartararo's chances, given Yamaha's progress."

In 2022, Bagnaia and Quartararo were contenders for the championship, with Bagnaia making a remarkable comeback from 91 points behind midway through the season, as the performance of the Yamaha began to decline.

In 2024, Yamaha faced its most challenging season in recent history, failing to secure any podium finishes for the first time, marking its second year in a row without a victory.

The team garnered only 124 points in the constructors' rankings, a decrease from the 196 points achieved in 2023. Nevertheless, ongoing improvements to the M1 led to improved performances toward the latter part of 2024, highlighted by Quartararo's season-high finish of sixth place in Malaysia.

Quartararo easily led as the highest-ranked rider representing a Japanese brand in the standings, securing the 13th spot. He was a significant 58 points ahead of Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

He is set to stay with Yamaha through to the close of 2026, with Quartararo commending the brand for its significant shift in approach towards the development of the motorcycle, marking it as the major advancement this year.

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Ducati's unexpected contender discusses the challenging aspect of his MotoGP journey to date

In 2025, Di Giannantonio is set to work with his fourth different chief mechanic in just as many seasons

VR46 Ducati MotoGP competitor Fabio Di Giannantonio has expressed that having to collaborate with a fourth different crew chief in just as many years by 2025 is "not fantastic".

Di Giannantonio stepped into the premier league for the first time with Gresini in 2022, collaborating with newcomer crew chief Donatello Giovanotti.

In 2023, Di Giannantonio teamed up with the renowned crew chief and world champion Frankie Carchedi, a partnership that was instrumental for the Italian rider in advancing to the status of a grand prix victor.

Discover: The 2025 MotoGP Team Leaders

In 2024, VR46 offered Di Giannantonio a significant opportunity to advance his career, teaming him up with Valentino Rossi's ex-crew chief, David Munoz, while Carchedi stayed on at Gresini to work with Marc Marquez.

In 2025, Di Giannantonio is set to join the VR46 team, piloting a factory Ducati, and will collaborate with Massimo Branchini. Branchini, who served as Franco Morbidelli's crew chief at Pramac during this current season, will bring his expertise to the team.

"Having to switch between four crew chiefs, or even more, in the recent years isn't ideal for one's career," he mentioned.

"I've had two crew chiefs in Moto2, and by the time I'm done in MotoGP, I'll have had four. That makes it six crew chiefs over five years, which isn't great."

"However, I believe my new team will be equally exceptional, given that my electronics expert has recently secured a world championship title alongside Jorge Martin."

"Massimo Branchini is someone I hold in high regard due to his outstanding performance in Moto2, and his remarkable work in MotoGP alongside Franky truly stood out."

"Working with him has always been a goal of mine, so I believe our team will be particularly strong on this occasion."

"Additionally, it's a contract for two years, meaning I'll have the continuity of working with the same team and staff for that duration. This consistency is a significant milestone in my professional journey, allowing me to follow a consistent trajectory over the two-year period."

"This is going to be truly excellent."

Di Giannantonio emphasizes the importance of maintaining the same crew chief over time to enhance familiarity with the bike across different seasons, pointing out that Francesco Bagnaia's success can be attributed significantly to this factor.

"Improvements are more noticeable when you enter a new year with the same bike and team. This allows for direct comparisons between your past performance and the advancements you've made," he further explained.

"Otherwise, you're always beginning anew, lacking understanding of the reasons behind a change; something gets overlooked."

Currently, Pecco is performing phenomenally, not only due to his exceptional riding skills but also thanks to maintaining a consistent team and motorcycle for an extended period.

"Ultimately, when you maintain the same bicycle and the same setup for an extended period, you have the opportunity to focus on refining the small aspects, which can lead to significant improvements over time, unlike when you frequently alter numerous components."

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Marc Marquez Unveils Significant Insight on Jorge Lorenzo in MotoGP

Upcoming DAZN Documentary on Ducati Uncovers Fascinating Detail

In a recent Ducati film, Marc Marquez disclosed that he encouraged Honda to recruit Jorge Lorenzo to prevent the Italian company from surpassing them in MotoGP competitions.

In a stunning development at the end of 2016, the three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo switched to the official Ducati team after spending his entire career up to that point with Yamaha.

At that point, Ducati was on its path to regaining its former glory and had recently begun to secure victories again in 2016, right before Lorenzo came on board for the next season.

In his inaugural season with Ducati, Lorenzo managed to secure only three top-three finishes, while his teammate, Andrea Dovizioso, emerged as a contender, challenging Marquez for the title.

In a recent documentary by DAZN called La vida en rojo, which focuses on Ducati, Marquez, who had already claimed three championships by 2017, disclosed a significant detail: "Right when Lorenzo had joined Ducati, I mentioned to Honda: 'They have made their move'."

"I suggested the optimal approach would be to bring Lorenzo on board here at Honda. Otherwise, a different rider from a different manufacturer will outperform you, given that Lorenzo is a five-time world champion and brings that level of expertise."

Lorenzo experienced a sluggish beginning to the 2018 racing season, not managing to secure a position within the top 10 until the campaign's fifth round in France. By that time, Ducati had already opted to sever ties with its high-profile acquisition for the following year, 2019.

Merely a few weeks following their choice to substitute Lorenzo for Danilo Petrucci, the Spanish racer secured his inaugural victory riding for Ducati on Italian soil.

He confirmed his prowess in the next race in Barcelona, then secured a third win in Austria.

An accident during the Aragon Grand Prix significantly impacted his momentum, with Lorenzo managing to earn points on only one occasion following his victory in Austria, securing a 12th place finish in the season's final race in Valencia.

Honda heeded Marquez's advice, securing Lorenzo for the 2019 season under the Japanese brand.

However, this decision turned out to be unfortunate for Lorenzo, as he found it challenging to adjust to the RC213V.

A pair of significant accidents, one during testing in Barcelona and another during a practice session in Assen, which resulted in a back injury, were pivotal in his choice to retire from MotoGP racing following the conclusion of the 2019 season.

Before announcing his retirement at the 2019 season's finale, Lorenzo was unable to secure a finish within the top 10 riding for Honda.

Halfway through the year, Ducati showed interest in reuniting with Lorenzo at Pramac for the 2019 season, but this idea eventually fell through.

Next year, Marquez will be part of the official Ducati team, transitioning to a Desmosedici with Gresini in 2024 after facing challenges with Honda. Despite these struggles, the six-time MotoGP champion secured three grand prix wins.

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Commentary: MotoGP ought to welcome Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton's potential investment in KTM

Lewis Duncan of Crash.net argues that the MotoGP community should be thrilled about the possibility of the seven-time Formula One world champion getting involved with KTM.

The past month has not been favorable for MotoGP, with KTM facing an escalating financial dilemma and an investigation by the European Union into Liberty Media's acquisition due to concerns regarding a monopoly on broadcasting rights, delaying any resolution until possibly May. This situation has cast a shadow over the sport, threatening its once promising outlook.

MotoGP and Liberty are optimistic that the sale will eventually receive the green light, but the issue with KTM is a significant concern.

The company from Austria, experiencing a decline in sales after a surge in production, is reportedly over €3 billion in debt. Following the first meeting with creditors in Austria before the holiday season, it has been verified that the firm owes €1.8 billion to financial institutions. In an effort to avoid insolvency, KTM has opted for self-administration.

Following the initial meeting with creditors, the company has received permission to keep running as it currently does. However, the report included a mention that there are plans to withdraw from MotoGP, along with Moto2 and Moto3.

Currently, the term "planned" lacks clarity. It's common for people to set ambitious fitness goals for the new year, but this doesn't necessarily mean these intentions will come to fruition within the next year. Similarly, while KTM as it currently exists might need to withdraw from MotoGP, this won't be the case for 2025. The company has firmly stated in a declaration released prior to Christmas that it intends to compete in next year's races.

"Today is a significant day for KTM as we announce the approval of our restructuring process," was the message shared with the press following the meeting with creditors. "This critical point ensures the continuation of our strategy, and we are pleased to affirm that motorsport continues to play a key role in this reorganization plan.

"KTM remains unwavering in its dedication to motorsport. We reiterate our pledge for 2025: our participation in MotoGP races is guaranteed! The favorable results today have revitalized us, and we express our gratitude for your backing."

KTM wrapped up the year with an exclusive test session at Jerez in early January amid speculations circulating in the media about halting its 2025 development due to financial constraints. Heading into the 2025 season, this situation might not be as severe as it appears, assuming it's accurate, though KTM has not yet officially acknowledged these claims.

Starting from the 2025 season, there will be a halt in engine development for all manufacturers without concessions to control costs as they focus on creating their 2027 models with 850cc engines. While there will still be opportunities for improvement on motorcycles, it's expected that most manufacturers, apart from the Japanese ones, will not allocate as much funding towards enhancing their current models. If KTM's RC16 model for 2025 performs well in tests during the latter part of 2024, showing it's a superior bike, then KTM is likely not to face significant setbacks. It is also worth mentioning that the budgets for 2025 might have been finalized well before KTM experienced an increase in its financial challenges.

Naturally, considering its present circumstances, it seems challenging for KTM to join the 2027 racing lineup with an entirely new motorcycle.

During the creditors' meeting, it was disclosed that multiple stakeholders have shown a willingness to invest in the firm, collectively contributing as much as €700 million. Additionally, KTM's head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, made a fascinating announcement regarding this matter.

"Beirer revealed to Speedweek that their conversations with his team were quite intriguing, referring to seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton."

It's well-known that Lewis Hamilton has a keen interest in MotoGP and is contemplating the idea of forming his own team. In this regard, there have already been substantial discussions.

Hamilton has a deep passion for biking. Having been a fan of MotoGP for years, he participated in a unique exchange with Valentino Rossi in late 2019, where he had the opportunity to ride a Yamaha M1 for the very first time. Prior to this, in the same year, Hamilton joined a Yamaha track event riding an R1. At both gatherings, his skills on the bike and his attitude left a lasting impression on all who were present.

Crucially, Hamilton excels in the business realm. Having carved his name into the annals of motorsport history and elevated his status to become one of the select few drivers capable of achieving widespread recognition, Hamilton has simultaneously broadened his commercial interests.

Indeed, this extends to athletics, with him taking on partial ownership of the NFL's Denver Broncos in 2022. Additionally, he owns a team competing in the Extreme E racing series.

At the beginning of the year, there was speculation that Hamilton had an eye on acquiring the Gresini MotoGP team. However, those speculations didn't materialize. Nonetheless, he did show a desire to engage with MotoGP, a sentiment that was encouraged by Liberty's potential (albeit currently paused) acquisition of the series.

"Upon making the announcement, we instantly received calls from individuals eager to purchase a team, among them was Lewis Hamilton," Greg Maffei, the departing CEO of Liberty, revealed during a summer call with investors.

"The reason is that they observed the developments in Formula 1 and wish to emulate them. We received calls from key distributors expressing their interest in being a part of it. Sadly, I had to inform them that discussions couldn't proceed until we receive approval from the European Union. We're eager to engage in talks as soon as we have the green light."

Liberty has explicitly stated its ambition to expand MotoGP's presence in the United States. This objective mirrors one of its significant achievements in Formula 1 following its acquisition from Bernie Ecclestone's CVC Capital in 2017. Since then, Formula 1 has added three US races to its calendar, witnessed an increase in television viewership, and has even secured a high-profile Hollywood movie featuring Brad Pitt, scheduled for release in the coming year.

MotoGP aims to achieve the level of success that F1 has experienced, all thanks to Liberty Media's acquisition.

Potentially, if Hamilton becomes a major investor in KTM, this could serve as a catalyst for MotoGP, and for Liberty, pending regulatory approval of its purchase, to propel itself towards mainstream popularity, similarly to what F1 has achieved.

Heading into the 2024 season, Lewis Hamilton emerged as the top Formula 1 personality on social media, boasting more than 38 million followers. Following him is Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who is set to be Hamilton's teammate, with a follower count of 17.4 million. In comparison, the 2024 MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin, has garnered 1.1 million followers, whereas Marc Marquez tops the MotoGP social media charts with 7.3 million followers. Valentino Rossi continues to be the most popular figure in MotoGP on social media, with an impressive 16.2 million followers on Instagram.

Hamilton has also earned a substantial amount of backing, especially by motorsport norms, in the US, where he resides for a portion of the year.

Before his transition to Ferrari, there have been rumors indicating Hamilton is set to collaborate with the energy drink brand Celsius, thereby concluding his lengthy partnership with Monster Energy. KTM, as is well known, carries the Red Bull title sponsorship for its MotoGP teams. This eliminates a significant obstacle, although Beirer emphasized that investment is distinct from sponsorship, suggesting that energy drink companies won't obstruct a possible financial involvement from Hamilton.

Should Hamilton join forces with KTM, MotoGP could significantly gain from the increased focus on diversity he brings to the table. Known for leveraging his influence for social change, Hamilton launched the Hamilton Commission in 2020, aiming to create more opportunities in engineering for individuals of black heritage.

His partial ownership stake in the Broncos aimed to advocate for increased African American ownership within the NFL, which was only 12.5% when he made his investment in the team.

In 2020, when Hamilton spearheaded the diversity movement in Formula 1, MotoGP remained quiet. Over the following years, although it hasn't explicitly deterred anyone, it hasn't made significant efforts towards promoting inclusivity either.

Following the establishment of the Hamilton Commission, Mission 44 was introduced as a charitable organization dedicated to assisting individuals from marginalized communities in accessing improved, more inclusive educational opportunities and forging more robust career paths for them.

MotoGP demonstrates its connection to global issues through its support for flood relief in Valencia. Hamilton acts as a leading influence, capable of steering it towards positive action.

Securing a solution for KTM will undoubtedly benefit MotoGP in any scenario. Following Suzuki's departure at the close of 2022, the championship cannot withstand the departure of another bike maker. Crucially, the careers of numerous individuals hinge on KTM's participation in the grand prix races.

However, should the strategy turn out to be an investment by Hamilton, his participation could significantly elevate MotoGP in ways that might surpass even what Liberty Media could offer…

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Yamaha stands by Alex Rins amidst challenging MotoGP season: 'He couldn't fully exert himself'

The Spanish rider's inaugural season on the M1 proved challenging

Yamaha has stated that during his inaugural MotoGP season on the M1 in 2024, Alex Rins "wasn't able to fully exert himself," yet they are aware of his potential.

In 2024, Rins switched to his third different team in the same number of years, leaving Honda to join Yamaha.

After demonstrating effectiveness with the Suzuki inline-four from 2017 to 2022 and being the sole victor for Honda in races throughout 2023, Rins was anticipated to perform well with Yamaha in the current year.

However, a series of injuries, such as a fractured wrist at the Dutch TT, worked against Rins, leading to him achieving only two top 10 placements in 2024.

Concluding the season with a total of 31 points, which is 82 points less than his teammate Fabio Quartararo, Rins achieved his highest finish in Malaysia, securing the eighth position.

Yamaha's head, Massimo Meregalli, stood up for Rins following a disappointing season, yet remains confident in the Spanish rider's abilities, as evidenced by the Japanese team offering him a renewed contract for another two years.

"Meregalli mentioned to MotoGP's official website that he came at a time when he was definitely not at his best, pointing to the severe leg injury he experienced in 2023."

"Subsequently, he experienced fluctuations in his performance, suffering another mishap in Assen that resulted in a wrist fracture."

In my view, he's never been in a state where he could truly give it his all, despite consistently making the effort.

"From the last couple of races [at the season's conclusion], he began to narrow the gap, which is crucial for us because we're well aware of his potential."

"However, it's clear that going solo and competing against others who have more teammates on the track puts one at a significant disadvantage."

"When Alex is performing well, it gives us the opportunity to assess the details with at least two cyclists."

"For me, having four riders next year will be crucial, offering us significant advantages."

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Departing Aprilia MotoGP racer points out the motorcycle's major problem

Miguel Oliveira speaks about the RS-GP's shortcomings

Miguel Oliveira implies that the Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle performs exceptionally well within a limited range of conditions, emphasizing that when conditions are slightly off, handling it becomes challenging.

The departing Trackhouse competitor transitioned from KTM to Aprilia after the 2022 season, performing impressively on the previous year's model of the RS-GP during the 2023 races.

Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the year, Oliveira achieved three finishes within the top five in 2023, before transitioning to the 2024 model of the Aprilia for the previous season.

In Austin, Maverick Vinales clinched a grand prix victory on a motorcycle, yet Oliveira was unable to secure a spot within the top five during a Sunday race in 2024. His highest achievement came as a sixth-place finish in Germany, following a second-place result in the sprint race the day before.

Before transitioning to Pramac Yamaha, Oliveira reflected on his tenure with Aprilia, stating, "I took a moment to assess my career progression at Aprilia, making a leap from a 2022-specification model to a 2024 one."

"I conducted an evaluation on the 2023 model, and surprisingly, the motorcycle exceeded expectations – it was incredible."

"Yes, it was challenging, it was complex. It's a bike that, once you get it and everything falls into place, becomes truly incredible."

"However, if you're slightly off track, it appears challenging. It looks tough to create an impact."

"I've done my part by providing my insights on the bike. From this point forward, I'll step back and let others take over."

Vinales has expressed that for the 2024 motorcycle, he simply desired the 2023 model enhanced with a bit more downforce.

Kicking off the year on a high note, Aprilia found itself in a downward spiral during the latter half, ultimately dropping to third place in the constructors' standings, trailing behind KTM.

Oliveira remarked on his time with Aprilia, stating, "From a technical standpoint, I've evolved as a rider."

"My riding style has evolved from what it was two years back."

"I believe this will be beneficial for me, particularly since I'm capable of adjusting, which is the key aspect."

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Martin Brundle describes the 2021 Abu Dhabi race as his worst experience as a commentator

"Abu Dhabi 2021, and really the entirety of 2021, marked the most difficult period I've faced in my career as a commentator…"

Martin Brundle described the Abu Dhabi 2021 event as his most disagreeable experience while commentating on F1, due to the tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull.

The 2021 Formula One season concluded amidst controversy, with Max Verstappen securing his inaugural world championship title.

Lewis Hamilton was poised to secure an unprecedented eighth championship in Abu Dhabi before the final laps, when a Safety Car was introduced.

In an effort to start the race before the final lap and thereby decide the championship during the race, race director Michael Masi permitted only a few cars to overtake and return to the lead lap – not all of them, a move that went against the rules.

The season's conclusion marked the culmination of a series of intense encounters between Verstappen and Hamilton, frequently highlighted in the press.

In a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle acknowledged that they found themselves inadvertently embroiled in the midst of the conflict between Mercedes and Red Bull.

"Therefore, we find ourselves in a sacred space. We end up being unintentionally involved," he further mentioned. "The most challenging period I've ever experienced throughout my years of commentary was in Abu Dhabi 2021, and the entire year of 2021, as things got extremely heated and hostile between Mercedes and Red Bull, with Sky inadvertently getting entangled in their rivalry.

We found ourselves inadvertently trapped in the middle of a conflict. Essentially, both sides operated under the assumption that if you weren't aligned with them, you were automatically considered an opponent. This mindset was shared by both groups, making the entire situation quite tense and unpleasant.

"Yet, the bonds of friendship endured, and we each progressed forward."

Brundle shared his experiences and interactions alongside David Croft with various teams throughout their careers.

"On Sunday mornings, Crofty and I attend some briefings to acquire that last-minute information," he detailed.

"At that stage, teams are generally very forthcoming. They won't reveal their race plans, but they share a significant amount of details."

"We spent the entire weekend immersed in reading. My routine involves hitting the track on Fridays, which is a great source of learning for me. I constantly engage in conversations with others. In the paddock, I have my go-to contacts, a group of three or four individuals, with whom I exchange information."

"Whenever there's significant news unfolding, I make it a point to consult with Zak, Christian, Toto, or someone in the know. They're straightforward with me; if they're unable to share information, they simply won't, or they might provide what they can. It's fair to estimate that about 60 to 70 percent of the insights I acquire are not for public broadcast, but this allows me to utilize the remaining 30 percent. Moreover, it enables me to offer advice or steer my colleagues at Sky F1 if we're veering off course."

"Admittedly, it might be excessive, around 60 to 70 percent, but you end up learning a great deal, and individuals share information with you under strict confidentiality. Therefore, you must not violate that trust, or else you risk losing access to future insights."

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Max Verstappen is seen as having the potential to equal Michael Schumacher's Formula 1 achievement. Could Max Verstappen reach the same milestone as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton by securing seven championships?

1997 Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve firmly believes Max Verstappen undoubtedly possesses the necessary qualities to equal Michael Schumacher's achievement of seven world championships.

In 2024, Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 world title, bringing him just three shy of equaling the records held by Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

Even though his car wasn't top-notch throughout the season due to McLaren's comeback, Verstappen outperformed Lando Norris to clinch his fourth championship.

At only 27 years old, Verstappen has plenty of time, more than ten years, to secure an additional three titles.

Nonetheless, the future of Verstappen in F1 remains a topic of speculation, especially considering his regular critiques of the sport and its evolving trajectory.

Villeneuve, the victor over Schumacher in the 1997 championship, believes Verstappen possesses the qualifications to secure at least seven titles.

However, the Canadian pointed out that certain conditions might prevent Verstappen from achieving this.

"He unquestionably possesses the skills to equal Schumacher's championship victories," he informed Governor Sport.

"Max remains driven and eager for victory, consistently striving to come out on top. He isn't easily discouraged. Given the appropriate circumstances, he will invariably position himself as a contender for the championship."

"Similarly, Alonso might have won seven championships. Consider how frequently he nearly succeeded with Ferrari. Regarding Schumacher, instead of securing seven titles, he might have ended up with only three. Yet, it's also possible he could have achieved even greater success."

"At times, the competition is tight, and there are several racers on the track lacking the necessary"

the number of titles their skill level likely warranted.

"Max has triumphed in every possible competition he could enter, without failing to secure a single one."

Given that F1's rules will stay consistent through the offseason, Verstappen is expected to face an even tougher battle to keep his championship title.

McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are poised to challenge Verstappen and Red Bull, with every team also focusing on 2026 when new technical rules will be introduced.

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Keenly attuned to the dramas and narratives within F1, Connor sits at the core of our impartial journalism.

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Verstappen Delivers Stern Warning to Red Bull Regarding F1 Championship Aspirations

Verstappen Advises Red Bull to Heed Warning on Their Present Performance

Max Verstappen has cautioned his Red Bull Formula 1 squad that he won't secure the championship next year if their difficulties persist into 2024.

Verstappen and Red Bull, who had been the front-runners in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, seemed poised to continue their winning streak in the current year, having secured victories in seven out of the first ten Grand Prix races.

Between his triumph at the Spanish Grand Prix in June and securing his eighth win of the season in Brazil in November, Verstappen only made four podium appearances.

Red Bull's performance decline with their RB20 model provided an opportunity for McLaren's Lando Norris to intensify the competition against Verstappen during the middle of the championship season.

Verstappen's impressive early performance in 2024 led to his fourth F1 championship victory, but he has cautioned his team against expecting a similar outcome next year.

"Should this trend persist, I won't secure the championship next year," he shared with the Dutch publication De Telegraaf.

"Plainly put, we must take action to ensure we're competitive in the upcoming season. That's a well-understood necessity."

"I have confidence in our team's ability to resolve the balance problems we encountered last season. Some aspects that were not amendable last year are set to be modified for the upcoming season."

"It's clear to us that improvements are necessary when handling kerbs, uneven surfaces, and navigating through the slower turns."

"Typically, those are our shortcomings. Should we be defeated in that case, it will come down to sheer velocity."

"I consistently maintain high expectations, including for myself. My approach is to never underestimate challenges. There was a moment when the car was almost impossible to handle. That was the maximum performance it could deliver."

At the Singapore Grand Prix, a track where Verstappen usually struggles, Red Bull saw a significant improvement in performance.

Verstappen secured the runner-up position in Singapore, clinched third place in Texas, and emerged victorious in both the Sao Paulo and Qatar Grand Prix races.

He disclosed that his involvement in car development was taken seriously by Red Bull, leading to the team abandoning scheduled upgrades post the Italian Grand Prix.

"Verstappen mentioned that any future plans for new components, intended for after the Monza race, might as well be discarded."

"Following that event, the team initiated their project anew. Prior to this, identifying the precise issue had eluded them."

While we were examining the data, I noticed a few diagrams that highlighted changes in aerodynamics, specifically in the way we approach and navigate corners, as well as differences in the vehicle's ride heights.

"This year's vehicle was unlike the one from the previous year. I mentioned, 'It's quite obvious that these issues are the root of the problem, don't you think?' It appears I was correct, as I found out afterward.

"I was unfamiliar with those diagrams and illustrations previously. Following that, I mentioned it was evident which aspects required our attention, as the engineers were clearly aware of the modifications made to the car since last year."

"At the start of the previous season, we continued to secure victories with ease, yet I sensed at that time the car's balance wasn't quite up to my expectations."

"However, at that time, our advantage over the competing teams was significant, possibly because they didn't have a particularly successful winter."

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Departing Aprilia MotoGP racer points out major problem with the bike

Miguel Oliveira discusses the shortcomings of the RS-GP

Miguel Oliveira indicates that the Aprilia MotoGP bike performs exceptionally well within a specific range, but points out that if you deviate slightly from that range, it becomes challenging to handle.

The departing Trackhouse racer switched from KTM to Aprilia at the conclusion of the 2022 season and performed impressively on the previous year's RS-GP model during the 2023 races.

Despite dealing with injuries throughout the year, Oliveira achieved three top-five finishes in 2023 and then transitioned to the 2024 model of the Aprilia for the previous season.

During the 2024 season, although Maverick Vinales piloted his bike to victory at a grand prix in Austin, Miguel Oliveira did not secure a top-five finish on any Sunday. His best performance was a sixth-place finish in Germany, following a second-place result in the sprint race the day before.

Before moving to Pramac Yamaha, Oliveira reflected on his experience with Aprilia. He noted, "I was evaluating my career with Aprilia and transitioned from a 2022 model to a 2024 model."

"I tested the 2023 model, and the performance of the bike was truly impressive—simply outstanding."

"It was definitely challenging and complex. However, once everything falls into place, the bike performs exceptionally well."

"However, if you're slightly off, it appears challenging. It seems tough to stand out."

"It's no longer my responsibility to figure out the bike. I've provided my input, and that's where my role ends. We'll pass it on to someone else now."

Vinales publicly stated that his only request for the 2024 motorcycle was to have the 2023 model with an increase in downforce.

Following a promising beginning to the year, Aprilia found itself struggling in the latter half, ultimately falling to third place in the constructors' rankings, overtaken by KTM.

Reflecting on his time with Aprilia, Oliveira commented, "From a technical standpoint, I've evolved as a rider."

"I have a different style of riding now compared to how I rode two years back."

"I believe this will be beneficial for me, primarily because I can adjust, which is the key aspect."

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Yamaha justifies Alex Rins' challenging MotoGP season, stating: 'He was never in a position to exert full effort.' The Spaniard's initial year on the M1 proved to be tough.

Yamaha has stated that Alex Rins "wasn't able to perform at his best" during his debut MotoGP season riding the M1 in 2024, although they acknowledge "his potential and what he can achieve."

In 2024, Rins switched to his third different manufacturer in three consecutive seasons, choosing to leave Honda and join Yamaha.

After demonstrating success with the inline-four Suzuki from 2017 to 2022 and being Honda's sole race victor in 2023, Rins was anticipated to perform well on the Yamaha this year.

However, a series of injuries, such as a fractured wrist sustained during the Dutch TT, worked against Rins and resulted in only two top 10 finishes for him in 2024.

Concluding the year with 31 points, which is 82 points less than his teammate Fabio Quartararo, Rins achieved his top performance in Malaysia, securing an eighth-place finish.

Yamaha's team leader, Massimo Meregalli, stood by Rins despite his lackluster performance this season. Meregalli remains confident in the Spanish rider's abilities. The Japanese company has shown its support by offering him a new contract for two more years.

"He showed up at a time when he definitely wasn't at full strength," Meregalli explained to MotoGP's official website, alluding to the severe leg injury he endured in 2023.

"He experienced both successes and setbacks, including an incident in Assen where he sustained a wrist fracture."

"In my opinion, he has never been in a state where he could truly give his all, even though he consistently made the effort."

"Over the past two races, which marked the season's conclusion, he began to close the gap. This development is crucial for us, as we are fully aware of his potential."

"However, facing the challenge of being by oneself while competing against others who have more team members on the track poses a significant handicap."

"When Alex is performing well, we have a minimum of two riders available to assess the data."

"This will be crucial for me in the coming year as we expand to four riders, which will offer us significant advantages."

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