Lando Norris concedes he 'wasn't prepared' to battle Max Verstappen for the F1 championship

Lando Norris looks back on his initial challenge for the F1 championship against Max Verstappen.

Lando Norris has admitted that he wasn't fully prepared to directly compete with Max Verstappen for the F1 championship at the season's outset.

Following an initial period of sluggish performance, Norris emerged as Verstappen's closest competitor as the season progressed.

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After the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, there was only a 52-point difference between the two competitors.

From that moment on, McLaren has been outperforming Red Bull, but Verstappen has managed to increase his lead to 62 points, positioning himself on the verge of clinching the F1 championship.

Verstappen has the chance to clinch this year's championship by finishing in front of Norris in the upcoming F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.

During the pre-race FIA press briefing, Norris shared his thoughts on the current season, stating, "Certainly, entering a season with the ambition of winning is a completely different mindset compared to what we've had this year. The narrative has changed as the season progressed.

At the onset, we were significantly behind the leading pack, finding ourselves in third or fourth place, essentially the best team at the start of the year. This position was maintained for a considerable duration. Red Bull showcased a level of dominance unparalleled by any other team throughout the year. While we have demonstrated remarkable speed and have often been among the fastest, our advantage over others has been by a far narrower margin. Hence, replicating the substantial lead that Red Bull established early in the year has been virtually impossible.

"I believe I've performed well overall, yet it's evident… My commitment is to always provide a truthful assessment of my performance, whether it was good, poor, or how we fared as a team. I acknowledge that there have been numerous occasions, quite a few in fact, where our performance didn't meet the necessary standard as a collective. Take Silverstone, for instance, that was a race where we ideally should have secured the top two spots. Instead, we ended up as far away from that outcome as possible."

Norris believes he was initially unprepared to challenge Verstappen at the season's beginning, but the 25-year-old now feels he's approaching the performance level necessary to compete with the Red Bull racer.

Norris acknowledged that there have been moments when the team didn't reach the expected performance of a world championship caliber, but also admitted that he himself has failed to deliver performances necessary to clinch a championship at times.

"I likely wasn't fully prepared to compete against Red Bull and Max initially. Now, I believe I am, though it might be too late for that opportunity."

Norris recognized the difficulty in competing with a racer like Verstappen, praising him as “one of the greatest drivers to ever compete in Formula 1”.

"He suggested that there might have been other racers in history who were prepared for a similar challenge," he clarified. "However, no one has faced Max at such an early stage of their career, particularly mid-season, and managed to hold their own quite effectively. Essentially, I'm the only one in this position, right? Hence, I've given it my all. Yet, it hasn't been sufficient."

"I've consistently acknowledged that fact. In my opinion, Max stands out as potentially the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, and it's unlikely that we'll ever see a talent surpassing Max in the sport again."

"I hold this view strongly because it aligns with my beliefs. To challenge someone I deeply respect and know to be incredibly talented requires more than my current season's achievements. However, I feel that my performance post-summer break is moving towards what I need. I believe this progress puts me in a position where I could realistically contend next year."

Connor, with his keen insight into F1's dramas and narratives, is the core of our impartial coverage.

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Lewis Hamilton reveals he had doubts about returning following a challenging weekend in Brazil

In the aftermath of a tough race in Brazil, Lewis Hamilton clarifies his initial remarks and addresses Toto Wolff's comments.

Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged that he felt a strong urge to part ways with Mercedes "in that instant" following a disheartening weekend at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Having only secured a single point throughout both the sprint and grand prix during a notably dismal weekend in Brazil, the seven-time world champion Hamilton seemed to suggest through the team radio that this might be his "final occasion" racing for Mercedes. Following the event, Hamilton expressed to Sky Sports F1 his anticipation for the Christmas season.

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Mercedes tried to minimize the impact of what Hamilton said following the race, but the 39-year-old British driver has since made it clear that in the immediate aftermath, he "truly had no desire to return."

"Essentially, that was my state of mind at the time; I wasn't inclined to return following that weekend," he shared with journalists, Sky Sports F1 among them, before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"However, I believe that's to be expected. It's aggravating to experience a season such as this, which I'm fairly confident won't recur, or at least I'll strive to ensure it doesn't."

"At the time, it didn't feel wonderful, but now I'm present, resilient, and fully committed to putting my all into the remaining races."

Wolff Claims His Remarks on Hamilton Were Misinterpreted

Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes racing team, clarified that his statements regarding Hamilton's impending departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari, specifically about Hamilton's "shelf-life," were somewhat misconstrued, as mentioned in a recent publication.

Approaching the conclusion of a challenging season where he successfully secured two wins, Hamilton emphasized that he doesn't believe he has anything to prove to Wolff.

"Being present and standing firm makes me feel powerful. I've been training effectively and I'm in excellent shape," he shared with Sky Sports F1.

Truthfully, I'm in the most positive mental state I've experienced throughout the year, and given the challenges of the previous race, I believe that speaks volumes.

I have extensive experience in this field and have heard numerous comments directed at me over the years, including various subtle forms of discrimination. This, of course, excludes my boss, who has always stood by me, helping us accomplish great things together. However, broadly speaking, within the media landscape and beyond, I've faced it all, yet nothing has been able to defeat me.

"I remain committed and determined to keep striving forward. I have a team that I truly adore, and despite my upcoming departure, I aim to deliver my utmost in the forthcoming races."

"If they offer a vehicle that aims to maintain its course, then, with any luck, we'll achieve a more favorable outcome."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He typically provides on-site reports, sharing narratives about the key figures in the sport.

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Yuki Tsunoda faced the threat of being deported following a Customs issue when he arrived in the United States for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as disclosed by the RB F1 racer himself.

Yuki Tsunoda feared he might not be allowed into the United States for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a difficult situation with Customs.

The driver from Japan, competing in RB, mentioned that upon his arrival in the United States for the upcoming race in Las Vegas this weekend, he was subjected to additional scrutiny by Border Control, which raised concerns for him about the risk of being deported.

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"Thankfully, after several, actually quite a few, conversations, I was allowed entry," Tsunoda shared with journalists in Las Vegas.

"I almost had to return home. Thankfully, everything's fine now, but yes, I'm fortunate to be here. I have a physiotherapist who accompanies me on trips. Naturally, when passing through customs, you proceed one at a time, correct?

"Suddenly, the official ushered me into a room. During our conversation, I found myself asking if I could invite the individual I was planning to travel with, thinking they might assist in shedding more light on my background and the context surrounding Formula 1."

"However, bringing them in or making any calls was not permitted. I had hoped to contact the team or possibly reach out to F1 for assistance. Yet, in that space, you're rendered powerless to act."

Tsunoda was taken aback by the unexpected event, given that he had verified his visas were in order and had encountered no issues on his earlier trips to America throughout the year.

"He detailed how he had arranged all the necessary visa paperwork. "It's quite disappointing," he remarked. "Previously, the last three times went without a hitch, so being halted for an in-depth conversation this time around was unexpected."

The 24-year-old believes his attire might have caused the authorities to question whether he was indeed an F1 racer.

"Perhaps I had on pyjamas, and the color resembled something… I'm not sure. It just seemed like there was a lot of pressure coming from them, and I found myself unable to speak up," he expressed.

"Alternatively, expressing myself seems to land me in deeper trouble. Fortunately, my experience was hassle-free."

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Frequently delivering reports directly from the events, he narrates the tales of the key figures in the sport.

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Sergio Perez disapproves of his dad's anti-gay comments directed at former F1 racer Ralf Schumacher, labeling it an "error".

Sergio Perez has voiced his disapproval of his father Antonio Perez Garibay's homophobic comments directed at former F1 racer Ralf Schumacher.

Schumacher, active in Formula 1 racing between 1997 and 2007, disclosed earlier this summer that he is in a relationship with a person of the same sex. The sibling of Michael, a seven-time world champion, was met with a wave of support for his choice to openly identify as gay, with notable backing from Lewis Hamilton.

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In reaction to the remarks made by the Grand Prix champion, now commentator, regarding Perez's prospects at Red Bull, Perez Garibay seemed to mock Schumacher's sexual orientation.

A former Formula 1 driver, who transitioned into journalism, initially reported that Checo had parted ways with Red Bull. The subsequent week, "Schumacher revealed his personal truth," Perez Garibay reportedly shared with Mexican news outlets.

"It's unclear if he harbored romantic feelings for Checo. Can you grasp that concept? There's a lot of peculiarities surrounding him. It's become difficult to discern his true identity, whether he's a reporter, a woman, or a man. However, his viewpoint is irrelevant, not due to anything related to Checo Perez, but rather because of the statements made by his former spouse about him."

Perez was questioned on whether he planned to discuss his father's remarks prior to the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.

"Absolutely. To begin with, I don't support any of his statements," Perez shared with Sky Sports F1.

"In my opinion, he made an error in judgment. While I don't agree with his opinions, I also recognize that I can't dictate what my father expresses. My influence is limited to my own statements.

"In my view, it's crucial for the sport to demonstrate that anything that occurs during the race stays within the confines of the race. We ought to consistently set a positive example for the global community."

Schumacher made it clear that he harbors no resentment towards Perez's father despite his comments.

"In a post on social media, he expressed unwavering support for his son, saying, "As a father, it's my duty to back him completely and offer assistance."

"In terms of approach, I intended to stand out, yet we're all familiar with Mr. Perez and his passionate nature. That's the reason I hold no resentment towards him. Nonetheless, I'm of the opinion that performance on the track should speak louder than anything else."

Lewis frequently travels the globe to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Max Verstappen expressed astonishment over the abrupt change in F1 race director, following the decision to replace Niels Wittich.

Max Verstappen has shared his astonishment regarding the unexpected exit of F1 race director Niels Wittich.

The FIA, which oversees Formula 1, disclosed that Wittich had immediately vacated his position just before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, explaining that the departure was motivated by the German's desire to explore new career paths.

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However, Wittich asserted that his departure was not of his own accord, but rather he was dismissed with three races remaining. Taking over his position is Rui Marques, the race director for both Formula 2 and Formula 3.

The announcement from the FIA caught F1 racers off guard, among them the thrice-crowned champion Verstappen, who shared his astonishment with Sky Sports F1, stating, “I believe it was unexpected for everyone to witness this with only three races remaining. However, inquiries should be directed toward the FIA.”

After the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association issued a declaration requesting the FIA to interact with its members "as adults" and for its President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to "reflect on his own manner of speaking and choice of words when addressing our member drivers, or when speaking about them."

Verstappen, aiming to secure his fourth straight world championship title this weekend in Las Vegas, is eager for advancements to happen sooner rather than later.

"Verstappen stated, 'Our intention was to dispatch a letter to ensure all parties are informed of our issues and objectives, and we'll observe the outcomes that arise from this.'"

"Currently, no developments have occurred. It seems there were already numerous issues that the FIA was handling. Moving forward, we'll observe the upcoming races and continue our dialogue with them to determine our next steps."

During the press conference before the event, GPDA director George Russell mentioned that the FIA has not yet replied to their letter, expressing that the drivers are somewhat frustrated with the ongoing situation.

"He mentioned that initiating change or ensuring commitments are met appears somewhat more difficult," he stated. "Perhaps the FIA or its president didn't fully understand the depth of our concerns."

Throughout the span of 20 races this year and the previous one, we've had discussions on a variety of issues, and there's a consensus among all the drivers. We have a clear understanding of our desires for the future of the sport and the current trajectory it's on. We believe it's necessary to make some adjustments on several fronts and are eager to collaborate with the FIA to achieve these changes.

"We believe that this has not occurred at all with the president."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By reporting firsthand, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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McLaren to Reverse Team Strategy Following Lando Norris's Decline in F1 Championship Race

Following the dimming of Lando Norris's prospects for the F1 championship, McLaren plans to adjust their approach regarding team directives.

Oscar Piastri has noted that McLaren has shifted its position on implementing team directives, given that Lando Norris's prospects for winning the F1 championship are essentially diminished.

Norris's hopes for clinching the world championship title this year took a significant hit when he fell from first to sixth place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while his competitor for the title, Max Verstappen, pulled off an impressive comeback to win from 17th position.

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The outcome led to Verstappen widening his lead in the championship to 62 points with only three races left, virtually eliminating Norris's chances of securing his inaugural drivers' championship this season.

Verstappen is set to clinch the world championship title at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, provided he maintains a lead of 60 points or more following the event.

Norris's diminishing prospects for the championship have led McLaren to decide that Piastri, who conceded the sprint victory to Norris in Brazil, will not be required to act as a support player any longer.

When questioned about whether he would be on the same level as Norris again, Piastri responded to journalists in Las Vegas by saying, “Essentially, yes.

"In certain, quite particular cases, there may be a need for my assistance. However, for the vast majority of instances, things have returned to their usual state."

"The race for the drivers' title remains tightly contested, and the battle for the constructors' championship is still very much alive for us."

"Without a doubt, nothing is finalized yet, which is the most crucial aspect. Therefore, there are only a handful of particular situations where I might continue to assist if needed. However, my primary focus this weekend is on securing a victory."

McLaren is ahead of Ferrari by a 36-point margin in the constructors' standings, with Red Bull trailing by an additional 49 points in third place.

Piastri expressed contentment in assisting Norris but emphasized his desire to avoid repeating this subordinate role in the upcoming season.

"Truthfully, letting go of that didn't really bother me much," added the person from Australia.

Naturally, I would have been thrilled to win the sprint, but it's a completely different situation compared to a grand prix.

"I demonstrated what I aimed to demonstrate, specifically earning the pole position, and that was solely for my own satisfaction.

Securing the first position for the sprint race, even though emerging victorious in the sprint would have been great, earning the pole position was likely the more gratifying experience for me.

"I was confident in my actions during the sprint, and that's beneficial for me."

"I'm glad we no longer need to delve into those matters as much, and clearly, for next year, my goal is to avoid being in such a situation regarding the championship standings that would make me vulnerable to that.

"In truth, my assistance was likely only necessary during that one instance in Brazil, and that's all. Thus, there has been much discussion with little actual involvement on the track."

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Reporting directly from the events, he shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, leading Formula 1 teams Red Bull and Ferrari have reportedly made adjustments to their vehicles in response to tighter regulations from the FIA on skid blocks.

Sources indicate that Red Bull and Ferrari are some of the teams required to modify their Formula 1 vehicles for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in response to the most recent enforcement actions by the FIA.

The FIA, Formula 1's regulatory authority, has released a technical directive that takes effect immediately. This directive, announced just before the upcoming Las Vegas race weekend, aims to close a loophole that teams could use to address issues related to plank wear.

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Initially disclosed by the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, the technical directive from the FIA will ban teams from employing "unique protective plates that approximately half of the teams had implemented" on the skid blocks.

Motorsport and The Race have both covered the FIA's enforcement measures, with The Race mentioning that Ferrari and Red Bull are among the teams impacted. According to their coverage, it's believed that "at least half of the teams have responded to the situation".

The Race reports that Ferrari has adjusted their vehicle, and Red Bull has made slight modifications following the FIA's technical directive.

Reports suggest that Red Bull raised issues with the FIA following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. While there was no immediate suggestion of any rules being broken, the F1 authority has acted to close any potential loopholes in the rules that could be taken advantage of.

Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari were both barred from the previous year's United States Grand Prix following post-race inspections which revealed their vehicles had surpassed the permitted levels of plank wear.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing firsthand reports from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of significant individuals within the sport.

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Joan Mir Criticizes Honda MotoGP Test as 'Unproductive': 'Our Expectations Were Much Higher'

The 2020 world champion expressed disappointment over the limited updates during the Barcelona test.

Joan Mir expressed that the Barcelona MotoGP test on Tuesday "wasn't a fruitful day" for either him or Honda, as "all the things we tested were things we had already tested previously."

Last weekend, at the Solidarity Grand Prix, Honda wrapped up its most challenging season in MotoGP history, finishing at the bottom of the constructors' standings with only 75 points.

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Although the company has leveraged its role as a concession manufacturer to advance its RC213V, especially in the final stages of the season with the launch of a new aerodynamic package that enhanced cornering, it remains distant from competing for a podium finish.

During the official testing session following the San Marino Grand Prix, Honda introduced new components, such as aerodynamic upgrades, which contributed to an improvement in their performance.

During the Barcelona test this week, Mir completed 67 laps and finished in 15th place. However, he was disappointed because he believed there was a scarcity of new components to work with.

"I’m not satisfied. Today didn't go well in terms of getting things done," he remarked.

"We attempted strategies we've used previously. We didn't have any new improvements to increase our speed."

"We had been using our usual package along with one from the past that was ineffective."

"You can probably understand that the day didn't go as planned. I'm just hoping that we'll get more updates next week in Jerez."

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether Honda was putting in sufficient effort, he said, "I initially believed so, but in truth, our expectations were significantly higher."

Mir states that Honda informed him that the reason he had no new components to test was due to "the timing; they weren't able to produce it in time."

The world champion from 2020 emphasized that the post-season test is a crucial event of the year, which Honda has now missed as an opportunity to unveil a new motorcycle.

He mentioned that significant moments throughout the year include the Misano test, where they obtained some effective aerodynamics and a new engine setup.

"The final test of the season, whether it takes place in Valencia or, as in this instance, Barcelona, holds significant importance."

"In the past, it was common to spot two bikes from Honda among the manufacturers, and usually, a new bike would also be introduced. We didn't receive it this time. I am hopeful that we will receive it soon."

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Aston Martin clarifies why Dan Fallows was removed from his role as F1 technical director.

Aston Martin's performance director, Tom McCullough, has elucidated the factors contributing to Dan Fallows' departure from the Formula 1 team.

At the beginning of this month, Aston Martin revealed that Fallows, who had transitioned to the team from Red Bull in 2022, had stepped down from his position as technical director of the Silverstone-based team.

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Bob Bell, currently serving as the executive director, will temporarily take over his role. Meanwhile, Enrico Cardille, previously with Ferrari as the technical director, is set to join Aston Martin in the coming year. He will be working alongside Adrian Newey, who has been appointed as the managing technical partner.

Before the upcoming Grand Prix in Las Vegas, McCullough stated that Fallows was dismissed because of Aston Martin's disappointing results this year.

McCullough conveyed to the press in Las Vegas that the team's performance this year did not meet everyone's expectations. He acknowledged that they failed to deliver, indicating that this assessment was a collective conclusion by the team.

For the past couple of years, ever since Dan joined us, I've had the privilege of working side by side with him. His contributions have significantly influenced the evolution of both the '22 and '23 vehicles. Honestly, he's added immense value to our team.

Working alongside him has been an enjoyable experience from that perspective. However, throughout 2024, our performance on the track has not met the high standards we anticipated and aimed for.

"The progress in creating these vehicles has been challenging, and at the end of the day, it all comes down to how well they perform, right? As a result, the group has chosen to implement some alterations."

Aston Martin kicked off 2023 impressively, positioning themselves as Red Bull's closest rivals by consistently vying for top-three finishes as the season began.

The team's performance has significantly declined recently, and continued issues with development have hindered their advancement.

For a significant portion of 2024, Aston Martin has held onto the fifth spot in the constructors’ standings, trailing behind the leaders.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have both failed to secure a finish above fifth place.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing firsthand reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura felt anxious while riding alongside MotoGP legends during his first test appearance. "I thought I would be more astonished than I actually was," he remarked.

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "nervous" as he participated in his debut test for Trackhouse Racing alongside MotoGP's leading riders on Tuesday at the Barcelona circuit.

In the summer, a Japanese motorcyclist inked a two-year contract with Aprilia's satellite team, paving the way for a move to MotoGP in 2025. This agreement has proven to be an excellent decision, especially after he clinched the Moto2 championship.

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On Tuesday, Ogura participated in the post-Solidarity GP test, marking his first appearance in MotoGP. During this session, he completed 86 laps using the 2024 version of the RS-GP bike.

He concluded the day in 21st place, ranking as the second-best among the three newcomers, despite experiencing a minor mishap at Turn 2 early in the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP bike, Ogura expressed, "Naturally, witnessing all these riders on the circuit and the presence of several cameras made me anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the most significant distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized that mastering throttle control to stabilize the bike is the primary challenge he needs to understand.

He mentioned that his primary challenge right now is entering corners.

"The most challenging aspect for me was managing the throttle to ensure the bike remained steady and accelerated smoothly. It feels somewhat different."

"Initially, I need to focus on improving the braking process. This includes everything from the moment I apply the brakes until I start accelerating again. I need to gain a better understanding of this phase, and it's my top priority to address."

Newcomers frequently mention that the strength of MotoGP engines and the effectiveness of carbon brakes are surprising when they transition from Moto2 for the first time.

However, for Ogura, the situation was different. He remarked, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished, but after a couple of laps, I quickly adapted to the speed."

“There isn’t much of a difference between the steel brakes and the carbon brakes. It doesn't pose any major issues for me.”

Ogura mentioned that he plans to boost his physical training during the winter months to prepare for the transition to MotoGP. Despite this, he did not feel overly fatigued after completing 86 laps on Tuesday.

He mentioned, "I completed 86 laps today, with the longest stretch being approximately 10 laps."

"For this race, I felt fine and didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm feeling alright now, but I plan to train more intensely this winter compared to last year."

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Liam Lawson explains his remarks regarding McLaren and the national anthem, saying, "It was intended as a joke." He noted, "I found it amusing when I brought up this topic during a podcast. The comment was meant humorously, but it seems it was taken quite seriously."

Liam Lawson feels that his comments about McLaren's choice to play the British national anthem when they secure a victory in F1 were "misunderstood".

Lawson expressed doubts about the decision made by the Woking team to play the British national anthem after their Formula 1 race victories instead of the New Zealand anthem.

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McLaren was established in 1963 by Bruce McLaren, a celebrated racing figure from New Zealand, and joined Formula 1 in 1966.

McLaren has raced with a British license, which means that all of their 188 wins have been celebrated with the playing of ‘God Save the King’.

During a recent episode of The Red Flags podcast, Lawson raised this issue.

The New Zealander stated, "It doesn't add up. This is a team from New Zealand, yet the name remains McLaren."

"Red Bull, despite being located in the UK, plays the Austrian national anthem. On the other hand, McLaren, also based in the UK, is considered a New Zealand team."

"It's utter nonsense, to be frank, particularly for those hailing from New Zealand. Bruce McLaren holds legendary status."

During the pre-race FIA press conference for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lawson was questioned regarding his remarks.

He stated that his critique was intended as a humorous comment.

"I believe these are lessons I'm picking up in Formula 1. As Lando pointed out, things can be misinterpreted," he clarified. "It's quite ironic; I chuckled when I made that remark on a podcast. It was intended as more of a joke, but it ended up being taken very seriously."

"I don't have much more to contribute on that topic. Naturally, I'm extremely proud of my New Zealand heritage and our achievements in motorsport. Bruce McLaren stands out as a true legend in New Zealand's motorsport history."

"During my younger years, I admired and gained a lot of knowledge from this person."

"Certainly, I'm proud to be from New Zealand, but I don't have any comments to make about the national anthem."

Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's controversies and narratives, is the driving force behind our objective reporting.

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Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez top the list for most crashes in the 2024 MotoGP season. Here is the ranking of riders based on the number of falls they experienced throughout the season.

Looking back on his first season in MotoGP, Pedro Acosta found himself thinking about the opportunities missed with 13 races where he failed to score any points.

The newcomer from GASGAS Tech3 outperformed the KTM competitors by achieving the most GP podiums with five, securing four Sprint podiums, earning one Pole position, and leading the race for 13 laps.

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Despite his efforts, he was surpassed by his future teammate Brad Binder for the fifth position in the world championship, with a narrow margin of merely two points.

During the final phase of the year, Acosta commented, "Consider the number of points I missed out on due to crashes in several races. It's significant! If I had finished fifth in each of those events, the points would really add up by the season's end."

"I should remember this as well! When there's no stress, you might be able to go all out, but sometimes it's necessary to ease up a little."

According to the official MotoGP statistics for the 2024 season, Acosta experienced the highest number of crashes, totaling 28 incidents over the course of 20 races. It's important to note that he did not participate in the Australian Grand Prix due to an injury.

"There were numerous errors and challenging times," Acosta reflected on his first year in the top-tier racing class. "Conversely, there were also many positive experiences, battling for wins, making significant progress, and gaining a deeper understanding of MotoGP."

"For this reason, my happiness outweighs my sadness."

The following racer to encounter a crash in the MotoGP circuit was Marc Marquez, who is in his twelfth season. This year, he transitioned from Honda to Ducati and experienced 24 falls.

Last year, Marquez led the list with a record-breaking 29 crashes during his last season with Repsol Honda, which was also the inaugural year for Sprint races. This was achieved even though he was absent for three rounds and missed two additional Sunday races.

Numerous individuals anticipated that Marquez wouldn't need to push the Desmosedici to its absolute limits, unlike the underperforming RCV. This raises the question: why has he experienced so many crashes?

Marquez reflected on the season, noting that he experienced numerous crashes early on, though he asserted that not all of them were due to his own errors.

"However, I did experience a few accidents that puzzled me, which also slightly diminished my confidence. As a result, we had to make another attempt to properly determine the limit."

Despite this, Marquez experienced a fall in just 5 out of the 40 races, including an incident with Francesco Bagnaia in Portimao.

Marquez expressed that what he finds most encouraging is having falls during practice sessions. He emphasized that during the main race, his priority is to remain on the bike, which he considers the most crucial aspect.

"I aim to crash less frequently, but right now, I'm not overly concerned about the number of times it happens."

On the opposite side of the practice-to-race accident comparison was Bagnaia, the current double title holder and future teammate.

Throughout the season, the Italian racer experienced just nine falls, ranking him 17th overall. However, he failed to complete eight races, with one non-finish caused by a technical problem at Le Mans, hindering his pursuit of the championship title.

Ranked third on the list of falls for 2024 was Marc's younger sibling, Alex, who is also part of the Gresini Ducati team. Alex experienced 21 crashes, including an incident with Bagnaia at Aragon.

Jack Miller from Red Bull KTM secured the fourth spot with 20 falls. Meanwhile, his teammate Brad Binder, along with Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez, who rides alongside Acosta, each had 19 falls.

The presence of all four KTMs among the top seven highlights the challenging characteristics of the RC16 this year.

Jorge Martin, the new world champion, experienced 15 crashes while riding his Pramac Ducati, though these incidents occurred over just four races.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Luca Marini, the new Repsol Honda rider, had the fewest crashes of any full-time competitor, with just four falls throughout the entire season.

Leading Yamaha motorcyclist Fabio Quartararo experienced a total of just nine falls.

Zonta VD Goorbergh led the Moto2 crash statistics, while David Almansa and Filippo Farioli were at the top of the Moto3 crash list, each experiencing 18 incidents in the inaugural year of using Pirelli tires.

The MotoGP's official statistics account for crashes that happen during race weekends, excluding those that occur during testing sessions.

List of Riders Who Crashed in the 2024 Moto

*A substitute or temporary rider.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in the unfolding narrative of Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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