The Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit has announced impressive ticket sales numbers for the 2025 Spanish MotoGP, amidst widespread excitement for Marc Marquez.

In 2025, the Spanish MotoGP has emerged as a highly favored event, a fact underscored by the latest ticket sales data released by the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto.

Today (14 January), the circuit that has been the consistent venue for the Spanish Grand Prix since 1989 revealed a significant increase in ticket sales for the 2025 Spanish MotoGP. Sales have surged by 50% compared to the figures recorded at the same time last year for the 2024 event. This follows a year where the 2024 race itself experienced a 4% rise in ticket sales over the 2023 edition.

"The Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit has witnessed a 50% increase in ticket sales for the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix […] compared to the sales figures for the corresponding dates in 2024, setting a new record. This surge follows a successful 2024 event, which itself saw a 4% rise in ticket sales from 2023, according to a release from the circuit."

Quantitatively speaking, the improvement of 50 percent translates to an increase of 13,920 tickets sold at this juncture in 2025 when compared to the figures from the corresponding period in the previous year.

Jerez reports that out of the 39,307 seats available in the grandstand, only 6,200 remain unsold.

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what has caused the uptick, but indications point to the recent efforts by MotoGP's promoting body, Dorna Sports, aimed at enhancing spectator engagement during race events. This includes a range of activities from the Hero Walk and the addition of Sprint races to various off-track events such as live concerts.

The anticipated increase in ticket sales appears to be influenced by Jorge Martin's expected victory as the 2024 MotoGP World Champion and his subsequent promotion to a full-factory position with Aprilia starting in 2025. Additionally, Marc Marquez's transfer to the Ducati Lenovo Team, where he will join forces with Francesco Bagnaia – his rival from a memorable race at Jerez the previous year, considered one of the season's highlights – in 2025, is also contributing to the heightened interest.

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

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Raul Fernandez views 2025 as a significant chance for progress, emphasizing that outcomes are secondary in importance for a certain Trackhouse MotoGP competitor.

Raul Fernandez embarks on his fourth year in MotoGP, entering his second season with the Trackhouse Aprilia team, this time riding on factory equipment as the Spanish racer kicks off the season.

Fernandez kicked off his career in 2022 with the Tech3 KTM team, but after a challenging year, he moved on to the RNF Aprilia team.

The first season on the RS-GP wasn't particularly notable, with a mere 51 points and a 20th place overall in the standings. However, a promising fifth-place in the final race at Valencia suggested better prospects ahead.

Discover more: The unique strategy of MotoGP's latest addition to differentiate from established powerhouses

Although Fernandez didn't score any points during the initial two races of 2024 as Trackhouse made its debut in MotoGP, he earned his first points in Austin and consistently increased his score leading up to the mid-season hiatus.

The peak moment occurred in Barcelona, where he was at the forefront of a tumultuous sprint race until an accident took him out. However, this setback didn't shake his self-assurance, and he managed to secure a sixth-place finish in the grand prix. By the midpoint of the season, he was ranked 16th in the standings, having surpassed his total points from 2023, reaching 66 points.

Starting with the British Grand Prix, Fernandez transitioned to the 2024 RS-GP model, which marked a downturn in his season's performance. He failed to secure any points up until the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and managed to gather only 20 points for the remainder of the season.

"Fernandez expressed his concentration on personal improvement during Tuesday's unveiling of Trackhouse's 2025 colors. "I dedicated myself to enhancing my physical condition. Indeed, over the past two years, I underwent two arm surgeries. Despite that, for some reason, I wasn't in the best shape, but I made sure to monitor everything closely throughout the winter," he stated.

I switched my personal trainer, choosing to collaborate with someone new in an effort to achieve a sense of fitness. Consequently, I focused on self-improvement, particularly in terms of my mindset. My goal was to alleviate the self-imposed pressure stemming from my high levels of ambition at times.

"I dedicated a significant amount of effort to this project. Together with Davide [Brivio], we're entering the season under new circumstances, as I've never kicked off a MotoGP season on a factory bike before. Additionally, our team has a much clearer mindset this time around, unlike last year when we commenced with Trackhouse.

"Trackhouse faced some challenges at the season's outset. Davide joined just before the season kicked off, which made the beginning quite unique for me. Additionally, I focused on maintaining a strong mindset because I believe this year presents a great chance for me to truly excel and demonstrate my capabilities."

Fernandez candidly acknowledges that his aspirations overwhelmed him following a robust start to the first half of the 2024 season, and thus, when a switch in motorcycle impeded his advancement, he found it challenging to handle those expectations.

He mentioned, "Reflecting on a misstep from the previous year, particularly before the Silverstone race, we were on the cusp of breaking into the top 10," he elaborated. "We ranked 11th, 12th in the standings. We saw some promising outcomes and were competitive in several qualifying rounds.

"The start of the year kicked off well, but subsequently, my focus shifted heavily towards achieving outcomes with the arrival of the new bike, which made navigating the rest of the year quite challenging. Reflecting on this towards the year's end, I recognized the necessity to enhance my approach moving forward into the new year."

In 2025, Fernandez kicks off the season using identical equipment as the official Aprilia team. He remains the sole unchanged member in the Italian brand's lineup, which introduces the current MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and the Moto2 champion Ai Ogura at Trackhouse.

In the latter part of the previous year, Aprilia increasingly relied on Fernandez to guide the progression of the RS-GP 25, yet he does not see himself as the top figure among the manufacturers while the rest of the riders are catching up.

"He declared, 'Jorge holds the global title. Indeed, he's set to pilot the Aprilia for his inaugural race in Thailand. Currently, he sets the standard in MotoGP. Having the top competitor, it's incredibly obvious to me."

"Indeed, my goal is to give it my all and concentrate on my own growth. Yes, there's much for me to understand about them, especially with Marco and Ogura, who is arriving as a world champion, joining us. Clearly, there's a wealth of knowledge for me to acquire, yet my primary aim will be to stay focused on my personal development."

"I'm not going to dwell on who Aprilia considers their benchmark. Like my fellow riders, my goal is to give it my all, strive for enhancement in every session, and avoid fixating on outcomes. That's our secondary objective for the season. My aim is to stay in top shape, maintain concentration, and consistently perform to the best of my ability."

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The MotoGP newcomer showing promise

Ai Ogura anticipates his first season

Trackhouse Racing newcomer in MotoGP, Ai Ogura, mentioned that Fermin Aldeguer is appearing promising after his initial test, whereas the current Moto2 titleholder needs to adjust slightly more.

Ogura joins the ranks of three newcomers advancing to the MotoGP's top tier in 2025, with Aldeguer moving to Gresini Ducati and Somkiat Chantra joining LCR Honda.

Discover more: Could he be Japan's upcoming MotoGP sensation?

In their first track appearance, which took place during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, Aldeguer led the pack, finishing nearly four tenths of a second ahead of Ogura.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether he saw any qualities in his fellow newcomers that would translate well to MotoGP, Ogura shared his thoughts during the Trackhouse 2025 unveiling: "To begin with, it's comforting to be among other rookies like myself, as it assures me that I'm not the only one transitioning from Moto2, and there are three of us making the move.

"It's pleasant to witness. They serve as solid standards. Thus, it's always delightful to be in the company of such riders."

"Fermin appeared impressive while riding a MotoGP motorcycle in Barcelona."

"Somkiat and Ai need to adjust slightly more, yet I believe the three of us are essentially on par during the Barcelona trial."

"Thus, time will tell. However, I am optimistic that the three of us will succeed."

Ogura appeared calm following his initial test in November, observing that the velocity of a MotoGP motorcycle and the braking capability of the carbon brakes didn't surprise him significantly.

Discover more: Strategies of MotoGP's latest team to differentiate itself from established manufacturers

Ogura points out that for newcomers in today's MotoGP, adjusting to the sprint-style races presents a distinct obstacle, noting it's not the most favorable setup for rookies.

"He mentioned that particularly for them, the way the weekend unfolds, starting from Friday, feels akin to qualifying rounds."

"Thus, perhaps the newcomers require additional time to adjust and comprehend. So, it seems it's not about us, but that's just how it is."

Ogura has inked a contract for two seasons to compete with Trackhouse in the top tier, teaming up with Raul Fernandez, who is making a comeback for his fourth year in MotoGP.

Trackhouse initiated the 2025 MotoGP season launch on Tuesday from its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Aprilia team is set to unveil their season on January 16th, followed by Aldeguer who will kick off Gresini's campaign on January 18th.

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Aleix Espargaro had a strong dislike for Marc Marquez at the start of his MotoGP journey

Former MotoGP victor unveils significant details about his past dynamics with Marc Marquez

Aleix Espargaro confessed that during the initial years of his MotoGP career, he had a strong dislike for Marc Marquez due to the competitive tension between Marquez and his sibling, Pol Espargaro.

Marquez and Pol Espargaro once intensely competed against each other in the junior levels of grand prix racing, but their rivalry mellowed when they moved up to MotoGP.

Upon Espargaro's commitment to Honda for the 2021 season, there was speculation that conflicts might reignite.

Persistent injury problems for Marquez and performance challenges faced by Espargaro throughout his two-year tenure meant that the competition between them never reignited.

In a DAZN documentary focusing on the Espargaro siblings, Aleix described Marquez as the greatest talent MotoGP has ever seen, despite confessing an early aversion to him.

"He mentioned, 'As a kid, my hero was Valentino Rossi.'"

"I have more years on me than Marc Marquez. Marc was not around, so getting the chance to compete alongside Valentino was remarkable.

Marc and I swapped helmets, and I shared with him how I had endured hardships and chased after him throughout my career.

"It's unlikely that the championship has ever seen a rider with more talent."

"Initially in my career, I found him unbearable due to his negative impact on my brother!"

Pol Espargaro retired from professional racing at the conclusion of 2023 after enduring significant injuries following an accident during the season's first race, transitioning to a position as a test rider for KTM.

Aleix Espargaro concluded his racing career following the 2024 season, having secured three grand prix victories. For 2025, he has taken up a role as a test rider with Honda.

Espargaro reflected on his racing career, stating, "What I take pride in is my sincerity and not pretending to be someone I'm not."

"I've managed to stay true to myself, consistently revealing both my strengths and weaknesses."

"Throughout my athletic journey, I've always been quite emotional."

"Perhaps I'm slightly more passionate. There are times of stress that can be tough to handle, and it's one of my shortcomings."

"I've consistently taken out my anger and frustrations on those closest to me, the ones I have the best relationships with and care about deeply."

"That faith, whether for good or bad, has resulted in errors on my part and will forever linger with me."

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Information on Trackhouse MotoGP's intentions to modify their 2025 team colors

Team leader Davide Brivio clarifies the reasons behind the initial launch design not being permanent

Davide Brivio, the team leader of Trackhouse MotoGP, mentioned that the team's 2025 livery, unveiled on Tuesday, featured a "corporate" look due to ongoing negotiations with possible sponsors.

On Tuesday, the American-led squad unveiled its campaign for the 2025 MotoGP season at their headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, showcasing an entirely different paint scheme from what was seen in the previous year.

However, the notable lack of significant sponsors, except for a Gulf logo on the front wheel cover, sparked inquiries regarding the "corporate colors" Trackhouse eventually revealed.

In the team's introductory content, Brivio hinted at potential alterations to the paint scheme throughout the 2025 season.

For further details: The significance of outcomes being "the secondary priority" for a Trackhouse MotoGP competitor

In a media briefing covered by Crash.net on Wednesday, Brivio provided further clarification on his statement and disclosed that the team plans to test a new layout during the off-season trials.

"Initially, you can expect to see a different paint scheme for the winter test," he mentioned in response to a query from Crash.net about the team's color scheme strategies for 2025.

"The design we unveiled yesterday showcased our Trackhouse signature color scheme. Both the motorcycle and the [NASCAR team] vehicle featured this coordinating design."

"Thus, these represent our shades. We've crafted a single design for the winter trial. Furthermore, we're currently in talks with possible allies for what lies ahead."

"Hence, should everything proceed smoothly, we could be greeting new partners. This would inevitably mean we'll need to reevaluate our branding once more."

"In the previous year, for example, we updated the team's colors mid-season."

"There isn't a specific strategy in place for 2025, however, we aim to think outside the box, and you can anticipate witnessing a variety of unique paint schemes throughout the year."

Starting the 2024 season, Trackhouse introduced a motorcycle adorned with the American flag in its design, later switching to a blue and silver scheme from the Austrian Grand Prix onwards.

Brivio highlighted that the team was behind schedule in securing significant sponsorships. He pointed out that teams typically finalize their sponsor partners for the next season within the first six months of the current season, indicating that they were running late.

He mentioned that Trackhouse's in-house marketing team is assisting with the MotoGP project in addition to their NASCAR responsibilities, as the team explores possible partnerships within the US series.

"Securing sponsorship in MotoGP is challenging," Brivio emphasized.

"In the MotoGP circuit, there are several prominent names. Trackhouse, on our part, is a newcomer to this scene."

"In the previous year, we initiated and established a commercial division. Currently, this division, which typically serves NASCAR, has shifted its focus to MotoGP."

"We are exploring whether there are any NASCAR brands eager to expand their reach across the globe, and to achieve this, MotoGP could serve as an ideal platform."

"For our team, progress is gradual. We've considered this year as a period of learning, especially in terms of understanding and developing our commercial strategies."

"The worlds of NASCAR and MotoGP are vastly different. As such, we also had to explore what opportunities exist within MotoGP."

"We're experiencing a slight setback. Typically, in MotoGP operations, sponsorships are secured around August or September of the preceding year."

"Subsequently, you arrange everything. In our case, the period of August and September came just six months after we commenced."

"Negotiation talks have begun, with several discussions taking place, opening up various potential outcomes."

"However, nothing is certain until a contract is finalized. It's a challenging situation, but we are currently engaged in some negotiations."

"Essentially, we couldn't finalize any deals during September, October, or November."

"Therefore, having unveiled our company's branding, we stand prepared to modify it whenever necessary throughout the season."

"The business division was given several months for execution, and currently, there's ongoing activity."

Brivio stated that the MotoGP team, which falls under the umbrella of Trackhouse Entertainment Group, is currently "sustainable," yet the goal is for the team to achieve financial independence in the future.

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Brivio is looking forward to the 2025 Aprilia model, expressing enthusiasm for its potential.

"There's a lot of anticipation for the 2025 motorcycle. It appears to hold great promise."

—

Brivio finds the prospects of Trackhouse's capabilities promising, citing the presence of "good ingredients."

Trackhouse team leader Davide Brivio is of the opinion that the American team possesses the right elements for its sophomore season in MotoGP.

Brivio, previously responsible for guiding Yamaha (with Valentino Rossi) and Suzuki (with Joan Mir) to MotoGP championships, shifted to Formula One before the allure of the fresh Trackhouse initiative enticed him to return to the motorcycle racing scene a year earlier.

The season was difficult for Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, who finished 15th and 16th in the world championship standings, respectively. Their team, Trackhouse, only managed to surpass Honda in the team rankings.

Brivio is optimistic that by 2025, with Fernandez and new partner Ai Ogura, the team will be on more solid ground, equipped with the most up-to-date factory-spec machines right from the beginning of the year.

"Brivio mentioned that the initial year served as a period of significant learning, particularly for Trackhouse as an entity."

"As the 2025 season approaches, there's a lot to look forward to, particularly with Aprilia leading the charge. The anticipation around their '25 model is high, and it appears to hold a lot of potential."

"The fresh technical lead at Aprilia, Fabiano Sterlacchini, is infusing the team with renewed vigor and a novel approach. Consequently, we're eager to discover the potential heights we can reach with the 2025 bike."

An additional indirect advantage comes from Aprilia securing the services of the new world champion, Jorge Martin.

"Undoubtedly, having the current MotoGP world champion's factory team as a competitor is quite motivating. It serves as an excellent reference point for us to gauge our position and assess the bike's performance."

"A rejuvenated Raul Fernandez"

In 2024, Trackhouse saw some notable moments including Fernandez momentarily taking the lead in Catalunya and achieving a double front row position in Sachsenring, with Oliveira securing a second-place finish in the Sprint.

Trackhouse achieved its top grand prix finish with Fernandez securing fifth place, after being switched to the upgraded '24 spec RS-GP over the summer break, during the rain-soaked Buriram race.

Brivio emphasized their decision to renew Fernandez's contract, citing his exceptional talent. He believes that Fernandez holds significant potential and acknowledged that the current challenge lies in harnessing that potential.

"Raul is experiencing a unique winter this season, altering his training regimen. It's a time for him to reflect on potential improvements."

"What went wrong last year? How can improvements be made? What was effective? Thus, we're engaging in discussions, conversations, and dialogues, and I'm optimistic that we'll see a rejuvenated Raul Fernandez in MotoGP."

"Exceptional skill" Ai Ogura

Teaming up with Fernandez is the 23-year-old from Japan, Ai Ogura, who justified the confidence placed in him by Brivio and Trackhouse by clinching the Moto2 championship last year.

"Brivio mentioned that they made a choice to opt for a newcomer and believes Ai Ogura is an exceptional talent. He highlighted that Ogura proved his capabilities last year by securing the Moto2 championship."

We're genuinely thrilled to welcome him on board. His dedication to racing and his serious attitude towards it are truly impressive. I'm eager to embark on this journey with him.

"We're looking at a pair of promising, skilled cyclists. With some luck, the 2025 Aprilia will bring an improved motorcycle to the table."

"I'll share more in a couple of competitions, but it seems there are promising elements in play to attempt something notable. We're going to focus on this…"

As a newcomer, Ogura qualifies to participate in the Sepang Shakedown test, scheduled to begin at the close of this month.

Fernandez, along with the entire lineup of racers for 2025, will proceed to compete on the Malaysian circuit in the next scheduled trial

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

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New leadership shift revealed for upcoming Audi F1 squad

Alessandro Alunni Bravi set to leave Sauber just before the 2025 F1 campaign starts.

Sauber has declared that Alessandro Alunni Bravi will step down from his roles as Team Representative and Managing Director of the Formula 1 squad.

Bravi is set to leave Sauber at January's end after a seven-year tenure with the Swiss team, during which he held various management roles.

Initially coming on board as General Counsel and a member of the Board in 2017, the Italian was later elevated to the position of Managing Director in 2022. With the 2024 season on the horizon, Bravi was assigned a broader position as the Team Representative.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, although Sauber didn't officially appoint a team principal, Bravi essentially served as the unofficial head of the team, taking on responsibilities such as representing the team at FIA press conferences during race weekends.

His exit signals another significant move by Audi as they prepare for their grand entrance into Formula 1 next season, during which they will assume control of the Sauber team.

Ex-Ferrari F1 lead Mattia Binotto took up the roles of Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber in July, while Jonathan Wheatley moved from Red Bull to take over as team principal starting in the 2025 season.

Sauber faced a challenging 2024 season, ending up at the bottom of the constructors' standings with a mere four points.

For the 2025 season, they're introducing a new pair of drivers, including Nico Hulkenberg and the Formula 2 titleholder, Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bravi announces departure from Sauber for fresh endeavor

Bravi has announced his exit from Sauber, signaling a shift towards a different venture.

"Bravi expressed heartfelt sentiments as his time with Sauber comes to a close, stating, "The period since I came on board in 2017 has been transformative for the team, witnessing growth and evolution in ways that surpassed expectations."

Throughout both exhilarating and challenging moments, this organization consistently maintained its enthusiasm and dedication, an aspect that truly motivates me. Having had the honor to serve as the spokesperson for the team over the past two years filled me with pride.

"As I embark on a fresh endeavor, I wish to express my gratitude to Finn Rausing, everyone at Sauber and Audi who bestowed upon me their trust and confidence, and all my teammates with whom I've collaborated over the past eight years. This group feels like a family and is poised for a promising future."

Binotto honored the leaving Bravi, calling him "a genuine collaborator within the team."

"After collaborating with him since I came to Hinwil, I'd like to acknowledge Alessandro's significant contribution. He's been a genuine asset to the team and has truly captured what Sauber stands for over the years," Binotto remarked.

"Alessandro has fulfilled various roles in the team, guiding it through both challenging and thrilling periods. As he embarks on a new journey, the entire company wants to express its gratitude for his dedication and efforts throughout his tenure, and extend its best wishes for his upcoming endeavors."

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Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net, providing on-site coverage and sharing the narratives of significant figures within the sport.

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Franco Colapinto’s representative discusses negotiations with Red Bull following Christian Horner's expressed "interest". Conversations between Franco Colapinto’s team and Red Bull took place.

Franco Colapinto's representative has verified that Red Bull had significant interest in their client prior to his commitment to Alpine.

Alpine announced Colapinto as their latest test and reserve driver for the forthcoming season.

The impressive outings by the Argentine driver for Williams in 2024 caught the attention of Red Bull's Christian Horner, who considered pairing Colapinto with Max Verstappen.

A challenging conclusion to the year saw Red Bull's attention wane as they shifted their focus towards in-house alternatives.

Liam Lawson advanced to the Red Bull team, and Isack Hadjar was given a position with Racing Bulls.

In a conversation with Infobae, Maria Catarineu, who manages Colapinto, expressed: "It's evident that Christian has taken a liking to Franco, indicating potential interest for him to join either as Max's teammate within the main Red Bull team or as part of Red Bull's secondary squad; and he's not the only one, as there have been additional expressions of interest.

He was curious about the current state of affairs concerning Williams and sought to have a conversation with James.

"Essentially, the path involving Red Bull, due to various reasons, became unfeasible."

To begin with, Red Bull possesses a board, which has led to the establishment of a robust academy. This academy has nurtured drivers who were on standby, though, unfortunately, this approach did not yield the desired results.

"Indeed, Christian's trip served as a means for Williams to grasp Franco's forthcoming circumstances."

Colapinto's opportunity with Alpine is on hold until 2025.

However, Jack Doohan may not be left waiting for long, as he faces immediate expectations to deliver strong performances.

Flavio Briatore has openly expressed his admiration for Colapinto, and considering the probable expense incurred to acquire him, it's certain that he will be slotted into Doohan's position sometime within the coming year.

Currently, Colapinto will serve as their backup and developmental driver.

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Connor, with his keen insight into F1's scandals and narratives, stands at the core of our impartial journalism.

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Famed soccer coach seeks insight from Max Verstappen

“I'm curious about how Max Verstappen maintains his concentration while racing so fast. I'm eager to understand this. If I can get that knowledge, I'll attempt to apply it to soccer.”

Renowned soccer coach Jurgen Klopp is keen on gaining insights from F1 champion Max Verstappen following the commencement of his latest position at Red Bull.

Klopp has taken on the role of head of global football for Red Bull, stepping away from managerial duties after his fruitful period at Liverpool.

This weekend, the 57-year-old was introduced in his new position and expressed his interest in having a conversation with Red Bull's leading driver.

Verstappen has clinched the drivers' championship title in Formula 1 for the fourth consecutive time, solidifying his position as one of the sport's all-time greats.

Regarding Verstappen, Klopp remarked, "There's so much to discuss!"

Klopp shared with the official Red Bull website, highlighting not only his concentration but also various other aspects.

"It's absolutely astonishing. I'm eager to hang out with him to grasp how he manages to maintain peak mental performance while facing the danger of speeding at 300 miles per hour in a car. Truly fascinating."

In a subsequent press briefing, Klopp expressed his curiosity, stating, “I’m amazed at how Max Verstappen maintains his concentration at such high speeds. I wish I could understand his secret. If I could get that information, I’d attempt to apply it to football.”

Verstappen applauds Klopp's recruitment

Verstappen has commended Red Bull for acquiring Klopp's services.

In a conversation with Sky Sports the previous year, Verstappen revealed, "I was aware for quite a while that discussions were ongoing and an agreement was nearly finalized.

Red Bull has also made significant investments in soccer, owning several teams and fostering an impressive pool of emerging talent.

"Having Jurgen at the helm is a huge asset due to his extensive experience and history of managing several prestigious clubs. It’s a significant advantage for the entire organization."

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Sauber's incoming Formula 1 leader to commence sooner following Red Bull's approval

Jonathan Wheatley has been granted an early departure from Red Bull to start his new role at Sauber, according to information obtained by Crash.net.

Jonathan Wheatley is set to assume his role as team principal for the Sauber F1 team ahead of schedule, following Red Bull's consent to an early departure.

Crash.net has discovered that the ex-sporting director of Red Bull is set to become part of Sauber from the 1st of April, a significant advance on the initially planned timeline.

In August of the previous year, it was revealed that Wheatley would depart from his position to take on the role of team principal for the upcoming Audi F1 team.

Initially, Red Bull announced that Wheatley would be on gardening leave, whereas Audi stated he would come on board no later than July 2025.

The decision for the 57-year-old British individual to join the Switzerland-based Sauber team has been expedited following Red Bull's agreement to an early termination of his contract.

Wheatley is set to be Sauber's inaugural team principal following Fred Vasseur's departure to Ferrari in 2023.

For the previous two years, Alessandro Alunni Bravi held the position of team representative, but Sauber has declared that the Italian will depart from the organization at January's close.

Wheatley is set to concentrate on enhancing the F1 factory team's competitive edge, managing operations during race events, and acting as Audi's representative at the team principal level for all things concerning F1.

He, alongside ex-Ferrari team leader and Audi's Chief Operating and Technical Officer Mattia Binotto, will collaboratively oversee the racing team's achievements.

Should everything proceed as scheduled, Wheatley is expected to step into his role starting with the third round of the 2025 season during the Japanese Grand Prix.

McLaren's pursuit of a new sporting director is on hold

Red Bull has shown reluctance to cooperate with McLaren, who became their most significant competitor in the 2024 season.

In September, McLaren revealed that Will Courtenay, who previously led race strategy at Red Bull, would be coming on board as their new sporting director.

At the time, Red Bull chose not to make any public statements regarding the situation. However, a team insider reportedly spoke to BBC Sport, stating, "Having been a part of the team since the Jaguar era and contributing significantly over the years, it's tough to see Will leave. Nonetheless, we wish him the utmost success in his new endeavor."

"Will remains a member of the squad, fulfilling his contractual obligations until the middle of 2026."

A recent publication from The Race suggests that McLaren's aspirations to acquire Courtenay soon "have dimmed."

Courtenay will remain in his role at the Red Bull pitwall for the entire 2025 season.

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He typically provides firsthand reports on events, sharing the narratives of influential figures within the sport.

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A renowned Mercedes F1 vehicle from the 1950s might fetch more than £40 million at auction next month.

A legendary Mercedes Formula 1 vehicle is expected to fetch a global record-breaking price surpassing £41 million.

Auction house RM Sotheby’s will be handling the sale of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Stromlinienwagen, famously piloted by F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio.

RM Sotheby is opening the bidding at £41 million (equivalent to 50 million euros), potentially setting a new record for the sale of an F1 car.

The existing highest amount stands at £19.6 million, a record set by another Mercedes W196R.

This is a Formula 1 car that clinched victory with Fangio at the helm during the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix.

Later in that season, Sir Stirling Moss raced the same car at Monza, securing the fastest lap.

In 1955, Fangio clinched his second world championship, with Moss coming in second place in the rankings.

In 1965, Mercedes gifted the vehicle to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has been on display for nearly six decades.

The auction is set for February 1, and it's anticipated to fetch a historically high price.

Leading the pack in terms of price, the 1954 Mercedes W196R holds the record with a sale price of $19.6 million in 2013.

The Silver Arrow went under the hammer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Bonhams conducted the auction.

Securing the runner-up position is the Mercedes that Lewis Hamilton drove to his inaugural victory in 2013.

This garnered £15.1 million in 2023.

Rounding out the trio is the 2003 Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher.

In 2022, it fetched £10.7 million at a Swiss auction.

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With a keen insight into F1's debates and narratives, Connor is the core of our impartial journalism.

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Rob Smedley advises F1 race engineers to be more assertive

Former F1 icon Rob Smedley shares guidance with today's race engineers.

Rob Smedley is of the opinion that F1 race engineers are overly cautious and invest too much effort in maintaining their drivers' satisfaction.

Smedley gained fame as the race engineer for Felipe Massa during their tenure at Ferrari. Their communication over the radio became legendary, marked by Smedley's straightforward and humorous approach, easily identifiable by his pronounced Teesside accent.

During the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix, the 51-year-old famously advised Massa with the words: “Felipe, baby, stay cool”.

During the 2010 German Grand Prix, Smedley relayed a cryptic directive from Ferrari to Massa, informing the Brazilian driver, "Fernando [Alonso, his teammate] is quicker than you. Do you acknowledge receiving this message?"

Smedley believes that race engineers are now overly cautious in how they communicate with their drivers.

"Smedley expressed on The Red Flags podcast that, in his view, there's too much caution being exercised in Formula 1 today."

"The manner in which the radio communications are conveyed to the driver catches my attention. Although I don't tune into every race, the ones I do catch, I find myself thinking, seriously, just be direct and say what needs to be said, you know?"

"Let a narcissistic sociopath get a little leverage, and they'll exploit it fully, so it's best not to offer them that leverage in the first place. Avoid showing any signs of self-doubt or insecurity. Don’t approach the situation as if you're hoping they might follow your advice… No, friend, this is a professional environment. When I instruct you, I expect it to be carried out."

Whenever my superior gives me an instruction, I follow through. This is simply how things operate. Provided we're not being directed by individuals with narcissistic or sociopathic tendencies towards harmful actions, failing to comply in a demanding setting like ours would lead to chaos. Everything would spiral out of control.

"Let's establish the basic guidelines for our interactions. These are the principles governing our communication with one another."

"There's plenty of these situations, such as: do I need to make a choice? Should I request one driver to change lanes or ask another to relocate? Will it upset him?"

"Listen, the reality is, by the race's conclusion, only one driver will be satisfied, correct? It's impossible to satisfy everyone constantly. So, frankly, toughen up and go ahead with the decisions you have to make.

"I believe this applies to both Formula 1 and everyday life. It feels like you're constantly treading carefully, afraid to make any choices, which ultimately leads you to the most unfavorable situation."

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Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Frequently providing live updates from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures within the racing community.

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