EXCLUSIVE: Mike Krack Stands Up for Lance Stroll Against Criticism

Mike Krack, the head of Aston Martin's Formula 1 team, expressed to Crash.net that he believes Lance Stroll faces undeserved criticism.

Aston Martin's F1 team principal, Mike Krack, believes that the amount of criticism directed at Lance Stroll is "very unfair."

Concerns have been expressed regarding Stroll's performance and dedication to Formula 1 this season, especially following a humiliating mistake that led to him crashing during the formation lap at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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Some critics argue that Stroll is the least strong member of the Aston Martin team and remains in his position mainly because his father, Lawrence, who owns the team, is a billionaire.

Krack highlights the comparison between Stroll and Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion considered one of the best F1 drivers ever, to show how Stroll's abilities are often overlooked.

According to the statistics, Alonso appears to have a clear advantage. Over the two seasons they raced alongside each other, Stroll accumulated 98 points, while Alonso amassed 274. Additionally, in grand prix qualifying sessions, Alonso outperformed Stroll 37 times compared to Stroll’s 8.

However, Krack contends that the difference between the two is "minimal" and has been affected by various elements, such as Aston Martin failing to provide both drivers with adequate equipment.

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net, Krack stated, "Lance faces significant unfair treatment. To begin with, the difference in performance between him and his teammate, who is among the greatest ever, is minimal."

"We have an individual who is deeply committed to vehicle development, actively participates in simulator sessions, maintains physical fitness, and contributes positively during discussions."

Krack thinks that the public's perception of Stroll is primarily shaped by his media interactions, though this view is mistaken.

Krack stated that the primary evaluation for him revolves around handling media responsibilities. However, he emphasized that the fundamental role of a racing driver is to be behind the wheel.

"Formula 1 has changed over time, with increased visibility and numerous media responsibilities. I believe this is an area where people are paying a lot of attention."

"Our primary focus as a team is to close the gap with one of the greatest competitors of all time. This individual is incredibly competitive. Our shortcoming lies in providing both drivers with the necessary equipment and vehicle to perform at their best."

"When Fernando ends up ninth in the championship standings, it might not seem impressive at first glance. However, because it's Fernando, people often attribute it to the car's performance. On the other hand, Lance achieved a remarkable result in Mexico by finishing 11th with what was considered the slowest car that day, yet this goes largely unnoticed."

Fernando's performance at Monza, where he secured the 11th position, has become a significant talking point. It's quite unjust how his image is portrayed to the public.

"In contrast, we aren't overly concerned. We recognize that we have someone unique; they're pleasant, productive, diligent, driven, and quick."

Stroll enjoys driving and competing in Formula 1. Observers have speculated that Stroll might have lost his passion for Formula 1, citing his attitude and demeanor in interviews as possible indicators.

During a recent appearance on the Red Flag Podcast, former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner commented, "No matter what occurs, he appears to be perpetually dissatisfied."

To put it simply, if Lance's father didn't own a team, it's unlikely Lance would be a Formula 1 driver, as he doesn't have the desire to pursue it.

However, Krack firmly denies this claim, stating it's false. He disclosed that during the recent three-week hiatus, Stroll reached out to him personally to discuss the possibility of doing some private testing with older F1 cars.

When questioned about whether Stroll's enthusiasm for Formula 1 is evident, Krack responded: "Definitely, without a doubt."

"During the recent three-week hiatus, Lance reached out to me by phone, eager to see if we could arrange a way for him to drive an old car. His enthusiasm for driving really sets him apart, especially in a sport where there is no opportunity for testing."

"It's quite unjust to see certain remarks, which are frequently penned with little investigation, simply because they align with popular beliefs. People think, 'Let's put that down and fill some space.' This results in a very distorted representation."

"In every sport, there are villains and heroes, roles to play, and Formula 1 is no different."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Fernando Alonso discloses the single instance he experienced having “the best car” in his racing career.

“I’m accustomed to not having the superior vehicle.”

Fernando Alonso mentioned that staying motivated during the challenging 2024 Formula 1 season with Aston Martin was "not difficult" for him, as he is "accustomed to not having the best car."

At 43 years old, the competitor enters the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi ranked ninth with 68 points, having not achieved any podium finishes during a challenging year for Aston Martin.

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It is quite different from the achievements of him and his team in 2023, when Alonso secured fourth place in the championship by earning 206 points and landing on the podium eight times.

While Aston Martin's AMR24 car has not advanced as expected, Alonso believes that the busy schedule has made it simple to stay driven by new objectives.

He mentioned that his issues with his car weren't a significant concern for him, as he feels that the only period in his racing career when he had top-notch equipment was during the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

On Thursday in Abu Dhabi, Alonso spoke to reporters, including those from Crash.net, stating that staying motivated was easy because every two weeks offered an opportunity to improve upon the last performance.

"This schedule leaves no room for rest or reflection; you're constantly on the move."

"It wasn't hard to find motivation. In some ways, I'm accustomed to not always having the top-performing vehicle."

"I believe that, in my 25 years of competing in the WEC, I currently have the best Toyota car I've ever had. This keeps me constantly motivated."

The 2018/19 World Endurance Championship, referred to as the 'super season', featured Alonso and Toyota winning five out of the eight events, including two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This took place during a period when the Japanese brand was the sole significant manufacturer participating in the top tier of the series.

Although he managed to stay motivated during a challenging 2024 season, Alonso confesses that he is "glad it's coming to an end" after this weekend. He believes that Aston Martin has been "struggling without purpose" during the latter part of the season.

He mentioned that the season feels lengthy for everyone involved, including the mechanics and the entire team.

"Having 24 races is extremely challenging, particularly the final stretch of three consecutive races. When the championship is already decided, like when Max clinched the title in Vegas, it feels different. By the time summer ended, we were comfortably in fifth place in the constructors' championship with no pressure from competitors behind us and no opportunities to advance ahead."

"The last seven or eight races feel quite lengthy since there's nothing at stake."

"We are working on understanding the car for next year's project, but besides that, there isn't much else to focus on."

"I’m glad to begin the winter break now, and I’m looking forward to starting fresh next year with the aim of being more competitive."

"The drive to succeed shifts when the Abu Dhabi race concludes and the focus turns to developing the car and working on the simulator for the upcoming year, compared to arriving here with the expectation of finishing between ninth and 12th."

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Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet share joyful personal news

Pair reveal significant announcement before the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet have shared some delightful personal news.

They announced that they are expecting their first child together.

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The Formula 1 champion announced on social media that a "Mini Verstappen-Piquet" is coming soon.

"Our joy over our tiny miracle knows no bounds."

Check out this Instagram post from Max Verstappen (@maxverstappen1), with content shared by the racing driver.

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are expecting a child together. Kelly is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, who won the Formula 1 championship three times in his career.

She already has a daughter, and the child's father is Daniil Kvyat, the racer whom Verstappen took over from at Red Bull.

Verstappen has stated that he avoids discussing racing topics with his father-in-law.

Verstappen and Kelly took an unexpected approach by sharing their personal news on social media.

Verstappen has mentioned before that he doesn't feel the urge to share his personal life with the public.

Kelly is engaging in it far less frequently than before. When I eventually finish with Formula 1, I doubt I'll be sharing much online. It's simply not something I enjoy.

"There are individuals who have nothing else to do throughout the day, but I'm occupied with various tasks. For instance, I dedicate a significant amount of time to my phone, primarily to manage activities related to my simulation team."

Max Verstappen and George Russell are in a dispute. The announcement about the baby came before the Friday sessions of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On Thursday, a heated verbal exchange took center stage between Verstappen and George Russell from the Mercedes team.

Russell accused Verstappen of being a "bully" following the resurgence of their argument from the previous weekend in Qatar.

In a heated exchange, Verstappen challenged Russell's remarks, an altercation that also involved Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, and numerous other F1 drivers.

Initially, Verstappen was upset because he believed Russell played a part in the penalty he received from the FIA in Qatar.

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

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Max Verstappen and George Russell distanced themselves from each other at the F1 driver dinner, choosing seats at the far ends of the table.

During the yearly F1 driver dinner hosted by Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and George Russell were seated at opposite ends of the table.

This information comes from McLaren's Lando Norris, who made a playful comment about the ongoing rivalry between the duo, which intensified into a verbal clash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale.

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Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, organized a dinner for the drivers, a tradition they have adopted at the end of each year. Typically, the reigning world champion is the one who pays for the meal.

Valtteri Bottas, who is leaving Sauber, disclosed that he footed the bill, mentioning that it amounted to "around 20,000 in local currency," equating to slightly more than £4,000.

Norris stated that his competitor for the title, Verstappen, and Russell were positioned at different sides of the table in a group picture they posted on social media.

"2024 dinner! And indeed, the two people you're thinking of were seated at opposite ends of the table," Norris wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.

It seems that Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, as well as Haas's Kevin Magnussen, did not go to the dinner.

Jack Doohan, the latest addition to the Formula 1 driving roster, was absent. However, Esteban Ocon, who is set to be replaced by a newcomer for the 2025 season and will not compete in Abu Dhabi, was present.

Dispute between Russell and Verstappen intensifies

In a dramatic turn on Thursday, Russell alleged that Verstappen had menaced him with threats of deliberately causing a collision and said he would "slam his head into the f*****g wall" in Qatar.

Russell expressed his confusion over the personal attack, telling reporters, including those from Crash.net, that he would not tolerate it. "I want to clarify the situation: I refuse to stand by while someone criticizes me on a personal level," he stated.

It was clear that it was an impulsive decision, but the following day, while we were having some light-hearted fun with [Sergio] Perez and Carlos [Sainz], I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was serious about it.

He has won the championship four times. Lewis Hamilton is the kind of champion I aim to emulate—tough yet just, always staying within the rules. As drivers, we have a responsibility.

"It's not appropriate for a world champion to announce that he intends to deliberately collide with someone and cause them harm; that's not the kind of example we should be promoting."

This followed Verstappen's criticism of Russell, accusing the Mercedes driver of influencing the decision to penalize the four-time world champion after qualifying last weekend.

Verstappen, expressing that he no longer held any respect for Russell, intensified his criticism during the Abu Dhabi event.

The individual from the Netherlands referred to Russell as both a "traitor" and a "failure."

"Verstappen described George as someone who betrays trust during an interview with De Telegraaf, as reported by ESPN Netherlands."

The way he constantly mentions all this irrelevant stuff marks him as nothing but a loser. He fabricates stories and pieces together things that don’t make sense. I simply expressed my thoughts on how he acted with the stewards.

"It was obvious that he couldn't manage the situation. As for his remarks regarding 2021, that's reflective of his behavior with the officials, suggesting unfounded claims."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing industry.

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2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Friday Practice Session – LIVE Updates!

Stay tuned for live updates as the Friday practice session unfolds at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Marking the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Friday kicks off with the final practice day at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Although Max Verstappen has already secured the drivers' championship, the primary attention is now on the battle for the highest position in the constructors' rankings.

As they approach the final race, McLaren and Ferrari are separated by a mere 21 points. Ferrari managed to set up a potential title decider by their performance in the recent race in Qatar.

Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi before moving to Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan will make his first appearance with the Alpine team this weekend.

The growing conflict between Max Verstappen and George Russell after the Qatar Grand Prix has been a major focus in the news this weekend. There is potential for this tension to impact the race if the two drivers find themselves close to one another on the track during Sunday's event.

The first practice session starts at 9:30 a.m. GMT, while the second practice session is scheduled for 1 p.m

Leclerc's Grid Penalty

Charles Leclerc, who recently finished first in the first practice session, will face a 10-place grid penalty due to Ferrari's decision to replace the battery in his vehicle.

This is a significant setback for Ferrari in their fight for the constructors' championship.

Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with the traffic conditions he encountered on the track, communicating his concerns to the Aston Martin team.

End of FP1

The session concludes in Abu Dhabi as the chequered flag signals the end of FP1.

Charles Leclerc is in the lead with a lap time of 1 minute and 24.321 seconds, closely followed by Lando Norris. The battle for dominance between McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors' championship is intensifying.

The Williams team has announced that both of its drivers will incur grid penalties due to changes in their gearboxes. As of now, Colapinto is in seventh place, and Browning holds the 20th

The race officials stated that after examining the situation, there's no requirement for any additional inquiry regarding Gasly's failure to slow down under yellow flags. Consequently, the Alpine driver will not face any penalties.

Charles Leclerc clocked the quickest lap with a time of 1 minute and 24.321 seconds using soft tires. At the same time, Pierre Gasly has been observed for not reducing speed when yellow flags were displayed, and Lewis Hamilton will be under investigation after the session for potentially obstructing Lando Norris.

Pierre Gasly moves up to fourth place in the Alpine car while using a set of soft tires.

With slightly more than 10 minutes remaining, the current ranking of the top 10 is as

During Hadjar's most recent fast lap, he once again clashed with Browning at the final corner, resulting in Browning receiving a black and white warning flag.

Hamilton has reduced the distance to Norris by clocking a time of 1 minute and 24.806 seconds. Meanwhile, Russell has moved up to third place with a time of 1 minute and 25.165 seconds, despite facing challenges with his brakes

Russell is currently dissatisfied with his vehicle: "I'm not a fan of these brakes, even when I'm entering the pit lane."

Charles Leclerc is currently on the track, marking the first occasion where two siblings from the same team are participating together in an F1 session.

Hadjar expressed his dissatisfaction with Browning's actions at Turn 6, telling his Red Bull team, "The Williams really messed up my run through the chicane."

This year, the last corner has been expanded, and Norris took full advantage of the extra space on the track to clock in a time that places him 0.831 seconds ahead of the rest.

An increasing number of drivers have opted for soft tyres, resulting in Norris setting the quickest lap time at 1 minute 24.542 seconds. He currently leads the timesheets, followed by Hulkenberg, Russell, Hamilton, Perez, Bottas, Magnussen, Gasly, Hadjar, and Alonso.

Russell achieved the quickest time of 1 minute and 25.410 seconds after changing to soft tires.

Drugovich, driving the other Aston Martin, slightly enhances his position, moving up to 14th place.

Alonso has moved up to the sixth position while driving the Aston Martin.

Charles Leclerc is preparing to get back into his Ferrari now that the team appears to have completed the necessary repairs.

Lewis Hamilton climbs to the leading position with a lap time of 1 minute 25.586 seconds, all while using medium compound tires.

This session, set during twilight, doesn't fully reflect typical conditions, but Mercedes has begun strongly, occupying the first and second positions.

At the moment, Doohan leads the rookie pack, securing the ninth spot. Browning holds the 12th position for Williams, while Hadjar is in 14th for Red Bull. A. Leclerc takes 15th place for Ferrari, Drugovich is in 17th for Aston Martin, Hirakawa ranks 18th for McLaren, and Iwasa is 19th for Red Bull.

After 20 minutes of running, the current top 10 are as follows:

Russell climbed to the top of the leaderboard by clocking a time of 1 minute and 25.963 seconds on medium tires, while his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton secured the second spot with a time of 1 minute and 25.993 seconds. Perez claimed the third position.

It seems Charles Leclerc is staying put for now. There's still plenty of effort being put in. This is not the best beginning for Ferrari in their battle for the constructors' championship.

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Martin Brundle's analysis of the conflict among F1 drivers: ‘Max Verstappen is keeping everyone uneasy’

"He's making everyone feel pressured and uneasy, from the media to rival teams, and especially among fellow drivers…"

Martin Brundle, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, has shared his thoughts on the continuing conflict between Max Verstappen and George Russell.

Thursday was a day full of excitement at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when Verstappen and Russell addressed the press before the season's last race.

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In Qatar on Sunday, Verstappen stood by his previous remarks, expressing that he no longer respected Russell. This stemmed from Russell's purported involvement in causing Verstappen to receive a grid penalty after last weekend's qualifying.

Russell responded to Verstappen by making several remarks that challenged the way the current world champion copes with difficult situations. He also alluded to the 2021 season, pondering how Verstappen might have reacted if he had been in Lewis Hamilton's shoes and faced a championship loss.

Tensions remained high as Verstappen addressed the Dutch media, referring to Russell as a "backstabber" and a "loser."

Before the first practice session in Abu Dhabi, Brundle comments that Verstappen is becoming more aggressive during races while portraying himself as a victim outside of them.

According to Brundle, Max has intensified his aggressive tactics during races while simultaneously portraying himself as a victim when he’s not racing, and this strategy is proving effective. He has unsettled everyone, from the media to other teams and especially his fellow drivers, with his approach to racing.

"It's well-known that he's always been assertive on the race track, and it seems he's realized that he can express himself freely without facing consequences. He's familiar with the rules and has mastered the art of maneuvering his car, especially in close-quarters racing. Each time he engages in such tactics, it seems to work in his favor."

"Russell was the sole person with the courage to speak up"

Russell was furious at Verstappen's remarks after the Dutch driver cast doubt on his honesty.

The British driver emphasized that his intention was merely to defend himself and not to intensify the situation with Verstappen.

Brundle noted that Russell is the pioneer among drivers to have the courage to challenge Verstappen.

Brundle mentioned that currently, George is the sole person courageous enough to take on Max. He noted that everyone else has backed down.

"The FIA ought to address this issue, but they are preoccupied with resolving their own matters. I truly think there needs to be greater engagement."

"For years, I've expressed my confusion about how drivers can be close friends, engage warmly on social media, and still compete closely on the track. I don't see how that can be successful."

Keenly attuned to the controversies and narratives of Formula 1, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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Fernando Alonso has come to George Russell's defense following a comment from Max Verstappen, who accused Russell of being insincere amid a dispute over an F1 penalty. Alonso stated, "I believe George is an excellent driver and a wonderful individual."

Fernando Alonso has stood up for George Russell following accusations from Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, who labeled Russell as ‘two-faced’ during the controversy surrounding the penalties at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, received a penalty that dropped him one position on the starting grid. This decision came after officials determined that he obstructed Mercedes driver George Russell during the qualifying session in Qatar last weekend.

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Verstappen was furious with Russell's demand for a penalty, arguing that there was no previous case of penalizing a driver for slow driving, particularly since Russell was not on a quick lap at that moment.

In Qatar, Verstappen reacted angrily, expressing his frustration by saying, "He puts on a friendly front for the cameras, but behind closed doors, he's a totally different person. I find that intolerable."

During the final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday, Verstappen reiterated his position, expressing that he felt "no regrets" regarding his previous comments made in Qatar.

When questioned about the verbal dispute between Verstappen and Russell, Alonso, known for his frequent critiques of F1 officiating, provided a calm and balanced perspective.

When questioned by reporters, such as those from Crash.net, about whether he concurred with Verstappen's characterization of Russell as 'two-faced,' he responded, "No, I don't think so."

"I believe George is an excellent driver and a wonderful individual. I'm also close friends with George. I don't think he behaves differently in various situations."

The main point, which Max likely agrees with, is something I've mentioned on several occasions: there is a lack of consistency in how penalties are applied. For instance, if an incident occurs in Qatar and then the same situation happens again at the following event, even if you repeat the actions precisely, the penalties may differ.

"You can trigger that situation while driving, and you won't face the same consequences in terms of penalties."

"That's the kind of frustration we occasionally experience. However, we recently appointed a new race director and also brought in different personnel for the stewards' room."

"We hope that these modifications will be beneficial and will enhance the consistency we are seeking."

"We should allow them some time, too. Ideally, both now and in the coming year, we will see more stable and improved results."

Rui Marques has recently assumed the position of F1 race director, following Niels Wittich's sudden resignation from the FIA. The Qatar race is the second event under Marques' leadership.

In Qatar, Marques had the responsibility of handling two roles, one of which was continuing his former position as the race director for Formula 2.

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George Russell reacts strongly to Max Verstappen's threat to 'put his head in a f*****g wall'

In Abu Dhabi, Lewis Larkam reports on the intensifying dispute between George Russell and Max Verstappen.

George Russell disclosed that his Formula 1 competitor, Max Verstappen, warned him of deliberately causing a collision and said he would "smash my f*****g head into the wall" during the Qatar event.

During a remarkable press conference, which was attended by media outlets such as Crash.net, a shocking disclosure was made. During the event, Russell responded to Verstappen’s public complaints about his behavior.

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Max Verstappen, who has won the world championship four times, expressed that he no longer respects the Mercedes driver because of the part he played in the penalty Verstappen received following the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying session.

In an unexpected show of unity, Russell, accompanied by Mercedes team leader Toto Wolff, extensively discussed Verstappen, alleging that he uses intimidation strategies.

Russell shared that he has been acquainted with Max for many years and is well aware of his abilities. He mentioned that Max explicitly told him he would intentionally cause a collision, potentially risking serious injury by forcing him into the wall.

"I realized it was likely said in the heat of the moment, but when I visited him the following day during the driver's parade, with Checo and Carlos present, and we were all sharing some laughs, I could tell from his eyes that he was serious."

"He's a four-time world champion, but when I look at his behavior compared to Lewis, I see a difference. Lewis is the kind of world champion I look up to. His battle against Max in 2021 was tough, very tough. It was competitive yet always within the boundaries of fairness."

"As drivers, we have a responsibility. My eight-year-old nephew has recently begun go-karting, and he's an avid viewer of all my races. He also spends time watching content on TikTok and YouTube."

"A world champion declaring that they intend to deliberately cause a crash and harm someone is not the kind of behavior we should look up to."

Russell Unfazed by Backlash

In a remarkable press conference, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stood alongside George Russell to support him following Max Verstappen's public criticism. Russell accused Verstappen of having acted like a bully for too long because no one had previously challenged him—until now. #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/mQKN5S564Y— Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) December 5, 2024

In a remarkable press conference, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stood alongside George Russell to support him following Max Verstappen's public criticism. Russell accused Verstappen of having acted like a bully for too long because no one had previously challenged him—until now. #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/mQKN5S564Y

When questioned by Crash.net about whether he intended to have a conversation with Verstappen, Russell responded, “I see no reason to engage with him. I have absolutely nothing to discuss.”

When asked if he believes their relationship is irreparably damaged, Verstappen told Crash.net: "I'm mature about it. I'm not losing any sleep at all. I understand Max's behavior. It's not the first time I've witnessed him act this way."

"When he was 14 and racing go-karts, I witnessed him in this manner. I'm simply recounting and describing the events of Saturday night."

Russell emphasized that the goal of intensifying their dispute is not to have Verstappen penalized, but rather to assert himself.

"I'm not aiming to have Max face any penalties," he stated. "I'm not seeking any consequences from this situation. I'm simply defending myself."

"A person has been publicly challenging my character and criticizing me in the media. I feel the need to clarify the situation. As I mentioned before, everyone is entitled to their own viewpoint."

"However, he went too far over the weekend, which I found unacceptable. I am particularly sensitive to the use of profanity."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-site reports, sharing the experiences and perspectives of key figures in the racing world.

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Lando Norris comments on the dispute between George Russell and Max Verstappen, saying, "Some people are more competitive, while others are less so. However, I find it entertaining to see them bicker as they do."

Lando Norris has shared his perspective on the disagreement between Max Verstappen and George Russell after the F1 Qatar Grand Prix.

Tensions have flared between Verstappen and Russell after Verstappen was handed a one-place grid penalty following the qualifying session in Qatar.

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Verstappen was frustrated with both the penalty and Russell's reported conduct in the stewards' office.

Verstappen stated that Russell's actions were "unacceptable" and noted that he had never witnessed anyone behave in such a manner previously.

During Thursday's FIA press conference, the four-time world champion remained firm in his stance, telling reporters, "I stand by everything I said."

Soon after, Russell retaliated against Verstappen, making several jabs and remarks regarding the Dutch driver's approach to handling challenges.

Norris, who maintains friendships with both drivers, shared his perspective on the matter.

Lando Norris described the situation to journalists in Abu Dhabi, where Crash.net is covering the event, by stating, "On one hand, we're here because we are compensated to compete and deliver strong performances for our team."

In many respects, regardless of the expense, you aim to achieve victory and create the best chance for success. For George, this involved expressing himself and acting in the way he did.

"Sometimes, among drivers, there's a mutual understanding that certain incidents are simply part of racing. You recognize that it's just how things go occasionally, and you feel that neither party should be penalized. It's just one of those situations where a penalty isn't really necessary."

Mercedes is not in contention for a championship, so they are holding on to whatever they can more than Max is. As a result, they are willing to do whatever it takes to secure a pole position or a victory. Consequently, they might have lost some respect from Max because of this approach.

"People have their unique approaches. Some put up a stronger fight for what they want, while others don't. However, I find it entertaining to see them debate as they do."

Norris contemplates his penalty in Qatar

In Qatar, a contentious incident involved Norris receiving a 10-second stop-go penalty for speeding while double-waved yellow flags were being displayed.

Norris received a penalty when Verstappen observed that his lead had decreased considerably.

Following a complaint made over team radio, the situation was quickly examined, resulting in Norris receiving a significant penalty.

Norris has no problem with Verstappen being a part of it, stating that "every driver in the lineup" would act similarly.

"Certainly. Honestly, I believe that any driver competing would have acted just like Max did," he commented.

"That's just how racing goes; there are regulations to follow. Max was able to see that I didn't stick to them."

"I was capable of doing it and still am, but he came up with an idea and shared it without knowing. I'm perfectly okay with that."

Connor, known for his keen awareness of F1's disputes and narratives, is central to our objective reporting.

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Sergio Perez dismisses speculation about leaving F1: 'I'll be racing with Red Bull next year'

The Mexican driver asserts that he will remain with Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season.

Sergio Perez has confirmed that he plans to remain with Red Bull for the upcoming year, despite growing speculation suggesting his departure from the team following the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez is nearing the conclusion of his most challenging year with Red Bull since he became part of the team in 2021. This season marks his first without a victory in Formula 1 since 2019.

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In 2024, Perez has only managed to secure four podium finishes in grand prix races. His last appearance on the podium on a Sunday was at the Chinese Grand Prix in April. Additionally, he has not finished in the top five in any full-length race since the Miami event.

Perez currently sits in eighth place in the rankings, and his performance has played a role in Red Bull not securing the constructors' championship for the first time since 2021.

After Perez retired from the Qatar Grand Prix last week, rumors began circulating about him potentially losing his spot at Red Bull. These speculations were intensified by comments from the team's leader, Christian Horner.

"I'm going to allow Checo to draw his own conclusions," he stated. "No one is pushing him in any particular direction. It's clearly an uncomfortable position for him to be in."

Following the finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Red Bull plans to conduct a meeting regarding its team line-up for the 2025 season. Liam Lawson is the leading candidate to be elevated from the RB team to take over Perez's position.

However, on Thursday, before the last round of 2024, Perez stood firm regarding his future plans.

He started by saying that concentrating on the weekend is what matters most to him.

"My goal is to give my utmost effort for the team, aiming to demonstrate to everyone involved that success is within our reach. I believe this is our primary aim for the upcoming weekend."

"There has been no alteration from what I've been stating consistently throughout the year."

"I have a contract for the upcoming year and will be racing with Red Bull in the next season."

When questioned about whether he would definitely be participating in the opening race of the 2025 season in Australia, he responded, "I've already mentioned it. There's nothing more to say. My contract covers next year."

Perez acknowledges his accountability for his performance in 2024, yet he is confident that he has the backing of Red Bull's leadership, citing the fact that "there's a reason they extended my contract."

He emphasized the significance of maintaining unity as a team.

"The season hasn't gone as well as hoped, but ultimately, they extended my contract for a reason. They believe in my abilities and that's what truly matters."

"Certainly, I accept responsibility, but I believe it isn't solely the fault of one individual."

"I am clearly a member of a large organization and team, and it's quite regrettable that we didn't put up a stronger fight for the constructors' title."

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George Russell suggests that if Max Verstappen were to lose, Michael Masi might be concerned for his safety. This statement was reported by Lewis Larkam from the scene in Abu Dhabi.

George Russell has stated that if Max Verstappen had not won the 2021 world championship, former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi might have been "afraid for his life."

Masi lost his role as race director due to his management of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which included a contentious conclusion to the championship battle between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

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Hamilton was in control of the race and seemed set to claim an unprecedented eighth world championship. However, Masi's improper handling of the Safety Car regulations allowed Verstappen to pass the Mercedes driver on the final lap, securing both the race victory and the championship.

In the midst of a growing dispute reminiscent of the controversial title showdown from three years ago, Russell has accused Verstappen of engaging in bullying tactics. He suggests that if Verstappen had found himself in Hamilton's position of losing, his reaction would have been markedly different.

According to Russell, as reported by media outlets like Crash.net, the reason he's been able to bully others is that no one has confronted him.

In 2021, Lewis confronted him, but the championship wasn't won by him in a fair way. Think about if the situation were flipped, with Max being the one to lose the title like Lewis did. In such a case, Michael Masi might be extremely worried for his safety.

"Lewis approached the championship battle with strength and assertiveness, maintaining respect throughout and never crossing any boundaries."

Verstappen 'struggles with challenges,' says Russell

Russell made these remarks after disclosing that Verstappen had warned him with a threat to "slam me into the wall headfirst." This was in response to the criticism Verstappen directed at the Mercedes driver concerning his involvement in the penalty imposed after qualifying in Qatar.

The British individual made a shocking statement, alleging that "25%" of Verstappen's team was eager to exit Red Bull. They reportedly submitted their resumes to competing teams following the Dutch driver's criticism of his own team during a period of challenging competition earlier this season. The world champion, it was claimed, struggles to "handle difficult situations."

Russell stated, "When I entered the stewards' room, I had no issues with Max, and when I left, that remained unchanged."

"Things took a turn for the worse with what he said to me. However, I returned to my team, and we found humor in the situation. The following day, I anticipated having another laugh about it."

"I noticed the intensity in his gaze, though I'm unsure what about this subject has upset him so much. He struggles with handling challenges. For the past two and a half years, he's been driving the most powerful car in racing history."

"I'm not doubting his skills behind the wheel at all. However, as soon as he lacks the quickest car, things change. For instance, in Budapest, he collides with Lewis, criticizes his entire team, and completely loses his composure."

Immediately following that race, a quarter of his engineering team began applying for jobs with Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin. They expressed their inability to work with someone like him. Since the race in Austria, he has secured the same number of victories as six other drivers.

"Is it possible to defeat Max? Absolutely, he can be defeated. However, when he's driving the most dominant car, he's unbeatable. This is similar to the times when Lewis and I had the leading car at Silverstone and in Las Vegas; we were unbeatable then as well."

Lewis frequently travels to various international locations to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. As an on-the-ground reporter, he shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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"Nothing compares," says Carlos Sainz, offering guidance to Lewis Hamilton as he prepares to join Ferrari. Carlos Sainz shares his insights with Lewis Hamilton as he gets ready to transition to Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz has advised Lewis Hamilton to relish his experience as a Ferrari F1 driver before he transitions to a new team next year.

For the 2025 Formula 1 season, Hamilton is set to join Ferrari, taking over Sainz's spot and racing alongside Charles Leclerc

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This weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Formula 1 marks Hamilton's last race with the Mercedes team, as well as Sainz's departure from Ferrari after a four-year stint.

During the FIA press conference on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, where Crash.net has reporters in the paddock, Sainz was questioned about any guidance he might offer Hamilton as he prepares for his significant transition.

Though Sainz acknowledged that a driver as talented as Hamilton doesn't require "advice," he did offer a friendly message to his peer in the racing world.

Sainz expressed that he genuinely believes a seven-time world champion, who has switched teams several times in the past, doesn't require his guidance.

The main advice I can offer is to savor the experience. It's an amazing environment to be involved in and a fantastic location to drive, truly embodying the feeling of being a Formula 1 driver.

"I think he'll receive an amazing welcome from the fans, as well as from the entire Ferrari team, including the engineers and mechanics. Being a driver for Ferrari in Formula 1 is an unparalleled experience, and I have no doubt that he will thoroughly enjoy it."

Could Ferrari come to rue their decision to swap Sainz for Hamilton?

In the beginning of the year, the decision to trade Sainz for Hamilton seemed like an obvious choice.

In the 2023 Formula 1 drivers' championship, Hamilton secured the third position, showcasing a noticeable edge over his teammate.

By the close of 2024, George Russell has consistently outshone his teammate, Hamilton.

Russell has an 18-5 advantage in qualifying matchups and holds a higher position in the drivers' rankings.

Hamilton has confessed that he is "simply slow" after experiencing a difficult weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Conversely, Sainz has experienced yet another impressive season with the Scuderia team.

Although Leclerc has generally outperformed Sainz in their four-year partnership, Sainz has not been consistently outclassed to the extent of being relegated to a secondary role at Ferrari.

Based solely on his performance during races, it can be said that Sainz should not be replaced.

When a driver as talented as Hamilton becomes available, it's no surprise that Ferrari found it impossible to resist.

Ferrari and Frederic Vasseur are optimistic that 2024 was merely an anomaly for Hamilton, and they hope the flashes of brilliance we've witnessed will become more consistent in the following year.

Connor, known for his keen insight into the controversies and narratives of Formula 1, is the driving force behind our impartial coverage.

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