RaceFans Round-up: Verstappen defends Perez’s performances

Briefly

Verstappen defends Perez’s performances

Verstappen defended Perez’s efficiency amid rising hypothesis over his future at Crimson Bull. “Our automobile from the beginning has not been the best to drive,” mentioned Verstappen. “We had been nonetheless dominant at first, however then I feel with some upgrades on the automobile, it made it much more tough to drive. In fact, additionally for me, however I feel much more for Checo for his driving model.

“I can inform you that in the midst of the season, particularly, our automobile has been a bit everywhere in the store. Typically fairly constructive and once more, very tough. And even for us, it was simply very arduous to seek out the path. And for certain, that additionally didn’t assist Checo normally.

“I’ve to say he’s at all times been an awesome workforce participant, and I’ve at all times loved working with him each single grand prix, even once we had robust occasions. I feel he was at all times there to try to get the absolute best outcome out of it. So for me, there’s nothing unfavourable in any respect to say about him.”

FIA shortens one DRS zone for Yas Marina

The primary DRS zone for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix alongside the again straight between turns 5 and 6 has been shortened by 50 metres in comparison with final yr’s occasion.

The activation zone for the primary DRS zone will likely be situated 260 metres after flip 5 in comparison with 210 metres past flip 5 in 2023. The second DRS zone on the next straight between turns seven and 9 is unchanged.

Goethe to run full F2 marketing campaign with MP

MP Motorsport has introduced that Oliver Goethe, who has raced with the workforce in F2 because the Monza spherical to fill the seat vacated by Franco Colapinto, will run a full season marketing campaign with the workforce subsequent yr.

Goethe scored his first factors for the workforce within the Losail function race final weekend, ending fourth.

“Oliver fitted proper again in as quickly as he rejoined our workforce and we stay up for repeating the sturdy outcomes we gained in our time collectively in Spanish F4 and, after all, solely lately at Macau within the FIA Formulation Regional World Cup [Macau Grand Prix],” mentioned workforce principal Sander Dorsman. “Together with Richard [Verschoor], now we have two very acquainted faces in our workforce, and we goal to construct on their shut bond with the workforce to complete this season on a excessive and are available out sturdy in 2025.”

Hyundai confirms first Genesis hypercar drivers

Hyundai has introduced the primary two drivers for its new hypercar programme, Genesis Magma Racing. A number of Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani will share growth duties for the brand new GMR-001 forward of its debut in 2026 and can type a part of the workforce’s race lineup.

Genesis may even companion with IDEC to run a LMP2 automobile in subsequent yr’s European Le Mans Championship. Former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant will race the entry alongside Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert.

Hyperlinks

Wolff reveals uncommon help for FIA president in F1 swearing row (Reuters)

‘I’ve my conflicts with Mohammed Ben Sulayem. I disagree with most of the different issues that he got here up with. However on that one, I feel it is fairly impolite. For me, I might be glad to sanction that much more.’

FIA declares reorganisation and strategic imaginative and prescient for Street Sport Division (FIA)

‘Emilia Abel, who replaces Andrew Wheatley who has left the FIA, will likely be chargeable for shaping the way forward for the FIA World Rally Championship and overseeing grass roots growth of each rally and off-road classes. With a transparent deal with each top-tier championships and grassroots initiatives, the FIA is dedicated to enhancing the attraction of motor sport to a broader viewers whereas fostering innovation, security, and accessibility throughout all ranges.’

24 Hours of Le Mans to undertake new qualifying format in 2025 (Sportscar 365)

‘The 15 certified prototypes will compete in H1 to seek out out which ten proceed to H2 – an epic 15-minute showdown to resolve who begins the race in the perfect place at 16:00 CET on Saturday, 14 June.’

Thanks, Lewis (Mercedes through YouTube)

On the eve of his remaining race weekend with Mercedes, the workforce pays tribute to their most profitable driver in historical past.

Unique interview with Cyril Abiteboul on Genesis Hypercar programme (FIA WEC through YouTube)

‘Hyundai Motorsport president Cyril Abiteboul discusses the brand new Genesis Magma Racing workforce and the workforce’s plans forward of its entry into the WEC as a hypercar entry in 2026.’

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Social media

Notable posts from X (previously Twitter), TikTok and extra:

Lando Norris posted an image of the drivers at their end-of-season dinner.

“And sure, the 2 [you’re] eager about had been sat as distant from one another as attainable,” he provides…

#F1 #AbuDhabiGP

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— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet.bsky.social) 5 December 2024 at 19:57

A lot of change in #F1 after this weekend. However most notably, Rolex24h winner Sonny Hayes will lastly finish his F1 profession. pic.twitter.com/liMhbt4Ruf

— jameypricephoto (@jameypricephoto) December 5, 2024

Now this was particular! 🏎️🏁Tremendous cool to drive the @AlpineF1Team F1 automobile at Magny-Cours alongside @jackdoohan33 🤩massive thanks @Castrol and the workforce for making it attainable! Tons extra content material coming quickly 🎬 pic.twitter.com/kcEjYoLtAT

— Petter Solberg (@Petter_Solberg) December 5, 2024

Thanks, @AndrettiIndy for an unimaginable two years! Though IndyCar isn’t in my speedy plans, I’m tremendous grateful for all the things I’ve discovered and skilled with this unbelievable workforce. I am excited to maintain pushing myself and stay up for the brand new adventures forward! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/7RCErNQ83e

— Jamie Chadwick (@JamieChadwick) December 5, 2024

George Russell means that, had Max Verstappen been the sufferer of Michael Masi’s error at Abu Dhabi in 2021, the race director might need “feared for his life”.

However he already had trigger to: Masi mentioned he acquired “loss of life threats” for months afterwards.

www.racefans.web/2022/07/31/m…

#F1

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— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine.bsky.social) 5 December 2024 at 21:06

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