Within the round-up: Max Verstappen has defends staff mate Sergio Perez regardless of his ongoing struggles.
Briefly
Verstappen defends Perez’s performances
Verstappen defended Perez’s efficiency amid rising hypothesis over his future at Pink Bull. “Our automotive from the beginning has not been the best to drive,” stated Verstappen. “We had been nonetheless dominant to start with, however then I feel with some upgrades on the automotive, it made it much more tough to drive. In fact, additionally for me, however I feel much more for Checo for his driving fashion.
“I can inform you that in the course of the season, particularly, our automotive has been a bit all around the store. Typically fairly constructive and once more, very tough. And even for us, it was simply very exhausting to seek out the path. And for positive, that additionally didn’t assist Checo usually.
“I’ve to say he’s at all times been an ideal staff participant, and I’ve at all times loved working with him each single grand prix, even after 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 destructive 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 might be positioned 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 staff in F2 because the Monza spherical to fill the seat vacated by Franco Colapinto, will run a full season marketing campaign with the staff subsequent yr.
Goethe scored his first factors for the staff within the Losail characteristic race final weekend, ending fourth.
“Oliver fitted proper again in as quickly as he rejoined our staff and we look ahead to repeating the sturdy outcomes we gained in our time collectively in Spanish F4 and, after all, solely just lately at Macau within the FIA System Regional World Cup [Macau Grand Prix],” stated staff principal Sander Dorsman. “Together with Richard [Verschoor], we’ve two very acquainted faces in our staff, and we purpose to construct on their shut bond with the staff 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 improvement duties for the brand new GMR-001 forward of its debut in 2026 and can kind a part of the staff’s race lineup.
Genesis will even associate with IDEC to run a LMP2 automotive in subsequent yr’s European Le Mans Championship. Former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant will race the entry alongside Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert.
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Hyperlinks
Wolff reveals uncommon assist 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 comfortable to sanction that much more.’
‘Emilia Abel, who replaces Andrew Wheatley who has left the FIA, might be chargeable for shaping the way forward for the FIA World Rally Championship and overseeing grass roots improvement of each rally and off-road classes. With a transparent give attention to 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 one of the best place at 16:00 CET on Saturday, 14 June.’
Thanks, Lewis (Mercedes through YouTube)
On the eve of his closing race weekend with Mercedes, the staff 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 staff and the staff’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] fascinated about had been sat as distant from one another as doable,” he provides…
#F1 #AbuDhabiGP
— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet.bsky.social) 5 December 2024 at 19:57
A number 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 automotive at Magny-Cours alongside @jackdoohan33 🤩large thanks @Castrol and the staff for making it doable! Heaps extra content material coming quickly 🎬 pic.twitter.com/kcEjYoLtAT— Petter Solberg (@Petter_Solberg) December 5, 2024
Thanks, @AndrettiIndy for an unbelievable two years! Though IndyCar isn’t in my instant plans, I’m tremendous grateful for every little thing I’ve discovered and skilled with this unbelievable staff. I am excited to maintain pushing myself and look ahead to 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 may need “feared for his life”.
However he already had trigger to: Masi stated he obtained “dying threats” for months afterwards.
www.racefans.internet/2022/07/31/m…
#F1
— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine.bsky.social) 5 December 2024 at 21:06
Blissful birthday!
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