BMW signs Magnussen for 2025 sportscar season, How Alpine used Haas test as leverage to oust Ocon, and other big updates

BMW signs Magnussen for 2025 sportscar season

Outgoing Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen will join BMW's factory roster for sportscar racing in 2025, as confirmed by the German manufacturer. After being replaced by Esteban Ocon and Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman at Haas, Magnussen's future in Formula 1 remained uncertain until BMW announced his inclusion in their LMDh program. Magnussen, who previously raced in IMSA and Le Mans, expressed pride in representing BMW and excitement for this new chapter after a decade in F1. BMW's head of motorsport said Magnussen’s speed and experience make him a great fit for their team.

Click here to read the full article by Lewis Duncan (crash.net)

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How Alpine used Haas test as leverage to oust Ocon

Esteban Ocon was told to give up his Alpine seat for the Abu Dhabi GP after Flavio Briatore said he would stop him from driving in Haas' post-season test. Ocon was told that if he didn’t agree to end his contract early, Alpine wouldn’t let him take part in the Haas test. This surprised Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, as Alpine had earlier promised Ocon could join the test. Even though Ocon was disappointed, he said it wouldn’t affect his motivation.

Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)

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Key battles ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will decide big battles, like Ferrari and McLaren fighting for the Constructors’ Championship, with Ferrari needing to close a 21-point gap. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are also competing for second place in the Drivers’ Championship, and both of them are determined to finish strong. Drivers like Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu will say goodbye to the grid while rumours swirl about Sergio Perez leaving Red Bull. The FIA is under pressure to deliver smooth and efficient race management after recent controversies.

Click here to read the full article by James Phillips (motorsportweek.com)

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Taking the fight to Yas Marina

Scuderia Ferrari now heads to the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi to chase the Constructors’ Championship. Despite concerns about the track, Charles Leclerc finished second in a race full of tension but few overtakes. Carlos Sainz fought back to sixth after a puncture. Ferrari earned 35 points, closing the gap to McLaren from 24 to 21, with 44 points up for grabs at Yas Marina.

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The Red Bull shakeup Checo’s exit could trigger

Red Bull plans to confirm its 2025 F1 driver line-up after the Abu Dhabi season finale, but the direction seems clear. With one race left in 2024, team boss Christian Horner has admitted the team still needs to assess its options, especially with Sergio Perez. This doesn't sound like Perez is guaranteed to keep his seat, despite his own claims.