From the green light, the race played out with drama and shifting fortunes. Francesco Bagnaia grabbed an early lead and set a strong pace, testing tyre management and forcing rivals into early decisions. Bezzecchi kept a patient profile in the opening stanzas, tucked into the slipstreams and conserving his equipment while observing the evolving rhythm of the race. That patience paid dividends when he made his decisive move with roughly ten laps remaining, slicing past a tiring Bagnaia and immediately opening a gap that would not be closed.

The decisive phase showcased Bezzecchi’s blend of timing and racecraft. Rather than a desperate push, his pass and subsequent laps were calculated — perfectly balanced braking, precise lines through Mugello’s fast flow, and an engine note under acceleration that betrayed confidence in the Aprilia package. Once in the lead, he managed pace with composure, avoiding the aggressive tyre degradation that can doom late-race leaders at Mugello’s demanding layout.

Behind him, Jorge Martin delivered an equally important performance for the team. Martin crossed the line second to complete Aprilia’s first home soil one-two in the premier class, a result that rewards both rider and factory development. It was a weekend where teamwork, strategic pit-wall decisions and bike reliability converged into an outcome that few could have predicted at the start of the year.

The implications for the championship are immediate and stark. Bezzecchi’s victory extended his lead to 17 points over Martin, tightening Aprilia’s internal title battle into a high-stakes duel with both riders now genuine threats to the crown. That intra-team rivalry could dictate how the rest of the season unfolds: will Aprilia manage this as a harmonious two-pronged attack or will championship tensions introduce tactical complications in team orders and race-day choices?

Equally notable was Bezzecchi’s place in Mugello’s storied lineage. By becoming only the sixth Italian rider to win at Mugello in the MotoGP era, he joins an exclusive roll-call that includes icons such as Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi and Andrea Dovizioso. That stat matters not only for national pride but also as a marker of track mastery — Mugello rewards riders who can mix bravery with precision, and Bezzecchi’s name on that list cements his status among contemporary greats.

Technical credit is due to Aprilia’s chassis and power delivery, which showed pace and consistency over a race distance that punishes instability. The team’s development direction — from aerodynamics refinements to suspension setup — clearly paid off in conditions that combined high-speed straights with flowing, high-load corners. Reliability, too, was central: few teams can boast two bikes finishing at the very front in the modern era where margins and mechanical unpredictability often cloud outcomes.

For Bagnaia and others who challenged early, Mugello offered lessons on tyre conservation and mid-race adaptability. The Italian’s early pace impressed but ultimately faded under the relentless pressure applied later by Aprilia’s charge. Other contenders will study the race as a reminder that Mugello’s unique demands require careful long-term planning over raw early speed.

Mugello’s crowd will leave with memories of flags, celebration and a proud national moment — a factory team claiming home victory and crowning it with a one-two. For Bezzecchi, it is more than a race win; it is a career-defining achievement on a circuit that means everything to Italian motorcycling. For Aprilia, Sunday’s result is both vindication of development efforts and a rallying point as the championship heads into its next phase. The red and green of Marchesini will carry momentum — and a 17-point lead — into the weeks ahead.

For Leclerc, the move is straightforward: he remains fully committed to delivering a title to Maranello. The Monegasque driver has repeatedly framed his time at Ferrari through the lens of legacy — winning for the team that sits at the sport’s historic centre remains the ultimate career aim. Extending his deal signals trust in the programme Ferrari is building and belief that the current upgrade trajectory can transform race weekends into consistent championship points.

From Ferrari’s perspective, lock‑ing Leclerc in is as much about stability as it is about performance. Formula 1 success relies on iterative progress across windtunnel gains, simulation fidelity, and power unit development — areas where continuity at the team’s highest competitive level is invaluable. Engineers and strategists can plan upgrades and testing cycles knowing the driver feedback loop will remain consistent, which smooths development pathways and helps avoid the recalibration that comes with a new lead driver.

The timing also matters. Ferrari has shown flashes of genuine pace this season while still battling reliability quirks and occasional strategic missteps. Retaining Leclerc ensures that the team can continue to refine race execution around a driver who understands the car’s behaviour in different contexts — wet sessions, long runs, and qualifying trim. His experience with Ferrari’s engineers, and his role in translating data into setup choices, shortens development cycles and builds trust within the garage during tense race weekends.

Leclerc’s extension also has clear team-building advantages. With Leclerc committed, Ferrari can focus on bolstering the broader package: incremental aerodynamic upgrades, chassis refinement, and close collaboration with its power unit partner to extract more consistent performance. It also stabilizes the driver lineup, reducing off-track distractions and allowing younger personnel or team changes to be integrated without headline-grabbing speculation about the cockpit.

The renewal will inevitably draw attention to the longer-term dynamic between Leclerc and his teammate. Ferrari’s choices on driver pairing, contract timing, and how it rewards performance will influence internal competition — a factor that can sharpen results but also requires careful management to avoid fractiousness. For now, however, having Leclerc centrally committed gives Ferrari a focal point for cohesion rather than an axis of uncertainty.

Critically, this extension sends a message across the paddock: Ferrari is not rebuilding around short-term fixes. It is investing in a multi-season plan with Leclerc as its competitive anchor. That mindset is essential in a sport where development curves and regulatory changes can swing fortunes quickly; having a stable lead driver helps maintain a consistent philosophy through regulation cycles and technical evolutions.

For Leclerc personally, the deal is a trade-off between loyalty and ambition. He gains the platform and the team resources to chase his lifelong goal, while Ferrari secures a driver with proven qualifying speed, racecraft, and the psychological profile to shoulder the pressure that comes with wearing the red helmet.

The contract announcement closes one chapter of uncertainty and opens another focused on performance. If Ferrari can translate incremental upgrades into weekend-to-weekend consistency, Leclerc’s multi-year commitment could be the final piece that turns potential into a genuine title challenge. For Maranello’s faithful, the hope is simple: with Leclerc locked in, the team can finally convert promise into the championship the Scuderia has chased for years.

This anecdote underscores Jordan’s unbreakable swagger 20 years into NASCAR ownership. Co-founded with Denny Hamlin in 2020, 23XI Racing exploded onto the scene, securing Bubba Wallace as its cornerstone talent. Wallace’s 2021 breakthrough win at Talladega—Jordan’s first as owner—ignited the team’s rise, now bolstered by Toyota backing and a $200 million-plus valuation. The unnamed driver in question? Insiders whisper it’s a Cup Series star like Tyler Reddick or even poaching from rivals, amid 23XI’s aggressive expansion. Jordan’s quip came during contract talks, where advisor Curt Long laid out the math: base pay, bonuses, endorsements. MJ’s retort silenced the room, greenlighting the deal on the spot.

Jordan’s nonchalance isn’t bravado—it’s backed by an empire. Net worth hovering at $3.5 billion (Forbes 2025), fueled by Nike’s Jordan Brand ($6.6 billion annual revenue) and past ventures like the Charlotte Hornets sale for $3 billion, he views NASCAR as playground money. Contrast that with his playing days: Jordan earned $94 million in salary, but his shoe empire minted billions. 23XI’s operating budget rivals Joe Gibbs Racing, with Wallace’s $8 million salary paling against the new target’s ask. “Michael doesn’t flinch at investments that win,” Hamlin told reporters post-Spanish GP. “He sees championships like rings.”

The story ripples through motorsport’s cutthroat economics. NASCAR driver contracts ballooned 40% since 2023’s TV deal, with top-10 talents commanding $12-15 million amid Saudi PIF interest and PPV streaming wars. Teams like Hendrick and Stewart-Haas scrape for sponsors; Jordan prints money. Critics call it unfair—small outfits can’t compete—but 23XI’s results silence them: two wins in 2024, Wallace’s playoffs, and Reddick’s top-5 average finish. This signing could vault them to title contention in 2026, especially with the Chicago street race and Mexico City expansion drawing Gen-Z fans.

Jordan’s laugh echoes his GOAT mentality. From trash-talking Reggie Miller to outmaneuvering Phil Jackson, he thrives on big swings. NASCAR, once dismissed as “redneck racing” by elites, now boasts $1.2 billion purses—Jordan’s domain. As Wallace eyes his first championship and Hamlin mentors from afar, this move signals 23XI’s endgame: dominance.

Wall Street Bets lit up; MJ memes flooded X. Will the mystery driver deliver? Jordan bets yes, because for him, the cost of greatness is always a bargain. In a sport of horsepower and heart, the 6-6 legend just raised the stakes—again.

Sainz topped the Bahrain International Circuit with a lap time of 1:29.921 a year ago, setting the record for fastest time. Before joining Williams for the 2025 season, Sainz banked that lap in his final season with Ferrari.

The Spanish driver, however, dominated the field this year despite the squad change, clocking in at 1:29.348, which was 0.573 seconds quicker than his effort from the previous season. In second and third place behind Sainz? It’s none other than Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari.

“We did some progress compared to yesterday, improving the balance of the car,” said Sainz following his laps on Thursday, his final day in the FW47 this week. “I feel as ready as I can be with a day-and-a-half of testing and we will try and push flat out in Australia.”

Thanks to F1 Tempo, you can view the telemetry data from Sainz’s lap here. As you can see, Sainz built on one lap, pushed on the next, and then cooled down on the third, suggesting that the lap occurred during some qualifying simulations:

Additionally, as usual, pre-season testing results should be interpreted with caution.

Nevertheless, Sainz had an equally outstanding season with Ferrari after his stellar testing performance the previous year. Despite the necessary caution, these Bahraini performances are probably encouraging for those who think Sainz will make it back to the podium in his debut season with Williams.

Aside from the weather, there are plenty of interesting storylines in this year’s Great American Race, including one of the living legends of motorsport and the only member of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Class of 2025, racing in his first Great American Race, and veteran drivers still winning the Daytona 500.

This is all the information you require for Daytona 2025.

How to watch the 2025 Daytona 500 | Here is how you can watch the 2025 Daytona 500.

When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Where: Daytona International Speedway — Daytona Beach, Florida
TV: FOX
Streaming: fubo

As NASCAR begins the first year of a new broadcast era, FOX will be covering the 2025 Daytona 500. Similar to past seasons, the majority of the coverage is split between FOX and NBC, with each network airing 14 events. While NBC broadcasts the season’s last stretch, which includes the NASCAR Playoffs and Championship race, FOX’s portion of the schedule starts the year.

Two new broadcast partners have joined NASCAR this season, and they will share the middle section of the schedule. Both Prime Video and TNT Sports have acquired the rights to practice and qualifying sessions, and they will divide the 10 races in the middle of the season equally.

Starting Grid

According to Christopher Bell, what’s really bizarre about the tire issues in practice is they tested on this same tire in May and the three cars (Bell, Larson, Keselowski) did multiple 50-lap runs with no issues. Then today some of them can’t make it 20. Huh?? Makes no sense.

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 14, 2024

Bell noted that some drivers couldn’t even make it 20 laps without encountering tire problems, a stark contrast to their previous experience. The temperature difference between the May test and the recent practice session was around 15 degrees, which could be a contributing factor to these issues.

“It’s strange,” said Bell, who along with Cindric will have to go to a backup car for Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race. “It’s very, very strange.”

During a Goodyear tire test at the .875-mile oval on May 28, conditions were cooler by approximately 15 degrees compared to the practice day. “We were just here, what, a month ago?” Bell remarked. “And we did 50-lap runs, like all day long, and had no issues at all. I never had a tire problem at all,” he added, highlighting the discrepancy between the two events.

The practice session at Iowa Speedway turned into an unexpected test for tires and raised questions about the quality of the upcoming race. With several drivers facing tire issues and some even resorting to backup cars after the practice session, it’s clear that tire performance remains an unpredictable element in NASCAR racing.

NASCAR’s Challenge at Iowa Speedway

The recent practice session at Iowa Speedway was marked by unexpected tire issues that caught NASCAR drivers off guard. The event, which was supposed to be a routine practice, quickly turned into a critical examination of tire durability and performance.

The temperature on the day of practice was notably higher than during the May test, which could have affected the tire’s behavior. Bell expressed his confusion over the situation, stating, “We were just here, what, a month ago? And we did 50-lap runs, like all day long, and had no issues at all. I never had a tire problem at all.”

This sudden onset of tire troubles has prompted questions about the reliability of tires and the potential impact on the upcoming race’s quality. With several drivers encountering issues and some even switching to backup cars after practice, teams are now faced with the task of addressing these concerns before race day.

READ MORE: Martin Truex Jr. to Take on Ambassador Role with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025, Plans Occasional NASCAR Races with 23XI Racing

Max Verstappen has revealed he has been contacted by #WEC teams about making a Hypercar appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours.https://t.co/tYe9SiGGLd

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) June 14, 2024

Verstappen’s ambitions to compete at Le Mans are not just fleeting thoughts. He has been vocal about his desire to participate in the legendary race, hinting that he could do so in the Adrian Newey-designed RB17 hypercar—a machine that promises to be as formidable as Verstappen’s talent.

“Of course, you get contacted by certain people, but it has to come at the right time and in the right way,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com if conversations had taken place.

“I don’t want to rush into a decision either. With those new cars, I think it will take at least another one or two years before it’s all better understood because at the end of the day, it is still a Balance of Performance story and that makes it difficult.”

Max Verstappen’s Wish for Potential Teammate in Le Mans

In a recent interview, Formula 1 sensation Max Verstappen expressed his admiration for fellow racer Yuki Tsunoda, hinting at a potential powerhouse duo for future endurance racing events like Le Mans. Verstappen’s lighthearted remark, “Yuki, you’re so light, you will be flying,” not only captures the camaraderie between the two but also underscores Tsunoda’s agility and speed—key attributes for the grueling 24-hour race.

We want to see these two race at Le Mans together!! 👏#LeMans24 pic.twitter.com/xDtp4sY8u8

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) June 14, 2024

Max Verstappen’s endorsement could signal a strategic move in the racing world, as teams often seek drivers who complement each other’s strengths. With Max Verstappen’s proven track record and Tsunoda’s rising star status, this partnership could bring a fresh dynamic to endurance racing.

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc Anticipates Red Bull’s Dominance in Barcelona, Foresees a Tight Battle Behind

"It means the world to me to see Johnny Morris (founder and CEO, Bass Pro Shops) here. He's been a huge supporter of mine and I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the things I’ve been able to without him being behind me for 21 years. It’s been incredible."@MartinTruex_Jr… pic.twitter.com/sr76ZxnFb9

— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) June 14, 2024

Truex’s relationship with Morris goes beyond the typical racer-sponsor dynamic. It’s a bond forged on mutual respect and shared passions. Both outdoorsmen at heart, they’ve leveraged NASCAR’s platform to champion conservation causes, making an impact that transcends the racetrack.

As Truex gears up for what could be his final full-time season in NASCAR, he reflects on the role Morris has played in his career. “It means the world to me to see Johnny Morris here,” Truex shared in a heartfelt statement. “He’s been a huge supporter of mine, and I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the things I’ve been able to without him being behind me for 21 years. It’s been incredible.”

Martin Truex Jr. Assures Fans: “I Won’t Be Gone” Post-Retirement

As the checkered flag prepares to wave on Martin Truex Jr.’s full-time racing career, fans and the NASCAR community alike have been reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind. Yet, in a recent heartfelt interview, Truex Jr. offered a reassuring message to those wondering about his next chapter: “I won’t be gone.”

Martin Truex’s announcement of his retirement at the season’s end has been met with a mix of nostalgia and celebration. His career has been nothing short of remarkable, with a Cup Series championship and numerous wins under his belt. But it’s his commitment to the sport and its community that has truly endeared him to fans across the nation.

In his retirement interview, Martin Truex Jr. expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the relationships he’s built over the years. “I’ll miss all those people for sure,” he said, acknowledging the bonds formed on and off the track. But he was quick to add, “I’ll be around still and we’re going to do some stuff together, have some fun, and enjoy life a little bit and wind down.”

This statement speaks volumes about Truex’s character. Despite stepping away from full-time racing, he intends to remain an active figure within the NASCAR world. Whether it’s through mentorship, participation in select events, or simply being a presence at the track, Truex Jr.’s love for the sport is unwavering.

READ MORE: The Reason behind Unusual ‘Steering Wheel’ NASCAR Incident That Shocked Everyone

🗣️ | Adrian Newey on motorsport industry suffers from working with overly-prescribed rules

“We end up working to a very prescribed and prescriptive set of regulations.

The drive is for zero tailpipe emissions by whenever the moving target settles. It seems the wrong thing to… pic.twitter.com/jyVMmkFlRa

— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) June 14, 2024

Newey, who has been instrumental in designing championship-winning cars, believes that the essence of motorsports is being compromised. The regulations are so detailed that they leave little room for ingenuity, which has historically been a cornerstone of racing success. This conformity not only impacts the design and performance of racing vehicles but also affects the overall excitement and unpredictability that fans love.

He said, “We end up working to a very prescribed and prescriptive set of regulations. The drive is for zero tailpipe emissions by whenever the moving target settles. It seems the wrong thing to me.”

Adrian Newey’s Potential Move to Ferrari Post-2024: A Game Changer for F1

The Formula 1 world is abuzz with speculation that Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind multiple championship-winning cars, may join the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team after 2024. This potential move could mark a significant shift in the F1 landscape.

Adrian Newey’s reputation as a visionary designer precedes him. His innovative approach to aerodynamics and car design has earned him accolades across the motorsport industry. A partnership with Ferrari, a team with a rich history and resources, could usher in a new era of dominance for the Prancing Horse.

Newey’s move to Ferrari would be not only a coup for the Italian team but also a major talking point for F1 as a whole. His expertise combined with Ferrari’s passion and drive could redefine strategies and raise the competitive bar. The collaboration might also influence other teams’ decisions and approaches to car design and development.

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc Anticipates Red Bull’s Dominance in Barcelona, Foresees a Tight Battle Behind

We want to see these two race at Le Mans together!! 👏#LeMans24 pic.twitter.com/xDtp4sY8u8

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) June 14, 2024

“Yuki, I need you as a teammate; you are so light you’ll be flying,” Verstappen reportedly said to Tsunoda, highlighting the Japanese driver’s potential to contribute to an aerodynamic and swift performance at one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.

This partnership signals a new chapter for both drivers as they venture into endurance racing, a discipline that demands not only speed but also consistency and teamwork over extended periods. With Verstappen’s tactical approach and Tsunoda’s spirited driving style, this duo is poised to take on the challenge of Le Mans with a unique blend of skills.

Critical Adrian Newey Decision Identified That Could Trigger Max Verstappen Mercedes Switch

The Formula 1 world is abuzz with speculation as a critical decision by Red Bull’s chief technical officer, Adrian Newey, looms on the horizon. Reports suggest that Newey’s potential departure from Red Bull could set off a chain reaction, possibly leading to star driver Max Verstappen’s switch to Mercedes.

Adrian Newey, renowned for his technical brilliance, has been with Red Bull Racing for 18 years, playing a pivotal role in their multiple championship victories. However, recent developments within the team, particularly the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner earlier this year, have led to growing tensions. Newey’s decision to leave reportedly stems from these internal issues and could mark a significant shift in the F1 landscape.

Max Verstappen, currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has clarified that his future with the team is not about money but rather about being in a competitive and harmonious environment. The Dutchman’s commitment to Red Bull has been unwavering, but the prospect of Newey’s move to Mercedes could present an enticing opportunity.

Mercedes, a dominant force in F1 for nearly a decade, has seen a dip in performance in recent seasons. The acquisition of a mind like Newey’s could revitalize their technical approach and restore their competitive edge. Such a move would undoubtedly make Mercedes an attractive destination for Verstappen, who is always seeking the best possible platform to showcase his racing prowess.

Gerhard Berger, former F1 driver and team owner, believes that if Newey shifts to Mercedes, it would decisively pull Max Verstappen in the same direction. The potential pairing of Newey’s design expertise and Verstappen’s driving talent at Mercedes could create a formidable team capable of challenging for titles.

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc Anticipates Red Bull’s Dominance in Barcelona, Foresees a Tight Battle Behind