Sergio Perez's exit looms

Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull and in Formula 1 remains uncertain after a disappointing season, with just 48 points scored in 17 races since May.

Despite signing a two-year extension earlier in the season, his underperformance has raised doubts about his place at the team in 2025.

Red Bull's senior management held a meeting on Monday to discuss Perez's future, reflecting on his season and performance, with decision expected to be announced very soon.

The team is now considering potential replacements, with Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as leading candidates to partner Max Verstappen in 2025.

EU launches investigation into Liberty Media's MotoGP acquisition

The European Union is launching an investigation into Liberty Media’s purchase of MotoGP over concerns about competition.

Liberty, which also owns Formula 1, announced in April that it plans to buy an 86% stake in Dorna Sports, MotoGP’s owner, for €4.2 billion. To help pay for the deal, Liberty sold an $825 million stake in F1 in August.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera is looking into whether Liberty’s ownership of both F1 and MotoGP could harm the broadcasting and streaming markets., with more detailed investigation is expected to start by December 19.

This situation is similar to 2006 when the EU forced F1’s former owner to sell MotoGP over competition issues. Despite this, Liberty’s former CEO Greg Maffei is confident the deal will be approved, saying both sports are only small parts of the larger entertainment industry.

FIA Awards Gala took place in Rwanda

At the 2024 FIA Awards Gala in Kigali Max Verstappen was honored as the world champion for a fourth consecutive year. McLaren’s Lando Norris received his first runner-up trophy, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third place. McLaren also celebrated winning the Constructors' Championship for the first time in 26 years. 

Sergio Perez won the Action of the Year award for his impressive double overtake during the Chinese GP sprint. The FIA Rookie of the Year award went to Gabriel Bortoleto, recognized for his standout first season in Formula 2, where he claimed the title despite winning only two races.

Suzuki hints at MotoGP return

Suzuki has hinted it might return to MotoGP in the future, but president Toshihiro Suzuki said the company needs to first strengthen its road bike lineup.

Suzuki left MotoGP in 2022, breaking its agreement with Dorna, but ended on a high note with a 2020 championship win and a victory in its final season.

Toshihiro Suzuki said the focus is on improving road bikes for modern riders before considering a return to racing. If Suzuki re-enters MotoGP, it would face challenges like rebuilding its program and dealing with new rules in 2027.

Charles Leclerc fastest in F1 Abu Dhabi post-season test

The post-season Formula 1 testing took place at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with each team having two cars: one for young drivers with limited experience and another for testing 2025 tyres with usually experienced driver.

Carlos Sainz, newly in Williams, was fastest in the morning, but his former teammate Charles Leclerc, set the fastest time of 1:23.510 later on.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, recovering from illness, joined Mercedes in the afternoon and was competitive. Nico Hulkenberg debuted for Sauber (soon Audi) and placed between the Mercedes drivers, while Gabriel Bortoleto finished further back.

Yuki Tsunoda tested for Red Bull, but Liam Lawson stood out with the most laps, strengthening his chance for a 2025 seat. Other rookies like Ayumu Iwasa, Pato O’Ward, Paul Aron, and Jack Doohan gained valuable experience. In total the teams together completed over 2,500 laps.

MotoGP returns to Brazil

MotoGP has confirmed a five-year deal to return to Brazil at the Goiania circuit starting in 2026, marking the first race in South America in 20 years.

The deal, covering the 2026-2030 seasons, was made with Brasil Motorsport, the company behind the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix. Goiania hosted MotoGP races from 1987 to 1989.

To prepare for MotoGP, Goiania will undergo upgrades, including expanded run-off areas and a renovated paddock.

Brazil’s return could mean two South American races, alongside Argentina, though the future of the Termas de Rio Hondo race depends on a new contract after 2025.

Ferrari will supply engines to Cadillac

Ferrari has been confirmed as the engine and gearbox supplier for the Andretti team for the first two seasons, with General Motors set to introduce its own power unit in 2028.

The Andretti Formula 1 project will debut in 2026, expanding the grid to 22 cars for the first time in a decade. Backed by General Motors under the Cadillac brand, the team aims to bring fresh energy and American presence to the sport. 

Initially led by Michael Andretti, the project faced setbacks when F1 rejected the bid, despite FIA approval. After Andretti stepped aside, Dan Towriss of TWG Global took charge, moving the project forward.

No salaries for KTM employees in December

KTM workers will not receive their December salaries, as the company has backed out of its promise to pay 90% in advance. Instead, salaries will be deferred until 2025 and paid through the insolvency compensation fund. This follows KTM's failure to pay November wages and Christmas bonuses. 

The Upper Austrian Chamber of Labour expressed frustration, stating that KTM’s management has lost employees' trust. Unions also criticized the company, calling the situation a "slap in the face" for workers and highlighting the need for an investigation into the company's management decisions. They are focused on ensuring employees receive their pay from the insolvency fund as soon as possible.

Rwanda confirms bid to host F1 Grand Prix

Rwanda has officially announced its bid to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993. The country has been working on this plan, with representatives attending the Monaco Grand Prix to discuss it with F1 officials.

President Paul Kagame confirmed the bid, saying Rwanda is serious about hosting a Grand Prix and working with F1 to make it happen.

In the past, there were attempts to bring F1 back to Africa, but they didn’t work out. Now, Rwanda is aiming to make Kigali the future home of F1 in Africa.