Is there anything Jack Miller can do to secure his spot in MotoGP beyond 2024? Theoretically, yes. If he were to win every race for the rest of the season, with a significant margin in each one, he would likely earn a new contract with KTM and could even be included in the MotoGP Hall of Fame. However, this scenario is highly unlikely. A more realistic way to assess Miller’s prospects is to consider if he can maximize his season based on his current level of performance, which he and the MotoGP community have a good understanding of, given his extensive experience in the premier class.
The difference between a bad season and a successful one for Miller is likely no more than 100 points. While this may matter in the title race, it is unlikely. The total score matters less than the comparison with other riders, especially Pedro Acosta. KTM’s decision on who will join Brad Binder in the “orange team” in 2025 will be influenced by whether Miller is 50 points behind Acosta, tied with Acosta, or 50 points ahead of Acosta. It seems unlikely. Based on the season so far, it appears that Acosta has a clear advantage over Miller.
Miller has acknowledged Acosta’s impressive performances and sees him as a benchmark. He has praised Acosta’s riding style and admitted that he still has much to learn. Although Miller may feel undervalued by the MotoGP media, he has always been pragmatic and willing to acknowledge when he has been surpassed, as he did when Pecco Bagnaia overtook him as the number one rider in the official Ducati team. It is clear that Acosta outperformed Miller in Qatar and Portimão.
Analyzing the data, it seems that Miller is losing time in the two long right-hand corners at the end of the lap, where he loses contact with the rear and loses lap time. Even without considering the final sector, Acosta still has a significant advantage. Miller attributes Acosta’s success to the development of the RC16, of which he is proud. He sees Acosta as a target to learn from and improve his own performance.
At 29 years old, Miller’s rate of progression is not expected to be the same as that of a 19-year-old rider or a rookie in their first season. Although he has been a valuable asset for KTM, with strong performances in qualifying and valuable feedback, there are still aspects of his race that raise doubts. When Miller takes the lead after a good start, it is hard to believe he will maintain it throughout the race. The only time he seemed poised to do so with KTM, he ended up crashing in Valencia in 2023.
Miller claims to have worked hard to improve his physical and mental performance during the offseason, but the results have not been seen yet. His performance in Portimão resembled his previous races. Acosta, on the other hand, has not had the opportunity to show any weaknesses or work on them. He seems to be the complete package that KTM needs, and they may need him as early as 2025.
KTM has not revealed much about Acosta’s contractual situation, but it is widely believed that there is a team option for his services in 2025. Acosta could choose to continue with Tech3, as Miguel Oliveira did in 2019, but he is likely to see an official seat as a better opportunity to maximize his position in the championship in 2025. Miller cannot influence Acosta’s decision and, if Acosta wants the official seat, KTM cannot afford to say no. Therefore, it is unlikely that Miller will keep his current position, regardless of his performance on the track.
Miller has two options: he can refuse to accept this reality and push beyond his current limit in MotoGP, or he can acknowledge Acosta’s dominance and ensure that he remains a valuable asset for KTM, making it an easy decision for them to choose him to fill the Tech3 seat that Acosta would leave vacant. As a team player who believes in his abilities, Miller can choose a combination of both approaches.
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton secured another victory at the Monaco Grand Prix this Sunday. With a flawless performance, Hamilton led the race from start to finish, leaving his competitors behind. This was Hamilton’s fourth consecutive victory this season, further solidifying his position as the favorite for the world title.
The race in Monaco was marked by a lot of excitement and adrenaline. Hamilton started in pole position and did not give the other drivers a chance. With precise driving and intelligent strategies, he managed to maintain the lead throughout the race. His main competitors, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, could not match Hamilton’s pace and finished in second and third place, respectively.
With this victory, Hamilton extends his lead in the championship. He now has 150 points, compared to Verstappen’s 100, who is in second place. The British driver is aiming for his eighth world title and seems to be getting closer to achieving this feat.
In addition to Hamilton’s victory, the Monaco Grand Prix was also marked by some incidents. Several drivers were involved in accidents and collisions throughout the race, but fortunately no one was seriously injured. Monaco’s narrow and winding track always provides moments of tension and excitement, and this year was no different.
The next stage of the championship will be the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which promises to be another challenge for the drivers. With its long straights and tight corners, the Baku track is known for being unpredictable and may hold surprises for the competitors. Hamilton and Verstappen, the two main contenders for the title, will certainly be aiming for victory to stay in the championship fight.
The Monaco Grand Prix was another proof of Lewis Hamilton’s talent and skill. The British driver once again showed why he is considered one of the best in Formula 1 history. With his absolute dominance in the race, Hamilton made it clear that he is determined to win his eighth world title. Now we just have to follow the next stages and see who will be able to challenge the Mercedes driver.