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Williams enhances Carlos Sainz's readiness for the 2025 F1 season with a private test session. Carlos Sainz is intensifying his efforts as he gears up for his first appearance with the Williams F1 team.

Carlos Sainz has intensified his training for his first Formula 1 season with Williams by participating in a private testing session in Spain.

On Sunday, the Spanish driver took the wheel of the team's 2023 vehicle, the FW45, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This session was aimed at accumulating more miles, as Williams seized the chance to assist Sainz in familiarizing himself with some Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) activities.

According to the updated TPC regulations in Formula 1, drivers participating in the world championship can only cover 1,000 kilometers across no more than four testing days throughout the season.

In a strategic move, Ferrari has leveraged TPC regulations to assist Lewis Hamilton in preparing for his inaugural season with the team. This follows the seven-time world champion's appointment to replace Sainz for the 2025 season.

In contrast to Hamilton, Sainz got the opportunity to make an early appearance for Williams during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, thanks to Ferrari granting him an early release ahead of the four-time grand prix.

Williams verified that Sainz participated in a private session with his new teammate, Alex Albon, at the Spanish Grand Prix location on Sunday, but did not offer any additional information about the test.

The noises we longed for over the winter hiatus 🤩🔉 pic.twitter.com/tOW80zO3il— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 2, 2025

The noises we longed for over the winter hiatus 🤩🔉 pic.twitter.com/tOW80zO3il

The team located in Grove plans to reveal their latest vehicle on February 14th at Silverstone. It is anticipated that Sainz and Albon will be the first to test drive the FW47 for filming and promotional activities.

Additionally, it is uncertain if Williams will participate in more driving sessions prior to the official F1 pre-season testing scheduled in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.

Sainz is integrating seamlessly at Williams. Since starting at the Williams' Grove headquarters in January, team leader James Vowles notes that Sainz's influence is already noticeable.

"He's thoroughly enjoying the experience," Vowles mentioned to Autosport during the Autosport Awards held earlier this week.

From the instant he got into the car in Abu Dhabi, it was clear that his focus had shifted. This is his desired place, his chosen path, and he plays a crucial role in our journey to success. He is integrating seamlessly.

He is an outstanding individual who not only possesses a winning track record but also carries a strong ambition and determination for Williams to achieve success.

"This morning, I spent three to four hours with Alex and him. We discussed our plans for the year, the adjustments we've made, and our future direction."

His input, much like Alex's, is crucial for advancing this team, as the focus has shifted from major objectives to fine-tuning details, where every millisecond counts.

"In only a matter of weeks, we've begun to see genuine positive progress from new ideas and concepts on how we can change and advance."

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Why Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Crash Could Be the Best Start to His New F1 Journey

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A surprising perspective on Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari accident has been revealed. According to a well-regarded Formula 1 analyst, Hamilton's initial crash while driving for Ferrari is actually an encouraging development.

A fascinating discovery has been noted regarding Lewis Hamilton's initial Formula 1 testing sessions and his accident while with Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion attracted attention after an incident where he crashed his Ferrari amid the team's pre-season testing activities. Fortunately, Hamilton emerged from the crash without injuries. The accident occurred on the second day of testing during a private session in Barcelona last Wednesday.

Ferrari dismissed the crash as a routine incident while Hamilton proceeded with integrating into the team. This comes as he prepares for his first season racing for the Scuderia after his high-profile move from rival team Mercedes.

Esteemed Formula 1 analyst and former team manager Peter Windsor has recently explained why he believes Hamilton's accident is an encouraging indication at this stage.

"At first glance, Lewis Hamilton's initial full test with Ferrari in Barcelona last week didn't go as planned, as it concluded with a significant crash exiting the final turn," Windsor shared on his YouTube channel.

"At first glance, it seems like this will be a challenging initial test for Lewis with his new team, and it's worth considering what the consequences might be."

In my opinion, the test was extremely beneficial for Lewis, and supporters of Lewis Hamilton should be thrilled with its outcome. Although there was a crash, it's important to consider what led to that incident and why it happened.

"It wasn't related to any obstacles or anything like that; it was all about how comfortable Lewis was with the car and his positive feelings about being part of the team. He is very happy within the team. As for the car, the 2023 Ferrari, it wasn't exactly the best Grand Prix vehicle that Ferrari has produced."

Windsor went on to say, “However, inside that vehicle, Lewis Hamilton experienced a sense of comfort and performance that he likely hasn’t felt in his Mercedes Formula 1 car for at least the past couple of years, possibly since early 2022.”

He cherished the sensation of reconnecting with the road, truly integrating himself with the car. He felt as if he was mastering the vehicle, embedding it into his very essence and race car driving, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

The racing instincts of Lewis seemed to kick in during that test. He has blended into the team remarkably quickly, with familiar faces from his time winning championships with Mercedes, in addition to Freddy Vasseur, with whom he has secured numerous victories and titles.

"He has seamlessly joined the team and enjoyed the driving experience of the car, especially when compared to the Mercedes he recently drove. As a result, his instincts as a racing driver came to the forefront."

What will be Leclerc's response?

Windsor suggests that Hamilton is well-prepared for his first race with Ferrari, but he thinks the more significant issue is how Charles Leclerc, his teammate, will handle the situation.

"Hamilton drove the car to its full potential, clearly relishing the experience. Windsor remarked that watching Leclerc compete with Lewis would be intriguing."

"Lewis clearly had faster lap times during the test and covered more distance. Now, the focus is on how Charles Leclerc will respond. It might have been a sort of 'welcome to Ferrari' moment for him when Lewis crashed."

"There's no question that Lewis is extremely fast and performing excellently in the car. The main consideration for me is how Charles will handle his emotions, as he needs to prepare for Lewis, who might gain an advantage through various situations, possibly by starting the season strongly, and how Charles will respond to such scenarios."

Over the course of a 24-race season, I believe Charles is the individual most capable of securing a championship for Ferrari, assuming the car has the potential to win. He has what it takes to achieve that success.

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Christian Horner on Liam Lawson: Easing into the F1 Spotlight and Facing the Verstappen Challenge in 2025

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Christian Horner comments on the increasing expectations for Liam Lawson. Red Bull is gradually integrating Lawson into the team as they prepare for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, emphasized the need to avoid placing any expectations on Liam Lawson as he prepares for his debut Formula 1 race with the team.

With only 11 Formula 1 races under his belt, Lawson faces the formidable challenge of competing against Max Verstappen in 2025.

In the six races where they were teammates in 2024, the Kiwi was unable to qualify ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, though the difference in their qualifying times was frequently under one-tenth of a second.

Lawson's primary objective is to outperform his predecessor, Sergio Perez. Perez's performance led to Red Bull falling to third place in the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, finishing behind McLaren and Ferrari.

In a conversation with TikTok content creator Lissie Mackintosh at the Autosport Awards, Horner provided an update regarding Lawson's progress during his initial weeks with Red Bull.

Horner mentioned that they have made a significant effort to avoid pressuring him and that he is gradually settling in.

"Currently, he is in the United States. He is scheduled to return to the simulator next week."

"He is performing reasonably well, and we are making an effort to integrate him smoothly and gradually."

Lawson faces "toughest role in F1" in 2025

Lawson's rapid rise to Red Bull brings back memories of Alex Albon's experience.

In the middle of his first season in 2019, Albon was elevated to a higher position, replacing Pierre Gasly.

Albon started off strong but faced difficulties throughout his complete season with the team, ultimately being completely outperformed by Verstappen in qualifying sessions.

At the conclusion of the 2020 season, Red Bull decided to release Albon, which allowed Perez to become a part of the team.

At a Ford event, Horner expressed his belief that Lawson, his new driver, possesses the necessary determination and talent to face off against Verstappen.

Horner mentioned that it's wonderful to have Liam join the team this year.

Teaming up with Max Verstappen is likely the toughest role in Formula 1. However, in Liam, we believe we have a driver with remarkable talent.

"He is a newcomer in the sport, trying to establish himself, and I believe he possesses the talent, the drive, and the mindset necessary to handle the challenges. Honestly, he seems like he could be a member of a boy band…"

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Montoya Predicts McLaren’s Strategic Driver Decision Amidst Team Orders Turmoil

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Juan Pablo Montoya shares his insights on McLaren's driver relationships as the new season approaches, following a past controversy involving team orders.

Juan Pablo Montoya anticipates that McLaren will choose between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as their lead driver after the first 10 races of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The issue of team orders proved to be a challenging aspect for McLaren to navigate during the 2024 season as they made a comeback in the race for the championship.

Although Norris was McLaren's strongest contender for the championship, Piastri did not learn about the strategy to implement team orders until the race in Azerbaijan.

This occurred following three races—namely the Austrian sprint, Hungary, and Italy—where Piastri outperformed Norris, depriving his teammate of vital championship points.

Norris emphasized his desire to outpace Piastri through merit, relying on team instructions solely during the Brazil sprint event.

In an interview with Crash.net through CasinoApps, Montoya shared his thoughts on McLaren's driver lineup for the upcoming season.

"Lando Norris performed exceptionally well last season, surpassing expectations, especially since I believed Oscar Piastri would outperform him," Montoya remarked.

Piastri also needs to elevate his performance this season. Should he manage to challenge Norris significantly, it will be intriguing to observe how their working relationship develops.

At the beginning of the season, McLaren should inform both of their drivers that they will be treated equally, with no favoritism. The team aims for strong performances from both cars, but will concentrate their resources and opportunities on the driver who is leading in the championship standings.

McLaren plans to determine which driver to focus on after 10 races. By then, it should be clearer who has a strong chance of competing for the championship.

Is McLaren the team to beat in the 2025 F1 season?

Last year, McLaren secured their first constructors’ championship victory since 1998.

Throughout most of the season, McLaren possessed the quickest car on the track, yet they were unable to take full advantage of it due to mistakes made by the drivers or errors in strategy.

As the regulations stay unchanged for the winter, McLaren is optimistic about their prospects for another title challenge.

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Timepieces of Triumph: Hamilton and Leclerc Flaunt $1 Million Richard Mille Watches in Ferrari’s Latest Photoshoot

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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently showcased their high-end watches, each valued at nearly $1 million, during a Ferrari photo session, where the opulent timepieces drew significant attention.

During a Ferrari photoshoot, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc displayed extravagant Richard Mille watches, each valued at nearly $1 million.

Hamilton and Leclerc are set to join forces for the 2025 F1 season, with hopes of breaking Ferrari's extended period without a championship win.

Hamilton has transitioned away from Mercedes following a 12-year stint with the German automaker, whereas Leclerc has been leading Ferrari's efforts since 2019.

With the seven-time world champion now on the scene, media attention has intensified after Hamilton's initial week in Maranello.

Last month, Hamilton had the opportunity to test drive the 2023 Ferrari car at Fiorano, followed by a second session in Barcelona.

The second trial in Barcelona didn’t unfold as expected, as Hamilton experienced a crash on the second day of the event.

Hamilton and Leclerc's Expensive Timepieces

During Ferrari's promotional activities in the off-season, Hamilton and Leclerc participated in a photoshoot, featuring the racing suits they will wear in the next season.

See this Instagram post, which is shared by Crash.net – Formula 1 (@crashnetformula1).

The timepieces sported by the two Formula 1 celebrities attracted attention.

Hamilton was sporting a dazzling Richard Mille RM 74-02 watch crafted from 18-carat red gold and black gold carbon.

After four years of development, it has reached a value of $600,000.

The timepiece combines carbon TPT layers with gold sheets.

The Richard Mille RM 72-01 Flyback Chronograph owned by Leclerc is worth $335,000.

Leclerc's timepiece features a titanium and red gold color scheme and lacks the conventional 3-6-9 o'clock arrangement.

In 2022, it was reported that Leclerc had a Richard Mille watch taken from him in Italy, with an estimated worth of $320,000.

Lando Norris, who races for McLaren, was robbed of his watch during a mugging incident at the Euro 2020 final held at Wembley.

According to a report from The Sun, thieves confronted Norris and took his watch, valued at £40,000.

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From Rivals to Gift-Givers: How Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg Are Rekindling Their Bond Through Thoughtful Christmas Traditions

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Lewis Hamilton set aside his competition with Nico Rosberg by sending Christmas presents to Rosberg's daughters. Nico Rosberg mentioned that despite their past rivalry, the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, generously gives holiday gifts to his children.

Nico Rosberg, who won the F1 world championship in 2016, shared that his former competitor, Lewis Hamilton, now gifts his two daughters, indicating that the tension between them might be easing.

During their four seasons as teammates in Formula 1, Rosberg and Hamilton experienced a fierce competition.

Prior to their time with Mercedes, the duo had been good friends, as they competed against each other in karting during their early years.

During his time at Mercedes, Hamilton was typically the more dominant driver, securing championship titles in both 2014 and 2015. However, Rosberg responded with an impressive performance in 2016, claiming his first world championship.

The German surprised everyone by choosing to retire from Formula 1 after winning the championship, leaving the sport while holding the title of world champion.

The relationship between Hamilton and Rosberg has gradually improved since their competitive days on the track.

In 2021, they were spotted vacationing alongside Mercedes head Toto Wolff and his spouse, Susie Wolff.

At the end of January, Rosberg and his spouse, Vivian, made an appearance on the NDR Talkshow in Germany.

During an interview, Rosberg was asked if his daughters admired the Ferrari driver, Hamilton.

A question was posed to the ex-Formula 1 driver: "Another area of vulnerability might be a sensitive issue for you. Are both of your daughters admirers of Lewis Hamilton?"

Rosberg responded by saying, "You're right about that. It's not just a minor flaw; it's a significant issue."

Hamilton's Holiday Act of Kindness

The reporter inquired whether Hamilton had actually gifted them with Barbie dolls.

Vivian replied, "Indeed, he consistently gifts them Barbies during the Christmas season."

Rosberg commented, "That's really wonderful. It's kind of him. We used to have a rivalry, but now every Christmas, both of my kids find a large box of gifts from him at our door. It's a thoughtful gesture."

The person conducting the interview joked, "Is he banned from coming over during the Christmas holidays?"

Rosberg stated: “He should remain outside, but he can still drop off the gifts.”

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Jack Doohan Remains Optimistic About F1 Future Amidst Franco Colapinto Competition and Alpine’s Strategic Plans

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Jack Doohan Confident About F1 Prospects Despite Franco Colapinto Speculation

Jack Doohan addresses concerns regarding his future in Formula 1 as speculation mounts about Franco Colapinto potentially taking his place.

Jack Doohan expressed his eagerness to firmly establish himself at Alpine as he gears up for his first season in Formula 1.

Doohan is preparing for his debut full season in Formula 1, though there is already growing speculation about the security of his position after Alpine decided to bring Franco Colapinto on board as a reserve driver.

Colapinto's presence poses a clear challenge to Doohan, increasing the stress on the 22-year-old Australian, who is also the son of Mick Doohan, a five-time MotoGP champion.

Williams decided to let Colapinto go, as they do not have a spot available for him on their racing team. This is because they have brought in Carlos Sainz from Ferrari to team up with Alex Albon.

However, Doohan, who secured a 15th place finish in his first race for Alpine during the last grand prix of 2024 in Abu Dhabi, responded confidently to the persistent speculation at the Autosport Awards.

"It's an incredibly significant moment for me, and I'm thrilled to be involved," Doohan expressed to Sky Sports.

Throughout last week and the beginning of this one, I joined the team to enjoy a fantastic day capturing our experiences as we prepare for the coming year.

"I am filled with enthusiasm and eager to hit the track. I can't wait to get hands-on, using my skills and determination to steer the car to the best of my ability."

"Joining the roster as one of the 20 drivers is incredibly exciting, and I'm eager to secure my spot for the long term."

Alpine's leader, Oliver Oakes, has assured that Doohan will receive an equal opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in his first Formula 1 season, where he will compete alongside Pierre Gasly.

Oakes mentioned on the James Allen On F1 podcast that Jack has faced some unfair criticism from online commentators, but he will have a fair opportunity next year.

The goal isn't to burden him with pressure; it's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. In my opinion, Formula 1 is all about the smallest of differences.

A significant number of individuals rely on a driver to perform during weekends, and it's essential that we have top-notch drivers in the race car, both for the present and moving forward.

Reports indicate that Doohan has agreed to a brief contract with Alpine, which might allow the French team the option to switch drivers if they choose.

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Rivalry Reignited: McLaren Chief Expresses Excitement and Resolve as Hamilton Joins Ferrari

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McLaren's Formula 1 chief expresses 'enthusiasm' about Lewis Hamilton starting with Ferrari

The head of McLaren acknowledges feeling "enthusiastic" about Lewis Hamilton joining the rival team Ferrari in Formula 1.

Andrea Stella, who leads the McLaren F1 team, has expressed that he feels "excited" about Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton is preparing for his first season with Ferrari following his high-profile transfer from Mercedes, his former Formula 1 competitor, during the winter.

The media has been abuzz lately with news of Hamilton joining Ferrari. The 40-year-old British driver recently visited the renowned Maranello base of the Italian team for the first time and has now made his initial appearance on the track with the Scuderia.

The significance and thrill of the transition have not escaped the attention of Stella, the competing team manager, who spent 15 years with Ferrari before moving to McLaren.

Speaking from afar, Stella expressed to Sky Sports during the Autosport Awards that, based on the coverage, Lewis's introduction to Ferrari has been impressive.

"As a Formula 1 enthusiast and someone who spent 15 years with Ferrari, I personally felt thrilled to witness a historic moment in the sport: a seven-time World Champion joining one of its most legendary teams."

Last week, Hamilton encountered a minor obstacle in his 2025 preparations when he crashed Ferrari's 2023 vehicle during a private test session in Barcelona.

McLaren plans to challenge Hamilton

Even with widespread news linking Hamilton to Ferrari, Stella emphasizes that McLaren intends to put in maximum effort to create challenges for their competitors in 2025.

McLaren enters the upcoming season as the current world champions, having narrowly beaten Ferrari by 14 points to secure their first constructors’ championship since 1998.

The team concluded the previous season with the quickest vehicle and is set to start 2025 as the early favorites. Lando Norris is aiming to compete for the drivers' championship after being defeated by Max Verstappen in 2024.

Stella stated that Ferrari and Hamilton managed the situation effectively, but ultimately emphasized that the real importance lies in the on-track performance.

"Once the initial thrill subsides, they'll likely concentrate on ensuring everything is well-prepared, while we will aim to present some challenges for them."

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Valtteri Bottas’ Mullet Gets Green Light from Toto Wolff, But Calendar Stays Covered

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Toto Wolff gives his nod of approval to Valtteri Bottas' "unattractive mullet" hairstyle, but draws the line at the idea of a nude calendar. "We've discussed it and agreed that he should stay true to himself. If keeping the unattractive mullet is part of that, then he should go ahead."

Toto Wolff has given the green light for Valtteri Bottas to maintain his "ugly mullet," but there won't be another edition of the Finn's nude calendar.

Valtteri Bottas has rejoined Mercedes in the role of reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season after losing his position at Sauber.

Valtteri Bottas was with Mercedes for five years, from 2017 to 2021, during which the team, alongside driver Lewis Hamilton, consistently won the constructors' championship each year.

Following an encouraging beginning with Sauber, where he guided the team to secure sixth place in the constructors' championship, his last two years at Hinwil did not yield much success.

Off the racing circuit, Bottas managed to stand out, letting his genuine character be seen through his lively presence on social media, highlighted by a funny advertising collaboration with Uber.

The racer, who has claimed victory in ten grand prix events, also made a dramatic change to his look by choosing a bold mullet hairstyle.

In an interview with Crash.net last year, Bottas revealed that departing from Mercedes enabled him to embrace a more laid-back attitude outside of racing.

Wolff encourages Bottas to stay true to himself, though he hinted that there might not be another calendar featuring nude photos.

"We are Mercedes, so perhaps the nude calendar is no longer happening," Wolff mentioned to RN365.

"We've mentioned that, but it's important to maintain his authenticity. If he chooses to stick with the unattractive mullet, then he should be allowed to."

Wolff envisions Bottas supporting the Mercedes team in 2025, complementing the driver lineup of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

At only 18 years old, Antonelli is the most junior driver in the 2025 F1 lineup, having relatively little experience in single-seater racing.

The Italian driver only competed for a single season in the F2 series, having bypassed the F3 level altogether.

Nonetheless, Mercedes chose to hire him instead of experienced drivers such as Carlos Sainz.

Wolff stated that one of Bottas' responsibilities will be to guide Antonelli throughout his first season.

Wolff mentioned that one of Valtteri's responsibilities will be to keep an eye on Kimi.

"Provide guidance and closely monitor the track activities. Kimi will gain knowledge from both Valtteri and George."

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Revving Up the Bids: The World’s Most Expensive F1 Cars at Auction

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Headline: Record-Breaking F1 Cars and Their Astonishing Auction Prices!

Mario Andretti’s Iconic Ferrari Fetches $2,143,750 / £1,771,487

In 2019, Sotheby’s auctioned off the 1982 Ferrari 126 C2, making it the eighth-highest priced Formula 1 car ever sold at auction.

This particular model was the final one produced out of a total of seven.

Patrick Tambay secured victory at the 1982 German Grand Prix driving this Ferrari, whereas Mario Andretti achieved pole position and finished third at the Italian Grand Prix with the same car.

Tambay took over the position left vacant by Gilles Villeneuve, who passed away earlier in the season, while Andretti stepped in for Didier Pironi after he suffered injuries that ended his racing career.

Nigel Mansell's championship-winning Williams car was sold for $3,297,968, equivalent to £2,703,000. This 1992 Williams-Renault FW14B was auctioned by Bonham’s during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2019.

Nigel Mansell secured his only world championship title driving this vehicle, and at the same time, Williams clinched the constructor's championship.

The replica features the engine used by Mansell to secure victory in the opening race of the 1992 season held in South Africa.

Adrian Newey was the mastermind behind the design of this car, which was so ahead of its time technologically that regulations were subsequently put in place to level the competition.

A McLaren driven by Ayrton Senna was sold for $4,359,103, which is equivalent to £3,602,143. This 1993 McLaren MP4/8A was auctioned by Bonham’s in Monaco in 2018.

Racing icon Ayrton Senna secured his sixth victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, setting a new record, driving this particular vehicle. The car was sold complete with a chassis, engine, and gearbox that were all perfectly matched.

In the 1993 season, he secured a second-place finish, trailing his competitor Alain Prost, while driving this vehicle.

Lewis Hamilton's McLaren fetched a price of $6,658,000, equivalent to £4,836,000. The McLaren-Mercedes MP4-25 from 2010, a Formula 1 car driven by Hamilton, became the first of his cars to be available for purchase by the public. It was auctioned by Sotheby's at Silverstone in 2021.

In 2010, Hamilton secured a win at the Turkish Grand Prix with this vehicle and competed against Michael Schumacher in China during their sole season racing against each other.

In 2010, Jenson Button, who was the current world champion and Lewis Hamilton's teammate, also drove this car.

Michael Schumacher's completely victorious Ferrari was auctioned for $6,220,000, equivalent to £5,272,818. This F300 model changed hands in August 2022 at a Sotheby's auction held in the United States.

Michael Schumacher raced this specific model in four competitions and emerged victorious in each. It stands as the sole Formula 1 car to maintain a flawless winning streak, having participated in at least three races.

Michael Schumacher's contentious vehicle fetched a significant price of $6,643,750, equivalent to £5,490,062. This 2002 Ferrari F2002 was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

During the contentious Austrian Grand Prix, Schumacher was behind the wheel of this vehicle when his teammate, Rubens Barrichello, who had been in the lead throughout the race, let him overtake on the last lap, resulting in Schumacher's win.

Schumacher secured his fifth world championship title while driving this car.

During its era, this Ferrari was the most commanding Formula 1 vehicle. Schumacher achieved victory in 10 races with the F2002, and this specific model was used to win three of those races: San Marino, Austria, and France.

A different Schumacher-driven Ferrari fetched a remarkable $7,504,000, equivalent to £6,200,930. This 2001 Ferrari F2001 was auctioned off by Sotheby’s in New York in 2017.

Driving the F2001, Schumacher captured his fourth world championship title in Formula 1.

This particular car was used by Schumacher to win the races at the Monaco and Hungarian Grand Prix events.

Michael Schumacher's most expensive Ferrari, valued at $15 million or £13 million, was auctioned in November 2022, making it the latest in his collection of classic Ferraris to be sold.

In 2003, the F2003-GA was the car that propelled the legendary driver to secure his sixth Formula 1 world title.

He won five Grand Prix races using this car.

Fangio's legendary championship car – $29,650,095 / £24,501,356

During the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bonham's auctioned the 1954 Mercedes W196R.

The world championship was clinched by the iconic Juan Manuel Fangio while driving this vehicle.

This specific car was used by Fangio to win races in Switzerland and Germany.

The image shows David Coulthard behind the wheel of the iconic 1954 Mercedes W196R in the year 2010.

A 1955 Mercedes, driven by Formula 1 icons, sold for $53 million or £42.75 million. The sleek silver W196 R Stromlinienwagen, one of just four fully intact models still around, was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes museum in Stuttgart, Germany, in February 2025.

Juan Manuel Fangio, a five-time world champion, claimed victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix driving the W196 R. That same year, Stirling Moss, another Formula 1 legend, recorded the fastest lap during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, reaching an average speed of 134 mph in the same car. Moss decided to retire after achieving this milestone.

The item was expected to fetch over €50 million but was sold for €46.5 million. This final amount includes the buyers' premium, and the identity of the top bidder was not disclosed.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter with Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Lewis Hamilton Sets Sights on Redemption with Ferrari’s SF-24 at Barcelona Test

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Lewis Hamilton is set to return to the track with Ferrari at the Barcelona test, aiming to move past last week's collision.

Lewis Hamilton will get the opportunity to move past his crash in Barcelona as he is set to drive for Ferrari this week.

The seven-time world champion encountered a small obstacle while preparing for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1. On his third day of testing for the Scuderia, he had an accident with the team's 2023 car during a private session.

Late Wednesday morning, Hamilton collided with the barriers, but Ferrari quickly dismissed the significance of the incident, describing it as a routine aspect of private testing. This comes as Hamilton transitions to new equipment after spending 12 years with Mercedes.

The British driver, who is 40 years old, has a chance to move past the incident as he joins Ferrari for a return to the Spanish Grand Prix site on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc will take turns driving during a Ferrari test session, which is aimed at helping Pirelli develop their tires for the 2026 season.

McLaren will participate in the two-day testing event scheduled for February 4th and 5th at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Why Hamilton's Upcoming Test Stands Out

In this instance, Hamilton will have the opportunity to try out Ferrari's significantly improved 2024 vehicle, the SF-24.

This will be Hamilton's debut driving a new Ferrari, offering a valuable opportunity to gain insights before he begins his inaugural season with the team.

Following his initial appearance driving a Ferrari at Fiorano in their 2023 model, Hamilton took the wheel of the SF-23 once more during a larger private test session held in Barcelona.

The nature of Hamilton's third test will be distinct since the schedule will be controlled by F1's tire supplier, Pirelli, to fulfill their requirements, instead of being driven by the needs of Ferrari and Hamilton.

He will also drive a customized SF-24, which has been adjusted to mimic the downforce and performance features of the new rules set to be implemented next year.

Hamilton will still gain important time on the track to get used to Ferrari's operational methods and further develop his partnership with his new race engineer, Ricardo Adami.

Hamilton has gained significant insights from his initial two test sessions with Ferrari. During these sessions, he has become acquainted with the procedures for starting and managing the clutch, and has also adapted to the braking system and pedal setup of the Ferrari.

This will likely be Hamilton's final opportunity to drive a Ferrari before he experiences the team’s 2025 model during a short test run scheduled for February 19.

Hamilton is set to share three days of testing with Leclerc during Formula 1's sanctioned pre-season sessions in Bahrain, taking place from February 26 to 28. The season will officially kick off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He commonly provides on-site reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Historic Mercedes W196 R Breaks Auction Record with £42.7m Sale, Celebrating F1 Legacy

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A 1955 Mercedes vehicle has set a new auction record for Formula 1 cars, selling for an astounding £42.7 million. The sleek Mercedes, once driven by F1 icons, has achieved a remarkable auction milestone.

A Mercedes Formula 1 car, once driven by legendary racers Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio, has been auctioned off for £42.75 million (€51.155 million).

A grand prix car has broken the auction record by selling for the highest amount ever. The former record was held by another Mercedes W196 driven by Fangio in 1954, which was sold for £19.6 million at an auction in Goodwood in 2013.

On Saturday, RM Sotheby’s conducted a sale at the Mercedes museum in Stuttgart, Germany, where a silver W196 R Stromlinienwagen, one of just four fully intact models remaining, was sold.

Juan Manuel Fangio, who clinched the world title five times, claimed victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix driving the W196 R. Meanwhile, Stirling Moss achieved the quickest lap during that year's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, reaching an average velocity of 134 mph in the same vehicle. Following this accomplishment, Moss retired.

The item, initially valued at over €50 million, was sold at auction for a concluding bid of €46.5 million. This final amount accounts for the buyer's premium paid by the top bidder, whose identity remains undisclosed.

"It's an amazing vehicle with a rich history, but it doesn't quite fit within our collection's focus," explained curator Jason Vansickle.

"For almost six decades, we have had the privilege of caring for this vehicle, which has been a significant exhibit in the museum. However, by auctioning it and utilizing the funds generated, we will be able to enhance our future endeavors."

In May 2022, a 1955 Mercedes 300 SRL Uhlenhaut Coupé set a new record for the highest price ever fetched by a car at an auction, selling for €135 million.

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Revving Up for History: Why 2025 Could Be Lewis Hamilton’s Golden Opportunity for an Eighth F1 World Title

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Lewis Hamilton sees 2025 as his prime opportunity to claim an eighth F1 championship.

Is 2025 shaping up to be Lewis Hamilton's optimal moment to secure a historic eighth F1 world title?

Lewis Hamilton has been informed that the 2025 F1 season might present his greatest opportunity to clinch a historic eighth world championship.

The seven-time world champion has made a sensational move from Mercedes to Ferrari, a major competitor in F1. He will join forces with Charles Leclerc in his quest to achieve an unmatched eighth world championship title.

Achieving this accomplishment would not only break Ferrari's streak without a championship win but would also allow Hamilton to surpass the iconic Michael Schumacher in the Formula 1 history records.

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft suggests that the year 2025 could be Hamilton's optimal opportunity before the rules change again in 2026.

During the Autosport Awards, Croft mentioned that this could potentially be Lewis's most promising opportunity to secure his eighth World Championship title.

"Considering the time of year, teams are unlikely to introduce new developments on a weekly basis, as they need to keep the 2026 season in mind."

"Ferrari is likely to be the most eager of the top four teams to make the most of 2025, given how long it has been since their last victory."

"They aim to demonstrate that Lewis is the suitable choice, and Charles Leclerc is too."

Ferrari brushes aside doubts about Hamilton

Hamilton's challenging last season with Mercedes and difficulties in qualifying have sparked speculation about whether the 40-year-old has reached his peak in Formula 1.

However, Piero Ferrari, the offspring of the iconic Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, has brushed off these rumors, asserting that Hamilton is well-prepared as he approaches his eagerly awaited first season with the Scuderia.

"Hamilton is in excellent health and is doing well both physically and mentally. I believe his age is not an issue whatsoever," he mentioned to the Italian magazine Autosprint.

He eagerly took on the challenge, showing great confidence in what he can do.

The head of the Ferrari team, Frederic Vasseur, has emphasized that he has no concerns regarding Hamilton's recent performance.

At the conclusion of 2024, he expressed his strong belief that the circumstances are challenging. While he refrained from blaming Lewis or Mercedes, he acknowledged that if things aren't progressing smoothly, this relationship could become difficult.

He was aware that his mental state wasn't great while in Brazil, but he performed excellently in the last few events, so I have no concerns.

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