Alex Albon is set to undergo a critical evaluation when competing against Carlos Sainz, marking his most significant hurdle in Formula 1 since his rivalry with Max Verstappen, according to journalist Lewis Larkam.

Williams is entering the 2025 Formula 1 season with what they consider their most formidable team of drivers in recent years.

Securing Carlos Sainz's contract after he was replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari was a significant achievement for Williams, especially considering their current standing as one of the lower-ranked teams in Formula 1.

Williams outpaced Alpine and Sauber to secure the 30-year-old Spanish driver, who will join forces with Alex Albon. This move provides the Grove-based team with a strong driving duo, making it one of the top line-ups in the competition.

This situation will present Albon, who is 28 years old, with his most challenging experience at Williams to date. Albon will be facing a fast teammate in Sainz, a scenario he hasn't encountered since his time with Red Bull.

Since returning to Williams in 2022, Albon has experienced a relatively smooth journey, following a challenging 18-month period with Max Verstappen at Red Bull that left him disheartened.

Albon received a promotion to Red Bull for the latter half of the 2019 season but was let go after a challenging 2020 season, during which Verstappen outperformed him in qualifying at every event.

The Thai driver, originally from Britain, was relegated to the role of a reserve driver for Red Bull in 2021. However, he managed to land a full-time position with Williams for the next season.

In the next three seasons, Albon has restored his standing and emerged as one of the most reliable drivers in the midfield. His remarkable showings have even sparked rumors about a possible comeback to Red Bull.

Alex Albon easily outperformed both Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant, and he generally had the upper hand over F1 newcomer Franco Colapinto when they were teammates for a short period at the close of 2024.

To date, Colapinto has been the closest competitor to Albon at Williams. The Argentine driver managed to out-qualify his seasoned teammate in both Baku and Austin, yet he only surpassed him in race pace once.

However, following a time when Albon was clearly the leading driver at Williams, his role might now be at risk.

As Sainz, who has clinched victory in four grand prix races, gears up, Albon is aware that he must elevate his performance as he braces himself for his most challenging competition since he competed against Verstappen half a decade ago.

Having competed closely with Charles Leclerc during their four seasons together at Ferrari, there is an anticipation that Sainz will outperform Albon and take over as the unofficial leader of the Williams team.

The head of the Williams team, James Vowles, has expressed his admiration for Sainz's dedication to his work and his ability to adjust to the team.

As soon as he got into the car in Abu Dhabi, it was clear that his focus had shifted. This is the place he wants to be, and this is his desired role. He is an integral part of our successful journey and is blending in seamlessly,” Vowles stated in a recent interview with Autosport.

He is an exceptional individual who not only has a history of winning races but also carries a strong ambition for Williams to achieve success.

Both his and Alex's input are crucial in propelling the team ahead, especially now that the focus has shifted to fine-tuning details, where every millisecond counts, rather than tackling major goals.

In just a few weeks, there's been significant progress in terms of ideas and concepts on how we can evolve and advance.

It seems that Albon's career might take one of two possible directions.

Should Albon succeed in equaling Sainz's pace and racing skills, it will enhance his reputation, demonstrating definitively his level of talent.

Conversely, if he is thoroughly defeated, the standing he has diligently rebuilt could be quickly destroyed.

In recent seasons, it has become increasingly evident that Albon and Sainz are among the most undervalued drivers in Formula 1.

As Williams aims to climb the ranks in anticipation of Formula 1's regulation changes set for 2026, the comparison between Albon and Sainz in 2025 is expected to be a captivating storyline.

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Concerns Surround Mercedes W16 Development for 2025 F1

Anxiety rises over Mercedes' progress and insights for upcoming seasons.

It has been reported that worries persist regarding Mercedes' inability to completely resolve the issues that have plagued them over the last three years.

Mercedes is set to introduce the W16 for the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking their first launch since the departure of Lewis Hamilton.

As the team enters a new phase without Hamilton, the main focus will be on whether Mercedes has figured out the issues they've faced since 2021.

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Lewis Larkam expressed his uncertainty about whether they truly grasp the situation during a discussion on the Crash F1 podcast.

"For multiple seasons, they have been repeatedly navigating the same issues, attempting to fully understand the regulations and find the optimal way to harness the potential of these vehicles."

"McLaren is a clear example, having progressed from racing at the back of the pack to gaining a deep understanding of their vehicle's performance, ultimately advancing to the leading positions."

"Mercedes has struggled to achieve that, as we've observed inconsistencies over the past two seasons."

Las Vegas Highlights Mercedes' Struggles

"There are times when Mercedes is leading the pack, showing immense strength, yet they appear uncertain about the reasons behind their performance."

Reflecting on last year’s event in Las Vegas, George Russell was the standout performer, taking control of the race weekend. Even though Lewis Hamilton started further back on the grid, he managed to secure second place, demonstrating their impressive performance during that event.

"However, on a weekly basis, that wasn't apparent. The cooler track temperatures, which played to one of the car's few advantages, contributed to this scenario."

"Reaching a conclusion? We're not there just yet. According to Toto Wolff, they anticipate continued variations."

"It doesn't create a strong impression that they've managed to gain control and comprehend how to consistently make their car a leading contender."

"It's evident they currently lack a solution, as Toto's silence on promoting their prospects indicates."

"I am doubtful that they completely understand the problems they face."

Russell, who has claimed victory in three F1 grand prix races, is set to assume the role of senior driver for Mercedes this year while Hamilton is unavailable.

Team principal Wolff took a daring step by choosing the young newcomer, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, to take Hamilton's place.

The performance of the skilled Antonelli in his debut F1 season is expected to be a major subject of discussion throughout the year.

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

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Critical Errors Liam Lawson Should Steer Clear of to Thrive Alongside Max Verstappen

Liam Lawson has the opportunity to gain insights from the errors that former Red Bull drivers have committed.

Liam Lawson faces the challenging job of competing with Max Verstappen, considered the top driver in Formula 1, in the 2025 season.

Max Verstappen has earned a name for himself as someone who outshines his teammates, having surpassed Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez in the past six years. With Liam Lawson's minimal Formula 1 experience, he might face a similar outcome.

Looking at the history of Verstappen's partnerships, starting with Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson must steer clear of several crucial errors to thrive in his Red Bull journey…

Collision on the track sparks feelings of paranoia

There is no question that Ricciardo has been the most formidable F1 teammate Verstappen has had so far. For nearly three years, they shared the racing stage until Ricciardo made a surprising move to join Renault.

In the early stages, Ricciardo held a minor edge in terms of performance, but Verstappen was steadily gaining ground. By 2018, the momentum had clearly shifted towards the Dutch driver, and Ricciardo was well aware of this change.

During the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, tensions flared when the two drivers clashed, leading to a collision as they approached the first corner. The incident was a result of both parties' actions: Verstappen made a bold move while braking, and it could be contended that Ricciardo never had enough space to begin with.

The incident didn't create tension between Verstappen and Ricciardo, but it did cause Ricciardo to become somewhat paranoid, eventually prompting his unexpected move to Renault. Although he enjoyed a substantial paycheck at Renault and later found success again at McLaren, Ricciardo would come to rue his choice to depart from Red Bull.

For Lawson, steering clear of any conflicts with Verstappen is crucial for a thriving career with Red Bull.

Disputing with your technology leader

Gasly was promoted to Red Bull after Ricciardo unexpectedly left the team for the 2019 season. During his 12-race tenure, the French driver struggled to keep up with Verstappen, ultimately leading to an unsuccessful run.

Despite his difficulties during races, Gasly didn't help his situation off the track either. Many speculated that he openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the management and configuration of the RB15.

In an episode of the Last Lap podcast from 2022, Dan Drury, who previously worked as an engineer for Red Bull, talked about Pierre Gasly's tenure with the team and his reported disagreement with renowned designer Adrian Newey.

He explained, "Pierre's issue was that he began to lose confidence internally. It's similar to what's happening with Ricciardo at McLaren; once self-doubt kicks in, it often leads to a decline."

During an incident that I didn't witness firsthand, it seems that Pierre engaged in a heated exchange with Adrian Newey about the car's setup. This disagreement reportedly escalated into a loud argument within the garage. As a result of this confrontation, which occurred in front of Helmut Marko, Pierre was subsequently sent back to the secondary team.

Although the disagreement involving Newey hasn't been factually confirmed, Helmut Marko suggested that Gasly expressed his dissatisfaction to Newey.

According to GP Blog, Marko mentioned that they advised Gasly to adopt Verstappen's setup, emphasizing that he needs to adjust it to suit his own driving style. Marko also suggested that Gasly should concentrate on his driving instead of frequently instructing Mr. Newey on how to design the car specifically for him.

As Lawson embarks on his debut season with the team, Red Bull will have to manage without Newey. However, it will be crucial to maintain the confidence and support of the technical crew, especially when dealing with a car that can be difficult to handle.

"They compete fiercely against me."

Albon's sole complete season driving for Red Bull is encapsulated by his performance at the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix held at the Nurburgring. During that race, Albon ruined two sets of tires because of lock-ups, and then had an awkward interaction with Daniil Kvyat.

Albon faced mockery for a radio message to his team when he struggled to pass Gasly. As Gasly defended his position vigorously, Albon voiced his frustration to Red Bull, saying, "They race me so hard."

The implication was clear: Albon may not have been suited for the role of a Red Bull driver. Lawson must make sure he maintains his strong and assertive approach while racing.

Up to this point, Lawson has demonstrated his willingness to compete directly with some of the prominent figures in Formula 1, like Fernando Alonso. Displaying such determination during races will benefit Lawson, even if he doesn't quite match Verstappen's top speed.

Illusory Championship Aspirations

Perez's promising beginning to the 2023 season ended up being his downfall. By securing victories in two of the first four races, Perez believed he was finally a contender for the championship alongside Verstappen.

Following his victory in Azerbaijan, Perez announced that he is certainly in contention for the championship. He emphasized that his confidence isn't solely due to his performance in Baku, stating that he believes he can excel throughout the season. His current focus is on the upcoming event in Miami.

"There are numerous races approaching, and we need to ensure we are prepared."

Perez's win in that race marked his last triumph in Formula 1, and it was shortly succeeded by a concerning decline in his performance. Although Perez managed to clinch second place in the drivers’ championship, achieving Red Bull's first-ever 1-2 finish, he frequently found himself exiting during the Q1 or Q2 stages.

In 2024, Perez experienced another mid-season slump, and unlike previous years, he couldn't bounce back by the year's end. As a result, Red Bull decided to replace him with Lawson. Lawson is confident in his ability to outperform Verstappen and clinch the F1 world championship; however, he must remain realistic and avoid overconfidence as he approaches the 2025 season.

Undoubtedly, Lawson's tenure at Red Bull will largely depend on his performance on the track and his proximity to Verstappen's level. However, steering clear of errors made by those who came before him could significantly enhance his prospects of remaining with the team for several seasons.

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McLaren has secured a crucial member of their Formula 1 team, aerodynamic specialist Peter Prodromou, by offering him a substantial contract.

McLaren has revealed that they have extended their contract with famous Formula 1 aerodynamics expert Peter Prodromou for several more years.

Since coming back to McLaren from Red Bull in 2014, the 56-year-old has been vital to the team. In 2023, he took on the role of technical director for aerodynamics, significantly contributing to the improvement of McLaren's Formula 1 performance.

After revamping their technical team, McLaren, guided by Prodromou, progressed from being at the back of the F1 grid to leading the pack and claimed their first constructors' championship in 26 years in 2024.

Prodromou spent 15 years working at McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2006. At Red Bull, he led the aerodynamics department under the guidance of Adrian Newey, playing a crucial role in Newey's design team, which won multiple championships.

Just before the start of the 2025 season, McLaren experiences a morale lift with the renewal of his contract. This comes after the team secured long-term deals with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and their team leader, Andrea Stella.

Prodromou expressed his pleasure at remaining in his position as the Technical Director for Aerodynamics with the McLaren F1 Team. He stated that it is a privilege to work with such a cooperative group and to play a role in the team's impressive progress. Reflecting on the achievements of the previous season, he is eager to continue working towards their collective goal of winning additional World Championships.

"I appreciate Zak and Andrea for consistently trusting me in my role as Technical Director of Aerodynamics. I'm also thankful to my teammates for offering exceptional support both personally and professionally."

Stella commended the influence Prodromou has exerted on McLaren after rejoining the team in Woking.

"The cultural, organizational, and technical guidance Peter provided has been crucial. He played a significant role in transforming the team's performance both on the racetrack and behind the scenes, ultimately leading the team to secure their ninth FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in 2024," he stated.

"Our path as a team wouldn't have been possible without Peter, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our pursuit of more World Championships together."

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How Haas Intends to Prevent Tensions with Updated 2025 F1 Team

Haas is set to implement 'rules of engagement' for its new Formula 1 drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

Haas plans to clarify the "rules of engagement" for their drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, ahead of the start of the 2025 F1 season.

The American team is entering the new season with an entirely new set of drivers after Nico Hulkenberg left for Sauber and Kevin Magnussen stepped away from Formula 1.

Esteban Ocon has transitioned from competing with Alpine, a team in the midfield, and as a newcomer to Formula 1, while Ferrari's junior driver, Oliver Bearman, has secured a permanent position, finalizing Haas's revamped driver roster for the 2025 season.

The principal of the Haas team, Ayao Komatsu, plans to establish clear guidelines before the season starts. This move aims to reduce the chances of any on-track conflicts between teammates.

The roster is thrilling, and there is a possibility of conflicts, as Ocon is known for being aggressive with his teammates, while Bearman will be eager to make a strong impression during his debut F1 season.

"It is essential to have a crystal clear understanding of the engagement rules right from the start," Komatsu emphasized.

"Before the first race, everything will be made clear. I don't anticipate any collisions between teammates or any resulting DNFs because of this."

"You must compete aggressively. Consider last year as an example—Kevin is known for racing intensely, and the nearest we got to a problem, which ultimately didn't turn into one, was in Austria with Kevin and Nico."

"One reason is that our timing for pitstops wasn't executed perfectly, which didn't work in our favor."

"As a group, we should avoid causing such problems. Additionally, with mutual understanding among us as colleagues, the guidelines for working together would be completely transparent."

Haas has previously dealt with conflicts between teammates, notably when Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean had disagreements during their time with the team. In 2021, tensions also arose between Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

However, Komatsu believes that Haas can steer clear of any disputes involving Ocon and Bearman.

He stated, "If I'm forced to refer to the pairing of Nikita and Mick as an example, then I'm essentially in a difficult situation."

Analyzing our performance from the previous year, we examine ways to enhance the team, recognizing our strengths and areas for improvement from last year. Applying these insights to the current year reveals an entirely new phase characterized by different dynamics and drivers.

"Frankly speaking, Esteban and Ollie are both exceptional drivers. They still have much to demonstrate. I believe we have an excellent pairing, and I'm eager to see how it unfolds."

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"Nowhere to Run" – Former F1 Driver Discusses Harsh Dismissal

Ex-Formula 1 racer Nyck De Vries shares his experience of being abruptly let go after only competing in 10 races.

Nyck De Vries has spoken candidly about his short time in Formula 1 before being abruptly removed from the team.

After making an impressive last-minute debut for Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, where he scored points due to Alex Albon being sidelined with appendicitis, De Vries secured a full-time position with AlphaTauri, Red Bull's associated team, for the 2023 season after Pierre Gasly chose to move to Alpine.

The Dutch driver faced challenges at the beginning of his time with AlphaTauri and was eventually replaced by Daniel Ricciardo, who serves as a reserve driver for Red Bull, after only 10 races in the season.

During an interview on the Cool Room podcast, De Vries admitted, "I suppose I didn't manage to get up to speed as quickly as needed. There were certain moments where things could have easily turned in my favor, but unfortunately, they didn't."

In the end, my superiors concluded that my performance didn't meet their expectations during my tenure, leading them to choose a replacement. This period was difficult, as there was significant public discussion about the situation, yet I was largely kept out of the loop. There wasn't much direct communication with me about the matter.

"You gather all the information from the media. On F1 weekends, there is a lot of interaction with journalists, so nearly every weekend starting from my second one, I found myself having to address inquiries about my future. It seemed a bit strange, but that's just the way it is sometimes."

De Vries, who won the Formula 2 championship in 2019, confessed that he found it challenging to handle the pressure due to constant media attention.

He described how teams face not only external pressure from the media but also pressure from within. Each team manages these pressures in its own way, but when both are present, it essentially doubles the challenge.

No matter where you go, it seems like the media is constantly observing you. Although I wouldn’t call it an attack, it's undeniable that they discuss and report on it non-stop. As you navigate through the paddock and interact within that environment, it becomes evident that everyone is aware of the situation, and there's no escaping it.

"Although you might want to, there's no escaping the situation. My approach was to avoid it by not engaging with any news – I simply stopped reading altogether. Yet, you're still aware it's happening."

The Formula E champion, aged 30, expressed feeling "hurt" yet also "somewhat relieved" after leaving Formula 1.

He expressed that missing out on a long-held dream so swiftly and unexpectedly was quite painful. Despite feeling hurt, he also experienced a slight sense of relief.

Helmut Marko referred to De Vries as the most significant error he made during his time as Red Bull's motorsport advisor.

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Valtteri Bottas discusses his position as a "mentor" to Kimi Antonelli following his comeback to Mercedes. Bottas stated, "My responsibility is to assist the team in any way possible. Since Kimi is new, he will likely seek guidance more frequently than George."

Valtteri Bottas has promised to support Andrea Kimi Antonelli throughout his first season in Formula 1, following Bottas' comeback to Mercedes in the role of reserve driver.

Following being passed over by Sauber for this season, Bottas went back to Mercedes to take on the role of reserve and test driver.

The Finnish driver will take over for Antonelli or George Russell if either of them is unable to compete in a Formula 1 race weekend this season.

Bottas is eager to make a strong impression as he aims for a return to the racing grid in 2026, possibly with Cadillac.

At the beginning of this year, Mercedes leader Toto Wolff outlined his strategy for Bottas to "guide" Antonelli during his first year.

At just 18 years old, Antonelli is the F1 grid's youngest competitor, having only a modest amount of experience in single-seater racing.

During the event marking the beginning of Mercedes' collaboration with Adidas, Bottas discussed his responsibilities with the team for the year 2025.

Bottas mentioned to Sky Sports that he believes the term "mentor" is quite fitting. He explained that when someone is new to the sport, there are numerous unfamiliar aspects they need to understand.

"I am certainly able to assist with that. My role is to support the team in any way I can. Since Kimi is new, he might have more inquiries compared to George."

The team will benefit from additional assistance throughout the race weekend, focusing on analyzing data, examining driving trajectories, and similar tasks.

"I plan to participate in all the technical meetings and contribute significantly in the simulator. It’s going to be a hectic year, but I’m excited about this new experience."

Is Bottas set to make a comeback to Formula 1 in 2026?

Bottas is optimistic about his chances of rejoining the grid in 2026.

The Finnish driver engaged in discussions with Sauber, Williams, and Haas, yet was unsuccessful in obtaining a position with any of those teams.

Williams made the decision to go with Carlos Sainz, whereas Haas chose a younger alternative by selecting Esteban Ocon.

The Sauber team opted to have a newcomer join Nico Hulkenberg, bringing F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto on board.

As an 11th team is expected to enter the racing circuit in 2026, Bottas may see an opportunity to make a comeback with Cadillac.

Nonetheless, the driver who has claimed victory in 10 F1 grand prix races will encounter tough rivalry in his quest to obtain a position with the U.S.-based team.

It is probable that an American driver will occupy one of the seats.

Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen are all available as free agents.

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Alain Prost has expressed his disapproval of a Netflix mini-series focused on Ayrton Senna's life and tragic passing. The former racing driver has openly criticized the creators of the show, stating, "I don't accept it."

Alain Prost has criticized the biographical mini-series that focuses on F1 icon Ayrton Senna.

The series, comprised of six episodes and titled "Senna," is a biographical sports drama focusing on the life of a three-time world champion who secured the world titles in 1988, 1990, and 1991 while racing for McLaren.

In a heartbreaking incident, Senna lost his life during a race for Williams following a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Prost and Senna had an intense competition that became legendary in the history of Formula 1 as one of the most remarkable rivalries.

After Prost retired, the two put aside their intense competition on the track and developed a friendship.

Alain Prost, a four-time world champion who is now 69 years old, has expressed disapproval of the creators of the Netflix series. The series has received varied feedback from audiences since it debuted last November.

"I believe Ayrton would be displeased, particularly as it demonstrates insensitivity," Prost mentioned to RMC Motori.

"It's a fantastic tale, and it’s important not to fabricate details without basis."

"If there's a need to engage in something for profit, using Senna's name isn't appropriate. I'm not fond of it and I won't approve it."

The film about Senna was created with the involvement of his family. In 2020, Ayrton's sister, Viviane, expressed that it was particularly meaningful to reveal the lesser-known aspects of his life story.

The Senna family is dedicated to ensuring this project is entirely distinctive and unlike anything seen before.

Prost expressed criticism towards the 2010 documentary film about Senna, which was widely praised by both fans and critics.

Prost expressed his dissatisfaction with the movie, saying, "I am unhappy with how the film turned out. There was an opportunity to craft an incredible narrative, given the events that occurred during our racing days and what followed after I retired."

The movie alleges that his final message, "I miss you Alain," wasn't genuine. In my opinion, the movie itself was not authentic.

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Rumors in Italy suggest that Lewis Hamilton has transitioned swiftly from Mercedes to Ferrari. Hamilton seems to have adjusted to his new environment at Ferrari with ease.

According to reports, Lewis Hamilton felt "instantly" at ease while testing Ferrari cars for the first time, finding them more comfortable to drive than the vehicles from Mercedes.

As reported by the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton experienced positive sensations after driving both Ferrari's SF-23 and the SF-24.

According to the report, Hamilton swiftly got accustomed to driving the Ferrari vehicles, including the SF-23 model that he crashed during the second day of testing at the Barcelona TPC.

According to the report, Hamilton found both vehicles more agreeable compared to the Mercedes cars he has been driving lately.

During his initial week with the team, the 40-year-old took Ferrari’s 2023 race car for a spin at the Fiorano track.

Subsequently, a TPC test took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Last week, Hamilton was back on the track with the SF-24. The team came close to winning the constructors' championship in 2024 but ultimately fell short to McLaren.

Ferrari is feeling positive about Hamilton's arrival. The initial weeks at the Maranello-based team have been promising, boosting spirits within the group.

As stated in the article, Ferrari believes Hamilton will perform strongly in the opening race in Australia.

As 2025 approaches, Hamilton is coming off his least successful F1 season so far.

Although the seven-time world champion secured two victories last year, he was decisively outperformed by his Mercedes teammate, George Russell.

Hamilton faced difficulties primarily during the qualifying sessions, managing to outpace Russell just five times on Saturdays across the whole season.

Joining forces with his new partner, Charles Leclerc, Hamilton is now facing what many consider to be the quickest driver in Formula 1.

Hamilton is expected to experience a change in perspective with a new team, after feeling consistently pessimistic during the conclusion of his time with Mercedes.

His performance was so underwhelming that it prompted a notable statement from Hamilton, suggesting that he no longer has the speed.

What's in Store for Hamilton and Ferrari?

Following the conclusion of the Pirelli 2026 tire testing, focus now shifts to the upcoming Formula 1 launch season.

On February 18, every one of the 10 teams will be present at the 'F1 75 Live' event held at the O2 Arena in London.

All ten teams are set to showcase their new designs for the upcoming year.

A day after the initial announcement, Ferrari is set to unveil its 2025 model, the SF-25, at its Maranello headquarters.

Hamilton and Leclerc are anticipated to begin their driving sessions with the new vehicle on February 19.

This will get them ready for the pre-season tests in Bahrain, scheduled to start from February 26 to 28.

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"Liam Lawson, described as 'aggressive,' has been encouraged to perform tasks that support Max Verstappen. While Lawson hasn't yet demonstrated significant speed, he has shown he possesses the essential qualities."

Liam Lawson has been advised to accept his position as the second driver for Red Bull, even though he has a naturally competitive personality.

After stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull last season, Lawson has shown significant promise, securing a promotion to Red Bull for the 2025 season. He will join Max Verstappen as a teammate, taking over from Sergio Perez.

Last year, a young driver from New Zealand managed to annoy Fernando Alonso with his driving approach. However, he has been cautioned that matching his new teammate's performance is out of reach.

"Connor McDonagh mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that he will have no other option since he won't be able to match Verstappen's speed."

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Lawson's aggressive racing style might work to Verstappen's advantage. Should Lawson find himself a few positions back and chooses to race assertively, he could provide support to Verstappen.

"Competing with Ferraris, Mercedes, and McLarens? If Lawson chooses a more aggressive approach, unlike Perez who frequently didn't make it past Q2 or Q1, it might work in Verstappen's favor."

"However, I believe Verstappen shouldn't be concerned. The gap between them will be considerable."

"Lawson has yet to demonstrate his speed. However, he has shown that he has the courage and skill to compete directly against Alonso on the track."

"Lawson possesses the potential to be a valuable addition. However, when it comes to speed, Verstappen has no reason to be concerned."

Liam Lawson has been instructed to "get the job done" at Red Bull. In 2024, Sergio Perez's underperformance significantly impacted Red Bull's points tally, leading to their loss of the constructors' championship title to McLaren.

Lawson has been instructed to gather sufficient points to support Verstappen and increase Red Bull's scores.

"This issue will resolve itself soon. Verstappen is likely to dominate Lawson, particularly in the beginning," Lewis Larkam mentioned on the podcast.

"It's likely that there will be a significant distance separating them."

The most beneficial approach for Lawson is to enter this situation without the aim or intention of defeating Verstappen.

"It's clear to everyone that his role in the car isn't meant for that purpose."

"Red Bull needs to intensify their efforts in the championship and regain their competitiveness for the title. This is why Perez was let go."

"He was the sole reason for Red Bull dropping to third place, something they cannot risk happening again."

Lawson, as expected, aims to perform at his highest potential. However, it would not be prudent for him to become overly consumed by these aspirations.

He needs to fulfill his role by not lagging 10 or 15 positions behind Verstappen and failing to make it past Q1. Instead, he should be aiming to earn points and potentially secure a second-place finish behind Verstappen, assuming Red Bull has a car capable of dominating races.

"That is essentially the reason he was hired."

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

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Red Bull fills a $150 million sponsorship gap with a competing cryptocurrency company as they lock in a new sponsorship deal for the 2025 F1 season.

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has announced a long-term partnership deal with the cryptocurrency company Gate.io.

Red Bull was looking for a new sponsor to take the place of Bybit, whose partnership ended late last year.

Rival cryptocurrency company Gate.io has now taken that position in preparation for the 2025 campaign.

A three-year agreement between Red Bull and Bybit was said to be valued at $150 million.

The branding for Gate.io will appear on Red Bull's 2025 racing car, the RB21, in addition to being displayed on the team's uniforms and the race suits worn by the drivers and pit crew. Max Verstappen's helmet will also showcase the Gate.io logo.

Red Bull claims that this partnership represents a significant achievement in bringing together two leading companies, both known for their continuous drive for excellence, innovation, and advanced technology.

Gate.io, established in 2013, ranks among the oldest and most reputable cryptocurrency platforms globally.

According to Red Bull, the company is advancing blockchain infrastructure by enhancing speed, security, and scalability to back the future of cryptocurrency exchange technology.

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, expressed enthusiasm about Gate.io joining them. He mentioned that Gate.io is a brand that aligns closely with Oracle Red Bull Racing's commitment to leading in technological innovation.

"Collectively, we are eager to create a deeper and more distinctive bond with the Team for supporters globally and to collaborate with a partner who shares our vision and is willing to challenge the norm."

Dr. Lin Han, who established and leads Gate.io, stated: "At Gate.io, we are committed to the idea that innovation and performance are closely linked, both in the blockchain sector and in motorsports. Similar to how Oracle Red Bull Racing strives to exceed engineering boundaries, we are persistently enhancing blockchain technology to improve transparency, accelerate processes, and boost efficiency in the realm of digital finance."

"This collaboration arrives as blockchain technology expands its reach beyond the financial sector, and we are eager to discover innovative ways it can integrate with international industries such as motorsport."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. While on location, he provides firsthand reports and shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Jacques Villeneuve takes on a fresh position within Formula 1, rejoining Williams 27 years following his F1 world championship victory with the team.

Jacques Villeneuve is set to return to Williams as a brand ambassador for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

At 53 years old, the Canadian racer is making a comeback to the Williams team, where he secured the world championship title in 1997. He continues to be the most recent driver from the British team to win the world championship.

After retiring, Villeneuve has frequently been seen in the F1 paddock, taking on roles as a commentator and broadcaster. He appeared as a guest on Sky Sports F1 last year.

In 2025, Villeneuve will become an official ambassador for the team, joining 2009 world champion and ex-Williams driver Jenson Button, as well as Jamie Chadwick.

"Villeneuve expressed his delight at rejoining the Williams family, highlighting the significant role the team has played in his life and the cherished memories he associates with it. He is thrilled to contribute to honoring the team's history and assisting in its future endeavors."

Button, who remains in his position, remarked: "Williams was the team that launched my Formula 1 career, and it's amazing that this year marks 25 years since I first raced. It's an honor to serve as an ambassador for this team, and I'm thrilled to keep playing a part in its history and future development."

Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion and winner in Indy NXT races, has been affiliated with the Williams team since 2019. She expressed, "Williams has played a significant role in my motorsport career over the past four years. I am honored to continue representing them in 2025, pushing myself to grow as a driver and assisting in guiding upcoming racers in the F1 Academy."

James Vowles, the head of the Williams team, expressed his honor in having Jenson, Jacques, and Jamie join the team for the 2025 season. He stated that they collectively embody the essence of this legendary team: the legacy they have built, their commitment to nurturing future champions and expanding participation in motorsport, and their drive to achieve historic successes once more.

Jenson and Jacques started their Formula 1 careers with the Williams team and later achieved the title of World Champions. Meanwhile, Jamie has paved the way for women in racing by serving as both a driver for Williams Racing and a mentor to Lia. We are thrilled to include them in the upcoming chapter of Williams’ history.

Williams secured the ninth position in the constructors' championship for the 2024 Formula 1 season

Carlos Sainz has become a member of the team after leaving Ferrari, strengthening their roster of drivers alongside Alex Albon.

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