Marc Marquez Warns Against Underestimating Ducati's Competitors

He affirms, "We view the other competitors as equals."

Ducati Lenovo's leading riders, Francesco Bagnia and Marc Marquez, have cautioned not to overlook their competitors in 2025.

Bagnaia and his new teammate Marquez, who together hold eight top-tier MotoGP championships, are now the main point of attention for a manufacturer that experienced just a single race loss last season.

Thus, the spotlight is on a showdown between Bagnaia and Marquez for championship dominance, a situation both competitors recognize as anticipated.

VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio will stand as the sole competitor piloting a factory-spec Desmosedici.

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Nonetheless, three ex-Ducati competitors, with the current titleholder Jorge Martin among them, have departed to bolster the rosters of European contenders Aprilia and KTM.

Up-and-coming talent Pedro Acosta brings a year of experience to the table, and Pramac's move to Yamaha has decreased the Ducati lineup from eight to six.

Bagnaia expressed that having fewer Ducati teams might make it challenging to dominate the podiums as they did previously. He mentioned that the KTM competitors, particularly Acosta, are extremely strong. However, he noted that the actual scenario still needs to be observed.

Currently, it's challenging to predict. Aprilia has secured a world champion and brought in Bezzecchi, adding two fresh faces to their lineup. Bezzecchi is aiming to surpass his previous performances, while Jorge is determined to keep his number 1 status. Therefore, it seems Aprilia could be a strong contender.

"Honda and Yamaha are challenging to assess. However, I believe Yamaha made significant progress last year, especially in the final races where they showed improvement, so I anticipate they will continue to advance."

"Honda, I believe, will find it challenging to maintain their current stance, so I anticipate they will make a significant advancement."

"Currently, the primary ones are Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. Let's find out."

Marquez cautioned that it would be risky to predict Ducati's victory in the championship, pointing out that Andrea Dovizioso, who was fifth in 2016, fiercely contested the championship with the Repsol Honda rider the next year.

"The eight-time world champion expressed that believing Ducati is guaranteed to win the championship could create a risky environment."

"However, within our group, we view other producers as being on an equal footing."

"In MotoGP, it's understood, for example, that Yamaha made progress last year. However, they could show up in Malaysia with an updated motorcycle, and they've got Quartararo, who is an exceptionally talented rider."

"KTM remains consistent. Aprilia, Honda… Our arena is MotoGP.

"In my experience battling Dovizioso back in 2017, the key takeaway was the importance of being mindful of all competitors, as circumstances can shift drastically from one season to the next."

Last year, Ducati dominated by securing the first four positions in the rankings, with Martin, Bagnaia, Marquez, and Enea Bastianini leading the pack. The closest competitors were Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, both riding for KTM, followed by Maverick Vinales from Aprilia.

Among the leading seven, only Bagnaia and Marquez are set to compete under the Ducati banner in 2025.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and Marc Marquez's battles with injuries.

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Honda is eager to make a move in MotoGP before 2027

Honda's team leader, Alberto Puig, implies the company is not solely relying on the rule changes anticipated in 2027

Honda MotoGP team leader Alberto Puig has expressed urgency in enhancing the team's performance, emphasizing that they cannot afford to delay until 2027 to address the struggles they've faced with the RC213V in recent years.

Honda is currently experiencing one of its most challenging periods in its Grand Prix history, with three of the past five seasons passing without a single victory.

In 2024, it ended up at the bottom of the constructors' rankings, accumulating only 75 points. The highest-placed rider from the team, LCR's Johann Zarco, secured the 17th position in the standings.

Amid its ongoing challenges, there is widespread speculation that Honda might channel all its efforts into the new project due to the significant regulatory shift happening in 2027 with the launch of the 850cc engines.

However, during a conversation with Autosport, Puig mentioned that currently, this is not a viable choice for Honda.

"He mentioned in reply to an inquiry regarding the 2027 regulations that companies will continually seek methods to increase the speed of bicycles."

"Regardless of the reduction in controls or devices, the situation remains challenging to address at this moment. However, Honda cannot afford to delay action until 2027, which is why I must consider the upcoming year."

In recent months, Honda has undergone significant changes in its staff, notably bringing on board Romano Albesiano, the ex-technical head of Aprilia, to lead its motorcycle development.

Regarding this, Puig commented, "At the moment, our sole focus is on enhancing the motorcycle."

"This marks the beginning. To accomplish this goal, Honda is dedicating every available resource and its technological capabilities."

"I'm referring not only to monetary assets but also to the workforce."

"This is the reason we chose to bring Romano on board. The primary objective is to enhance the motorcycle."

"We're improvising and putting in our best efforts daily, acknowledging that our current performance isn't up to par."

In recent times, Honda's initiatives in MotoGP and Formula 1 have been grouped under the HRC label, a move that Puig indicates the motorcycle sector is attempting to benefit from.

"He emphasized the need for a distinction, affirming that while Honda is indeed achieving success in Formula 1, it's crucial to recognize that a car and a motorcycle are fundamentally different."

"Honda provides the engines, while Red Bull boasts an impressive team responsible for designing the car."

"In this instance, Honda is responsible for the complete management of the motorcycle. This approach is distinct, yet both fall within the scope of HRC."

"We're making efforts to leverage the opportunities presented by F1, exploring how we can establish connections with what it has to offer."

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Motorcycle racing icon Valentino Rossi will compete in the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour race

Rossi makes a comeback to the renowned Australian endurance race

The WRT BMW team has revealed that renowned MotoGP star Valentino Rossi will participate in the Bathurst 12 Hour race as part of his 2025 motorsport schedule.

Rossi announced earlier this month his intention to concentrate his BMW factory efforts on the LMGT3 category in the World Endurance Championship.

Last season, he participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe with the WRT team. However, he found the number of races overwhelming, especially considering his family obligations and his intention to increase his involvement in MotoGP this year.

Discover more: A closer look at Valentino Rossi's pursuit of his elusive tenth world championship

Last year, Rossi announced his plans to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, which is a segment of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, although it hadn't been officially confirmed.

WRT has officially announced that Rossi will be making a comeback to the race, driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. He will be teaming up with Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weertz.

Previously, Rossi participated in the event as a member of the WRT team during 2023 and 2024. His highest achievement came in the previous year, securing a fifth-place finish overall. At that time, he was co-driving a BMW alongside Marciello and Maxime

In a one-on-one conversation with Crash.net, WRT team leader Vincent Vosse revealed that talks are currently in progress with Rossi regarding participation in several GT races beyond the eight-event WEC schedule.

"He mentioned that there are a few concepts and proposals in consideration, but nothing has been finalized yet."

"However, there are certainly specific races that he finds particularly enjoyable. On those weekends, he's really passionate about participating."

Rossi entered the World Endurance Championship for the first time last year, securing two top-three finishes in the #46 vehicle alongside Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy.

In 2025, he is set to join forces again with Al Harthy, as Kelvin van der Linde, a two-time Nurburgring 24 Hours champion, steps in to take Martin's place in the team.

Vosse, in a statement to Crash, regarding Rossi's decision to prioritize the World Endurance Championship (WEC) over the GT World Challenge Europe, explained: "This choice stems from various factors such as his age, personal life, and career status. Additionally, his business and MotoGP team, VR46, are expanding."

"This year, it seems like they'll require some extra focus since they're welcoming a new member to the squad [Franco Morbidelli], marking what could be considered a fresh chapter for the team."

Vale has also embarked on a new chapter in his life with the arrival of his second child just a few days ago.

"Likely, he believes that the previous year he overextended himself with the number of racing events he participated in."

"Thus, he aimed to decrease the amount of weekends, and it was up to us to determine the most suitable option for him."

"After having a conversation, we concluded that WEC would indeed be an excellent opportunity for him."

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Might 2025 herald the rise of MotoGP's lesser-known Marquez?

While Marc Marquez's move to factory Ducati grabs headlines, his sibling could emerge as an unexpected contender.

It's surprising to think that by the 2025 season, Alex Marquez will have completed his sixth year competing in MotoGP.

In 2020, he was recruited into the top division, taking over for Jorge Lorenzo in the factory Honda team. This move was quickly overshadowed by the chaos brought on by the COVID pandemic, and further turmoil ensued when his teammate, who is also his elder brother, Marc Marquez, suffered a severe arm injury during the first race of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.

When the former 2019 Moto2 and 2014 Moto3 world champion advanced to MotoGP, expectations for his performance were low. His entry into the competition was confirmed shortly after Lorenzo declared he would be retiring, having completed only one year of a two-year agreement with Honda. Moreover, the revelation in February 2020 of Marc Marquez’s major four-year deal implied that Honda Racing Corporation's acquisition of his younger sibling was a condition tied to the contract of the eight-time world champion.

Additionally, he faced the challenge of riding the motorcycle that essentially concluded the career of three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo and resulted in Dani Pedrosa's first season without a victory during his last race in 2018. Alex Marquez found himself in a less than desirable position.

After Honda's designated test rider was out due to an injury, he had to quickly adapt without much guidance. Impressively, he performed well, managing to secure podium finishes at both the French GP and Aragon GP. He stood out as the only Honda competitor to make it to the podium that year.

In 2020, despite a reduced calendar, he managed to rack up 74 points. However, over the next two seasons with LCR Honda, struggles with the bike's performance often left him unable to reach those levels. By 2022, he opted to leave and pursue a fresh opportunity with the Gresini Ducati team.

Switching teams turned out to be a brilliant strategy, as he clinched two victories in sprints and landed on the podium twice in grands prix, propelling him to an all-time high of ninth place in the rankings with 177 points. Nevertheless, the GP23 bike he competed on the previous year presented challenges in terms of adjustment and was noticeably inferior to the GP24. As a result, Marquez secured just a single podium finish but still finished eighth in the overall standings, amassing 173 points.

Despite a slight dip, his average points per race merely decreased from 8.85 to 8.65 in 2024. Moreover, in the 16 races he completed last season, he only placed outside the top 10 on two occasions. His reliability has been a significant advantage for Gresini, helping the team to secure a sixth-place finish in the team rankings in 2023 and climb to third in 2024, benefitting from a surge in performance under Marc Marquez's leadership.

Is it Alex Marquez's Moment in the Spotlight?

As his elder sibling grabbed the spotlight in a year focused on reviving his career, Alex Marquez acknowledges he faced significant pressure but didn't falter because of it.

"He mentioned at Gresini's 2025 unveiling last weekend that it isn't a matter of Marc going excessively far, as he will be merely one garage down from us, either on our left or right, yet it signifies a change."

"I've mentioned repeatedly that Marc's presence in the garage brings both advantages and disadvantages. At the start of last year, the atmosphere in the garage was tense due to elevated expectations."

"However, Marc contributed significantly with his vast experience, and from the outset, he emerged as a guiding force. He enlightened us on numerous aspects. The lessons he imparted are something we must leverage this year, as he propelled us forward as a team."

The excitement surrounding Gresini is expected to diminish in 2025 following Marc Marquez's move to the official Ducati team. However, under Nadia Padovani's leadership, the team views Alex as the right person to take the helm. With a deal lasting until the close of 2026, he will be responsible for fast-tracking Fermin Aldeguer's transition into MotoGP as a newcomer.

It might be tempting to dismissively label Alex as merely a remnant of the Marquez legacy at Gresini, but he has productively utilized his tenure with his sibling. Moreover, it's important to acknowledge that Marc's self-described 'comeback' season could not have been achieved without the influential encouragement from his junior brother.

"He acknowledged gaining substantial knowledge from Marc and expressed confidence in gaining insights from Fermin too," he remarked. "However, since he's new to the team, I embrace the role of being the team's guiding figure, the person expected to deliver performance. For a standalone team, achieving results every weekend is crucial for television exposure and sponsor visibility. This role is something I enjoy and it significantly drives my motivation."

However, it shouldn't be assumed that Alex Marquez will attempt to emulate Marc entirely in 2025, now that he has returned to lead Gresini. Although he values the support from his brother, Alex mentioned to the author previously that he had to limit Marc's guidance during his first season, as it started to overwhelm him.

Gresini has set high goals for the GP24 this season, aiming for top-five finishes in every race. Alex Marquez has begun to consistently achieve these impressive results in the final stages of a challenging 2024 season.

Securing fifth position in the Thai GP sprint, he continued his strong performance with two fourth-place results in Malaysia, and matched his efforts with a fifth in the sprint and a fourth in the main race at the season's conclusion in Barcelona. This achievement signified his first entry into the top five since securing a third-place finish at the German GP the previous July, where he stood on the podium just behind Marc Marquez, marking the first time in 27 years that brothers shared a MotoGP podium.

The late-season rally occurred because they focused on their tasks and their space without any pressure, which has left him optimistic about securing his initial MotoGP grand prix victory in 2025, believing there are "numerous opportunities" ahead.

At this point, it's uncertain how significant the improvements will be with Ducati's GP25 model. However, Marquez's initial experience with the GP24 during the Barcelona test in November was exceptionally promising, as he led the field in timing.

He mentioned that each time he pushed the GP24, it improved significantly, unlike the GP23, which was hindered by issues with entering corners.

The beginning of the 2025 campaign is set to be a pivotal moment for Gresini and Marquez. Armed with a fully developed and finely-tuned GP24, they will have their best opportunity to outperform their factory competitors during the initial rounds of the season.

As attention focuses on his sibling's transition to Ducati and the anticipated rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez is set to deliver his most impressive season so far in MotoGP…

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Lewis Hamilton may team up with Angela Cullen at Ferrari amid ongoing speculation for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen are gearing up to reunite at Ferrari.

A recent publication by the Daily Mail reveals that Cullen is set to join forces again with Hamilton, as the seven-time world champion begins his latest endeavor in Italy.

During his tenure at Mercedes, Cullen earned a place in Hamilton's close-knit group, serving as his personal physiotherapist.

The Kiwi remained a constant presence with Hamilton throughout Formula 1 events from 2016 to 2023, until her unexpected departure.

Cullen and Hamilton ended their association just before the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Since that time, Cullen has been observed collaborating in IndyCar with fellow countryman from New Zealand, Marcus Armstrong.

Speculation about Cullen teaming up with Hamilton once again is hardly a recent development.

At the beginning of the month, rumors reached a fever pitch when Cullen and Hamilton shared images on Instagram showing them engaging in winter sports amidst the snowy peaks.

Despite the lack of proof that they traveled together, Cullen fueled speculation by featuring a ‘44’ flag in the backdrop of her picture.

Not long afterward, Cullen turned off her Instagram account.

It appears that Cullen is set to make a comeback to Formula 1 as Hamilton makes the groundbreaking switch to Ferrari.

According to the document, Cullen will remain in Fiorano, situated a short distance from the main entrance of the Scuderia.

Hamilton has consistently praised Cullen for her significant contribution to his Formula 1 career.

"After she left, Hamilton remarked, “Angela has stood with me for the past seven years, constantly encouraging me to reach my full potential."

"Her influence has made me both a more formidable competitor and a more improved individual. Thus, today I invite you to join me in extending our heartfelt wishes for success as she embarks on her journey to achieve her aspirations."

"I appreciate all you've done, Ang. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for you."

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Ferrari Unveils Alternate Strategy for Lewis Hamilton's Initial F1 Trial in Case of Inclement Weather

Should adverse weather conditions interfere, Ferrari is prepared to relocate Lewis Hamilton's inaugural Formula 1 test to an alternative location.

According to reports, Ferrari plans to relocate Lewis Hamilton's initial Formula 1 test with the team from their traditional Fiorano testing grounds should adverse weather conditions disrupt their scheduled plans.

Hamilton is anticipated to pilot a 2023 F1 vehicle at Fiorano, situated near Ferrari's renowned Maranello base, on Wednesday. However, the precise date and place are still dependent on weather conditions.

According to sources in Italy and on F1.com, Ferrari is prepared with contingency plans due to the expected harsh weather conditions in the Modena region this week.

Should the adverse circumstances persist, Ferrari possesses the flexibility to change the location to either Imola or Mugello on relatively short notice.

Ferrari is making efforts to maintain secrecy around Hamilton's initial test, aiming to prevent a surge of fans from gathering at the specific location.

Hamilton's examination will be part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) initiative, with Ferrari also reportedly reserving the Barcelona track for extra sessions later this month.

The seven-time world champion eagerly made his first visit to Ferrari's Formula 1 manufacturing facility in Maranello on Monday.

On his initial day, Hamilton engaged with top executives, which included meetings with Ferrari's CEO Benedetto Vigna, chairman John Elkann, and team principal Fred Vasseur.

The 40-year-old British individual also had an encounter with Piero Ferrari, the offspring of the iconic founder of Ferrari, Enzo, and started familiarizing himself with both the factory and the team.

Hamilton will continue exploring different departments on Tuesday, ahead of taking to the track in a vintage Ferrari model.

"In a message shared on Instagram, he expressed, 'Certain days are unforgettable, and today, marking my debut as a Ferrari driver, is certainly one of those.'"

Throughout my career, I've reached milestones that once seemed beyond my reach. Yet, a portion of me always clung to the aspiration of racing clad in red. Today, I'm overjoyed to see that vision come to life.

"Today marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the saga of this legendary team, and I'm eager to discover the narrative we'll craft collectively."

In another message, Hamilton expressed his appreciation, saying, "I’m thankful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, and Fred Vasseur for placing their faith in me and welcoming me into this family."

I'm thrilled to embark on this new journey and to collaborate with an incredibly skilled and motivating team, who have greeted me warmly.

"I am committed to giving my all in contributing to the team, the broader organization, and our supporters."

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How is Lewis Hamilton spending his second day at Ferrari?

Lewis Hamilton is ongoing with his preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season at Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton's initial week representing Ferrari in Formula 1 progresses as he gears up for his first track appearance with the squad.

Monday marked a significant moment for Hamilton and the world of racing when the seven-time world champion was captured in a photo outside the legendary former residence of Enzo Ferrari in Maranello.

Hamilton had the chance to interact with the Tifosi for the first time – the passionate fans of Ferrari – who went into a frenzy upon seeing their latest star driver for the first time.

On his initial day with Ferrari, he had the opportunity to meet with the team's principal, Frederic Vasseur, as well as Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna

Hamilton was also spotted alongside Ferrari chairman John Elkann, the individual credited for recruiting F1's top driver to Ferrari.

Subsequently, Hamilton engaged with different sections of Ferrari's engineering crew, initiating connections with the individuals responsible for the groundwork.

Hamilton's integration into Ferrari progresses into its second day

On his second visit to the facility, Hamilton will further acclimate to his new team.

According to Autoracer, the second day will involve meetings focused on technical aspects and briefings in preparation for the upcoming season.

This is expected to provide Hamilton with an opportunity to get acquainted with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

Previously, Adami served as the race engineer for Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, marking the conclusion of Hamilton's extended collaboration with Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington.

The upcoming gatherings are crucial because Hamilton is scheduled to pilot Ferrari's 2022 Formula 1 contender at the Fiorano track on Wednesday.

Today marks a significant milestone for Hamilton as he takes the wheel for Ferrari for the very first time.

As this marks Hamilton's initial experience behind the wheel of a modern F1 vehicle not powered by a Mercedes engine, it will serve as a valuable opportunity for him to acclimate to his new team and brush up on his skills.

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Pair of F1 newcomers poised for significant track experience during extended Imola trial

Key circuit experience scheduled for a duo from F1's 2025 batch of rookies.

Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto are set to gain crucial initial track experience at Imola this week before making their Formula 1 debuts.

According to Motorsport, this is due to the Racing Bulls and Sauber teams scheduling several days of testing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix location during this week.

Racing Bulls is set to conduct a three-day trial where newcomer Hadjar will take the wheel of their 2023 AT04, sharing the track with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

In the meantime, Sauber is set to team up with Racing Bulls on the Imola circuit starting Wednesday. They're bringing in recent recruit Nico Hulkenberg along with Formula 2's latest champion, Bortoleto, who will be making his first Formula 1 appearance. Both will be taking turns driving their 2022 model, the C42

The Racing Bulls team has scheduled their runs for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while Sauber will be participating on Wednesday and Thursday.

Hulkenberg and Bortoleto initiated their integration with their new team at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, where they took the 2024 car for a spin.

For Hadjar and Bortoleto, the Imola event offers extra time on the track to familiarize themselves with F1 cars as they prepare for their debut seasons in the championship.

The evaluations will be conducted under Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) policy, permitting teams to operate a vehicle that is a minimum of two years old. This can be done for up to 1000 kilometers across four days, specifically for drivers who regularly compete in grand prix events.

Hamilton Begins Testing with Ferrari

Ferrari is utilizing the regulation to assist their new recruit, Lewis Hamilton, in acclimating quickly.

The seven-time world champion made his eagerly-awaited debut at Ferrari's renowned F1 base in Maranello on Monday.

Hamilton is anticipated to have his first outing with Ferrari this Wednesday at the Fiorano test track, although the specific date and place for the test are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Joining Hamilton, Charles Leclerc is also expected to get behind the wheel of Ferrari's F1-75 model from the 2022 season, or alternatively, pilot the team's vehicle for the 2023 season.

The 2023 model is the latest version of Ferrari that is allowed under the Formula 1 testing regulations.

For the first time in his 18-year Formula 1 career, Hamilton will drive a car that doesn't feature a Mercedes engine.

Inclement weather conditions may lead Ferrari to consider a last-minute change of venue to either Imola or Mugello, both circuits being owned by the Scuderia.

Imola is expected to experience rain, which might limit track time for Racing Bulls and Sauber.

The squads are set to return to the track for the official Formula 1 pre-season trials scheduled to occur in Bahrain from February 26th to 28th.

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Franco Colapinto expressed that he is not dwelling on losing out on a Formula 1 seat for 2025. Jacques Villeneuve has made a harsh statement regarding F1 aspirant Franco Colapinto.

Jacques Villeneuve believes Franco Colapinto is solely responsible for failing to secure a seat in Formula 1 for the 2025 season.

The young Argentine, aged 21, garnered attention from competing teams due to his standout performances for Williams. He stepped in to replace Logan Sargeant, who was underperforming, for the final nine races.

Colapinto earned five points, however, a series of severe accidents near the season's close overshadowed his initial successes, leading Red Bull to contemplate recruiting him for their junior team, Racing Bulls.

Ultimately, he didn't secure a permanent racing position for 2025, but he has joined Alpine as their backup driver, following Williams' decision to let him go due to a lack of space in their driving roster.

Former Williams racer and 1997 World Champion, Villeneuve, thinks that Colapinto has likely harmed his prospects of securing a spot on the starting lineup.

"He compromised his own opportunities," he informed Action Network.

"When the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, it's up to you to seize it fully."

"He shouldn't lament over it. He managed to participate in several Formula 1 races because of this."

"It's quite remarkable because not a lot of individuals have that opportunity, making his experience noteworthy."

"It's uncertain what lies ahead for him."

"He remains a fast driver."

"He demonstrated a lack of good judgment in assessing the situation."

Colapinto could potentially secure a spot to race in 2025, as his presence at Alpine intensifies the competition for their new driver, Jack Doohan, who recently joined Pierre Gasly as his teammate.

Villeneuve expresses astonishment at the number of newcomers

In 2025, six racers are set to embark on their first full season in F1, with four having graduated from the previous year’s F2 lineup.

Accompanying Doohan are Liam Lawson (Red Bull), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls).

Villeneuve expressed his astonishment at the number of rookie drivers simultaneously ascending to F1 ranks.

"He admitted to being entirely unsure about Bortoleto's performance, emphasizing his uncertainty. He also noted that Formula 2 has historically not served as a reliable indicator of a driver's potential.

"Thus, it remains futile until they reach F1, but at present, they enter F1 with minimal experience."

"It's quite astonishing to grasp the rapid ascent to the pinnacle of the world's most popular sport by someone so young and relatively inexperienced. That's truly unexpected."

"They receive extensive training on simulators, enabling them to become fast, yet the incident with Antonelli at Monza illustrates the potential downsides."

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Unveiled: The debut of Haas' F1 2025 vehicle on the circuit

Haas announces the initial track appearance of their F1 2025 contender.

Haas has announced the debut track appearance of their 2025 Formula 1 vehicle in anticipation of the upcoming season.

The VF-25 will be unveiled on February 16th at Silverstone during Haas's recording session at the site of the British Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon, the latest addition to the team, will be the first to test drive Haas' F1 car for the 2025 season.

Newcomer Oliver Bearman is set to take the helm for a subsequent filming day in Bahrain, occurring two days prior to the scheduled pre-season testing from February 26th to 28th.

Haas team leader Ayao Komatsu has verified that Bearman will be the initial driver to participate in the pre-season trials.

"Esteban will be behind the wheel since, when it comes to setting up drivers, he poses more of a challenge," Komatsu explained to reporters, including those from F1.com.

"Our goal is to completely ensure that Esteban's setup is in good condition. This way, if there's a problem, we'll have additional time to address it."

"We have a good level of confidence in Ollie. Our confidence extends to Esteban too, but it's fair to say our trust in Ollie's setup is stronger than in Esteban's."

Esteban is set to lead off, followed by Ollie in the Bahrain shakedown. Consequently, Ollie will initiate the pre-season testing.

Haas, together with the nine other teams, will reveal their 2025 colors at the Formula 1 season kick-off event, set to take place at the O2 Arena in London on February 18th.

Haas aims for steady performance by 2025

In the previous season, Haas secured the seventh spot in the constructors' standings, achieving their highest placement since 2018.

Komatsu, who stepped into the role of team principal, replacing the removed Guenther Steiner a year ago, aims for the American team to enhance the stability they showed in 2024.

"He emphasized his focus on maintaining steady performance, stating, 'Last season, we secured the seventh position. Looking back at Haas's track record, it seems we haven't managed to uphold a consistent level of competitiveness throughout the seasons."

"For me, the uplifting aspect of last year was seeing our competitive edge grow as the season progressed. We then went on to accumulate the highest number of points during the final quarter of the year. From Monza onwards, Brazil was the only instance where we fell short of scoring a point. That was heartening.

"I aim to maintain the same level of performance, however, I anticipate the competition will be even more intense this season. Teams like Alpine, Williams, Sauber, and Red Bull are expected to improve too. Therefore, it's uncertain how crowded the midfield will get, but I'm preparing for a closely contested battle."

On Tuesday, Haas revealed that as a significant part of the team's personnel overhaul, Laura Muller will step into the role of F1's inaugural female race engineer.

Muller has been assigned as Ocon's direct line of communication, with Bearman receiving guidance from Ronan O’Hare. Their new positions come as advancements from their previous roles as performance engineers.

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Exclusive video footage uncovers Lewis Hamilton's conversation with Ferrari team members

A segment of Lewis Hamilton's discussion with employees at Ferrari's Formula 1 headquarters has been unveiled through exclusive behind-the-scenes video.

On his inaugural day at Maranello, Lewis Hamilton informed the Ferrari F1 team members that joining them had been a lifelong dream.

The seven-time world champion initiated his much-awaited first season with his new squad on Monday by touring the renowned Ferrari F1 manufacturing facility in Maranello.

The trip occurred one year following his decision to ink a long-term contract with Ferrari, marking his departure from Mercedes after a dozen seasons, in what is considered the most significant driver switch in the annals of Formula 1.

Hamilton devoted his initial day to introductions and familiarizing himself with both the factory and team. He was shown around by team leader Frederic Vasseur and CEO Benedetto Vigna.

On Tuesday afternoon, Ferrari shared a brief clip on social media showcasing Hamilton's inaugural visit.

The backstage video captured Hamilton exchanging pleasantries with staff members and delivering a talk at the manufacturing site.

An unforgettable opening day now recorded in history pic.twitter.com/liMqgn8QC4— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 21, 2025

"Hamilton expressed immense joy and anticipation in the shared video, stating, 'I've been looking forward to this moment for an eternity, so I'm absolutely thrilled and eager to meet everyone.'"

"I'm eager to begin and dive in."

The 40-year-old British individual will proceed with his integration into Ferrari on Tuesday. He is expected to participate in technical discussions and briefings as the team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming season.

Hamilton is anticipated to pilot a previous model of a Ferrari vehicle this Wednesday at the team's test circuit in Fiorano.

On Tuesday, news surfaced that Hamilton and his longstanding coach Angela Cullen will join forces again at Ferrari for this season.

Following his initial day with Ferrari, Hamilton shared on Instagram, expressing, "There are certain days that will forever hold a place in your memory, and today, marking my debut as a driver for Ferrari, is indeed one of those unforgettable days.

Throughout my career, I've surpassed my own expectations in terms of accomplishments, yet I've always harbored the aspiration to race in red. Today, I'm overjoyed to make that dream a reality.

"Today marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the saga of this legendary team, and I'm eager to discover the tale we'll craft collectively."

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10 Essential Ferrari Personalities Crucial to Lewis Hamilton's Triumphs

The pivotal Ferrari individuals Lewis Hamilton is set to encounter this week.

This week marks a significant milestone for Lewis Hamilton as he begins his fresh endeavor with Ferrari in Formula 1.

Hamilton is convening with his new squad and participating in detailed discussions before his first appearance on the track later this week.

Just like all the squads in Formula 1, Ferrari is comprised of significant personalities and key individuals who will play a crucial role in Hamilton achieving victory with the Maranello team.

John Elkann, serving as the chairman of Ferrari, played a pivotal role in facilitating Lewis Hamilton's move to the Scuderia team.

Elkann has been at the helm of Ferrari since 2018, taking over after Sergio Marchionne's passing.

Ensuring a positive rapport between Hamilton and Elkann is pivotal, be it for discussing contracts, exploring ambassadorship opportunities, or any related matters.

Occupying the second highest position at Ferrari, Benedetto Vigna serves as the chief executive officer.

In 2021, Vigna took on the role of CEO, overseeing all aspects of the business, particularly their supercar division.

Similar to Elkann, Vigna is expected to play a significant role in determining Hamilton's continued association with the team and in attracting sponsors to Maranello.

Frederic Vasseur holds the position of team principal at Ferrari, overseeing the management of the racing team.

Ferrari's leadership, under Elkann and Vigna, has empowered Vasseur with the independence to implement major modifications, including changing Charles Leclerc’s race engineer and making crucial adjustments to the strategy team.

Vasseur's long-standing expertise in managing a racing team has proven beneficial, introducing a sense of tranquility and steadiness to the team's operations.

Hamilton had previously collaborated with Vasseur during his early career at ART Grand Prix.

Vasseur is an outstanding leader for the team, and a confidant for Hamilton.

Jerome D’Ambrosio

A well-known figure in the scene is Jerome D’Ambrosio.

The ex-Formula 1 racer has transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari, taking on the role of assistant team principal.

D'Ambrosio collaborated with Susie Wolff in Formula E prior to the Belgian assuming his position at Mercedes.

Having an acquaintance in a new position is always advantageous for Hamilton, especially considering D’Ambrosio's extensive background in motorsport as a racer.

Lewis Hamilton will not have Peter 'Bono' Bonnington by his side at Ferrari. Instead, Riccardo Adami is anticipated to serve as his race engineer.

Adami has collaborated with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz in the past.

It has been relayed that Hamilton consulted Vettel regarding Adami to secure the German's endorsement.

The bond between a driver and their engineer plays a crucial role, especially considering Hamilton's recent integration into the squad.

Adami is set to have a pivotal influence on Hamilton's tenure with Ferrari, impacting everything from strategic planning and adjustments to the car's setup, to providing encouragement during races.

Hamilton is set to compete with Charles Leclerc in the 2025 season.

Leclerc is commonly viewed as the quickest driver in Formula 1 when it comes to a single lap, indicating that Hamilton is facing a formidable test.

Despite his remarkable quickness, Leclerc has shown he prioritizes the team's success, always placing Ferrari's interests at the forefront.

Leclerc is eager to outperform Hamilton, yet it will be crucial for them to keep a strong professional rapport.

Exciting path for Ferrari's latest Formula 1 star, Lewis Hamilton! 🎉

Loic Serra has made a team transition alongside Hamilton and D’Ambrosio, moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.

Serra stands at the forefront of automotive design, holding the prestigious position of technical director at Ferrari.

He possesses a deep understanding of what works for Hamilton and the strategies to maximize the performance of the seven-time world champion.

Several Italian news outlets have indicated that Serra has been given the responsibility of enhancing Ferrari's qualifying results, following a year where the team has faced difficulties during Saturday races.

Hamilton faced difficulties in single-lap performance in his last season with Mercedes, hence he will appreciate Serra’s contributions to the 2025 competitor.

As team principal, one of Vasseur's most significant modifications was appointing Ravin Jain as the chief strategist.

Before the 2023 Formula 1 season began, Jain was appointed to the position, succeeding Inaki Rueda.

Ferrari's performance in 2022 was marred by numerous tactical errors, a trend that has seen improvement following Jain's elevation to his current position.

Tactics can either secure your victory or defeat in a competition.

Hamilton's performance on race days continues to rank among the top, potentially simplifying Jain's responsibilities.

Jock Clear is a steadfast figure in Formula 1, serving as the senior performance engineer for Ferrari.

Clear collaborated temporarily with Hamilton at Mercedes, serving as his performance engineer from 2013 to 2014.

Although Clear currently has a closer connection to Leclerc, it's expected that the experienced F1 professional will significantly impact Hamilton's race weekend outcomes.

Silvia Hoffer Frangipane serves as the lead for public relations and communications at Ferrari, bringing 28 years of Formula 1 experience to the role.

With the numerous media obligations that drivers have to fulfill, Hoffer will play a key role in managing Hamilton's daily activities at Ferrari.

During Hamilton's last three years with McLaren (2010-2012), she served as the press officer manager.

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Connor, with his keen insight into F1's disputes and narratives, is the core of our impartial coverage.

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