Fernando Alonso makes an audacious prediction regarding a team that will make a significant impact in F1 by 2026. He shares his thoughts on which team he believes will be an unexpected force in the competition.

Fernando Alonso suggests that Williams might become a formidable competitor when the new F1 regulations are implemented.

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 plans to implement a set of new regulations that will bring significant changes to the cars' power units, as well as their chassis and aerodynamics.

Typically, when regulations are revamped, the competitive dynamics in Formula 1 tend to shift. Various teams, such as Williams, see the year 2026 as a chance to significantly advance towards the leading positions.

Aston Martin's driver, Alonso, has suggested that Williams might soon regain the success they once enjoyed in Formula 1.

Alonso mentioned to DAZN that if he were a journalist or simply a viewer watching Formula 1 on TV, he would regard Williams as a formidable team.

The double world champion commented, "It makes sense that Aston Martin is viewed in that manner as well. However, all of us are extremely enthusiastic!"

In 2026, we are set to face updated regulations, and Adrian Newey will be joining our team starting in April of this year, although initially expected in March.

"We should genuinely look forward to a promising year, with the possibility of clinching a World Championship title. While this is a bold statement, the anticipation is substantial."

"I am aware that they will be, as we are currently in the early stages of 2026, and the unveiling of that vehicle is approaching rapidly."

"With new rules, Adrian Newey, and Fernando Alonso in the mix, I can predict the questions you'll have for me! 'Is it possible for us to aspire to a championship title?'"

"As someone looking in from the outside, I would also wonder about Newey switching to a different team."

Williams sets modest goals

Since 2023, Williams has been in a phase of reorganization following the arrival of team principal James Vowles. The team is aiming to enhance their performance and move up from the back of the race standings.

The UK-based team has secured Carlos Sainz to join Alex Albon, enhancing their driver roster for 2025, with aspirations of achieving more progress in the future.

Vowles has swiftly dismissed the chances of Williams possessing a car capable of winning races during the initial year under F1's new regulations.

He mentioned that if he were to choose a specific date, he would lean towards 2028. However, he emphasized that the most important thing is to be on the correct path to achieve that goal.

"Significant investments, as well as senior management and other factors, are being introduced for 2026 and 2027. Progress in Formula 1 requires time."

"We might be able to speed up certain processes and achieve quicker results, but without a solid foundation, things are likely to fall apart eventually."

Achieving success in Formula 1 hinges on consistently performing well, not just for a single season but over numerous years into the future.

"At 28, I'd feel much more assured about meeting your gaze and confidently saying, 'Yes.'"

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Marc Marquez draws a foreboding parallel between "young people" and Lewis Hamilton, saying, "You can liken us to being red, just like both Ducati and Ferrari…"

Marc Marquez's decision to join Ducati for the 2025 MotoGP season, along with Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari for the next Formula 1 season, seem to have been perfectly timed.

The parallels are evident: Marquez ranks as the fourth most successful rider in the annals of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, whereas Hamilton holds the record as the most triumphant driver in the extensive history of Formula 1.

However, Marquez himself is cautious about these comparisons.

"I can't draw a comparison like that, but both of us are seasoned riders," Marquez remarked in an interview with Sky Sport Italy.

"The older generation matters, but the younger crowd is also coming in, pushing forward and moving quickly. You could say it's like how both Ducati and Ferrari share the color red."

The parallels between Hamilton's start with Ferrari and Marquez's with Ducati extend beyond just their team colors, experience levels, and how their ages compare to those of their teammates. On the same day that Marquez participated in the launch event for the Ducati Lenovo Team in Madonna di Campiglio, Hamilton had his inaugural day at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello.

Actually, Marquez's collaborative interactions with Ducati's engineers began towards the end of 2023. This was when he first tested a bike from the Bologna-based manufacturer as he commenced his journey as a rider for Gresini Racing.

At this point, Marquez has gotten used to how the factory operates, so he's adjusting more to the Ducati Lenovo Team instead of Ducati Corse. According to the Spaniard, the relationship is progressing positively.

"Excellent," he remarked, "right now, everything is accurate. It's not possible to compare people you've known for a decade with those you've only known for a few months, but I'm quite pleased."

"Last year with the Gresini team was ideal, but this year joining the factory team was essential to advance further. When you have the bike and are part of the main team, everything depends on you."

Bagnaia "is sure to lead the pack" Unlike Hamilton's situation, Marquez's switch to Ducati involves a different dynamic. Charles Leclerc may be a skilled driver and has won a Grand Prix, but Francesco Bagnaia stands out as a three-time World Champion and the most accomplished MotoGP racer over the last five years.

Although the eight-time World Champion is confident he will be a key player in the next season, he is not ready to consider himself superior to his new teammate, who has been the central figure of the team since his arrival in 2021.

Marquez expressed his belief that Pecco, also known as Francesco Bagnaia, will definitely lead, noting that in the past four years, Bagnaia has claimed two World Championships and secured second place twice.

"He was known for battling tirelessly until the very end, which makes him the standard to follow as he secured second place in the championship. I am considered the next reference point in the team, having achieved third place in the standings."

As the championship showdown is anticipated to heat up and potentially strain relations later in the year, Marquez is presently satisfied with the friendly rapport he shares with Bagnaia.

Marquez expressed that his current relationship with his new teammate should be described as beautiful.

In my opinion, your mindset at 20 is not the same as it is at 32. With age, you gain maturity and your perspective changes.

"I understand that on the racetrack, each person plays their role, and both of us aim for victory. As Gigi Dall’Igna, the general manager of Ducati Corse, mentioned, our goal is to secure the Championships for Riders, Constructors, and Teams."

"If one doesn't come out on top, the other must emerge victorious."

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EXCLUSIVE – Brad Binder examines Pedro Acosta's unique approach to racing

"Having him on the team will be exciting. There are specific aspects of his technique that he excels at."

In his sixth season in MotoGP, Brad Binder will be joined by a fresh face on his team, as Pedro Acosta, the standout newcomer from last year, moves up to the main Red Bull KTM team, taking over from Jack Miller.

Acosta is set to become Binder's fourth team-mate in MotoGP, following Pol Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Miller. Notably, he'll be the first among them to have a considerable age gap with Binder, being nine years younger at 20, while Binder is

"In past divisions, I was accompanied by team members who were younger, but stepping into MotoGP marks a first for me," Binder explained to Crash.net. "Pol had an age advantage of three or four years, whereas Jack and Miguel are roughly my contemporaries."

"Regardless, I'm genuinely excited about it."

"Undoubtedly, Jack has been a fantastic colleague, and I've thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with him over the past few years. However, I believe Pedro introduces a fresh dynamic to our team."

"His approach to riding is quite unique and everything he does is exceptionally tidy. Therefore, it will be awesome to have him as a part of the team."

In his third race, Binder achieved a historic victory for KTM by winning their first MotoGP race, paving the way for Acosta who emerged as a newcomer and clinched the Moto3 championship in 2021.

Last season, Acosta's ascent to the factory KTM team for 2025 became almost inevitable after he secured five podium finishes and four Sprint rostrum positions while at Tech3, marking the point where their careers intersected on the circuit.

Binder achieved his sole podium finishes during the initial Qatar race but managed to surpass Acosta, securing his position as KTM's leading racer with a fifth-place finish in the global championship.

When questioned about his description of Acosta’s 'unique' approach to racing, Binder elaborated:

He excels in specific areas, notably in braking. He has a knack for applying brakes right up to the limit without exceeding it, managing to bring the bike to a halt at the exact same spot every time!

"One aspect that stands out about his approach to riding is truly remarkable. Additionally, his skill in maneuvering the bike is commendable."

"I'll bid farewell to Jack beyond the racing circuit"

Binder's uncompromising approach on the racecourse is a stark contrast to his relaxed demeanor away from it.

Similar to numerous competitors, the racer from South Africa resides in Andorra throughout the European season, counting Miller as one of his local counterparts.

"Binder mentioned that although he won't be spending as much time with Jack at the MotoGP circuit, he believes their relationship off the track will remain unaffected by the Australian's move to Pramac Yamaha."

"We dedicate a considerable amount of time to each other's company while we're out, particularly in Andorra. Our homes are incredibly near, just 300-400 meters apart, which is really convenient. I believe this will be an exciting venture for him as well, a fresh endeavor."

Beyond the dazzle of a MotoGP race weekend, the daily life of a rider is ruled by a rigorous schedule of continuous training.

"According to Binder, the simplest activity to engage in while in Andorra is cycling," he explained regarding his preferred mode of transportation. "There's a quaint cafe just a short distance away, and virtually every day you'll find a group of four or five individuals eager to go for a bike ride.

"Out of the blue, a text flashes in the group chat: 'Should we meet at 8 or 9?' That's the usual drill. The ascents are insanely challenging. It's breathtaking. You spend about an hour and a half climbing and then just 20 minutes to return!"

"Racing walks a razor's edge; you're either part of it or you're not."

Binder, who kicked off his global career as a teenager, mentioned he has never pondered over an alternative career path outside of being a professional motorcycle racer.

"He expressed, 'There's a 95% chance I would have pursued a career in engineering alongside my father.'"

Growing up, we were always hands-on with our bicycles, and I continue to handle basic maintenance tasks such as swapping tires, replacing brake pads, and changing the oil by myself at home.

"It's the greatest pleasure I find outside of the race circuit."

"Definitely, at some point in my career, once my journey in racing concludes, that will become my primary focus."

Regarding a similar subject, what, in Binder's opinion, sets apart riders who ascend to MotoGP from other skilled young riders who eventually disappear from the spotlight?

"Indeed, the distinction is quite narrow," he responded.

Over time, it's a common sight to witness young talents burst onto the scene, dominating their peers with ease. However, in a puzzling turn of events, these same individuals can seemingly fade into the background for a few seasons, never to recover their initial momentum.

"In the world of racing, it's black and white. You're either all in, excelling, or you're on your way out, searching for a different career path."

"It's crucial to ensure that any obstacles or challenges you face are overcome quickly, as everyone encounters them at some point."

"If they extend over a prolonged period, it's uncertain where you could ultimately find yourself."

Brad Binder, who clinched the Moto3 World Championship in 2016 and secured second place in the Moto2 category in 2019, kicks off his 14th year of competing in grand prix motorcycle racing with the season opener in Thailand, slated for

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

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Esteemed celebrity, known for appearances on Martin Brundle's grid walk, secures a prestigious position with F1

New program aims to provide fans with an opulent experience within the paddock

An experienced figure from the Formula 1 community, known for frequent appearances during Martin Brundle's grid walks, has secured a significant new position.

Famed chef Gordon Ramsay has joined forces with Formula 1 to create the Formula 1 Garage, which is touted as offering a top-tier dining experience within the most luxurious hospitality area of the paddock.

Ramsay's project will take place within the F1 paddock and pit lane, offering fans the chance to enjoy his acclaimed cuisine as they watch the races.

In the previous year, he successfully rebranded F1 Garage as Ramsay’s Garage during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In 2025, he plans to participate in 10 races, starting with the Miami Grand Prix. This will be followed by Grands Prix in Canada, Britain, Italy, the United States, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Ramsay is a recognized enthusiast of the sport and has spent many years involved in the paddock.

He has had several conversations with Brundle, one of which was in the company of Stormzy and Tom Cruise.

Interestingly, it was Ramsay who rescued Brundle from an uncomfortable encounter with Franco Colapinto during last season.

At the US Grand Prix, Colapinto, who is just starting his journey as a race driver for Williams, unintentionally ignored Brundle during a stroll on the grid.

Ramsay was quickly brought in to speak with Brundle following the incident involving Colapinto.

Ramsay expressed his enthusiasm regarding his latest collaboration with Formula 1 by stating: "Everyone knows how much I love F1, but what really draws me in is the intricate design and speed of the vehicles, along with the skill of the numerous individuals involved in their construction and operation."

"Formula 1 can be compared to a top-tier professional kitchen in several aspects, making this collaboration ideal for our expanding chain of international restaurants."

"We're thrilled about the experiences we have prepared for the F1 Garage visitors, and we're eager to kick off the event in Miami this May."

Stefano Domenicali, who serves as the President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his excitement about starting a new partnership with the famous chef, Gordon Ramsay.

"F1 Garage provides a unique opportunity within our sport, granting fans exclusive access to the inner workings of Formula 1."

"Our goal is to provide top-tier F1 hospitality, delivering a distinctive experience both on the racing circuit and at dining events, embodying the high standards and fervor that define our sport."

"We are eager to launch this collaboration focused solely on providing our guests with an unforgettable experience, beginning with the Miami Grand Prix."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Francesco Bagnaia dedicated numerous hours to scrutinizing his errors and most challenging races.

"I lack something on the turns to the left"

11 Grand Prix victories. 8 races without scoring. 10 points total.

In Francesco Bagnaia's 2024 MotoGP season, he secured more Grand Prix victories than any other competitor combined. Despite this impressive feat, he fell short by ten points to Jorge Martin in the fight for the championship title.

"Double champion Bagnaia revealed during this week's Ducati Lenovo team unveiling that he has dedicated countless hours to scrutinizing and repeatedly viewing his poorest performances and errors from the previous year."

Bagnaia concluded that one of the reasons for his lack of scoring was the necessity for more patience in certain circumstances.

"My goal is to always be at the forefront as much as I can. However, I've realized that there are moments when it's wiser to hold back slightly. This is because the championship stretches over a long period," he explained.

Indeed, it's possible to earn and drop numerous points each weekend. It's also accurate to say that not all instances were due to my own errors.

"In various instances, by adopting a patient approach and not making rash decisions, securing approximately 13 points proved sufficient for clinching the championship."

In scenarios like the confrontations with the Marquez siblings at Portimao (Marc) and Aragon (Alex), showing restraint might have been beneficial. However, there were also instances where Bagnaia crashed independently even though he was riding 'serenely'.

"Forecasting can be challenging, especially since there have been instances where I've unexpectedly lost the lead despite being composed. This happened during the final lap of the Barcelona Sprint, and similarly in Malaysia. It's a complex issue, but I'm determined to figure it out."

“Then, it’s not about individual members of the team needing enhancement, but rather, we must collectively enhance our performance in certain circumstances.

"It's essential that it feels effortless, simply fulfilling our duties without any stress, operating as usual, and then everything will become smoother."

Bagnaia pointed out that throughout the season, he experienced only nine falls, placing him at 17th for the highest number of falls last year.

The issue, as indicated by the title, is that out of those incidents, seven occurred during actual racing events (he had to withdraw from the Le Mans Sprint because of a mechanical problem).

"He clarified that the aim is not to alter the overall strategy but to make adjustments throughout the races."

"Given the situation, I stand as one of the riders who had fewer crashes last year. However, it's worth noting that seven out of those nine incidents occurred during actual races, which is something I need to work on improving."

"In the left corners, there's something lacking for me."

When it came to displaying superior performance, last season Bagnaia was frequently unparalleled, securing overwhelming consecutive wins at Assen, Austria, and Barcelona.

Nonetheless, the Italian disclosed one aspect where he could enhance his abilities even more.

"Altering one's riding technique significantly is a challenging and lengthy endeavor. However, my goal from the initial test is to enhance my performance in left-hand turns to match my proficiency in right-hand turns," he explained.

"This is already a positive aspect because I feel extremely confident on the right-hand turns. However, I find myself lacking something on the left-hand turns. So, I'll make an effort to improve in that area."

This stands in stark contrast to his new team-mate, Marc Marquez, who is notably dominant in left-hand turns and on tracks that run counter-clockwise like COTA, Sachsenring, Aragon, and Phillip Island.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing world and witnessed Valentino Rossi's entire career from start to finish. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Alpine assures that Jack Doohan will receive an equitable opportunity in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, despite Franco Colapinto's entry into the team.

Alpine has assured that Jack Doohan will have an equal opportunity to showcase his talents in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, even with the addition of Franco Colapinto to the team.

At the beginning of this month, Alpine revealed that they had finalized a multi-year agreement with Williams, securing Colapinto as their reserve driver for the 2025 season.

A 21-year-old from Argentina will serve as a reserve driver for Pierre Gasly and Doohan. This marks Doohan's first complete season in Formula 1. He made his debut at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in December, following an early departure agreement between Alpine and Esteban Ocon.

The addition of Colapinto to the team is expected to intensify the expectations on Doohan, whose father is the legendary five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan. As Doohan embarks on his debut season, there is growing talk that the Australian racer might be dropped if his performance does not meet expectations early on.

Alpine's team leader, Oliver Oakes, emphasized that Doohan, who has moved up to a racing position after serving as the team's reserve driver for three years, has the complete support of the French team.

Oakes mentioned on the James Allen on F1 podcast that some of the comments directed at Jack by online critics have been somewhat severe, but he will have a fair opportunity next year.

The goal isn't to burden him with expectations. It's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. In my opinion, Formula 1 is all about small differences.

"A large number of individuals count on a driver for weekend deliveries, so it's crucial to ensure we have top-notch drivers in the race car both today and in the days ahead."

Colapinto quickly stood out in Formula 1 with his strong early showings, stepping in for Logan Sargeant, who was having difficulties at Williams.

However, his prospects of securing a permanent position for 2025 were hindered by multiple significant accidents occurring late in the year.

Oakes commented on Colapinto, saying, "Franco seemed to leave a strong initial impact with Williams. It appeared evident that towards the end, he might have been pushing himself a little excessively."

Determining how much of his performance was due to his uncertain position, as he was trying to make a strong impact without a confirmed seat, and how much was due to compromises in the car's components, is challenging. However, the main point is that he left a significant mark with the speed he demonstrated.

"It's fantastic to have a lineup of two promising young drivers like Paul and Franco ready to step up. This isn't just about the year 2025; the future years like 2026 and 2027 are approaching quickly. In Formula 1, it's challenging to predict future developments and decide which drivers will be behind the wheel."

"It ensures that everyone remains accountable for their performance and offers us various alternatives."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at these races, he provides firsthand accounts and narrates the experiences of key figures in the motorsport community.

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VIDEO: Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia Share Insights in Their Debut Interview as Ducati Colleagues

Together for the first time, the duo engages in a conversation as team members of the Ducati MotoGP squad.

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia recently participated in their inaugural joint interview as teammates under the factory Ducati MotoGP banner, available for viewing below.

On Monday, January 20, the Ducati factory team unveiled its 2025 season lineup during an event held in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Discover more: The unavoidable consequences within Ducati's elite MotoGP squad

For the first time, eight-time world champion Marc Marquez was seen donning the complete factory Ducati outfit, alongside his teammate Bagnaia, as they unveiled the brand's 2025 color scheme.

On Tuesday, the duo competed against each other for the first time in a downhill skiing event, followed by a one-on-one interview with TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett.

See it here.

Initially, Ducati intended to elevate Jorge Martin to its main team to partner with two-time world champion Bagnaia during the previous summer.

Nonetheless, Marquez's open rejection of a factory Ducati ride with the Pramac team led the leadership of the Italian brand to reverse their decision.

This eventually resulted in Martin, who later clinched the 2024 world championship, also joining the Aprilia factory team.

Pramac has decided to switch from Ducati to team up with Yamaha starting in the 2025 season.

The presence of Ducati bikes in the race lineup has decreased from eight riders to six, leading to only three GP25 models being raced by Bagnaia, Marquez, and VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

In the previous season, Ducati reached unprecedented levels of success in MotoGP, clinching victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix events. This remarkable performance propelled them to a commanding lead of 395 points in the constructors' championship.

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Gigi Dall'Igna mentions having the "top riders," yet acknowledges surpassing last year's performance could be "potentially unattainable." He also disclosed plans for introducing a new swingarm, chassis, and fairing in the forthcoming MotoGP trials.

Gigi Dall'Igna, the general manager of Ducati Corse, acknowledges that despite boasting top-tier talents like Francesco Bagnaia and newcomer Marc Marquez in their MotoGP lineup, matching the previous season's exceptional performance will be challenging.

Yet, his priority lies in securing victory in the overall conflict rather than every single skirmish.

Dall'Igna expressed during this week's team unveiling that improving upon last year's performance seems complex and potentially unattainable.

"Undoubtedly, we have the capability to enhance our performance in order to successfully attain our primary objectives of securing victories in both the riders’ and constructors’ championships."

"Thus, surpassing last season's performance is not the priority. The primary goal is securing victories in both championships."

Last year, Ducati experienced defeat in only a single grand prix, with its riders regularly dominating the podium spots and securing the first four places in the global championship rankings.

The manufacturing team clinched the constructors' championship, outpacing their closest competitor, KTM, by a vast gap of 395 points, effectively doubling their score.

The official squad is welcoming six-time top-tier champion Marquez and two-time winner Bagnaia to their ranks. However, Ducati faces the departure of the freshly minted champion Jorge Martin, as well as race victors Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi.

Pramac's transition to Yamaha will also decrease the number of Desmosedicis on the grid to six.

However, the pair from Ducati Lenovo are evidently the front-runners for the championship title before the season starts

"Dall'Igna stated, 'In my opinion, we possess the two foremost riders on the grid for 2025, making them champions in their own right.'"

"Pecco has proven to be an exceptional motorcyclist, propelling us to the forefront of the riders' championship in 2022. He managed to maintain his standing in the subsequent year, consistently contending for the global title until the very end."

"Marc is regarded as not just a leading figure in contemporary MotoGP, but potentially one of the greatest in the sport's history."

"He sustained a significant injury. Following that, he joined us at Gresini last year and achieved wonderful results. It's truly an honor to have him as part of our team."

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For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of racers in the paddock, including the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Lewis Hamilton switches to a different high-end watch brand as he joins Ferrari. The racing star was seen wearing an elegant new timepiece during his first appearance with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton was seen wearing a high-end Richard Mille watch during his first appearance with Ferrari in Formula 1.

As many people were understandably captivated by Hamilton's inaugural test drive in a Ferrari at a misty and wet Fiorano on Wednesday, sharp observers might have spotted the latest accessory adorning the seven-time world champion's left wrist.

During his tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton was known for sporting IWC watches. However, now that Ferrari has teamed up with Swiss watch brand Richard Mille, the 40-year-old Briton has changed his watch preference.

Hamilton was seen sporting a red RM67-02 ‘Italy’ automatic ultra-thin edition watch. Its case is constructed from stacked layers of carbon fiber, providing it with a sleek and modern appearance.

See this Instagram update from Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton), shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton).

The timepiece, launched in 2024, is priced at nearly £300,000 and holds the distinction of being the lightest model in the Richard Mille lineup.

For the past four years, Charles Leclerc, who is now teaming up with Hamilton, has been spotted with the RM67-02 watch on his wrist.

This year, Hamilton will sport more Richard Mille watches during his first season with Ferrari, following a sensational move from Mercedes, marking the most significant driver change in Formula 1 history.

Earlier this month, F1 revealed that TAG Heuer, a luxury watch brand, will become the official timekeeper for the world championship starting in 2025, succeeding Rolex.

This decision is a component of Formula 1's decade-long agreement with LVMH, which will introduce several of its high-end brands to the racing circuit. The collaboration with Liberty Media, the owner of F1, is said to have a value of up to $1 billion.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. Typically providing on-site coverage, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Key Insights from Lewis Hamilton's First Ferrari F1 Test

Lewis Larkam reports that Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test with Ferrari's F1 team has provided some significant preliminary insights.

It was evident from Lewis Hamilton's first test run with Ferrari's F1 team that his cheerful demeanor had returned.

On Wednesday, the seven-time world champion drove a 2023 vehicle for 30 laps at the Fiorano test track, which was shrouded in mist, cold, and wet conditions near Ferrari's renowned Maranello base.

There was a lot of excitement as Hamilton took his initial drive in one of Ferrari's famous red vehicles. This moment came during his first week with the team, drawing significant attention after his high-profile move from Mercedes, which had been announced almost a year earlier.

Hamilton's debut with Ferrari was a significant event, drawing considerable interest in how his initial performance would unfold.

During Hamilton's initial laps, minor mistakes such as premature lockups and veering off course were observed. These issues are typical when familiarizing oneself with new equipment, especially under cold weather and reduced traction circumstances.

A lap time was reported at one minute, which is approximately five seconds slower than Michael Schumacher's record at Fiorano. This drew attention, although it should be noted that the run was primarily meant for adaptation, and thus not much can be inferred from it.

Hamilton utilized approximately 100 kilometers from the 1000-kilometer limit allowed under Formula 1's regulations for testing older vehicles. This session occurred using Pirelli tires not designated for race weekends, making any meaningful data analysis nearly impossible.

What stood out even more was how swiftly Hamilton appeared to feel comfortable in his new surroundings. Sporting a pinstripe suit paired with a double-breasted overcoat, Hamilton perfectly captured the essence of traditional Italian fashion as he made his debut entrance into Maranello on Monday with self-assurance.

Hamilton seemed comfortable and at ease while meeting his new colleagues and familiarizing himself with the factory. During a speech, he shared with the staff that he had been anticipating joining the team for a long time.

Jump ahead to Wednesday, and we witnessed Hamilton behind the wheel of a Scuderia F1 car for the first time. The blend of the car's red color with Hamilton's bold new yellow helmet, which pays tribute to his origins, is already becoming legendary.

For the first time, Hamilton had the opportunity to understand how the Ferrari engine functions, transitioning from his long-standing experience with Mercedes engines over his 18-year F1 career. Additionally, this was a chance for him to build a connection and develop a collaborative working method with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

A Revitalized and Joyful Hamilton

On his noteworthy day, Hamilton's face was adorned with an unmistakable smile. The event was truly a family gathering, with his father Antony, mother Carmen, and stepmother Linda present. Hamilton's close-knit group remains crucial to his aspirations for success. His team has been strengthened by the return of his long-time physiotherapist, Angelo Cullen, who will rejoin the team in 2025.

A heartfelt scene was captured by Ferrari's social media crew, showing Hamilton and his father exchanging a 'we did it' handshake after one of his performances. Meanwhile, Hamilton's mother was by his side as he paused to acknowledge approximately 1500 Tifosi. These dedicated fans had endured challenging weather to stand along the boundary fences, eager to see their new idol.

Throughout most of his challenging last season with Mercedes, Hamilton seemed downcast, but his switch to Ferrari has visibly rejuvenated and refocused him. The change seems to have invigorated the 40-year-old, who is now learning Italian and has quickly built a strong bond with the Tifosi. They chanted and sang his name as he smiled and waved in response.

According to Hamilton, experiencing his first drive in a Ferrari was an unforgettable thrill. He described starting the engine and steering the car out of the garage as a moment that brought an enormous smile to his face.

"The experience took me back to when I initially drove a Formula 1 car. It was an incredibly thrilling and memorable occasion, and now, nearly two decades later, I'm reliving those same feelings."

"Before joining Ferrari, I was aware of the intense enthusiasm shared by the entire Ferrari team and their fans, the Tifosi. However, experiencing it directly as a Ferrari driver has been truly inspiring. Their passion is inherent, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by it."

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's plenty of work ahead, but I'm eager to begin."

In just a few days, Hamilton appears completely at ease in a collaboration that seems to have been meant to happen.

After the thrill and adrenaline subside, Hamilton is aware that it comes down to business. He aims to secure an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 world championship with Ferrari, which would also conclude the team's 16-year drought without a title.

A fascinating point highlighted in Ferrari's announcement mentioned that the misty weather Hamilton faced was reminiscent of the conditions Schumacher dealt with during his initial drive at Fiorano. This raises the exciting possibility of a new era for Ferrari, which could become a legendary chapter in Formula 1 history.

Over the years, we've discovered that when Hamilton is content, he usually performs at his highest level.

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Jorge Martin's representative asserts "ego issues are not a concern for us"

Responses come from Jorge Martin's team regarding statements made by Ducati

Albert Valera, the manager of the 2024 MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, asserts that Martin is unaffected by ego issues and remains unbothered by remarks concerning Ducati's roster for 2025.

Martin was on course to be part of Ducati's official team this year, but the company decided to change its plans, opting to elevate Marc Marquez to the position after he declined a top-tier motorcycle at Pramac and hinted at moving to a competitor.

As a consequence of joining Aprilia, Martin subsequently secured the 2024 championship while riding for Pramac-operated Ducati.

Ducati acknowledged that parting ways with Martin was a difficult choice, and in recent times, Gigi Dall’Igna has referred to Marquez as “a superior rider”.

In reply to this, Valera conveyed to Motorsport.com, “Ego issues aren't a concern for us.

Having an excessive ego can cloud your judgment and disrupt your sleep, leading to wasted time spent in anger over remarks such as this.

"However, if there's a cyclist who remains unaffected by such matters, it's Jorge, and this fact brings me a lot of peace."

"We stand above such remarks."

"When Ducati turned us down, Jorge didn't react with fury but with tranquility, and this mindset enabled him to approach the remainder of the season in the manner that he did.

"Understanding his racing path for the upcoming years, ensuring his contentment, securing his future, and concluding his tenure with Ducati, whether positively or negatively, were the true keys to his championship victory in 2024."

Valera mentions that his rider hasn't requested the role of team leader, despite Martin being anticipated to helm Aprilia's factory team this year.

"He further mentioned that Jorge is an individual who carries himself with a high level of respect and completely lacks any issues related to ego."

"He has never sought acknowledgment as the primary rider for Aprilia; instead, he understands the importance of having a capable teammate to jointly advance the project."

Last week, Aprilia kicked off its 2025 season, with Martin revealing the #1 plate on the RS-GP he's set to compete with this year.

At its unveiling, Ducati downplayed the significance, with Dall’Igna remarking that "in this instance, it's merely a figure".

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Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test drive with Ferrari, describing it as a significant occasion for both the team and Hamilton. Leclerc expressed his delight at witnessing the moment.

Charles Leclerc shared his excitement about personally watching Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test with Ferrari's F1 team, calling it "a truly significant day for the team."

It has been a hectic week at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, as Hamilton made his inaugural visit to the team's facility.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took to the circuit driving Ferrari's 2023 Formula 1 car, marking a significant event for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton was accompanied by his parents and his physiotherapist, Angela Cullen, during the examination.

Leclerc had the chance to get back into the groove by completing several laps in the 2023 car at the team's home circuit in Fiorano.

He went online to share his thoughts about returning to work for the first time in 2025.

Leclerc posted on his X account, expressing his excitement: "It's great to be back behind the wheel and to see all the tifosi at the circuit once more."

It was an exceptional day for both the team and Lewis, and I felt truly delighted to witness it.

"Eager to kick off this season."

Ferrari is preparing for a major push in the 2025 Formula 1 season, aiming to contend for the championship once again after coming close to winning the constructors' title in 2024.

In the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, they ended up just 13 points shy of McLaren.

Ferrari regretted making a mid-season update that negatively affected their performance starting around the Barcelona race.

It was only following the summer hiatus that Ferrari managed to fix the issue, bringing them back into the competition for race victories.

With Hamilton joining the team, Ferrari aims to break their championship victory dry spell that has lasted since 2008.

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Connor, known for his keen awareness of Formula 1's disputes and narratives, serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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