Valentino Rossi, a renowned figure in MotoGP, is set to participate in the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour. The celebrated racer is making a comeback

The WRT BMW team has revealed that MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi will include the Bathurst 12 Hour in his car racing schedule for 2025.

Earlier this month, Rossi announced that he would concentrate his factory BMW efforts on the LMGT3 category within the World Endurance Championship.

In the previous year, he participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe with WRT. However, he found the number of events overwhelming due to his family obligations and his intention to focus more on MotoGP this season.

Explore further: Valentino Rossi's pursuit of his elusive tenth world championship

Last year, Rossi mentioned his plans to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, a segment of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, although no official confirmation had been made.

WRT has officially announced that Rossi will be participating in the event once again, driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. He will team up with Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weertz.

Rossi participated in the event with WRT during the years 2023 and 2024, achieving his highest finish of fifth place overall the previous year while driving a BMW alongside Marciello and Maxime Martin.

In a unique conversation with Crash.net, Vincent Vosse, the head of the WRT team, mentioned that they are in talks with Rossi about participating in some GT races apart from the eight events scheduled in the WEC calendar.

"He mentioned that while there are certain plans and ideas in place, they have not been finalized yet."

"Naturally, there are certain races he particularly enjoys. He really looks forward to participating in those weekends."

Last year, Rossi entered the WEC for the first time and successfully secured two podium finishes while driving the #46 car alongside Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy.

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

When asked about Rossi's decision to prioritize the World Endurance Championship instead of the GT World Challenge Europe, Vosse explained to Crash that the choice was influenced by a combination of factors, including Rossi's age, his personal and professional circumstances, and the expansion of VR46, his company and MotoGP team.

This year, the team might require some extra focus since they are introducing a new rider, Franco Morbidelli, and are embarking on what could be considered a new chapter in their journey.

"Vale has recently welcomed his second child, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life."

"It's likely that he thinks he might have overcommitted to too many racing weekends last year."

"He aimed to cut down on the number of weekends, so we needed to determine the best course of action for him."

"After talking it over with him, we concluded that the World Endurance Championship would be an excellent opportunity for him."

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Two New F1 Drivers to Gain Essential Experience During Extended Imola Test

Significant track sessions scheduled for two newcomers to Formula 1’s 2025 lineup.

This week, Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto are scheduled to gain crucial early experience on the Imola circuit before they make their F1 debuts.

According to Motorsport, the Racing Bulls and Sauber teams have scheduled several days of testing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix location this week.

Racing Bulls is set to conduct a three-day testing session, featuring rookie driver Hadjar who will be behind the wheel of their 2023 AT04 car along with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

In the coming days, starting Wednesday, Sauber will be participating alongside Racing Bulls at the Imola circuit. The team will feature their recent addition, Nico Hulkenberg, and Formula 2 champion Bortoleto, who will be making his Formula 1 debut. Both drivers will be taking the 2022 C42 car for a spin on the track.

The Racing Bulls are scheduled to participate on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while Sauber is set to join the activities on Wednesday and Thursday.

During the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, Hulkenberg and Bortoleto started integrating with their new team as they tested the 2024 car.

For Hadjar and Bortoleto specifically, the event in Imola will offer extra time on the track to become familiar with F1 cars as they prepare for their debut seasons in the championship.

The examinations will be categorized under Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) policy. This regulation permits teams to use vehicles that are at least two years old. These tests can cover a distance of up to 1000 kilometers over the span of four days, and are intended for regular drivers who participate in grand prix races.

Hamilton's Initial Test Drive with Ferrari

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

On Monday, the seven-time world champion made his eagerly awaited debut at Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters located in Maranello.

Hamilton is anticipated to have his first outing with Ferrari on Wednesday at the Fiorano test track. However, the specific timing and venue for the test will depend on weather conditions.

In addition to Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, his new teammate, is scheduled to drive either the Ferrari F1-75 from 2022 or the team's car for the 2023 season.

Under the testing limitations set by F1, the most up-to-date vehicle Ferrari can utilize in 2023 is their current car.

For the first time in his 18-year Formula 1 career, Hamilton will drive a car that does not have a Mercedes engine under the hood.

Due to unfavorable weather conditions, Ferrari might decide at the last minute to move to either Imola or Mugello, both tracks under the ownership of the Scuderia.

Forecasts suggest that rain might hit Imola, potentially limiting track time for Racing Bulls and Sauber teams.

The teams are set to return for the official Formula 1 pre-season testing scheduled to occur in Bahrain from February 26 to February 28.

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Marc Marquez: Ignoring Ducati's competitors creates a "risky situation"

"We view the other manufacturers as being equally competitive."

Francesco Bagnia and Marc Marquez, the leading figures from Ducati Lenovo, have cautioned against taking their rivals lightly in 2025.

Among the competitors in MotoGP, Bagnaia and his new team-mate Marquez stand out as the sole riders with multiple championships, boasting a combined total of eight premier-class titles. These two racers are now the central figures for a manufacturer that experienced defeat in just one grand prix last year.

All attention is focused on the showdown between Bagnaia and Marquez for the championship crown, a situation both riders recognize as anticipated.

Fabio di Giannantonio from VR46 will be the sole rider handling a factory-spec Desmosedici.

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Three ex-Ducati riders, among them the current champion Jorge Martin, have departed to bolster the rosters of European competitors Aprilia and KTM.

Newcomer Pedro Acosta now brings a year's worth of experience to the table, and Pramac has transitioned to Yamaha, which decreases the number of Ducati bikes from eight to six.

Bagnaia expressed that with one fewer team representing Ducati, achieving podium lockouts like last year will be more challenging. He noted that KTM riders, particularly Acosta, are highly competitive. However, he emphasized the need to evaluate the current circumstances.

At this moment, it's hard to predict. Aprilia has secured the world champion and also Bezzecchi, introducing two fresh riders. Bezzecchi is eager to surpass his performance from the previous year, while Jorge is determined to keep his #1 status. Therefore, I believe Aprilia will be a strong contender.

"Honda and Yamaha are not easy to understand. However, Yamaha seemed to have made progress toward the end of last year, as they were more competitive in the final races. Therefore, I believe they will continue to make advancements."

"I believe it will be challenging for Honda to maintain their current circumstances, so I anticipate that they will also make some progress."

"The primary contenders right now are Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. We'll have to wait and see what happens."

Marquez cautioned against the assumption that Ducati would clinch the championship, pointing out that Andrea Dovizioso had risen from a fifth-place finish in 2016 to challenge the Repsol Honda rider for the championship title in the subsequent year.

"The eight-time world champion expressed that it could be risky to assume Ducati will secure the championship."

"However, as a group, we regard the other producers as being on an equal footing with us."

"Being part of MotoGP, we are aware that, for instance, Yamaha made some progress last year. However, they could come to Malaysia with a new motorcycle, especially since they have the highly talented Quartararo as their rider."

"KTM is in a similar situation. Aprilia and Honda too… We're all in MotoGP."

"In 2017, during my competition with Dovizioso, I realized the importance of being cautious of all competitors, as circumstances can shift significantly from one year to the next."

Last year, Ducati dominated the leaderboard, securing the first four positions with riders Martin, Bagnaia, Marquez, and Enea Bastianini. Meanwhile, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta from KTM, along with Aprilia's Maverick Vinales, were the top performers among the other competitors.

Among the top seven, just Bagnaia and Marquez are set to compete for Ducati in the 2025 season.

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Exclusive Insight: A Close Look at Valentino Rossi's Pursuit of His Elusive 10th World Championship

Lewis Duncan of Crash.net engages in a detailed conversation with WRT chief Vincent Vosse regarding Valentino Rossi's journey in motorsport and the anticipations for the year 2025.

Valentino Rossi is set to kick off his participation in the 2025 World Endurance Championship with the WRT team, taking on the role of a factory BMW driver in the LMGT3 category shortly after celebrating his 46th birthday. This season is particularly notable as it comes ten years after Rossi was on the cusp of securing a world championship, barely losing out on the 2015 MotoGP title to his Yamaha colleague, Jorge Lorenzo.

This year signifies Rossi's fourth season as a professional car racing driver, transitioning from motorcycle racing to automobile racing after retiring from MotoGP in late 2021. He joined forces with the WRT team, led by Vincent Vosse, for his initial foray into GT Racing.

Rossi's racing career began on a strong note in 2022, achieving several finishes within the top six in both the Endurance and Sprint Cups of the GT World Challenge Europe, driving an Audi R8. Transitioning to BMW equipment with the WRT team in 2023, Rossi secured his first podium finish by coming in second place during the inaugural Sprint Cup race at Brands Hatch.

At his favorite circuit, Misano, a place where his VR46 Academy frequently practices and where he has achieved three MotoGP victories, he claimed victory on the podium together with Maxime Martin, who has triumphed at Le Mans. The duo replicated their success at Misano in the previous year.

In 2024, Rossi made a comeback to international racing, participating in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as a driver classified under the FIA silver category. This was a step down from his previous gold status, a change made to comply with the competition's classification requirements. He joined the WRT team, competing in the newly introduced

In collaboration with Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy, the team drove their #46 BMW M4 GT3 to a fourth-place finish in the season opener in Qatar, then secured a second-place finish in a WRT team one-two finish at Imola, a race affected by rain. Unfortunately, they did not finish at Spa and Le Mans due to back-to-back DNFs, and faced additional problems that affected their performance at COTA and Bahrain. The team achieved another podium finish for the season at Fuji, where the #46 car came in third. Rossi concluded the season ranked sixth in the overall standings.

To begin with, Vale competed in the GT World Challenge, specifically in the professional class, securing victories at Misano, according to WRT leader Vosse in a special conversation with Crash.net. Additionally, he achieved podium finishes in several races, contending in the professional class, which, in Vosse's view, was already an impressive feat. In the World Endurance Championship, he's performing remarkably well, holding a silver status as he embarks on his fourth season.

"Reflecting on the previous season in the World Endurance Championship, it was a challenging time, not because of Valentino but due to the overall performance in the LMGT3 category. Our victories at Imola, where we finished first and second, were largely attributed to unique circumstances. However, Valentino, as an athlete, embodies true professionalism and dedication in any endeavor he undertakes. He approaches racing not merely for the joy of it but with a serious and focused attitude."

"He's driven by competition, which fuels his passion. It's the realization that he can hold his own against others that truly excites him. Winning isn't just about the victory for him; it's about proving he can match his peers' prowess. Approaching his 46th birthday, this drive is noteworthy. While other athletes might pursue new challenges for fun or to experience something new, he commits fully with the aim to excel. It's this dedication to competitiveness that distinguishes the true legends. And indeed, he is one of those legends."

Rossi's illustrious career has elevated him to the status of a motorsport icon, leaving him with nothing more to demonstrate. He has always approached challenges with full commitment, never settling for half measures. This was evident even during his trials with Ferrari's Formula 1 cars in the mid-2000s, which he undertook considering a possible move to the series.

In the previous year, Rossi undertook simultaneous efforts in the World Endurance Championship and the GT World Challenge Europe. Currently a dad to two kids and eager to increase his participation in MotoGP by 2025, Rossi encountered a tough decision during the offseason regarding his plans for the current year. Just a few days ago, WRT revealed that he has decided to concentrate on the World Endurance Championship this season.

Vosse mentioned that choosing WEC instead of GTWCE was based on the belief that it would serve as an excellent platform for him. Additionally, Vosse revealed to Crash that conversations are ongoing with Rossi regarding his participation in several GT endurance races that the Italian continues to enjoy, beyond WEC. A conclusion on this matter is anticipated in the next few weeks.

WRT has revamped the driver roster for its #46 vehicle in the WEC's LMGT3 division. Kelvin van der Linde, a seasoned GT competitor with victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours and a second-place finish in the 2024 DTM, steps in for Martin.

From an external perspective, it might seem like WRT is heavily investing in the #31 car. For the 2025 season, they've enlisted the talents of factory BMW star Augusto Farfus, Timur Boguslavskiy, and Le Mans champion Yasser Shahin, who is making the switch from Porsche, to spearhead their campaign. However, Vosse doesn't view it in that light.

"He emphasized that their participation in championships was never just about showing up; it was about competing at a high level. He highlighted that the previous year, both of their vehicles demonstrated the capability to not only win races but also contend for championships. Contrary to what many might have expected, it was car #31, not the anticipated #46, that emerged prominently, which he found personally satisfying. With two vehicles in the competition, including one driven by Vale, he mentioned the prospect of Vale securing his tenth world title as an exciting possibility, noting it would bring him immense personal joy. However, he stressed that their primary focus remains on ensuring both cars are performing competitively, not just one."

In November of the previous year, Rossi participated in the WEC newcomer trial in Bahrain, taking the wheel of a BMW M8 Hybrid LMDh vehicle, a contender in the premier Hypercar category of the series. True to Rossi's characteristic style, this endeavor wasn't just a simple whim.

Might this evolve into something greater down the line?

Vosse states, "Vale is determined to compete, regardless of whether it's in Hypercar or GT – his goal is to win. Entering the Hypercar category at this point means we're at a disadvantage and need to work hard to catch up. During the Bahrain test, it was clear Vale was exceptionally fast – he exceeded expectations."

"It perfectly matched his requirement for speed. His excitement was evident, and the grin he wore as he exited the car resembled that of a victor in a race, simply because he was in contention. He found himself precisely in the position he aspires to be, at the pinnacle, and for an athlete of his caliber, not finding his name at the top is a tough pill to swallow."

The idea of Valentino Rossi racing in a prototype sportscar at Le Mans is incredibly exciting, and it's hard to imagine the World Endurance Championship (WEC) not being thrilled about it. The championship has seen many prominent drivers participate in its events. However, the level of fan enthusiasm Rossi brings is unparalleled, as Vosse experienced in the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) some time ago.

"He confesses that their initial race as a team, which took place at Imola in 2022, turned out to be a disaster. He hadn't anticipated such a scenario in a competition that typically wouldn't attract the massive following of Rossi enthusiasts. However, he realized that Rossi's supporters are not just admirers of MotoGP; they are loyal followers of Vale, ready to support him in any event he participates in."

"Certainly, after the initial race, adjustments were necessary. We found ourselves tweaking several aspects and ensuring we were meticulously coordinated to accommodate our fans. This isn't something you observe elsewhere. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), figures like Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, or Robert Kubica stand out as prominent figures, yet they don't quite reach the fan base magnitude associated with Vale."

Despite Rossi reducing his racing engagements in 2025, he remains undeterred and is actively preparing for another attempt at the WEC. Securing a tenth championship (referred to as the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Drivers in the WEC) is certainly no easy feat, yet Rossi has consistently demonstrated that he is fully capable of meeting the challenge.

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Haas undergoes significant reorganization, promoting Laura Muller as F1’s inaugural female race engineer.

Haas has named Laura Muller as the inaugural female race engineer in Formula 1.

Muller, who became part of the American team in 2022, will collaborate with newcomer Esteban Ocon in the 2025 season after Ocon's transfer from Alpine.

A significant milestone for Formula 1 is reached with the advancement of the 33-year-old German from the role of performance engineer.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that the decision to select Laura wasn't influenced by her being a woman. He emphasized that factors like nationality or gender are irrelevant to them.

The key focus is on the work itself, your role within the team, and enhancing performance to the fullest. I am confident that Ronan and Laura are the optimal selections for this purpose.

In the interim, Ronan O’Hare is set to take on the role of race engineer for F1 newcomer Oliver Bearman. Before this, O’Hare was employed as a performance engineer at Williams and with the NIO Formula E team. He also fulfilled engineering duties for Racing Bulls and Mercedes.

Carine Cridelich is set to become the inaugural head of race strategy for Haas, marking a significant milestone as a woman holding this position. She will begin her new role on March 1, following her departure from her current job at Racing Bulls.

In preparation for the upcoming season, Haas has restructured its race team staff and hired Francesco Nenci, who previously worked with Toyota, Sauber, and Marussia, to serve as the chief race engineer.

Nenci's latest position was with Audi's Dakar Rally team.

Komatsu occupied this role before stepping in to succeed Guenther Steiner as the team principal the previous year.

Mark Lowe has been elevated from his role as operations team manager to the position of sporting director.

Offering insight into the rationale behind changing Haas' team setup, Komatsu remarked, "I believed that the trackside team was a significant weak point last year, and as the car's performance improved, this weakness became even more apparent."

As the year drew to a close, our vehicle ranked as the fifth-quickest. However, our performance in executing strategy was lacking, and we should have secured the sixth position in the constructors' championship, which we ultimately failed to achieve.

A contributing factor was that we missed several scoring opportunities during the trackside activities, indicating a clear need for improvement.

Haas secured the seventh position in the constructors' championship last year, accumulating 58 points. They appeared to be on track for sixth place until Alpine made a strong push towards the end of the season.

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Marc Marquez remains tight-lipped following Ducati's announcement

Podcast hosts respond to Ducati's 2025 reveal

The Ducati team presented their 2025 MotoGP colors during a ceremony in Italy, featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

As the new season approaches, Ducati aims to solidify its leading position after clinching victories in 19 out of 20 Grand Prix races last year, securing both the riders’ and constructors’ championships, along with the teams’ championship through Pramac.

In its official team, Ducati has created a powerful duo for its MotoGP efforts by teaming up two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia with Marc Marquez, who has clinched the premier class championship six times.

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Despite the friendly atmosphere during the launch, there's a prevailing feeling that conflicts are bound to arise between the two eventually.

"Predicting their desired outcomes and what will actually unfold is a challenge for Ducati," noted Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager and podcast host at Crash.net.

"Marquez has a way of holding his secrets tight once more."

"He didn't reveal much. During his interaction with the media, they questioned him if this was the most significant year of his career to date. His response was dismissive, stating that 2024 was more important due to it being his comeback year."

"It's apparent he's fully prepared for this challenge, given his comments about focusing on the championship from the very first round, something he hasn't really mentioned since 2020. This version of Marquez seems to be a return to his former approach, at least that's the impression I'm getting."

Lewis Duncan, the seasoned journalist from Crash, reiterated Moreland's sentiments, stating, "This marks the initial occasion we've heard Marc express considerations about the championship since his contract with the factory Ducati team began. Until now, his focus was on enhancing the team's performance and positioning, with Pecco being viewed as the primary contender and the benchmark."

"For the first time, it has been publicly stated, with Pecco Bagnaia also in close proximity, that the goal is to contend for the world title starting from the inaugural race."

"It's intriguing. We're gradually beginning to notice that change from Marc."

"He's spent a year racing with Gresini, clinching victories and returning to his prime form. He came close to overtaking Bagnaia at Jerez, despite riding a less competitive Ducati."

"I believe this is the moment when their conflicts will become more highlighted throughout this year."

In the 2025 season storyline, a key narrative could revolve around the extent to which Valentino Rossi, Marquez's main adversary, plays a role behind the scenes in the championship contest between the two Ducati racers.

Rossi expressed disapproval regarding Ducati's move to elevate Marquez the previous year, sparking a rivalry that neither Marquez nor Bagnaia have seemed keen to engage with at this point.

Peter McLaren, editor at Crash MotoGP, believes, “Marquez often appears to brush off criticism or comments. When questioned about the interview and remarks, he merely chuckled, showing no significant reaction.”

"He stays out of it. The situation surrounding their statements, should they be made public, might lead Marquez to interpret it as Rossi expressing concern over Bagnaia, reasoning that as the motive behind his remarks."

For Marquez, such remarks could serve as an encouragement, as if to say, 'their comments stem from their fear of competing against me'. It might also position Pecco more favorably if he manages to keep a distance from the situation for as long as possible. Pecco is known for letting his performance on the track do the speaking for him. Therefore, should this issue arise, it's likely to introduce an extra layer to the dynamic.

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Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen may team up again at Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, amid ongoing speculation.

Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen are expected to team up together at Ferrari.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Cullen is set to join forces again with Hamilton, who is a seven-time world champion, as he begins a new journey in Italy.

Cullen was a reliable figure within Hamilton's close group at Mercedes, serving as his physiotherapist.

The New Zealander accompanied Hamilton during Formula 1 race weekends from 2016 to 2023, until her unexpected departure.

Cullen and Hamilton went their separate ways just before the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Since that time, Cullen has been observed collaborating with his compatriot Marcus Armstrong in the IndyCar series.

Speculation about Cullen teaming up with Hamilton again has been circulating for some time.

At the beginning of this month, rumors intensified when Cullen and Hamilton shared pictures on Instagram showing them in the snowy mountains, enjoying winter sports activities.

There was no proof that they were traveling together, yet Cullen fueled the speculation by having a '44' flag visible in the background of her picture.

Soon after, Cullen took down her Instagram profile.

Cullen is expected to make a comeback to Formula 1 as Hamilton takes the groundbreaking decision to join Ferrari.

According to the report, Cullen will be residing in Fiorano, just a short distance from the entrance of the Scuderia.

What comments has Hamilton made regarding Cullen? Hamilton has consistently praised Cullen for her contributions to his career in Formula 1.

After she left, he commented, "Angela has been by my side for the past seven years, encouraging me to be the best I can be," Hamilton stated.

"I have become both a more skilled athlete and a better individual thanks to her influence. Therefore, I invite you all to join me today in offering her the best of luck as she embarks on her journey to achieve her aspirations."

"Thanks for all you've done, Ang. I'm excited to see what lies ahead for you."

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Lewis Hamilton teams up with Ferrari today, facing a substantial set of tasks

Lewis Hamilton is set to tackle a series of assignments as he makes his way to Maranello

Lewis Hamilton is set to join forces with Ferrari today for the first time.

The ex-Mercedes racer formally became part of Ferrari on the first day of January, but he won't make his way to Maranello until the 20th of the same month.

He is scheduled to drive a Ferrari F1 car for a trial this week, although he won't start on Monday, which is his initial day.

Lewis Hamilton is set to spend his initial day in Italy engaging with the Ferrari simulator, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

He is also scheduled to welcome and interact with the new team members, who are committed to helping him achieve an unprecedented eighth F1 championship title, and the team's first since 2007.

Hamilton will need to undergo a seat fitting, an essential step for any F1 driver joining a new team.

He has been introduced to Ricciardo Adami, who is poised to take on the role of his new race engineer, according to a report from Autoracer. Adami has former experience collaborating with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.

According to the report, Hamilton's week will kick off with a busy schedule, including a guided visit to Maranello and initial discussions with the engineering team.

On Wednesday, Hamilton is set to take control of the iconic red F1 car for the first time.

He is set to navigate the Fiorano track, in close proximity to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello.

The team has kept details of Hamilton's initial trial under wraps, but it's expected that he will be driving a 2023 model, the most recent vehicle permitted by the TCP (testing of previous cars) regulation.

This regulation allows a driver to trial a vehicle for a distance of 1000 kilometers.

Nevertheless, adverse weather conditions might derail these plans, necessitating a change.

Towards the end of this month, Hamilton is set to return to the circuit in Barcelona.

Ferrari has reserved the track to provide their emerging star with extra driving experience.

Subsequently, the formal F1 trials in Bahrain will commence, during which Hamilton alongside his new partner Charles Leclerc will evaluate the 2025 model.

Hamilton is expected to earn £50 million annually through a lucrative new agreement with Ferrari, an arrangement that is anticipated to significantly impact Formula 1 this season.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Charles Leclerc seeks to monitor Lewis Hamilton's initial experience with Ferrari closely.

Charles Leclerc has allegedly asked to be present for Lewis Hamilton's initial Ferrari simulator session in Maranello.

Hamilton is scheduled to operate the team's simulator for the first time this coming Monday, kick-starting his preparations for the 2025 F1 season.

The seven-time world champion is anticipated to have his first track appearance later this week, driving Ferrari's 2022 contender.

As reported by FORMULA1.IT, Leclerc is keen to monitor Hamilton and observe his initial simulator session with Ferrari.

Leclerc is likely eager to observe Hamilton's adjustment to the Ferrari, even if it's just in a simulated environment, and how he collaborates with his new engineering team.

Considering Hamilton's extensive background and impressive record, Leclerc is expected to gain insights from his new teammate as they both prepare for a significant season ahead.

This upcoming week will be vital for Hamilton as he aims to forge connections with his new colleagues, get accustomed to using the Ferrari controls, and adjust to his new surroundings in Italy.

Is Ferrari Set to Clinch the F1 Championship in 2025?

According to projections, Ferrari boasts the most formidable pair of F1 drivers in the competition.

Equipped with the appropriate equipment, the pairing of Leclerc and Hamilton has the potential to secure the F1 constructors' championship title.

Ferrari concluded the season as a strong competitor to McLaren, securing victories in both the United States and Mexico.

Nonetheless, the Ferrari was found to be at a disadvantage in the fast-turning sections when measured against McLaren and Red Bull.

Ferrari must improve their performance in qualifying sessions, particularly in heating their tyres, which was a significant shortcoming last season.

The recently acquired Loic Serra has been given the responsibility to address their tire issues, especially in single-lap performance.

On the day of the race, Ferrari showed improved performance, yet Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found it difficult to keep up with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during the qualifying rounds.

Serra has concentrated on adjusting the suspension to optimize performance with this year's Pirelli tires for single-lap runs.

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Helmut Marko cautions George Russell about the potential threat posed by Kimi Antonelli, his new Mercedes F1 colleague.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, thinks that Andrea Kimi Antonelli poses a potential threat to his fellow Mercedes F1 team member George Russell in this year's competition.

Mercedes chose to elevate Antonelli to take over from the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton starting in 2025, even though the young Italian had only one season of Formula 2 experience under his belt.

The teenager, who is highly regarded as a potential future Formula 1 sensation, caught the media's attention during his initial practice run with Mercedes at the previous year's Italian Grand Prix, where he was involved in a crash shortly after the session started.

Marko believes that Antonelli possesses the speed to challenge the British driver Russell, who outperformed his departing teammate Hamilton in 2024, in his first season.

"The 81-year-old Austrian remarked to Sport.de that Antonelli's skill was evident at Monza, though he questioned the decision to have him race on that particular track."

He demonstrated remarkable speed during his initial three laps, however, during the fourth lap, he collided with the barriers.

"I believe that if he effectively utilizes his capabilities, of which he possesses many, he could pose a threat to Russell."

Comparison Made to Verstappen

Antonelli is seen as Mercedes' counterpart to Max Verstappen, who notably made his entry into F1 at the young age of 17.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff made an unsuccessful attempt to secure Verstappen, who ultimately chose to sign with Red Bull since they provided him with an instant opportunity to race in F1 with their affiliate team.

Wolff has acknowledged that a reason for advancing Antonelli's position was due to his desire not to forego the opportunity of including him in the Mercedes team.

Marko made a parallel between Antonelli and Verstappen, emphasizing the "gamble" Mercedes undertook by directly placing him in the main team.

"Antonelli poses a gamble, but we embraced a similar gamble with Verstappen before," he clarified.

"Max was quite youthful when he entered the racing scene. However, he wasn't immediately part of an elite team [he began with Red Bull's affiliate team], which meant the expectations on him were not as high."

Wolff has consistently sought to temper anticipations regarding Antonelli's inaugural Formula 1 season.

"Wolff cautioned Auto Motor und Sport that anticipating him to secure the pole position in Melbourne, clinch the race victory, and instantly contend for the championship is a gamble, as it's unlikely to occur."

"Adopting the perspective that the young man is 18, exceptionally skilled, yet understandably needs time to mature and is expected to err, the gamble is minimal. This is our rationale for proceeding. We view 2025 as a year of change, aiming to ready him for 2026."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He provides on-site reports, sharing insights into the key figures within the sport.

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Video surfaces showing Lando Norris’ Ferrari F40, valued at £2 million, involved in a crash in Monaco.

A McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris, lost control of his Ferrari F40, resulting in a crash in Monaco.

Norris wasn't driving the Ferrari since he was on vacation.

Footage has emerged on the internet depicting Norris' vehicle losing control and crashing into the barriers.

The left back side of the Ferrari suffered considerable damage.

The vehicle has an estimated worth of around 2 million pounds and is among the 1,311 units manufactured during the years 1987 to 1992.

In December, Norris was spotted behind the wheel of the F40 on a shopping excursion in Monte Carlo.

Nonetheless, the identity of the driver involved in the accident remains a mystery.

The iconic Ferrari supercar probably surprised the driver, as the turbo lag led to an unforeseen push from the back.

Picture yourself overseas when suddenly your vehicle gets hit in such a manner 😭🎥: thanosofmonaco TikTok pic.twitter.com/O40MgoTF7S

The delay in turbo response likely caused the vehicle to spin out and ultimately crash.

This video emerges following the release of another clip that captured a different F40 accident, occurring this time in the UK.

A short distance from London, the F40 with the most miles on record experienced a significant accident. It collided with a pole and subsequently tipped over onto its side.

In contrast to Norris' vehicle, this F40 endured far greater harm.

Reports indicate that a Ferrari was involved in a crash while being test-driven by a service technician.

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INITIAL GLIMPSE: Photographs surface of Lewis Hamilton's inaugural visit to Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton seen dressed sharply upon his initial arrival at Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

Lewis Hamilton recently debuted as a driver for Ferrari, visiting the iconic F1 base in Maranello that belongs to the team.

Photos capturing the arrival of the seven-time world champion at Maranello on Monday morning have surfaced on social media platforms.

Hamilton was spotted donning a suit and tie as he made his way into Ferrari's renowned manufacturing facility for the first time, following his high-profile move from Mercedes on January 1.

This shift represents the most significant driver change in Formula 1 history, generating immense excitement for the 2025 season that lies ahead.

This week marks the commencement of Hamilton's journey with Ferrari in Formula 1. The 40-year-old British driver is anticipated to engage with team personnel, undergo a seat fitting, and participate in his inaugural simulator training on Monday.

The partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari kicks off as the seven-time world champion makes his debut at Maranello as their Formula 1 driver! 👀📸 Courtesy of @ raceday__official (Instagram) pic.twitter.com/2Z4SNiXrKG— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) January 20, 2025

Dawning of a new chapter @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/EVUjKNC3MO— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) January 20, 2025

"In the early hours of today, the statement from Ferrari disclosed that the athlete, who has clinched the world championship title seven times, made his way to the squad's main office located at 27 Enzo Ferrari Street in Maranello."

He then proceeded to the Fiorano circuit, situated near Enzo Ferrari’s residence, in a quaint plaza that has been dedicated to the legendary seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher. Here, he was greeted by the Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, and the CEO of Ferrari, Benedetto Vigna.

At that location, the customary initial day snapshots were captured, and the ambiance was made even more welcoming for Lewis thanks to the quintessentially British gray skies and light rain. Additionally, a Ferrari F40 was present, which happens to be Lewis' most admired supercar.

Up next for Lewis was a brief stop at the Fiorano residence and the racing team's pit area, accompanied by Vasseur and Vigna, which featured a tour of the iconic office that Enzo Ferrari used to observe his team's operations. Following this, Hamilton made his way back to the Scuderia headquarters to meet with the leadership group and Piero Ferrari. He then spent the entire day deeply engaging with the team through visits to the multitude of departments to familiarize himself with the crew.

"Efforts will resume tomorrow with additional technical sessions and updates, as groundwork is laid for what promises to be an action-packed season."

Recent addition to the team, Charles Leclerc, has allegedly asked to monitor Hamilton's initial actions closely at Maranello.

After missing the opportunity to test drive for Ferrari during the post-season Abu Dhabi test in December, Hamilton is set to pilot an older model of the Scuderia’s vehicle later this week.

The anticipated event is set to occur in a 2023 Ferrari on the team's Fiorano test circuit, with Wednesday being the speculated date.

Ferrari is adapting their strategies based on the weather conditions.

Hamilton is anticipated to proceed to Barcelona for additional trials in vintage Ferrari F1 vehicles, preparing for his inaugural season in the iconic red.

In 2025, as a Ferrari driver, Hamilton is restricted to a total of 1000 kilometers of driving, spread over no more than four days, in vehicles that are at least two years old, in accordance with Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.

There are alerts suggesting that Hamilton's arrival might create disorder as enthusiastic Tifosi gather at either Maranello or Fiorano, aiming to catch a glimpse of Ferrari's latest standout racer.

Hamilton and Leclerc are expected to participate in a brief session at Fiorano with Ferrari's 2025 Formula 1 vehicle following its unveiling on February 19.

Following that initial trial outing, Hamilton is set to make his next appearance in a Ferrari during the pre-season tests scheduled in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.

Hamilton is set to kick off his Formula 1 racing career with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, which opens the season on March 16.

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Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He provides firsthand reports on the events, sharing insights into the lives and narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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