End of an Era: Toto Wolff Faces Potential Regret as Lewis Hamilton Pursues Eighth Title with Ferrari
Toto Wolff cautioned that he will likely "regret" when Lewis Hamilton leaves, stating that the ideal conclusion would have been for Hamilton to stay with Mercedes.
Toto Wolff has been warned that he might come to regret the departure of Lewis Hamilton from the Mercedes team.
Lewis Hamilton's choice to join Ferrari this season has brought together Formula 1's most accomplished driver with the sport's most successful team.
He will now pursue his quest for a historic eighth Formula 1 drivers' championship with his renowned new team, departing from Mercedes, the team that facilitated six of his existing seven titles.
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Connor McDonagh mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that he doesn't believe Toto will ever confess to regretting Hamilton's departure.
However, Hamilton has spent a significant portion of his career with Mercedes.
"The ideal conclusion would have involved securing the eighth championship with Mercedes."
If Hamilton secures his eighth championship, Toto will be pleased for his friend, but he would have preferred it to happen with Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton is the most renowned and favored driver in the racing world.
"Eventually, I believe Toto will come to regret that decision."
Mercedes needs to focus on what's ahead. Hamilton's chance at a historic eighth championship slipped away at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the beginning of Red Bull and Max Verstappen's dominant period.
For three years, Mercedes was unable to provide Hamilton with the equipment necessary to compete for the championship.
In an episode of the Crash F1 podcast, Lewis Larkam remarked that Mercedes is facing a significant loss. Hamilton's impact extends beyond his performance on the track; it includes the entire brand and influence he brings along.
"I believe Mercedes will receive less focus this season."
Last season's narrative focused on Hamilton's challenges and his concluding year with Mercedes, despite the team being less competitive.
"If they secure a victory in a race or find themselves in a position to win the championship, Mercedes will attract attention. However, overall, I believe there will be less attention on them this season."
"Ultimately, this is due to Hamilton's departure."
"If Mercedes is competing in fourth or fifth place, they won't be the center of attention or the main topic."
"It will be intriguing to find out if there's any sense of regret. They won't publicly acknowledge it, though."
"They must also consider the long term. Hamilton's time in the sport is limited, and they were eager to secure Kimi Antonelli, whom they see as a rising star."
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FIA President Considers F1 Radio Silence in Crackdown on Swearing
FIA President Suggests Possible Ban on F1 Team Radio Over Profanity
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has implied that Formula 1 team radio communications might be halted because of inappropriate language.
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has suggested the possibility of completely halting F1 radio communications because of the use of profanity.
The issue of offensive language has become a significant topic in Formula 1, with Ben Sulayem adopting a strict position as he seeks to curb the use of profanity by drivers.
Max Verstappen, a driver for Red Bull, was instructed to "perform community service" by the conclusion of 2024 following his use of foul language at an FIA press conference in Singapore the previous year.
Charles Leclerc, who drives for Ferrari, received a €10,000 fine for using inappropriate language during a press conference in Mexico. The driver from Monaco avoided a more severe penalty by quickly apologizing for his remarks.
Starting in 2025, the FIA has established fresh guidelines addressing misconduct. These regulations could lead to F1 drivers facing points deductions or even a potential ban if they commit infractions like using profanity or criticizing the governing organization.
During a gathering of FIA officials at the Jarama circuit in Spain, Ben Sulayem suggested that additional measures will be implemented to eliminate the use of profanity.
"Should we proceed and then turn off the live communication radios? Perhaps," he mentioned during the FIA officials meeting at the Jarama circuit in Spain. "Should we postpone it? That's also a possibility."
"There are numerous aspects that could be successful with our current promoter. FOM acts as the promoter, the FIA is involved, and we continue to hold ownership of the championship."
Before collecting his fourth drivers' world championship trophy at the FIA's award ceremony in December, Verstappen completed his community service in Rwanda's capital.
Ben Sulayem mentioned that when the individual took a seat, despite being anxious, he proposed the idea of contributing positively to the community by motivating young girls and boys in Rwanda. The person responded eagerly, expressing willingness to take on the task.
He attended the event and was in high spirits. He visited the location, embraced the individuals, which was a significant benefit for them. Witnessing Max Verstappen engaging with the community in Africa and offering motivational words was truly uplifting for them. Their joy was evident.
Ben Sulayem commented: "I recall that when Max Verstappen was assigned community service, some journalists speculated that the president would have him scrubbing toilets."
Sulayem's Recent Statement
It appears that Formula 1 drivers were not involved in discussions regarding the FIA's updated misconduct guidelines and only became aware of these changes after they were reported in the media.
Even though drivers have criticized him over the swearing issue, Ben Sulayem asserts that he is "the most approachable president in history."
"The majority of drivers who reach out to me have my phone number, and I am the most approachable president there has ever been. You'll notice that when they talk to me, they're very pleased," he stated.
"Naturally, back when I was driving, I often found myself voicing complaints. My dissatisfaction would grow if I didn't secure a victory. Nevertheless, I made an effort to keep silent and focus on the opportunity to win the next race. It's simply human nature."
"I interact with the drivers as if they are my own children. Truly, I approach them with care and affection. I handle them with empathy because I've experienced similar challenges. My goal is to see them thrive."
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Ferrari’s New Challenge: Can Lewis Hamilton Avoid Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren Struggles?
Lewis Hamilton cautioned about potential challenges similar to Daniel Ricciardo's difficulties at McLaren as he prepares for his Ferrari debut.
Lewis Hamilton has received cautions that he might face challenges adjusting to life with Ferrari, much like Daniel Ricciardo encountered difficulties fitting in at McLaren.
Although Ricciardo secured a victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, his tenure with McLaren was ultimately disappointing. Following two challenging seasons, the Australian driver was essentially dismissed by the team while he still had a year remaining on his contract.
Daniel Ricciardo's showings on the track left much to be desired, as he was thoroughly outperformed by his teammate, Lando Norris, while finding it challenging to adapt to the McLaren cars of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Lewis Hamilton, who has made a surprising move from Mercedes to Ferrari, has been reminded of Daniel Ricciardo's unsuccessful attempt by Anthony Davidson, a former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports analyst.
According to Davidson, as reported by RacingNews365, the individual will need to get accustomed to operating the car's controls, such as the pedals and the steering wheel.
In previous instances, various drivers have expressed concerns; for example, Kimi Raikkonen voiced his dissatisfaction with the steering when he joined Ferrari in 2007, comparing it unfavorably to his experience with McLaren.
When Daniel Ricciardo switched to McLaren, he faced difficulties with the braking system and was never able to fully adapt to it.
At times, despite efforts to collaborate with engineers to make improvements, the vehicle may never handle exactly the way you'd like it to.
"For his benefit, let's hope he finds it instinctual and that the car feels just like the Mercedes he's familiar with, allowing him to start strong. However, there's always the possibility that a new team might not ever feel quite right to a driver."
Hamilton Feels Comfortable with Ferrari
Reports suggest that Hamilton has been adjusting well to Ferrari's vehicles in the initial stages.
As reported by the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the seven-time world champion has reportedly "commended the effectiveness" of Ferrari's Brembo braking system, noting it is "well-suited to his driving preferences."
According to reports, Hamilton has effectively learned the starting routines, the use of pedals, and the operation of the Ferrari clutch.
A 40-year-old British individual has participated in a comprehensive pre-season testing schedule with Ferrari. This involved test-driving both the 2023 and 2024 models at Fiorano and Barcelona.
Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for being with Ferrari, sharing on social media that he already feels very comfortable after his recent testing sessions with the renowned Italian team.
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Red Bull’s Rising Star: Arvid Lindblad Poised for F1 Debut as Next Generation Talent
Red Bull's most promising talent since Max Verstappen is nearing a spot in Formula 1. The team has a young driver who is highly regarded.
Following his victory in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, Red Bull's young talent Arvid Lindblad is now nearer to his goal of debuting in Formula 1.
Lindblad received 18 super license points, bringing his total beyond the 40 needed to qualify for a position as an F1 driver.
This indicates that the 17-year-old British racer is set to potentially participate in his first F1 event, probably during a practice session later this year with either Red Bull or Racing Bulls.
Red Bull's most promising talent
Since Max Verstappen moved up to the main team in 2016, Red Bull has faced challenges with their youth development program.
Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were given chances before being harshly dismissed.
This caused them to doubt their young drivers, prompting them to seek out experienced Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez.
Nyck De Vries joined the AlphaTauri team, now known as Racing Bulls, for the 2023 season alongside Yuki Tsunoda. However, after only 10 races, Daniel Ricciardo took his spot on the team.
For the year 2025, Red Bull has decided to return to their original strategy by placing their confidence in their younger drivers.
Liam Lawson has been selected to join Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar is set to debut with Racing Bulls.
Helmut Marko is most thrilled by Lindblad as a driver.
Marko expressed that working with Max is a delightful experience, but noted that Max’s driving career won't last indefinitely, as he shared on the Inside Line podcast.
The speaker expressed that they are not aiming to find someone who can match the longevity of Alonso or Hamilton's careers. The goal of the junior team is to discover emerging talents. They are not specifically searching for another driver like Max Verstappen, but rather someone who can become a champion. According to the speaker, Arvid Lindblad seems to be the most promising candidate for this role.
When is Lindblad expected to enter Formula 1?
Once he accumulates sufficient super licence points, it's probable that he will be offered several opportunities to participate in practice sessions during the year.
This will occur in conjunction with his Formula 2 season with Campos.
If he performs as expected, it seems certain that he will make his Formula 1 debut in 2026.
Tsunoda may choose to depart from the Red Bull organization after not being elevated to the primary team.
Alternatively, Red Bull could decide that Tsunoda's expertise is no longer necessary for the team.
Should that occur and Hadjar faces difficulties, Lindblad could have an opportunity.
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Conflict of Interest: Ben Sulayem Explains Johnny Herbert’s Dismissal and the Future of FIA Stewardship
Mohammed Ben Sulayem addresses the issue of Johnny Herbert's removal due to "conflict of interest" concerns.
"What happens if the driver you favor is competing against another driver who's leading or in the second position? How do you decide then?"
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has explained why Johnny Herbert was removed from his position as an F1 steward, citing a "conflict of interest" as the main reason.
In late January, the FIA revealed that Herbert would not serve as an F1 steward in the 2025 season.
The FIA stated that Herbert's roles in media and as a steward could not be reconciled, considering them "incompatible."
Although Herbert has not been involved with Sky Sports broadcasts since late 2022, the ex-British Formula 1 racer frequently shares his views with online media platforms.
Herbert openly expressed his disapproval of Max Verstappen's aggressive driving behavior during the previous year, with a particular emphasis on his performance in Mexico.
Herbert claimed Verstappen was using "intimidation" strategies, a statement that did not sit well with Jos Verstappen.
In an interview with Marca, Ben Sulayem shared his thoughts on Herbert's dismissal.
"He stated that Johnny was an excellent commissioner, but acknowledged that a conflict of interest arose, and Johnny is aware of it."
In a major corporation, you cannot hold the role of a journalist, sharing your personal opinions, while also acting as a commissioner, which is akin to a neutral referee. It's like saying, 'Ideally, I hope that a certain individual comes out on top.'
"What happens if the driver you favor has a competitor in the lead or in second place? How do you decide in that situation? He grasped the point, expressed his appreciation to the FIA, and we also expressed our gratitude for his actions."
Ben Sulayem hints at introducing fresh faces
After Herbert's removal, Ben Sulayem has suggested that there will be new stewards participating in future events.
The FIA has a group of stewards who take turns serving at different times during the year.
During race weekends, they enlist the expertise of former Formula 1 drivers like Vitantonio Liuzzi and Derek Warwick to provide their insights.
Ben Sulayem stated that there should be no restrictions, which is why fresh faces will join the stewards tomorrow.
"It will provide us with a fresh range that will support the motorsport industry."
The president of the FIA announced that there will be several race directors over the course of the year.
The second race director's identity remains uncertain, as Rui Marques is set to take over the position for the last three races of 2024 after Niels Wittich unexpectedly stepped down.
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Ferrari’s Dual Strategy: Navigating F1’s 2025 Ambitions and 2026 Overhaul
Unveiled: Ferrari's Strategy for Dividing F1 Development Between 2025 and 2026
Ferrari plans to tackle Formula 1 development by focusing on two separate areas, according to their newly disclosed strategy.
Information has surfaced regarding Ferrari's strategy for distributing their development efforts to address the challenges of both the 2025 and 2026 Formula 1 seasons.
Italian publication AutoRacer reports that Ferrari is dividing its attention between preparing for the 2025 season and getting ready for Formula 1's major regulation changes in 2026.
AutoRacer has revealed that Ferrari's new technical director, Loic Serra, has developed a meticulous strategy for allocating the team's resources.
This strategy includes choosing a team of engineers dedicated solely to Ferrari's project for 2026.
The remaining Ferrari engineers will dedicate their efforts to working on the 2025 model, the SF-25, during wind tunnel testing sessions for at least the initial four months of this year. According to AutoRacer, the main focus in Maranello continues to be the development for 2025.
According to a report by AutoRacer, Ferrari plans to allocate approximately 600 out of their available 900 hours in the wind tunnel specifically to the SF-25 model.
Following the initial months of 2025, Ferrari is anticipated to concentrate entirely on the year 2026.
As a result of securing second place in the 2024 constructors' championship, Ferrari has been allotted 60 additional hours of wind tunnel testing compared to the champions, McLaren, but 60 fewer hours than Red Bull.
According to reports on Ferrari's development strategy, team principal Fred Vasseur has disclosed that the vehicle for the 2025 season will incorporate "less than one percent" of the components used in the previous SF-24 model.
Vasseur stated during Ferrari's yearly pre-Christmas media gathering in December that they will determine whether it is competitive in Bahrain.
"At times, you only become aware of the risks you're taking once they've already been taken."
"The vehicle will be entirely redesigned, with less than 1% of its components being shared with the 2024 model."
"It's a unique initiative, but the rules are the same for all involved."
Vasseur stated, "It's too early to predict if 2025 will be our breakthrough year, but I have confidence in the project we're developing."
"It is expected to be a difficult challenge, similar to the one we recently finished."
"I am extremely pleased with the way we handled challenges this year, but we need to make further progress in being consistent."
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are anticipated to take the SF-25 for a spin for the first time at Fiorano on February 19.
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Revving Up Anticipation: Brad Pitt’s F1 Film Teaser Unveils High-Octane Thrills on Super Bowl Sunday
New Teaser for Brad Pitt's F1 Movie Released During Super Bowl Sunday
A fresh teaser for the film 'F1' featuring Brad Pitt has been released.
Formula 1 has unveiled a teaser trailer for their eagerly awaited movie featuring the renowned actor Brad Pitt.
The film, developed by the team behind Top Gun: Maverick, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski, is anticipated to be a major summer hit when it hits theaters worldwide in June 2025.
On Super Bowl Sunday, a fresh teaser for 'F1,' a project that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton contributed to as a producer, made its debut.
The brief 30-second video provides a glimpse of exciting, fast-paced action scenes centered around Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes. It also showcases his fellow actors, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, and Rebecca Ferguson.
The trailer doesn't include any dialogue, but near the conclusion, you can hear F1 commentator David Croft exclaim, “Hayes attacks round the outside.”
You can view the preview clip provided below.
Insights into the Film ‘F1’
The movie includes appearances by actual Formula 1 drivers and has been shot at various Grand Prix events during 2023 and 2024.
The story revolves around Hayes, a veteran driver whose first dreams of competing in Formula 1 were shattered by a devastating accident. He is invited back to the racing world by an ex-teammate who has since become a team owner, Bardem, to join his struggling APXGP team. Hayes is tasked with working alongside his inexperienced teammate, Idris.
During a 2023 interview with Martin Brundle, Pitt mentioned, "I would portray a character from the '90s racing era. This character experiences a terrible accident, which leads to a decline in his career. He eventually vanishes from the scene but continues to compete in different types of racing."
During a conversation with Brundle at the British Grand Prix last year, Pitt mentioned, "I must admit, I'm feeling a bit excited at the moment."
"This is the most wonderful period of my life. The atmosphere is incredible, and having the opportunity to be involved in this manner and share our narrative is truly special."
"Every team has welcomed us with open arms."
The initial teaser trailer made its debut over the weekend of the 2024 British Grand Prix.
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George Russell Urges Caution as Rising Star Kimi Antonelli Joins Mercedes for 2025 F1 Season
George Russell cautions against underestimating Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes
George Russell evaluates the potential challenge presented by Kimi Antonelli in 2025.
George Russell intends to show Andrea Kimi Antonelli considerable respect, even though 2025 will mark Antonelli's first season in Formula 1.
Antonelli is set to participate in his first Formula 1 race at the Australian Grand Prix next month, following Mercedes' decision to have him take over for Lewis Hamilton.
Although Antonelli has participated in a comprehensive F1 testing schedule before his debut, his experience in single-seater racing is minimal.
The young driver, who is 18 years old, advanced rapidly through the racing ranks, skipping Formula 3 and moving directly to participate in Formula 2.
Mercedes considers Antonelli to be a talent similar to Max Verstappen, who achieved his first race victory with Red Bull at the age of 18 in 2016.
In an interview with sport.de, Russell is not underestimating the difficulty of competing against Antonelli.
Russell expressed that he is sure the individual will challenge him and keep him alert, saying, "There's no question about that." Reflecting on his past, he mentioned that although he's older now, he doesn't feel any quicker than he was at 18.
"I have gained more experience and understand how to handle the pressures of Formula 1, along with managing the dynamics of collaborating with a team of 2,000 individuals."
"When it comes to speed, it's something you either possess or you don't. I believe he has it, which is why I hold him in high regard."
"I'm looking forward to collaborating effectively as a team and I'm eager to see what he can accomplish."
"You must always remain cautious, particularly with young people entering the scene, as it reminds me of my own youth when I was brimming with passion and energy."
Mercedes Reaches Important Achievement
As the groundwork progresses for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has achieved a crucial milestone.
During the weekend, Mercedes shared a video on their social media platforms showcasing the ignition of the W16, their 2025 race car.
It’s a significant milestone for any team when their latest machine is operational before the start of a new season.
Mercedes is set to unveil their latest vehicle on February 24, just 48 hours ahead of the pre-season testing event in Bahrain.
The entire group is aiming for the W16 to be more reliable than the previous model.
Although Mercedes secured four victories last year, they finished in a somewhat remote fourth place in the F1 constructors' championship.
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Bernie Ecclestone’s Bold Prediction: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble Doomed to Fail
Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton will not succeed at Ferrari
Former Formula 1 head Bernie Ecclestone has expressed significant skepticism regarding Lewis Hamilton's potential switch to Ferrari.
Ex-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has speculated that Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari will be short-lived.
In a surprising move last February, seven-time world champion Hamilton revealed that he would be joining Ferrari in 2025, marking the end of his impressive 12-year career with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton has finalized his sensational transfer and has been intensifying his preparations for his first season with Ferrari by testing their cars from the 2023 and 2024 models over the past few weeks.
A British individual, aged 40, has signed a long-term contract with Ferrari, expected to extend through the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
In his recent criticism of Formula 1's top driver, Ecclestone predicts that Hamilton's stint with Ferrari will not be successful.
"He won't be able to endure for that duration," Ecclestone mentioned to The Telegraph.
Piero Ferrari, who brought him to that place, remains convinced that their decision was correct. I wish for their sake that it truly is.
"I hope they didn't dive in too quickly and later regret their decision."
Ecclestone's critique seems to originate from his assertion that Hamilton no longer feels driven to pursue additional F1 championships.
Ecclestone shared his perspective, suggesting that the issue with drivers isn't their age, but rather the duration they've been engaged in the same activity.
I have considered that Lewis might be feeling fatigued and has lost his drive.
"If he hadn't secured a world championship title before, the situation might have been different, as there would be a strong motivation to achieve that milestone. However, he has already claimed seven titles."
The former head of Formula 1 believes that Hamilton might create "enemies" at Ferrari because of the widespread admiration for his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
Bernie Ecclestone mentioned that the team is pleased with Charles Leclerc, who is partnered with his teammate. Since Leclerc is fluent in their language, they are likely to take good care of him.
"Regardless of Lewis's success, he will continue to face many adversaries due to his abrupt emergence."
Ecclestone, along with Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore, former Ferrari team leader Mattia Binotto, and ex-F1 team manager Eddie Jordan, has voiced skepticism regarding Hamilton's potential transfer to Ferrari.
Their remarks come after a lackluster 2024 season, which was Lewis Hamilton's last with Mercedes. During this time, he was significantly outdone by his previous teammate, George Russell.
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From Rivals to Teammates: George Russell Reflects on Evolving Relationship with Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes Enters a New Era
George Russell discusses his interaction with Valtteri Bottas before joining Mercedes. He mentioned that in the past, their relationship was seen as strained, but emphasized that they are both professionals and have developed a better rapport over time.
George Russell shared that his connection with Valtteri Bottas has "improved" following their notable collision on the track in 2021.
In 2025, Bottas has rejoined Mercedes, taking on the role of test and reserve driver to support Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Valtteri Bottas raced with Mercedes for a period of five years, from 2017 to 2021, partnering with Lewis Hamilton. During this time, the team consistently won
In 2022, Russell took over Bottas's position after demonstrating strong performance with Williams and having been associated with Mercedes from an early stage in his career.
Russell and Bottas initially competed against each other during the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton was unable to participate due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Although Bottas secured the pole position, it was Russell who dominated the race until a mistake by Mercedes deprived the British driver of a storybook win.
Tensions flared between the duo during the 2021 event at Imola, resulting in a high-speed collision on the start-finish straight.
A furious Russell slapped Bottas on the head as he got out of his Williams vehicle, prompting Bottas to respond with an obscene gesture.
In a conversation featured on Mercedes' official site, Russell indicated that the duo currently share a positive rapport.
"Russell mentioned that the extensive experience he brings will be incredibly valuable. It's fantastic to have someone who possesses such deep simulator and racing expertise, and who is completely familiar with the team."
Listening to his experiences during his final years at Sauber, especially with the Ferrari engine, might be crucial as well. It's important to remain open to what others are doing, and he has a wealth of that knowledge.
"In the past, it was apparent that our relationship was seen as weak. However, over time, as professionals, we have developed a stronger bond. We frequently travel together and often encounter each other in hotels or at the gym."
Mercedes to Enter a New Phase in 2025
The departure of Hamilton will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Mercedes in 2025.
Russell is set to take on the role of informal team leader, bearing the responsibility while Antonelli familiarizes himself with the team's operations.
Antonelli ranks as the third youngest driver in the history of Formula 1 and has the potential to surpass Max Verstappen's record as the youngest winner if he secures a victory in any of the first three races of the 2025 season.
Discussing Antonelli, Russell commented, "He's an exceptional driver. Although he lacks experience at the moment, I'm confident he'll catch up rapidly."
"He has quickly become an integral part of the team. Both of us started racing when we were young, so we understand the importance of providing feedback to the team. Despite his youth, his insights will be equally valuable."
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Max Verstappen: Celebrated Aggression and the Fear Factor in Formula 1’s Champion
Max Verstappen sees aggression as a final option, yet "other drivers feel intimidated." The tendency of these racers to push boundaries is commendable, and Verstappen earns recognition for this quality.
It has been suggested that Max Verstappen should be praised, not faulted, for his driving approach that has led him to become a four-time Formula 1 champion.
The racing strategies of the Red Bull driver faced examination last season following incidents with McLaren's Lando Norris, who was challenging his position at the top of the drivers' championship.
In Austria and Mexico, Verstappen and Norris had confrontations that strained their friendship and drew attention to the F1 champion's driving style.
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"According to Lewis Larkam on the Crash F1 podcast, Verstappen may struggle with race craft, particularly during direct confrontations."
"Last season, there were several incidents involving Norris. It's known that he was involved in significant crashes with Lewis Hamilton during the 2021 championship battle."
"This might be the sole flaw he has."
Especially when it comes to Hamilton, there appears to be an attraction. They invariably find themselves sharing the same stretch of road.
Max Verstappen Uses Aggression Only When Necessary
Connor McDonagh stated that for Verstappen, aggression is a final option. In 2021, Mercedes possessed the quicker vehicle.
"In Saudi Arabia, his only hope of victory was to drive in that manner. The situation was similar at Silverstone."
"It might be considered a critique to a certain degree. If he receives a suspension from a race, that's understandable."
"In Mexico, however, his calculated approach proved successful."
"He occasionally loses his temper, but it's not a major issue. It seems to me that many drivers experience similar moments of frustration; it's quite common."
"I believe it's unjust to find fault with him."
"Lewis is known for his aggressive style, similar to drivers like Senna and Schumacher…"
"It's a characteristic of these drivers to be willing to push boundaries, and he should be acknowledged for that."
He has consistently demonstrated his dominance in Formula 1, and many find him intimidating!
"It's a fact that they are. Both Norris and even Hamilton approach him with caution."
Lewis Larkam mentioned that he understands how to manipulate situations to benefit himself.
"To some degree, motorists feel apprehensive about passing other vehicles."
"It's difficult to pass Verstappen on the outside since he skillfully maneuvers to push you off the track."
"Occasionally, he gets overwhelmed, but he understands how to handle the fast-paced situations."
"The sole method to get past Verstappen is to make a daring move on the inside, but this risks a crash since he has the right to block the path."
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Eddie Jordan Reverses Stance, Praises Ferrari’s Decision on Lewis Hamilton Signing
Eddie Jordan has retracted his earlier criticism of Ferrari's decision to sign Lewis Hamilton. He now believes that, for various reasons, especially financial ones, Ferrari's choice was a wise one.
Eddie Jordan has reversed his stance regarding Ferrari's choice to bring Lewis Hamilton on board. Initially critical of the decision, he has now admitted to seeing the potential benefits after witnessing Hamilton's debut at Maranello.
In the previous year, Jordan proposed that Ferrari should have retained Carlos Sainz to partner with Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season instead of bringing Hamilton on board.
Ferrari came close but ultimately fell short in the race for the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, ending up just 14 points behind McLaren.
Jordan criticized Ferrari for what he called a "self-destructive" choice to swap Sainz for Hamilton, arguing that bringing in the seven-time world champion could disrupt the team's unity.
In the most recent installment of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan appeared to revise his stance on Hamilton joining Ferrari and was impressed by the 40-year-old's debut visit to Maranello.
Jordan recently commented on the accident, describing it as regrettable. He noted that he had seen a picture showing a large number of Tifosi fans who had gathered to take photos and express their support during a brief test run with the car.
"Therefore, you can envision the atmosphere on the day of the Grand Prix. I believe he will attract a large audience."
"That image is destined to become iconic, likely to be referenced repeatedly for years due to its significance. Its enduring use will also hinge on how things unfold for him, but I believe the photograph will remain relevant regardless."
"I believe he attracts attention not only in Formula 1 but also globally—especially in the Americas and Asia, and he's already well-known in Europe. I'm fully supportive of the notion that Ferrari, for various reasons, especially financial ones, made a smart choice."
Jordan praises Hamilton's "legendary" photograph
The ex-BBC F1 commentator showered Hamilton with compliments for his "striking" initial photograph taken outside Enzo Ferrari's historic residence in Maranello.
The image set a new record by receiving the highest number of likes for a Formula 1-related post on Instagram.
Jordan believes that the photo of Hamilton will endure through the years and continue to be displayed for a long time.
Jordan commented on the striking image of Lewis Hamilton wearing that coat, saying it perfectly illustrates the reason Ferrari chose him.
"He’s a major draw, without a doubt. And if you take a look, you'll probably see that his photo, where he appeared very fashionable, has garnered nearly 6 million likes."
"The photograph is set to become iconic, likely to be referenced and utilized for countless years in the future. Its enduring relevance will partly hinge on his future success, yet I believe the image will remain significant regardless."
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Rossi’s Verdict: Hamilton’s Bold Ferrari Move and Its Impact on F1’s Future
Valentino Rossi shares his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's potential move to Ferrari
Motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi offers his opinion regarding Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari…
Valentino Rossi, a legendary figure in MotoGP, is eager to watch Lewis Hamilton's performance with Ferrari in the year 2025.
A year ago, Hamilton surprised the sports community when it was revealed that he was moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.
This decision unites Hamilton, statistically the most successful driver in the sport, with the team that has achieved the most victories in F1 history.
Hamilton has been actively engaged in testing activities for the team at Maranello over the past few weeks.
The driver, who has won the world championship seven times, was involved in an accident on his third day with the vehicle, which occurred during the second day of testing in Barcelona.
Nine-time world champion in motorcycle racing, Rossi, has considerable experience when it comes to switching major teams.
Following his early achievements with Honda, he transitioned to Yamaha.
Most of his achievements were with Yamaha, but as his competition with Jorge Lorenzo became fiercer, he made a move to Ducati.
His tenure with the Italian manufacturer did not go well, as he faced difficulties adjusting to the Ducati motorcycle.
Consequently, he made his way back to Yamaha after a span of two years
Commenting on Hamilton's move to join Ferrari, Rossi shared his thoughts with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "It's definitely a wonderful sight. The idea of him in a red uniform thrills me as well."
"I am eager to know how he handles things and how Leclerc handles them as well."
Hamilton is advancing his preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season, engaging in a Pirelli tire testing session this week.
The individual who is 40 years old will have the opportunity to drive Ferrari's 2024 model, the SF-24, as Pirelli pushes forward with its tire development efforts.
The vehicle will undergo minor modifications to align with the anticipated downforce standards set for the 2026 regulations as Pirelli readies for the upcoming year.
Hamilton is aiming to recover from last week's crash, making this track time valuable for him.
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