Tension among F1 teammates? Expect Turbulence in 2025 Paddocks

Our journalists predict which pair of drivers will have a conflict this season…

In Formula 1, the primary objective for drivers is to outperform their teammates.

This has resulted in memorable rivalries and conflicts that will be remembered for a long time.

Just last year, in Monaco, tensions flared between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon at Alpine. This incident marked the beginning of Ocon's departure from the team.

Fernando Alonso has experienced numerous issues with his former teammates, one of whom is Ocon.

The 2025 Formula 1 season showcases some well-known and fresh driver pairings, which might lead to intense competition within the teams as they vie for the top position.

Our journalists have identified the Formula 1 teammates they anticipate will have conflicts in 2025.

Lewis Larkam: While McLaren seems like the clear choice in this situation, I'm inclined to consider a less conventional option…

I think we might witness some conflict at Williams.

Alex Albon has consistently taken on the role of leading the Williams team without facing any real competition and has consistently outperformed his teammates for an extended period.

This year, the situation will shift as Carlos Sainz, full of motivation, becomes part of the team.

I'm anticipating some intense action as the duo challenge one another to prove who is better.

Connor McDonagh expressed that he doesn't anticipate any disagreements between the Ferrari drivers, considering the calm demeanor of both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

The driver from Monaco is not as confrontational as some of Hamilton's past teammates, like Nico Rosberg or Fernando Alonso.

Should Oscar Piastri significantly enhance his performance and truly rival Lando Norris, it could potentially lead to some complications.

Reporter Lewis Duncan noted that there were moments of tension in the relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the year 2024.

Both drivers were uncomfortable with the different team order situations, but McLaren handled the situation effectively.

The issue they will face in 2025 is that both drivers will begin the season on a more level playing field.

Certainly, Norris is experienced and competed for the championship last year. However, in 2024, Piastri proved his capabilities and played a crucial role in McLaren's victory in the constructors’ championship.

Should McLaren kick off the season with the top-performing car, Norris and Piastri are expected to be competitive right from the beginning. This scenario could potentially reignite tensions, possibly reaching a level where McLaren struggles to keep things under control.

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F1 Team Leaders Face Pressure Amid Rising Tensions

Our journalists forecast which F1 team boss is likely to be in the spotlight

As the F1 2025 season unfolds, not only the drivers will face mounting pressure; team leaders will also be closely watched.

In Formula 1, team principals may not always be the decision-makers, as evidenced by the numerous former leaders who have either been forced out or subtly encouraged to step down.

In the previous year, several new individuals stepped into roles as leaders of Formula 1 teams, joining the ongoing cycle of personnel

Oliver Oakes has assumed the position at Alpine, whereas Ayao Komatsu has succeeded the well-liked Guenter Steiner at Haas.

James Vowles has already influenced Williams, and Laurent Mekies aims to achieve the same success with the Racing Bulls.

However, several of the more prominent figures are sure to face intense examination.

In Formula 1, team owners are always prepared to make changes and dismiss anyone who fails to deliver, whether due to issues with drivers, strategic errors, or poor personal choices.

Our journalists made forecasts about which Formula 1 team manager could face significant stress in 2025.

Connor McDonagh suggests that while many team leaders will likely experience increased stress next year, Frederic Vasseur is expected to face significant scrutiny by 2025.

Under his guidance, significant progress has been observed, but the combination of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton with a car capable of winning the championship is likely to greatly increase the pressure.

Ferrari has invested heavily to assemble what many consider the best pair of drivers in Formula 1.

Vasseur has previous experience with both Leclerc and Hamilton, and the top executives at the Italian company are eager to see him lead them effectively.

A crucial factor in Vasseur's success will be how effectively he can keep Leclerc and Hamilton engaged if he chooses not to designate an official lead driver.

Lewis Larkam: In my first response, I speculated that Mike Krack might face challenges at Aston Martin this season.

With the announcement of the team's significant reorganization and the appointment of a new team principal just before the new season, I was somewhat correct!

After reconsidering my choice, I've decided to pick Christian Horner. Although I don't believe Horner's job is in jeopardy, it's undeniable that he's under significant pressure to ensure Red Bull stays on course this season, following the tumultuous events that enveloped the team last year.

Red Bull is eager to prevent a season without securing a championship, a possibility that seems quite plausible for 2025.

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Red Bull's decision could backfire as newcomer identified as main underperformer in 2025 Our journalists identify a rookie expected to encounter challenges this year

This season, numerous fresh faces will join the ranks of Formula 1 drivers.

Liam Lawson, who is already accustomed to the team, is set to begin his first full season with the Racing Bulls.

In a significant development, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to make his first appearance by stepping in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Formula 1 teams have chosen newcomers instead of veteran drivers for this season.

Jack Doohan has joined the Alpine team, Gabriel Bortoleto is representing Sauber, Oliver Bearman is part of the Haas lineup, and Isack Hadjar is teaming up with Lawson for Racing Bulls.

Our journalists selected the newcomer they believe will struggle with the challenges of F1…

Connor McDonagh reports that Isack Hadjar was a strong contender for the Formula 2 championship, ultimately falling just short to Gabriel Bortoleto. As he looks toward Formula 1, Hadjar is expected to face significant challenges.

Yuki Tsunoda has been showcasing impressive skills, as confirmed by his recent trio of teammates, but he sadly didn't secure a position with Red Bull.

Hadjar faces significant pressure to deliver results, especially with Arvid Lindblad ready to step in.

Gabriel Bortoleto, as reported by Lewis Larkam, is making his debut in Formula 1. The Brazilian driver, who comes with a strong reputation after clinching the championship in Formula 2, is expected to face challenges in achieving success with Sauber, a team currently not performing well.

While it's possible that he will perform well, evaluating his success will be challenging because Sauber had the slowest car on the grid for most of 2024.

This year, significant changes are improbable as the team that will soon become Audi is primarily concentrating on 2026.

Nico Hulkenberg is set to present Bortoleto with a formidable challenge as his inaugural F1 teammate.

Lewis Duncan has reported that Jack Doohan is expected to face significant pressure right from the start of 2025.

As last season drew to a close, there were claims suggesting that Alpine, especially Flavio Briatore, did not view Doohan as a viable long-term option.

Due to the reality that he seems to be beginning the year needing to understand F1 and simultaneously attempt to secure his career before it has truly begun, Doohan is probably going to find himself in a situation where he's pushing too hard and consequently making errors.

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Pessimistic forecast for Lewis Hamilton's chances against Charles Leclerc

Our specialists share their outlook on Lewis Hamilton's performance for the upcoming year.

This year, Lewis Hamilton is joining the Ferrari team, hoping to conclude his distinguished Formula 1 career with one last achievement.

However, he faces a challenge from his high-caliber teammate Charles Leclerc, who not only has more familiarity with the car and team dynamics but also benefits from being younger.

In the 2024 season, Hamilton is showing signs of improvement after a disappointing year. Despite breaking his winless spell at Silverstone last summer, he consistently fell behind his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, during qualifying sessions on Saturdays.

In order to have a shot at becoming Ferrari's leading driver, Hamilton must improve his qualifying performance in 2025.

Our team of writers made forecasts about Hamilton's performance this year…

The main topic of speculation as we approach 2024 revolves around Lewis Hamilton. It's difficult to accept that his performance declined so abruptly, especially when contrasting last season with 2023.

In all likelihood, it will fall somewhere between the two extremes.

There's no question he's likely to surpass his last performance with Mercedes, yet it's uncertain if he'll reach the caliber of a world champion, akin to Max Verstappen.

It seems improbable. Leclerc is expected to have the upper hand during Saturday sessions, and considering the significant progress the Monegasque driver has made in race conditions over the years, it appears unlikely that Hamilton will surpass him in 2025.

Reporter Lewis Duncan confirms that, indeed, Hamilton is joining Ferrari. The team, known as the Scuderia, appears to be improving following a 2024 season that was stable but still fell short of their ambitions.

Carlos Sainz and Leclerc together secured five victories, surpassing the number of wins by Mercedes. Meanwhile, Ferrari came close to winning the constructors' championship, falling short by just 14 points.

Hamilton's recent two wins have effectively erased the memory of his unsuccessful efforts in 2022 and 2023. At this juncture in his career, a new challenge might be the perfect motivation for him to perform at his best once more.

Leclerc poses a significant challenge as a teammate, presenting a more difficult competition than George Russell, and promising to be Hamilton's most formidable internal team rivalry yet.

However, that might be precisely what he requires to begin making an impact in the championship competition.

It seems improbable that he will compete for the championship in his first year. He will require time to adapt to the vehicle, and it is more plausible that his contributions will lead to a car better suited to his driving style by 2026.

Anticipate victories in races. Look forward to seeing his cheerful demeanor return. However, do not count on him being the top contender for the championship in 2025.

Lewis Larkam believes that Hamilton's time with Ferrari will be marked by triumph, enhancing his already distinguished career in Formula 1.

Assuming my forecast is accurate, he is expected to not only overcome his struggles in qualifying but also secure victories and outperform his teammate Leclerc in their debut season together, potentially clinching the championship title.

I want to note that Leclerc will challenge Hamilton intensely, especially having an advantage during the qualifying sessions.

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Nico Rosberg cautions Lewis Hamilton before his competition with Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton has been alerted to the difficulties he will face at Ferrari alongside his new Formula 1 teammate.

Nico Rosberg cautioned his ex-F1 teammate Lewis Hamilton about the significant challenge he will encounter when competing against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

Hamilton is set to join forces with Leclerc as he begins a new phase in his remarkable and celebrated Formula 1 career at Ferrari, following a major move from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion is set to face off against Leclerc, one of Formula 1's most thrilling and speedy drivers, who is regarded by many as the fastest in a single lap.

Although Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most F1 pole positions with 104, he has faced challenges in qualifying over the past few seasons. Last year, he was decisively outperformed by his former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, in their direct qualifying battles, with a score of 19-5.

Nico Rosberg, who narrowly beat Lewis Hamilton to win the world championship in 2016 and then retired from Formula 1, thinks that his old teammate will have to improve his performance to maintain an advantage over Charles Leclerc.

When questioned about who he believes will triumph between Leclerc and Hamilton, Rosberg expressed to Sky F1 that if considering the Abu Dhabi race, his pick would undoubtedly be Charles.

"Charles is expected to perform at a level comparable to George Russell, representing the top tier of the emerging generation of drivers, with the exception of Verstappen, who has consistently been a notch above. Meanwhile, Lewis is currently facing challenges, and the reasons behind this remain unclear."

"If we consider today's circumstances, Charles would outperform him just like George Russell is currently doing. However, Lewis is still regarded as the greatest of all time."

"We are still hopeful that he will return to his top form, and if that happens, he is expected to be just ahead of Charles by the year’s end."

Hamilton Deserves Some Leeway

Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports analyst Anthony Davidson believes that Lewis Hamilton should be granted some leeway for his challenges in qualifying as he faces a tough last season with Mercedes in 2024.

Davidson mentioned that they are optimistic his passion will reignite once he steps into the vehicle, helping him regain his confidence and drive.

"This year, 2024, has been especially challenging for Lewis. As someone who used to be a driver, I find it hard to fathom what it's like to go through an entire season with the knowledge that you will be stepping away and that the partnership will conclude."

"It was probably challenging for Lewis, which might explain his fluctuating performance. Let's cut him some slack."

The performance of Hamilton with Ferrari and his ability to overcome his recent struggles in qualifying are expected to be major talking points for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton is set to participate in his first race for Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which kicks off the season on March 16.

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Mercedes Chooses Not to Follow the Trend with W16 F1 Car Introduction

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Mercedes has decided not to organize a launch event for their newest Formula 1 vehicle.

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Mercedes has decided not to organize a launch event for their 2025 Formula 1 car, marking a departure from their usual practice.

In past years, Mercedes has unveiled their latest Formula 1 car at Silverstone and followed it up with a shakedown session and a filming day prior to the pre-season tests.

Nevertheless, Mercedes has opted not to proceed with this in 2025, indicating that the period following Lewis Hamilton's tenure will commence without a formal introduction.

Mercedes' W16 car will make its debut appearance during a filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 25. The driving responsibilities will be split between George Russell and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

This event is scheduled for the day prior to the start of pre-season testing, which will occur from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain.

With the exception of 2021, Mercedes has hosted a launch event at Silverstone every year since 2017.

Although the W16 won't make its debut until the end of February, Mercedes is set to reveal their 2025 livery at the official F1 season launch event on February 18. This event, featuring all the teams, will take place at London's O2 Arena.

Ferrari, the new team for Hamilton, has become the first to reveal the date for their 2025 car unveiling.

The racing team plans to unveil their latest vehicle at the Fiorano test circuit in Maranello on February 19. Both the seven-time world champion and his new partner, Charles Leclerc, are scheduled to take it for its inaugural drive.

On February 14, Williams will unveil their latest FW47 car at Silverstone, featuring a unique livery for the occasion.

Antonelli amasses significant test mileage

In other news, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff shared that Antonelli has completed "nearly 9000 kilometers" in Formula 1 cars before making his debut this season.

An 18-year-old who recently completed Formula 2 will take Hamilton's place at Mercedes.

Over the last year, Antonelli has tested a number of vintage Mercedes F1 cars on various tracks to get ready for his first season as a newcomer.

On Wednesday, the Italian driver undertook his initial test of the year at the Jerez circuit, piloting the Mercedes W11 car, which claimed the championship in 2020, adorned in a camouflage paint scheme.

Wolff has been eager to manage the expectations about Antonelli, especially after he crashed just minutes into his first F1 practice at Monza last year.

Wolff explained that if you anticipate him securing the pole position in Melbourne, clinching the race victory, and instantly vying for the championship title, then you're taking a significant risk because that's not going to occur.

"If we consider that the young man is 18, highly skilled, yet still needs time to develop and learn from his errors, then the risk involved is minimal. This is the reason for our decision. We view 2025 as a year of transition and aim to get him ready for 2026."

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Mercedes Breaks Tradition by Skipping Launch Event for W16 F1 Car

According to Crash.net, Mercedes has decided not to host a launch event for its newest Formula 1 vehicle.

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Mercedes has decided not to host a launch event for their 2025 Formula 1 car, marking a departure from their usual practice.

In past years, Mercedes has unveiled their latest F1 vehicle at Silverstone, where they also perform a shakedown run and a filming session prior to the start of pre-season testing.

Nevertheless, Mercedes has chosen not to proceed with this plan in 2025, indicating that the period following Lewis Hamilton's career will commence without a formal introduction.

The Mercedes W16 will be unveiled for the first time during a filming session at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 25. During this event, George Russell and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli will take turns behind the wheel.

The event is scheduled for the day before pre-season testing begins, which is set to occur from February 26th to 28th in Bahrain.

With the exception of 2021, Mercedes has held a launch event at Silverstone each year starting from 2017.

The debut of the W16 will take place in late February, but Mercedes plans to reveal their 2025 car design at the same time as all other teams during the official F1 season launch on February 18 at the O2 Arena in London.

Ferrari, Hamilton's new team, became the first to reveal the date for their 2025 car unveiling.

On February 19, at the Fiorano testing circuit in Maranello, Scuderia will unveil their latest vehicle. The seven-time world champion, along with his new teammate Charles Leclerc, is scheduled to drive the car for the first time.

On February 14, Williams is set to unveil their latest FW47 race car with a unique livery at Silverstone.

Antonelli accumulates significant test mileage

In the meantime, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff disclosed that Antonelli has completed "nearly 9000 kilometers" in Formula 1 cars ahead of his debut this season.

An 18-year-old who recently completed Formula 2 is set to take over Hamilton's spot at Mercedes.

Over the past year, Antonelli has driven various vintage Mercedes Formula 1 cars on multiple tracks to get ready for his debut season.

On Wednesday, the Italian driver undertook his initial test of the year at Jerez, piloting the Mercedes W11 car, which won the championship in 2020, and was adorned in a camouflage design.

Wolff has been eager to manage expectations about Antonelli, who experienced a crash just a few minutes into his first Formula 1 practice session at Monza last year.

Wolff stated that if you anticipate him securing the pole position in Melbourne, winning the race, and instantly contending for the championship, you are taking a significant risk because that is not going to occur.

The strategy involves acknowledging that the young man, at 18 years of age, possesses significant talent but will need time to develop and will inevitably make errors. This approach minimizes potential risks. This is the rationale behind our decision. We view 2025 as a year of transition and aim to ready him for 2026.

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Jacques Villeneuve believes that Lewis Hamilton's future in Formula 1 hinges more on his "hunger" than his age. "The determining factor is whether Lewis Hamilton possesses the same drive as Fernando Alonso," he stated.

According to Jacques Villeneuve, it is Lewis Hamilton's "hunger" that is primarily driving the extension of his Formula 1 career, rather than his age.

Earlier this month, Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday and is now beginning a fresh chapter with Ferrari for the next season.

Since the 1990s, no Formula 1 driver has managed to secure a grand prix victory in their 40s, a feat Hamilton aims to achieve with his new team.

Next week, Hamilton is anticipated to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time after spending a day in the simulator.

According to reports, the seven-time world champion is expected to get behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2022 race car, the F1-75.

In an interview with Action Network, a Canadian individual discussed Lewis Hamilton's situation, questioning whether Hamilton possesses the same drive as Fernando Alonso. This person noted that Hamilton is eager for another championship title, ideally with Ferrari, which should motivate him. However, they wondered if, when faced with challenges, Hamilton would continue to fight like Alonso or decide to pursue a different path in life.

"From a physical standpoint, there's nothing wrong. He's extremely fit and strong, capable of continuing for another decade without any concerns. However, the real challenge lies in his mindset and motivation."

Hamilton’s age is not a concern

Villeneuve pointed out that Hamilton’s ex-teammate, Nico Rosberg, eventually lost his passion for Formula 1, prompting him to retire.

"In sports, age isn't the main concern," he mentioned. "What's crucial is your mental readiness to commit entirely, to undergo all the training, to maintain a disciplined routine, and to remain focused solely on the sport. Eventually, there might come a time when it no longer holds the same significance or priority in your life. That's when performance can decline—not due to a direct physical cause."

"It's exhausting, yet it's also what gives you life and motivation. When you pause, after a couple of months, you start to think, 'Wow, this is dull.'"

"Craving that way of life is essential. The thrill and excitement keep you moving forward. When you're truly passionate and deeply love something, it becomes addictive."

Consider Nico Rosberg; he found more joy in not being part of the races, which indicates a different degree of passion.

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Ferrari's CEO has announced that Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to visit Maranello for the first time next week.

The CEO of Ferrari, Benedetto Vigna, has announced that Lewis Hamilton is set to visit the team's Formula 1 headquarters next week, a development that fans have been eagerly awaiting.

In what is considered the most significant driver move in the history of Formula 1, Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has left Mercedes to become part of the Ferrari

The announcement, made in February, surprised everyone in the racing community, as it brought together Formula 1's most renowned team with the sport's most accomplished driver. Over the last year, this collaboration has been a hot topic of discussion.

In the midst of the excitement and buzz about Hamilton's debut at Ferrari, Italian media outlets have identified Monday, January 20, as the date when the 40-year-old British driver will make his initial visit to the team's headquarters in Maranello.

Later in the week, Hamilton is anticipated to take an older Ferrari model for a spin as part of his efforts to integrate into his new team.

During a press conference in Milan that introduced a collaboration between Ferrari and UniCredit, Vigna refrained from providing specific dates but did confirm that Hamilton's first appearance in Maranello is scheduled for next week.

"There is a significant buzz and eagerness to get started," Vigna stated. "Lewis is scheduled to join us at Ferrari next week. We're finalizing the remaining details."

Anticipation is high, and we are prepared for nearly any scenario. We will ensure that everything is properly organized. Adaptations are always wonderful.

Disorder anticipated in Maranello with 'Hamilton fever'

Hamilton is expected to bring disorder to Maranello's streets upon joining Ferrari.

According to Italian journalist Roberto Chincero, a fervent excitement for Hamilton has already sparked in the nation before his upcoming visit. Chincero anticipates that significant police forces will be necessary to handle the huge crowds likely to assemble in the vicinity of Ferrari's main office.

Chinchero mentioned on the James Allen on F1 podcast that a wave of enthusiasm for Hamilton has already begun in Italy.

Since the start of the New Year, Ferrari enthusiasts in Italy have been eagerly speculating about when Lewis Hamilton will conduct his initial test drive in a Ferrari vehicle.

"I find it hard to picture just how many individuals will gather around the track. I anticipate that the streets of Maranello and Fiorano will be crowded with people."

"I'm anticipating an event unlike anything we've witnessed in recent years, which will pose a significant challenge for the Maranello police."

"It's no shock to me. Across various national outlets, including those focused on sports, there is extensive coverage dedicated to Lewis Hamilton."

"The popular narrative describes who Lewis is, delving into his enthusiasm and pursuits, the journey of his professional life, and his aspiration to conclude his career behind the wheel of a Ferrari."

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Max Verstappen's team addresses Aston Martin rumors with straightforward reply

The camp supporting Max Verstappen has issued a direct response…

When questioned about a rumor suggesting that Aston Martin is readying a £1 billion proposal to secure the services of the four-time world champion, Max Verstappen's team responded with just two words.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Aston Martin was ready to make a record-breaking offer to secure Verstappen.

Aston Martin told Crash.net that the report was false.

Verstappen's team has not commented, responding evasively to GP Blog.

They replied by saying, "That's pleasant."

Is it possible for Verstappen to become part of the Aston Martin team down the line? At present, Verstappen is committed to Red Bull with a contract that extends through the end of 2028.

Nonetheless, his prospects with Red Bull have been unclear because of significant interest from Toto Wolff and Mercedes.

The issues surrounding Christian Horner away from the racing circuit, along with Red Bull's recent decline in performance, have fueled rumors regarding Verstappen's potential departure from the team.

The speculation didn't originate from the Dutch driver, as Verstappen has stated that he is content with his position at Red Bull.

He is firm in his desire to drive the quickest car available.

Should Verstappen decide to depart from Red Bull, Aston Martin would be a logical destination for him.

With the financial support from Lawrence Stroll, it would be feasible to hire Verstappen with a substantial salary.

Aston Martin has strengthened their technical team by bringing in Adrian Newey and has partnered with Honda for their engines. These developments could make the team, based in Silverstone, appealing to Verstappen.

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Liam Lawson has been challenged to demonstrate his "mental strength" when competing with Max Verstappen at Red Bull. "This represents a significant opportunity for Lawson, but history has shown that drivers who are immediately placed in the main team often struggle and fail swiftly."

Jacques Villeneuve, the Formula 1 world champion from 1997, thinks that Liam Lawson will have to show his "mental toughness" when he competes against Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025.

Following only 11 races in Formula 1, Lawson was selected to take over for Sergio Perez at Red Bull.

This implies that Lawson faces the toughest challenge in Formula 1, as he competes alongside Verstappen on the same team.

In recent years, Verstappen has outperformed Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez, and Lawson is poised to face him next.

With not much experience in Formula 1 and Red Bull losing ground at the end of the previous year, Lawson is expected to face an even greater challenge in 2025.

In an interview with Action Network, Villeneuve mentioned that Liam Lawson has a significant opportunity ahead of him. However, he noted that drivers who are immediately placed in the main team often struggle and falter swiftly.

"We'll have to assess his mental toughness and actual skill level since it's still uncertain at this point. His performance in F2, his time in Japan, and his races against Tsunoda shouldn't be used as a definitive measure."

According to the terms of his contract, Lawson's role is to assist Verstappen. However, mentally, Lawson is focused on the idea of taking Max's place. Therefore, he aims to be both competitive and fast.

"It is hoped that this will apply pressure on Max, encouraging him to enhance his driving skills, ultimately benefiting the team's advancement."

Villeneuve has given Lawson a goal for 2025. Red Bull expects Lawson to perform significantly better than the person he is replacing.

Perez's streak of subpar performances led to Red Bull slipping to third place in the F1 constructors' championship, marking their lowest placement since 2019.

Villeneuve believes that Lawson should target finishing just one or two positions behind Verstappen in the 2025 season.

He stated that if the car isn't capable of securing a championship victory, then the goal must be to finish in second place or not at all. For Lawson, a strong result would mean ending up either directly behind Verstappen or two positions behind him.

"Nothing beyond that. Winning races significantly boosts your points total, as there's a large gap between first and second place. However, if you finish in third, fourth, or fifth, the difference in points is minimal."

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New leadership at Aston Martin F1 outlines changes in team structure

Andy Cowell, the newly appointed team principal of Aston Martin, discusses the recent reorganization in management as the team prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Andy Cowell, recently named as the team principal for Aston Martin, has provided insights into a significant reorganization planned before the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Aston Martin revealed last week that Cowell would immediately assume the responsibilities of team principal alongside his current role as chief executive officer.

The British individual, aged 55, has taken over the role previously held by Mike Krack. Krack has been reassigned to a new trackside position that concentrates on performance enhancement.

Tom McCullough, formerly responsible for trackside operations as the performance director, is transitioning to a different position within the broader organization.

Aston Martin stated that the modifications aim to establish a more "horizontal" leadership framework.

Aston Martin ended the season in fifth place in the constructors' championship for the second consecutive year. This time around, drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll managed to secure just 94 points. This was a significant drop from the 280 points they collected in 2023, a season that began with Aston Martin posing a strong challenge to Red Bull right after the winter break.

Cowell, known for his expertise in Mercedes' F1 engines throughout the team's dominant period in the V6 hybrid era, mentioned that the modifications were implemented following several months of assessing the team's performance and their working practices.

In an interview on Aston Martin's official website, Cowell stated that the modifications aim to enhance both the clarity within the organization and the performance of the race car.

"We decided to split the Aerodynamics, Engineering, and Performance Departments into distinct teams, with some focusing on trackside activities and others operating from the AMR Technology Campus."

The group working at the track will be headed by Mike [Krack], who has taken on the position of Chief Trackside Officer. Enrico [Cardile] will oversee the other team as the Chief Technical Officer. Both will be accountable to me.

This reorganization allows Mike's group to concentrate on optimizing the car's performance at each Grand Prix, while Enrico's group can dedicate their efforts to the intricate task of designing a new race car.

Aston Martin views the creation of a successful team as their guiding principle. The team has high hopes of competing for the championship titles in the near future. They aim to take advantage of the new engine and design rules set to be implemented in Formula 1 starting in 2026.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll, known for his ambitious vision, has invested millions into the initiative, which includes establishing a new campus at Silverstone that Aston Martin relocated to in 2023.

A cutting-edge wind tunnel is expected to be functional by 2026, and Aston Martin has arranged for Honda to be their sole supplier of power units starting that season.

Renowned Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey is set to become the managing technical partner starting in March. Meanwhile, Enrico Cardile, who previously led the chassis department at Ferrari, will assume the role of chief technical officer.

"Our ultimate goal is to create a team capable of winning a World Championship. Every conversation we have is focused on what it will take to turn this dream into a reality," stated Cowell.

My role involves determining whether the organization is properly set up to fulfill this vision. This includes assessing if the structure is appropriate, if we have the right personnel in the right roles, if our infrastructure is adequate, and if everyone is united and collaborating effectively.

I outline the main goals for the executive team and collaborate with them to create a plan to achieve these objectives, ensuring they align with our desired outcomes. Additionally, I ensure that we focus on the most important tasks and address them in the correct sequence.

Lawrence has placed immense confidence in my ability to guide this team to the forefront of the lineup. It's both an honor and a humbling experience.

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Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events for Crash.net across various international locations. He often provides on-the-scene reports, sharing narratives about key figures in the racing world.

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