Ferrari’s Bold Gamble: A Risky Overhaul for Hamilton’s Debut Year
Ferrari's strategy for Lewis Hamilton's first year is described as "bold" yet "risky." "This decision is daring since there is potential for substantial improvements."
The decisions made by Ferrari in preparation for Lewis Hamilton's debut race have been described as "risky."
Following the end of last season, our reporters spoke with team principal Fred Vasseur, who disclosed that most of their Formula 1 car will undergo changes by 2025.
This is in spite of securing five grand prix victories in 2024 and achieving a runner-up position in the constructors' championship.
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"It's simple to get caught up in the winter buzz surrounding Ferrari during the offseason," Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast.
"There are often whispers coming from Italy…"
"Considering how they performed at the end of last year, there's no reason they can't be competitive once more."
"The season is expected to be closely contested, especially in the beginning. At least three or four teams will be competing fiercely, with Ferrari being among them."
During the pre-Christmas luncheon with Fred Vasseur, it was mentioned that nearly the entire car, about 99%, would undergo changes.
"I found it intriguing considering how strong their performance was at the end of last year."
"This decision might seem somewhat risky. However, it's a daring strategy since there's an opportunity for greater rewards."
Considering that they concluded the previous year with a solid standing, opting for this strategy is indeed daring. This decision is especially significant as attention shifts toward the upcoming 2026 regulatory changes.
"Ferrari has been pushing their car to its limits right from the beginning of this season."
A Ferrari issue that needs addressing
Connor McDonagh remarked on the podcast, "There's always a buzz surrounding Ferrari during the offseason."
"There are frequent claims in the Italian press about discovering half a second or a significant amount of horsepower."
Optimism is warranted due to last year's performance. Mid-season, they resolved their problems. Starting from the Monza race, it became a competition between McLaren and Ferrari.
For the first time in many years, they are progressing as expected during the season.
An area that requires improvement is the qualifying process, which was likely a weak point for Hamilton in the previous year.
One of their challenges is warming up the tires and maximizing performance for a single lap.
"Leclerc is likely the top qualifier among the drivers on the grid, but last year wasn't his best season, and I don't believe he was to blame for that."
"This is the primary issue."
"Furthermore, how do they handle when navigating fast corners? McLaren and Red Bull had the advantage in those situations."
"Exercise caution during the winter months; making a misstep could bring back the porpoising issue."
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Ferrari’s Final Test Day: Hamilton Steps Aside for Reserve Driver Evaluation
Ferrari is set to choose two alternate drivers to allow Lewis Hamilton to take a break during the last testing session in Barcelona. Hamilton will not be participating in Ferrari's concluding test day at the Barcelona track.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are not expected to participate in the last day of Ferrari's private Formula 1 testing session in Barcelona.
After spending two days sharing the driving responsibilities in a 2023 vehicle, Hamilton and Leclerc will make way for Ferrari to assess several of their reserve driver candidates on Thursday.
This was arranged prior to Hamilton's Ferrari accident on Wednesday, which disrupted the team's testing schedule for that day.
This week, Ferrari reserved the Spanish Grand Prix track for a three-day session to assist Hamilton in getting ready for the 2025 F1 season, working alongside his new teammate, Leclerc.
In a private test session classified under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), Hamilton was able to further familiarize himself with Ferrari's protocols and build a professional rapport with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.
The world champion, who has won the title seven times, drove the Ferrari SF-23 on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning, he returned to the track with the same car, but the session concluded prematurely following an accident.
On Thursday, other drivers from Ferrari's lineup are expected to have the opportunity to gain some Formula 1 experience.
Former Sauber driver Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been serving as a reserve for Ferrari since 2017, is scheduled to participate in track sessions alongside Dino Beganovic.
Beganovic, who is 21 years old and part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is set to compete in his debut full season in Formula 2 with the Hitech team in 2025.
The day will offer Beganovic a valuable opportunity to get accustomed to Formula 1 equipment and help him accumulate the necessary mileage to be eligible for a Super Licence.
Ferrari has not yet made an official announcement regarding their backup driver choices for the 2025 season.
In 2024, Oliver Bearman stepped in for Carlos Sainz during the race in Saudi Arabia. However, with Bearman now committed to a permanent position with Haas for the next season, Ferrari is searching for other options.
Although Giovinazzi has consistently been a potential backup option for Ferrari, Beganovic might also become a contender for the team.
Beganovic is expected to participate in several FP1 sessions this year in order to meet Ferrari's requirement for young driver participation.
There have been connections between Zhou Guanyu and the position following the loss of his spot at Sauber.
In the interim, Hamilton and Leclerc, along with McLaren, are set to participate in a Pirelli tire testing session for the 2026 season at the Barcelona circuit on the upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday, which falls on the 4th and
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Russell’s Roadmap to Success: Key Focus Areas for F1 2025 and Leading Mercedes Forward
George Russell identifies crucial area for improvement in F1 2025
George Russell aims to enhance his Sunday race performances in the 2025 season.
George Russell has conceded that he must enhance his speed during races, admitting that in 2024 it "hasn't always been optimal."
In the 2024 season, Russell delivered an impressive performance, significantly surpassing his teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
In the 24 races, Russell managed to qualify ahead of Hamilton 19 times to 5, making him only the second teammate, after Nico Rosberg, to outperform the seven-time world champion in Saturday's qualifying sessions.
The ex-Williams racer clinched victory in two events in 2024, with a standout performance in Las Vegas, where he secured the win starting from pole position.
Nonetheless, Russell believes he must enhance his performance during the races.
In an interview on Mercedes' official website, Russell stated that his objectives remain consistent and his strategy remains unchanged.
The nature of Formula One is distinct, making it difficult to establish specific objectives. For instance, if I declare an aim to win four races this season, having won three last year, I wouldn't be content with securing five victories if the potential of the car allows for ten.
"I usually focus on specific objectives. Last year, I excelled in qualifying rounds, but my performance during the races wasn't consistently strong. I'm confident in my single-lap speed, and there's no reason I shouldn't be able to maintain that throughout an entire race."
"I have certain aspects to improve in order to reach that point, and there are additional objectives that may not be obvious to the fans watching but are a top priority for me."
"The exciting aspect of Formula 1 is that each year brings a fresh start with a new vehicle and different constraints. What was advantageous in the previous season might not hold the same value this time around. Constant adaptation is essential."
Russell takes on the role of team leader for Mercedes in 2025 after Hamilton opts to move to Ferrari.
Russell is now teamed up with the talented 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Due to Antonelli's inexperience, it is anticipated that Russell will take charge at Mercedes.
His superiority over Hamilton during the 2024 season indicated that he is prepared to compete for the championship.
Additionally, he hasn't hesitated to confront Max Verstappen, at least outside of the race.
However, given Mercedes' difficulties during the ground effect era, it is uncertain if their car will be competitive enough to vie for the championship.
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Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins: SF-25 Unveiled as His First F1 Steed
Title of Lewis Hamilton’s Debut Ferrari Formula 1 Car Unveiled
The debut Ferrari Formula 1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton now has a name…
The first Formula 1 Ferrari car driven by Lewis Hamilton now has an unveiled name.
Ferrari has announced that their Formula 1 car for the 2025 season will be called the SF-25, sharing this update through their social media platforms.
In the past few years, Ferrari has established a distinct trend, with the SF-24 and SF-23 models serving as the forerunners to the car they have unveiled this year.
Start of the year, fresh identity 👊 pic.twitter.com/JC4Ou0OfRJ— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 30, 2025
Start of the year, fresh identity 👊 pic.twitter.com/JC4Ou0OfRJ
In 2022, Ferrari named their car the F1-75 in honor of their 75 years of history.
In 2020, they chose the name SF1000 to honor Ferrari's participation in their 1000th Grand Prix race.
Initially scheduled as the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix, the event was called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ferrari marked their 1000th Grand Prix with the 2020 Tuscan GP, choosing a striking, deep red paint scheme to commemorate the occasion.
Based on Ferrari's recent social media posts, it seems likely that this year's car will feature a deeper red color.
Hamilton gears up for debut season with Ferrari
In recent weeks, Hamilton has been quite occupied, having made his inaugural visit to Ferrari's Maranello factory just last week.
On Monday of last week, Hamilton was seen standing in front of the famous former residence of Enzo Ferrari.
Following discussions with several of his engineers and essential team members, Hamilton took to the Fiorano circuit for his initial run.
He and Charles Leclerc alternated in driving the 2023 Ferrari car.
Earlier this week, they took to the track once more, this time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Following an uneventful initial day of racing, Hamilton experienced a crash on the subsequent day, Wednesday.
Hamilton experienced an accident in the last part of the circuit in Barcelona.
The seven-time world champion managed to leave his Ferrari without any injuries.
As a result, Ferrari was forced to cancel Leclerc's subsequent attempt.
Lewis Hamilton is set to have another opportunity to drive for Ferrari as the team is scheduled to participate in the Pirelli tire testing session next week in Barcelona.
This will help him get ready for his pre-season event in Bahrain scheduled for the end of February.
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2025 F1 Showdown: Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton Poised to Challenge Max Verstappen’s Reign
Intriguing Forecast by Lando Norris for F1 2025 Could Affect Max Verstappen
Specialists Share Their Forecasts for the 2025 F1 Champion and the Winner of the First Race of the Season
According to predictions from our experts, Lando Norris possesses both the speed and the equipment needed to secure the F1 drivers' championship title this season.
Last season, McLaren's Norris put up a strong fight but was ultimately unable to overcome Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive championship title.
McLaren concluded the 2024 season boasting the quickest car in Formula 1, which could provide Norris with a chance to gain an early lead over Verstappen this year.
Connor McDonagh, speaking on the Crash F1 podcast, expressed his support for Norris to win the drivers’ title, noting that Norris demonstrated impressive speed towards the end of the year and significantly reduced his errors.
"I understand that in Brazil, he was somewhat inconsistent, veering off course on a few occasions."
"However, a few of his races, where he started in the lead and finished first, have been exceptionally impressive."
"The distance between him and Oscar Piastri is often underestimated."
"There's a lot of talk about how close Piastri was, but in fact, Piastri managed to qualify ahead of him on four occasions!"
In my opinion, Norris is the top contender with the quickest vehicle.
"Charles Leclerc emerged victorious in the opening race, creating an uplifting moment for Ferrari."
Lewis Hamilton is being supported to win the Formula 1 championship. Another forecast for the championship suggests that Verstappen may lose his dominant grip on the top award.
According to Lewis Larkam, Lewis Hamilton is his pick to win in Australia, citing Hamilton's impressive track record in Melbourne and noting that Ferrari typically performs well at that venue.
"Imagine the narrative if he could secure a victory in his first race with Ferrari, mirroring the achievement of Fernando Alonso."
"It would accelerate the excitement."
When it comes to the drivers' championship, if we're making a daring prediction, I'm choosing Hamilton…
"This was the change he required to revitalize himself."
"During the previous season, there was a sense that he had mentally disengaged. The timing was peculiar, making the situation unusual, as it was known before the season started that he would be joining Ferrari."
"As you might anticipate, he was gradually being excluded from meetings."
It remains uncertain if George Russell received favorable consideration regarding the set-ups.
"Although it was statistically among his least successful seasons in Formula 1, he seized any opportunity for a victory that came his way!"
The competitiveness of the Formula 1 grid is anticipated to become more balanced in 2025, as it marks the last year under the existing engine rules.
This suggests that each team is already preparing for 2026 and the future, which should lead to more competitive races this season.
This could present Verstappen with his most challenging task to retain his championship so far, or it might offer the Red Bull racer a chance to demonstrate his exceptional skills even more.
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McLaren Tackles Tricky Conditions in Pirelli’s 2026 Wet Tyre Test at Circuit Paul Ricard
McLaren has conducted tests on Pirelli's wet weather tyres designed for the 2026 Formula 1 season, facing challenging cold conditions during the process.
McLaren is the newest team to conduct testing sessions for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season, featuring drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at Circuit Paul Ricard.
The McLaren duo has been evaluating Pirelli's wet-weather tyres designed for 2026 at the French track.
On Wednesday, Piastri got behind the wheel of McLaren's 2023 car and later passed it on to his teammate, Norris.
Pirelli observed that the track's temperature dropped to a cold -2 degrees Celsius during the morning, which prevented Piastri from finishing the scheduled laps.
The afternoon session saw an improvement as Piastri successfully finished a total of 120 laps.
His fastest lap was clocked at 1 minute and 7.008 seconds, implying that McLaren was testing on a modified, shorter version of the Circuit Paul Ricard track, rather than the configuration that hosted the French Grand Prix from 2018 to 2022.
On Thursday, Norris was behind the wheel, but Pirelli has not yet shared specifics about how he performed.
Similar to Piastri, Norris has been given the responsibility of evaluating Pirelli’s intermediate and wet weather tires intended for the 2026 season.
The year 2026 marks an important milestone for Formula 1, as it will introduce both new regulations for power units and changes to chassis design.
The regulations regarding tires have been adjusted as well.
Although the tires will continue to have a diameter of 18 inches, their width and outer diameter will be marginally decreased on both the front and rear axles.
Pirelli plans to carry out additional tests during the year to get ready for the upcoming rules changes.
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Luxury on the Fast Track: Louis Vuitton Joins Forces with F1 as Official Partner for 2025 Season Opener
High-end Brand Joins F1 as Official Partner for 2025 Race Sponsorship
Formula 1 embraces a new high-end brand to the racing series…
High-end fashion label Louis Vuitton has formed an official partnership with Formula 1 and is set to sponsor the inaugural race of the season in Melbourne.
Louis Vuitton has entered into a decade-long partnership as an official collaborator.
This is included in a broader agreement with LVMH, which will introduce several of its high-end brands to the world of sports.
Tag Heuer has reportedly secured a deal valued at up to $1 billion, making it the official timekeeper for Formula 1.
They were the titleholders from 1992 until 2003.
In 2025, Tag Heuer will take over from Rolex, which has been a significant partner since 2013.
Title Sponsor for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix
The season opener at Albert Park, the Australian Grand Prix, will have Louis Vuitton as its official title sponsor.
In line with this, F1 has announced that Louis Vuitton's renowned 'Trophy Trunks' will be awarded to the top three competitors in Melbourne.
The season's opening race holds extra intrigue because it marks Lewis Hamilton's debut as a driver for Ferrari.
This marks the first occasion since 2019 that Melbourne is hosting the opening race of the season.
In a recent announcement, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed excitement about Louis Vuitton becoming the title partner for their inaugural 2025 race. He emphasized that this collaboration brings together two world-renowned brands, both driven by a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and creativity, making them both remarkable and enduring narratives.
"The arrival of Louis Vuitton into the fold not only elevates our sport but also honors the blend of luxury, skillful artistry, and the pinnacle of car racing competition. The year 2025 promises to be monumental for Formula 1, and I am thrilled to embark on it alongside our dedicated partners at Louis Vuitton."
Louis Vuitton's Chairman and CEO, Pietro Beccari, expressed great pride in the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Formula 1, highlighting their mutual commitment to pursuing innovation, craftsmanship, and precision.
"The collaboration between our two realms is reflected in the expertise of our workshops and garages, as well as the skills of our craftsmen and engineers. It also honors the remarkable achievements of top drivers worldwide who continuously pursue excellence with each race."
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Montoya’s Bold Prediction: Hamilton Unstoppable if Ferrari Delivers in 2025
Headline: Strong Assertion on Lewis Hamilton's Prospects with Ferrari's "Fast Car" in 2025 Formula 1 Season
Content: Juan Pablo Montoya shares his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's potential success in the 2025 F1 season.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Lewis Hamilton is unbeatable if Ferrari provides him with a "fast car" in 2025. Montoya rejects any claims that Hamilton has lost his natural speed.
In the previous season, Hamilton faced challenges as he ended his 12-year stint with Mercedes.
After a hectic initial week at Maranello, Hamilton has regained his cheerful demeanor.
In Italy, Hamilton was introduced to his team of new mechanics and engineers prior to his initial drive in the 2023 Ferrari on the track.
The seven-time world champion is anticipated to participate once more later this week in Barcelona as Ferrari gets ready for pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Although Ferrari is anticipated to be competitive at the forefront once more, uncertainties remain regarding Hamilton's performance level.
Last year, he was able to qualify ahead of his teammate George Russell on just five occasions and frequently found it challenging to maintain a competitive speed over a single lap.
In an interview with Crash.net through CasinoApps, Montoya expressed the opinion that Hamilton might regain his former prowess if he has the right car.
"He stated that Lewis Hamilton faced a situation similar to what Fernando Alonso experienced."
"They maintain their full speed capabilities, yet they often only manage to qualify within the top 10. If their vehicle had the potential to win, their qualifying position would be significantly better."
"If Hamilton's car is quick this season, we could witness the Hamilton of the past—an unbeatable force, even for Max Verstappen. However, Ferrari faces the challenge of figuring out how to keep his motivation high."
Keeping an eye on Formula 1's regulations for 2026, a key element for teams in 2025 will be how they manage their resources and focus between this season and the next.
In 2026, there will be a complete overhaul of the power unit and chassis regulations.
Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, has referred to the alterations in regulations as the most significant ever in the history of the sport.
Consequently, certain teams might give up on their aspirations for 2025 to concentrate fully on the upcoming year.
In 2025, Ferrari and McLaren are expected to make a significant effort, considering their impressive performance last season.
In 2026, Aston Martin and Mercedes could have an improved opportunity to compete for the championship.
Montoya commented, "Ferrari is focusing all its efforts to be competitive this season, while Mercedes can afford to be more cautious. Meanwhile, McLaren has a significant chance to maintain its dominance until the regulation changes in 2026, which might see them become just average."
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Gabriel Bortoleto Faces Uphill Battle in Rookie F1 Season with Struggling Sauber Team
A 2025 Formula 1 driver is highlighted as facing the most challenging task.
"The real challenge will be the car he has to drive."
A particular Formula 1 racer has been singled out as facing the most challenging role in 2025.
Gabriel Bortoleto is beginning his debut season in Formula 1 with the Sauber team.
In the previous year, Bortleto clinched the F2 championship title, surpassing other new F1 entrants including Isack Hadjar, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and Franco Colapinto.
However, his advancement to the premier racing series will be with the least competitive car, as Sauber managed to secure their first point of the 2024 season only in the 23rd race.
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"Just like Kimi Antonelli, it's important to allow a newcomer some time to get used to things," Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast.
"[New team member Nico Hulkenberg] is quite competent and consistently earns points. He had some outstanding performances for Haas last season, excelling in both single-lap speed and turning that into points during races."
"The real challenge will be the vehicle he's operating. In the previous season, Sauber's car was the least fast on the track."
Sauber is concentrating on the 2026 Formula 1 season. Lewis Larkam mentioned that their attention is directed towards the 2026 regulations and the arrival of Audi, which will assume control. He described it as a project aimed at long-term success.
This season, it's likely that Sauber will continue to perform in a similar manner as before.
"They are expected to remain near the end of the lineup. Acknowledging that significant progress in advancing their position is unlikely this year, they have decided not to invest heavily in this season. It is more strategic from a financial perspective to focus resources on making a significant advancement next year."
In Bortoleto's case, I believe the amount of pressure will be minimal. This year is primarily about gaining experience.
Sauber will use Hulkenberg as a benchmark to evaluate how the driver measures up, as it's the sole reference point for assessing his performance.
"Reflecting on last season's performance, they likely don't anticipate competing for points each weekend."
"He faces a challenging role. One might say it's difficult for him because there are fewer chances to distinguish himself or excel."
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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a variety of sports, including American leagues, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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Max Verstappen’s Aggression: Inspired by Schumacher’s Legacy?
Former F1 Grand Prix victor has put forward a theory connecting Max Verstappen's assertive driving methods to those of Michael Schumacher.
There are claims suggesting that Max Verstappen's approach to racing might have been shaped by guidance from legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher.
This perspective comes from former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert, who believes that Verstappen, known for his bold approach in close racing situations, might have taken guidance from seven-time world champion Schumacher.
During the 1994 season at Benetton, Schumacher and Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen's father, were colleagues on the same racing team and developed a strong friendship.
Johnny Herbert mentioned to Casinoutanspelpaus.io that any advice or remarks Michael Schumacher might have shared with Max Verstappen would likely leave a lasting impression on him.
"However, I am certain that Joss Verstappen would ensure they remain fresh in his memory simultaneously."
"He has relied heavily on the way Michael functioned as part of a team to help achieve the greatest progress possible with the current group. His resilience and skills, evident from a very young age since his entry into Formula One, have been a significant factor in this."
"I recall his debut season in Formula One vividly. He quickly earned a bad name for forcing competitors off the track and being an aggressive driver. His perspective was that tough competition is the essence of racing."
"You guide people onto the grass instead of pushing them against the wall."
Discussing his connection with Schumacher, Verstappen Sr shared with F1 Insider: "It was always positive. He put in a lot of effort, even after retiring. We frequently went karting with our kids, Mick and Max."
Michael treated Max and Mick the same way. Whenever he had something to discuss, he addressed both of them. This approach might have been advantageous for Max as well. Max shares several traits with Michael: relentless determination on the racetrack, yet in his personal life, he is compassionate, empathetic, and considerate.
Verstappen's aggressive driving likely to continue
Formula 1 is planning to revise its competition rules for the 2025 season to address the "dive-bomb" maneuvers employed by Verstappen in his championship fight against McLaren's Lando Norris last season.
Nevertheless, Herbert believes that Verstappen will continue to maintain his assertive style while working on improving his driving abilities.
"The new regulations will allow the top drivers to truly stand out. As he mentioned, the unusual rules regarding apexes and the penalties in Mexico are a clear example of this."
"I believe this season will have some differences. From Max Verstappen’s perspective, while aggression will always be a key element of his approach, he continues to enhance his abilities in racing and qualifying. He still has a lot of potential he can tap into when necessary."
"Is there a necessity for Verstappen to have a teammate who can challenge him further? This is precisely the opportunity for Liam Lawson to stand out, despite the tough circumstances of competing with one of the current top racers globally, and arguably one of the greatest of all time."
Having a teammate who can challenge Verstappen will be beneficial for him, and the downside for his competitors is that it might elevate Verstappen’s performance even further. If he achieves this advancement, it could significantly alter the dynamics.
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High-Stakes Showdown: Alex Albon Faces Career-Defining Challenge Against Carlos Sainz in 2025 F1 Season
Alex Albon has received a caution regarding his future in Formula 1 as he faces a significant challenge against Carlos Sainz. The year 2025 is crucial for Albon…
Johnny Herbert suggests that Alex Albon's future in Formula 1 might become increasingly challenging if he doesn't perform well compared to Carlos Sainz in the 2025 season.
Carlos Sainz is set to join the Williams team for the 2025 season following the loss of his position at Ferrari to Lewis
The Spanish driver will compete against Albon, who has gradually restored his standing since his time with Red Bull.
The driver from Thailand outperformed Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant but encountered competition from Franco Colapinto, especially during the initial races of Colapinto's brief time with Williams.
Concerns emerged regarding Albon's skill level, especially considering the teammates he has had after racing alongside Max Verstappen.
During an interview with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert mentioned that facing Sainz would be "a significant challenge" for Albon.
"This season is a significant challenge for Alex Albon," he remarked. "It's essentially a crucial moment, almost like a second chance, that will truly determine his career path. If things don't go as planned, it could make his journey even more complicated."
"When a driver like Carlos Sainz joins, I anticipate he'll adapt quickly. Initially, he faced challenges when he first joined Ferrari, and it took him a while to understand the intricacies of the car. However, once he figured it out, we witnessed his impressive performance."
"However, people often overlook the fact that during the initial years, he faced significant challenges and even admitted to having difficulties. Yet, once he joined Williams in Abu Dhabi, he appeared to settle in immediately and demonstrated remarkable speed."
Williams sets sights on the future
Although 2024 might seem disheartening for Williams, as reflected by their drop to ninth place in the constructors' championship standings.
Despite experiencing underwhelming outcomes, Williams has implemented substantial internal transformations as they gear up for what lies ahead.
A significant shift has occurred in their approach to design and part development, guided by leader James Vowles.
Historically, Williams has performed well on tracks requiring minimal downforce, typically having a car that peaks in those conditions, but they have faced difficulties on most other tracks.
Herbert believes that Sainz will be able to help Williams make progress over the next few years.
According to Herbert, Sainz is currently brimming with confidence, which he will be able to harness effectively.
Williams has a fantastic chance by having him join their team. There's hope that they will further build on this.
Albon has publicly acknowledged the significance of this period for Williams to elevate their performance and secure a more competitive standing in both the constructors' and drivers' championships. However, he faces a formidable psychological challenge when competing against Sainz.
Albon has successfully revitalized his career with Williams and is well-regarded, but now he faces a competitor who has recently been performing exceptionally well. This will be a challenge for him.
"This situation could benefit Sainz since being in close proximity with his teammate might motivate both drivers to outperform their performances from the previous year."
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F1
Pressure Mounts at Alpine: Johnny Herbert Predicts Jack Doohan’s Struggle Amid Franco Colapinto’s Arrival
Flavio Briatore dismissed me, and I suspect he might soon dismiss this Formula 1 driver as well. Johnny Herbert shares his thoughts on Jack Doohan's future with Alpine after Franco Colapinto joins the team.
Ex-F1 racer Johnny Herbert thinks that Franco Colapinto being at the Alpine garage at the start of the 2025 season will increase the pressure and uncertainty around Jack Doohan.
Doohan is facing immediate pressure to maintain his position at Alpine due to Colapinto joining the team as a test and reserve driver.
The Australian driver has competed in only one grand prix, making his first appearance at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Even before he made his first appearance, there was a lot of talk about Alpine being interested in Colapinto.
Flavio Briatore, serving as the executive advisor for Alpine, has openly expressed his high regard for Colapinto.
Herbert, who was harshly dismissed by Briatore during his time in Formula 1 alongside Michael Schumacher at Benetton, believes that Doohan is already running out of time.
According to Herbert, Jack Doohan might feel that his time is running out, and others I've talked to share that view.
"Doohan is under immense pressure to perform, and should he fail to match up to Pierre Gasly, Flavio Briatore, whom I'm quite familiar with, won't hesitate to cut him loose. Doohan will be dismissed in the blink of an eye if he doesn't meet expectations. The onus is now on him to deliver results."
The arrival of Colapinto is expected to spark uncertainty. From the onset of pre-season testing, Doohan is likely to face numerous inquiries regarding his career plans.
Adding to Doohan's challenges, television cameras are expected to focus on Colapinto and Briatore in the Alpine garage whenever Doohan experiences a poor qualifying session or makes an error.
Herbert believes this will lead to more uncertainty in Doohan's mind.
"Regrettably, that is an aspect of the sport, particularly in Formula 1, where things aren't always perfect. Doohan is under immense pressure, but that's the nature of the arrangement," Herbert commented.
"In motorsports, it's essential to get behind the wheel and deliver results. Currently, Gasly is a driver who feels at ease within his team. He enjoys considerable backing, especially since he's French. However, the focus is now shifting to Doohan to prove himself."
The individual is facing significant pressure, as Colapinto will be present in the garage's background. Colapinto will likely be seen on TV, hovering behind Briatore or nearby. This situation could lead to small uncertainties creeping in, and uncertainty is certainly not desirable.
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Red Bull’s High-Stakes Gamble: Liam Lawson Faces Trial by Fire Against F1 Titan Max Verstappen
Liam Lawson has been advised that he needs to "start strong" in his competition with Max Verstappen. Johnny Herbert shares his thoughts on Red Bull's choice to elevate Liam Lawson to race alongside Max Verstappen.
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert thinks that Liam Lawson must make a strong and immediate impact when competing against Max Verstappen.
Following just 11 races in Formula 1, Red Bull made the decision to elevate Lawson to a position above Yuki Tsunoda from Racing Bulls.
In 2025, Lawson faces the formidable challenge of competing against Verstappen.
Verstappen has completely outperformed all of his recent teammates.
In the middle of 2019, Pierre Gasly was substituted because his performance was not up to par compared to Verstappen's.
Alex Albon, who was dismissed at the conclusion of 2020, took over his position.
Sergio Perez managed to remain for four years, which was quite lucky considering the equipment he had at his disposal.
Lawson is set to encounter a challenging situation as he competes against the driver who has won the F1 world championship four times.
In a conversation with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert evaluated Lawson's potential for success at Red Bull.
Johnny Herbert expressed that, in his opinion, Liam Lawson hasn't fully demonstrated that he deserves the Red Bull spot. He believes that performance should be gauged by comparison with teammates, and during Lawson's stint, he did not significantly outperform Yuki Tsunoda.
When it was time to qualify, Tsunoda consistently showed impressive speed. He definitely had his moments. It seemed there was a good connection between the two drivers. Regardless of which one was leading on any given weekend, they always had strong support from the other driver.
Lawson needs to make a strong start because once Verstappen senses he has the upper hand in the race, not only will his speed become evident, but the pressure will kick in, leading Lawson to face challenges both physically and mentally.
"Does he possess what it takes to compete with Verstappen? I believe he does. However, it remains to be seen in practice. The key is to demonstrate it. There's always pressure to show your capabilities."
Red Bull is optimistic that with Lawson joining the team, they will once again compete at the top of the Formula 1 standings in 2025.
Although Verstappen secured the championship in the previous season, McLaren and Ferrari made significant progress in their development efforts.
For a significant portion of the second half of the year, Red Bull found themselves with the third-quickest car.
As the season concluded, Red Bull found themselves in third place in the constructors' championship, marking their poorest performance since 2019.
Red Bull has concentrated on improving the drivability of their Formula 1 car after Max Verstappen's exceptional skills hid several problems with it, especially in the year 2023.
For Red Bull, this might be their strongest opportunity in a while to secure a victory in either championship.
In 2026, they are set to operate with their own engines for the first time, following the establishment of Red Bull Powertrains.
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