Guenther Steiner points out a former F1 driver who might significantly assist Cadillac. "This driver consistently exceeded expectations when in a lesser team but struggled to handle the stress of being in a leading team."

Ex-Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner considers Sergio Perez to be an excellent choice for Cadillac in 2026, saying "he could provide significant assistance."

Cadillac is planning to enter Formula 1 as the 11th team on the grid in 2026.

Graeme Lowdon has been officially appointed as the team principal, and the team will continue using Ferrari engines through the end of the decade while General Motors works on developing their own engine.

When it comes to drivers, Cadillac has multiple excellent choices for the year 2026.

Perez's contract has ended as Red Bull has chosen to replace him with Liam Lawson.

Valtteri Bottas, who did not secure a position with Sauber, is now available, along with Zhou Guanyu.

In an interview with GP Blog, Steiner discussed the reasons why Perez would be a logical choice.

Steiner mentioned that Cadillac requires someone with experience. He pointed out that Checo has been part of numerous teams over the years and is well-acquainted with the industry. According to Steiner, Checo could provide significant assistance.

"Consider offering him a contract for just one year. This is a much better option than relying on older rookies. It's a chance for Checo."

Perez exceeded expectations despite being an underdog. Before his largely disappointing stint with Red Bull, he had established himself as a dominant force in the middle ranks of Formula 1.

The Mexican driver frequently achieved better results than expected, managing to secure several podium finishes while driving cars that were not considered top contenders.

Before becoming part of the Red Bull team, Perez was highly regarded, particularly after his victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

Considering the way Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly have regained their reputations after departing from Red Bull, Perez could experience a similar revival.

Steiner paused and said, "Hold on a second. I'm not trying to be cynical. He was leading the race grid last year."

"We have to be practical. Competing to earn a single point when the car's capabilities are limited is one scenario. However, it's an entirely different situation when you're striving for one point while your teammate, driving the same car, is securing victories. This creates a different mindset and introduces a unique kind of pressure."

"When Checo was with Force India Racing, later known as Racing Point, he performed exceptionally well."

"He consistently exceeded expectations when he was considered the underdog. However, he struggled to handle the stress associated with being part of a leading team. It seems that he finds his comfort zone when he doesn't have the burden of proving his worth through victories, which might actually be more beneficial for him."

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F1 Driver Earnings: What Are the Salaries of Each Racer?

Below is a list of the projected earnings for each Formula 1 driver.

Max Verstappen continues to hold the position as the top-earning driver in Formula 1, based on estimates by RacingNews365.

These figures represent just the basic salary and do not account for additional earnings from bonuses for winning races, securing podium finishes, or sponsorship deals.

For many years, Lewis Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in Formula 1, but now Max Verstappen has surpassed him. Hamilton has recently joined Ferrari, and his numerous sponsorship deals are expected to significantly increase his overall earnings beyond his base salary.

Charles Leclerc has secured a new contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third highest-paid driver.

Lando Norris has signed a new contract with McLaren in the early part of 2024, placing him as the fourth highest-paid driver, tied with Fernando Alonso.

At the lowest end of the salary range are the new Formula 1 drivers.

Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar are the sole drivers believed to have salaries under $1 million.

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F1 Driver Earnings: What Are the Salaries for Each Racer?

Below is a list of the approximate earnings for each Formula 1 driver.

According to estimates from RacingNews365, Max Verstappen continues to be the top-earning driver in Formula 1.

These figures represent the basic salary alone and do not account for additional earnings such as bonuses for winning races or securing podium positions, nor do they include income from sponsorship deals.

Lewis Hamilton, who was the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 for many years, is now earning less than Verstappen. He has recently joined Ferrari, where the backing from additional sponsors is expected to significantly increase his base salary.

Charles Leclerc has secured a new contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third highest-paid driver on the team.

In the initial weeks of 2024, Lando Norris signed a fresh contract with McLaren, placing him as the fourth highest-paid driver, tied with Fernando Alonso.

At the opposite end of the salary spectrum are the newcomers to Formula 1.

According to estimates, Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar are the only drivers making under $1 million.

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Unveiled: Lewis Hamilton's Upcoming Role with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is preparing to embark on his inaugural Formula 1 season as a driver for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton spent two days testing Ferrari's 2024 Formula 1 car to gear up for his first season with the team.

The seven-time world champion took the wheel of Ferrari's SF-24 car for the first time this week in Barcelona during a Pirelli tyre test, aimed at assisting with the development of tires for F1's supplier for 2026.

Over the span of two days, Hamilton completed a total of 161 laps at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. He took turns driving with his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, in the Ferrari car. This vehicle had been adjusted to mimic the anticipated downforce levels set for 2026.

The length is more than twice the distance covered in two Spanish Grand Prix races.

This event was Hamilton's third time testing for Ferrari. The 40-year-old from Britain first appeared on the track for the legendary team last month, driving a 2023 Ferrari at their Fiorano test circuit, as part of their Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program.

Lewis Hamilton took part in two testing sessions with Ferrari. Last week, he spent two days driving the SF-23 in Barcelona, but he experienced a crash on Wednesday.

Hamilton is scheduled to drive for Ferrari again on February 19, showcasing their new car for the 2025 season.

Ferrari is set to reveal their SF-25 model just a day following the F175 season launch, which takes place at the O2 Arena in London on February 18. They plan to conduct a preliminary shakedown run of the car, allowing both Hamilton and Leclerc to test it out.

Hamilton and Leclerc are scheduled to travel to Bahrain for the official Formula 1 pre-season testing, which will take place from February 26 to 28.

Fred Vasseur, the head of the Ferrari team, has already shared some preliminary information regarding their 2025 racing car.

Vasseur mentioned that they would discover whether it will be competitive during the pre-season testing in Bahrain.

"Often, you only recognize the risks you're taking once it's too late. The vehicle will be entirely redesigned, with fewer than one percent of the components being the same as those in the 2024 model. It's a distinct endeavor, yet this situation is the same for all involved."

"While it's uncertain whether 2025 will be our breakthrough year, I have confidence in the ongoing project. It promises to be as demanding as the recently concluded endeavor."

"I'm extremely pleased with how we managed challenges throughout 2024, but we need to make progress in achieving greater consistency."

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Franco Colapinto faced off against Jack Doohan during an Alpine testing session. It marked Colapinto's debut test with Alpine at the Barcelona track.

On Wednesday, Franco Colapinto had his initial session with Alpine at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Flavio Briatore, who serves as an executive advisor for Alpine's F1 team, shared a video on his Instagram. The footage captures Colapinto stepping out of the A523 at the racetrack in Spain.

Alpine joined Ferrari and McLaren at the Barcelona circuit for Pirelli tire testing.

Alpine is maximizing their use of TPC (testing of previous cars) mileage, but the team has not released any information about how Colapinto or Jack Doohan performed during the tests, so specific details remain unknown.

Nonetheless, Briatore was eager to highlight Colapinto, noting that his lap times are expected to be measured against those of Doohan.

Since Colapinto serves as a reserve driver, there are no restrictions on how much distance he can cover driving a previous model of an F1 car.

Each of the 20 drivers in the competition is restricted to a total distance of 1000 kilometers throughout the year.

Could Colapinto make a mark?

Doohan is poised to begin the season as Alpine's regular driver, partnering with Gasly.

It is generally anticipated that if the Australian does not achieve the desired outcomes, Colapinto will assume his position.

Colapinto made a significant impact in his initial races with Williams, stepping in for Logan Sargeant midway through the 2024 season.

Despite a messy conclusion to the season filled with mistakes and a well-publicized large buyout clause, teams like Red Bull lost interest.

At the beginning of 2025, Alpine introduced Colapinto as their reserve and test driver. However, with speculation that Briatore might not be satisfied with Doohan, a mid-season change seems likely.

Briatore has no hesitation in making tough decisions when it comes to replacing drivers, especially concerning the team's second driver.

In Barcelona, Doohan and Colapinto had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the pace, whereas Alpine had earlier organized a test at Paul Ricard to evaluate both Doohan and Mick Schumacher.

Doohan caught the attention of Alpine and was selected for the 2025 spot instead of Schumacher.

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Ferrari Experiences Transformation with Newly Released Lewis Hamilton Lap Times

Lap Times for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Disclosed on Wednesday

The lap times from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's second Pirelli testing session on Wednesday have been disclosed.

Oscar Piastri from McLaren was present in Barcelona on the last day to assist the official tyre provider for Formula 1.

On Tuesday, Hamilton taunted the Ferrari fans by clocking a faster time than their drivers, but the situation changed the following day.

On Wednesday, Leclerc emerged as Ferrari's quickest driver, clocking a top time of 1:14.971 and completing 74 laps.

Piastri completed a lap in 1 minute and 15.815 seconds, and he managed to complete 74 laps in total.

Hamilton completed a total of 152 laps, with his fastest lap clocking in at 1 minute and

On Wednesday, Hamilton was 0.9 seconds slower than Leclerc and was 0.8 seconds off his fastest time from the previous day.

It's important to keep in mind that each driver followed a unique schedule, so their lap times should be considered with some skepticism.

Pirelli set up the schedule for the drivers from Ferrari and McLaren.

Mario Isola from Pirelli stated that the session was highly beneficial, especially in offering a comparison of the various constructions for the next season.

"In addition to testing certain compounds from the more challenging spectrum."

The Barcelona track is renowned for being tough on tires due to the high levels of energy and wear they experience. As a result, the data collected during these two intensive days will play a crucial role in advancing the development of this tire generation.

The beginning of the year is particularly challenging, with four test sessions scheduled before the season officially kicks off. I appreciate all the teams collaborating with us, as we understand how hectic their schedules are right now.

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Carlos Sainz followed his gut feeling when deciding to join Williams, drawing parallels with McLaren. "Ultimately, these two factors convinced me to have faith in Williams and become part of the team."

Carlos Sainz has disclosed that his experience with McLaren influenced his choice to sign with Williams, acknowledging that he had to rely on his intuition.

Carlos Sainz is set to join the Williams team for the 2025 season following the loss of his position at Ferrari, which

The Spanish driver had multiple teams interested in him for the next season, despite being passed over by both Mercedes and Red Bull.

According to reports, Alpine showed interest in Sainz for a longer-term contract, and there were already connections to Audi prior to Hamilton's surprising announcement.

Sainz decided to join Williams as he was convinced by James Vowles’ strategic plan for the team and the advancements being made internally.

During his initial trip to the Williams factory located in Grove, Sainz discussed his choice to become part of one of Formula 1’s legendary teams.

In an interview with Vowles on the Williams YouTube channel, Sainz expressed that the immediate future was not his main focus when he faced making such a crucial decision.

"I concentrated on figuring out which team would have the advantage in speed by 2025. I wanted to know which team was developing more downforce and who was discovering new ways to enhance their speed. In the end, I understood that my choice needed to revolve around two main factors: the project and the individuals involved."

"When I began having more in-depth conversations with James, it became clear to me that he had developed a robust project at Williams."

He was assembling a group with a clear vision and plan alongside Dorilton, which I believe will propel this team to the forefront. His strong leadership and compelling vision instantly made me enthusiastic about the project and confident in his guidance.

Sainz draws parallels to McLaren

Before joining Ferrari, Sainz had a two-year tenure with McLaren.

While at Woking, McLaren made significant advancements in the rankings, securing fourth place in 2019 and improving to third place in 2020.

Carlos Sainz believed that McLaren had the potential to become world champions after he departed from the team, a prediction that was realized in 2024.

He continued by emphasizing that ultimately, it's all about the people involved. Reflecting on his departure from McLaren, he expressed his belief that there were truly talented individuals within the team, and he was confident they had the potential to become world champions one day.

"Last year, McLaren secured the world championship, prompting me to think, 'Alright, I should follow my gut feeling.' I am aware that Williams has a strong plan in place. They possess the necessary support and have talented individuals on their team."

"Ultimately, the blend of these two factors convinced me to put my faith in Williams and become a part of your team."

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Ferrari employees have received a €14,400 bonus following a year in which the company achieved unprecedented profits.

Five thousand Ferrari employees received a bonus of €14,400 each following the Italian luxury automobile manufacturer's higher-than-anticipated profits in 2024.

On Tuesday, ANSA reported that Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, revealed an increased bonus amounting to €900 more than the €13,500 distributed in 2023.

This development follows a 21% increase in Ferrari's net earnings in 2024, reaching €1.53 billion.

In 2023, Ferrari experienced its most profitable year to date.

Due to their substantial earnings, Ferrari plans to update their goals for 2025.

In the course of the announcement, Vigna revealed that this year would see the introduction of six new Ferrari models, among which will be Ferrari's inaugural electric vehicle.

"We've always discussed adding electric options rather than completely transitioning to them," Vigna stated.

"We are not abandoning one option for another; instead, we are introducing the fully electric vehicle alongside our existing thermal and hybrid models. We are moving forward according to our original plan."

The Ferrari Formula 1 team has gained a significant advantage with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining them for the 2025 season.

Ferrari's stock value surged over 10%, reaching an all-time high on the New York Stock Exchange following the surprising announcement of Hamilton joining the Scuderia in February.

This led to a nearly $7 billion rise in the value of Ferrari's company.

The surge in Ferrari's market value underscored the broader effects of Hamilton's choice to leave Mercedes after a 12-year tenure and become a part of Formula 1's legendary team.

Hamilton is deeply involved in a comprehensive pre-season testing schedule with Ferrari as he prepares to make his debut with the team at the grand prix season opener in Australia on March 16.

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Aston Martin announces the unveiling date for Fernando Alonso's 2025 Formula 1 car. The company shares its schedule for the 2025 launch.

Aston Martin has announced that they will unveil their 2025 Formula 1 car on February 23, ahead of its debut on the track in Bahrain.

All ten teams are set to attend F1 75 Live at the O2 in London on February 18, where it is anticipated that they will display their liveries instead of unveiling their new car models.

Aston Martin has announced that their latest vehicle will be revealed just five days following the main launch event for F1.

On February 24, Aston Martin will make its debut on the track during a promotional event at the Bahrain International Circuit.

This event is set to happen only 48 hours ahead of the pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Aston Martin's Outlook for 2025

In the 2025 Formula 1 season, Aston Martin is among the only two teams that have decided to keep both of their current drivers.

Fernando Alonso, who has clinched the F1 world champion title twice, continues to partner with Lance Stroll

Considering their performance last year, it seems improbable that they will compete at the forefront.

In the initial months of 2024, Aston Martin was able to hold its own against Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, but their performance soon declined.

In 2023, they faced difficulties improving their car during the season, which led to a decline in their rankings.

As 2026 approaches with adjustments to the regulations, Aston Martin might decide to shift their attention away from this year's efforts to prioritize the next season's preparations.

Adrian Newey will start his role as the new managing technical partner on March 3, directing his attention to the team's projects for 2026.

Andy Cowell has taken on the role of team principal for the upcoming season, while Mike Krack will shift to a position that involves working at the track.

Enrico Cardile holds the position of technical director at Aston Martin, after transitioning from his previous role at Ferrari.

Given the strong end-of-season performances by Alpine and Haas in 2024, Aston Martin might not maintain their recent position of fifth in the constructors' championship and could potentially finish lower.

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Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso face setback at Le Mans due to Jos Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are seeking a partner to join them in the Le Mans race.

Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are looking for a third team member to join them in their goal of racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a team.

Champion drivers Verstappen and Alonso have shown interest in teaming up for the renowned endurance race in the future.

There were plans to create a team of three drivers, including Max Verstappen's father, Jos. However, after Jos, a former Formula 1 driver, indicated that he no longer wishes to compete at Le Mans, the team is now looking for someone to take his place.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion who has never participated in the iconic race, has announced that they are currently looking for an additional driver to take over for his father.

Max Verstappen mentioned to Mirror Sport that although they are aware of their desire to pursue it, his father Jos, despite still having the skills, simply has no interest in continuing with it.

"It's okay, let's wait and find out what unfolds. Plenty of outcomes are possible. There are several excellent drivers to choose from. I also have many friends in the racing world, making it a tough decision to select just one."

Last year, Verstappen disclosed that Alonso, who drives for Aston Martin, was keen on joining him as a teammate for a possible Le Mans challenge.

He expressed a strong desire to participate in Le Mans, stating, "I absolutely want to experience it." Reflecting on past visits when his father competed there, he fondly recalled the incredible atmosphere. The endurance aspect, the large crowds, and the unique experience of driving through the night and witnessing the sunrise were aspects he found particularly appealing.

"I talked with Fernando regarding the matter, and he mentioned that he would only be interested in doing it again if I were involved. That sounds really exciting."

"For the Le Mans race, there's no set minimum weight requirement for drivers. I'm on the heavier side, so I need to team up with lighter drivers to balance it out. Fernando is pretty light, which is great, but we'll still need another light teammate – I'll have to search for one!"

There are ongoing rumors about Red Bull's Verstappen possibly making a surprising move to Aston Martin, where he might team up with two-time world champion Alonso in Formula 1.

A representative from Aston Martin firmly refuted a report by The Daily Mail, which suggested that the team, located in Silverstone, was preparing an enormous £1 billion offer to lure Verstappen, as reported by Crash.net.

Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull that runs through the conclusion of 2028, and he has consistently affirmed that he plans to remain with the team.

In the months ahead, his future over the long term is expected to be a major topic of discussion.

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Jean Todt weighs in on the potential benefits of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari

Jean Todt shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's decision to switch to Ferrari.

Ex-Ferrari chief Jean Todt is uncertain whether the team is in a stronger position to compete for Formula 1 world championships with the addition of Lewis Hamilton.

The F1 world has been buzzing since last year when it was revealed that Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, would be making a high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari. As the start of his first season with the Scuderia approaches, excitement continues to grow.

The British driver, who is 40 years old, has been intensifying his preparations for the 2025 season. He has been behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2023 and 2024 models as a component of a comprehensive pre-season testing regimen. This initiative aims to familiarize him with the new team and ensure he is ready for the upcoming challenges.

Ferrari is eager to break their 17-year drought and claim a world title after narrowly missing out on last year's constructors' championship to McLaren by a margin of only 14 points. In a significant team change, Hamilton has taken over the spot previously held by Carlos Sainz, who has now joined Williams.

However, the former team leader and ex-FIA president, Todt, remains skeptical that Hamilton joining Ferrari will be the crucial factor in reigniting their success.

When asked what's preventing Ferrari from winning, he mentioned that they are only lacking a small amount, emphasizing that they've nearly succeeded in the past, according to an interview with Italy's La Repubblica newspaper.

"The team had a strong combination with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz; their loss wasn't due to the drivers' performance."

"Clearly, the roster is still high-caliber, even with Hamilton included."

"Is it going to outperform the last one? I really don't know; we'll need to evaluate how the car performs."

Hamilton joining forces with Charles Leclerc in 2025 is set to give Ferrari one of the most formidable driver pairings in Formula 1.

However, Todt believes that Leclerc, who has won eight grand prix races, will not be intimidated by the challenge of competing against one of the most legendary drivers in Formula 1 history.

In contrast, Todt thinks that Leclerc will be driven to enhance his performance further.

Todt expressed that he believes Hamilton will not have an impact on Leclerc.

"Charles might find this as a chance to boost his motivation, similar to how George Russell felt at Mercedes."

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Valtteri Bottas disclosed that he had discussions with two different Formula 1 teams regarding a possible seat for the 2025 season before his departure from Sauber.

Valtteri Bottas disclosed that he engaged in discussions with two competing Formula 1 teams prior to losing his position with Sauber for the 2025 season.

A 35-year-old Finnish driver is returning to Mercedes to serve as a reserve driver for the next season, providing support for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Valtteri Bottas rejoined Mercedes following the loss of his position at Sauber. The team chose to revamp their driver roster for the 2025 season, bringing in Nico Hulkenberg from Haas and the Formula 2 champion, Gabriel Bortoleto.

Valtteri Bottas has revealed that he had discussions with both Williams and Haas while they considered their choices for drivers for the next season.

Bottas shared with RacingNews365 that they had extensive discussions with Williams over an extended period.

"That became my main focus, and earlier this year, we were discussing with Ayao about a potential position with Haas."

"I chose to invest more in the opportunity to join Williams. However, that plan fell through because Carlos, along with the financial benefits he offers, took the spot."

"I ended up being assigned to the Audi project, and although it seemed promising, it appears that the top executives believed a change was necessary, which also affected the driver lineup."

Bottas believed he would play a crucial role in the Audi initiative. He mentioned that he anticipated remaining with Sauber as the Swiss team transitioned into Audi in 2026.

However, it didn't take long for Bottas to realize that Audi's senior executives had begun evaluating other potential candidates.

"As my contract was nearing its conclusion, I began to have many questions about what lay ahead," he stated. "Nevertheless, I remained quite sure that I would continue to be part of the grid, as that appeared to be the situation."

The Audi board will have the final say on selecting future drivers.

"While certain individuals were eager for me to continue, others were looking for a shift and preferred to introduce a new, younger driver."

"It was challenging because I was consistently led to believe, particularly after Mattia became part of the team, that I would be a central figure for the initiative. This made it difficult to fully commit to another opportunity, as I had been assured of having a place."

"Naturally, you’re interested in exploring other options, but you’re not ready to make a decision. So, I found myself simply waiting and thinking, ‘Alright, when are we going to finalize this?’"

"Although everything was settled and documented, the question arose every week."

"When the delay occurred, I realized: 'Alright, something is happening here, and it's likely not in my favor.'"

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being on-site, he provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures in the motorsport world.

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