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From Maverick to Maestro: Guenther Steiner Observes a Hamilton-esque Evolution in Fernando Alonso’s F1 Comeback
Guenther Steiner observes a transformation in Fernando Alonso similar to Lewis Hamilton
Guenther Steiner has pointed out that Fernando Alonso, in his return to Formula 1, has developed traits reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton.
Ex-Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has observed a transformation in Fernando Alonso, comparable to that of Lewis Hamilton, over the past few years.
Following a challenging stint with McLaren from 2015 to 2018, Alonso stepped away from Formula 1 for two years to participate in the World Endurance Championship.
Alonso claimed victory at the Le Mans race on two occasions and also secured the World Endurance Championship title driving for Toyota
The Spanish driver lost his passion for Formula 1 during a period without any victories, a situation that continues into 2024.
When he came back to Alpine in 2021, Alonso seemed revitalized.
He made a comeback to the podium during the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix and later experienced his most successful season since his time with Ferrari, while racing for Aston Martin in 2023.
A point of criticism against Alonso was his struggle to collaborate effectively within a team setting and his tendency to openly reprimand his teammates.
In his book 'Unfiltered', Steiner highlighted a significant adjustment Alonso has implemented in his second period in Formula 1.
In my view, during his time away from Formula 1, Fernando not only clinched the World Endurance Championship and secured two victories at Le Mans, but he also mastered the art of using his ego to his advantage—something he might not have managed as effectively in earlier years, according to Steiner's writing.
"Observe him currently. He exudes calmness, confidence, and behaves impeccably, allowing him to focus all his mental and physical efforts on excelling in his racing performance. In this way, he resembles Lewis Hamilton a great deal."
In 2024, Alonso has continued to deliver outstanding individual performances, but Aston Martin has fallen behind in the rankings.
Aston Martin achieved a fifth-place finish in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' championship, trailing significantly behind Mercedes, which took the fourth spot.
The team, under the ownership of billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is making plans for what lies ahead.
In the early part of this year, they finalized a contract with Adrian Newey, who is known as a design expert from Red Bull. He is scheduled
Former Mercedes executive Andy Cowell and Enrico Cardile have become part of the team.
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From Silver Arrows to Prancing Horse: Lewis Hamilton’s Italian Debut at Ferrari Unveiled
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Unveiled: Lewis Hamilton's First Italian Address at Ferrari
During a tour of Ferrari's Formula 1 facility, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his proficiency in the Italian language.
Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his Italian language skills while speaking to the team at Ferrari's Formula 1 headquarters.
The seven-time world champion is in the process of adjusting to his new team after making a high-profile move from Mercedes, where he spent 12 years with the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton, after triggering an exit option in his contract with Mercedes, has decided to join Ferrari. He is now working on learning Italian and immersing himself in the distinct culture of the renowned racing team.
Last month, a 40-year-old British individual made their eagerly awaited initial trip to Ferrari's Maranello base, where they began familiarizing themselves with the factory and team members.
On Wednesday, a video spread across social media showing Hamilton showcasing his newly acquired ability by giving a speech in Italian at the factory for the first time.
It has been disclosed what Hamilton said to his new colleagues while sharing the stage with Charles Leclerc and Ferrari's team boss, Frederic Vasseur.
According to the Italian media outlet AutoRacer, Hamilton expressed his gratitude by saying, "I appreciate the warm reception from everyone."
"I'm thrilled to embark on this new journey alongside you at Ferrari. Joining this team has been a lifelong dream of mine. I'm eager to begin collaborating with you. Thank you."
Lewis Hamilton's efforts with @duolingo (farewell Duo 😔) have proven successful! 👀🇮🇹 The seven-time Formula 1 world champion was seen in Maranello conversing with Ferrari employees in Italian. 👏📹 carminelagamma96pic.twitter.com/UoAu7M5bXc— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) February 12, 2025
Before his first season with Ferrari, Hamilton has been engaging in a comprehensive private testing schedule ahead of the official start.
Hamilton first drove Ferrari's 2023 car at Fiorano, and later took the SF-23 for another test run in Barcelona.
Even though he experienced an accident during his second test, Hamilton is said to have advanced well in getting accustomed to Ferrari's vehicles and protocols.
As part of a tire test for Pirelli scheduled for 2026, he was given the opportunity to drive an adapted model of Ferrari's 2024 vehicle.
On February 19, Hamilton is set to experience Ferrari's 2025 car for the first time during a test session at Fiorano.
Afterward, Hamilton and Leclerc will have the opportunity to thoroughly test the SF-25 during the official pre-season trials in Bahrain, scheduled for February 26-28.
Lewis Hamilton is set to make his much-awaited first appearance for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, which kicks off the season on March 16.
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McLaren Unveils 2025 F1 Contender with Bold Camo Livery at Silverstone Shakedown
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McLaren has unveiled its Formula 1 car for the 2025 season during a test run at Silverstone, showcasing a unique camouflage design.
McLaren has taken the lead as the first Formula 1 team to reveal their 2025 car, showcasing it during a preliminary run at Silverstone.
On Thursday, the MCL39 was driven on a racetrack for the first time at the British Grand Prix location. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns behind the wheel as McLaren hosted a promotional filming event.
McLaren's latest race car was spotted with a bold geometric camouflage design, unveiled in anticipation of the upcoming F1 season launch set to take place next week at London's O2 Arena.
On Tuesday, a groundbreaking event will take place where all 10 teams will unveil their official livery designs for the upcoming F1 season.
McLaren begins the season aiming to hold onto their constructors' world championship title, a victory they achieved last year for the first time in 26 years.
"Marking a significant step in our quest for the 2025 championship, McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed excitement. 'It's thrilling to see our contender for the title, the MCL39, take to the track for the very first time, showcasing the results of the team's dedicated efforts.'"
"We need to acknowledge that all teams are likely to have improved during the winter months. The previous season showed how much the competition has tightened, which is fantastic for the sport."
"We think we've progressed beyond the Championship-winning MCL38, though our exact position in the rankings will only become clear once we participate in the Qualifying round in Australia."
"We are a relentless team, and we are fully committed to reclaiming both Championships for Woking."
McLaren's team leader, Andrea Stella, expressed enthusiasm about the debut of the MCL39 on the Silverstone Circuit today.
"Although we concluded last year as the winners, 2024 has showcased the intense competitiveness of the field, a trend that is expected to continue into this year's Championship."
We need to maintain our concentration to stay competitive in this closely contested arena. The upcoming year promises to be thrilling yet extremely demanding.
The team has put in a tremendous amount of effort to get ready for the beginning of the season. From last year's challenges, we've gained valuable insights, which we intend to leverage to pursue our objectives for the year.
I would like to express my gratitude to the whole team for preparing the car for today's event, and I also appreciate our partners at Mercedes HPP for their ongoing cooperation.
"Our attention is now on the tasks necessary to optimize our testing period prior to the initial competitive event in Australia."
Norris has expressed his goal to secure his first world championship in 2025, following his second-place finish behind Max Verstappen in 2024.
The British driver expressed enthusiasm about getting into the MCL39 for the first time to test its performance on the track before the pre-season tests in Bahrain.
The camouflage design is quite enjoyable, and it's exciting to present something unique before we unveil our complete livery at the official launch of the F1 75.
"We are grateful to the whole team for their efforts in bringing us to this stage. With the increased competition this year, we have a significant amount of work ahead to defend our Constructor's title and aim for the Drivers' championship as well."
"I've returned to the MTC to get ready for the upcoming season, and the atmosphere is both upbeat and concentrated. Everyone is eager to take the car to the track in Bahrain before our competitive debut in Australia and to find out how we measure up against the other teams. It looks like it will be an exciting season."
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Red Bull Mechanic Lauds Lewis Hamilton’s Brave Push for Diversity: A Legacy Beyond the Track
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Red Bull team member commends Lewis Hamilton for his "courageous" actions that "motivated" a shift in Formula 1. "He dedicated his personal time, which is a challenging commitment for anyone."
Calum Nicholas, a mechanic for Red Bull, praised Lewis Hamilton for his efforts to increase diversity in Formula 1. He described the seven-time world champion as both "courageous" and "motivating."
In the past few years, Hamilton has played a key role in Formula 1's initiatives to be more welcoming and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The Hamilton Commission was established to tackle obstacles hindering black participation in the motorsport industry.
Hamilton established Mission 44, a nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion within the motorsport industry.
His efforts to promote increased diversity influenced his previous team, Mercedes, leading them to introduce a bold black design for their cars during the 2020 season.
Mercedes characterized the livery as a representation of "the team's dedication to combating racism and advancing diversity and inclusion."
Despite Hamilton's departure from the team, Toto Wolff has announced that they will keep wearing black to uphold the message Hamilton stands for.
During an interview on the High Performance podcast, Nicholas, a notable engineer at Red Bull, talked about the influence Hamilton has had on the sport and mentioned that his efforts to promote diversity further strengthen his legacy.
"We're moving forward, in my opinion," he stated. "A significant reason for our advancement is due to Lewis's efforts. Lewis initiated the discussion that many of us had been eager to engage in for a long time."
In response to a question about Hamilton's level of bravery, Nicholas expressed: "To tell the truth, I have a deep respect for Lewis's skills in racing and what he has accomplished on the track. However, on a personal level, I believe his greatest legacy and the most significant contribution he has made is initiating this discussion."
He took a significant personal risk and invested his own resources. His goal was to support independent investigations into why there was a lack of diversity.
He dedicated his personal time, which is quite a challenging task for someone in his situation, to ensure it was done correctly. We are advancing and improving.
Hamilton is set to depart from F1, ensuring a significant positive change
Despite his switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season, Hamilton emphasized that promoting diversity was a key focus during his discussions with the team.
Nicholas shared that he met with Hamilton prior to the establishment of the Hamilton Commission to offer his insights. This meeting motivated him to speak out more.
"Right before Lewis formally introduced the Hamilton Commission, I had the chance to have a conversation with him and several engineers in the paddock," he stated.
"We talked about the obstacles we had encountered based on our personal experiences. We shared our thoughts with him and conducted a case study for the team involved in his Hamilton commission research. It was motivating to engage with someone who was so enthusiastic about a topic I was interested in but didn’t know much about at the time."
"Over the years, there have been few things that have truly motivated me. It's been a while since I felt genuinely uplifted by anything emerging. Lewis gave me the sense that this is significant, and it doesn't matter what others think. It's crucial, and we're going to transform the sport. Due to his courage, he will leave this field in a far better state than when he entered it."
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Sergio Perez Eyes F1 Revival with Cadillac for 2026: A Strategic Comeback or Sponsorship Play?
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Reports from Spain suggest that Sergio Perez is planning a comeback in Formula 1 with the latest team to join the sport.
According to reports, Sergio Perez is aiming to return to Formula 1 with Cadillac in the year 2026.
Following 14 continuous seasons in Formula 1, the 35-year-old Mexican driver finds himself without a team for 2025. This comes after Red Bull decided to let him go due to a very underwhelming performance in the 2024 season.
Due to Perez's disappointing performance and difficulties competing with Max Verstappen, Red Bull has decided to bring in Liam Lawson for the next season.
The racer, who has won six grand prix titles, announced he plans to step away from the sport for at least six months. During this break, he will consider his future possibilities and mentioned he might be drawn back if an "interesting project" arises.
This opportunity might arise with Cadillac, as they are gearing up to enter Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th team in the competition.
An additional two spots are becoming available on the grid, and Perez, with his extensive experience and sponsorship support, emerges as a strong contender for a possible position with the American team.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Perez's main objective is to make a comeback to Formula 1, with the team owned by General Motors being considered a favorable choice for him.
1978 Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti, currently serving as an advisor to Cadillac, has revealed that the team is interested in recruiting a seasoned driver.
When asked by NBC about the possibility of IndyCar star Colton Herta being a candidate, Andretti confirmed that Herta is indeed one of the individuals being considered.
From our perspective, the initial strategy should involve having one seasoned driver, regardless of their nationality, alongside a promising young American driver.
"Currently, these are the goals."
Who is on the sidelines, Perez or Bottas? This season, Valtteri Bottas finds himself alongside Perez in a reserve role, having rejoined Mercedes after being dropped by Sauber.
The driver, who has secured victory in ten grand prix races, is perceived as a seasoned F1 competitor that might attract Cadillac's interest.
However, as reported by Marca, Perez’s substantial sponsorship might give him an advantage over the Finnish competitor.
According to Marca, Perez is among the select group of racing drivers who can claim to help fill four racetracks: those in Mexico, Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.
According to the report, Perez's supporters, among them Carlos Slim, are prepared to accompany him to his future destination.
Guenther Steiner, who previously served as the team principal for Haas, has recently mentioned Perez as a potential choice for Cadillac.
Steiner mentioned to GPBlog that Cadillac requires someone with experience. He noted that Checo, having been part of numerous teams over the years, is familiar with the dynamics and could be a significant asset.
"Consider offering him a one-year deal. That's a much better option than relying on inexperienced newcomers. This could be a chance for Checo."
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F1 Faces DRC’s Plea: Controversy Over Proposed Rwanda Grand Prix Amid Conflict
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Formula 1 addresses concerns over proposed Rwanda race labeled as "blood-stained"
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called on Formula 1 to abandon plans for a grand prix in Rwanda, citing ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has called on Formula 1 to cease discussions with Rwanda about the possibility of holding a grand prix there in the future.
In a communication addressed to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's foreign affairs minister, voiced worries about the potential scheduling of a race in Rwanda, given the current conflict between the two countries.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has urged Formula 1 to avoid considering the idea, cautioning that it would result in an "association marked by bloodshed."
Hostilities have intensified between the neighboring nations following an assault by M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda, on Congolese government troops, ending a brief two-day pause in the conflict.
According to the most recent reports from the United Nations, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,900 individuals since the beginning of this year.
In a letter that has attracted significant media attention, Wagner expressed serious worries about the discussions reportedly taking place between Formula 1 and Rwanda regarding the possibility of holding a grand prix in Kigali, the nation's capital.
Rwanda, along with its allied group M23, is presently controlling a significant portion of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, causing the displacement of more than 700,000 Congolese people.
Although I commend Formula 1's intention to organize a race in Africa, I have reservations about whether Rwanda is the most suitable representative for our continent. I strongly recommend halting talks and eliminating Rwanda from the list of possible venues.
"Is Formula 1 truly willing to have its image tainted by a controversial connection with Rwanda? Is this nation really the ideal choice to showcase Africa in the world of motorsport?"
The United Nations has challenged Rwanda's claims that its military is not aiding the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In December, Rwanda revealed its intention to submit a proposal for hosting a grand prix, as Formula 1 considers making a comeback to the African continent.
President Paul Kagame of the nation announced discussions with Formula 1 regarding the possibility of hosting a race near the newly constructed Bugesera airport, located outside Kigali. This announcement came just before the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile's award ceremony took place in the country.
Formula 1 has not held a race on the African continent since the South African Grand Prix took place at Kyalami in 1993.
In reaction to the advisory, a spokesperson for Formula 1 stated, "We have been approached by numerous places globally expressing interest in hosting a future Formula 1 event."
"We thoroughly evaluate any possible requests, and any forthcoming choices will rely on complete information and align with the best interests of our sport and its principles."
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Under Pressure: Jack Doohan Faces Franco Colapinto Threat in High-Stakes Alpine Debut
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Jack Doohan received advice on how to handle the challenge posed by Franco Colapinto. He has been instructed to ensure he becomes "indispensable" to prevent being removed from his position halfway through the season.
Former Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson has stated that Jack Doohan must strive to become "indispensable" due to the rising challenge posed by Franco Colapinto at Alpine.
In 2025, Doohan is set to join forces with Pierre Gasly for his inaugural full season in Formula 1 with the Alpine team.
In an unexpected turn, an Australian driver made his first appearance in Formula 1 at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. He stepped in for Esteban Ocon, who had arranged with Flavio Briatore to depart from the team ahead of schedule in order to begin testing with his new team, Haas.
Although Doohan has only participated in one F1 race, he is already facing significant pressure to maintain his position.
Alpine has enlisted Colapinto to serve as their test and reserve driver for the forthcoming season.
Briatore holds the Argentine in high regard, creating an expectation for Doohan to deliver strong results right away to prevent being substituted during the season.
Evaluating Doohan's potential to retain his position, Davidson commented to Sky Sports: "Jack Doohan had been eagerly anticipating a spot in Alpine's racing team since his time in Formula 2. He eventually seized the opportunity to join the starting lineup at the last race in Abu Dhabi last year, gearing up for the current season."
Shortly after signing, Colapinto appears, instantly placing pressure on him even before the inaugural race begins.
"It's clearly not the best situation to find oneself in. Doohan will undoubtedly have to hit the ground running, as he aims to secure his spot on the team and prove his indispensability."
What are Alpine's potential accomplishments for 2025? Despite beginning 2024 sluggishly, Alpine concluded the year as the leading team in the midfield category.
Pierre Gasly's strong performance towards the end of the season helped Alpine secure sixth place in the constructors' championship, surpassing Haas.
Alpine's impressive achievement of securing two spots on the podium at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix played a crucial role in their victory in the battle among the midfield teams in the constructors' championship.
In 2025, they will conclude their tenure as a factory team and transition to being a customer of Mercedes.
Alpine's performance towards the conclusion of 2024 might inspire optimism for a successful year ahead, as they could potentially target Aston Martin in what is expected to be a competition for fifth place.
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Lando Norris: Poised for F1 Glory and Ready to Challenge Verstappen in 2025
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Lando Norris confidently addresses Max Verstappen and others regarding the F1 championship, stating, "I am at my peak in terms of physical and mental fitness. I believe our team is also at its strongest. It's essential that we are."
Lando Norris believes he is well-prepared to clinch the F1 world championship this year, stating, "I'm in the best condition I've ever been."
In 2024, Norris achieved a significant milestone by securing his first victory in a Formula 1 race at the Miami Grand Prix.
Norris guided McLaren to their first F1 constructors' championship in 26 years, surpassing Ferrari by 14 points.
Although there were several positive moments, Norris and McLaren felt a bit let down that they couldn't challenge Max Verstappen more strongly for the championship.
Verstappen secured victory in 7 out of the first 10 races, while McLaren regretted several lost chances due to mistakes in strategy and errors made by their drivers.
As Formula 1's technical rules stay unchanged during the off-season, there is widespread anticipation that McLaren will contend for both championships starting with the inaugural race in Australia.
During an appearance on ITV's program This Morning, Norris shared his reasons for feeling optimistic as he prepares for the upcoming season.
"Last year, I demonstrated something important to myself. I've always been someone who prefers not to get caught up in the excitement surrounding things. I tend to rely on tangible evidence, particularly in relation to my own actions."
"Last year, I demonstrated to myself that I am capable of winning races, taking control of an entire weekend, and competing with the top competitors globally. I needed to show myself that I could achieve this, and I succeeded in doing so. However, I am not claiming that it was flawless, as I certainly made some errors along the way."
"I made quite a few mistakes and missteps, but I'm glad they happened last year. Now, I can start this year with a sense of assurance. Feeling confident is unusual for me, but that's how I would describe myself now."
"I wouldn't say I'm too confident, but I'm in the best condition of my life, both physically and mentally. I believe our team is in top form as well, and it's essential that we are. While expectations are high, our resolve matches them. I'm feeling calm and eager, with a subtle sense of confidence."
Is Norris the top contender for 2025?
Several bookmakers suggest that Norris is the leading candidate to clinch the F1 world championship this year.
Norris finished the year on a high note with decisive victories in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
There is no doubt about his sheer speed, as he consistently maintained a comfortable distance from Oscar Piastri all year long.
Norris must exhibit greater assertiveness during close racing situations with competitors such as Verstappen. Additionally, he should demonstrate more confidence during the initial lap to hold onto his impressive qualifying spots.
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F1 Manager 2024: Race to Download Your Free Copy on Epic Games Store This Week!
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The F1 Manager game can be downloaded at no cost today. Starting February 13, this game is available for free download.
Starting on Thursday, February 13, you can download the F1 Manager game at no cost.
Visit the Epic Games Store and look up 'F1 Manager 2024'.
You can claim it at no cost until Thursday, February 20.
Each Thursday, the Epic digital store offers complimentary items, and this week, there's a special treat for fans of Formula 1.
F1 Manager 2024 is a game created by Frontier Developments and it was initially launched in July of last year.
This is an authorized Formula 1 product, offering an in-depth racing simulation experience.
As the player, you take on the role of the team's principal.
Picture yourself in the shoes of Toto Wolff or Christian Horner, ready to make pivotal choices that will determine whether your team triumphs or falls short.
The 2024 edition of F1 Manager marks the third release in the series, introducing for the first time a 'Create a Team' feature that lets players manage an imaginary 11th team.
The commentary team includes David Croft and Karun Chandhok from Sky Sports.
Cut costs and get insight into the world of an F1 team leader by visiting the Epic Games Store and grabbing a free download of F1 Manager 2024.
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Formerly, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports for ten years, reporting on a range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.
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Lando Norris Defends Lewis Hamilton’s Bold Move to Ferrari: A New Chapter in F1’s Historic Rivalry
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Lando Norris has expressed his disagreement with the opinions many have shared regarding Lewis Hamilton. The young driver commented on Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season.
Lando Norris has expressed his support for Lewis Hamilton's choice to move from Mercedes to Ferrari, acknowledging that he "would likely make the same decision if he were in Hamilton's shoes."
The main narrative surrounding the 2025 F1 season is Hamilton joining Ferrari for the first time.
The sporting community was taken by surprise when Ferrari revealed, just before the start of last season, that they had secured a contract with Hamilton, the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton aims to secure a historic eighth championship title with Ferrari in 2025, setting a new record.
To secure another championship, he will probably need to defeat Norris and McLaren, who claimed last year's constructors' championship.
During an appearance on ITV's This Morning, Norris was questioned regarding Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari.
"It's interesting to see him move to Ferrari after all he has accomplished," Norris commented.
"It's an interesting move. Many have suggested it might not be the best decision."
"If I were in his shoes, I might make the same choice. It seems impressive. His story is truly remarkable."
"He will likely approach the situation with a new perspective and aim to demonstrate to everyone that he remains the same Lewis Hamilton he has been for so many years. We will just have to watch and find out."
A privilege to compete with Hamilton
The year 2024 was a significant milestone for Norris as he secured his inaugural F1 win at the Miami Grand Prix.
His impressive series of performances contributed to McLaren securing their first constructors' championship in 26 years.
According to bookmakers, Norris is predicted to win the drivers' championship this year, following McLaren's dominant performance as the top team in 2024.
As Formula 1's technical rules are set to remain unchanged over the winter season, McLaren is expected to begin the year as the leading team.
Considering that Ferrari finished the year as the closest rival to McLaren, it seems likely that Norris will face more on-track duels with Hamilton.
"When I'm racing, it doesn't matter who it is. Hamilton is just another competitor that I aim to defeat," he stated.
"When you're racing, it's consistent no matter who you're up against. There are racers you tend to give a little more space to, and then there are those you know you can compete closely with, like Lewis."
"I am really looking forward to competing with him more this year. It's always a privilege to race against a competitor of his caliber. I'm eager to show what I can do, and I know he is driven to demonstrate his abilities too, pushing himself in Formula 1 until he decides to step away."
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Red Bull’s Off-Track Turmoil: Could This Be the Beginning of the End for F1’s Powerhouse?
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Red Bull has been cautioned that the off-track controversies in Formula 1 might signal "the beginning of the end." The team was advised about potential consequences stemming from the incidents that dominated their narrative last year.
Gerhard Berger thinks that the ongoing issues outside the racing circuit involving Red Bull as they prepare for the 2024 F1 season might signal the start of their decline.
The beginning of last season for Red Bull was marked by controversy involving team principal Christian Horner. He faced accusations of improper conduct towards a female coworker but was eventually exonerated.
Claims of coercive and abusive conduct, along with sexual harassment, were brought against Horner. However, an internal investigation exonerated him, and the appeal filed by the woman who made the complaint was rejected.
The situation caused chaos within the team, leading to complicated political conflicts. Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen's father, was involved and demanded that Horner resign.
Despite Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors' championship, Horner kept his position, and Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive drivers' world championship title.
Former Toro Rosso executive cautions Red Bull
Gerhard Berger, who co-owned Toro Rosso when the team entered Formula 1 in 2006, believes that the ongoing controversy will continue to affect the Red Bull team based in Milton Keynes.
"When these kinds of matters are raised, it frequently signals the start of the conclusion," Berger explained to Auto Motor und Sport.
The intricacies and competitiveness of Formula 1 mean that success is only achievable when the entire team works cohesively, with all members in agreement and maintaining effective communication.
"The Red Bull brand has consistently been associated with a lively and trendy reputation. However, things have shifted unexpectedly."
According to Berger, Red Bull's communication has become less clear and straightforward since the passing of their late founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.
"In a departure from the norm for the team, he noted that there are no longer any definitive statements."
"Consider Perez for instance. It has become evident that he is not performing as expected."
No one in the industry could comprehend why he was offered another contract.
"There could have been factors like marketing demands or contract requirements. However, when the situation didn't get better, they extended his opportunity by three additional races, followed by two more, all while delaying a final decision."
"I couldn't discern a distinct direction there. During Mateschitz's era, Red Bull was renowned for its straightforwardness."
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Pressure Mounts on Jack Doohan as Alpine’s Future Plans Stir F1 Debate
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Report Suggests Major Decision About Jack Doohan Has Been Finalized
Is Jack Doohan's future in doubt? A former F1 champion believes it might be.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that Alpine has already decided to switch out Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto.
Even before his inaugural full season kicks off, F1 newcomer Doohan is feeling the heat to secure his position. This pressure comes after Alpine's announcement to appoint Colapinto as a reserve driver for the 2025 season.
Speculation has arisen that Colapinto might take Doohan's place if the Australian driver does not deliver strong performances in the early races of the upcoming season. Colapinto impressed many with an unexpected appearance as a substitute for Williams late in 2024.
Alpine's Formula 1 executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, confirmed that Doohan will begin the season partnering with Pierre Gasly. However, he did not eliminate the chance of a driver swap occurring in 2025.
Montoya is one of the people who firmly believes that the exchange is bound to happen.
"The challenge with Doohan's situation is that, from an external perspective, it appears as though the decision has already been made," Montoya explained to AS Colombia. "I believe it is going to occur."
Formula 1 has recognized the significance of Colapinto's popularity and is quietly working behind the scenes to support it.
"That's really fascinating! We discussed the possibilities at Alpine, focusing on the talented drivers in their academy, as well as those competing in F2 and F3."
Franco, who was previously part of the Williams academy, now surprisingly has an opportunity to race. This means that none of the other drivers in Formula 2 will secure the position; it will go to Franco.
In his first Formula 1 appearance, Doohan secured 15th place during the final race of last season in Abu Dhabi. He stepped in for Esteban Ocon, who left his position early in anticipation of moving to the Haas team.
Alpine's team leader, Oliver Oakes, has emphasized that Doohan will have a genuine opportunity to make an impact during his first season in Formula 1.
Colapinto and Doohan's direct comparison
Colapinto recently took to the track for the first time with Alpine in Barcelona, as shown in a video that Briatore posted on Instagram.
Colapinto and Doohan each had the opportunity to drive Alpine's 2023 model, the A523, during some TPC sessions organized by the team.
Although Alpine did not disclose the precise details of the test, it is probable that the French team evaluated the lap times of Colapinto and Doohan against each other.
Colapinto is anticipated to be the top candidate to replace Doohan if he does not meet expectations.
Despite Alpine's persistent claims that they have no intention of making an exchange, Briatore is known for making tough decisions without hesitation.
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Williams’ Bold Move: How They Outmaneuvered Ferrari for a Major Sponsorship and Secured a Record Deal
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Williams managed to upset Ferrari by securing a significant Formula 1 sponsor that Ferrari had been pursuing.
Claire Williams recently recounted an incident where Ferrari was left "frustrated" after losing a significant sponsorship agreement to one of their Formula 1 competitors.
In 2014, Williams landed a long-term title sponsorship agreement with Martini. This partnership led to a complete redesign of the car, which was adorned in the brand's iconic white, blue, and red colors.
Williams' former deputy team principal stated that their team secured the agreement over Ferrari by agreeing to fully alter their livery for Martini, a concession that Ferrari was unwilling to make.
After discovering they had lost the deal, Williams disclosed that Ferrari even went to the extent of sending a letter to Martini, asserting that the brand would be left "in our rear-view mirrors" in 2014.
Williams experienced their most successful Formula 1 season since 2003, securing third position in the 2014 constructors' championship. This achievement placed them ahead of Ferrari, who struggled through a difficult season without any victories.
In an interview on the What It Takes With Olly Fawcett podcast, Williams expressed his pride in securing the contract, especially since Martini was on the verge of finalizing an agreement with Ferrari.
"However, I believe they were seeking more than what Ferrari was willing to provide."
"The Ferrari design is iconic and leaves little room for modification, but at Williams, we provided them with the complete design of our race car."
We suggested, "How about reintroducing the classic Martini stripes and putting them on our vehicle? Check out this design we’ve created – isn’t it fantastic?"
Ultimately, the majority of fans concurred that the 2014 design was quite appealing, but Ferrari was upset as they believed we had taken their sponsor.
Ferrari went as far as to send a letter to Martini, stating, 'Next season, you'll be in our rear-view mirrors since you're now backing Williams.'
Williams secured third place in the Constructors' Championship, trailing Mercedes and Red Bull Racing but notably surpassing Ferrari.
"Naturally, the thought crossed my mind: 'Not only did we secure the title sponsor right in front of you, but we also emerged victorious.'"
Williams Secures Major Sponsorship Agreement
On Tuesday, Williams revealed that they have signed an unprecedented multi-year partnership with Atlassian, making the company their new title sponsor for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Atlassian has taken on the role of the first title sponsor for Williams since 2020, marking the most significant partnership in the history of the team.
"I'm thrilled to introduce Atlassian as a partner in our journey into becoming Atlassian Williams Racing," expressed James Vowles, the principal of the Williams team.
Securing a title partnership of such magnitude and importance marks a significant day in our team's distinguished history and represents a crucial step in our revival efforts.
"We are implementing all the necessary components to return this team to a leading position in the competition. By partnering with Atlassian, we will utilize their technology and tools to enhance teamwork and cooperation throughout the entire organization, helping us reach our full potential."
"Our goals and principles match seamlessly, and I'm enthusiastic about the potential accomplishments we can reach as a team."
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