In 2025, three prominent F1 racers are confronted with significant queries to address.

It

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell, who are among the leading figures in Formula 1, each have something to demonstrate.

Following a season of mixed outcomes, uncertainty looms over all three as they approach the upcoming Formula 1 campaign.

As 2025 approaches, marking a crucial year for the trio, the question remains: will they be able to silence their critics with their actions?

Is Lewis Hamilton Capable of Overcoming Qualifying Decline?

For someone of his caliber, Hamilton experienced a forgettable year in 2024.

Despite clinching victories in two races and breaking a 945-day winless streak with an outstanding performance at Silverstone, the seven-time world champion ended the season in seventh place in the championship rankings, marking the lowest finish in his remarkable 18-year career.

Hamilton's last season at Mercedes didn't unfold as expected, with his teammate Russell significantly outperforming him in the qualifying rounds, leading to a decisive 19-5 loss for Hamilton. Russell also dominated on race days, securing a comfortable victory.

As Hamilton approaches 2025, the primary concerns revolve around his speed in single laps. Once considered his strongest suit, lackluster performances during the 2024 qualifiers have led Hamilton, who holds the record for the most pole positions in F1 history, to question if he's lost a bit of his sharpness.

Transitioning to Ferrari, Hamilton confronts a significant obstacle as he must not only adjust to a different team and vehicle after a dozen years with Mercedes but also compete with Charles Leclerc, who is considered by many to be the quickest driver in a single lap.

Will the 40-year-old be able to prove wrong those doubting that he's beyond his prime? In 2025, Hamilton faces a significant challenge at Ferrari.

Has Lando Norris proven he can clinch an F1 championship?

Last season, Norris silenced numerous skeptics by showcasing his talent, positioning himself as the main competitor to Max Verstappen for the championship title.

The year 2024 will be remembered as Norris's most successful season in Formula 1 to date. He overcame his 'Lando NoWins' moniker by securing his first win in Miami, followed by three more remarkable victories, leading him to finish second in the championship, right behind Verstappen.

Despite being 25 years old, the British racer has much to demonstrate as 2025 approaches, notably his ability to address errors and vie for championship honors throughout a full season. Doubts remain about his psychological toughness as well, as Norris often berates himself for what he considers substandard performances—a trait some commentators view as a vulnerability.

Norris's aspirations for his first world championship were thwarted as McLaren began the season at a disadvantage, leading to Norris falling behind Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining. Norris conceded that errors were made by both himself and McLaren in the previous year and confessed he “wasn’t ready” to compete directly against the seemingly unstoppable Verstappen.

In 2024, McLaren emerged as the leading team, securing their first constructors’ world championship in over two decades. As they head into the upcoming season, they're viewed as the top contenders. With expectations high, Norris is anticipated to have a vehicle that's competitive right from the start, provided the Woking-based team continues to perform at their current level.

It's yet to be determined if Norris has what it takes to consistently challenge Verstappen throughout a 24-race season. However, he's not short on self-belief, confidently declaring after his victory at the Abu Dhabi final: "Next year is going to be my year as well."

Could George Russell emerge as the frontrunner for Mercedes?

Russell’s inclusion on this roster might catch some off guard, especially considering his remarkably successful 2024 season and his notable achievements when pitted against his esteemed (ex) teammate at Mercedes, Hamilton.

Nonetheless, Russell faces ongoing expectations to excel. As the assumed lead driver for Mercedes, he is tasked with propelling the team ahead into the future without Hamilton, working alongside the young newcomer, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is entering the upcoming season without a contract for 2026, placing his future in uncertainty. Despite Mercedes leader Toto Wolff affirming Russell and Antonelli as the team's long-term prospects, Wolff has also indicated his willingness to bring Verstappen on board if the chance presents itself.

Wolff, having previously missed the chance to sign Verstappen, is determined not to let a similar opportunity pass by again. Consequently, Russell must maintain his peak performance to deter Wolff from persisting in his efforts to attract Verstappen.

Struggling to decisively outperform Mercedes talent Antonelli right from the start could raise some concerns for Wolff, and might put Russell at risk of being replaced – a scenario that appears highly unlikely right now.

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Max Verstappen insists his threat to exit Red Bull was genuine, following the removal of a clause linked to Helmut Marko.

Max Verstappen insists his threat to walk away from Red Bull during the previous F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix "wasn't just talk."

The future of the Dutch racer turned into a hot topic of discussion and conjecture following the controversy involving Red Bull team leader Christian Horner and the ensuing internal discord among the team members at the beginning of the previous year.

Verstappen, bound by an agreement with Red Bull until 2028's conclusion, caught the attention of Mercedes' team leader Toto Wolff, who expressed interest in him as a potential successor after the surprising announcement of Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari.

During the season's second race in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen hinted at exiting Red Bull should his close confidant and advisor, Helmut Marko, also depart.

Verstappen's remarks intensified speculation about a division, but he subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to stay with Red Bull following his fourth consecutive world championship victory with the squad.

Nevertheless, during a conversation with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen clarified that his remarks made in Jeddah were intentional.

Verstappen expressed, "I believe I was clear in expressing my views on the matter. It was also significant for me to convey those thoughts when I did. My words were sincere, not a mere pretense. The team is well aware of this as well."

Verstappen acknowledged that he was not entirely comfortable with the current developments at Red Bull but emphasized that he would not have made a hasty decision.

"When asked if I had any uncertainties regarding my continued association with Red Bull at that point, I must admit, my confidence wasn't at its peak," he elaborated. "There were numerous factors at play."

"However, at the same time, I don't believe in the notion that the moment something isn't right, you can simply declare: I'm out of here. That's not who I am."

Clause linked to Marko eliminated

Verstappen's career prospects were previously bound to Marko due to a departure clause that was part of his agreement.

Marko disclosed to De Telegraaf that the clause in question has been either modified or eliminated.

Red Bull's team leader, Horner, confirmed to Autosport that there has always been confidence in Verstappen's dedication, even amidst last season's rumors.

"His dedication has remained steadfast," Horner stated. "He takes pleasure in the company of those he trusts and collaborates with, and he truly appreciates being a member of this team.

Certainly, given his exceptional skills, it's natural for him to be highly sought after by every team leader, especially around the holiday season. However, as long as we manage to supply him with a car that's up to par and create an atmosphere that he finds pleasure in competing within, I believe there's no reason for him to look for opportunities elsewhere.

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Did concerns over reputation lead Red Bull to dismiss Yuki Tsunoda?

Yuki Tsunoda recognizes potential reason behind Red Bull's decision to exclude him from F1 in 2025.

Yuki Tsunoda has acknowledged that his debut season in Formula 1 resulted in a perception issue, potentially causing him to be passed over for a position with Red Bull.

The 24-year-old racer from Japan was overlooked by Red Bull, opting instead for Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson to join world champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 racing season after choosing to part ways with Sergio Perez.

Despite participating in just 11 Grand Prix events across two seasons and not clearly surpassing Tsunoda in performance while they were teammates at Red Bull's affiliate team, Lawson was still chosen.

Tsunoda, entering his fifth season with Racing Bulls, believes his prospects of moving up to the main team were negatively impacted by his frequent emotional reactions over the team radio, a pattern that emerged during his inaugural F1 season in 2021.

"Tsunoda admitted to Motorsport that he believes some of the blame falls on him due to his inability to deliver top performances from the get-go in his first year, which has shaped perceptions about his capabilities."

"In 2024, despite my strong performance, I believe I didn't receive as much recognition as some other drivers, but that's just how things are. My approach is to simply continue with my efforts and excel, proving any doubters wrong."

"I strive to minimize their justifications or explanations for why I'm not in the position. Therefore, I concentrate on the aspects within my control and beyond that, I simply embrace the circumstances. I believe I can perform better than their expectations."

Tsunoda feels that he has made significant efforts to enhance his temperament over the past few years.

He mentioned that his ability to communicate, especially his use of language over the radio, has gotten better. He also noted an increase in calmness, the quality of technical feedback, and a higher level of focus.

"I've certainly noticed progress over the course of the year, and it pleases me greatly. The area that requires further enhancement is the technical feedback, particularly the extent of feedback that can be provided during a race. I believe I can contribute more in this aspect, and at times, it lacks consistency."

Maintaining a steady level of performance proved to be a challenge for us. There are instances where, despite delivering a solid performance personally, the car's performance doesn't necessarily match up. However, I'm quite satisfied with the level of consistency we've achieved. I often reflect on how I could have improved in a few races, yet it's clear that I've managed to maintain a reliable level of performance.

"I began on a strong note, consistently scoring points due in part to the car's solid performance. However, there came a time when we struggled to enhance our car through upgrades, and as a result, Haas among other rivals began to surpass our car in terms of performance."

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's advisor, hinted that Tsunoda's tendency to have emotional reactions played a part in the choice to elevate Lawson over him.

Discussing the decision not to choose Tsunoda over Lawson for Red Bull, Marko explained to Sport that although Tsunoda currently exhibits greater speed, his performance is marred by a lack of steadiness and ongoing errors.

"His episodes of rage have significantly diminished but still pose a problem. He struggles to maintain control," the 81-year-old from Austria noted.

"Our view is that Tsunoda would face considerable psychological difficulties if he came to the understanding, while competing against Max, that he was unable to surpass him or perhaps even struggle to match his performance, realizing that the situation was not unfolding as he had previously envisioned."

Tsunoda's prospects after 2025 remain unclear, as Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has acknowledged that Tsunoda might depart from the squad's roster of drivers.

"Frankly, the opinions on social media don't concern me much, as those expressing them aren't fully aware of the situation," Tsunoda mentioned.

What truly counts is the team's opinion of me, and I genuinely sense a strong backing from them. They've been understanding about each race's outcomes, and without a doubt, I've received a significant amount of trust from them. This is what's most important, and I deeply value their support.

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Lewis Hamilton provides a sneak peek into his readiness for the 2025 F1 season with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is already gearing up for his 2025 debut in Formula 1 with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude towards fans for their birthday greetings on social media, stating that he is "diligently preparing" for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season.

Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday on Tuesday, gearing up for the upcoming F1 season with Ferrari.

In 2025, Hamilton will embark on a new chapter of his career, joining the ranks of F1's most decorated team following his departure from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion aims to set a new record with the Scuderia, as no driver aged 40 has secured a Formula 1 Grand Prix victory since Nigel Mansell achieved the feat in 1994.

Hamilton expressed his gratitude to his supporters for the birthday wishes they sent, using his Instagram story

He shared a photo of him snowboarding, accompanied by a message that read: "Completed another orbit around the sun. Appreciate all the birthday wishes. Deep in work mode already. Will catch up shortly."

Hamilton is anticipated to make an informal debut with Ferrari later this month, driving a model from a previous year.

Ferrari is eager to have Hamilton pilot their 2022 contender, aiming to accelerate his preparation before the upcoming pre-season test in Bahrain next month.

Hamilton couldn't participate in the off-season testing in Abu Dhabi with Ferrari because of existing contractual obligations with Mercedes.

This implies that Hamilton is at a slight disadvantage at the start of the year as he gets acquainted with Ferrari's operations, familiarizes himself with the controls on the steering wheel, and builds rapport with his new engineering team.

Questions arise over Ferrari's choice to swap Sainz with Hamilton

Hamilton's performance in 2024 has led to doubts concerning Ferrari's choice to substitute Carlos Sainz with him.

Hamilton's last season at Mercedes proved challenging, as he faced difficulties throughout most of the year.

Despite breaking his winless streak at the British Grand Prix, George Russell had the advantage over Hamilton for most of the year.

Hamilton's performance has declined to the point where he has conceded that he no longer possesses the speed he once had.

In the downtime, Alpine consultant Flavio Briatore and former F1 team leader Eddie Jordan expressed their preference for retaining Sainz to partner with Charles Leclerc, instead of acquiring Hamilton.

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EXCLUSIVE: MotoGP's Latest Team Aims to Distinguish Itself from Major Manufacturers

Lewis Duncan of Crash.net interviews Davide Brivio to explore Trackhouse Racing's ambitions and strategy.

The Trackhouse team, led by Justin Mark, aims for more than merely participating; it was already clinching victories in the NASCAR Cup Series by its second year in 2022.

In a historic motorsport moment destined to be replayed in highlight reels, Ross Chastain secured the last spot in the championship playoffs by executing a wallride maneuver that propelled him from 10th to 5th place at the finish line in Martinsville.

The squad, which has international music icon Pitbull as a partial owner, arrived at the 2023 Chicago street race featuring Supercars legend Shane Van Gisbergen, who emerged victorious in his first NASCAR appearance.

Several months down the line, Trackhouse made an unexpected decision by declaring its intention to join the MotoGP World Championship in 2024. Marks had been considering this step for some time. However, the disbandment of the RNF team, following the sale by its main sponsor CryptoDATA, which left both the team and MotoGP in a bind, presented Trackhouse with an irresistible opportunity.

The organization assumed control of RNF's operations, rebranded the entity, enhanced its relationship with Aprilia, and introduced a team owned by Americans to the MotoGP lineup.

During its debut season in the top-tier category, the team secured its first sprint race podium in Germany, thanks to Miguel Oliveira, who is set to join Pramac Yamaha in 2025. Raul Fernandez achieved a sixth-place finish at the Catalan Grand Prix, marking the team's best Sunday performance of the season, just a day after he fell while leading the sprint race.

In other aspects, Trackhouse managed to secure ninth place in the team standings, outperforming only the underperforming Honda teams. Oliveira's injury negatively impacted the latter part of the season, and Fernandez faced challenges after transitioning mid-season from the RS-GP23 to the evidently inferior RS-GP24, leaving him struggling throughout the remainder of the season.

Davide Brivio discusses Trackhouse's aspirations in MotoGP

Although Americans are often seen as bold and extravagant, Trackhouse's first appearance in MotoGP wasn't quite as attention-grabbing on the racetrack.

Away from the public eye, Trackhouse created quite a buzz. They recruited Davide Brivio, a former team manager for Yamaha and Suzuki, who had been with Alpine from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, they executed one of the most surprising signings during the silly season.

An American-owned racing team seemed poised to bring the first full-time American MotoGP rider since 2015 into the spotlight. However, Joe Roberts ended up without a position after the dust settled. Initially, there were speculations about Jack Miller and Sergio Garcia, but ultimately Ai Ogura was chosen, securing a two-year deal.

By this stage, the Japanese competitor was having an impressive season, securing two victories despite an injury that kept him out of the Austrian GP. His absence did not hinder his progress. He clinched a third victory at Misano, and his steady performance, combined with teammate Garcia's difficulties after being turned down for MotoGP, positioned him as a strong contender for the Moto2 championship. When he claimed the title at the Thai Grand Prix, the 2025 contract he had with Trackhouse proved to be a wise decision.

Looking back on his inaugural year leading Trackhouse, Brivio tells Crash, "We owe a big thank you to Ai for helping us make the right decision by winning the championship!"

The unexpected aspect of Ogura's contract with Trackhouse was not the team's decision to partner a Japanese rider with a Spaniard rather than selecting an American for one of the RS-GPs. It was surprising that Ogura was even available in the market to begin with.

Honda had been eagerly anticipating Ogura's interest in joining MotoGP, yet the team's lackluster performance in recent seasons made him hesitant. His decision to leave the Honda Team Asia project for the 2024 season in Moto2 indicated that Ogura was carefully considering his best path to advance to the premier class, rather than opting for the simplest one. Brivio noted this deliberation in Ogura's approach as memorable.

Brivio expressed that in Ai, they observed a true warrior, someone who is persistent and resilient. Even if he starts off poorly, he manages to persevere and bounce back.

His approach to riding might serve as a solid foundation for developing a MotoGP riding technique.

"We also appreciate his demeanor; he appears to be someone who is highly dedicated and concentrated on his tasks—a diligent and earnest worker. These are just some of the qualities we admire."

Ogura's relaxed attitude towards racing was clear during his initial MotoGP test in Barcelona last November. Many newcomers usually discuss how carbon fiber brakes differ from the steel brakes used in Moto2.

For Ogura, it wasn't exactly a dramatic experience. The intense pace of MotoGP bikes also didn't catch him off guard as much as he had anticipated.

Is Ai Ogura the next big star like Maverick Vinales or Joan Mir? The rich legacy of Japanese riders in MotoGP is something Ogura will constantly encounter each time he races. Although Takaaki Nakagami has been representing Japan since 2018, Ogura is seen as the first Japanese talent in recent years with the promise to achieve something remarkable.

Trackhouse is aware of this, but it's reasonable that the expectations for his first year are kept modest.

Brivio, who has a history of supporting promising young individuals and recognizing what they require to succeed, will take care of that.

At Suzuki, he selected Maverick Vinales directly from Moto2 to join the team for its re-entry into MotoGP in 2015. By the following year, Vinales had begun winning races. However, the plan to develop him as a "Suzuki rider," as Brivio described, did not materialize as expected when Yamaha signed Vinales for the 2017 season. Nonetheless, Brivio successfully shaped Alex Rins into a rider capable of winning multiple races, and Joan Mir achieved Suzuki's first world championship in two decades in 2020.

According to Brivio, Suzuki's circumstances arose out of necessity. He openly acknowledges that, despite not being a brand-new manufacturer, they were essentially starting fresh with a new project. At that time, it was challenging to gain the trust of top riders. Therefore, for various reasons, they opted to focus on a project involving young riders.

However, Brivio takes pleasure in nurturing young racers. With Trackhouse, he is moving forward in this direction.

Brivio explains that Trackhouse reached a stage where they felt the need to take action, considering future prospects as well. He mentions that making a decision was challenging, particularly when it came to Miguel, about whom they have no complaints.

"His actions and conduct within the team were outstanding. The decision was purely based on the concept of a new project and had nothing to do with the individual riders personally."

Ogura is a newcomer, and Raul, despite his youth, is believed to possess considerable talent that remains untapped. He shows promise, being young and about to enter his fourth season in MotoGP.

“We decided to entrust him with leading the team, and now it’s up to him to prove himself. Time will tell if he succeeds.”

"It's a venture. Raul, despite his youth, has considerable experience; Ai, although new, shows promise, as they both aim to establish something lasting for Trackhouse in the upcoming years."

Could Trackhouse's strategy face challenges?

One clear risk of nurturing young talent is that these rising stars often become targets for competing teams. Brivio encountered this when Vinales was at Suzuki, and Joan Mir received proposals from Ducati, though he chose to remain with Suzuki. It's difficult to foresee what decision a rider will ultimately make.

Brivio is aware that by 2027, Ogura might receive enticing offers from manufacturers that could be difficult for him to turn down.

However, Trackhouse stands apart from many satellite organizations as it does not aim to serve as a development ground. Inspired by Pramac's success, which showcased exceptional talent in Jorge Martin and leveraged its partnership with Ducati to clinch the 2022 championship, Trackhouse aspires to become an equally appealing venue.

Brivio expresses that their objective isn’t to develop riders specifically for a factory team. However, he acknowledges the inherent risk, as all riders currently aspire to join a factory team. The wisdom of such a decision varies depending on the circumstances.

"One challenge we might want to tackle is attempting to improve an independent team to the point where a rider faces a tough decision about whether to stay or leave."

"We are fully conscious of the potential danger. We understand that if Ai performs well, there's a possibility that in 2027, someone might attempt to recruit him."

"The task at hand is to ensure he stays with us, to make him content, and to provide him with a competitive bike that delivers strong results, all in the hope of retaining him. The current situation with Pramac is quite intriguing, as they are in contention for the championship. I believe that if Pramac clinches the championship, it might encourage the riders to be more thoughtful."

"Consider whether it's preferable to be part of an independent team with a reliable bike or to join a factory team that may not have a clear future. I'm pleased with Pramac's performance."

I told Paolo Campinoti, "You're carrying the aspirations of all the independent teams on your shoulders, as we see you as a benchmark for what such a team can achieve." I am optimistic that going forward, the gap between factory and independent teams will narrow, particularly since we are entering a phase where manufacturers are starting to treat independent teams on par with the factory ones.

"Aprilia is set to have four factory motorcycles, and the same goes for KTM. Honda already has four factory bikes, while Yamaha will also feature four. Essentially, aside from possibly Ducati, there will be no outdated bikes on the grid. This change is likely to reduce the gap between factory and independent teams, and it will be interesting to observe this shift in balance moving forward."

Trackhouse introduces new team members with the phrase 'Welcome to the House.' This reflects its goals, inspired by Pramac, to create a setting where its riders feel comfortable and eager to remain for the long term.

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Insights into Loic Serra's adjustments to Ferrari aimed at addressing Lewis Hamilton's shortcomings

Information surfaces on Ferrari's strategy for their 2025 Formula 1 vehicle…

The recent addition of Loic Serra to the Ferrari team is significantly impacting the development of Ferrari's 2025 race car, potentially leading to a resurgence in Lewis Hamilton's career.

Motorsport.it reports that Serra has concentrated his efforts on the suspension system of the new Ferrari, specifically its connection with the Pirelli tyres.

During their 2024 season, Ferrari encountered a challenge with their tyres being more durable than those of their competitors.

This led to Ferrari frequently experiencing significant wear on their tires, especially the rear ones, during the races.

However, it was accompanied by a significant drawback: their speed during the qualifiers.

In their quest to reclaim the championship title, Ferrari must prioritize enhancing their performance in qualifying rounds, especially considering the formidable competition expected from McLaren and Red Bull.

According to the document, Serra, a recent transfer to Ferrari from Mercedes, is focusing on several components related to the suspension, including torsion bars and shock absorbers, aiming to enhance the vehicle's performance in relation to the delicate Pirelli tyres.

Ferrari is focused on achieving a harmonious equilibrium between their one-lap speed and overall race performance, having shown remarkable strength in quick rounds in 2023, yet facing difficulties in maintaining that momentum a year on.

Throughout the previous year, it was consistently observed that Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz faced challenges, particularly in the initial sector, due to problems with getting their tyres up to the correct temperature. Additionally, they frequently experienced difficulties towards the lap's conclusion as a result of overheating their tyres.

Hamilton's transition to Ferrari is seen as a positive step, aiming to enhance their qualifying performance.

In 2024, the most noticeable shortfall in Hamilton's performance was in qualifying rounds, where he was outperformed by George Russell, with a score of 19–5 in Russell's favor.

Ferrari prepares for Hamilton's initial test drive

Hamilton is anticipated to take the 2025 Ferrari F1 vehicle for its first spin on February 19, after the team's unveiling.

Prior to that, he plans to pilot the 2022 Ferrari model during multiple test runs to familiarize himself with his new engineering team before the testing period in late February.

Reports indicate that Ferrari has modified the driver's seat placement for the next season to facilitate Hamilton's transition.

Moreover, as highlighted in the previously mentioned report, modifications have been implemented on the gearbox's carbon box, enhancing its adaptability in terms of weight distribution.

Under Serra's direction, Ferrari is eager to break their Formula 1 championship dry spell that has been ongoing since 2008.

Ferrari just fell short of clinching the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' championship, ending up 13 points adrift of McLaren.

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Formula 1 analyst criticizes "narrow-minded" remarks about Lewis Hamilton

"It's somewhat narrow-minded to claim it doesn't impact a driver's performance."

Formula 1 television analyst James Hinchcliffe anticipates that Lewis Hamilton will feel revitalized while racing for Ferrari in 2025, labeling any negative comments about the seven-time world champion as lacking foresight.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced difficulties, especially with their performance in qualifying sessions.

At age 40, he succeeded in qualifying ahead of George Russell only five times, which was just the second instance in his Formula 1 career where he was outperformed by a teammate in Saturday qualifications.

Although Hamilton showed stronger performances in his races, the season overall was still disappointing for him.

Eddie Jordan and Flavio Briatore have expressed doubts about Ferrari's choice to swap Carlos Sainz for Hamilton in the next season, following his recent performances.

During an episode of The Red Flags podcast, Hinchcliffe, who used to compete in IndyCar, discussed how the timing of Hamilton leaving Mercedes might have influenced his performance in races.

James Hinchcliffe mentioned that the initial element to decline is typically the performance on Saturdays. He expressed uncertainty about whether that was evident this year, referring to 2024. He also noted that the individual in question was aware of his departure even before the start of the first race.

"I understand that he made a deliberate effort to attend the track each weekend and put forth his utmost effort, but on a deeper level, there's an awareness that it's wrapping up. In 2023, he clearly outperformed George, didn't he? It's not as if he lost his driving skills over the year."

"There were numerous developments happening behind the scenes this year. Suggesting that these had no impact on a driver's performance might overlook the bigger picture. With this new opportunity, he is likely to feel rejuvenated."

“Fascinating situation” at Ferrari for F1 in 2025

Hamilton will encounter a challenging situation in 2025 when he teams up with Charles Leclerc, who is considered one of the quickest qualifiers in Formula 1.

Hinchcliffe thinks that Hamilton can find assurance in Sainz's ability to qualify ahead of Leclerc on nine occasions during the 2024 season.

"Charles is recognized for his strong performances on Saturdays, provided the car is in good shape," he stated. "If the car's balance isn't quite right, even Carlos tends to qualify ahead of him regularly."

"He requires the vehicle at a particular time. With the current driver, who is associated with Ferrari, and the newcomer, a seven-time world champion, joining the team, the situation is set to be quite intriguing."

Hamilton is anticipated to unofficially debut with Ferrari sometime within the upcoming month.

The British racer is set to get behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2022 car as he starts the transition process before pre-season testing kicks off at the end of February.

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Christian Horner addresses key Red Bull F1 team members leaving

Red Bull chief Christian Horner remains unfazed by the departure of important staff members.

Christian Horner has sought to minimize the significance of two key personnel leaving Red Bull as the 2025 F1 season approaches.

Renowned designer Adrian Newey will become a managing technical partner at Aston Martin starting from March 2nd. This move comes after the 65-year-old British icon chose to depart from Red Bull, where he spent two decades based in Milton Keynes.

Red Bull's previous sports director, Jonathan Wheatley, has departed the team to take on the role of team principal at Sauber, in anticipation of their rebranding to Audi starting in 2026.

However, Christian Horner, the team principal at Red Bull, remains confident that his team can maintain its success even in the absence of Newey and Wheatley.

Horner revealed to Motorsport that only two individuals are proceeding, with Adrian having stayed back in Miami, leading to his absence. Since that time, his focus has been solely on the RB17 project, diverting his attention away from any Formula 1 endeavors.

"Clearly, it's a disappointment to witness their departure. Throughout their time with the team, they've each held significant positions and contributed greatly."

"However, the performance continues, and I believe we possess the necessary resilience and talent. We have that, and arguably, preparing for 2026 – with our own power unit in the works – represents the most significant challenge and the boldest endeavor our team has ever embarked on."

"In 2025, Jonathan will depart from his position on the pitwall, yet aside from this change, all else will stay unchanged."

'Redevelopment' not restructuring for Red Bull

Horner refuted the idea that Red Bull must overhaul their squad due to recent exits. He views this phase for Red Bull as one of "progression".

"Horner clarified, stating, 'Rebuild is an excessive term for the departure of just two individuals. It's more about evolution.'"

"This is an event that's been anticipated for quite some time now, and has been included in the planning process for a while."

As part of Red Bull's organizational changes, Gianpiero Lambiase, the race engineer for Max Verstappen, will be moving up to a broader position.

Horner has verified that Lambiase will continue in his role as race engineer for the four-time world champion, as the Dutch driver aims to equal Michael Schumacher's record of five successive world titles by 2025.

"Indeed, he will continue to work closely with Max. His promotion naturally involves a wider scope of responsibilities," Horner explained.

This represents a logical advancement for the staff involved in trackside operations. It's beneficial as it offers them a chance, and often, if an organization does not evolve, it risks falling behind.

"In my opinion, this presents an excellent chance for advancement for numerous individuals in the team, especially those who have been dedicated team members for a long time and truly merit this chance."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing coverage directly from the venue, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Nico Hulkenberg Supports Lewis Hamilton Amidst Qualifying Struggles

Nico Hulkenberg unexpectedly stands by F1 competitor Lewis Hamilton concerning his recent performance during the qualifiers.

Nico Hulkenberg has stepped up to support Lewis Hamilton amid criticisms regarding the challenging conclusion of his time with Mercedes F1.

The seven-time world champion faced a challenging last season with Mercedes, and although he secured two wins, Hamilton concluded the year in seventh place in the championship – marking the lowest ranking in his illustrious 18-year career.

In addition to ending the season behind George Russell in the drivers' rankings, he was consistently outperformed in qualifying sessions by his teammate throughout the 2024 season.

Following a disappointing performance in the qualifying session at the second-to-last race of the season in Qatar, Hamilton stated that he is "certainly not quick anymore."

He remarked, "I'm simply not fast enough. It's the same story every weekend. The car seemed pretty good, actually. No problems at all. That's about all there is to it."

Later in the weekend, Hamilton retracted his previous statements, affirming his confidence by stating he "still got it" despite ongoing difficulties during qualifying.

Following his qualification in sixth place for the primary grand prix, trailing Russell by five positions and almost half a second, Hamilton expressed, "The car simply can't accelerate any further. I'm confident in my abilities. There's no doubt in my mind about that."

Hamilton has garnered support from Sauber's new racer, Hulkenberg.

"In my opinion, it was all a matter of timing, and to be truthful, I believe he experienced a moment of vulnerability," the German shared with RacingNews365.

He felt let down following an unsatisfactory qualifying session. While I'm not privy to the specifics from Mercedes, he faced George, who is already recognized as a speedy and well-rounded driver.

"He has delivered some truly solid performances and is on a roll, which means that even for a seasoned driver like Lewis, it can become bothersome and irritating."

"Everyone aims to outperform and defeat their teammates, yet Lewis's talent was unmistakable in Las Vegas, where he advanced from 10th to 2nd place, proving he should never be underestimated."

"He continues to perform excellently."

Hamilton's Struggles in 2024 Qualification Rounds

Despite holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history at 104, Hamilton has only managed to secure the top spot in qualifying one time since the 2021 season concluded.

The 40-year-old British driver struggled to adapt to Mercedes' ground-effect vehicle within the new regulatory framework that started in 2022.

Throughout the 2024 season, Russell consistently outshone Hamilton in single-lap performance, culminating in a qualifying battle record where Russell led Hamilton, defeating him 19 times to 5.

Russell emerged as only the second of Hamilton's teammates to surpass him in qualifying over an entire Formula 1 season, following Nico Rosberg's achievement in 2014

Hamilton aims to improve his single-lap performance as he begins his tenure with Ferrari this year.

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing on-site reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Max Verstappen has the opportunity to equal a Formula 1 milestone set by Michael Schumacher by the year 2025.

In the 2025 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen could match a record previously set by Michael Schumacher.

The driver from Red Bull enters the upcoming season aiming to retain his title, which he secured even while facing significant challenges from McLaren and Lando Norris during the final parts of 2024.

Verstappen's early dominance was crucial for his victory, and his steady performance, despite having only the third or fourth quickest car at times, ensured another championship win.

Ultimately, Verstappen secured a fairly decisive win against Norris, which allowed him to capture his fourth consecutive world championship in Las Vegas, achieving this feat with two rounds left in the competition.

However, the season proved challenging for Verstappen, who faced both difficulties with his car's performance and the distractions of off-track controversies and political disputes that plagued Red Bull throughout the year.

Approaching 2025, Verstappen has the opportunity to equal the record for the most successive F1 world championships.

This record is presently owned by the iconic Ferrari racer Schumacher, who secured five consecutive drivers' championships with Scuderia between 2000 and 2004.

Lewis Hamilton, a formidable competitor to Verstappen, secured four consecutive world championships out of his seven total from 2017 to 2020.

In 2025, Verstappen could match Schumacher's achievement by winning another championship, but it won't be easy. Teams such as McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have narrowed their performance gap with Red Bull, promising a fierce contest.

McLaren is considered the top contender for the upcoming season, following a strong finish last season with the quickest car and securing their first constructors’ championship since 1998.

Securing a fifth world championship in a row would not only be a remarkable achievement for Verstappen, who won't celebrate his 28th birthday until September, but it would also place him tantalizingly close to matching the record seven titles currently shared by Schumacher and Hamilton.

Achieving this milestone would elevate him beyond his counterparts, the four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost, positioning him alongside Juan Manuel Fangio in the historical rankings. This would make him merely the fourth Formula 1 driver ever to secure five or more championships.

Verstappen remains cool about potential record

Predictably, Verstappen has downplayed the significance of equalling such achievements, stressing that they are not his main drive.

"Winning is definitely a goal for me, but it's not all about achieving five consecutive victories or accumulating a certain number of wins," Verstappen explained on Red Bull’s Talking Bull podcast.

"Personally, I belong to a team that I believe has the potential to clinch those championships, and I'm truly looking forward to our plans for the upcoming year."

"I'm hoping for sufficient speed. Once it's fast enough, I'll handle the remainder; I just wish for us to be in contention."

"We've made it back to the top, and you know, there's potential for us to share some truly amazing experiences."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Valentino Rossi's 100km of Champions unveils thrilling rider combinations

Complete lineup of rider teams announced for Saturday's Tavullia event

Below is a list of all the rider duos participating in the 100km of Champions event at Valentino Rossi's ranch in Tavullia this Saturday.

Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta have been teamed up for the 100km of Champions race organized by Valentino Rossi. What an amazing duo! 📸 Michael Dunlop pic.twitter.com/brkVo2YGta— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 10, 2025

Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta have been teamed up for the 100km of Champions race organized by Valentino Rossi. What an amazing duo! 📸 Michael Dunlop pic.twitter.com/brkVo2YGta

On Friday night, Luca Marini emerged victorious in the Americana race, which consisted of three laps.

The highlight takes place on Saturday, featuring pairs of cyclists competing in the 100km of Champions race.

Rossi will collaborate with his sibling Marini.

MotoGP stars and VR46 academy alumni Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi are set to team up.

Certainly, the pairing that captures the most attention is the record-setting Isle of Man TT racer Michael Dunlop teamed up with Pedro Acosta!

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula One racing.

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Valentino Rossi takes a tumble but still secures a podium spot in the 2025 100km of Champions Americana event. The race captivated the audience in Tavullia on Friday night.

On Friday night, Luca Marini emerged victorious in the Americana race during Valentino Rossi's yearly event in Tavullia.

A gathering of top motorcycle racing stars has arrived at Rossi's ranch for two days of competition on his dirt track.

Marini secured the win in the initial race, known as the Americana, which consisted of a quick three-lap sprint around the circuit.

According to journalist Ricard Jove, Marini achieved a fastest lap time of 46.032 seconds.

After progressing through several elimination rounds, today's American race finale was ultimately won by @Luca_Marini_97. He was followed by @FrankyMorbido12 in second place, and the indomitable @ValeYellow46 secured third. The podium was dominated by riders from the @VRRidersAcademy. Tomorrow, the long 100km race awaits. pic.twitter.com/qszclzrfsW— Ricard Jové (@RicardJove) January 10, 2025

After progressing through several elimination rounds, today's American race finale was ultimately won by @Luca_Marini_97. He was followed by @FrankyMorbido12 in second place, and the indomitable @ValeYellow46 secured third. The podium was dominated by riders from the @VRRidersAcademy. Tomorrow, the long 100km race awaits. pic.twitter.com/qszclzrfsW

Franco Morbidelli secured a second-place finish, achieving a top lap time of 46.774 seconds.

Rossi secured the third-place position on the podium with his top performance time being 46.453.

Lorenzo Baldassarri secured the fourth position, achieving his fastest lap time of 47.156 seconds.

According to GPOne, Rossi was set to secure a second-place finish but ended up crashing at the last corner, which dropped him to third place.

Honda's MotoGP standout, Marini, set the quickest time during Thursday's practice and then secured pole position for the race on Friday.

Last year, he was the recipient of the Americana award.

He aims to begin 2025 on a high note to rejuvenate his second year as an official Honda rider, following a lackluster debut season.

On Saturday, the final day of the two-day event, the 100km of Champions will occur at the VR46 ranch in Tavullia.

Pedro Acosta, Miguel Oliveira, Pecco Bagnaia, and Enea Bastianini are set to join Marini and Morbidelli in competing in MotoGP events.

Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd, both victors of the Isle of Man TT race, are participating in the competition this year as well.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American leagues, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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