Speculation arises regarding when Lewis Hamilton might first drive a Ferrari F1 car. A potential date has surfaced for Hamilton's debut in a Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle.

Lewis Hamilton is expected to drive a Ferrari F1 car for the first time in January.

The driver, who has won the world championship seven times, is set to make a major move to Ferrari beginning in 2025, following the end of his 12-year career with Mercedes.

Hamilton couldn't participate in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi because of his contract with Mercedes. However, he is scheduled to drive a 2023 Ferrari at the start of the new year.

According to AutoRacer, Ferrari has not announced an exact date, but the event is planned for January 21 or 22.

The testing is anticipated to take place at one of Ferrari's test circuits, either Fiorano or Mugello. Imola, which is close by, might also be used as a backup option if necessary.

The Italian team is eager to provide the 39-year-old British driver with a chance to get acclimated before the official pre-season testing event in Bahrain, scheduled for February 26-28.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, acknowledged that Hamilton's initial performance will be heavily influenced by the weather conditions.

"We rely heavily on the weather, and January presents challenges," Vasseur mentioned at Ferrari's customary end-of-year media luncheon.

Undoubtedly, it's a moving experience, as he's likely envisioned this moment for around two decades. This means there will be an emotional impact, but after one lap, he must shift his focus!

Initial test days involving TPC (Testing Of Previous Cars) and Pirelli are scheduled, followed by the championship's official kickoff at The O2 on February 18th. The next day, February 19th, the unveiling of the new car will occur. After these events, the team will head straight to Bahrain, commencing a challenging stretch that will continue until the race in Melbourne.

"Indeed, the preparation time is brief, with only about four weeks available at the factory before the initial event, but that's just the way it is."

Vasseur remains unconcerned about Hamilton's adjustment

Vasseur expressed confidence that Hamilton will adapt to Ferrari's F1 cars without any issues, even if he has limited time on the track before pre-season testing begins.

"It's challenging, but he's bringing his own expertise," Vasseur stated. "He's not the newcomer of the year, so I have no concerns about it."

According to Vasseur, Hamilton will participate in multiple simulator sessions to familiarize himself with Ferrari's 2025 car, set to debut on February 19.

The Frenchman stated that, although there is a significant amount of procedure to absorb over the next few days, he is confident that the individual has the experience necessary to handle it.

"We have the benefit of using the simulator, which will allow him to conduct both race and qualifying simulations. This will ensure he is completely ready with the steering wheel and familiar with all the specific details of the car."

"However, this does not concern me, and it is not the most significant hurdle."

Lewis Hamilton will make his debut in Ferrari's iconic red attire at the Australian Grand Prix, which kicks off the racing season on March 16.

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Speculation surrounds Sergio Perez's future career plans, with talks of a potential return to Ferrari in a different racing series. Could a Ferrari comeback be in the cards for Perez?

Sergio Perez might be heading towards a career in the World Endurance Championship, which could lead to him joining forces with Ferrari once again.

Spanish outlet Marca has reported that Perez is allegedly in the final stages of discussions with Ferrari about potentially joining the WEC series.

On Wednesday night, it was revealed that Perez would be leaving Red Bull, resulting in him being without a seat in Formula 1.

The decision's timing results in no available spots on the grid for Perez, which sidelines him for the 2025 season.

Perez will have the opportunity to think about his choices and decide if he wishes to come back to Formula 1.

Perez's potential path back to Formula 1 appears to be limited to Cadillac. Supported by General Motors, this entry is anticipated to join the grid as the 11th team in 2026.

Should Perez be unwilling to join a team that is currently not performing well, he might consider transitioning to the World Endurance Championship with Ferrari.

According to Marca, Perez might be considering a comeback to Ferrari.

Prior to joining McLaren in 2013, Perez was involved in Ferrari's development program for young drivers.

In 2012, his performance made him a potential contender to become a Ferrari driver, but the team eventually chose to retain Felipe Massa instead.

Perez did not have a successful year with McLaren, which led him to join Force India in 2014.

Perez stayed with the team located in Silverstone until the conclusion of 2020.

In 2021, he joined Red Bull, taking over the position from Alex Albon.

In 2023, Perez secured second place in the drivers' championship, marking the first time Red Bull achieved a one-two finish in the rankings.

Perez continues to have a keen interest in F1, as highlighted by the previously mentioned report.

Despite Perez's standing suffering due to a disappointing 2024 season, his substantial financial support will likely make him appealing to several teams.

Prior to joining Red Bull, Perez had earned the reputation of being Formula 1's "midfield king," frequently achieving impressive results with less competitive cars.

At the age of 34, Perez still has several years left to contribute to Formula 1.

The question is whether he is ready to engage once more with the demanding F1 calendar, considering that his young family lives in Mexico.

Cadillac might be a potential choice for him, although other opportunities could arise if the new rookie drivers face challenges next year.

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Max Verstappen could be considering a move to Aston Martin as questions arise about Red Bull's prospects. Reports suggest that Verstappen has reasons to be "quite worried" about the future of his current team.

Max Verstappen is rumored to be moving to Aston Martin for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

This is the belief of Juan Pablo Montoya, an ex-Formula 1 racer and victor of seven grand prix races, who is certain that despite his achievements with Red Bull, Verstappen will eventually move on to a different team.

In 2024, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive drivers' championship, overcoming not only performance challenges on the track but also dealing with political unrest within the Red Bull team.

Montoya believes that Verstappen has reason to be "quite worried" about Red Bull's engine plans for 2026. Red Bull Powertrains will collaborate with Ford to develop their own engine in response to the new Formula 1 regulations, after Honda steps away from the sport.

Montoya thinks that Verstappen might be persuaded to move to Aston Martin. This team is set to become Honda's factory team in 2026, and they will also welcome Adrian Newey, a former Red Bull designer, early next year.

Montoya mentioned to LuckyBlock that if he were in Max's position, he would have significant worries regarding the engine plan for 2026.

"Many believe he could join Mercedes, but I believe it's more likely that he'll land at Aston Martin."

Adrian Newey and Honda have been part of a successful partnership at Red Bull. Additionally, Lawrence is known for not accepting 'No' as a response.

"If Lawrence is interested in you, he will go to great lengths to win you over. He possesses enough appeal to make Max think, 'That's fantastic.'"

Recently, Verstappen revealed that he engaged in "constructive" discussions with Mercedes. However, he emphasized that he has no intention of switching Formula 1 teams before his existing contract with Red Bull concludes in 2028.

Red Bull, after leading the F1 seasons in 2022 and 2023, now faces the challenge of climbing back up from third place in the 2024 constructors' championship.

According to Montoya, as competitors McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes continue to improve and narrow the distance to Red Bull, it is the team from Milton Keynes that faces the greatest challenges during the forthcoming winter pause.

In addition to Newey, Red Bull has seen the departure of other significant figures, such as sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. Wheatley is set to take on the role of team principal at the future Audi team.

Montoya stated that Red Bull has the most tasks to tackle this winter. He warned that if they do not address these issues, they could find themselves in fourth or even fifth place, no matter who their drivers are.

As the season concluded, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes had developed superior vehicles. Additionally, several mid-tier teams that were previously overlooked are now constructing impressive cars.

"Everyone is getting accustomed to the regulations. Red Bull excelled under these guidelines, but they are currently struggling to maintain their performance."

Verstappen has consistently expressed his contentment with being at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen explained to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay that it's rare for a Formula 1 driver to exit their contract prematurely. Unlike in football, where players might sign a five-year deal and then depart after just a year, such occurrences are not typical or intended in the world of Formula 1.

"While the future remains unpredictable, whether it's a year or two from now, it's something beyond our control, so I don't dwell on it. Currently, I'm quite content with my situation. We've secured another championship. Naturally, there are areas where the car can be enhanced, but that's to be expected. Overall, I'm comfortable with the team and feel free to be myself."

"Everyone is putting in maximum effort to consistently provide me with top-quality resources. In that regard, I have no complaints."

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Oscar Piastri has been labeled as the F1 driver who has the "most to prove" in the 2025 season. "I genuinely thought he would elevate his performance this year, and it's somewhat unexpected that he hasn't. I truly believed that he would outperform Lando this season."

F1 icon Juan Pablo Montoya has described Oscar Piastri as the driver who has "the most to demonstrate" in 2025.

In the 2024 Formula 1 drivers' championship, Piastri secured the fourth position, trailing his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by 82 points.

Although Piastri achieved impressive victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan, his performance during qualifying rounds remained worrisome.

He managed to qualify ahead of Norris just four times, ending with a 20-4 deficit in their direct competition.

Piastri demonstrated strong racing skills and the capacity to compete effectively when pressured, although his speed wasn’t particularly remarkable.

In a conversation with LuckyBlock, Montoya confessed that he anticipated greater performance from Piastri in the year 2024.

Montoya stated that Oscar Piastri is the driver who has the most to demonstrate in the upcoming season.

"I genuinely thought he would improve this year and I'm somewhat taken aback that he hasn't. I truly believed he would outperform Lando Norris this season."

"However, Lando made significant progress while Oscar did not."

Piastri is setting his sights on securing the F1 championship in 2025.

Nevertheless, he has acknowledged that he must improve his performance during the qualifying rounds.

At the conclusion of the year, he expressed that he believes he has made significant progress this season.

"There is still potential for improvement. I believe the main issue has been missing out on securing a few better positions during the qualifying rounds."

"I believe I haven't often taken the straightforward path during races. Consequently, a major goal for the off-season is to concentrate on improving those final fractions of a second."

"I believe I've demonstrated my abilities in every other aspect and have shown progress since my rookie year. Now, it feels like it's all about piecing everything together, as I think the differences are now minimal or even non-existent."

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Valtteri Bottas has reportedly engaged in discussions with a Formula 1 team regarding a potential comeback in 2026. The Finnish driver is aiming to make his way back to the F1 lineup in that year.

Valtteri Bottas is said to have engaged in discussions with Cadillac about the possibility of racing for them in Formula 1 come 2026.

Cadillac is poised to join Formula 1 as the 11th team in 2026 following the approval of their entry by F1.

Even though the current 10 teams opposed it, General Motors' plans to develop their own engine by the decade's end seemed to influence the decision-makers in the sport.

As 2026 approaches, Cadillac should begin considering its drivers.

As the 2025 lineup welcomes five newcomers, several seasoned drivers find themselves without a team.

Among them is Bottas, who has recently returned to Mercedes to take on the role of reserve driver for the upcoming year.

F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto has shared that Bottas has already spoken with Graeme Lowdon, the new head of Cadillac.

Bottas mentioned, "I've been acquainted with Graeme for quite some time. I anticipate that they will require some expertise, given the considerable amount of work ahead. This presents an opportunity for me."

At this point in my professional journey, I still have a lot to offer to the sport. Starting from the ground up would be quite fascinating. The drive comes from the idea that if everything is done correctly and there is good teamwork, reaching your goals will be fulfilling.

Bottas faced a challenging last season with Sauber, as he didn't manage to earn any points in the championship.

This resulted in his Sauber teammate, Zhou Guanyu, achieving a higher score than him.

Bottas maintained a high level of performance, managing to qualify ahead of Zhou in 21 out of 24 instances.

Cadillac's choices for the year 2026

In 2026, Cadillac will have plenty of choices at its disposal.

Mario Andretti, a crucial consultant for the team, has suggested that they are looking to pair an American driver with someone who has more experience.

When it comes to American candidates, Colton Herta stands out as the clear option.

Experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and Sergio Perez are all options.

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Christian Horner suggests Yuki Tsunoda may exit Red Bull

Christian Horner has indicated that Red Bull might part ways with Yuki Tsunoda once his existing Formula 1 contract concludes.

Christian Horner has hinted at the possibility of Red Bull parting ways with Yuki Tsunoda after the 2025 F1 season.

Red Bull chose not to give Yuki Tsunoda a spot on their main team, selecting Liam Lawson from Racing Bulls as Max Verstappen's partner for the upcoming season. This decision came after Sergio Perez was dropped due to underperformance.

The 24-year-old driver from Japan, who managed to qualify ahead of Lawson in all six races they competed in during 2024, will stay with the affiliated team, Racing Bulls, for the last year of his contract.

Red Bull's team leader, Horner, has acknowledged for the first time that Tsunoda might be released if the main team does not require his services.

Christian Horner expressed to the media, including The Race, that they are very conscious of the fact that if they cannot offer Yuki a chance this year, 2025, they must question whether it is logical to continue with him.

"A driver shouldn’t remain on the support team for five years. One cannot perpetually play a secondary role. At that stage, you must either let them move on or explore alternative options."

Horner mentioned that he had a conversation with Tsunoda regarding the "extremely close" decision and emphasized that the driver, who is supported by Honda, remains determined to demonstrate that he is worthy of an opportunity with Red Bull.

According to Horner, he mentioned that he was relishing some wagyu beef during his break, but his main goal was to prove he deserved the chance.

The Racing Bulls team is expected to advance next year by implementing the rear suspension and gearbox from Red Bull, along with the permitted components. As the team and its new leadership evolve, it is anticipated that they will make natural progress.

"He seems really focused and understands how rapidly situations can shift. Just nine months ago, no one could have predicted that we'd be discussing Liam Lawson as our driver for the 2025 season."

In this fast-paced industry, he's conscious of the constant changes and understands the importance of proving himself as the person ready to seize new opportunities.

What alternatives are available to Tsunoda? As we mentioned when the announcement was initially made on Thursday, Tsunoda is now at a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career after being overlooked.

If Tsunoda were to choose to leave Red Bull, one of the most fascinating opportunities could be at Aston Martin.

In an exciting development, Aston Martin is set to become Honda's official Formula 1 team. This change will occur when the Japanese company starts supplying their power units to the team, replacing Mercedes, under an agreement that begins in 2026.

Due to his association with Honda, Tsunoda has been rumored to have a connection with Aston Martin.

However, making such a decision would largely hinge on elements that Tsunoda cannot influence. The initial factor is whether Fernando Alonso decides to remain active in Formula 1 racing, and the second involves whether Lance Stroll retains his position.

Before Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg were signed, both Haas and Audi had expressed interest in Tsunoda, and he is expected to attract attention from various parties.

In 2026, Cadillac will enter Formula 1 as the 11th team, creating openings for two new driver positions.

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Isack Hadjar has been given his first opportunity in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls, stepping in to take Liam Lawson's place. The lineup for the 2025 F1 season is now

Isack Hadjar is set to advance from Formula 2 to Formula 1, joining Red Bull's junior team, Racing Bulls, as a replacement for Liam Lawson.

Red Bull has had a hectic period in recent days, culminating in Wednesday's announcement that Sergio Perez will be leaving the team.

On Thursday morning, it was revealed that Lawson would join the Red Bull team as a driver, teaming up with Max Verstappen for the Formula 1 season in 2025.

Hadjar will take over the open position at Racing Bulls.

A 20-year-old driver from France has joined the ranks of Red Bull's emerging talent pool, earning an opportunity to compete in Formula 1, similar to predecessors such as Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo.

Hadjar secured the runner-up position in the 2024 Formula 2 championship, just falling short of clinching the title, which went to Sauber newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto.

He will compete next to Yuki Tsunoda, who was passed over by Red Bull for an advancement.

In a statement about the announcement, Hadjar expressed enthusiasm, saying, "Taking on this new position at VCARB is incredibly thrilling for me, my family, and everyone who has supported me from the start."

The progression from kart racing to advancing through the levels of single-seater competitions has led me to Formula One, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. It's a dream come true. I feel as though I'm entering an entirely new realm, piloting a significantly quicker vehicle and competing alongside the world's top drivers.

"This will be a significant challenge, but I am prepared to put in the effort and give my all for the team's success."

"I'm eager to collaborate with Yuki and gain insights from him. I've always admired him; we both came up through the Red Bull Junior Programme and have followed a similar journey to Formula 1. He's got a wealth of experience, which will be beneficial for me to learn from."

A new rookie has joined the 2025 Formula 1 lineup. Hadjar is now part of the extensive roster of first-year drivers in the 2025 F1 season.

Mercedes has chosen to substitute Lewis Hamilton with 18-year-old prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Haas has chosen Ferrari's young driver Oliver Bearman, and Jack Doohan is set to compete with Pierre Gasly at Alpine.

Bortoleto has been selected to take over Valtteri Bottas's position at Sauber.

This implies that several well-known drivers are not currently participating.

Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen, and Zhou Guanyu currently do not have a seat secured for the 2025 racing season.

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Helmut Marko advises Isack Hadjar to manage his emotions before his F1 debut. He suggests that Hadjar should focus on maintaining consistency, as his speed and skills are already evident, and that experience will naturally enhance his performance.

Helmut Marko has advised Isack Hadjar to manage his emotions as he prepares for his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls next year.

On Friday morning, it was revealed that Hadjar would be joining Racing Bulls F1 as a driver, partnering with Yuki Tsunoda.

A 20-year-old racer from France secured the runner-up position in the 2024 Formula 2 championship, just falling short of the championship title to Gabriel Bortoleto. Bortoleto is set to enter Formula 1 with Sauber in 2025.

Hadjar is the newest addition to the roster of Red Bull drivers advancing to Formula 1, joining the ranks of Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo.

In discussions prior to Red Bull's announcements this week, Marko was questioned about Hadjar and what areas he needs to enhance to advance to F1.

Evaluating Hadjar's performance, Marko mentioned on the Inside Line F1 Podcast: "To begin with, I must acknowledge that Isack lost over 80 points due to technical problems."

"Maintaining motivation and pace was already a significant accomplishment. Isack is quick, but he needs to manage his emotions and concentrate. For instance, during a race in Monte Carlo, a Safety Car unexpectedly appeared right in front of him. He began to groan and question, asking 'Why?' and similar things."

"The individual had tyres that hadn't warmed up yet. He should have focused on aggressively pursuing rather than being preoccupied with discussing it over the radio."

In essence, prioritize the significant aspects and aim to reduce errors, such as the incident where he spun out during the Abu Dhabi test. If I recall correctly, he also experienced a spin during a practice session on a Friday.

"Maintain consistency because the speed and other elements are already present. The rest will develop with regular practice."

Hadjar fills the last spot on the 2025 F1 roster.

With Hadjar's confirmation to the Racing Bulls team, the lineup for the 2025 season is now

Hadjar is the fifth newcomer in the lineup.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to debut in Formula 1 with the Mercedes team, whereas Ollie Bearman will embark on his inaugural full season with Haas, partnering with Esteban Ocon.

Jack Doohan is expected to team up with Pierre Gasly at Alpine.

Bortoleto was selected to take over for Valtteri Bottas at Sauber.

Apart from the newcomers, Lewis Hamilton will be driving for Ferrari for the first time, and Lawson will experience leading-edge equipment during his debut with Red Bull in Australia.

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Red Bull's Decision: Liam Lawson Chosen Over Yuki Tsunoda

Christian Horner sheds light on the reasons behind Red Bull's choice to elevate Liam Lawson instead of Yuki Tsunoda.

Christian Horner stated that Red Bull's choice to select Liam Lawson instead of Yuki Tsunoda for the 2025 Formula 1 season was a decision that was "very close."

On Thursday, Red Bull revealed that Lawson would be stepping up from the affiliated team, Racing Bulls, to join Max Verstappen as his teammate in 2025. This move follows their choice to part ways with Sergio Perez.

In just 11 grand prix races over two seasons and without clearly surpassing teammate Tsunoda, the 22-year-old driver from New Zealand was chosen to become the next driver for Red Bull.

According to Horner, the choice to advance Lawson was based on very subtle differences.

"The competition between the two was extremely close," Horner mentioned to ESPN.

"Yuki is undoubtedly a quick driver with several seasons under his belt. During the tire test in Abu Dhabi, he excelled, leaving a strong impression on our engineers."

When analyzing Liam's performance, the data indicates that his race speed was a bit improved in the events he participated in. His qualifying speed closely matched that of Yuki's, and considering that Liam has only competed in 11 grand prix, one can expect him to continue improving and gaining strength. He has demonstrated significant mental resilience and toughness.

Several aspects about Liam have caught my attention, particularly his adaptability. No matter the circumstance, he manages to handle it effectively. Recalling his first race at Zandvoort when Daniel injured his fingers, he was competing against Max right from his initial lap.

The individual possesses a determined and tough mindset typical of a competitive racer. During his time in the DTM series, he adapted remarkably fast to handling a Ferrari GT car, competing alongside Alex Albon, and often demonstrated superior performance.

"His ability to navigate races is undoubtedly one of his major strengths. He's fearless when it comes to competing closely with others, even if it means making contact at times. I'm confident he'll perform excellently for our team."

The engineers have had a positive experience collaborating with him during his activities this year. He possesses a strong work ethic, making it beneficial to have Yuki continue to be a part of the Racing Bull environment next year. Additionally, he remains ready to step in if needed.

Red Bull intends to avoid placing excessive expectations on Lawson. Lawson is set to become Verstappen's fifth partner at Red Bull, marking the fourth since Daniel Ricciardo's departure at the conclusion of 2018.

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez, who came before, were all let go because they couldn't perform at a level close to Verstappen's.

Horner has admitted that Lawson is up against a challenging task by competing with Verstappen, a role seen as the toughest in Formula 1. However, he emphasized that Red Bull intends to prevent overburdening their second driver with excessive pressure.

Horner emphasized the importance of not overwhelming him with expectations or allowing him to burden himself with the idea that he is competing against the top driver of his era.

"He should essentially disregard the information related to car 1 and concentrate on collaborating with his engineering team. By focusing on his tasks and giving his best effort, he should perform well. We aim to provide him with the necessary support in this endeavor."

"We aim to offer a car next year that fits both him and Max perfectly, and then we'll monitor his performance."

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Liam Lawson intends to reach out to an ex-Red Bull racer as he prepares to face Max Verstappen next year.

Liam Lawson intends to seek advice from ex-Red Bull F1 racer Alex Albon before making his first appearance with the team in 2025.

On Thursday, Red Bull revealed that Lawson will join Max Verstappen as his teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Having participated in just 11 grand prix races, Lawson holds the distinction of being the most inexperienced driver to ever become part of the Red Bull team.

Nevertheless, the New Zealander's rapid adjustment to Formula 1, along with his impressive speed despite having less experience compared to Yuki Tsunoda, ultimately led to his selection.

Lawson faces a daunting challenge as he teams up with Verstappen for his inaugural full F1 season.

Since the beginning of 2019, Verstappen has been out-qualified just 11 times, effectively outperforming Pierre Gasly, Albon, and Sergio Perez in the process.

During a conversation with Sky Sports, Lawson revealed that he plans to reach out to Albon for guidance before making his first appearance with Red Bull.

Lawson mentioned that during their time in DTM, he likely annoyed his teammate by constantly inquiring about various aspects, including details about Red Bull, experiences within the team, and the characteristics of the car.

The car may not be the same as it was in the past, but it still has similar features. I've had the chance to test it in the simulator, and it's quite challenging and demanding to handle. He explained that having confidence is crucial, especially when competing with Max, because that's what it requires.

"I plan to reach out to him again soon since everything is new to me. I'll definitely be calling Alex in the coming weeks to gather more information."

Verstappen's Distinctive Driving Approach

Lawson will need to adjust to the assertive control required by the Red Bull vehicle, which complements Verstappen's particular way of driving.

In the previous year, Albon shared his perspective on the typically "sharp" front-end characteristics of the Red Bull car and how Verstappen manages to handle it effectively.

In a conversation on the High Performance Podcast, the driver from Thailand explained that each person has their unique way of driving. He described his own approach as relatively smooth, preferring a vehicle with a responsive and precise front end. While Max also favors this kind of car, the Thai driver noted that Max's preference for sharpness and directness is extraordinarily intense, almost astonishingly so.

"In an attempt to describe the sensation, imagine turning up the sensitivity settings to the highest level in a computer game. When you move the mouse, it rapidly moves across the screen in all directions. This heightened intensity can make you feel somewhat on edge."

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Top 10 F1 Drivers of 2024: Did Anyone Outperform Max Verstappen?

Following an exhilarating F1 season, Crash.net has compiled a list of the top 10 drivers of 2024.

The year 2024 is expected to be remembered as one of the most exciting and fiercely contested Formula 1 seasons in recent times.

Seven distinct victors emerged, there was an intense battle involving three teams for the constructors' championship, and numerous surprising narratives unfolded. Yet, Max Verstappen triumphed once more, securing his fourth consecutive world championship.

Considering only their achievements from the previous season, these are the drivers from the 2024 F1 lineup who we believe stood out the most.

1. Max Verstappen

There was no other contender for this position. Verstappen leveraged the superiority of his car at the beginning of the season to secure victories in the first five races, establishing a substantial lead in the championship over McLaren’s Lando Norris.

However, it was during the latter part of the season that Verstappen truly showcased his remarkable skills. Despite Red Bull facing challenges both off the track and with their car's performance, Verstappen maintained his composure and consistently delivered top results, even when handling a challenging car.

In Brazil, Verstappen broke his 10-race losing streak by delivering an impressive performance, moving from 17th place to clinch victory despite challenging weather conditions. This race turned out to be a crucial point in the championship battle. The Dutch driver consistently maintained a strong performance throughout the season, never placing lower than sixth, securing eight pole positions, and making 14 podium appearances.

Despite securing fewer victories than the previous year—only nine compared to his earlier success—Verstappen's 2024 F1 season was possibly his most remarkable yet, considering the challenges he encountered throughout.

2. Charles Leclerc Although he secured the second position in the championship standings in 2022, the year 2024 will be remembered as Charles Leclerc's most triumphant season in Formula 1.

Leclerc matched his three victories from the 2022 season, which included an unforgettable triumph on his home track in Monaco, breaking his previous bad luck there. He also achieved a greater number of podium finishes, totaling 13, and accumulated a higher point tally of 356, even though he secured fewer pole positions.

By the end of the season, the Monegasque driver was only 18 points behind Norris. He had a more consistent performance throughout the year, minimizing mistakes and taking advantage of every chance that came his way. If Ferrari hadn't pursued an unproductive development path for part of the season, Leclerc might have been a strong contender for the championship due to his excellent form.

Lando Norris

It might come as a shock to some that Norris, who finished as the second-place driver in the 2024 F1 championship, is ranked below Leclerc despite having his best grand prix racing season so far.

Undoubtedly, Norris enjoyed an exceptional season. It kicked off with his first-ever victory at the Miami Grand Prix, and he continued to excel with additional wins in Zandvoort, Singapore, and at the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In 2024, Norris became the primary competitor to Verstappen after McLaren upgraded to the quickest car in the lineup. However, crucial errors from both Norris and his team at pivotal times shattered his championship ambitions, stopping what could have been a much tighter contest.

Norris himself acknowledged that he "wasn't ready" to compete for the title against Verstappen this year. However, if he can apply the lessons he's learned and drive a top-performing car from the start in 2025, he could pose a stronger challenge to Verstappen.

4. Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz departed from Ferrari with poise and respect, wrapping up what can be considered the finest and most steady season of his career. Eager to demonstrate his value and ensure his career beyond Ferrari, the 30-year-old Spanish driver achieved two wins and stood on the podium nine times. Together with his teammate Leclerc, Sainz helped bring Ferrari close to clinching their first Formula 1 world championship since 2008.

In a remarkable turn of events, Sainz clinched victory at the Australian Grand Prix a mere 16 days post-appendectomy, an operation that had sidelined him from the season's second race in Saudi Arabia. With poise and composure, he transformed his sole pole position into triumph during the race in Mexico City. Appropriately, Sainz concluded his four-year stint with Ferrari by standing on the podium next to Leclerc at the season's final event in Abu Dhabi.

5. George Russell

In 2024, George Russell emerged as a standout performer at Mercedes, solidifying his status as a key figure for the Silver Arrows in the period following Lewis Hamilton's tenure.

Throughout the year, Russell consistently outshone his teammate, a seven-time world champion, with a 19-5 record in qualifying matchups. On average, Russell was nearly two-tenths of a second faster during qualifying sessions. In the drivers' championship standings, the British driver ended up sixth, surpassing Hamilton by 22 points and one position.

Russell demonstrated his edge over Hamilton in qualifying by securing pole position four times with the unpredictable W15 car. His victory in Austria was somewhat serendipitous, as Verstappen and Norris eliminated each other from the race. However, his commanding win in Las Vegas was no fluke, clearly showcasing his skill, especially on a weekend when his teammate faltered with significant mistakes during qualifying.

6. Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri elevated his game from his remarkable debut season in Formula 1, making a significant impact in his second year in 2024. His outstanding performances, paired with those of his teammate Norris, played a vital role in McLaren's success in securing the constructors' championship.

The young Australian racer achieved wins in both Hungary and Azerbaijan, securing a podium finish on eight occasions. He managed to qualify in the front row six times. Although he occasionally outperformed Norris with some of his outstanding performances, he struggled with consistency compared to his seasoned teammate, ultimately finishing the season 82 points behind.

7. Lewis Hamilton

According to his usual high expectations, the 2024 season will be remembered as one of Hamilton's weakest performances in Formula 1. Finishing in seventh place in the drivers’ championship represented the lowest rank in his career. Despite holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history with 104, Hamilton fell short in qualifying and was decisively outperformed by his teammate Russell. He found it more challenging than Russell to handle the difficult W15 and faced multiple weekends where his performance was substandard.

Despite the challenges, Hamilton experienced more significant successes than many of his competitors. His triumphant and emotional victory at Silverstone, which marked the end of a 945-day drought without a win, was one of two remarkable performances that returned him to the winner's circle. Additionally, Hamilton delivered exceptional comeback races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, while his impressive efforts in Spain and Hungary received less attention than they deserved.

8. Nico Hulkenberg

An argument could be made that Nico Hulkenberg deserves a ranking above Hamilton. This is due to Hulkenberg's steady performances, which were largely instrumental in securing Haas a seventh-place finish in the constructors’ championship.

Nico Hulkenberg consistently shone during the qualifying sessions and managed to turn several of his impressive Saturday performances into points, contributing 41 to Haas' overall tally of 58. His season highlights included two sixth-place finishes, and he wrapped up the year with a strong run, securing five top-10 finishes in the last seven races.

It is likely to be significantly more challenging for Hulkenberg to achieve similar high points at Sauber in the coming year.

9. Pierre Gasly

Alpine kicked off the season with the least competitive car, but even with such a difficult start and a generally challenging season, Pierre Gasly stood out. The early part of the season offered few highlights, but as the year progressed and Alpine improved their A524, it was Gasly who capitalized on those advancements.

Pierre Gasly took eight races before scoring his first points, eventually amassing a total of 42 points, which contributed to Alpine clinching sixth position in the constructors' championship. The highlight of the season was in Brazil, where Gasly impressively converted a third-place qualifying spot into a podium finish, just trailing behind his teammate Esteban Ocon.

Gasly secured the third position on the starting grid with an impressive qualifying performance in Las Vegas, but a technical problem prevented him from achieving what could have been another significant result. His strong finish in the latter part of the season allowed him to surpass Ocon by 18 points, ultimately securing the 10th spot in the championship standings. Remarkably, he also became the first Formula 1 driver to complete an entire season without incurring any crash damage.

Number 10: Fernando Alonso

In 2024, Fernando Alonso didn't experience the same level of success as he did in 2023, as he didn't make it to the podium. However, the season still showcased the two-time world champion's relentless talent for extracting the best possible performance from a car that wasn't up to par.

The 43-year-old outperformed his teammate Lance Stroll once more, consistently earning points despite driving a car that seldom deserved a spot in the top 10. This was due to Aston Martin's ongoing struggles with development compared to their competitors in the midfield.

Fernando Alonso's 16 appearances in Q3 and his accumulation of 70 points, compared to Lance Stroll's 24 points, were key factors in ensuring Aston Martin maintained its secure hold on fifth place in the constructors' championship.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He commonly provides on-the-scene reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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McLaren has committed to adopting 'bold strategies' with their 2025 Formula 1 vehicle as they aim for the drivers' championship. The team plans to embrace 'risks' with the design of their 2025 race car.

McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, has disclosed that his team is embracing 'bold risks' with their Formula 1 car for the 2025 season.

Earlier this month at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the team secured their first F1 constructors' championship since 1998, edging out Ferrari by a slim margin of 14 points.

McLaren has experienced an impressive comeback, especially considering they were the slowest team at the beginning of the 2023 season.

As the regulations haven't changed during the winter, McLaren is anticipated to be the leading team, thanks to their impressive performance in the latter part of the year.

Even though they have the upper hand, Brown has confessed that the team plans to be daring with their design and development choices.

According to Motorsport.com, Brown mentioned that they are entering the upcoming year at their maximum capability.

"We're approaching things differently now, feeling more confident and ready to take bold steps as we work on developing next year's car."

The team isn't approaching things with a mindset of making small adjustments, thinking the car is already in a good place. For next year's model, they're taking bold and daring risks.

"I believe that to lead, you must aim to surpass everyone, rather than just aiming to match their level, which was our approach at the beginning of this year."

The change in mindset is happening now: 'Our goal is to outperform everyone else.'

McLaren aims to capture the F1 drivers' championship

Following their success in winning the constructors' championship, McLaren is setting its sights on achieving the drivers' title next season.

The most recent time they won a drivers' championship was in 2008, thanks to Lewis Hamilton.

Lando Norris secured a second-place finish, trailing far behind Max Verstappen, who clinched the championship during the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024.

Norris has admitted that he must enhance his skills in various aspects to surpass Verstappen.

From an operational standpoint, McLaren must replicate their efforts, as they have missed out on several potential victories throughout the season.

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