Iconic Transition: Toto Wolff Reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut and Mercedes’ New Era
Toto Wolff likens the situation to a divorce after viewing the "iconic" photos of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari. He expressed his happiness for Hamilton, noting that the images were expertly crafted and praising Hamilton's ability to consistently deliver such impressive work.
Toto Wolff responded to the sight of Lewis Hamilton dressed in Ferrari's red attire for the first time, describing the images as "iconic."
Hamilton began his duties as a Ferrari Formula 1 driver last week.
On Monday, Hamilton was photographed outside the former residence of Enzo Ferrari.
A photograph of the seven-time world champion has set a new record for the highest number of likes on Instagram for a post connected to Formula 1.
After two days, Hamilton took to the Fiorano track, driving the 2023 Ferrari for the first time and completing 30 laps.
During his speech at the Autosport Awards, Wolff commented on Hamilton's initial week with Ferrari.
"It's somewhat similar to going through a friendly divorce, where everything seems fine, but then you spot your ex with someone new for the first time," Wolff explained.
"I'm genuinely pleased for him and mentioned to him that the images he created were truly iconic and expertly curated, which is exactly what one would expect from Lewis."
Wolff is "extremely enthusiastic" about the upcoming 2025 F1 season. Mercedes is entering a fresh chapter as Hamilton exits the team.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a prodigious talent at just 18 years old, is set to join forces with George Russell in 2025.
Mercedes aims to correct the mistakes of the past three seasons in 2025.
Last season, they managed to secure four wins, but their overall performance was highly erratic, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the constructors' championship.
As we anticipate the upcoming season, Wolff expressed, "I believe we're extremely thrilled about the new circumstances."
"We've enjoyed an incredible 12-year journey with Lewis. Over the past three years, George has delivered outstanding performances. Now, with Kimi joining us, a young and talented driver, it's time for him to gain experience."
Mercedes is set to reveal their 2025 Formula 1 car, known as the W16, on February 24 in Bahrain.
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Yuki Tsunoda’s Path to Red Bull Seat: Reserve Role Paves Way Amid Verstappen’s Penalty Concerns
Yuki Tsunoda might still have the opportunity to compete for Red Bull, with discussions suggesting a potential new position for him. It is anticipated that Tsunoda will soon be announced as the reserve driver for Red Bull's Formula 1 team.
According to reports, Yuki Tsunoda is expected to be announced as Red Bull's reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The 24-year-old driver from Japan is set to enter his fifth year with Racing Bulls, the sister team of Red Bull, after not being chosen for a spot on the main team for the 2025 season.
Red Bull has chosen to elevate Liam Lawson to the position of Max Verstappen's new Formula 1 teammate. This decision follows their move to part ways with Sergio Perez, who had a disappointing performance during the 2024 season.
Based on reports from Autosport and RacingNews365, Tsunoda is expected to assume the position of Red Bull's reserve driver this year.
Tsunoda could serve as a backup if Lawson doesn't meet expectations, and he would also be the top choice to step in for either the New Zealander or Verstappen if one of Red Bull’s usual drivers is unable to participate.
Verstappen faces the ongoing risk of a race ban as he enters 2025, carrying eight penalty points on his super licence.
The athlete, who has won the world championship four times, has made it clear that he will maintain his racing style, even though he is just four points short of facing an automatic suspension for one race.
Max Verstappen must tread cautiously through the initial 11 races of the 2025 season, as two penalty points on his record are set to be removed on June 30.
In theory, Tsunoda, who participated in his first Red Bull test during the Abu Dhabi post-season session in December, might end up competing for the team even though he was initially overlooked.
Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull's team, has acknowledged that Tsunoda might leave the team once his contract concludes in 2025.
Horner mentioned last year that they are fully cognizant of the situation. If Red Bull can't offer Yuki a chance this year, they need to consider whether retaining him is logical.
"It's not feasible to keep a driver in a backup role for five years. They can't always play second fiddle. At that stage, you either need to release them or consider a different approach."
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Lewis Hamilton Unscathed After Minor Crash During Ferrari F1 Test at Barcelona
Lewis Hamilton walks away unscathed following a collision during his second test with Ferrari's F1 team. The incident occurred as Hamilton was participating in trials for Ferrari at the Barcelona circuit.
Lewis Hamilton has experienced a crash during his second Formula 1 test session with Ferrari in Barcelona.
The driver, who has won the world championship seven times, lost control of his vehicle during the last section of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and collided with the barriers.
A source told Crash.net that Hamilton did not sustain any injuries in the accident.
Although initial reports indicated severe damage, it appears that the crash was actually minor.
Ferrari anticipates that the repairs will be completed, allowing Charles Leclerc to proceed with the scheduled team activities in the afternoon.
Ferrari views Hamilton's accident as a typical occurrence while he familiarizes himself with a new vehicle during his adjustment period.
On Tuesday, the driving duties were split between Hamilton and Leclerc, with Leclerc taking the wheel in the morning and Hamilton stepping in for the afternoon session.
On Wednesday, the 40-year-old British driver was the first to take the wheel, but his session was cut short due to a crash.
Hamilton is still working on getting ready for his eagerly awaited first season with the Scuderia team.
Interestingly, Hamilton has had previous incidents of crashing during initial F1 testing sessions with his teams.
Before his debut season in 2007, Hamilton experienced a high-speed accident while driving for McLaren. He also encountered a brake malfunction during his initial test with Mercedes in 2013.
As reported by AutoRacer, Ferrari plans to have reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic participate on the last day of their private testing session scheduled for Thursday.
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Mercedes’ 2025 Quandary: Navigating Unsteady Regulations and Strategic Dilemmas in F1
Mercedes finds itself in an "unusual position" as the 2025 F1 season approaches: "They're certainly not lacking intelligence."
"However, despite their capabilities, they seem to be struggling with the current set of rules."
Ex-F1 racer Karun Chandhok thinks that Mercedes finds themselves in an "unusual position" as they approach the 2025 season.
Since the introduction of the ground effect regulations at the beginning of 2022, Mercedes has struggled to consistently compete for race victories.
In the previous year, Mercedes experienced fluctuating performance levels.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, George Russell led the race, showcasing a commanding performance. However, throughout most of the season, the team ranked as the fourth-fastest.
As the regulations stay consistent through the winter, it is uncertain if Mercedes will be able to master them.
Chandhok acknowledged that Mercedes was one of the most disappointing teams from the previous year.
In a discussion on the Evo India podcast, Chandhok expressed his thoughts on their performance, stating, "Frankly, that's been a source of frustration. Honestly, they were the major letdown of 2024."
The belief was that Canada marked a significant improvement for the team, especially since George had a strong qualifying performance. However, the anticipated progress didn't manifest. Then, in Las Vegas, despite the unexpectedly cold weather, they dominated their competitors. George had the potential to win that race by a substantial margin of 30 seconds if he had chosen to. The situation remains perplexing.
"They were baffled, that's all they could express after the race. They were clueless about how they managed to win. It's important to note that the main team members responsible for the consecutive seven world championships are still present. They're certainly not lacking in intelligence. However, for some reason, they haven't figured out how to deal with the current set of rules."
Mercedes is facing a significant challenge in 2025.
As the upcoming year ushers in a fresh set of regulations, involving completely redesigned engines and chassis, certain teams may choose to abandon their 2025 efforts prematurely to concentrate on adapting to these new guidelines.
Mercedes might be among the teams facing challenges lately.
Chandhok commented: "They're in a somewhat unusual position. They're at a crossroads. How much emphasis should be placed on 2025 in an attempt to achieve some outcomes from it?"
"Or should we simply acknowledge that we haven't mastered these regulations and shift our attention entirely to 2026?"
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Lewis Hamilton’s Barcelona Test Crash: Ferrari Unfazed as F1 Star Finds His Feet
Latest on Lewis Hamilton following his Ferrari crash during the Barcelona testing. "According to a high-ranking source within Ferrari, as it was relayed to me…"
Lewis Hamilton emerged without any injuries following his accident in Barcelona, and Ferrari has no worries regarding the incident.
On Wednesday, Hamilton experienced a loss of control while driving his Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This incident occurred during his third day of driving with his new Formula 1 team.
According to Sky Sports, the event has been labeled a "minor crash," and fortunately, he did not sustain any injuries.
Craig Slater shared that a high-ranking source from Ferrari mentioned that he was perfectly okay afterward.
However, the vehicle needed to be retrieved and returned to the garage for maintenance.
A top Ferrari insider has clarified that this is completely typical for this season, especially for a driver like Hamilton who is trying to push the boundaries of his new gear.
Lewis Hamilton was involved in an accident while driving a Ferrari. On Wednesday, Hamilton was testing a 2023 model Ferrari, adhering to the Testing of Previous Car (TPC) regulations. These rules dictate that any vehicle used outside of official Formula 1 testing must be at least two years old.
Hamilton was scheduled to take the wheel in the morning, while his teammate Charles Leclerc was set to drive in the afternoon.
However, following Hamilton's incident that cut his session short, Leclerc was not able to go out on the track.
Initially, the agenda for Thursday, which marked the conclusion of Ferrari’s three-day testing session in Barcelona, involved assigning the driving tasks to a pair of test drivers.
According to reports, Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic are expected to step in.
Since Hamilton's time on the track was cut short and Leclerc didn't get any track time, it's uncertain whether Ferrari will alter their strategy to allow their top drivers to gain more experience.
Formula 1 experts have highlighted that while Hamilton's accident on Wednesday came as a surprise, it could be seen as an inevitable outcome for a driver in a new vehicle who is eager to discover its boundaries swiftly.
Hamilton has previously been involved in an incident where he crashed the Formula 1 car of his new team.
He took part in preseason testing mishaps at both McLaren and Mercedes.
In early 2007, he lost control of the McLaren MP4-22 while in Valencia. Later, in early 2013, he crashed his Mercedes during his 15th lap with his new team.
Both partnerships turned out well for the history-making Hamilton, who is likely hoping that the crash on Wednesday will be just a minor setback in his upcoming significant journey.
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F1 2025 Rookies: Herbert Tips Bearman to Shine Amidst Competitive Newcomer Line-up
Kimi Antonelli has been passed over as attention is drawn to a different F1 newcomer expected to excel in 2025. Johnny Herbert assesses the performance of the five new drivers entering the F1 scene in 2025.
Johnny Herbert has expressed his support for Oliver Bearman, predicting that he will stand out among the new rookies entering the Formula 1 scene in 2025.
In 2025, Bearman is among the five newcomers competing on the track.
The young driver supported by Ferrari is set to begin his full-time career in Formula 1 with the Haas team, partnering with Esteban Ocon.
Formula 2 second-place finisher Isack Hadjar is joining forces with Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, whereas Jack Doohan is set to begin the season with Alpine.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the champion of Formula 2, was selected over Valtteri Bottas for the second seat at Sauber. Meanwhile, Mercedes picked Kimi Antonelli to take Lewis Hamilton's place.
In a conversation with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert hinted that Bearman is the person to keep an eye on in 2025.
In his statement, Herbert expressed admiration for Gabriel Bortoleto, citing his performance in F2 as the reason. He praised Bortoleto for his perseverance and strong resolve, which ultimately led him to secure the championship title.
Competing against Nico Hulkenberg presents a clear opportunity for him, much like the challenge faced by Oliver Bearman. Bearman occasionally outpaced Hulkenberg, demonstrating the competitive nature of the matchup.
A driver who will be fascinating to watch is Kimi Antonelli. His initial performance in Monza didn't go well. Now, he needs to restore his reputation and win back support because that wasn't an ideal situation for him. He's also competing against George Russell, who is a self-assured and intelligent young man, making him a formidable opponent.
In my opinion, Bearman is someone to keep an eye on; I believe he has the potential to excel among the younger competitors. Additionally, Isack Hadjar caught my attention with his performance in Formula 2, which I found impressive.
Lawson receives an opportunity with Red Bull
Lawson can arguably be considered a newcomer, having only participated in 11 races prior to his advancement to Red Bull.
Lawson is challenged with the difficult job of competing against Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025.
Max Verstappen outperformed Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon before they were removed from their positions.
Lawson has been actively getting ready for the upcoming season by going to Red Bull's headquarters in Milton Keynes for a seat fitting.
Last year, Red Bull fell to third place in the F1 constructors' championship, partly due to Sergio Perez's disappointing performance.
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Christian Horner Hails Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Box Office’ Move to Ferrari as F1 Braces for a Thrilling 2025 Season
Christian Horner shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari
The head of Red Bull Formula 1, Christian Horner, provides his perspective on the sensational news of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari.
Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, thinks that Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari is a major attraction for Formula 1.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, made a sensational move by leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari over the winter. He is now getting ready for his debut season with the iconic Scuderia team.
Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has become a major talking point in the Formula 1 community just before the start of the 2025 season. The 40-year-old driver's initial visit to Maranello and his debut on the track have generated significant media excitement.
During a conversation on the red carpet at the Autosport Awards held on Wednesday night, Horner acknowledged that Hamilton appeared impressive in Ferrari's famous red attire.
Horner mentioned to Autosport that he has viewed some images and believes the look fits him. He added that having Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari is fantastic for Formula 1, describing it as a major attraction.
"I believe it's an additional element for this year that might be incredibly thrilling."
Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, creating one of the most formidable driver partnerships in the field.
McLaren enters the new season as the defending champions in the constructors' category and is considered the early frontrunner. However, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes are anticipated to offer strong competition.
Horner believes that this year, there might be a competition involving four contenders for both the driver and constructor world championships in Formula 1.
He expressed his belief that the competition would be extremely close. He noted that there would be four teams highly capable of winning, making it a tough contest. In his view, the outcome would be hard to predict, and anyone could emerge victorious.
"McLaren is expected to perform well, Ferrari is anticipated to be competitive, and Mercedes is likely to have a point to make, suggesting that the year could be outstanding."
After finishing in third place in the championship rankings last season, Red Bull decided to bring Liam Lawson up from their affiliate team, Racing Bulls, to take over for Sergio Perez, whose performance was not meeting expectations.
Lawson is set to join Max Verstappen, the current world champion, as his newest teammate in Formula 1.
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Johnny Herbert Breaks Silence on FIA Steward Dismissal: Criticisms of Verstappen and Punditry Spark Controversy
Johnny Herbert comments after being removed from his role as an FIA steward before the 2025 F1 season.
Johnny Herbert addresses his removal from the position of FIA steward…
Johnny Herbert has issued a statement after being removed from his role as an FIA steward before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
On Wednesday, the FIA revealed that Herbert would be dismissed, pointing to his role as a commentator as a key reason for their decision.
Since the conclusion of 2022, Herbert hasn't worked as a TV analyst for Sky Sports, yet the ex-British F1 racer has frequently attracted attention for his views over the last year.
Over the past year, Herbert frequently criticized Max Verstappen for his driving style and use of "intimidation" techniques.
Jos Verstappen was annoyed by his remarks and wondered why a steward should be permitted to express opinions openly.
The FIA has made a decision before the upcoming season, removing Herbert from his position.
Herbert addressed the situation by posting a response on Instagram.
He expressed his gratitude for the chance to serve as an FIA Driver Steward, noting that he has found great enjoyment in the position he has held for several years. He acknowledged the challenges of the role, including the necessity of making difficult decisions.
As stewards, we are committed to consistently showing the highest level of respect to drivers and team staff, maintaining our impartiality throughout every F1 Grand Prix weekend.
"I am extremely thankful to the President and all the FIA staff for the opportunities they have provided me."
Herbert expressed his disapproval after the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Verstappen received two 10-second penalties due to incidents involving his championship competitor, Lando Norris.
According to Herbert, the penalties in Mexico are unlikely to deter Max Verstappen from forcing Lando Norris off the track in future races.
Verstappen's main goal was to help Ferrari secure the top two positions in the race. While I comprehend his motivation, I disagree with his actions, and I believe that many others share this sentiment.
Lando Norris has previously emphasized the importance of "fair racing," which is the kind of competition he aims for. Max Verstappen is unlikely to alter his driving style, as his main objective remains preventing Norris from narrowing the distance in the drivers' championship. As a result, we could still witness many exciting races in the future.
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Ferrari’s Test Day Stalls as Hamilton’s Crash Sidelines Leclerc in Barcelona
Ferrari canceled Charles Leclerc's session after Lewis Hamilton was involved in an accident. According to information obtained by Crash.net, Charles Leclerc did not continue his run after his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, crashed.
According to information from Crash.net, Ferrari had to end their second day of Formula 1 testing in Barcelona earlier than planned due to a crash involving Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion experienced an accident during his third day behind the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday.
Hamilton emerged without injury following the mishap, reportedly taking place at Turn 12 when the 40-year-old British driver lost command of his vehicle. However, the event inadvertently impacted Ferrari.
After Hamilton's crash, Ferrari managed to fix the vehicle, but as daylight waned at the Spanish Grand Prix track, they had to cancel teammate Charles Leclerc's scheduled afternoon session.
Leclerc was visibly unable to finish even one lap, which hindered his and Hamilton's final day of testing in Barcelona this week.
Ferrari has chosen not to make any statements regarding the situation; however, a high-ranking source has told Crash.net that Leclerc was not involved.
On Thursday, Antonio Giovinazzi, serving as Ferrari's reserve driver, joined forces with junior driver Dino Beganovic to take the wheel of the SF-23 for the last day of the private testing schedule.
Next week, Hamilton and Leclerc are scheduled to head back to Barcelona, where Ferrari will be conducting a tyre test for Pirelli in collaboration with McLaren on February 4th and 5th, 2026.
Hamilton's Incident Minimized
Different accounts have emerged regarding the event, with Sky referring to it as a "minor" issue. In contrast, Motorsport reported that it resulted in "significant damage" to the car's front, affecting both the suspension and bodywork.
Ferrari views the accident as a routine occurrence while Hamilton familiarizes himself with their vehicle and adjusts to the team following his 12-year tenure with Mercedes.
Craig Slater, in his report for Sky Sports News, mentioned that a high-ranking source from Ferrari said he was perfectly okay following the incident.
However, the vehicle needed to be retrieved and returned to the garage for fixing.
According to a high-ranking source at Ferrari, this is completely typical for this season, especially for a driver like Hamilton who is trying to push his new gear to its limits.
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Beyond the Dream: Hamilton’s Ferrari Future Hinges on Record-Breaking Achievement
Experts have identified the sole situation in which Lewis Hamilton might consider leaving Ferrari. Discussions are ongoing among specialists regarding the duration of Hamilton's career in Formula 1.
It has been suggested that there is just one situation that might lead Lewis Hamilton to leave Ferrari before his contract ends.
This year, Hamilton's significant transition to Ferrari brings together the most accomplished driver and team in Formula 1 history.
It is expected that their partnership will continue for at least the next two years and possibly even longer.
Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that much of this is about realizing the aspiration of racing for Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton has never openly confessed during his time with Mercedes, but achieving that would have been a dream for him.
"The allure of securing the eighth championship and ending the long wait is more compelling than promises of having the top car by 2026."
Ferrari has also developed powerful engines, which eliminates any worries in that area.
"This focuses on Hamilton beginning anew."
"Is it possible for Hamilton to have a long tenure with Ferrari? Absolutely."
"We haven't observed any indication from Mercedes that they've found a solution to improve their competitiveness, which has been lacking. Furthermore, they were not prepared to offer him a contract for an extended period."
Ferrari has essentially stated, "We'll provide you with anything you desire!"
Hamilton was likely aware that Mercedes intended to eventually integrate Kimi Antonelli into their team.
"I don't believe he will leave his position before his contract expires, which extends until at least the end of 2026."
"The sole situation in which he might choose to step down is if he clinches the title and ends his career as an eight-time world champion."
"He is committed for the foreseeable future, and even if things don't turn out as expected, I can't imagine him taking such a significant step only to leave after just one or two seasons."
Lewis Hamilton seeks affection and admiration at Ferrari. According to Connor McDonagh, there were rumors that Hamilton was not given a chance to serve as an ambassador for Mercedes. He felt undervalued and believed his input was ignored.
"All of these elements significantly contributed."
Many people anticipate that Mercedes will be fast in 2026 due to the new power units, so it seems this decision was more about achieving a lifelong ambition.
"Giancarlo Fisichella continues to serve in a permanent ambassadorial capacity for Ferrari, a role he has held since he raced for the team back in 2009."
"There is a possibility for Hamilton to remain involved for as long as he desires, particularly regarding ventures such as fashion."
"He desires to experience both love and respect."
In the coming year, updated F1 rules aim to equalize the competition, with each team hoping to establish a period of dominance. Rumors within the F1 community suggest that Mercedes has developed an exceptionally powerful engine.
Since narrowly missing the title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton has not yet managed to clinch a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 drivers’ championship with Mercedes.
He now has the chance to surpass Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, the team where the iconic German racer experienced the peak of his career.
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Adrian Newey Cites ‘Lack of Experience’ for Red Bull’s 2023 Slump as He Prepares for Aston Martin Comeback
Adrian Newey believes that Red Bull's recent decline in performance can be attributed to "inexperience." He expressed his growing worries over the issue, noting that few others within the team appeared to share his level of concern.
Adrian Newey, the design expert for Formula 1, indicated that Red Bull's decline in performance last year might have been due to their "inexperience."
Following a dominant performance with victories in seven of the first 10 races, Red Bull managed to secure only two wins in the last 14 competitions.
Max Verstappen's exceptional performance secured another drivers' championship, but the team fell behind McLaren and Ferrari in the competition for the constructors' title.
Red Bull experienced a decline in performance as the RB20 became notably challenging to handle.
Even Verstappen couldn't secure a top position, ending up in a far-off sixth place at the Italian Grand Prix.
In Baku, the situation mirrored previous events, with Verstappen securing a fifth-place finish. This result might have been a seventh-place finish if not for a collision involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.
Red Bull managed to resolve several of their problems, yet McLaren and Ferrari frequently maintained a lead in terms of sheer performance.
In an interview with the German outlet AMuS, Newey expressed his "concern" regarding the path Red Bull was taking. However, not everyone within the team shared his worries.
"Newey stated that a significant factor was the efforts by McLaren and Ferrari in enhancing their vehicles, and they have been quite successful in doing so."
"From my observations, it seems that the Red Bull car, both the model for 2024 and the final phases of 2023, became increasingly challenging to drive. Max was able to manage this difficulty, even though it wasn't ideally suited for him. On the other hand, Checo struggled with these changes. This led to a noticeable gap in performance between Max and Checo, the two teammates."
"The issue persisted into early 2024, but the vehicle remained fast enough to handle it. While I was beginning to worry about this, it appeared that few others within the organization shared my concerns."
"Based on my observations from an external perspective, though I can't be certain, it seems that the Red Bull team—without any intended criticism—may have continued on their chosen path possibly due to inexperience. This issue became increasingly severe, eventually making it challenging even for Max to handle the driving."
Newey is preparing to embark on a fresh journey with Aston Martin. He is set to begin his role with the team in March.
The individual, aged 66, is set to assume the position of managing technical partner, leading Aston Martin's Formula 1 initiatives with a particular emphasis on the year 2026.
The owner of the team, Lawrence Stroll, believes that bringing Newey on board is the crucial element they have been lacking.
Stroll has named Andy Cowell, the former head of Mercedes' engine division, as the team's principal for the upcoming season.
Enrico Cardille has become a part of the team, having left Ferrari, and will strengthen their technical framework.
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Rookie Sensation or Cautionary Tale? Kimi Antonelli Urged to ‘Slow Down’ by F1 Veteran Montoya Ahead of Mercedes Debut
Kimi Antonelli advised to 'take it easy' to prevent 'uncomfortable' scenarios
Andrea Kimi Antonelli receives a caution from a former F1 race victor before his debut season as a newcomer.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been encouraged to "take it easy" as he prepares for his first F1 season with Mercedes.
Following only one season in Formula 2 and skipping Formula 3 entirely, the 18-year-old Italian driver is set to take over from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, joining forces with George Russell.
Antonelli gained attention after he collided during his initial F1 practice session at the Italian Grand Prix last year. This incident occurred just as he was revealed to be joining Mercedes as a driver in 2025.
Ex-Grand Prix victor Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Antonelli will face challenges in meeting the high expectations during his first Formula 1 season.
A seven-time grand prix champion expressed to CasinoApps that Kimi Antonelli faces significant challenges in meeting the high expectations set for him. "It's definitely going to be a tough journey," he remarked.
"He possesses the speed necessary to excel, but with great speed comes the risk of accidents. It's often mentioned that he experienced many crashes with the older vehicles."
"I believe he is completely dedicated, and if Kimi can manage his feelings and recognize that achieving results may require patience, I think he will do well."
"If he decides to join the race and aims to defeat everyone, it could quickly turn against him. It might be wise for someone to advise him to take it easy and not rush."
He has periods when he can avoid getting into difficult scenarios. However, there's a strong possibility that he could find himself in an uncomfortable situation. While he has demonstrated his speed, he has also proven that he can make errors.
"If you speed up, you might crash, but if you avoid crashing, you slow down."
Montoya added, "It's important to strike a balance between maintaining speed and not going too far."
When you have a teammate like Russell, who is at the peak of his performance and has been with the team for quite some time, it's challenging because there aren't any priorities or advantages given.
"It's important to work with what you have and strive for the best outcome. You might experience some excellent weeks or some that are not so great and just average. It's crucial to figure out how to maximize the potential of each week."
"It’s important to grasp the reasons for their shortcomings. Identifying small adjustments that could elevate him from mediocre to excellent is crucial. By investing time in recognizing these distinctions, he will be equipped to adapt and respond appropriately to various circumstances."
Antonelli successfully completes driving test
This week, Antonelli announced that he successfully completed his driving test, achieving this milestone only six weeks ahead of his Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix, which marks the beginning of the season.
Although Antonelli accumulated several thousand miles in an F1 car to get ready for his first season, he was not legally allowed to drive on public roads until recently.
Antonelli shared with Sky Sports during the Autosport Awards on Wednesday night that he made a small error in the theory, but overall, things went smoothly.
"I have to admit, I felt quite anxious and frightened. I realized that this was my only chance to get it right, as once the season begins, I won't have the opportunity to try again."
"I kept reminding myself that it was something I had to accomplish. In the end, things turned out successfully, and it was a huge relief for me."
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Ferrari’s Final Test Day: Hamilton Steps Aside for Reserve Driver Evaluation
Ferrari is set to choose two alternate drivers to allow Lewis Hamilton to take a break during the last testing session in Barcelona. Hamilton will not be participating in Ferrari's concluding test day at the Barcelona track.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are not expected to participate in the last day of Ferrari's private Formula 1 testing session in Barcelona.
After spending two days sharing the driving responsibilities in a 2023 vehicle, Hamilton and Leclerc will make way for Ferrari to assess several of their reserve driver candidates on Thursday.
This was arranged prior to Hamilton's Ferrari accident on Wednesday, which disrupted the team's testing schedule for that day.
This week, Ferrari reserved the Spanish Grand Prix track for a three-day session to assist Hamilton in getting ready for the 2025 F1 season, working alongside his new teammate, Leclerc.
In a private test session classified under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), Hamilton was able to further familiarize himself with Ferrari's protocols and build a professional rapport with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.
The world champion, who has won the title seven times, drove the Ferrari SF-23 on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning, he returned to the track with the same car, but the session concluded prematurely following an accident.
On Thursday, other drivers from Ferrari's lineup are expected to have the opportunity to gain some Formula 1 experience.
Former Sauber driver Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been serving as a reserve for Ferrari since 2017, is scheduled to participate in track sessions alongside Dino Beganovic.
Beganovic, who is 21 years old and part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is set to compete in his debut full season in Formula 2 with the Hitech team in 2025.
The day will offer Beganovic a valuable opportunity to get accustomed to Formula 1 equipment and help him accumulate the necessary mileage to be eligible for a Super Licence.
Ferrari has not yet made an official announcement regarding their backup driver choices for the 2025 season.
In 2024, Oliver Bearman stepped in for Carlos Sainz during the race in Saudi Arabia. However, with Bearman now committed to a permanent position with Haas for the next season, Ferrari is searching for other options.
Although Giovinazzi has consistently been a potential backup option for Ferrari, Beganovic might also become a contender for the team.
Beganovic is expected to participate in several FP1 sessions this year in order to meet Ferrari's requirement for young driver participation.
There have been connections between Zhou Guanyu and the position following the loss of his spot at Sauber.
In the interim, Hamilton and Leclerc, along with McLaren, are set to participate in a Pirelli tire testing session for the 2026 season at the Barcelona circuit on the upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday, which falls on the 4th and
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