Uncertainty looms over Lewis Hamilton's dedication to simulator sessions and testing as doubts are dismissed.

"He might have to go back to square one now."

It has been reported that Lewis Hamilton is set to wholeheartedly accept and engage in testing and simulator responsibilities with Ferrari.

The Crash F1 podcast discussed how it's unjust to label Hamilton as an F1 driver who dislikes testing or using the simulator.

Although he usually skips the postseason F1 test, he is ready to dive into his new journey with Ferrari and get involved.

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Lewis Larkam mentioned on the podcast that, based on what they've observed, he is genuinely committed to this, not only when using the simulator.

"Even the little things, such as his attempts to begin learning Italian, have been steps towards building relationships."

The statement highlights his dedication and desire for success.

The individual has started using the simulator, marking the beginning of that process. This step will be vital for his performance at Ferrari and in shaping a car that aligns with his needs and supports his success.

While at Mercedes, he felt very at ease and probably didn't require additional time.

"It seems he may have to begin again from the beginning."

Hamilton's Simulator Sessions Raise No Significant Worries

It's intriguing to see the connection Lewis Hamilton has quickly developed with the Tifosi. They already have a deep admiration for him. In fact, about 1,500 fans gathered around to watch his initial testing session, which is a larger crowd than what greeted either Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso during their respective tests.

He has already established a bond and appears to be integrating himself well, both with the Tifosi and, crucially, with the team.

Lewis Hamilton has consistently expressed his dislike for testing, often attempting to avoid participating in postseason testing sessions. Despite this, his ability to propel a team forward has never been in doubt.

"I think he will be completely refreshed and ready to achieve those improvements."

Connor McDonagh mentioned that except for possibly the previous year, he consistently took the lead in driving the arrangements forward.

"He was in the simulator, working on improving the performance of Mercedes."

"He won't back down. He will dedicate himself completely to the mission."

"There is little reason to worry about what he has contributed in this context."

Lewis Larkam responded by saying, "During last season, there were moments when Hamilton seemed to lose focus. It felt like he was mentally disengaged at times."

"He was aware that Mercedes was not going to secure victories in races, let alone clinch the championship, and he was conscious of his impending departure."

"The situation was unusual since the announcement of his departure came before he actually left."

"Maybe Hamilton relaxed a bit, either intentionally or without realizing it."

"As he enters this season, he will be fully prepared and focused."

"The main issue will be how fast he can get up to speed."

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Liam Lawson cautioned that "there will be nowhere to hide" at Red Bull, as the objectives for 2025 were set. He expressed excitement, saying, "One of the highlights for me will be watching how he performs this year at the front of the pack."

Ex-Formula 1 racer Anthony Davidson has cautioned Liam Lawson that partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025 will leave him with "nowhere to hide."

Red Bull selected Lawson to replace Sergio Perez for the next season.

During his six-race period with Red Bull in 2024, Lawson was unable to qualify ahead of Yuki Tsunoda. Nonetheless, Red Bull admired how swiftly he adapted and his eagerness to compete aggressively on the circuit.

In 2025, Lawson is set to compete against Verstappen, who aims to secure his fifth straight F1 drivers' championship.

In evaluating Lawson before his debut full season in Formula 1, Davidson suggests that Lawson's primary objective should be to accumulate sufficient points to support Red Bull in their battle for the constructors' championship—a feat that Perez was unable to achieve during his last year with the team.

According to Davidson on the Sky Sports F1 website, Liam Lawson, with just 11 Grands Prix to his name, is taking on a pivotal role next to Max Verstappen, widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in history. This undoubtedly marks a crucial moment in Lawson’s career.

His task is straightforward: consistently secure points in the championship to aid Red Bull in their quest for the Constructors' Championship. He will be under significant scrutiny and pressure, but up to this point, he has evidently won over key individuals whose opinions are crucial.

"Watching him compete at the front of the grid this year will be a major highlight for me."

Red Bull requires enhancement in 2025

Despite Verstappen securing his fourth drivers' championship with two races remaining, Red Bull concluded the season as the third-quickest team.

In 2024, Verstappen clinched victory in seven out of the first ten races. However, in the following 14 races, he managed to secure only

Red Bull faced challenges with improving their car during the season, and the handling features of the RB20 posed significant difficulties for both drivers, including Verstappen.

Starting with the Singapore race, Red Bull was able to reverse its fortunes, enabling Verstappen to secure victories in both Brazil and Qatar.

His victory in Brazil came from his exceptional performance in varying weather conditions. Meanwhile, in Qatar, he benefited from a penalty given to Lando Norris, which made the final part of the race easier for him.

In the absence of Adrian Newey, Red Bull's design team will face a significant challenge in 2025 as they strive to demonstrate to Verstappen their ability to continue crafting exceptional Formula 1 vehicles.

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How Williams Has Surpassed Carlos Sainz’s Expectations

Carlos Sainz discusses why Williams has already made a favorable impact on him as they prepare for the 2025 F1 season.

Carlos Sainz has been favorably impressed by Williams as he gets ready for his first Formula 1 season with the team.

Star acquisition Sainz was the initial Williams driver to take the new 2025 car for a spin, after it was unveiled at Silverstone last Friday.

The driver, who has secured four grand prix victories, has transitioned from Ferrari after being replaced to accommodate the incoming seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Even though not much can be learned from these initial runs due to F1 testing limitations and unusual track conditions, Sainz found the experience immediately promising.

Carlos Sainz described his initial experience with the FW47 as "honestly positive" during a discussion with reporters, among them Crash.net, after his first drive of the vehicle.

"The most significant aspect of this event is that it highlights Williams' advancement. The team's confidence is evident as they organize a test in front of all their key partners and the media, showcasing the car's inaugural laps. This demonstrates Williams' faith in their upgraded equipment, ensuring the vehicle performs smoothly, as was evident today without any problems."

"It's a positive indication and a strong message to the outside world, reflecting the advancements Williams aims to achieve. I'm pleased with how the first day went."

In the post-season test at Abu Dhabi in December, Sainz had the chance to try out Williams' 2024 car and expressed that he was pleasantly surprised by the vehicle's performance.

He stated that first impressions hold significant weight as you only get a single opportunity to make one, and in this case, it was a favorable one.

During my time in Abu Dhabi, I discovered a car that exceeded my initial expectations to some extent. While it did have some shortcomings when compared to the vehicles I am accustomed to driving, the difference wasn't significantly large.

"The midfield teams have significantly closed the gap with the leading teams. This was evident during the first qualifying session in Abu Dhabi, where our times were separated by just half a second. When you consider that margin over an entire lap, it comes down to sensing a difference of about a hundredth of a second in each corner. You need to be highly skilled to detect such subtle differences."

The speaker expressed definite feelings and noted that they observed the team to be highly motivated and energetic. This was particularly impressive considering the challenges of completing a triple-header and the Abu Dhabi test, after which people typically just want to head home.

"The enthusiasm I witnessed on that day, along with our ability to flawlessly adhere to and carry out our strategy, was significant to me. This test was crucial and I believe it will be beneficial as we prepare for Bahrain."

Sainz was reluctant to share his predictions for the upcoming season at such an early point.

He urged, "Let me at least have the Bahrain test to evaluate." He emphasized that the competition among the midfield teams will be extremely close. He pointed out that even if you make a seven-tenths improvement, it doesn't make a difference if your competitors also make the same progress, as you'll still find yourself in the same position on the grid.

"I require some time to evaluate the situation of everyone in Bahrain before determining our strategy for Australia. A crucial aspect for me is maintaining the positive momentum and continued progress that Williams is experiencing."

"We are witnessing advancements across the board, and it's crucial to maintain this momentum and continue capitalizing on it. In my view, sustaining this progress is key, as I believe the significant opportunity for Williams will arise in 2026 rather than 2025."

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Lando Norris has been advised that he will need to be fiercely competitive in his 2025 showdown with Max Verstappen. "He must be ready to fiercely defend his position, as if having razor blades on his elbows, during their wheel-to-wheel duels."

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle humorously suggested that Lando Norris should prepare for a tough title fight against Max Verstappen in 2025 by equipping "razor blades."

On Thursday afternoon, McLaren unveiled their 2025 Formula 1 car, the MCL39, with Norris taking it for its inaugural spin on the Silverstone circuit.

The team from Woking concluded the previous year as the quickest, securing their first constructors’ championship in 26 years.

Norris couldn’t challenge Verstappen until the very end because of several missed chances, resulting from strategic missteps or small errors by the driver.

As McLaren is anticipated to start strongly in 2025, Norris firmly believes he can secure the championship this year.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Brundle evaluated Norris's prospects for the upcoming season.

Brundle expressed confidence, saying, "I believe he understands his responsibilities. He has gained considerable experience over time and has already secured victories. Last year, he impressively won two races by leading from the start and maintaining control. I think he possesses all the necessary qualities."

"I respect how Lando remained loyal to McLaren even when many drivers might have been tempted to leave for other attractive opportunities. He demonstrated faith in the team, believing in their potential, and they ultimately delivered."

"They currently hold the championship title. We can only hope he achieves complete revenge."

"Sharper Elbows Needed"

Norris needs to enhance his skills in close racing situations, especially when competing directly with Verstappen.

During the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen gave Norris a lesson in racing on the track.

During the race in Mexico, Norris seemed to be more aggressive towards Verstappen, resulting in Verstappen receiving two 10-second penalties.

"Lando is now skilled at taking charge in races," Brundle commented. "I believe he's convinced that a world championship title is within his reach. To achieve it, he'll need to be aggressive and fiercely competitive when going up against Max in close racing situations."

"It's evident that this is how Max competes—he's relentless—and that's the reason he's secured the last four world championships. I'm certain this year will be extremely close. I anticipate it will be highly competitive."

"The current rules are well-established, leaving limited room for further development of the cars. Teams will make minor adjustments, but with the significant overhaul expected in 2026, which is approaching quickly, they are likely to focus their finances, resources, staff, and efforts on preparing for the 2026 model."

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Alex Albon dismisses the idea of feeling 'pressure' before competing with Carlos Sainz. Albon expresses excitement about the opportunity to face Sainz while driving for Williams.

Alex Albon states that he doesn't experience any pressure with Carlos Sainz joining him as his new teammate at Williams F1; rather, he views it as a chance to grow.

Williams secured a deal with four-time Grand Prix victor Sainz after he departed from Ferrari, clearing the path for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to join the team in 2025.

Sainz joins Williams after what could be considered his most impressive season in Formula 1, where he closely competed with Charles Leclerc. He is expected to offer Albon the most formidable competition he's faced since becoming part of the team in 2022.

There are indications that 2025 might be a crucial year for Albon, following relatively straightforward competition with former Williams teammates Nicholas Latifi, Logan Sargeant, and Franco Colapinto.

Albon views Sainz's arrival as a beneficial development for both himself and the Williams team.

When asked about feeling pressure, Albon explained to reporters, including those from Crash.net, at Silverstone that he views it as an opportunity instead. This statement came during the unveiling of Williams' new 2025 car on Friday.

Carlos has established himself as a highly skilled driver, especially after completing an impressive season in F1. I feel assured in my own abilities and am thrilled to have such a talented teammate from whom I can learn a lot. I also aim to contribute positively to him, and ultimately, we both share the goal of propelling the team forward in the coming years.

"Based on our discussions and our shared appreciation for the car, I believe we'll have a productive collaboration."

Albon acknowledged that Williams is partially focused on the 2026 regulation changes as they aim to advance towards the leading positions. However, he is optimistic that Sainz joining the team will provide an immediate boost this year.

Albon mentioned his belief that this year could be the most competitive season in F1 history. "Unless a team has developed an extraordinary advantage, the difference between the fastest and slowest times in the qualifying sessions, from Q1 to Q3, will likely be just one-tenth of a second," he explained.

"There is absolutely no room for mistakes in this context. We must be in sync and both of us need to be competitive. Overall, I believe the lineup this year is quite strong. Particularly at the beginning of the year, as the new drivers are getting accustomed, there might be some chances to capitalize on."

"I'm not sure what other people's strategies are, but we certainly have next year in our sights. However, it's going to be a tough competition for all involved, which is why I'm optimistic that having two team members and two skilled drivers will be beneficial."

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Carlos Sainz shares his first impressions after taking the FW47 for a spin.

Carlos Sainz completes initial laps in Williams' 2025 Formula 1 vehicle.

Carlos Sainz has taken the initial laps in Williams' latest Formula 1 vehicle for the 2025 racing season.

On a chilly Friday morning at Silverstone, Williams unveiled their 2025 contender, the FW47, becoming the second team to showcase their new Formula 1 car.

Just a day following the reveal of McLaren's 2025 vehicle at the British Grand Prix location, Williams showcased their FW47 with a special edition paint job during a live-streamed launch occasion.

Williams is conducting an initial shakedown test at Silverstone before the team travels to Bahrain for pre-season testing with the car later this month.

Sainz, their major acquisition, was the initial person to drive the new vehicle.

Carlos Sainz, now part of the Williams team after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, managed to finish just one installation lap before heading back to the pit garage.

The Spaniard shared positive initial feedback, stating that his short run went smoothly.

He was overheard communicating with his Williams team stationed at the pit wall, assuring them, "Everything's fine so far, everything's fine. It's just really chilly in here. Everything's fine."

The FW47 is making its debut appearance 💙💨 pic.twitter.com/Ynj3KgovN4— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 14, 2025

The FW47 is making its debut appearance 💙💨 pic.twitter.com/Ynj3KgovN4

In a conversation with Jenson Button, who serves as a Williams ambassador and a Sky Sports F1 analyst, Sainz remarked after exiting the vehicle: "Overall, everything went smoothly, which is positive. The initial installation lap of a brand-new car can often be a bit challenging."

To start, I have some feedback to offer. There are a couple of aspects that I believe could be enhanced based on my experience while piloting, and these are points we should discuss.

"We'll prepare the car for racing with slick tires and gradually begin to increase our speed."

Carlos Sainz and his teammate Alex Albon are scheduled to spend additional time driving the FW47 this Friday.

James Vowles, the team principal for Williams, referred to the FW47 as an "evolution" of the model that came before it.

"It's certainly a development from last year's vehicle. We've had a decent winter, but it's always challenging to gauge where we stand. The competition is tightening, and it's hard to judge how successful other teams' winters have been," he remarked.

"When you examine the vehicle, you notice a thousand aspects that have undergone change. Quite literally, not a single bolt remains in its original position."

Last season, the British team secured the ninth position in the constructors' championship.

Williams, together with the other nine Formula 1 teams, is set to unveil its 2025 livery at the F1-75 season launch event scheduled for Tuesday at the O2 arena in London.

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Unveiled: Transformations in McLaren’s Groundbreaking 2025 F1 Vehicle

McLaren discloses the major transformations in their groundbreaking 2025 Formula 1 car.

McLaren has outlined their strategy for creating a 2025 Formula 1 car, which they have labeled as "innovative."

The current champions of the constructors' championship were the first Formula 1 team to unveil their 2025 car before the new season begins. On Thursday, they introduced their latest model, the MCL39, during an event at Silverstone.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri jointly completed 200 kilometers of allowed track time in a car featuring a unique 'geometric camo design' paint job, showcasing colors of papaya orange and black.

Andrea Stella, the principal of the McLaren team, stated that their strategy to improve the new car's performance was centered around two main areas.

Stella stated that they aimed to improve the vehicle by enhancing various aspects.

"We took a close look at the basic design, as the MCL38 was already a strong performer. We needed to be thoughtful and deliberate about the level of innovation we wanted to introduce. In the end, we chose a fairly ambitious path regarding the amount of new elements incorporated into this car."

"The main goal is to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, providing our aerodynamics team with the necessary space for their designs. Simultaneously, we aimed to refine how the design interacts with the tires, particularly for better performance over longer distances."

"The main focus is essentially on these two aspects. Of course, adjustments can also be made to the suspension to improve mechanical grip, but these days, suspensions are primarily designed to support aerodynamics."

The MCL39's suspension system, both at the front and back, has undergone significant modifications when compared to the previous model, marking an enhanced focus on aerodynamics. Additionally, McLaren has redesigned the sidepods and the engine cover.

Stella stated that almost all the essential elements of the design have been changed in some manner.

“Virtually every basic element of the design has undergone innovation to achieve, at times more than just minor improvements, new technical development opportunities,” he added.

"Usually, this is intended to meet aerodynamic needs or, in certain situations, to enhance mechanical grip."

"In truth, nearly everything from the front wing to the gearbox crash structure has been optimized, either through small adjustments or sometimes through significant changes."

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Audi did not consider Sebastian Vettel as speculation arises about his unexpected return to F1. Reports suggest that Sebastian Vettel may be interested in making a comeback to Formula 1.

Rumors are circulating about a potential return to Formula 1 for Sebastian Vettel, suggesting he isn't entirely done with the sport.

Sebastian Vettel decided to retire from his Formula 1 career after experiencing two underwhelming seasons with Aston Martin, concluding his time in the sport at the end of 2022

From that point onward, the idea of Sebastian Vettel making a comeback to Formula 1 hasn't been a realistic prospect. This remains true despite speculation about him possibly signing with Mercedes after the surprising announcement that Lewis Hamilton would be moving to Ferrari in 2025.

As reported by F1-Insider, Vettel has not completely distanced himself from Formula 1 and feels he remains "physically capable."

At 37 years old, the German driver would rank as the third-oldest on the Formula 1 circuit, with only two drivers being older.

Fernando Alonso, aged 43, and Lewis Hamilton, aged 40.

Audi Passes Over Vettel

There have been ongoing rumors connecting Vettel with the Audi initiative.

Audi aimed to have a German driver lead their team starting in 2026, making Vettel an ideal candidate if he was interested in making a comeback to Formula 1.

As stated in the report, ex-Audi chief Andreas Seidl had a conversation with Vettel, but in the end, favored Carlos Sainz.

Nonetheless, Sainz had no interest, and Sauber chose to bring Nico Hulkenberg on board as their main driver.

Audi's new leader, Mattia Binotto, appeared not to have thought about Sebastian Vettel for the other position. Instead, Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto were the candidates being considered.

Audi has chosen the youthful F2 champion Bortoleto over the more experienced Bottas.

Marko is opposed to Vettel rejoining Red Bull

There have been several discussions about the possibility of Vettel making a comeback to Red Bull to team up with Max Verstappen.

Helmut Marko opposed the proposal, emphasizing his desire to "shield" Vettel from competing against the top driver in F1.

In a conversation with F1-Insider, he mentioned, "Sebastian expressed interest in racing alongside Max Verstappen on our team. However, it wouldn't have been practical, even for his own protection. Max would have undoubtedly outperformed him, which could have harmed Sebastian's reputation. I couldn't permit that to happen."

Sebastian Vettel is now focusing on the upcoming Race of Champions, where he will team up with Mick Schumacher.

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Lando Norris criticizes those questioning Lewis Hamilton after his switch to Ferrari, describing them as "foolish." "It's Lewis," he remarked. "I believe it's unwise for anyone to doubt him."

Lando Norris thinks it would be "unwise" to question Lewis Hamilton's abilities after his switch to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season.

A year ago, Hamilton surprised the sports community by announcing his decision to join Ferrari in 2025.

The 40-year-old aims to secure an unprecedented eighth championship with the Scuderia team.

Hamilton is expected to encounter tough rivalry from Norris, who secured the runner-up position in the drivers' championship last year.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Norris was questioned about Hamilton's move to Ferrari and if this change would inspire the seven-time world champion to be more driven.

"I would have assumed that," Norris remarked. "I'm not certain. Once more, each person is unique. In my opinion, it's impressive what he's currently doing and his move to Ferrari. I find it quite extraordinary."

"Ferrari is amazing, there's no doubt about it. I believe he's going to have a hard time finding any reasons not to feel driven. This is a fantastic chance for him, and it's quite an exciting narrative."

"There are numerous advantages and incentives associated with joining Ferrari. These factors provide plenty of motivation and readiness to take action. It's about Lewis; anyone who underestimates him is making a mistake."

The Formula 1 launch season has officially begun, with McLaren unveiling their 2025 race car on Thursday.

Norris and Oscar Piastri took the MCL39 out for its inaugural track test at Silverstone.

On Friday morning, Williams unveiled their 2025 vehicle, the FW49, at the British Grand Prix track.

Crash.net attended the Williams launch event, where Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and James Vowles expressed their positive outlook on the forthcoming season.

The upcoming major event in the Formula 1 schedule is F1 75 Live, set to take place at the O2 Arena in London. During this event, each of the 10 teams will unveil their new car designs.

On February 19, Ferrari plans to introduce their latest vehicle in Maranello.

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Oscar Piastri makes a strong statement about his F1 title ambitions

Oscar Piastri has expressed his goals for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Oscar Piastri is confident in his ability to secure the F1 world championship title this year.

The 23-year-old racer from Australia is set to begin his third complete Formula 1 season driving for McLaren. He is aiming to contend for the championship title after witnessing his teammate, Lando Norris, fail to secure it last year in a competition against Max Verstappen from the Red Bull team.

In 2024, Piastri and Norris played a crucial role in leading McLaren to their first constructors' world championship victory in 26 years. Now, Piastri is aiming to win the drivers' title.

Piastri expressed confidence that he has the potential to win the world championship this year.

"About a year ago, I entered the season aware that I had certain weaknesses I wasn't fully confident in."

"During the previous season, I spoke to them, and now it's a matter of speaking to them every weekend."

"I'm sure of myself, yet I believe there are still areas that need improvement. I'm not completely polished, but I don't think anyone truly is."

"If we manage to focus on the objectives we've planned for during this off-season, I'll be equipped with numerous strategies to attempt to bring those plans to fruition."

Last season, Piastri secured two wins and ended up in fourth place in the drivers' rankings, trailing behind Verstappen, Norris, and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.

As he enters his third season, Piastri believes he is better equipped to compete at the top of the field.

He mentioned that there were certainly a few weekends when he didn't perform as well as he had hoped.

"We're focusing on enhancing our ability to quickly adjust during weekends. We've thoroughly examined ways to improve our readiness for this season and identified particular areas where driving can be optimized."

At the conclusion of last season, I mentioned that I aimed to improve my performance in qualifying. However, after examining various details, I realized that it's not solely about qualifying better. There are particular areas that, if enhanced, will positively impact all aspects.

"Once you gain confidence, everything tends to fall into place. We have pinpointed certain opportunities, and by focusing on those, I am hopeful that the challenging weekends we experienced last season will eventually become a thing of the past."

The key to this season is consistently giving your best effort each weekend. There will be times when you're not the fastest, but the challenge lies in maximizing those weekends when you're not leading the pack.

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Williams Unveils 2025 F1 Vehicle with Unique Livery Design

The Williams team has become the newest member of the Formula 1 community to showcase their vehicle for the 2025 season. Reporting from Silverstone, Jack Threlfall provides the details.

Williams has unveiled their FW47 model for the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Silverstone Circuit.

Crash.net attended the event where James Vowles, Alex Albon, and newcomer Carlos Sainz eagerly discussed their goals for the year on a chilly morning in Northamptonshire.

Following the announcement this week of a multi-million dollar title sponsorship agreement with the software company Atlassian, the team boasts its most formidable driver lineup since the beginning of the hybrid era. They aim to advance into the middle ranks of F1 and build upon the intermittent successes of previous years.

The team will now officially be called 'Atlassian Williams Racing' due to the new sponsorship agreement.

Sainz joins the team headquartered in Grove, bringing with him the experience of 206 races, having stood on the podium 27 times, and having claimed victory in four of those events.

When Lewis Hamilton decided to join Ferrari, it triggered a series of changes in the F1 driver lineup. During this time, a well-liked Spanish driver became the most sought-after talent available. Throughout 2024, he remained in the spotlight as he engaged in discussions with various teams, such as Red Bull, Mercedes, and Alpine.

Carlos Sainz's involvement introduces the support of the Spanish financial institution Santander, enhancing an already extensive list of sponsors that features Gulf Oil, Duracell, and the Japanese industrial giant Komatsu.

Since Vowles took over as team principal in 2023, Williams has been laying the groundwork for enduring success in racing. Their latest driver lineup is considered another crucial move toward achieving lasting achievements in the sport.

Albon and Sainz are expected to be evenly matched as they join forces as teammates. Both drivers emerged from the prestigious Red Bull driver academy and now hold their places as seasoned competitors in the Formula 1 scene, having proven their skills and resilience in the sport's highest tier over the years.

Last year, Williams secured the ninth spot in the constructors' rankings, earning 17 points. The season was largely characterized by the focus on who would fill the second seat next to Albon.

Williams is aiming to make substantial progress towards the midfield in 2025, as they currently trail behind RB in 8th place by a notable 29-point difference. The team is motivated by the substantial increases in prize money awarded at each level of the F1 constructors’ championship.

Before the Italian Grand Prix, Logan Sargeant's frequent severe crash incidents and comparatively poor performance resulted in his contract being terminated ahead of schedule.

Following that, reserve driver Franco Colapinto took over and managed to capture attention in the paddock with his natural speed and skill, occasionally equaling or even surpassing Alex Albon during single-lap runs.

Despite the increasing costs of repairs for Williams, which have now reached approximately $9.4 million due to ongoing crashes, the Argentinian driver's performance has garnered admiration from many in the racing community, including Flavio Briatore, the head of the Alpine team.

Currently, Colapinto holds the position of reserve driver for Alpine. There is speculation that he may replace Jack Doohan at the beginning of the season if Doohan fails to make a positive impression on Briatore.

This year, there is increased anticipation surrounding Sainz at Williams. Alongside Albon, he represents a duo of Red Bull driver academy alumni who are considered some of the best on the grid. A key discussion throughout the season will be whether the FW47 can live up to the capabilities of its drivers.

Founded in 1977, and later achieving full constructor status by 1978, the team led by the iconic Frank Williams transformed from enthusiastic outsiders to world champions in just three years. Their most notable successes came in the early 1990s when they clinched world titles with drivers Nigel Mansell in 1992 and Alain Prost in 1993.

The FW14B and FW15C, crafted by Adrian Newey, featured cutting-edge suspension systems and dynamic aerodynamics that laid the groundwork for numerous design advancements in Formula 1, both current and upcoming. The FW47, unveiled today, was showcased with what the team referred to as a 'custom one-off paint scheme'.

On February 18, a Tuesday, the 2025 race car design for Williams will be revealed. This event will take place at the O2 arena in London, where it will be part of the ‘F175’ showcase featuring all ten Formula 1 teams. Reporters from Crash.net will be present to cover the event.

The vehicle is set to make its initial appearance on the track on February 26, engaging in a three-day testing session at the Bahrain International Circuit. Following this, it will compete during the opening weekend of the season at the Australian Grand Prix, which starts on March 14.

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Sauber's F1 main sponsor instructed to exit UK market due to adult film star advertisement investigation

The principal sponsor of Sauber's Formula 1 team, Stake, has been directed to shut down its UK online platform following an inquiry into an advertisement featuring a pornstar.

The UK Gambling Commission has ordered Stake, the title sponsor of Sauber's Formula 1 team, to close its website in the United Kingdom.

The UK Gambling Commission has mandated that Stake.uk.com shut down in the coming month following the promotion of a video on the social media platform X (once known as Twitter). This video, shot outside Nottingham Trent University, included adult film star Bonnie Blue.

In the video, Blue mentioned her intention to "have intimate encounters with 130 newly turned 18-year-olds" over a period of two weeks. The screen displayed logos from Stake.

The Gambling Commission imposed a fine of £316,250 on TGP Europe Limited, the operator of Stake.uk.com, in 2023 due to inadequate measures for encouraging responsible gambling and combating money laundering. The commission declared that the website's license will be revoked starting March 11.

The commission announced that this action comes after they began investigating a viral video showing the Stake logo. The video, which was shared on a social media site, included an adult film star and was filmed outside Nottingham Trent University.

TGP has faced regulatory action in the past, and after discussions with the commission, they have announced that they will promptly cease accepting new sign-ups on the Stake.uk.com site and will eliminate redirect links from the primary Stake website.

"The Great Britain location is scheduled to be completely closed by March 11, 2025."

In 2024, Stake began a sponsorship agreement with Sauber, which led to its branding being displayed on the Swiss team's Formula 1 vehicles at events where gambling promotions are permitted.

Stake is the primary sponsor displayed on the front of Everton's shirts in the Premier League.

The commission stated that clubs will need to prove they can effectively geo-block the sites, while acknowledging that these blocks can often be circumvented using tools like a virtual private network.

"Teams will need to conduct thorough investigations to convince the commission that users in Great Britain are unable to access these sites in any way. Additionally, the commission will undertake independent checks to confirm that these measures are effectively implemented."

The correspondence will caution that club officials could be subject to legal action and, if found guilty, might face penalties including fines, jail time, or both for endorsing unlicensed gambling operations that engage with customers in Great Britain.

At this point, the effects of the decision on Sauber remain uncertain, although it could affect any operations the team has in the UK.

The future Audi Formula 1 team has revealed its intention to establish a new engineering center in the UK’s 'motorsport valley' before the year ends.

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Lewis frequently travels to different countries to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on-site, providing firsthand accounts of the events and sharing the stories of key figures in the racing world.

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