Lewis Hamilton signals the beginning of a "new era" at Ferrari with a classic photo in Maranello. This moment represents a fresh chapter for Hamilton in the world of Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton was photographed standing outside the famous office of Enzo Ferrari on his inaugural day with his new Formula 1 team.

Hamilton shared an image where he is dressed in a formal suit, posing in front of the iconic red and white structure while standing beside a Ferrari sports car.

On January 20, Hamilton is set to begin his inaugural official day at Maranello, with the possibility of participating in a simulator session.

The driver who has won the world championship seven times is scheduled to test drive Ferrari's 2022 Formula 1 car later this week at their home circuit in Fiorano.

Hamilton announced on social media that a "new era" is beginning.

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He posted on Instagram: "There are certain days that will stick with you forever, and today, my debut as a Ferrari driver, is definitely one of them."

"I've been fortunate to accomplish goals in my career that I never imagined, but a part of me has always cherished the aspiration of competing in red."

"I am overjoyed to see this dream come to life today. We are beginning a new chapter in the legacy of this legendary team, and I am eager to discover the journey we will create together."

Hamilton concluded his 12-year tenure with Mercedes to join Ferrari for the next season.

The individual, aged 40, aspired to achieve a lifelong ambition of competing for the most successful team in Formula 1 history.

The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari brings together two iconic forces in the world of motorsport.

Hamilton aims to clinch his eighth F1 championship, allowing him to surpass Michael Schumacher's record.

Conversely, Ferrari has not won a championship since 2008.

Hamilton prepares for his new chapter with Ferrari

The upcoming weeks are set to be hectic for Hamilton as he adjusts to his role with the new team.

He will need to adapt to a different car's handling and understand how to use Ferrari's steering system. Additionally, establishing strong connections and good communication with his engineering team will be crucial for a fruitful season.

Hamilton is no stranger to taking daring steps in his career, as evidenced by his decision to switch from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, a move that faced significant criticism back then.

Hamilton is making his move to Ferrari at an opportune moment, as the team ended the 2024 F1 constructors' championship only 13 points shy of McLaren.

In 2024, Hamilton experienced his least successful F1 season so far, even though he managed to secure two wins.

His speed during the qualifying rounds was worrisome, as he managed to outperform George Russell in just five out of 24 races.

Should Hamilton improve his single-lap pace, he is expected to become a strong competitor at the leading edge of the race.

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Helmut Marko cautions George Russell about the potential threat posed by Kimi Antonelli.

George Russell has received a warning about the possible "danger" from his new Mercedes F1 teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Helmut Marko, who serves as an advisor for Red Bull, thinks that Andrea Kimi Antonelli could pose a threat to George Russell, his new teammate at Mercedes F1, during this season.

Mercedes has chosen to advance Antonelli to take over for the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton starting in 2025, even though the young Italian has only completed one year in Formula 2.

An 18-year-old, who is highly anticipated to be a future F1 sensation, attracted significant attention during his first practice session with Mercedes at the Italian Grand Prix last year when he collided early in the session.

In 2024, Russell outperformed his departing teammate Hamilton, but Marko believes that Antonelli's speed could present a challenge for the British driver during his debut season.

The 81-year-old Austrian expressed to Sport.de that they recognized Antonelli's talent at Monza, though he was puzzled about the decision to have him drive on that particular track.

In his initial three laps, he maintained impressive speed, but during the fourth lap, he collided with the barriers.

"If he effectively utilizes his abilities, which he certainly possesses, he could pose a threat to Russell."

Antonelli is seen as Mercedes' equivalent to Max Verstappen, known for making a dramatic entry into Formula 1 at the age of 17.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made an unsuccessful attempt to recruit Verstappen. Verstappen eventually chose to sign with Red Bull, as they were able to provide him with an instant Formula 1 seat at their affiliated team.

Wolff has confessed that a factor in the choice to elevate Antonelli to a higher position was the fear of losing the opportunity to include him in the Mercedes team.

Marko compared Antonelli to Verstappen while discussing the "risk" Mercedes is taking by placing him directly into the main team.

"Antonelli poses a risk, yet we previously embraced a similar risk with Verstappen," he stated.

"Max was quite young when he first got into the car. However, he began his career with Red Bull's affiliated team rather than a leading team, which meant he faced less pressure."

Wolff has consistently tried to temper the anticipation regarding Antonelli's first season in Formula 1.

Wolff explained to Auto Motor und Sport that anticipating him to secure pole position in Melbourne, win the race, and instantly vie for the championship involves a considerable risk, as that scenario is unlikely.

"If we consider that the young man is 18, highly skilled, yet still needs time to develop and will inevitably make errors, the risk involved is minimal. This is the reason we're proceeding. We view 2025 as a year of adjustment, aiming to get him ready for 2026."

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Video surfaces showing Lando Norris' £2 million Ferrari F40 involved in a crash in Monaco. The incident featured Norris' luxury car in an accident on the streets of Monaco.

A Ferrari F40, belonging to McLaren F1 racer Lando Norris, lost control and crashed in Monaco.

Norris was on vacation, so he wasn't driving the Ferrari.

A video has emerged on the internet, depicting Norris' vehicle losing control and crashing into the barriers.

The Ferrari's left rear suffered considerable damage.

The vehicle is estimated to be worth around £2 million and is one of only 1,311 units produced from 1987 to 1992.

In December, Norris was spotted behind the wheel of the F40 while on a shopping excursion in Monte Carlo.

The identity of the individual who was driving during the accident remains unidentified.

The iconic Ferrari sports car might have taken the driver by surprise due to a sudden boost at the back, caused by the delay in the turbocharger.

Picture yourself in a foreign country when suddenly, someone collides with your car in such a manner 😭🎥: thanosofmonaco TikTok pic.twitter.com/O40MgoTF7S— Veronique (@f1vero) January 18, 2025

Picture yourself in a foreign country when suddenly, someone collides with your car in such a manner 😭🎥: thanosofmonaco TikTok pic.twitter.com/O40MgoTF7S

The delay in power from the turbo may have caused the vehicle to lose control and ultimately crash

This video emerged following the release of another clip depicting an F40 accident, this time occurring in the United Kingdom.

Just outside of London, the F40 with the most miles on record was involved in a severe accident. The car collided with a pole and eventually tipped onto its side.

In contrast to Norris' vehicle, this F40 experienced much greater destruction.

A Ferrari service technician reportedly got into an accident with the car while taking it for a test drive.

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Max Verstappen remains committed to his current racing strategy, even as he risks facing a suspension from Formula 1 races.

Max Verstappen has stated he has no intention of altering his racing style against his Formula 1 competitors, even with the potential threat of a suspension in 2025.

Accumulating 12 penalty points within a year leads to an automatic suspension from one race, a scenario that occurred last year when ex-Haas driver Kevin Magnussen had to miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, currently holds eight points on his FIA Super Licence. He is only four points away from facing a suspension.

The Red Bull racer needs to skillfully handle the initial 11 races of the 2025 season, as two penalty points will be removed on June 30.

Nevertheless, Verstappen emphasized that he has no plans to alter his approach or driving technique.

"I will not alter how I drive because of this," Verstappen stated to Blick. "I'm aware of when I've overstepped the limits."

“At the Abu Dhabi finale, I went on the offensive against Piastri right from the beginning. After the race, I was perfectly okay with offering him an apology.”

He mentioned, "Encouraging my ambition can set things in motion."

The topic of penalties and points could be debated endlessly. Currently, much like Alonso, I have accumulated eight penalty points. However, I have no intention of altering the way I drive.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, acknowledged that Verstappen must exercise caution in order to prevent facing a suspension in the near future.

"Marko mentioned to Sky Deutschland following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concluded the season, that the driver secured another two points, bringing his total to eight, and emphasized the need for caution."

"Some stewards impose harsher penalties, which is a common issue, and it was suggested that having more uniformity would be beneficial."

What are the points earned by Verstappen for?

2024 Austrian Grand Prix

Score: 2

Cause: Contact with Lando Norris

2024 Mexico City Grand Prix:

Total: 2

Rationale: Causing Norris to leave the track

2024 São Paulo Grand Prix

Score: 1

Reason: Violation of the V

2024 Qatar Grand Prix

Score: 1

Explanation: Moving too slowly during the qualifying session and obstructing George Russell.

2024 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

Score: 2

Cause: Crash involving Oscar Piastri

Fernando Alonso, who drives for Aston Martin, has accumulated eight penalty points on his license.

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Ferrari's CEO has cautioned Formula 1 competitors about Lewis Hamilton's significant move to join their team, signaling that Hamilton is ready to compete at the highest level once again.

Lewis Hamilton has re-entered the competition with his switch to Ferrari, as cautioned by the company's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, to other F1 competitors.

The legendary driver, who has won the world championship seven times, has made a historic switch in Formula 1 by leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari. He will team up with Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season.

Today, Hamilton is scheduled to visit Maranello for the first time. During his visit, he will engage in a simulator session and interact with the team members, in preparation for his first on-track outing with Ferrari later this week.

The high-profile transfer has sparked widespread discussion within the F1 community, and Vigna has acknowledged that Ferrari shares the same sense of anticipation and enthusiasm.

"There is enthusiasm and a strong eagerness to begin and tackle the challenges," Vigna reportedly stated to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"Transformation is crucial, and Hamilton has re-entered the competition."

At the beginning of the year, I enjoyed his LinkedIn post, which conveyed a strong message about maintaining hope in all aspects of life. With him and Charles, we're sure to have a great time.

A person who has secured seven championships has a lot to offer. When I speak with Fred Vasseur, the head of Ferrari, he highlights this individual's skill in providing technical advice, among other things.

He is eager for transformation and isn't fearful of it.

At 40 years old, he has reentered the scene. He has adopted various aspects of a culture that is quite distinct from the Anglo-Saxon tradition.

The LinkedIn post brought to my mind the moment when Indro Montanelli, the Italian journalist, chose to make a significant change in his life at 80 years old. Montanelli, who had founded the newspaper La Voce at 85 after a falling-out with Silvio Berlusconi in 1994, inspired me with his decision. I thought it was wonderful.

Hamilton is set to provide Ferrari with fresh momentum as he joins the team. His aim is to break the Scuderia's lengthy dry spell, which dates back to 2008 for the constructors' championship and 2007 for the drivers' world title.

The British driver, aged 40, is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth championship title, which would surpass the record held by Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher.

Vigna thinks that Hamilton joining Ferrari will bring new enthusiasm to the team, especially after they came close to winning the constructors' championship but lost to McLaren last season.

"At the final race in Abu Dhabi last year, I expressed my gratitude to the entire team, including Fred Vasseur and the mechanics, stating that I am proud of what we accomplished," he remarked.

"There is currently a positive vibe, and it's evident that this should be preserved at all times. This embodies the essence of the Ferrari spirit, which continually drives you to excel."

"This will provide us with fresh momentum. Lewis will gain insights from us, and we will gain insights from him. It's similar to dancing; maintaining the rhythm is what's crucial."

Hamilton is set to compete in his first race for Ferrari on March 16, during the opening event of the season, which is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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Unveiled: The Staggering Earnings of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari

What is Lewis Hamilton's anticipated income from his lucrative Ferrari deal in 2025?

Lewis Hamilton is poised to make an astonishing $100 million annually with his new contract with Ferrari F1 beginning in 2025.

As reported by Formu1a.uno, Hamilton's total income includes his base salary, sponsorship deals, image rights, and performance bonuses.

This agreement will place Hamilton among the top-earning drivers in Ferrari's history, reminiscent of the substantial contracts Michael Schumacher secured during his tenure with the team.

The report indicates that Ferrari has assured Hamilton of the team's technical capabilities, especially with the upcoming addition of ex-Mercedes engineer Loic Serra.

Ferrari is reportedly planning to collaborate with Hamilton on several diversity initiatives that the seven-time world champion has been passionate about in recent years.

With Hamilton joining the team, Ferrari is set to boast the most formidable driver roster on the grid for the 2025 season.

Charles Leclerc has entered into a contract with the team for several years. The report indicates that he views Hamilton's arrival as a beneficial development, not as a challenge or a risk to his role in the team.

Leclerc receives a set salary that will rise each year.

As reported by the Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, Leclerc has the potential to increase his current salary of €25 million twofold if he completes the full duration of his contract.

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Ferrari insider shares untold characteristics of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso

Former Ferrari engineer discloses the true nature of Michael Schumacher

A Ferrari insider alleges that the real characters of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso differ from the public's perception.

Michael Schumacher's time with Ferrari is iconic, as it resulted in him winning five Formula 1 titles. This achievement brought his career total to an unparalleled seven championships, a record later equaled by Lewis Hamilton.

Alonso delivered outstanding performances while driving for Ferrari, notably during the remarkable 2012 season; however, he was unable to secure a drivers' championship for the Italian team.

Each driver was known for having a demeanor that was either reserved or somewhat difficult when interacting with others in the paddock.

Rob Smedley, who worked as an engineer for Ferrari while both drivers were there, shared on the Red Flags podcast that the external appearance doesn't match the internal reality.

"[Fernando] is similar to Michael. People often thought of Michael as being conceited, mechanical, and unpleasant."

"In truth, he was a wonderful person. His generosity was remarkable."

"He possessed a humble nature and was filled with humility. His self-doubt motivated him to achieve greatness."

"He constantly doubted himself. He was extremely giving towards the team, believing that he couldn't achieve this without their help."

Fernando Alonso's Authentic Self Unveiled

"Fernando tends to keep to himself," Smedley emphasized.

The persona presented publicly differs from the one experienced by teammates.

Regarding his demeanor among teammates, he is highly competitive.

His goal is to achieve victory by strictly adhering to the rules, no matter what.

"Having him on your side is invaluable. His presence in your team is essential due to the high-pressure and challenging nature of the situation, requiring individuals who are always proactive and ready to act."

Fernando is an athlete known for his competitive nature. Occasionally, his competitive spirit can become overwhelming, as it did in situations with Michael and others.

"Having Fernando on your team is truly a valuable advantage."

Alonso's competitive nature has led to tensions with Hamilton, and these conflicts resurfaced during his stint with Alpine.

In 2025, Alonso will be starting his third season with Aston Martin, and he is eager to secure his 33rd grand prix victory, a milestone he has not reached since 2013.

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Key individual at Ferrari recognized as Lewis Hamilton touches down in Italy.

"Pressure isn't necessary; those who excel in Formula 1 already thrive without additional pressure!"

The leadership of Fred Vasseur is highlighted as a key asset for Ferrari as they prepare for Lewis Hamilton to join the team.

For the first time, Hamilton is scheduled to drive a Ferrari next week at Fiorano, located in Italy.

For his inaugural visit to Maranello, he will take the wheel of one of the team's previous Formula 1 vehicles after making a significant transition from Mercedes.

A former key figure at Ferrari emphasizes that their team principal plays a crucial role in what Hamilton will encounter.

Rob Smedley expressed his admiration for Fred, stating on the Red Flags podcast that he appreciates Fred and the work he is involved in. Notably, Smedley served as Felipe Massa's race engineer.

"I am lucky or perhaps unlucky to receive proposals from Formula 1 teams, and my personal measure is whether I would consider working for them."

"There aren't many individuals I would do that for, but Fred is one of them."

"He speaks very directly and is humble."

He possesses both intelligence and a charming demeanor, which is a valuable trait for a high-level manager working in a high-pressure environment.

"Individuals who thrive in Formula 1 do not require additional stress to succeed."

"If you achieve success in Formula 1, you'll find that your toughest critic is often yourself."

Fred has effectively shown this and taken care of individuals.

"You can't claim it's a blame-free environment if, when something goes wrong, someone is immediately shown the door!"

Fred excels in caring for his team. He understands what it takes to achieve success.

"Some F1 team principals lack the necessary understanding," Smedley asserted, adding that it might be more common than people think.

"Many Formula 1 team principals lack the understanding needed to build a winning team."

He referred to Ross Brawn, a key figure during Michael Schumacher's successful period at Ferrari, who subsequently headed Honda.

"Ross is undoubtedly a superstar, his reputation is self-explanatory. I've gained knowledge from both Ross and Jean Todt," noted Smedley.

"They guided me and offered their support."

"The present group? Toto Wolff is an excellent leader. He understands the dynamics."

"Reflecting on a decade ago, despite his lack of experience, he compensated with intelligence, determination, and a strong desire to succeed."

"The newcomers? Andrea Stella is a former colleague and friend from our time at Ferrari. He is highly respected and instills a great deal of trust and assurance."

"He is quite practical and avoids attempting anything too unconventional or reckless."

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Sergio Perez's father supports a surprising career shift for his son away from Formula 1. According to his dad, Perez might enter an unforeseen racing series.

Sergio Perez's father has suggested that his son might transition to a different racing series outside of Formula 1.

After a lackluster performance in the 2024 season, Perez was replaced as Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull in Formula 1, with Liam Lawson taking over the position.

Perez is not part of the 2025 F1 driver roster; however, his father has spotted a surprising chance for him.

"I never thought Formula E would exist," Antonio Perez mentioned to Estadio Deportes during his visit to the Mexico E-Prix.

"Exercise caution, as Checo Perez might be competing at this location."

When questioned about whether he could see his son truly becoming part of Formula E, he responded, "Certainly, without any hesitation."

"The category has been active in this location for 11 years, making it relatively new."

"At present, it ranks as the second globally, but in the coming five years, it is expected to lead the world. This is the reason for my presence here; I am anticipating what lies ahead…"

What's in Store for Sergio Perez?

Following a challenging season where his insufficient points tally played a role in Red Bull's failure to retain their constructors' championship title against McLaren, a return to Formula 1 appears improbable for Perez.

The introduction of new entrants like Cadillac and the transforming Audi could present a surprising chance, yet there is also a possibility that his time is over.

Perez claimed he was surprised by his removal from F1, which is why he is taking time to plan his future steps.

He confessed that a compelling project in Formula 1 would capture his attention.

However, unless he joins the team midway through the season in a manner similar to Daniel Ricciardo's 2023 entry with AlphaTauri, it appears improbable.

Perez is aware that in 2026, Cadillac's arrival will create two additional openings for drivers.

Due to his vast experience, he could be considered for the new position.

However, the previous year might remain memorable for anyone thinking about Perez.

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Gianpiero Lambiase praised for his "no hierarchy" spirited disagreements with Max Verstappen

Former Ferrari employee Rob Smedley discusses the skills of a race engineer

Gianpiero Lambiase has been praised for the way he communicates with Max Verstappen.

In the world of Formula 1, Verstappen and his race engineer are famous for their spirited exchanges over the radio.

Lambiase is especially praised for his calm and composed reactions to Verstappen's frequently intense remarks.

During an episode of the Red Flags Podcast, Rob Smedley mentioned that the person in question is an engineer, just as he used to be.

Smedley was employed by Jordan, Ferrari, and Williams within the F1 community, where he gained recognition for his role as Felipe Massa's race engineer.

He described the special responsibilities of a race engineer, who needs to communicate with a driver under pressure through radio communication during a grand prix event.

"When I was just beginning, Gary Anderson advised me that 'you need to flatter each other' in order to succeed," Smedley remarked.

"There isn't a ranking system in place; it's just two individuals working together to maximize the potential of this situation."

"It's also like a pressure cooker. You need to maintain a fully transparent relationship."

"There will be times when you become frustrated with him, or he becomes frustrated with you."

"It's similar to any close relationship; you have those instances where things are tense, but just a few minutes later, everything is fine again."

"That is how the dynamic should function between an engineer and a driver when their partnership is well-established."

Gianpiero Lambiase has been commended for keeping Max Verstappen in check. "GP speaks candidly to him, and Max is quick to respond," Smedley added.

"Something I appreciate about GP, which aligns with my own feelings, is that drivers can occasionally display sociopathic tendencies in their perspectives regarding the team."

"These individuals work tirelessly, often into the late hours, on your behalf."

"You've heard GP mention this a few times, and I've also communicated it to my drivers: 'It's important that you visit the garage and apologize to the team, as your actions have been immature and you've not treated others kindly.'"

"GP accomplished that with Max, just as I achieved it during my period."

The manner in which Gianpiero behaves during radio broadcasts mirrors the nature of their actual relationship.

"They have complete dependence on each other and share absolute trust."

Every time I communicated a message, I kept in mind that the sport isn't named 'Massa Formula 1', 'Smedley Formula 1', or 'Alonso Formula 1'. It's known as Ferrari Formula 1.

"Our salaries come from Scuderia Ferrari, as that is our employer."

"You need to find the right balance. If a race engineer concentrates solely on the team's requirements, they won't be maximizing the performance of their car."

"If you don't focus on improving the package, you're letting the team down. It's a delicate balance to enhance the car without crossing the line and harming the team's overall performance."

Lambiase, who has worked with Verstappen throughout his four straight driver titles, is set to be promoted to a new position at Red Bull this year.

He is set to take on the role of Head of Racing as part of an organizational reshuffle following Jonathan Wheatley's departure.

Importantly, Lambiase will continue to communicate with Verstappen over the radio during races.

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McLaren's approach to team orders in Formula 1 is expected to undergo a renewal by 2025, according to Lando Norris.

Lando Norris has announced that McLaren plans to update their team orders policy for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

In 2024, team orders stirred discussions at McLaren when the team decided to prioritize Norris, who became Max Verstappen's main competitor for the championship during the latter part of the season.

Following criticism regarding their management of events in Hungary and Italy, which resulted in Norris falling behind Verstappen, McLaren ultimately decided to focus on supporting the British driver.

According to Norris, the 'Papaya Rules' of McLaren will be revised for the upcoming season, allowing both drivers to compete under the same conditions.

"[2025] marks a new beginning, and Oscar will also have the chance to compete for a championship," Norris stated.

Much of the discussion and reporting you engage in stems from the competition for the championship title, specifically the battle for the Drivers’ Championship, which has been the catalyst for many conversations and developments.

"I worked hard to deserve some of those benefits."

"I proved my worth by performing well throughout the entire season, which is why I was granted that chance. I don't go around requesting it."

"Winning a championship like this isn't my preferred way. I aim to compete fairly against Max, contribute my best efforts, and achieve the title on my own terms."

"Occasionally, Oscar assists me in certain situations."

"It seemed as though everyone was talking as if it would happen at every race."

"We headed into Baku, and the situation was actually reversed. I managed to hold off Sergio Perez a little, and then Oscar assisted me in securing a victory in Brazil."

"Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated on Sunday, and the chance slipped away, but I made amends."

"I believe this is where we excel as a team. I don't think other teams operate in the same manner."

"This is certainly one of the reasons we have reached our current position as a leading team in Formula 1, and why we competed for the victory in the Constructors' Championship."

Piastri discusses McLaren’s 'perfect situation'

Though he was content with the circumstances last season since he wasn't competing for the championship, Piastri is now resolute in preventing a similar situation from occurring this year.

"It's somewhat of a dilemma," said the two-time grand prix champion in an interview with Autosport. "If my position were stronger, there likely wouldn't be any team directives."

"It seems like the issue has been blown out of proportion. In reality, there hasn't been a circumstance yet where we've had to rely on them, if you will."

"Indeed, a few adjustments have been made, with some new rules and modifications to certain aspects of racing. However, these changes apply to quite specific situations, in my opinion. Consequently, it seems to be a more significant topic for those not directly involved with the team."

For those of us who are part of this, we understand the importance of making the right choices when necessary. Looking ahead to next year, my goal is to be in a position to compete. Ideally, I hope it will be just Lando and me battling for the championship, as that would be our perfect situation.

"Even though we haven't followed strict team instructions, we've consistently supported one another by making the right choices, and I believe that will remain the same."

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Lewis frequently travels to various international Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He typically covers the events directly from the location, sharing the narratives of significant figures within the sport.

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A groundbreaking and unforeseen F1 narrative for 2025 anticipated

Our journalists foresee the future, hinting at significant drama in the world of F1.

Will Max Verstappen face a breakdown, or will Mercedes experience further troubles?

Specialists are attempting to forecast the significant narrative in 2025 that will shake up the Formula 1 paddock.

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, along with the fierce competition for the top-performing car between Red Bull and McLaren, has stirred up the world of racing.

Which rumor is likely to come true? Which seemingly stable relationship might unexpectedly erupt?

Journalists at Crash.net offer their forecasts for the excitement and events expected this season…

Lewis Larkam delves into Max Verstappen's connection with the Red Bull team, examining how the team manages the departure of important team members and the rise in competitive pressure.

Last season, Red Bull experienced genuine issues for the first time, marked by controversy, internal conflicts, and difficulties in their racing performance. These challenges left Verstappen feeling frustrated and contemplating his future with the team.

Even though Red Bull and Verstappen managed to survive the challenges and secure the drivers' championship, it will be intriguing to watch how events play out in 2025. The question remains whether the team will fall apart or recover from a difficult season.

Red Bull's newly established powertrains division is under significant pressure to perfect their first internally developed engine in time for the crucial 2026 regulations update.

The future of Verstappen largely hinges on how well Red Bull performs, especially with Mercedes showing a keen interest.

As the 2026 regulations approach, it will be intriguing to see when teams decide to shift their focus away from 2025 and dedicate their efforts entirely to the following year.

Back in 2008, Ferrari and McLaren were both competing for the championship right up to the last race, which led them to concentrate on that season's competition. As a result, they were at a disadvantage when the new regulations were introduced in 2009.

During that season, BMW decided to give up on their chances of winning the championship with Robert Kubica in 2008, opting instead to concentrate on the upcoming rule changes. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results, as they began the following year trailing behind the top teams.

Lewis Duncan reports that Mercedes has made a bold decision by advancing Andrea Kimi Antonelli to a Formula 1 position early in his racing journey.

The situation could unfold in one of two scenarios: Kimi Antonelli might demonstrate exceptional rookie skills that define his generation, or he could face significant challenges, revealing that his advancement happened prematurely.

The 2023 winner of the Formula Regional European Championship quickly advanced to Formula 2 for the 2024 season. During this time, he secured two wins, with one coming from a reversed-grid sprint race. Throughout the season, he regularly finished in the top six, ultimately placing sixth overall in the championship standings.

He also outperformed his well-regarded Prema teammate, Oliver Bearman, in the rankings. Bearman, who is set to join Haas in 2025, faced numerous challenges during the season, which was disrupted twice due to being called up for F1 duties.

Mercedes intends to shield him from pressure, yet his actions will be closely watched. Should things go awry, Mercedes' top executives will face significant inquiries, especially given the availability of other talented drivers in the current lineup.

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