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.

ACCESS THE CRASH F1 PODCAST BY CLICKING HERE

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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Williams unveils 2025 Formula 1 vehicle in unique, limited-time design

Williams has just introduced their 2025 Formula 1 car, according to Jack Threlfall, reporting live from Silverstone.

Williams has unveiled their 2025 Formula 1 contender, named the FW47, at the Silverstone Circuit.

On-site at the event, Crash.net witnessed James Vowles, Alex Albon, and newcomer Carlos Sainz expressing their goals for the upcoming season with enthusiasm, despite the chilly Northamptonshire morning.

This week, the team's prospects received a significant boost thanks to a new title sponsorship agreement worth millions of dollars with the software company Atlassian. With their most formidable pair of drivers since the beginning of the hybrid era, the team is optimistic about advancing into the Formula 1 midfield and improving upon the intermittent successes of recent years.

The recent sponsorship agreement has resulted in the team's official entry name being updated to ‘Atlassian Williams Racing’.

Sainz joins the team based in Grove, bringing with him a record of participating in 206 races, securing 27 podium finishes, and achieving victory in four of those contests.

When Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari triggered changes in the Formula 1 driver landscape, the well-liked Spanish driver stood out as 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.

Sainz's involvement also comes with the support of the Spanish financial institution Santander, enhancing a robust list of sponsors that features Gulf Oil, Duracell, and the Japanese industrial conglomerate Komatsu.

Since Vowles took over as team principal in 2023, Williams has laid the groundwork for enduring success in racing. The introduction of their latest pair of drivers is seen as a further move towards achieving lasting achievement in the sport.

Albon and Sainz are expected to be competitive as teammates. Having both emerged from the renowned Red Bull driving academy, they now serve as seasoned veterans in the F1 paddock, demonstrating resilience and skill in the premier class of motor racing.

Last year, Williams secured the ninth position in the constructors' rankings, accumulating 17 points during a season that was heavily focused on the discussion surrounding their second driver position alongside Albon.

Williams aims to make substantial progress towards the midfield in 2025, facing a notable 29-point deficit to RB in 8th position. This is particularly important given the significant increases in prize money that come with each step up the F1 constructors' championship ladder.

Logan Sargeant's series of significant crashes and lackluster performance resulted in his contract being terminated prematurely, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Subsequently, substitute driver Franco Colapinto took over and managed to astonish the racing community with his natural speed and skill, occasionally outperforming Alex Albon in single-lap comparisons.

Despite the escalating costs of repairs for Williams, now estimated at around $9.4 million due to numerous accidents, the skill displayed by the Argentinian driver garnered admiration from many within the racing community, including Alpine's leader, Flavio Briatore.

Currently, Colapinto serves as the backup driver for Alpine, and there's widespread speculation that he might replace Jack Doohan at the start of the season, should Doohan fail to make a favorable impression on Briatore.

This year, anticipation is mounting for Sainz at Williams, where he teams up with Albon. Both drivers, hailing from the Red Bull training program, are considered some of the best on the circuit. The key question that will echo throughout the season is whether the FW47 car can live up to the prowess of its drivers.

From their establishment in 1977 and subsequent upgrade to a complete constructor by 1798, the racing team founded by F1 icon Frank Williams evolved from underdog entrants at the fringe of the competition to global champions in just three years. This was highlighted by their victories with Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost in 1992 and 1993, respectively.

The cutting-edge suspension design and dynamic air control features of the FW14B and FW15C, conceived by Adrian Newey, have set the stage for numerous current and upcoming innovations in F1 design. The FW47, unveiled today, featured a unique, custom-designed paint scheme as described by the team.

On Tuesday, February 18, Williams is set to reveal its race colors for the 2025 season, joining Formula 1's nine other teams at the 'F175' event, held at the O2 arena in London, an event Crash.net will be covering on-site.

The vehicle is scheduled to make its debut on the track for a three-day test session at the Bahrain International Circuit starting February 26. Following this, it will participate in the first race of the season at the Australian Grand Prix, which kicks off on March 14.

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Audi dismisses speculation about Sebastian Vettel's unexpected return to F1

There are claims that Sebastian Vettel is considering a comeback to F1.

Sebastian Vettel hasn't entirely closed the door on Formula 1 amid speculation about a potential return.

Vettel decided to end his Formula 1 career after the 2022 season, following two disappointing years with Aston Martin.

Since that time, the possibility of Vettel making a comeback to Formula 1 hasn't genuinely been considered, although there was speculation about him moving to Mercedes after the surprising announcement that Lewis Hamilton would be switching to Ferrari in 2025.

Based on information from F1-Insider, Vettel hasn't completely left Formula 1 behind and feels he remains "in good enough shape".

At 37 years old, the German racer would rank as the third most senior driver in the F1 lineup, trailing only two others in age.

Fernando Alonso, age 43, alongside Lewis Hamilton, who is 40.

Audi disregards Vettel

The connection between Vettel and the Audi initiative has been mentioned repeatedly.

Audi was keen on having a German pilot lead their team starting in 2026, making Vettel the clear option should he decide to make a comeback to F1.

The report indicates that ex-Audi chief Andreas Seidl had discussions with Vettel, yet ultimately chose Carlos Sainz.

Nonetheless, Sainz showed no inclination towards the offer, leading Sauber to secure Nico Hulkenberg as their primary driver.

Audi's new leader, Mattia Binotto, appeared to overlook Vettel for the secondary position, focusing instead on Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto as their choices.

F2 champion Bortoleto was chosen over Bottas as Audi opted for a younger driver.

Marko dismisses the idea of Vettel rejoining Red Bull to team up with Verstappen

The suggestion of Vettel making a comeback to Red Bull to partner with Max Verstappen was floated several times.

Helmut Marko opposed the concept, emphasizing his desire to "shield" Vettel from competing against F1's top racer.

He shared with F1-Insider, “Sebastian was keen on teaming up with Max Verstappen in our squad. However, it just wouldn't have been a prudent move, not even as a safeguard for him. Max undoubtedly would have outperformed him, tarnishing Sebastian's image. I couldn’t let that happen and chose not to.”

Vettel will now focus on the forthcoming Race of Champions, where he is set to compete alongside Mick Schumacher.

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Oscar Piastri asserts his ambitions with a daring claim on the F1 championship

Oscar Piastri has made clear his goals for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Oscar Piastri is confident in his abilities to secure the F1 world championship title this season.

At 23 years of age, the Australian racer is gearing up for his third complete season in Formula 1 with the McLaren team, aiming for a championship title. This ambition comes after seeing his teammate, Lando Norris, fail to clinch the title last year, losing out to Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Piastri and Norris played a pivotal role in McLaren achieving their first constructors’ world title in 26 years during the 2024 season, and now Piastri is focusing on winning the drivers’ championship.

"Piastri expressed confidence in his ability to secure the world championship title this year."

"A year back, as I approached the season, there were certain areas I felt less assured about, recognizing them as my weaknesses."

"Throughout the previous season, I spoke to them, and currently, it's all about speaking to them every weekend."

"I feel assured in myself, yet I acknowledge there are areas we need to improve upon. I certainly haven't reached my peak, but then again, I believe that's the case for everyone."

"By focusing on our objectives during the off-season, I'll be equipped with the necessary resources to strive for success."

Piastri secured two wins in the previous season, ending up fourth in the championship rankings, trailing behind Verstappen, Norris, and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.

Entering his third season, Piastri is more confident in his ability to compete at the forefront of the grid.

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

"I believe it's about enhancing our ability to quickly adjust during the weekends. We've delved deeply into strategies for improved readiness this season, including a focus on particular driving opportunities."

"At the conclusion of the previous season, I mentioned that improving my qualifying performance was a goal of mine. However, upon closer examination of various factors, it's become clear that it's not solely about enhancing my qualifying. There are particular areas that, if I can refine, will overall enhance my performance."

"Once you gain confidence, everything else falls into place naturally. We've pinpointed several potential opportunities, and if I manage to focus on them, I'm hopeful that the less successful weekends from the previous season will become a thing of the past."

"In the end, what will matter most this season is giving your all each weekend, since there will be times when you're not the fastest. It's about how you maximize those weekends when you're not leading."

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Unveiled: The transformations propelling McLaren's 'revolutionary' 2025 Formula 1 vehicle

McLaren unveils the crucial modifications to their "revolutionary" 2025 Formula 1 contender.

McLaren has detailed their strategy for creating what they call an "innovative" F1 car for the 2025 season.

The current world champions in the constructors' category unveiled their latest Formula 1 car for the 2025 season before anyone else, presenting the MCL39 at Silverstone on Thursday, just before the new season kicks off.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns driving for a total of 200 kilometers in a vehicle showcasing a unique ‘geometric camo design’ painted in shades of papaya orange and black.

McLaren's team leader, Andrea Stella, mentioned that their strategy to improve the new car's performance was centered on refining two major aspects.

"Stella described it as a vehicle where they aimed to elevate standards across various aspects."

"We took into account the basic design, which was crucial for us to assess meticulously, given the MCL38's existing competitive edge. It was important for us to weigh how far we wanted to push the envelope in terms of innovation. In the end, we opted for a rather ambitious strategy regarding the level of innovation incorporated into this car."

The primary goal here is to enhance aerodynamic performance, giving our aerodynamics team more space to work with their designs. Concurrently, we aimed to better the way the vehicle interacts with the tyres, particularly over extended periods of driving.

"In my view, these are essentially the key sectors. Clearly, adjustments to the suspension also play a role in enhancing mechanical traction, but in modern times, the design of the suspension is largely aimed at optimizing aerodynamic performance."

The MCL39's front and rear suspension systems have undergone significant modifications from the previous model, showcasing a sophisticated strategy towards improving airflow. Additionally, McLaren has reshaped the sidepods and the engine cover for enhanced performance.

Stella mentioned that essentially all the key elements of the design have undergone some form of alteration.

"Essentially, virtually every core aspect of the design has undergone changes aimed at achieving, often more than just slight improvements, various chances for technical advancement," he added.

"Often, this is done to meet aerodynamic needs or, in certain instances, to enhance mechanical traction."

"In essence, virtually every component from the front wing to the gearbox crash structure has undergone optimization, with changes ranging from minor to sometimes quite significant."

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Lando Norris labels critics of Lewis Hamilton as "foolish" following his switch to Ferrari

"Lewis is the subject. In my opinion, those questioning his abilities are being foolish."

Lando Norris thinks it would be foolish to question Lewis Hamilton's decision to switch to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season.

Hamilton stunned the sports community last year by announcing his switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

At the age of 40, he aims to secure an unprecedented eighth championship with the Scuderia team.

Hamilton is expected to encounter stiff rivalry from Norris, who secured the runner-up position in the previous season's drivers' championship.

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Norris was queried on Hamilton's move to Ferrari and if this transition might increase the motivation levels of the seven-time world champion.

Norris expressed, "That's what I assumed," he remarked. "I'm not sure. People vary, after all. In my opinion, his move to Ferrari and what he's achieved there is quite remarkable and unique."

"Ferrari is remarkable. I have no doubt about that. It seems to me that he will hardly have any trouble staying motivated. This is an amazing chance for him. It's an interesting tale.

"Ferrari is receiving numerous advantages and benefits, which provides plenty of motivation and reasons to be eager and prepared. It's about Lewis. It would be foolish for anyone to question his capabilities."

The F1 unveiling period has officially begun, with McLaren showcasing their contender for the 2025 season this past Thursday.

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

On Friday morning, at the British Grand Prix track, Williams unveiled their 2025 vehicle, the FW47.

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

The forthcoming major occasion in the F1 schedule is F1 75 Live, taking place at the O2 in London, during which all 10 squads will unveil their latest colors.

Ferrari is set to reveal their latest vehicle in Maranello on February 19.

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Lando Norris Labels Skeptics of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Shift as "Foolish"

"Lewis is the subject at hand. In my opinion, questioning his capabilities is foolish."

Lando Norris thinks it would be unwise to question Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season.

Hamilton surprised the sports community a year ago with his decision to switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

At the age of 40, he aims to secure an unprecedented eighth championship with the Scuderia.

Norris, who secured the runner-up position in the previous season's drivers' championship, is expected to pose a strong challenge to Hamilton.

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Norris was queried on Hamilton's move to Ferrari and if it would increase the seven-time world champion's drive.

"Norris expressed, "That's what I assumed," adding uncertainty with, "I'm not sure. People vary, after all. In my view, his move to Ferrari and his achievements there are quite remarkable and unique."

"Ferrari is truly remarkable. I'm convinced of that. It seems to me that he'll have a hard time coming up with any excuses for lacking motivation. This is an amazing chance for him. It's a fascinating tale."

"Ferrari is receiving numerous advantages and benefits, which provides plenty of motivation and reasons to gear up and get going. When it comes to Lewis, doubting him would be unwise; I believe that's clear to anyone."

The F1 unveiling period has officially begun, with McLaren showcasing their 2025 contender this past Thursday.

Norris, alongside Oscar Piastri, conducted the inaugural track test of the MCL39 at the Silverstone circuit.

On Friday morning, at the British Grand Prix circuit, Williams unveiled their 2025 vehicle, the FW47.

Crash.net attended Williams' unveiling where Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and James Vowles expressed positive outlooks for the forthcoming season.

The upcoming major occasion in the F1 schedule is F1 75 Live at the O2 in London, where each of the 10 teams will unveil their new designs.

Ferrari is set to reveal their latest vehicle on the 19th of February in Maranello.

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Pedro Acosta claims that the actual situation at KTM is vastly different from what the media has been reporting, describing it as a "day and night" contrast. He believes that the challenges KTM is currently facing will ultimately strengthen the team.

Pedro Acosta from MotoGP has described the difference between KTM's financial issues as reported in the news and the actual situation as "day and night." Despite this, he remains "quite calm" regarding the circumstances.

The Austrian company is currently undergoing a reorganization after initiating self-administration late last year because of a significant financial crisis.

KTM is currently facing debts exceeding €2 billion. However, the company remains optimistic that its proposed repayment strategy will receive approval from creditors during a hearing scheduled for February 25.

The financial crisis created uncertainty about the future of KTM's MotoGP project after this season. During a creditors meeting last year, it was suggested that the company might be considering pulling out of the series.

Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, there has been speculation about Acosta's future in MotoGP with the brand. The Spanish rider has been rumored to possibly make a move to Ducati.

During the pre-season testing in Sepang, Acosta mentioned that much of what he had been reading was inaccurate. He added that a visit to the factory in December provided him with a clearer understanding of the situation.

He mentioned that he felt very relaxed regarding KTM.

"I visited the place before Christmas, and ultimately, it's far simpler to spend a day there and assess the situation firsthand rather than relying on media reports."

"After observing the circumstances and reviewing the media reports, the contrast was as stark as night and day."

Many of the things I read in the media were not accurate.

"I'm really thrilled to compete wearing these colors, and I believe this circumstance will ultimately make us more resilient."

Brad Binder expressed his admiration, saying he was highly impressed during his visit to the factory in mid-January. He mentioned having conversations with the team and observing the innovations they planned to introduce.

"From the beginning, my superiors assured me that there was no need to worry about it."

"I trust what they say more than the information I find on the internet!"

"When you initially come across it, your reaction might be 'wow,' but everything has unfolded just as they described."

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Alex Albon dismisses the idea of feeling 'pressure' as he looks forward to competing with Carlos Sainz at Williams.

Alex Albon maintains that he is not pressured by Carlos Sainz joining Williams F1 as his teammate, viewing it instead as a chance for growth.

Following Sainz's departure from Ferrari, which cleared the path for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's arrival in 2025, Williams emerged victorious in securing the signature of the four-time grand prix victor.

Sainz joins Williams following what many consider his most impressive season in Formula 1, where he closely competed with Charles Leclerc. He is expected to be Albon's toughest competitor since Albon became part of the team in 2022.

Speculation is mounting that the 2025 season could serve as a critical juncture for Albon, who has experienced relatively smooth sailing in competition with former Williams colleagues Nicholas Latifi, Logan Sargeant, and Franco Colapinto.

However, Albon views Sainz joining as beneficial for both himself and Williams.

"Regarding the pressure, I view it more as a chance," Albon explained to journalists, including those from Crash.net, during the unveiling of Williams' latest 2025 model at Silverstone on Friday.

"Carlos has consistently demonstrated his skills, and following one of his most successful seasons in Formula 1, I feel assured in my own abilities and look forward to working alongside a fantastic teammate from whom I can gain knowledge. I also aim to contribute positively to his experience, with the mutual goal of propelling our team forward in the coming years."

"Based on our conversation and our shared interests in the car, I believe we will collaborate effectively."

Albon acknowledged that Williams is partially focused on the upcoming 2026 regulatory changes in their effort to advance to the forefront of the competition, yet he is optimistic that Sainz's inclusion in the team will have an immediate positive impact this season.

"Albon expressed his belief that this season could be one of the most tightly contested in F1 history,” he mentioned. “Unless a team has engineered something extraordinary, the gap could be as narrow as a tenth of a second between the fastest in Q3 and the slowest in Q1."

"In this context, precision is crucial. We must ensure we are in sync and equally capable of competing. Overall, the competition this year seems particularly intense across the board. It seems likely that at the beginning of the year, as the newcomers are still finding their footing, there might be some chances for advantage."

"I'm not sure about the strategies of others, but certainly, we are keeping an eye on the upcoming year, so we'll find out. However, it's expected to be a close competition for all, and that's where I believe having a pair of team-oriented players and skilled drivers will be advantageous."

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Carlos Sainz shares his initial impressions after driving the Williams 2025 F1 car for the first time.

Carlos Sainz has completed the initial rounds in the Williams’ latest Formula 1 vehicle for the 2025 campaign.

Williams unveiled their 2025 contender, the FW47, during a chilly Friday morning at Silverstone, marking the second Formula 1 team to showcase their newest vehicle.

Just a day following the reveal of McLaren's 2025 vehicle at the British Grand Prix location, Williams introduced their FW47 model featuring a unique livery during a live broadcasted unveiling ceremony.

Williams is conducting an initial shakedown trial at Silverstone prior to taking their car to Bahrain for pre-season trials later in the month.

Their major acquisition, Sainz, took the lead in test-driving the brand-new vehicle.

After vacating his spot for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Sainz transitioned to Williams, where he performed a solitary installation lap before heading back to the garage.

The Spaniard's initial response was positive, indicating that "everything went fine" during his short stint.

"Everything's fine, everything's fine," he communicated to his team at Williams in the pit lane. "Everything's fine, just quite chilly in here. Everything's fine."

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

FW47 makes its debut appearance 💙💨 pic.twitter.com/Ynj3KgovN4

In a conversation with Williams representative and Sky Sports F1 analyst Jenson Button upon exiting the vehicle, Sainz shared, “All went well, which is positive. The initial lap with a brand-new car can always present some challenges.

"Initially, I have some feedback to share. From my experience within the cockpit, I sensed a couple of areas that could benefit from enhancements. These are points we should discuss."

"We'll prepare the car to operate on smooth tires and gradually begin to accelerate our efforts."

Sainz, alongside his teammate Alex Albon, will have additional time to drive the FW47 on Friday.

Williams team chief James Vowles characterized the FW47 as a development stemming from its former model.

"He emphasized that this year's car represents a progression from the previous model. Despite having a decent winter, it remains challenging to assess the situation fully. He pointed out that as the competition tightens, it's hard to gauge the extent of progress made by others during the off-season," he stated.

Observing the vehicle reveals a thousand nuances of development. Essentially, not a single bolt remains in its original position.

The UK team secured the ninth spot in last season's constructors' standings.

Williams, together with the nine other Formula 1 teams, will unveil their 2025 colors during the F1-75 season opening ceremony at the O2 Arena in London on Tuesday.

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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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Lando Norris advised to sharpen his tactics for 2025 confrontation with Max Verstappen

"He'll need to toughen up and equip his elbows with metaphorical razor blades for direct racing clashes with Max."

Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle humorously suggested that Lando Norris should equip himself with “razor blades” in anticipation of a potential championship fight with Max Verstappen in 2025.

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

The team based in Woking concluded the previous year as the leading team, securing their initial constructors' championship in 26 years.

Norris couldn't push Verstappen to the limit because of several missed chances caused by tactical missteps or slight errors on the part of the driver.

Norris firmly believes he is poised to claim the championship this year, as McLaren is anticipated to make a strong start in the 2025 season.

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Brundle evaluated Norris' prospects for the upcoming season.

"Brundle believes he understands the requirements of his role," he stated. "With an extensive background under his belt, victories are part of his portfolio. Last year, he impressively clinched two races, leading from start to finish. Brundle feels he possesses every necessary quality.

What impresses me about Lando is his loyalty to McLaren. Despite having numerous tempting proposals from other teams, he chose to stay, showing great faith in his team. It's admirable that he believed in them, and ultimately, they delivered on their promise.

"They currently hold the championship title. We're rooting for him to achieve complete revenge."

"Sharp Elbows Required"

Norris will need to enhance his skills in direct racing confrontations, especially when facing off with Verstappen.

Verstappen outperformed Norris on the circuit during the United States Grand Prix.

During his time in Mexico, Norris seemed to exhibit increased hostility towards Verstappen, who consequently received two penalties, each lasting 10 seconds.

"Brundle mentioned that Lando has learned to take charge effectively," he continued. "I believe he's now convinced that he has what it takes to secure a world championship title. He'll need to adopt a more aggressive stance, sharpening his tactics for close-quarters racing against Max."

"It's evident to everyone that Max's aggressive racing style is what led him to secure the last four world championships. There's no questioning that this year will be fiercely competitive. I believe the competition will be exceptionally intense."

"The rules have reached a high level of development, leaving little room for significant modifications to the vehicles. Teams will make minor adjustments, but with the substantial changes anticipated in 2026, which is rapidly approaching, the focus for teams will shift towards allocating their budgets, resources, and workforce towards the development of the car for 2026."

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