Aston Martin issues a cautionary note to Adrian Newey: "Success isn't assured by just one person."

Can Adrian Newey achieve success with Aston Martin?

Ex-McLaren Formula 1 mechanic, Marc Priestley, has cautioned Aston Martin that bringing Adrian Newey on board might not automatically fix their present performance issues.

In September 2024, Aston Martin revealed that Newey would take on the role of Managing Technical Partner.

Newey is set to take charge of Aston Martin's design team and will formally step into the position later this year.

Nonetheless, Priestley has cautioned that Newey by himself will not ensure Aston Martin's future achievements.

In an interview with Casino Uden Rofus, Priestley remarked that while Adrian Newey is an exceptional engineer with an outstanding intellect, the success of designing a new F1 car is not ensured by one person alone.

"I'm not denying that Aston Martin has a talented team, but there are clear signs that they have struggled to create an effective car and improve it over the course of the season."

Newey is becoming part of a team that hasn't achieved much success, yet Aston Martin has recently acquired cutting-edge facilities, and the team is expanding quickly.

Mixed Outcomes for Aston Martin

Following Lawrence Stroll's purchase of the team headquartered in Silverstone, they have seen a range of successes.

Back in 2020, when they were known as Racing Point, the team achieved fourth place in the Formula 1 constructors' championship and celebrated a victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

In 2023, Fernando Alonso joined Aston Martin, marking their most successful season so far. The team began the year as the second quickest, trailing only Red Bull, and Alonso achieved six podium finishes in the first eight races.

Alonso came close to securing a victory in Monaco, but Aston Martin's strategic decisions in the shifting weather conditions cost them the win.

Over the past couple of years, Aston Martin has encountered a recurring challenge, as they have consistently faced difficulties in successfully advancing their car's development during the racing season.

Considering the struggles Aston Martin has faced in their development, Alonso attributed the issues to the Mercedes wind tunnel.

The Spaniard expressed to the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast that the situation is complex and lacks a straightforward answer; otherwise, they might have already opted for an easier path than the one they have encountered.

"There seems to be a challenge in grasping some of the internal mechanics of the car, which resembles the wind tunnel issues Mercedes encountered last year while working on their car development. Our ability to utilize the wind tunnel is somewhat restricted because we are using the Mercedes facility."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is the driving force behind our objective journalism.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate any text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Flavio Briatore sparks rumors about Jack Doohan: "We'll find out as the season progresses"

Speculation about Jack Doohan's prospects in Formula 1 remains widespread.

Flavio Briatore, who serves as an executive advisor for Alpine F1, has further stirred rumors concerning Jack Doohan's potential with the team.

Even though Doohan made his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there has been a lot of speculation about what lies ahead for his career.

With Franco Colapinto's impressive performance catching attention, there were hints that Briatore and Alpine might be considering bringing the Argentine talent on board.

Nevertheless, the substantial financial requirements needed to release Colapinto from his contract with Williams, along with his disappointing performance towards the end of the season, made it unfeasible to pursue a move for him.

Doohan is scheduled to compete with Pierre Gasly for Alpine in the 2025 racing season.

Although Doohan is confirmed to begin the season, his prospects for the future remain uncertain.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, Briatore did not express a firm position.

Briatore stated, "Death is the only thing we can be sure of." He confirmed that the year would begin with Pierre and Jack, but mentioned that future decisions would depend on how the season progresses.

"I need to assist the team in getting to a point where it can be successful."

The driver is responsible for completing the tasks initiated by nearly a thousand individuals supporting him.

"All employees essentially answer to a couple of individuals. If a driver isn't performing well or showing improvement, they'll be replaced."

Alpine concluded the 2024 F1 season as the leading team among the midfield competitors.

The team achieved two podium finishes at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which boosted them to sixth place in the constructors' championship.

A major update introduced during the United States Grand Prix dramatically improved their performance, especially with Gasly driving.

Gasly earned points in four out of the last five races, but did not finish the race in Las Vegas.

Alpine has chosen to switch to using Mercedes engines in 2026, discontinuing their own engine development project.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 world delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor plays a crucial role in our fair and balanced F1 coverage, thanks to his keen ability to spot controversies and narrative developments.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 scene straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any format.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Eddie Jordan criticizes Ferrari's decision to choose Lewis Hamilton over Carlos Sainz, calling it "self-destructive." He stated, "Letting go of Carlos was a complete mistake."

Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has criticized Ferrari's choice to swap Carlos Sainz for Lewis Hamilton, calling it "completely self-destructive."

The year 2025 has arrived, and with it comes the news that Hamilton is now driving for Ferrari in Formula 1, while Sainz has started his journey with the Williams team.

Nonetheless, Jordan has raised doubts about Hamilton's surprising move to Maranello for the next season.

Prior to the 2024 season, the choice was made to bring Hamilton on board, a season that many consider to be the seven-time world champion's most underwhelming performance so far.

In contrast, Sainz had an impressive last season with Ferrari, coming very close to clinching the constructors' championship, but ultimately ended up 13 points short of McLaren.

During an episode of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan and his co-host David Coulthard highlighted what they called their "FFS moment" for the year.

Coulthard remarked, "It's the moment of the year that makes you say, 'for f**k's sake.'"

"In my opinion, the most surprising moment of the year was when Lewis joined Ferrari. I really didn't expect that to happen. What was your most unexpected moment of the year?"

Jordan concurred with Coulthard, yet offered a harsher critique regarding Ferrari's choice.

The 76-year-old expressed his agreement by stating, "I completely align with this, as my reaction to John Elkann, the chairman of that organization, is to question what on earth he was contemplating when he decided to let Carlos go. At the time, the team was content, cooperative, and well-organized, with drivers who had a good relationship."

Fred Vasseur had a genuine chance to lead this team to significant success. Now, he needs to focus on fostering unity and finding ways to integrate a new team member, while managing egos and all the dynamics involved.

"Lewis is a genuinely pleasant individual. I doubt there are many kinder people in the racing circuit than Lewis Hamilton, so I believe he won't face any issues in that regard."

"Nonetheless, my biggest criticism is directed at John Elkann of Ferrari for approving and finalizing that agreement. Letting Carlos go was a completely self-destructive decision."

Hamilton takes on the challenge of breaking Ferrari's winless streak.

As the year 2025 begins, Hamilton has begun his journey with Ferrari.

The individual, aged 39, has been given the responsibility of breaking Ferrari's championship dry spell that has persisted since 2008.

Ferrari has not experienced a championship victory since winning the constructors' title in 2008.

The last time they won a drivers' championship was in 2007, with Kimi Raikkonen.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter to receive the most recent news, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Connor plays a crucial role in our objective coverage, thanks to his keen awareness of the controversies and narratives within Formula 1.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the world of F1 sent straight to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any text, images, or illustrations in whole or in part, regardless of the method used.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Jacques Villeneuve admits he hoped not to be validated in his critique of Daniel Ricciardo.

Jacques Villeneuve looks back on his remarks about Daniel Ricciardo.

Jacques Villeneuve, who won the F1 world championship in 1997, felt no sense of satisfaction after his critiques of Daniel Ricciardo were validated when Ricciardo was let go.

After another challenging weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo was released by Red Bull.

The choice to part ways with him halfway through the season essentially concluded Ricciardo's career in F1, as he has since stated that he is not interested in making a comeback with Cadillac.

During the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Villeneuve openly expressed his criticism of Ricciardo.

While serving as an analyst for Sky Sports F1 in Montreal, Villeneuve expressed doubts about why Ricciardo remained active in the sport.

The ex-Williams driver questioned, "What is the reason he's still racing in F1? Why?"

"For the past four or five years, the same message has been repeated: 'We need to improve the car for him.' Frankly, after five years of hearing this, it's time to acknowledge that this is Formula 1."

"Perhaps you go the extra mile for Lewis Hamilton, given his numerous championship victories. However, you don't extend such effort for a driver who isn't up to par."

"If you're unable to meet the standards, then it's time to leave, as there is always another person ready to step into your role. This has always been the reality in racing, which represents the highest level of the sport."

"There’s no point in continuing to make excuses. People often mention those initial one or two seasons—he was outperforming a Vettel who was exhausted and experimenting with the car in an attempt to win, ultimately causing chaos during his race weekends."

"At one point, for half a season, he was outperforming Verstappen, who was only 18 and just beginning his career. After that period, he didn't surpass anyone else."

Later in the weekend, Ricciardo responded to the Canadian's remarks, expressing his dissatisfaction with the criticism. He pointed out that he expected more understanding from Villeneuve, given his own successful career as a Formula 1 driver.

Despite Ricciardo's lack of progress, Liam Lawson ended up replacing him to partner with Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the season.

Villeneuve considers his past criticism of Ricciardo

As Ricciardo's time in Formula 1 has concluded, Villeneuve's earlier critiques seem to have been validated.

Nonetheless, Villeneuve does not see Ricciardo's departure from F1 as proof that his earlier remarks were justified.

He mentioned to Sportscasting that he never intended to be vindicated. The statement received significant responses, both negative and positive.

The topic prompted widespread public discussion. The intention wasn't to ruin anyone, but rather to face the facts. People seemed to understand that Jacques had a valid argument, which led to a thorough dialogue. That's what pleases me.

"My emotions wouldn't change if Daniel Ricciardo remained with Red Bull. I'm not expressing joy over his departure from F1. Instead, I'm just pleased to have highlighted the reality of the situation."

"Daniel maintains a strong reputation and successful career; this situation hasn't harmed him. It was merely a discussion concerning the racing industry, which has somewhat lost focus on the key issues. It was about expressing what many people were already contemplating. My intention wasn't to feel justified about his absence from F1."

"When you're working as a commentator, the goal is to discuss relevant issues. This doesn’t guarantee accuracy, and maintaining impartiality can be challenging despite your best efforts. Personal emotions inevitably surface. The aim is to provide enough insight and content to spark meaningful conversations. That's the part I find fulfilling."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is the core of our objective reporting.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the Formula 1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Title: Five Key Challenges Lewis Hamilton Needs to Address at Ferrari

What obstacles will Lewis Hamilton encounter as he joins Ferrari's Formula 1 team in 2025?

The year 2025 has begun, marking a significant milestone in Lewis Hamilton's distinguished Formula 1 career as he takes on the role of a Ferrari driver. With only 71 days remaining until the first race of the season in Melbourne, Hamilton is in a flurry of activity as he gears up to settle into his new environment at Maranello.

As Hamilton begins this new chapter, these are the main obstacles he must tackle:

Adjusting to Ferrari's way of life

Prior to thinking about any racing activities, Hamilton needs to fully engage with Ferrari's distinctive atmosphere. Similar to starting any new position, understanding the setting and creating strong relationships with team members is crucial for achieving success.

Hamilton demonstrated his skill in making unexpected career moves when he joined Mercedes in 2013. However, the situation with Ferrari is a unique challenge. The Italian team is deeply rooted in passion and emotion, which is a distinct difference from the environment at his previous teams.

Although many people in Maranello speak English, having a fundamental understanding of Italian would certainly aid Hamilton's transition and enhance interactions with the team.

Brand New Vehicle

In his initial weeks at Ferrari, Hamilton will encounter the task of getting used to a whole new vehicle, along with a different setup for the steering wheel. After spending more than ten years behind the wheel of a Mercedes, the car had become second nature to him.

With the numerous buttons and controls accessible to a driver via the steering wheel, Lewis Hamilton needs to learn and comprehend them before pre-season testing to perform at his best. Undoubtedly, he will dedicate several days to working in the team's simulator to get acquainted with his new car.

Hamilton Set to Race Without Bono

For the first time in more than ten years, Hamilton will compete without the support of Peter "Bono" Bonnington.

During their tenure at Mercedes, Hamilton and Bonnington became well-known as a driver and race engineer duo. Nonetheless, Bonnington will stay in Brackley following his advancement to the position of Head of Race Engineering.

Hamilton's race engineer at Ferrari will be Riccardo Adami. He has prior experience working with Sebastian Vettel and most recently with Carlos Sainz.

In Formula 1, the bond between a driver and their engineer is vital for achieving success. The race engineer is essential in making adjustments to the car's setup, deciding on strategic moves, and offering encouragement during the race.

Rivaling Leclerc

Hamilton has a history of going up against strong teammates, having raced alongside Fernando Alonso during his debut year and teamed up with Jenson Button at McLaren.

Although Leclerc has not reached that landmark yet, it's clear that the driver from Monaco possesses the talent needed to accomplish it. At the age of 27, Leclerc is nearing the height of his career, following an impressive 2024 season where he secured third place in the drivers' championship.

The positive aspect for Hamilton is that despite Leclerc's impressive speed, he has a much more agreeable personality. In principle, although their competition on the track may be fierce, Hamilton is likely to experience less tension away from the races than he did during his time with teammates like Nico Rosberg or Alonso.

Yet, overcoming Leclerc when one is 40 years old continues to be a formidable task.

Facing the Challenges of 2024

Hamilton has one final issue to address: overcoming the challenges of 2024.

During his last season with Mercedes, he managed to secure two wins, but it ended up being the least successful season of his career. In nearly all aspects, Hamilton was thoroughly outperformed by George Russell.

A major worry during Hamilton's season was how he performed in qualifying sessions. Out of the 24 races, he succeeded in qualifying ahead of Russell on just five occasions.

Considering Leclerc's reputation as the quickest driver for single-lap performances in F1, Hamilton needs to enhance his skills in this aspect. Additionally, with predictions of a very close contest involving four teams at the front, Hamilton must avoid beginning the race from the sixth or seventh position on the starting grid.

He must move past his underwhelming performance in 2024 and view it as just a minor setback in his otherwise remarkable career.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates on F1, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers, straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Connor is at the core of our fair reporting, keenly observing the controversies and narratives within F1.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Mailing List

Receive the newest updates, unique stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 world straight to your email inbox.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any portion or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Max Verstappen calls for a change in Red Bull F1 car design, wanting "a bit more excitement."

"We’ve seen plenty of matte-blue cars, and I feel it’s refreshing to mix things up occasionally."

Max Verstappen has called on Red Bull to alter their Formula 1 car design for the 2025 season.

Over the years, Red Bull has consistently used a dark blue matte finish for their Formula 1 cars.

Nevertheless, the star driver seems to be frustrated by the team's inability to change things up.

In contrast to Ferrari, who are known for their classic bright red and occasionally blend it with shades like yellow, black, or white, Red Bull has consistently adhered to their color palette, opting for a matte finish.

During an appearance on the Talking Bulls podcast, Verstappen shared his desire for the RB21's paint job to have a fresh look.

The four-time world champion mentioned that Red Bull's previous cars had a shinier appearance.

"When I return to the factory for the first time, you'll gain some insight," Verstappen mentioned. "I'm excited to see my car. I hope the paint job is somewhat changed. I was discussing this earlier today. I really enjoy cars with a glossy finish."

"We've owned numerous cars in a matte blue finish, but occasionally it's refreshing to change things up a bit."

The unveiling of the latest Red Bull vehicle and its design will take place at a newly introduced event called F1 75 Live, open to the public.

F1 75 Live is a unique event to kick off the season, featuring the participation of all 10 teams.

Each of the 10 teams is anticipated to reveal their new paint schemes for the forthcoming season, but it's improbable that the real 2025 vehicles will be showcased.

Verstappen aims to secure his fifth straight F1 championship as he defends his title in 2025.

Nevertheless, considering Red Bull's performance at the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season, he will face significant challenges ahead.

After clinching victory in seven out of the first 10 races, Verstappen managed to secure only two additional wins, as McLaren and Ferrari surpassed Red Bull in the competitive rankings.

Red Bull must regain their form to equip Verstappen with the resources necessary to surpass Lando Norris and the Ferrari pair in the 2025 championship race.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Connor, who keenly observes the controversies and narratives within F1, serves as the core of our objective journalism.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

2025 Formula 1 Race Schedule: Complete List of Dates and Events

Details on each race for the 2025 F1 season

Below is the complete list of the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, detailing all the races and their respective dates.

The schedule for the 2025 Formula 1 season has been announced, and the Australian Grand Prix will kick off the upcoming season.

Melbourne is set to kick off the season for the first time since 2019, with the event scheduled from March 14 to 16. This race will be paired with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, which will occur from March 21 to 23.

Formula 1 is set to proceed with a back-to-back racing event in the Middle East. The races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been rescheduled to take place in April to align with the observance of Ramadan.

Round 12 of the British Grand Prix is scheduled to occur at Silverstone from July 4th to 6th.

The Hungarian Grand Prix will take place before a two-week summer break in August, and the Dutch Grand Prix will follow after the break.

The 2025 schedule includes three sets of back-to-back race weekends, with one trio comprising Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the season, and another trio featuring Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi as the season concludes.

What is the plan for sprint races in 2025?

In the year 2025, Formula 1 will host sprint races in China, Miami, Belgium, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar.

Stefano Domenicali, who leads Formula 1 as President and CEO, remarked, "The year 2025 marks a significant milestone as we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship. This rich legacy and expertise enable us to present an exceptional schedule. We will once more travel to 24 remarkable locations globally, offering first-rate racing, hospitality, and entertainment for the delight of millions of fans across the globe."

"We appreciate the dedication and assistance from the FIA, our event organizers, city partners, and all associated ASNs in putting together this schedule, ensuring what looks to be another amazing year for Formula 1. I also want to acknowledge our F1 teams and drivers, the true stars of our sport, as well as our fans globally who continue to support Formula 1 with such remarkable passion."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the head of the FIA, stated that the calendar for the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, which has been sanctioned by the World Motor Sport Council, exemplifies their joint effort to achieve sustainability goals by organizing events regionally. He emphasized that while maintaining the stability of Formula 1 remains a priority, they also share a responsibility towards environmental protection and ensuring the health and well-being of the staff who travel for these events.

Under the leadership of Stefano Domenicali, Formula One Management has crafted a schedule that balances classic tracks with contemporary locations. We express our gratitude to the host National Sporting Authorities, local event planners, and the countless FIA volunteers for their dedicated work in transforming Formula 1 into a worldwide spectacle with a broad audience, as we gear up to honor the sport's 75th anniversary.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently travels to different countries to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He usually provides updates directly from the venues, sharing insights and narratives about key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce the text, images, or drawings, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Website Layout

Crash.Net

James Allison shares his top memory of collaborating with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, highlighting Hamilton's elegance.

James Allison, who serves as the technical director for the Mercedes Formula 1 team, shared his most cherished memory involving Lewis Hamilton during his tenure with the team.

At the conclusion of last season, Hamilton departed from Mercedes after a dozen triumphant years, opting for a sensational transfer to Ferrari, one of their main competitors in Formula 1.

He secured six out of his seven world championships with Mercedes and achieved 84 of his 105 grand prix wins while racing for the German team.

Surprisingly, the moment Allison cherishes most about Hamilton isn't one of his victories.

In the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, an example of sportsmanship stood out to Allison as his most memorable experience collaborating with Hamilton.

During a championship battle with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton allowed his Mercedes teammate at the time, Valtteri Bottas, to overtake him in the final moments of the race.

Mercedes initially used team orders to switch the positions of their cars, enabling Hamilton to challenge the two leading Ferraris. However, when Hamilton was unable to pass them, he eased off at the last corner, allowing Bottas to regain his position.

In a strategic move, Hamilton sacrificed a spot on the podium and the opportunity to earn an additional three points while trailing Vettel in the championship standings. Ultimately, Hamilton overtook Vettel to clinch the drivers' title.

Allison thinks that instance revealed the genuine nature of Hamilton.

"It is a difficult decision due to the wide array of experiences throughout these seasons," Allison remarked.

"Even though I joined the team later, I've experienced many ups and downs alongside them. We've celebrated four drivers' championships and five constructors' championships together, providing plenty of memorable moments!"

"I often think back to the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Lewis was given permission to overtake Valtteri in order to challenge the Ferraris ahead."

"He wasn't able to advance as much as we wanted, but he kept his promise that if he was allowed to compete against the Ferraris and couldn't maintain his position, he would return the spot to Valtteri."

"The process was highly intense and challenging to carry out smoothly, largely because Verstappen was hovering nearby, complicating matters significantly."

"Lewis accomplished the task with true elegance. This demonstrated the inherent sense of fairness within his nature, which complements his fiercely competitive spirit that we all deeply respect."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. By being on-site, Lewis provides coverage of the races and shares the experiences and narratives of key figures in the motorsport world.

Discover More

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1, delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying text, images, or drawings in whole or in part is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

There is a demand for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to receive the same level of recognition and treatment in Formula 1 for the 2025 season. Advocates believe that the McLaren teammates should start the 2025 F1 season on an equal footing.

According to Karun Chandhok, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have proven themselves deserving of being considered as equal number one drivers for McLaren in the F1 2025 season.

During the latter half of the 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren decided to prioritize Lando Norris in his quest to challenge Max Verstappen of Red Bull for the title. However, Norris was unable to achieve his goal of becoming the world champion, as Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship victory.

The team from Woking generally refrained from giving team orders, with the Sao Paulo sprint race being an uncommon instance where Piastri was instructed to let Norris pass. However, McLaren openly declared their support for the British driver as he tried to outperform Verstappen.

Former F1 driver and current Sky Sports analyst, Chandhok, holds the opinion that Piastri, who secured two grand prix wins in 2024, should begin the upcoming season on the same level as Norris.

Chandhok mentioned to Betway that he would grant both individuals the status of joint number one until likely the summer break, as he believes they have both deserved the recognition of being equally top-ranked.

"Oscar is improving steadily. This year, Lando has been the leading driver without question, demonstrating greater speed. However, Oscar has shown remarkable growth since he started his debut season, and he is expected to continue developing his skills."

"I would rank them both as joint number ones. Once we reach the summer break, I would evaluate the circumstances. If they are competing for the championship, I would then be more decisive about designating one as number one and the other as number two after the summer break."

Throughout last season, the consistent performances of Norris and Piastri enabled McLaren to surpass Ferrari and Red Bull, securing their first constructors' championship since 1998. This victory also marked their first championship win of any type since 2008.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently travels to various global locations to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-site reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any portion or all of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Directory

Crash.Net

EXCLUSIVE: Jenson Button reflects on his racing comeback and future plans

Jenson Button shares his 2025 ambitions with us

Former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button shares that he feels like a new person following his initial complete season in the 2024 World Endurance Championship.

This year, the 44-year-old participated in his first complete racing season since 2019, competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Hertz Team Jota, where he drove a Porsche.

Driving a Porsche 963 alongside Philip Hanson and Oliver Rasmussen, Button and his teammates finally managed to earn points in the fourth race of the season, which took place at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Their highest achievement was securing sixth place at the Six Hours of Fuji event.

Button is set to stay with Jota until 2025, as the team transitions from using Porsche vehicles to Cadillac.

"The year 2024 has indeed been hectic," stated Button.

"It's been thrilling with numerous positive developments. At 44, this marks my first complete racing season since 2019, making me feel rejuvenated!"

"It's been difficult, especially when it comes to getting accustomed to the car quickly."

"When you're older, it might take a bit more time, but once you adjust, it's really enjoyable."

"The speed is impressive, and I thoroughly enjoy the close competition between drivers. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is a fantastic series that is currently thriving, much like many other motorsport categories."

"It's wonderful to witness the participation of numerous manufacturers. I've thoroughly enjoyed the season."

"The outcomes haven't exactly matched our expectations, and we've faced some unfortunate circumstances along the way. However, we've gained valuable insights for 2025 when I'll be competing with Cadillac and Hertz Team Jota."

In 2024, Button has balanced his racing schedule with making appearances as a pundit for Sky Sports F1.

He mentions that the increased competitiveness of Formula 1 in 2024 has been "exceptional" and believes it is fair to anticipate a similar scenario next season.

He mentioned that experiencing Formula 1 and witnessing the intense competition this year has been amazing.

In the beginning of the season, Max was clearly dominating, but soon numerous teams managed to close the gap. It's been fantastic to witness various teams and drivers competing at the forefront, with plenty of exciting races and a diverse range of winners.

"As we approach 2025, I believe we should anticipate seeing much more of this trend."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, special features, interviews, and offers straight from the paddock delivered to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the text, photos, or images, whether in whole or in part, is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Martin Brundle shares what he considers the most intelligent choice he has ever made, along with the guidance he received from Murray Walker. Brundle looks back on his experiences with Walker, often hailed as the 'voice of F1,' and highlights the most valuable piece of advice he got during their collaboration.

Martin Brundle shared some of the most valuable guidance he got from the iconic Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker.

Walker became a household name in Formula 1 due to his work as a commentator, initially for the BBC and later for ITV. He began his career as a full-time commentator in 1978 and stepped down in 2001.

Murray, often referred to as the 'voice of F1', formed an iconic duo with Brundle when the former Formula 1 driver joined ITV as a co-commentator in 1997.

In an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Brundle shared that he was quite familiar with Murray. Back in the days of Formula 3, whenever there wasn't a Formula 1 race scheduled for the weekend, Murray would show up on his motorcycle to watch us compete in F3, alongside drivers like Senna.

"When I became a driver in Formula 1, I would often have dinner with Murray. I viewed him as a close friend, and he was someone we all held in high regard."

One of the best choices I made in my career was to engage with him while standing. He believed that standing helped open up his diaphragm, allowing him to project his voice more effectively. I followed his lead and did the same.

"I engaged in a conversation with him on equal terms, discussing Formula 1. To me, it was simply a dialogue between two individuals, and the millions of listeners didn’t change that dynamic."

He mentioned that on the night before the initial race, Murray advised him, saying, "Always keep in mind that our sole purpose is to inform and entertain, nothing more." This principle continues to guide him to this day.

Brundle reminisced about how Walker, who passed away in 2021 at 97 years old, gained fame for his 'Murrayisms'—humorous remarks that were frequently inaccurate.

Brundle remarked that gaining insights into discussing and hosting Formula 1 from Murray Walker is akin to being taught soccer skills by Pele.

He consistently showed respect. Occasionally, I needed to point out his mistakes, as he sometimes made errors that Murray found amusing, to be honest. I would softly guide him on certain matters.

"I believe others joined me on that path because they recognized the deep respect present. We genuinely had a great relationship."

"He had the cleverness to turn his mistakes into advantages. In the broadcasting industry, who else could manage such a feat? Being celebrated and admired for blunders is truly brilliant, isn't it? He possessed a remarkable charisma."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and exclusive offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to entirely or partially duplicate text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Fernando Alonso reached out to Toto Wolff after learning about Lewis Hamilton's departure. "Later that day, I got phone calls from several other drivers," he mentioned.

Upon learning about an unexpected opening at Mercedes, Fernando Alonso decided to reach out to Toto Wolff by phone.

Mercedes team principal, Wolff, has shared the rumors circulating before Lewis Hamilton revealed he would be leaving the team.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to start a fresh chapter with Ferrari.

Wolff expressed to The Guardian that he was not surprised when Hamilton approached him to deliver the unfortunate news.

"A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from Carlos Sainz and his father, which is when I first became aware of this situation."

He mentioned, "Something is in the works." I responded by asking, "Why would that take place before the season begins?"

"Later that afternoon, I got phone calls from several other drivers who were in proximity to Charles Leclerc, including Fernando Alonso."

It appears that the situation began when Leclerc became aware during the winter that a position was available, and he subsequently informed his closest confidants.

I told Susie, "We're unaware of this happening through official channels."

Wolff reached out to Ferrari's Fred Vasseur, who is not only his professional counterpart but also a good friend, but he did not receive a reply.

He decided against addressing Hamilton in person.

Wolff explained that he avoided creating a scenario where the person would need to be dishonest with him, as the contract had not been finalized at that point.

In 2025, Hamilton will aim to secure his eighth F1 championship title while racing for Ferrari.

Mercedes plans to introduce newcomer Kimi Antonelli to their team, with George Russell stepping into the role of their lead driver.

Wolff expressed that there is an emotional aspect to their experience due to the shared journey with Hamilton.

"The nature of our friendship will evolve, but the intensity of our feelings will remain strong. In fact, it might even become stronger. This marks the beginning of a renewed friendship with Lewis."

"From a career perspective, I consistently perceive advantages in embracing change."

"We've implemented fresh rules, restructured our organization, and are entering a new phase with our lead driver now 27 years old and our young driver at 18."

"We have two drivers whose combined ages are just slightly more than Lewis's age. This is quite thrilling."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the paddock delivered to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers straight from the racing world to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or illustrations, either in whole or in part, in any format.

Site Map

Crash.Net