Toto Wolff calls for action from Mercedes as he acknowledges inconsistencies

Toto Wolff has acknowledged that Mercedes may still face issues with inconsistent performance.

Toto Wolff has admitted that Mercedes will find it challenging to eliminate their performance inconsistencies in the 2025 F1 season.

Mercedes managed to secure four victories last season, with wins shared between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. However, their competitive performance varied significantly over the course of the year.

The Silver Arrows team was at a loss to account for their strong performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Russell secured a commanding victory, leading a 1-2 finish. However, the team struggled with their speed during other weekends.

Mercedes team boss Wolff has acknowledged that it is improbable for his team to fully resolve the issue as they approach the upcoming season.

Wolff stated that Mercedes is aiming for their W16 car to function effectively across a broader range of conditions compared to the previous model, the W15.

Wolff mentioned to the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that the key is to align yourself with the favorable side whenever feasible.

"You begin to notice patterns, such as the race tracks where your vehicle performs well, the practice sessions where you drove aggressively, the tire compounds that suit your car best, and the track temperatures that are optimal for your vehicle."

"I trust we will learn the appropriate lessons from this during the winter and modify our development strategy for the 2025 vehicle."

"We cannot entirely eliminate these variations. All teams will experience them again in the coming year."

Even though Mercedes encountered significant challenges, Wolff thinks that all the top teams in Formula 1 experienced comparable difficulties at various points in 2024.

Wolff mentioned that each of the four teams that claimed victories in 2024 has faced their own set of challenges and successes.

No one has ever created a car that performs well on every race track and in every type of weather.

"McLaren's car excelled in conditions requiring high downforce and warm temperatures. Ferrari's vehicle was similarly suited to those conditions."

"Our vehicle performed well in high-speed turns and in cooler conditions. Meanwhile, the Red Bull team occasionally excelled in one area and at other times in a different one."

This year, Russell will team up with 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has taken over from Hamilton after his unexpected move to Ferrari.

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The highlights and lowlights from each of the five manufacturers at the Sepang MotoGP test this week.

The 2025 MotoGP championship commenced recently, beginning with the Shakedown followed by the official tests at Sepang, where all participating teams experienced their share of ups and downs.

Ducati

Beginning from the pinnacle is always ideal, and for Ducati, they continue to hold their position at the apex as of 2025.

Alex Marquez leading the session on the GP24 managed by Gresini highlights Ducati's solid foundation for this season.

Undoubtedly, with victories in all but one Grand Prix in 2024, the GP24 stands out as an iconic motorcycle in the realm of two-wheeled motorsport. However, this success poses a unique challenge for Ducati: finding a way to outperform it.

The solution for the Bologna brand involved introducing a fresh fairing, frame, and motor. However, facing a development halt in 2026, choosing the right motor became a pivotal decision, dominating the discussions for the majority of the two-day period.

Pecco Bagnaia has expressed that Marc Marquez is the inaugural teammate he's had who shares an identical sentiment in communicating with the engineering team 🤝#MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/ToX9CXquFk

Navigating the program became more challenging when Fabio Di Giannantonio was hospitalized due to a wheelie accident on the first day. However, considering Bagnaia's impressive second-place position in the time trials and Marquez demonstrating remarkable speed during his Sprint simulation, it's difficult to pinpoint any negatives in Ducati's test performance.

Should you aim for a slight improvement – their speed didn't increase in this year's evaluation compared to the previous one. We believe they'll move past this.

Aprilia

The test session for Aprilia certainly began in a less than ideal manner. Jorge Martin, Raul Fernandez, and Ai Ogura each experienced crashes on the first day. Among them, only Ogura was able to participate throughout the second and third days.

The rider from Japan made considerable progress, achieving times in the 1:57 range toward the conclusion of the session. However, the bulk of the developmental responsibilities was carried by Marco Bezzecchi, who was stepping into the role of a factory rider for the first time.

Bezzecchi's concluding performance didn't quite stand out, ending the last day trailing behind Joan Mir and Johann Zarco from Honda. His opportunity for full performance runs was restricted, dedicating the majority of his effort to evaluating components for a motorcycle he had only one day's experience with prior to this week.

Concluding that Aprilia's testing session was a definite success is challenging, especially since two key riders, one of whom is the current World Champion, had to withdraw from the testing early on because of injuries. However, the efforts of Bezzecchi and the designated test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who stepped in to cover for the missing Martin and Fernandez, managed to redeem the situation somewhat.

Despite facing monetary challenges, KTM managed to introduce a significant number of updates at the Sepang test, particularly a new seat unit featuring a mass damper.

The goal of this, like many of KTM's efforts during the offseason, was to address the vibration issues that became evident in 2024 following Michelin's launch of its latest rear tire.

The issue with vibrations on the RC16 hasn't been resolved, with Pedro Acosta being the only rider to finish in the top 10 after the test. Despite this, the Spanish rider managed to maintain a decent speed during his Sprint simulation.

Brad Binder expressed a level of confidence that KTM is making progress towards the upcoming season, yet departing Sepang, it's challenging to feel that the Austrian brand has made any significant strides towards the front compared to their position last year.

Yamaha and Fabio Quartararo make a significant leap with a 0.8 enhancement from the 2024 to 2025 Sepang Tests 🏍️💥 #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/9qXu4N79rR— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 7, 2025

Following a prolonged phase of perceived downturn, Yamaha demonstrated signs of real improvement in Sepang, with Fabio Quartararo achieving some solid extended runs and clocking a time of 1:56.724 during one of his time trials.

Before this week, the rider from France had not clocked a time under 1 minute and 57 seconds, and last year, Yamaha lagged more than a second behind the fastest lap in the Sepang test. Therefore, the 2021 World Champion's achievement of finishing just a fraction of a second behind Alex Marquez, who led the timings, was a clear indicator of significant improvement.

The typical warning about increased track traction applies, and it's worth noting that Yamaha had all four of its competitors participating in the Shakedown session, which occurred a few days prior to the formal testing. However, Yamaha showed significant improvement, clocking in 0.8 seconds faster than their performance in the 2024 Sepang test. This suggests they might have advanced to the same level as KTM and Aprilia, trailing behind Ducati. Only time will reveal the full scope of their progress.

Honda continues to lag behind other manufacturers in MotoGP following the Sepang test. According to Luca Marini, despite Honda making progress, so have their competitors, leaving them essentially in the same position as before.

According to reports, the motorcycle offers an improved riding experience throughout a race, yet it continues to fall short in terms of grip and maximum speed.

In light of the current situation, labeling Honda's performance at the Sepang test as a catastrophe wouldn't be accurate. However, whereas they were previously in a similar position to Yamaha towards the rear of the pack, they now appear to be distinctly isolated as the sole prominent brand lagging behind.

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Two MotoGP riders, each dealing with three fractures, are planning a swift return to the track. Details on their recovery timelines have been disclosed.

Fabio di Giannantonio and Raul Fernandez remain optimistic about making speedy recoveries following their recent injuries.

During the official MotoGP test at Sepang, VR46's Di Giannantonio and Trackhouse's Fernandez sustained bone fractures.

The two riders were unable to continue participating in the test and needed surgical procedures to address their injuries.

Di Giannantonio sustained a collarbone fracture, whereas Fernandez experienced a break in a metacarpal bone in his left hand and also a fractured toe.

However, they could each return to cycling sooner than anticipated.

VR46’s Uccio Salucci mentioned to Sky Italy that he believes Fabio is scheduled for surgery during the weekend.

"I anticipate meeting him again in Buriram, not for the upcoming test next week, but for the actual race."

Check out this Instagram post from Raúl Fernández (@raulfernandez_25). Raúl Fernández (@raulfernandez_25) shared this post.

Fernandez has already undergone surgery.

"To begin with, I want to express my gratitude to Xavier Mir for consistently providing me with exceptional care," Fernandez shared in a post.

"I need to take some time to heal now and aim to head to Thailand. I appreciate all your supportive messages!"

The Thailand MotoGP, marking the start of the season, is scheduled from February 28 to March

This implies that Di Giannantonio and Fernandez have a three-week period for recuperation.

However, in that period, they will be absent from the Buriram preseason test, which means they will start the inaugural race, if they can participate, facing a significant disadvantage against their competitors.

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Aprilia responds sharply to Michelin amid escalating controversy over Jorge Martin's accident

Massimo Rivola expressed harsh criticism towards Piero Taramasso

Jorge Martin has had an operation for the damage he incurred during the Sepang trial – however, the reasons behind his accident are still being debated.

The MotoGP titleholder experienced a severe crash on Wednesday, slamming face-first into the pavement and sustaining injuries to their hand and foot.

Following his operation, Aprilia has strongly refuted Michelin's assertion regarding the cause of the mishap.

Jorge Martin Successfully Operates on Right Hand

Martin's right hand operation was successfully completed on Friday.

Dr. Xavier Mir performed surgery on him in Barcelona.

He sustained a non-penetrating fracture to the head of the fifth metacarpal in his right hand and non-penetrating fractures to the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals in his left foot.

He stayed in a Malaysian hospital for a night before going back to Spain to undergo surgery.

Martin's foot injury won't necessitate surgical intervention, with his recuperation period set to be evaluated over the next few days.

Dr. Mir stated, "Jorge Martín, the motorcycle racer, received surgical treatment for a misaligned break in the head of his right fifth metacarpal bone. The procedure involved realigning the bone and securing it with a screw placed inside the bone."

"Based on the patient's current health condition, the process of regaining functionality is expected to begin soon."

Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola expressed his happiness that Jorge's surgery was successful and emphasized the importance of his quick recovery, stating that his well-being is the most important concern.

Aprilia vs. Michelin dispute

Following Martin's accident, Aprilia leader Rivola promptly claimed that neither the motorcycle nor the rider was at fault.

His remark subtly suggested that the fault lay with his Michelin tire.

On Friday morning, Piero Taramasso, the two-wheel manager for Michelin Motorsport, shared his perspective on what led to the accident.

Initially, Massimo Rivola indicated that the temperature of the tyres was satisfactory, […] however, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tyres, which can fluctuate greatly based on factors like sliding and the bike's rotation, explained Taramasso.

"The backside temperature, or the [value] that helps us determine whether the tyre is functioning properly, refers to the temperature of the innermost layer. This is typically the information obtained from the sensor on the McLaren."

Taramasso stated, "It's evident that when Jorge exited the pit for his final attempt prior to the accident, the temperature of the tyre was lower by 15 degrees.

"Thus, a 15-degree change is fairly significant."

However, Rivola from Aprilia has refuted that assertion.

"Aprilia has stated that their information does not corroborate Piero Taramasso's claims about the crash."

"I am of the opinion that the well-being of the riders must come first, and I've recommended that he arranges a discussion with every team to address what is undeniably a dire issue, as shown by the high frequency of injuries."

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Toto Wolff asserts that Mercedes will not experience a downturn after Lewis Hamilton's departure. He states, "The energy is positive among our current and prospective partners, so we're not sensing any sort of slump."

Toto Wolff is enthusiastic about the future of Mercedes' Formula 1 team, asserting that Lewis Hamilton's exit won't lead to any sort of downturn.

Mercedes is entering the 2025 Formula 1 season marking a significant change, with Hamilton not being part of their driver lineup for the first time.

Hamilton dedicated a dozen years to Mercedes, securing six out of his seven championships while with the squad.

Nevertheless, the athlete who has clinched the world championship seven times chose to switch to Ferrari in 2025 following three unremarkable years with Mercedes. This decision was driven by Hamilton's lifelong ambition to race for the iconic Italian team.

Mercedes has seen Tommy Hilfiger depart as a major sponsor, but they're embracing Adidas, the renowned sportswear brand, as their leading kit sponsor for the forthcoming season.

In a conversation with Sky Sports during a media gathering focused on Mercedes' latest collaboration with Adidas, Wolff shared optimistic views regarding the period following Hamilton's tenure.

"Wolff commented, "In the realm of sports, there are few brands as quintessential as Adidas."

"This speaks volumes about the confidence the team holds for the future. In my conversation about Lewis departing and Kimi joining with the CEO, he expressed, 'This is thrilling. Time to embrace the new era!'"

"This captures the sentiment among our team members. We share a powerful connection with our current and prospective partners, leaving us without any sense of regret."

Wolff believes that Hamilton's departure will serve as a revitalizing change for both him and the team.

Hamilton's last season with the squad was perhaps the most underwhelming in his distinguished F1 career.

Besides his pair of victories, Hamilton frequently trailed significantly behind his fellow team member, George Russell.

Hamilton's performance towards the season's close was so disappointing it prompted a shocking acknowledgment that he no longer possesses adequate speed.

At 40, he appears revitalized at Ferrari, expressing a sense of belonging in Maranello, referring to it as his "home" after just a few weeks with his new team.

Commenting on Hamilton's initial period with Ferrari, Wolff remarked, "It was a mutually beneficial move. Observing Lewis during his early days at Ferrari, particularly that iconic image of him in front of Enzo Ferrari's residence, stands out. Lewis, with his distinctive fashion sense, something I've mentioned to him.

"Simultaneously, we're taking a new direction, aiming to redefine our approach with a youthful driver – alongside George, who doesn't get the recognition he deserves. We possess an experienced, victorious driver alongside this emerging talent. For both parties, it's a rejuvenating change."

Mercedes is set to reveal its 2025 Formula 1 contender, dubbed the W16, on February 24.

In the past few years, Mercedes has chosen to unveil their vehicle at Silverstone, followed by an initial test run.

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Collision.Web

Ducati asserts a "lunch meeting" as Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia demonstrate solidarity. "I observe a wonderful bond."

According to Ducati, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia started building their relationship by spending time with each other and their partners.

This season, the Ducati garage is expected to be the center of attention in the MotoGP paddock, as it will house what many consider to be the top contenders for the championship.

Marquez and Bagnaia, now teammates, are also obvious competitors vying for the championship, which is currently held by Jorge Martin. Martin, on the other hand, needs to adapt to his new Aprilia.

Ducati asserts that the highly talked-about partnership between their official riders has begun seamlessly.

"We are creating a new chapter in the history of our sport," said sporting director Mauro Grassilli to GPOne, ahead of the team’s highly anticipated rider lineup at the Sepang test.

"We are collaborating effectively, and I notice a great bond between the two cyclists."

The group, along with their wives and girlfriends, are also sharing a meal together.

"We are taking the necessary actions, and ultimately, the results on the track will speak for themselves. We'll have to wait and see the outcome."

"In my experience, I've consistently observed strong relationships among riders."

"When I began during the era of Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss, the connection between racers was crucial. I anticipated this because both Marquez and Bagnaia are smart, capable, and professional individuals."

During the Sepang test, Ducati's official riders collaborated to refine the setup they plan to use for this season, alongside VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

As of now, their partnership is advantageous for both parties. Ducati is confident that it will continue to be so.

"Establishing a positive and stimulating atmosphere is crucial and thrilling, but it is not the most challenging task."

"They are experts who are skilled at performing their duties."

"Pecco displays a high level of professionalism. After returning from his honeymoon, he appeared very relaxed, composed, and self-assured."

"I've only been acquainted with Marc for a brief period. Our introduction took place last year in the hospitality sector. I'm gradually learning more about him. Up to now, I find all aspects of his character appealing, including how he interacts with Pecco, our team, sponsors, and the press."

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George Russell hints at significant updates for Mercedes F1 W16: “Long-term plans in motion”

George Russell anticipates the 2025 Formula 1 season, suggesting substantial modifications are on the horizon for the Mercedes W16.

George Russell has suggested that Mercedes have implemented major updates to their 2025 F1 vehicle, stating “these are developments that have been underway for a considerable period.”

In 2024, despite securing victories in four races, Mercedes ended up in fourth place in the Formula 1 constructors' standings.

Mercedes has struggled with unpredictability since the beginning of the ground-effect period.

As the regulations stay unchanged throughout the winter, the competition at the leading edge is anticipated to be more closely contested than previously seen.

Mercedes is optimistic that following three years of gaining experience, they are now in a position to contend for the championship.

During the unveiling of Mercedes' new collaboration with Adidas, Russell shared his positive outlook for the upcoming season.

"According to Russell in his conversation with Sky Sports, while it might not seem like there have been immediate alterations from the previous year to the current one, the team has been developing several aspects for an extended period. These elements were not ready to be implemented on the 2024 car, but they've been under development for quite some time."

"We have a hopeful outlook that this will serve as a positive move forward. Naturally, it's uncertain what our competitors have managed to achieve."

"As we progress through the current year, the prospect of development by 2026 presents a fascinating question."

Russell prepared to chase F1 championship

In 2025, George Russell is set to take the lead role in the team after Lewis Hamilton departs.

Consequently, should Mercedes provide him with the necessary equipment to compete, Russell anticipates being a strong contender for the championship.

2024 marked a significant year for Russell as he consistently outperformed Hamilton, especially during the qualifying rounds.

Russell demonstrated his willingness to confront Max Verstappen by engaging in a verbal battle with him at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which marked the conclusion of the season.

Evaluating his potential to contend for the championship in 2025, Russell stated: "Definitely. I believe I'm prepared, and everyone on the team is highly driven.

"I believe these years have essentially been about experimenting and learning. However, whenever an opportunity to succeed presented itself, we seized it and came out victorious."

"This is what fuels my hope that, provided we possess the vehicle, we can accomplish our goal."

"We're putting in maximum effort to make it happen within this year, with everyone fully committed and looking forward to an exhilarating season."

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Accident.Report

Eddie Jordan shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's early collision with a Ferrari in Barcelona: "I'd prefer to witness…"

Eddie Jordan believes that Lewis Hamilton's initial mishap with Ferrari won't bother him at all, supporting the seven-time world champion's method of pushing boundaries.

Last week, during his third day behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2023 contender at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Hamilton experienced a crash.

In a recent appearance at the TPC, the 40-year-old racer failed to finish, suffering a crash in the last segment of the lap on the Spanish circuit.

Ferrari quickly minimized the significance of the incident, but it nonetheless affected Charles Leclerc's performance.

Accidents during test runs are not unusual, especially for Hamilton, who experienced a collision with his McLaren in 2007 before his first season started.

In 2013, during his initial trial at Jerez, he experienced a collision in a Mercedes caused by the brakes not working.

On the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan, the former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix F1 team, downplayed Hamilton's accident.

"Jordan opined that such minor setbacks wouldn't bother him at all since they're a common occurrence. He explained that as a team leader, he had become accustomed to it over time."

"There are numerous spare parts at our disposal, and it's essential for racers to test the boundaries of their vehicles. If you're unaware of the car's maximum capabilities, you're likely not driving fast enough. That's the problem. I prefer witnessing Lewis commit these minor mistakes now rather than during an actual race or in the qualifying rounds.

"Ferrari is prepared to afford him ample opportunity. It's believed that Ferrari's production and sales of consumer vehicles will increase, leading to a larger profit margin thanks to Lewis. As a result, they'll be in a position to fully balance any external revenue or costs associated with having Lewis on board, making it a worthwhile investment.

"I was completely unaware that it was a strategic financial move made by Elkann, and I believe they will recover that amount several times over."

Hamilton prepares for his first race with Ferrari

With just over a month to go, Hamilton is set to make his official debut for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix.

Over time, Hamilton has consistently excelled in qualifying rounds at Albert Park.

Ahead of the upcoming season, Hamilton has been behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2024 model during the Pirelli tyre trials.

Subsequently, Ferrari is set to unveil their car on February 19, a day following the reveal of the livery, coinciding with F1's official season event at London's O2.

Initial trials in Bahrain commence on the 26th of February, with Hamilton and Leclerc each taking part in a three-day testing period.

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CollisionHub.News

Theory about machinery suggested as reason for Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari accident

"Consider this: driving that car was quite challenging."

The particular vehicle Lewis Hamilton was operating during his test run for Ferrari, when he experienced a crash, has been recognized as a potential factor in the incident.

Hamilton created a buzz with a small mishap that led to the early conclusion of a Ferrari testing session, also resulting in the delay of teammate Charles Leclerc's schedule.

However, Hamilton was behind the wheel of the SF-23, the problematic Ferrari model from 2023, which might have played a role in his minor accident.

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Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that some aspects of it are shrouded in mystery.

Ferrari has chosen not to speak on the matter, likely because they prefer to maintain confidentiality.

According to an insider, the event was not significant.

From their perspective, it was just a minor incident and a routine aspect of testing, especially given that Hamilton is accustomed to racing for Mercedes.

"It is anticipated during testing that a driver will explore the capabilities of a car, discovering its limits and identifying where the performance boundaries lie."

"If you continue testing for an extended period, you are likely to encounter a problem or find yourself in the gravel."

Uncertainties remain regarding the specifics, with differing accounts concerning the magnitude of the event and its location.

"Certain sources mentioned that the damage was minimal, while others claimed it was significant. The truth remains unclear as Ferrari has chosen not to disclose the details."

SF-23 recognized following Lewis Hamilton's accident

"Lewis Larkam pointed out that the incident involved Ferrari's most underperforming car of this era, the 2023 model."

Red Bull's strong performance played a significant role, making it quite challenging for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"That's an aspect to consider – the car was challenging to handle."

In a Pirelli tire testing session for Ferrari, Hamilton has taken the wheel of a 2024 model.

It has been stated that his accident will not lead to any lasting issues with confidence.

Connor McDonagh expressed that considering his resume, background, and achievements, it's difficult to believe that this would have had any impact on him.

"There might be instances where drivers with less experience have faced challenges—Pierre Gasly, for instance, experienced a significant crash during testing in 2019, which had an impact on him. Similarly, Logan Sargeant began his season well but then encountered a few crashes that negatively affected his performance at Williams."

"This was an integral aspect of the testing process, and it provides a learning opportunity for him."

The vehicle model from 2023 posed challenges for drivers when navigating corners at high speeds.

"It would be more concerning if he were behind the wheel of the 2025 car during practice sessions in Bahrain or Australia."

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Lewis Hamilton Barred from Additional TPC Formula 1 Trials with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is prohibited from participating in more TPC trials with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton will not partake in any more TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) activities with Ferrari before the 2025 Formula 1 season commences.

This is due to him reaching the upper limit of allowed mileage under the regulations of Formula 1.

Throughout the season, squads are restricted to a total of 20 days for TPC operations annually, with access to just a single vehicle for each session.

According to the Sporting Regulations, present drivers are allowed to engage in a maximum of 1000 kilometers of driving, spread out over no more than four days within the allocated 20-day period.

Adjustments were made to the regulations following Max Verstappen's session behind the wheel of Red Bull's 2022 vehicle at a TPC test in Imola the previous year.

Ferrari has been utilizing their TPC resources to assist Hamilton in acclimating to the team before his inaugural season with the Scuderia, following his shocking move from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion finished his initial day of Track Performance Center (TPC) activities, marking his first appearance on the track in a 2023 Ferrari at Fiorano in January.

Last week in Barcelona, Hamilton and his co-driver Charles Leclerc dedicated another two days to testing the SF-23 on the track.

Ferrari's schedule faced interruptions after Hamilton experienced a crash during the second day of the event, which took place last Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the team from Italy returned to the track in Barcelona for a two-day tire testing event for Pirelli, set for 2026, during which Hamilton experienced driving Ferrari's 2024 contender. However, it was an altered model intended to mimic the downforce specifications expected in the following year.

It was revealed that Ferrari seized the chance to test their SF-23 once more in Barcelona on Tuesday, giving Hamilton his fourth and last day of testing as per the TPC regulations.

Hamilton is anticipated to pilot Ferrari's upcoming 2025 vehicle during a preliminary test at Fiorano, utilizing one of the squad's two allowed filming days, right after the unveiling of the SF-25 on February 19.

Subsequently, the British driver, aged 40, along with Leclerc, will have their initial opportunity to rigorously test drive Ferrari's 2025 model during the sanctioned pre-season trials in Bahrain, scheduled from February 26th to 28th.

Hamilton expressed feeling completely comfortable after his initial weeks with Ferrari.

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EXCLUSIVE: Lewis Hamilton Fulfills Artist's Dream in F1-Themed Commission

Joel Clark shares with Crash.net his incredible journey to achieving his dream project, thanks to Lewis Hamilton.

"I almost tumbled from my seat."

Upon discovering that F1 icon Lewis Hamilton had requested him to craft a unique piece of art, automotive artist Joel Clark expressed his reaction.

This week, news surfaced that Hamilton organized a farewell present for 3,000 of his previous teammates at Mercedes. To mark his exit from the Silver Arrows, Hamilton enlisted the talents of six artists to craft a unique artwork for his colleagues at the team as a goodbye gesture.

Hamilton, who secured six out of his seven world titles with Mercedes, made a major move to F1 competitors Ferrari during the offseason, and before doing so, he expressed gratitude to his previous team members by giving them special farewell gifts.

Mercedes maintained strict secrecy around the project to guarantee that their employees remained unaware until they were presented with the uniquely commissioned pieces of art at January's conclusion.

Clark, an artist selected for the assignment, was astonished when he received an unexpected email in his inbox in October.

"Clark revealed to Crash.net that he received an unexpected message from a firm responsible for the project. The message inquired about his willingness to take on a commission involving a well-known athlete, but no further details were provided. He accepted the offer."

I was completely clueless about which sport it involved, let alone any specifics. Later on, it turned out to be Lewis, which almost made me tumble out of my seat. Every artist received guidelines based on a theme chosen by Lewis, which aimed to highlight his most impactful and significant experiences with the team.

"The focus wasn't solely on Lewis; it involved both Lewis and Mercedes, which was crucial. Therefore, my piece, 'An Ode to Senna', was a tribute to that significant team triumph."

A Tribute to Senna: Crafted with precision-cut vinyl on a large A1-sized Perspex sheet. This artwork was specially ordered by @LewisHamilton to give to his colleagues at @MercedesAMGF1 as farewell presents. #lewishamilton #hamilton #mercedesf1 #f1 #formula1 #f1art pic.twitter.com/Kuc5ufmvI8— Joel Clark (@JClarkArtist) February 4, 2025

A Tribute to Senna: Crafted with precision-cut vinyl on a large A1-sized Perspex sheet. This artwork was specially ordered by @LewisHamilton to give to his colleagues at @MercedesAMGF1 as farewell presents. #lewishamilton #hamilton #mercedesf1 #f1 #formula1 #f1art pic.twitter.com/Kuc5ufmvI8

For Clark, a lifelong motorsport enthusiast with a deep admiration for Ayrton Senna, the opportunity to craft an artwork capturing Hamilton's memorable comeback win at the 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, in the country that Senna called home, was a dream come true.

Clark, who is now 50, spent his childhood in Brackley, the town that houses the Mercedes’ F1 headquarters, and is located very close to Silverstone. After finishing school at the age of 16, he landed his initial job at Silverstone, working as a creator of vinyl stickers.

"Just as I had managed to rise from the ground to the seat, I found myself tumbling right back down," he went on. "Being a tremendous admirer of [Ayrton] Senna, the mix of both aspects, along with the intense feelings tied to participating in what's considered one of the grandest narratives in the history of racing sports.

"I was raised in Brackley, and my initial employment was with a sign company at Silverstone, where I picked up skills in handling vinyl. Back in 1990, we often worked with numerous Touring Car teams. For me, that experience was incredibly significant and quite the endeavor."

Clark, who identifies as the sole artist in the automotive field utilizing hand-cut vinyl, faced the task of finishing his assignment within a month, a task that pushed him out of his normal realm of illustrating vintage race cars. He presented four artworks in all, and interestingly, his top pick also became Hamilton's favorite.

"Much of my car-themed art focuses on older models; I seldom venture beyond the 1990s for inspiration. Therefore, tackling a modern Formula 1 vehicle, with its incredible complexity, has been a wild experience," he shared.

"The task was primarily one of creativity. It stood out as my top pick, equally favored by Lewis and the agency, aligning us perfectly in our decision. The goal was to encapsulate a truly remarkable episode in Lewis's journey with Mercedes."

A return to roots

Clark dedicated six years of his life to academia at Central Saint Martins art college during the nineties before embarking on a two-decade career in advertising. Despite this, his genuine interest in motorsport art remained, leading him to occasionally engage in his favored artistic endeavor.

In 2013, during the Kop Hill Climb, a renowned gathering for vintage car enthusiasts, Clark experienced a pivotal moment when he sold almost all of his creations. This success encouraged him to embark on what has become a decade-long career.

Clark's preferred artistic medium emerged from the techniques he learned at his initial employment, now intertwined with his passion for auto racing.

"Clark reminisced about his initial employment, mentioning that in 1990, all car logos had to be manually crafted since there were no computers available to digitize or scan these designs."

"Upon arriving on Monday morning following a race weekend, anyone who had been involved in a crash would inform me, stating things like 'we require four more Dunlop decals' or 'we're short 20 Michelin decals,' prompting me to manually cut out those requested stickers."

Clark elaborated on his passion for vinyl, stating, "In the realm of automotive art, it naturally possesses the same surface finish as the actual vehicle it represents, giving it a distinctive characteristic in this regard."

"The artwork absorbs and mirrors the ambiance of its surroundings, integrating these natural reflections with the deliberate accents I've incorporated. This approach is particularly evident in my Formula 1 pieces, where I emphasize the bright and dark areas throughout. The process of simplifying everything into blocks of color fascinates me, as I'm drawn to the striking effect it creates and the concept of distilling everything into geometric color forms."

"Fundamentally, I'm constructing a puzzle, but I'm also crafting each individual piece of that puzzle. After that, it actually heads to an auto body shop to receive a clear coat, ensuring it has the identical finish as the actual vehicle I'm representing."

Individually, the opportunity granted to Hamilton and the subsequent publicity could serve as a crucial moment of success or failure for Clark, who admits to being an "artist of little renown."

Currently, amid a financial crunch, there's a noticeable decline in purchases of art created by lesser-known artists. "For me, it's essentially a critical moment," he confessed.

"Without delving into a tale of woe, currently, my financial situation is so precarious that I'm uncertain if I can afford my rent every month. Thus, this opportunity for visibility is, without overstating it, truly a critical juncture for me. It's of paramount significance."

Clark unmistakably considers it the pinnacle of his professional life.

"Regarding the importance of the project and its impact, not only on the history of motorsport but also on cultural history, it's something I could have never imagined," he expressed.

"For an artist deeply involved in crafting motorsport-themed artwork, receiving a commission from a racing driver would be incredible, and securing one from an F1 driver would be even more extraordinary. However, being commissioned by someone considered the greatest in the sport is simply unparalleled. It's beyond what one could ever dream of."

Clark's portfolio is available for viewing on his official webpage.

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Netflix rumored to make a bold move for F1 broadcasting rights in the US

There's speculation that Netflix might air Formula 1 races in the United States starting in 2026

Netflix is reportedly in talks to acquire Formula 1 broadcasting rights in the US starting in 2026.

Based on information from Sports Business Journal, the leading streaming service is contemplating acquiring the broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United States.

Since 2018, ESPN has held the broadcasting rights for Formula 1, yet they encounter tough competition in their efforts to keep them.

Their existing contract is valued at merely $90 million, rendering it quite affordable in relation to other sports.

In a remarkable deal, the broadcast rights for the Premier League soccer matches in the UK from 2025 to 2029 have been acquired by Sky and TNT Sports for an impressive sum of £6.7 billion.

Netflix aims to leverage their influence on Formula 1 via the documentary series Drive to Survive.

Drive to Survive is often hailed as the primary catalyst behind the substantial expansion of F1.

Its influence in the United States has resulted in three races being held domestically.

Since its inauguration in 2012, the Circuit of the Americas has been a staple venue for the United States Grand Prix in the Formula 1 schedule.

Nonetheless, Miami joined the Formula 1 schedule in 2022, and since 2023, Las Vegas has also been included.

The expansion of Formula 1 in the United States has reached a level where a new American team is set to become the 11th participant on the race grid in 2026.

Cadillac, supported by General Motors, is gearing up to enter the F1 circuit next season.

The squad has made it clear that they plan to include an American racer in their lineup, with Colton Herta being strongly associated with the position.

Taking into account various elements, it's logical to delve into the reasons behind Netflix's eagerness to obtain the broadcasting rights for F1.

Over the past few years, Netflix has broadcast various live sports events.

In November 2024, the boxing showdown between Mike Tyson and YouTube celebrity Jake Paul was broadcast live on Netflix, setting a new record as the most-watched live sports event in streaming history.

Netflix has acquired the broadcasting rights for two NFL matches during the holiday season and will also stream the women's soccer World Cups in 2023 and 2027.

For now, it won't affect viewers in the UK.

Sky Sports possesses the sole broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United Kingdom through to the year 2029.

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Connor, with his keen insight into Formula 1's dramas and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

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