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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lando Norris shares his thoughts after taking McLaren's 2025 Formula 1 car for its inaugural spin.

For the first time, Lando Norris took McLaren's 2025 Formula 1 car for a spin at the Silverstone circuit.

McLaren introduced their brand-new MCL39 via social media following its debut on the track on Thursday afternoon.

Norris, who secured the runner-up position in the 2024 F1 drivers' championship, had the opportunity to drive initially before passing the wheel to Oscar Piastri.

McLaren begins the upcoming season as the current champions of the F1 constructors' title, having finished 2024 with the quickest car.

After concluding the year on a high note, McLaren has introduced major modifications to their latest vehicle, with Piastri suggesting there are "fresh innovations."

Norris expressed that the new car had a positive feel, supporting Piastri's statement that McLaren has implemented several modifications for this year's model.

Norris mentioned to Sky Sports that there have been more alterations than one might initially realize just by observing the car, which he finds exciting.

One aims to enhance every aspect, striving for qualities like reduced weight, increased strength, greater speed, and more power, among other improvements. I believe that each component of the car has been refined and upgraded.

"At times, it's the little details that come together, and other times, it's about those narrow differences. The experience was satisfying. Getting behind the wheel again is a pleasure. It's thrilling."

"Our first year stepping in as champions, with everyone aiming for us. It feels great. The team is performing incredibly well. It's nice to return."

Norris set for F1 championship chase

Norris is widely regarded as the top contender for this year's F1 championship, especially after his commanding victories in Singapore and Abu Dhabi at the end of the 2024 season.

The UK racer needs to refine his racing skills, especially when competing with Max Verstappen, to stand a chance of becoming McLaren's first drivers' champion since Lewis Hamilton achieved the title in 2008.

In response to being considered the bookmakers' top choice for the championship, Norris said, "I'm not sure about that. I approach things gradually, one step at a time. It's flattering, and I'm grateful to everyone placing their bets on me. My attention is on this year. I felt positive following last season."

"I had the desire to keep going after Abu Dhabi, finishing in a positive way. I understood there were certain aspects where I needed to get better."

"I felt like I demonstrated to myself that I have the necessary skills. When something falls into place, and you believe you can accomplish it at that moment. I am certainly approaching this without any excessive confidence or arrogance."

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Nightclub security guard imprisoned for attempting to extort money from Michael Schumacher

A security guard at a nightclub has been sentenced to jail for his role in a scheme to extort money from Michael Schumacher.

The individual responsible for attempting to extort £12 million from Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher has been sentenced to prison.

A 53-year-old nightclub bouncer named Yilmaz Tozturkan has received a three-year prison sentence. He was found guilty of collaborating with two other individuals to acquire confidential footage of the seven-time world champion.

Daniel Lins, the 30-year-old son of Tozturkan, received a six-month suspended sentence. Meanwhile, Markus Fritsche, 53, who used to work as Schumacher's bodyguard, was sentenced to two years, also suspended.

Fritsche illegally obtained 1,500 photos, 200 video files, and private medical documents from a computer and handed them over to Tozturkan. Tozturkan then threatened the Schumacher family, claiming he would "post the information on the dark web" if they did not pay him.

In court, Tozturkan expressed remorse by saying, "I deeply regret my actions and feel ashamed. It was a truly appalling act, and I accept complete responsibility."

Thilo Damm, the lawyer representing the Schumacher family, has voiced worries over a hard drive with confidential information that has yet to be found.

"We don’t concur with all the court's statements. We assure you that we will pursue every legal option available to us," he stated.

"We're unsure about the location of the missing hard drive, which means there could be another potential risk from an unexpected source."

Damm mentioned that the Schumacher family intends to challenge what they perceive as "light punishments."

Michael Schumacher has chosen to live a private life with his family following a severe head injury he sustained in a skiing accident in December 2013. Since then, he has not made any public appearances.

His relatives have chosen not to disclose details regarding his health status.

In September 2021, an uncommon update was shared with the public through the launch of a Netflix documentary that delves into the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna Schumacher, the wife of the legendary driver with 91 grand prix victories, stated that although he has changed, he is still present.

Corinna mentioned, "He continues to demonstrate his strength daily. We're making efforts to move forward as a family."

"We reside together in the same household, and we participate in therapy sessions."

"We put in all our efforts to improve Michael's condition and ensure he feels at ease. Our goal is to let him experience the closeness and love of our family."

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am committed to doing all I can. We all share this commitment. We are moving forward with our lives."

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Unveiled: Lewis Hamilton's First Italian Address at Ferrari

During a tour of Ferrari's Formula 1 facility, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his proficiency in the Italian language.

Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his Italian language skills while speaking to the team at Ferrari's Formula 1 headquarters.

The seven-time world champion is in the process of adjusting to his new team after making a high-profile move from Mercedes, where he spent 12 years with the Silver Arrows.

Lewis Hamilton, after triggering an exit option in his contract with Mercedes, has decided to join Ferrari. He is now working on learning Italian and immersing himself in the distinct culture of the renowned racing team.

Last month, a 40-year-old British individual made their eagerly awaited initial trip to Ferrari's Maranello base, where they began familiarizing themselves with the factory and team members.

On Wednesday, a video spread across social media showing Hamilton showcasing his newly acquired ability by giving a speech in Italian at the factory for the first time.

It has been disclosed what Hamilton said to his new colleagues while sharing the stage with Charles Leclerc and Ferrari's team boss, Frederic Vasseur.

According to the Italian media outlet AutoRacer, Hamilton expressed his gratitude by saying, "I appreciate the warm reception from everyone."

"I'm thrilled to embark on this new journey alongside you at Ferrari. Joining this team has been a lifelong dream of mine. I'm eager to begin collaborating with you. Thank you."

Lewis Hamilton's efforts with @duolingo (farewell Duo 😔) have proven successful! 👀🇮🇹 The seven-time Formula 1 world champion was seen in Maranello conversing with Ferrari employees in Italian. 👏📹 carminelagamma96pic.twitter.com/UoAu7M5bXc— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) February 12, 2025

Before his first season with Ferrari, Hamilton has been engaging in a comprehensive private testing schedule ahead of the official start.

Hamilton first drove Ferrari's 2023 car at Fiorano, and later took the SF-23 for another test run in Barcelona.

Even though he experienced an accident during his second test, Hamilton is said to have advanced well in getting accustomed to Ferrari's vehicles and protocols.

As part of a tire test for Pirelli scheduled for 2026, he was given the opportunity to drive an adapted model of Ferrari's 2024 vehicle.

On February 19, Hamilton is set to experience Ferrari's 2025 car for the first time during a test session at Fiorano.

Afterward, Hamilton and Leclerc will have the opportunity to thoroughly test the SF-25 during the official pre-season trials in Bahrain, scheduled for February 26-28.

Lewis Hamilton is set to make his much-awaited first appearance for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, which kicks off the season on March 16.

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McLaren has unveiled its Formula 1 car for the 2025 season during a test run at Silverstone, showcasing a unique camouflage design.

McLaren has taken the lead as the first Formula 1 team to reveal their 2025 car, showcasing it during a preliminary run at Silverstone.

On Thursday, the MCL39 was driven on a racetrack for the first time at the British Grand Prix location. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns behind the wheel as McLaren hosted a promotional filming event.

McLaren's latest race car was spotted with a bold geometric camouflage design, unveiled in anticipation of the upcoming F1 season launch set to take place next week at London's O2 Arena.

On Tuesday, a groundbreaking event will take place where all 10 teams will unveil their official livery designs for the upcoming F1 season.

McLaren begins the season aiming to hold onto their constructors' world championship title, a victory they achieved last year for the first time in 26 years.

"Marking a significant step in our quest for the 2025 championship, McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed excitement. 'It's thrilling to see our contender for the title, the MCL39, take to the track for the very first time, showcasing the results of the team's dedicated efforts.'"

"We need to acknowledge that all teams are likely to have improved during the winter months. The previous season showed how much the competition has tightened, which is fantastic for the sport."

"We think we've progressed beyond the Championship-winning MCL38, though our exact position in the rankings will only become clear once we participate in the Qualifying round in Australia."

"We are a relentless team, and we are fully committed to reclaiming both Championships for Woking."

McLaren's team leader, Andrea Stella, expressed enthusiasm about the debut of the MCL39 on the Silverstone Circuit today.

"Although we concluded last year as the winners, 2024 has showcased the intense competitiveness of the field, a trend that is expected to continue into this year's Championship."

We need to maintain our concentration to stay competitive in this closely contested arena. The upcoming year promises to be thrilling yet extremely demanding.

The team has put in a tremendous amount of effort to get ready for the beginning of the season. From last year's challenges, we've gained valuable insights, which we intend to leverage to pursue our objectives for the year.

I would like to express my gratitude to the whole team for preparing the car for today's event, and I also appreciate our partners at Mercedes HPP for their ongoing cooperation.

"Our attention is now on the tasks necessary to optimize our testing period prior to the initial competitive event in Australia."

Norris has expressed his goal to secure his first world championship in 2025, following his second-place finish behind Max Verstappen in 2024.

The British driver expressed enthusiasm about getting into the MCL39 for the first time to test its performance on the track before the pre-season tests in Bahrain.

The camouflage design is quite enjoyable, and it's exciting to present something unique before we unveil our complete livery at the official launch of the F1 75.

"We are grateful to the whole team for their efforts in bringing us to this stage. With the increased competition this year, we have a significant amount of work ahead to defend our Constructor's title and aim for the Drivers' championship as well."

"I've returned to the MTC to get ready for the upcoming season, and the atmosphere is both upbeat and concentrated. Everyone is eager to take the car to the track in Bahrain before our competitive debut in Australia and to find out how we measure up against the other teams. It looks like it will be an exciting season."

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Red Bull team member commends Lewis Hamilton for his "courageous" actions that "motivated" a shift in Formula 1. "He dedicated his personal time, which is a challenging commitment for anyone."

Calum Nicholas, a mechanic for Red Bull, praised Lewis Hamilton for his efforts to increase diversity in Formula 1. He described the seven-time world champion as both "courageous" and "motivating."

In the past few years, Hamilton has played a key role in Formula 1's initiatives to be more welcoming and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The Hamilton Commission was established to tackle obstacles hindering black participation in the motorsport industry.

Hamilton established Mission 44, a nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion within the motorsport industry.

His efforts to promote increased diversity influenced his previous team, Mercedes, leading them to introduce a bold black design for their cars during the 2020 season.

Mercedes characterized the livery as a representation of "the team's dedication to combating racism and advancing diversity and inclusion."

Despite Hamilton's departure from the team, Toto Wolff has announced that they will keep wearing black to uphold the message Hamilton stands for.

During an interview on the High Performance podcast, Nicholas, a notable engineer at Red Bull, talked about the influence Hamilton has had on the sport and mentioned that his efforts to promote diversity further strengthen his legacy.

"We're moving forward, in my opinion," he stated. "A significant reason for our advancement is due to Lewis's efforts. Lewis initiated the discussion that many of us had been eager to engage in for a long time."

In response to a question about Hamilton's level of bravery, Nicholas expressed: "To tell the truth, I have a deep respect for Lewis's skills in racing and what he has accomplished on the track. However, on a personal level, I believe his greatest legacy and the most significant contribution he has made is initiating this discussion."

He took a significant personal risk and invested his own resources. His goal was to support independent investigations into why there was a lack of diversity.

He dedicated his personal time, which is quite a challenging task for someone in his situation, to ensure it was done correctly. We are advancing and improving.

Hamilton is set to depart from F1, ensuring a significant positive change

Despite his switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season, Hamilton emphasized that promoting diversity was a key focus during his discussions with the team.

Nicholas shared that he met with Hamilton prior to the establishment of the Hamilton Commission to offer his insights. This meeting motivated him to speak out more.

"Right before Lewis formally introduced the Hamilton Commission, I had the chance to have a conversation with him and several engineers in the paddock," he stated.

"We talked about the obstacles we had encountered based on our personal experiences. We shared our thoughts with him and conducted a case study for the team involved in his Hamilton commission research. It was motivating to engage with someone who was so enthusiastic about a topic I was interested in but didn’t know much about at the time."

"Over the years, there have been few things that have truly motivated me. It's been a while since I felt genuinely uplifted by anything emerging. Lewis gave me the sense that this is significant, and it doesn't matter what others think. It's crucial, and we're going to transform the sport. Due to his courage, he will leave this field in a far better state than when he entered it."

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Reports from Spain suggest that Sergio Perez is planning a comeback in Formula 1 with the latest team to join the sport.

According to reports, Sergio Perez is aiming to return to Formula 1 with Cadillac in the year 2026.

Following 14 continuous seasons in Formula 1, the 35-year-old Mexican driver finds himself without a team for 2025. This comes after Red Bull decided to let him go due to a very underwhelming performance in the 2024 season.

Due to Perez's disappointing performance and difficulties competing with Max Verstappen, Red Bull has decided to bring in Liam Lawson for the next season.

The racer, who has won six grand prix titles, announced he plans to step away from the sport for at least six months. During this break, he will consider his future possibilities and mentioned he might be drawn back if an "interesting project" arises.

This opportunity might arise with Cadillac, as they are gearing up to enter Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th team in the competition.

An additional two spots are becoming available on the grid, and Perez, with his extensive experience and sponsorship support, emerges as a strong contender for a possible position with the American team.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Perez's main objective is to make a comeback to Formula 1, with the team owned by General Motors being considered a favorable choice for him.

1978 Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti, currently serving as an advisor to Cadillac, has revealed that the team is interested in recruiting a seasoned driver.

When asked by NBC about the possibility of IndyCar star Colton Herta being a candidate, Andretti confirmed that Herta is indeed one of the individuals being considered.

From our perspective, the initial strategy should involve having one seasoned driver, regardless of their nationality, alongside a promising young American driver.

"Currently, these are the goals."

Who is on the sidelines, Perez or Bottas? This season, Valtteri Bottas finds himself alongside Perez in a reserve role, having rejoined Mercedes after being dropped by Sauber.

The driver, who has secured victory in ten grand prix races, is perceived as a seasoned F1 competitor that might attract Cadillac's interest.

However, as reported by Marca, Perez’s substantial sponsorship might give him an advantage over the Finnish competitor.

According to Marca, Perez is among the select group of racing drivers who can claim to help fill four racetracks: those in Mexico, Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.

According to the report, Perez's supporters, among them Carlos Slim, are prepared to accompany him to his future destination.

Guenther Steiner, who previously served as the team principal for Haas, has recently mentioned Perez as a potential choice for Cadillac.

Steiner mentioned to GPBlog that Cadillac requires someone with experience. He noted that Checo, having been part of numerous teams over the years, is familiar with the dynamics and could be a significant asset.

"Consider offering him a one-year deal. That's a much better option than relying on inexperienced newcomers. This could be a chance for Checo."

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Formula 1 addresses concerns over proposed Rwanda race labeled as "blood-stained"

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called on Formula 1 to abandon plans for a grand prix in Rwanda, citing ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has called on Formula 1 to cease discussions with Rwanda about the possibility of holding a grand prix there in the future.

In a communication addressed to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's foreign affairs minister, voiced worries about the potential scheduling of a race in Rwanda, given the current conflict between the two countries.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has urged Formula 1 to avoid considering the idea, cautioning that it would result in an "association marked by bloodshed."

Hostilities have intensified between the neighboring nations following an assault by M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda, on Congolese government troops, ending a brief two-day pause in the conflict.

According to the most recent reports from the United Nations, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,900 individuals since the beginning of this year.

In a letter that has attracted significant media attention, Wagner expressed serious worries about the discussions reportedly taking place between Formula 1 and Rwanda regarding the possibility of holding a grand prix in Kigali, the nation's capital.

Rwanda, along with its allied group M23, is presently controlling a significant portion of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, causing the displacement of more than 700,000 Congolese people.

Although I commend Formula 1's intention to organize a race in Africa, I have reservations about whether Rwanda is the most suitable representative for our continent. I strongly recommend halting talks and eliminating Rwanda from the list of possible venues.

"Is Formula 1 truly willing to have its image tainted by a controversial connection with Rwanda? Is this nation really the ideal choice to showcase Africa in the world of motorsport?"

The United Nations has challenged Rwanda's claims that its military is not aiding the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In December, Rwanda revealed its intention to submit a proposal for hosting a grand prix, as Formula 1 considers making a comeback to the African continent.

President Paul Kagame of the nation announced discussions with Formula 1 regarding the possibility of hosting a race near the newly constructed Bugesera airport, located outside Kigali. This announcement came just before the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile's award ceremony took place in the country.

Formula 1 has not held a race on the African continent since the South African Grand Prix took place at Kyalami in 1993.

In reaction to the advisory, a spokesperson for Formula 1 stated, "We have been approached by numerous places globally expressing interest in hosting a future Formula 1 event."

"We thoroughly evaluate any possible requests, and any forthcoming choices will rely on complete information and align with the best interests of our sport and its principles."

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Jack Doohan received advice on how to handle the challenge posed by Franco Colapinto. He has been instructed to ensure he becomes "indispensable" to prevent being removed from his position halfway through the season.

Former Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson has stated that Jack Doohan must strive to become "indispensable" due to the rising challenge posed by Franco Colapinto at Alpine.

In 2025, Doohan is set to join forces with Pierre Gasly for his inaugural full season in Formula 1 with the Alpine team.

In an unexpected turn, an Australian driver made his first appearance in Formula 1 at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. He stepped in for Esteban Ocon, who had arranged with Flavio Briatore to depart from the team ahead of schedule in order to begin testing with his new team, Haas.

Although Doohan has only participated in one F1 race, he is already facing significant pressure to maintain his position.

Alpine has enlisted Colapinto to serve as their test and reserve driver for the forthcoming season.

Briatore holds the Argentine in high regard, creating an expectation for Doohan to deliver strong results right away to prevent being substituted during the season.

Evaluating Doohan's potential to retain his position, Davidson commented to Sky Sports: "Jack Doohan had been eagerly anticipating a spot in Alpine's racing team since his time in Formula 2. He eventually seized the opportunity to join the starting lineup at the last race in Abu Dhabi last year, gearing up for the current season."

Shortly after signing, Colapinto appears, instantly placing pressure on him even before the inaugural race begins.

"It's clearly not the best situation to find oneself in. Doohan will undoubtedly have to hit the ground running, as he aims to secure his spot on the team and prove his indispensability."

What are Alpine's potential accomplishments for 2025? Despite beginning 2024 sluggishly, Alpine concluded the year as the leading team in the midfield category.

Pierre Gasly's strong performance towards the end of the season helped Alpine secure sixth place in the constructors' championship, surpassing Haas.

Alpine's impressive achievement of securing two spots on the podium at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix played a crucial role in their victory in the battle among the midfield teams in the constructors' championship.

In 2025, they will conclude their tenure as a factory team and transition to being a customer of Mercedes.

Alpine's performance towards the conclusion of 2024 might inspire optimism for a successful year ahead, as they could potentially target Aston Martin in what is expected to be a competition for fifth place.

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Lando Norris confidently addresses Max Verstappen and others regarding the F1 championship, stating, "I am at my peak in terms of physical and mental fitness. I believe our team is also at its strongest. It's essential that we are."

Lando Norris believes he is well-prepared to clinch the F1 world championship this year, stating, "I'm in the best condition I've ever been."

In 2024, Norris achieved a significant milestone by securing his first victory in a Formula 1 race at the Miami Grand Prix.

Norris guided McLaren to their first F1 constructors' championship in 26 years, surpassing Ferrari by 14 points.

Although there were several positive moments, Norris and McLaren felt a bit let down that they couldn't challenge Max Verstappen more strongly for the championship.

Verstappen secured victory in 7 out of the first 10 races, while McLaren regretted several lost chances due to mistakes in strategy and errors made by their drivers.

As Formula 1's technical rules stay unchanged during the off-season, there is widespread anticipation that McLaren will contend for both championships starting with the inaugural race in Australia.

During an appearance on ITV's program This Morning, Norris shared his reasons for feeling optimistic as he prepares for the upcoming season.

"Last year, I demonstrated something important to myself. I've always been someone who prefers not to get caught up in the excitement surrounding things. I tend to rely on tangible evidence, particularly in relation to my own actions."

"Last year, I demonstrated to myself that I am capable of winning races, taking control of an entire weekend, and competing with the top competitors globally. I needed to show myself that I could achieve this, and I succeeded in doing so. However, I am not claiming that it was flawless, as I certainly made some errors along the way."

"I made quite a few mistakes and missteps, but I'm glad they happened last year. Now, I can start this year with a sense of assurance. Feeling confident is unusual for me, but that's how I would describe myself now."

"I wouldn't say I'm too confident, but I'm in the best condition of my life, both physically and mentally. I believe our team is in top form as well, and it's essential that we are. While expectations are high, our resolve matches them. I'm feeling calm and eager, with a subtle sense of confidence."

Is Norris the top contender for 2025?

Several bookmakers suggest that Norris is the leading candidate to clinch the F1 world championship this year.

Norris finished the year on a high note with decisive victories in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

There is no doubt about his sheer speed, as he consistently maintained a comfortable distance from Oscar Piastri all year long.

Norris must exhibit greater assertiveness during close racing situations with competitors such as Verstappen. Additionally, he should demonstrate more confidence during the initial lap to hold onto his impressive qualifying spots.

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The F1 Manager game can be downloaded at no cost today. Starting February 13, this game is available for free download.

Starting on Thursday, February 13, you can download the F1 Manager game at no cost.

Visit the Epic Games Store and look up 'F1 Manager 2024'.

You can claim it at no cost until Thursday, February 20.

Each Thursday, the Epic digital store offers complimentary items, and this week, there's a special treat for fans of Formula 1.

F1 Manager 2024 is a game created by Frontier Developments and it was initially launched in July of last year.

This is an authorized Formula 1 product, offering an in-depth racing simulation experience.

As the player, you take on the role of the team's principal.

Picture yourself in the shoes of Toto Wolff or Christian Horner, ready to make pivotal choices that will determine whether your team triumphs or falls short.

The 2024 edition of F1 Manager marks the third release in the series, introducing for the first time a 'Create a Team' feature that lets players manage an imaginary 11th team.

The commentary team includes David Croft and Karun Chandhok from Sky Sports.

Cut costs and get insight into the world of an F1 team leader by visiting the Epic Games Store and grabbing a free download of F1 Manager 2024.

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Formerly, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports for ten years, reporting on a range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Lando Norris has expressed his disagreement with the opinions many have shared regarding Lewis Hamilton. The young driver commented on Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season.

Lando Norris has expressed his support for Lewis Hamilton's choice to move from Mercedes to Ferrari, acknowledging that he "would likely make the same decision if he were in Hamilton's shoes."

The main narrative surrounding the 2025 F1 season is Hamilton joining Ferrari for the first time.

The sporting community was taken by surprise when Ferrari revealed, just before the start of last season, that they had secured a contract with Hamilton, the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton aims to secure a historic eighth championship title with Ferrari in 2025, setting a new record.

To secure another championship, he will probably need to defeat Norris and McLaren, who claimed last year's constructors' championship.

During an appearance on ITV's This Morning, Norris was questioned regarding Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari.

"It's interesting to see him move to Ferrari after all he has accomplished," Norris commented.

"It's an interesting move. Many have suggested it might not be the best decision."

"If I were in his shoes, I might make the same choice. It seems impressive. His story is truly remarkable."

"He will likely approach the situation with a new perspective and aim to demonstrate to everyone that he remains the same Lewis Hamilton he has been for so many years. We will just have to watch and find out."

A privilege to compete with Hamilton

The year 2024 was a significant milestone for Norris as he secured his inaugural F1 win at the Miami Grand Prix.

His impressive series of performances contributed to McLaren securing their first constructors' championship in 26 years.

According to bookmakers, Norris is predicted to win the drivers' championship this year, following McLaren's dominant performance as the top team in 2024.

As Formula 1's technical rules are set to remain unchanged over the winter season, McLaren is expected to begin the year as the leading team.

Considering that Ferrari finished the year as the closest rival to McLaren, it seems likely that Norris will face more on-track duels with Hamilton.

"When I'm racing, it doesn't matter who it is. Hamilton is just another competitor that I aim to defeat," he stated.

"When you're racing, it's consistent no matter who you're up against. There are racers you tend to give a little more space to, and then there are those you know you can compete closely with, like Lewis."

"I am really looking forward to competing with him more this year. It's always a privilege to race against a competitor of his caliber. I'm eager to show what I can do, and I know he is driven to demonstrate his abilities too, pushing himself in Formula 1 until he decides to step away."

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