Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP postponed due to EU initiating an inquiry

Potential EU probe may extend for a maximum of 90 days

The European Commission has initiated a formal 'Phase II' inquiry into Liberty Media's acquisition of Dorna Sports, the owner of MotoGP, valued at €4.2 billion, causing a delay in the completion of the purchase.

In April, Liberty, the parent company of Formula 1, confirmed its acquisition of an 86% controlling stake in Dorna.

From the beginning, the American corporation Liberty was optimistic that its acquisition would receive approval from the European Union, and anticipated finalizing the transaction by the close of 2024.

Nonetheless, apprehensions have surfaced regarding the possibility of a monopoly forming within the motorsport arena should Liberty’s acquisition of Dorna receive approval.

Currently, Liberty Media is the proprietor of F1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, whereas an affiliate company is in possession of Formula E. Should it successfully acquire Dorna Sports, Liberty would gain oversight of MotoGP and its auxiliary classes, in addition to the World Superbike Championship and its developmental leagues.

Last week, there were indications that Liberty's acquisition of Dorna might face postponements because the European Commission is considering launching an investigation.

On Thursday, December 19, which marked the final day for the European Union to approve the sale of MotoGP, initially submitted by Liberty on November 14, the European Commission has formally declared the commencement of a comprehensive investigation.

The Commission is investigating worries that Liberty's control over F1 and MotoGP might lead to higher licensing expenses for broadcasters, potentially harming them.

The follow-up inquiry might extend over a period of up to 90 business days, potentially postponing the MotoGP acquisition until the 14th of May, 2025, at the latest.

The complete statement from the European Commission states: "Initial findings from the Commission's inquiry suggest that the deal could potentially diminish competitive dynamics between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the market for motorsports content broadcasting rights distribution.

Specifically, this deal could eliminate crucial competitive limitations for Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, potentially enhancing their stance against broadcasters of motorsports content, which might result in increased prices.

In greater detail, the Committee determined that:

The deal prompts significant worries regarding competition within specific, limited domestic markets concerning the licensing of motorsport broadcasting rights across the European Economic Area (EEA). In this scenario, Formula One stands as the dominant force in all European nations, with MotoGP frequently acting as its sole rival.

The deal could eliminate significant competitive limitations among the entities within certain broader national markets related to the licensing of broadcasting rights for all sports content, or specific portions of these markets. This is primarily due to the close competition observed between Formula One and MotoGP.

The Commission is set to conduct a thorough examination of the potential impacts of the suggested deal to verify if its preliminary apprehensions regarding competition are indeed valid.

As part of its comprehensive probe, the Commission plans to delve deeper into examining if Mr. John Malone, the principal investor in both Liberty Media and Liberty Global, possesses the authority to significantly sway decisions in either company.

Should the deal go through, it might also lead to worries about Liberty Media potentially shutting out competing broadcasters in nations where Liberty Global operates, specifically in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

The planned deal was officially communicated to the Commission on November 14, 2024. The Commission has a period of 90 working days, ending on May 14, 2025, to make a determination.

"Initiating a thorough investigation does not imply any assumption about its eventual conclusion."

In a statement released on Thursday, Liberty Media expressed confidence that the EU will ultimately give the green light to the sale.

Today, Liberty Media was informed by the European Commission that they are initiating a Phase II investigation into the company's previously disclosed plan to acquire MotoGP.

"We believe this deal will positively impact MotoGP's operations, its audience, viewership, and the wider motorbike sector. The advantages of this deal have been broadly acknowledged by those involved in the market."

The market for audiovisual entertainment that extends far beyond sports is expanding significantly, and this deal will boost MotoGP's competitive edge in this fiercely contested market.

"We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission throughout their examination process and have reached an agreement with the sellers to extend the deadline to June 30, 2025, to allow for a thorough investigation. We are confident that the European Commission will ultimately decide in favor of approving the deal."

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Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP postponed due to EU initiating investigation

EU's new inquiry may last as long as 90 days

The European Commission has initiated a detailed 'Phase II' review of Liberty Media's acquisition of Dorna Sports, the owner of MotoGP, valued at €4.2 billion, causing a postponement in the completion of the purchase.

In April, Liberty, the entity that owns Formula 1, disclosed that it had reached an agreement to acquire a majority ownership of 86% in Dorna.

From the beginning, Liberty, a company based in the United States, was optimistic that its acquisition would meet the approval of European Union regulators and anticipated finalizing the transaction by the close of 2024.

Nonetheless, there have been apprehensions about the possibility of a monopoly emerging within the motorsport scene should Liberty's acquisition of Dorna receive approval.

At present, Liberty Media is the proprietor of F1, along with the Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing series. Meanwhile, an affiliated enterprise holds ownership of Formula E. Should Liberty proceed to acquire Dorna, it would gain oversight of MotoGP and its auxiliary classes, in addition to the World Superbikes championship and its developmental leagues.

Last week, it was revealed that Liberty's acquisition of Dorna might face delays because the European Commission is considering an investigation.

On Thursday, December 19, which marked the final day for the EU to give its approval to MotoGP's acquisition since Liberty initially filed on November 14, the European Commission officially declared the commencement of a comprehensive investigation.

The Commission is investigating worries that Liberty's control over F1 and MotoGP might lead to higher licensing fees for broadcasters, potentially harming them financially.

The follow-up probe might extend for a duration of up to 90 business days, potentially postponing the sale of MotoGP until possibly 14 May 2025.

The complete statement from the European Commission states: "Initial findings from the Commission's investigation suggest that the deal could potentially diminish the competitive rivalry in the market for motorsport content broadcasting rights licensing, involving Liberty Media and Dorna Sports.

Specifically, this deal could eliminate significant competitive limits for Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, potentially reinforcing their standing against motorsports content providers and possibly resulting in increased costs.

In greater detail, the Committee determined that:

The deal sparks significant worries about competition in specific, limited domestic markets related to the licensing of broadcasting rights for motorsport content within the European Economic Area (EEA). In this arena, Formula One dominates as the primary market leader across Europe, with MotoGP frequently being its sole rival.

The deal could potentially eliminate key competitive factors among the entities within certain broad national markets that are involved in the licensing of broadcast rights for all kinds of sports content, or specific portions of these markets. This is especially pertinent given that Formula One and MotoGP seem to be in direct competition.

The Commission is set to conduct a comprehensive review to assess the impact of the suggested deal, aiming to verify if their initial apprehensions regarding competition are indeed valid.

As part of its thorough examination, the Commission plans to delve deeper into whether Mr. John Malone, the principal shareholder of both Liberty Media and Liberty Global, has the capacity to wield significant control over the two corporations.

Should the deal go through, it might also spark worries that Liberty Media could shut out competing broadcasters in regions where Liberty Global operates, specifically in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

The intended deal was formally communicated to the Commission on November 14, 2024. The Commission is now allotted a timeframe of 90 business days, concluding on May 14, 2025, to make a determination.

"Initiating a comprehensive investigation does not imply any assumption about its final conclusion."

In a statement released on Thursday, Liberty Media expressed confidence that the EU will ultimately greenlight the sale.

Today, Liberty Media was informed that the European Commission has initiated a Phase II investigation into its proposed purchase of MotoGP, as per the announcement.

"We firmly believe that this deal will positively impact MotoGP's operations, its audience, those who watch its events, and the wider motorbike sector at large. Those involved in the market have broadly acknowledged the advantages of this deal."

The market for audiovisual entertainment beyond sports is expanding significantly, and this deal will boost MotoGP's competitiveness in this fiercely competitive arena.

"We remain committed to collaborating with the European Commission throughout their ongoing examination and have reached a mutual agreement with the sellers to push the final deadline to June 30, 2025, to allow for a thorough investigation. We are confident that the European Commission will ultimately determine that the deal merits approval."

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Initial insights into Ferrari's 2025 Formula 1 vehicle surface as its unveiling date is set

Ferrari discloses the reveal date for their 2025 Formula 1 automobile prior to the upcoming season.

Ferrari is the pioneer among Formula 1 teams in announcing the launch date for their 2025 competitor.

The Italian team is set to reveal their 2025 vehicle on February 19th, following the group F1 season kickoff happening at the O2 Arena in London on February 18th.

Every one of the 10 teams, along with their 20 drivers, will make an appearance at the F1 season kickoff, where the 2025 car designs will be unveiled on display vehicles.

Ferrari is set to debut their actual car in a private test session at Fiorano, prior to its departure for the pre-season trials in Bahrain.

In a major move, Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is set to join Ferrari in 2025, marking his first time driving a Ferrari F1 car. He will be leaving his current team, Mercedes, to team up with Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton is poised to engage in exclusive Test, Practice, and Calibration sessions at either the Fiorano or Mugello circuits, utilizing a Ferrari that's two years old, ahead of the unveiling of the Scuderia's latest model.

Prepare yourselves to be introduced to our contender for the 2025 season#ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/RZEZxRJ4YG— Scuderia Ferrari Official (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 18, 2024

Prepare yourselves to be introduced to our contender for the 2025 season#ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/RZEZxRJ4YG

Initial insights into the 2025 Ferrari disclosed

During Ferrari's yearly seasonal wrap-up press event, team leader Fred Vasseur unveiled preliminary information regarding the 2025 vehicle.

Vasseur announced that Ferrari's newest Formula 1 contender will be nearly entirely revamped.

Even as teams are ramping up their development efforts for the major regulatory changes set for 2026, Ferrari is implementing substantial modifications to their car for the 2025 season.

"Vasseur mentioned, 'There are moments when you're not aware of the risks you're taking until you recognize them as quite risky after the fact.'"

"The vehicle is going to be entirely novel. I believe there are fewer than 1% of existing components that we plan to reuse. It's a distinct endeavor, yet this applies to everyone involved."

Ferrari is eager for their vehicle to break the 16-year Formula 1 championship dry spell, after coming up just short against McLaren in the previous season's team standings. The Italian outfit missed out on clinching their first championship since 2008 by a mere 14 points.

"Vasseur emphasized the importance of concentration during the season, noting the short span of weeks between its start and the launch. He called for everyone's attention to be on delivering their best performance."

"The championship kickoff and the car unveiling are on our agenda, making two significant happenings. Adding anything more would simply be overwhelming."

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Following Red Bull F1's 2025 rejection, what lies ahead for Yuki Tsunoda?

Yuki Tsunoda is at a pivotal juncture in his F1 career following a 2025 rebuff from Red Bull, according to Lewis Larkam.

Yuki Tsunoda is approaching a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career, having not been considered for a promotion by the main Red Bull squad.

Red Bull has chosen to elevate Liam Lawson from the Racing Bulls team, opting for him over Tsunoda to fill Sergio Perez's spot in 2025. This move ensures that he will spend a fifth season with their junior team. It is anticipated that he will be teamed up with Red Bull's young star and the second-place finisher in the Formula 2 championship, Isack Hadjar.

This strongly indicates that Red Bull does not consider Tsunoda a viable contender for their main team, suggesting instead that he fits better within their affiliate team, serving as a valuable benchmark to assess the performance of their upcoming drivers.

After benefiting from his current situation for quite some time, Tsunoda now believes he is prepared to advance to the next level.

"The only thing within my control is how well I perform, as demonstrated by my results this year," Tsunoda recently expressed to Sky Sports F1, having outperformed Lawson in each of the six races they both competed in towards the end of 2024.

"I believe in my abilities and try to demonstrate my stable outcomes as frequently as I can, with the hope that it will alter their perspective."

"I'll give it my all and understand my capabilities once I'm in Red Bull."

Despite his assertion that his technical input during the end-of-season test in the RB20 left a positive impression on Red Bull, he won't be given the chance, as Lawson has been chosen for the 2025 slot instead.

Tsunoda has demonstrated his speed in single-lap performances, outperforming Ricciardo and Lawson in qualifying sessions. Moreover, he has developed into a steadier driver, focusing on improving his emotional control and curbing his habit of emotional reactions over the team radio, which was considered his most significant flaw.

At 24 years old, with nearly a century of grand prix races under his belt, the driver from Japan is at a crossroads in his career. He must decide whether to remain loyal to the Red Bull team, holding onto the hope of altering their perception, or to embark on a new journey with a different team.

What other options does Tsunoda have? 

Red Bull has decided to keep Tsunoda on board, with their agreement extending only through the 2025 season. This leaves him without a team for 2026, coinciding with the major changes planned for F1's rules.

Should Tsunoda contemplate severing his connection with Red Bull, an enticing opportunity might present itself at Aston Martin.

In an exciting development, Aston Martin is set to be Honda's official Formula 1 team, as the Japanese company will replace Mercedes as their engine supplier starting in 2026, according to a new agreement.

Tsunoda's association with Aston Martin arises from his support by Honda.

However, such a decision would ultimately hinge on elements beyond Tsunoda’s influence.

A key question is whether Fernando Alonso will choose to continue his illustrious Formula 1 career past the conclusion of the 2026 season, which marks the end of his existing contract.

The double world champion, set to be 45 at the end of his current contract, has acknowledged viewing 2026 as his last season in Formula 1. Yet, the Spanish driver is not completely ruling out the possibility of extending his career further.

The performance of Aston Martin at the onset of Formula 1's latest regulations, featuring a vehicle crafted by Adrian Newey, will play a crucial role in Alonso's choice. Should he see even a slight possibility of securing his third world championship, he is likely to remain with the team.

The second seat is held by Lance Stroll, whose father, Lawrence Stroll, is a billionaire and the owner of Aston Martin. Lance's position on the team appears secure for as long as he chooses to continue his racing career, making it unlikely that his father would ever remove him from the squad.

Despite the clear allure of the Aston Martin-Honda partnership for Tsunoda, it appears there might not be space available for him.

There might also be opportunities available with the upcoming Audi F1 team set for 2026, contingent upon the performance of their latest additions, Nico Hulkenberg and newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto, or with Cadillac, which seems set to join as the 11th team in the world championship.

The project supported by General Motors could present an opportunity for Tsunoda to consider forming his own team, akin to the paths former Red Bull racers Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly took with Williams and Alpine, respectively.

Tsunoda might also be encouraged by Carlos Sainz's achievements following his departure from Red Bull, especially considering he was also passed over.

The racer, celebrated for clinching victory at four grand prix events, and has been a part of teams like McLaren and Ferrari, is now transitioning to Williams, demonstrating that a change of scenery can indeed prove to be more fruitful.

Tsunoda might think about switching surroundings after being overlooked by Red Bull.

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Red Bull concedes that Liam Lawson has a challenging battle ahead with Max Verstappen

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has acknowledged that Liam Lawson is up against a challenging mission in joining Max Verstappen as a Formula 1 teammate.

The 22-year-old from New Zealand has been elevated from the affiliated Racing Bulls team to compete alongside world champion Verstappen in 2025, after Red Bull made the decision to part ways with Sergio Perez.

Lawson's elevation to a new position was officially verified on Thursday, just a day following the announcement of Perez's exit from Red Bull.

Despite participating in just 11 Formula 1 races over two seasons with Racing Bulls in 2023 and 2024, Red Bull is confident that Lawson is prepared to team up with four-time world champion Verstappen.

Lawson is set to be Verstappen's fifth teammate at Red Bull since 2016, succeeding Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez.

Being paired with Verstappen as a teammate is considered the most challenging role in F1, due to the Dutch driver's remarkable steadiness and impressive performances.

Following Ricciardo's departure, Red Bull has considered Gasly, Albon, and Perez as insufficiently competitive for the team's second driver position.

Horner, referring to Lawson as a "genuine competitor," recognized the significant challenge facing Red Bull's latest recruit.

"Horner stated, 'Throughout his time at Racing Bulls, Liam has shown he's not just able to achieve impressive outcomes, but he's also a true competitor, willing to challenge the elite and emerge victorious.'"

"It's undeniable that competing side by side with Max, who has clinched the championship four times and is unquestionably among the most remarkable talents in F1 history, presents a formidable challenge. However, I'm confident that Liam is up to the task and will secure some impressive achievements for our team in the upcoming year."

Lawson aims to gain insights from Verstappen

Chosen over Yuki Tsunoda, albeit without a decisive victory over his teammate, Lawson seeks to absorb knowledge from Verstappen’s “skillset”.

Lawson expressed, "Being named a driver for Red Bull Racing fulfills a dream I've had since I was eight. This achievement is the culmination of years of ambition and effort."

The experience up to this point has been truly amazing. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Max and absorb knowledge from a world champion; I'm confident that I will greatly benefit from his skill and experience. I'm eagerly looking forward to starting.

On average, Lawson trailed Tsunoda by 0.077 seconds per lap and managed to qualify ahead of the Japanese driver in the sprint races only in Brazil and Qatar.

Red Bull is confident that Lawson is ready for advancement, having demonstrated impressive capabilities in single laps as well as throughout entire races. Moreover, Lawson has gained Red Bull's admiration for his insightful technical input and positive mindset.

Upon his comeback following Red Bull's parting with Ricciardo, Lawson quickly made an impact by delivering an impressive performance, advancing through the pack to secure a ninth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix.

He concluded the race in the identical spot at a rain-soaked and chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after achieving a personal record by qualifying in fifth place.

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Max Verstappen expresses gratitude towards Sergio Perez: "My thanks will endure forever"

Max Verstappen acknowledges Sergio Perez's contributions

Max Verstappen has expressed his gratitude to Sergio Perez for his transparency and sincerity throughout their tenure as Formula 1 teammates.

On Wednesday, Red Bull revealed their decision to split with Perez before the 2025 season, effectively concluding his F1 journey – at least temporarily.

The following day, it was revealed that Liam Lawson would join Verstappen as his new partner for the 2025 season.

Lawson is set to become Verstappen's fifth teammate at Red Bull, following Perez, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Daniel Ricciardo.

Verstappen acknowledged Perez's significant input at Red Bull, highlighting the attributes he displayed both as an individual and as an F1 colleague.

In a brief clip shared on Red Bull's digital platforms, he recalled, "I have memories of this one," referring to an image of Perez and Verstappen celebrating in parc ferme following the Abu Dhabi 2021 event.

"He's been an incredible ally to me on the team. As evident in this photo, his assistance during the race was imperative to its outcome. I'll forever be grateful to him for his support."

"In my opinion, the truly essential aspect has consistently been its enjoyable, uncomplicated, and sincere nature."

"It's rare to have a teammate whom you can speak so highly of.

"I am truly grateful to Checo on a personal level, not just as a colleague. Collaborating with him has been a wonderful experience."

Perez was instrumental in Verstappen securing his inaugural F1 championship

Despite Red Bull not clinching the 2021 team championship, falling to Mercedes, Perez's contribution towards Verstappen's championship victory was pivotal.

Perez's defensive maneuvers during the Turkish Grand Prix resulted in Lewis Hamilton losing vital points, possibly even a spot on the podium.

Significantly, during the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Perez played a pivotal role. His strong defensive driving and strategic positioning on the track prevented Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, from establishing a large enough gap to make a pit stop when the Virtual Safety Car or Safety Car was activated.

Despite Michael Masi's controversial management of the race, if Hamilton had managed to create enough of a lead to make a pit stop without losing his position to Verstappen, he might have still been able to change to new tyres and possibly maintain his lead following the contentious restart after the Safety Car period.

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Ferrari chief explains persuading Lewis Hamilton was straightforward

Fred Vasseur reveals convincing Lewis Hamilton to sign with Ferrari was a straightforward process.

Fred Vasseur has for the first time discussed his conversations with Lewis Hamilton which resulted in his decision to become part of Ferrari.

After a remarkable 12 years with Mercedes, during which he secured seven world championships, Hamilton has announced his departure from the team. Starting in 2025, he will join forces with their competitors, Ferrari, in a move that

The announcement in February took the F1 community by surprise, marking what many consider to be the most significant driver switch in the global championship's history.

During Ferrari's yearly Christmas media luncheon marking the end of the season, team leader Vasseur mentioned that persuading Hamilton to come aboard was "effortless."

"In 2023, our team secured more victories than Mercedes, making it easier to persuade him that joining Ferrari would be a beneficial endeavor," Vasseur stated.

He had been harboring the ambition to race for Ferrari for over two decades, a topic we had touched upon back in 2004, indicating that it wasn't a far-fetched goal.

Occasionally, it's a case of serendipity or everything falling into place, such as him being available and Ferrari having an open spot, among other factors.

"Establishing communication was straightforward. Our discussions began a year ago and persuading him proved to be effortless."

Vasseur never felt concerned about Hamilton's performance

Hamilton experienced an underwhelming last season with Mercedes, as the 39-year-old was significantly outperformed in qualifying rounds throughout the season by his junior teammate, George Russell.

During the single-lap battles, Hamilton, who holds the highest number of pole positions in Formula 1 history with 104, admitted before the season's second-to-last race in Qatar that he is "certainly not speedy anymore."

Russell concluded the season with a 22-point lead in the drivers' championship, while Hamilton secured the 7th position in the standings, the lowest ranking he has ever achieved in his Formula 1 career so far.

Nonetheless, Hamilton concluded his time with Mercedes on a high note, impressively climbing from 16th position at the start to finish fourth at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This included a dramatic final-lap maneuver to pass Russell, having closed a 14-second deficit.

Vasseur emphatically states he was "not at all concerned" about Hamilton's performance lately.

"He seemed to have a challenging time during qualifying, but also, in my opinion, the qualifying session in Abu Dhabi wasn't necessarily reflective of Lewis's performance," he commented.

He performed exceptionally well in both Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi races. Truly, I was never – absolutely never – concerned about this scenario.

"This circumstance, and it's not a slight against Lewis or Mercedes, but this circumstance presents challenges to navigate. It's comprehensible that if things aren't progressing smoothly, there could be strain within this partnership."

"His mental state wasn't in the best condition, yet his performance in Brazil was notably strong, as an illustration. Furthermore, his achievements in the recent few competitions have been impressive, so I have no concerns whatsoever."

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, taking over the spot from Carlos Sainz, who is moving to Williams.

"Charles and Lewis, this doesn't concern me much," Vasseur remarked. "There's a great deal of mutual admiration between them, they're familiar with each other, and they've been discussing this for months already.

Battling for the top positions, such as first and third or second and third, is vastly preferable to competing for 19th and 20th places. Having such discussions and strategies within a team is beneficial, and I am firmly of the belief that the team's performance is significantly boosted by the healthy competition between its members.

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Valtteri Bottas rejoins Mercedes as backup driver for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign

Valtteri Bottas is set to rejoin Mercedes in the role of backup driver for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

After failing to secure a permanent seat at Sauber for the coming season, there was strong speculation about Bottas making a comeback to Mercedes.

On Thursday afternoon, Mercedes announced that Bottas has been tapped to serve as the team's third driver for the 2025 season.

Between 2017 and 2021, Bottas was a part of the Mercedes team, where he raced alongside Lewis

Throughout their tenure as partners, the duo maintained an unbroken winning streak in the constructors' championship, despite facing intense rivalry from Ferrari and Red Bull.

Bottas aims to keep his profile high during his time with Mercedes, as he sets his sights on a return to the race lineup in 2026.

Discussing recent developments, Bottas expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I'm delighted to clarify my situation that's been in question for the last month. My next chapter involves rejoining the Mercedes team as their Third Driver for the 2025 season, and I couldn't be happier about it. My gratitude goes out to Toto, the Brackley crew, and everyone associated with the three-pointed star for their warm reception upon my return.

"In spite of the hurdles encountered over the recent years, I remain confident in my ability to offer a lot more to Formula 1. Ever since I was a young child of five years old in my hometown of Nastola, Finland, my ambition has been to excel in the premier class of motorsport."

"Over my 12-year journey in F1 racing, I've had the privilege of experiencing numerous unforgettable highlights. Now, as I make my way back to where many of these highlights occurred, I am eager to apply everything I've learned to assist the team in improving and moving closer to our objective of competing for world titles."

Is Bottas Eyeing a Formula 1 Comeback in 2026?

Bottas is keen on securing a spot for the 2026 season, following his departure from the Audi project.

His choices are restricted, given that most of the roster is committed to long-term contracts.

Cadillac is poised to enter the Formula 1 scene in 2026 as a potential eleventh team, offering Bottas another opportunity to make a comeback to F1.

However, he'll be up against formidable rivals, as several seasoned competitors are waiting in the wings.

Sergio Perez finds himself without a team following his departure from Red Bull, alongside Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu, who are also missing from the lineup.

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Lewis Hamilton Remembers the Touching Decision by Mercedes to Adopt a Black Livery

Lewis Hamilton looks back on the courageous move by Mercedes to go with black in 2020

Lewis Hamilton expressed his astonishment over Mercedes' decision to adopt a black color scheme for their cars in the 2020 Formula 1 season.

Hamilton and team leader Toto Wolff indulged in nostalgia by reviewing each of their title-winning vehicles.

In a video published on Mercedes' YouTube channel, Hamilton and Wolff took a trip down memory lane with the W05 – the vehicle that clinched the 2014 championship – and continued their journey through to the legendary W11 of 2020.

In a surprising move during the 2020 season, which was heavily impacted by COVID, Mercedes abandoned their iconic silver color scheme in favor of a completely black livery.

The dark-colored design was a tribute to Formula 1's efforts to enhance diversity and equality within the sport, a campaign actively supported by Hamilton during that period.

In 2021, Mercedes continued with the entirely black design but introduced a mix of black and silver into their color scheme.

When discussing the shift in team colors, Hamilton openly expressed his astonishment at Mercedes' willingness to make such a change.

"Truly, I was in shock. I found myself at my father's place right after our conversation about painting the car black. It was unbelievable when you rang me up to say that everyone was on board," Hamilton remarked.

"Wolff cut in urgently."

Hamilton shared, "That call truly touched my heart. I was at my father's place, and I recall ending the call and thinking, 'Wow, they're actually making the car black, they've consented.'"

"Wolff commented, saying, 'For Mercedes, it was a monumental leap. The Silver Arrows took to the track in black.'"

"Black suited it the most. It had a nightrider vibe to it, you know? It appeared really cool. That's the reason we've stayed with it," Hamilton remarked.

"Wolff emphasized that they will proceed."

"Will you go on?" was Hamilton's response.

"Wolff confirmed, "Indeed, it's the item you provided."

Mercedes' 2020 W11 is often considered the fastest Formula 1 car of all time.

Although it didn't achieve the same level of success as Red Bull's RB19, which triumphed in 21 out of 22 races, it was arguably the quickest in terms of outright speed.

The W11 consistently outperformed its rivals in qualifying sessions, frequently finishing more than 0.7 seconds ahead of the next fastest team.

The pandemic-induced abbreviated season led to fewer wins for Mercedes.

Mistakes during the races in Monza and Bahrain affected the performance of the W11, preventing it from securing as many victories as it was capable of.

Max Verstappen's exceptional performance for Red Bull led to his victories at both the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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Charles Leclerc 'ready to face' Lewis Hamilton: "The competition will elevate him"

"Charles has made significant progress this year. Facing this competition will elevate him to the performance he and Ferrari require."

Former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert believes Charles Leclerc will elevate his performance in anticipation of Lewis Hamilton joining in 2025.

In 2025, Leclerc is set to join forces with Hamilton at Ferrari, a move that sees the driver from Monaco partnering with a seasoned world champion, a situation he has navigated before.

Throughout his initial two seasons with Ferrari, Leclerc teamed up with Sebastian Vettel.

Over the course of two seasons, Leclerc consistently outperformed, leading to Vettel's departure from the team.

Despite Carlos Sainz putting up a formidable contest, Leclerc has consistently been Ferrari's top contender for chasing the championship title.

In a conversation with Plejmo.com, Herbert expressed his support for Leclerc, encouraging him not to restrain himself upon Hamilton's arrival next season.

“Charles [Leclerc] will be assertive,” Herbert declared. “Upon [Sebastian] Vettel’s arrival as a four-time world champion, Charles stepped in and swiftly became the team’s new front-runner, outshining Sebastian. He will certainly not shy away from competing with Lewis [Hamilton].

"He understands the importance of being alert and considerate, recognizing his potential to intimidate. Nonetheless, he's committed to excelling in his performance once the competition begins.

"Charles has made significant progress this year. The upcoming challenge will elevate him to the standard both he and Ferrari are aiming for."

Ferrari announces unveiling date for 2025 Formula 1 vehicle

Before 2025 has even arrived, Ferrari has scheduled a debut for their latest competitor.

The unveiling of the 2025 Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle is scheduled for February 19, following the day after the sport's inaugural season kick-off.

Teams are anticipated to present demonstration vehicles at 'F1 75 Live', while still retaining the option to conduct their individual launches.

In recent years, Ferrari has unveiled their vehicles, subsequently conducting initial test runs at their Fiorano circuit.

This might offer Hamilton an initial experience with his new Ferrari before the pre-season trials set for late February.

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McLaren has committed to adopting 'bold strategies' with their 2025 Formula 1 vehicle as they aim for the drivers' championship. The team plans to embrace 'risks' with the design of their 2025 race car.

McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, has disclosed that his team is embracing 'bold risks' with their Formula 1 car for the 2025 season.

Earlier this month at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the team secured their first F1 constructors' championship since 1998, edging out Ferrari by a slim margin of 14 points.

McLaren has experienced an impressive comeback, especially considering they were the slowest team at the beginning of the 2023 season.

As the regulations haven't changed during the winter, McLaren is anticipated to be the leading team, thanks to their impressive performance in the latter part of the year.

Even though they have the upper hand, Brown has confessed that the team plans to be daring with their design and development choices.

According to Motorsport.com, Brown mentioned that they are entering the upcoming year at their maximum capability.

"We're approaching things differently now, feeling more confident and ready to take bold steps as we work on developing next year's car."

The team isn't approaching things with a mindset of making small adjustments, thinking the car is already in a good place. For next year's model, they're taking bold and daring risks.

"I believe that to lead, you must aim to surpass everyone, rather than just aiming to match their level, which was our approach at the beginning of this year."

The change in mindset is happening now: 'Our goal is to outperform everyone else.'

McLaren aims to capture the F1 drivers' championship

Following their success in winning the constructors' championship, McLaren is setting its sights on achieving the drivers' title next season.

The most recent time they won a drivers' championship was in 2008, thanks to Lewis Hamilton.

Lando Norris secured a second-place finish, trailing far behind Max Verstappen, who clinched the championship during the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024.

Norris has admitted that he must enhance his skills in various aspects to surpass Verstappen.

From an operational standpoint, McLaren must replicate their efforts, as they have missed out on several potential victories throughout the season.

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Charles Leclerc is unfazed by Lewis Hamilton: "Facing the challenge will elevate him." "Throughout this year, Charles has made significant progress. This challenge will push him to reach the level both he and Ferrari require."

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has suggested that Charles Leclerc will improve his performance before Lewis Hamilton joins the team in 2025.

In 2025, Leclerc is set to join forces with Hamilton at Ferrari. However, partnering with a driver who has won several world championships is not new for the driver from Monaco.

In his initial two seasons with Ferrari, Leclerc teamed up with Sebastian Vettel.

Over the course of both seasons, Leclerc consistently outperformed, which eventually led to Vettel's departure from the team.

Although Carlos Sainz has offered a solid challenge, Leclerc continues to be Ferrari's strongest contender for a championship chase.

In an interview with Plejmo.com, Herbert encouraged Leclerc to be assertive and not hesitate when Hamilton joins the team next year.

According to Herbert, Charles Leclerc will not hesitate to assert himself. When Sebastian Vettel joined the team as a four-time world champion, Leclerc managed to become the team's leading driver. He won't be intimidated by Lewis Hamilton.

He understands the importance of being both cautious and respectful, fully aware of the potential threat he poses. However, he is determined to be at his best when the conflict begins.

"Charles has made significant progress this year. The challenge will elevate him and Ferrari to the level they require."

Ferrari announces the unveiling date for their 2025 Formula 1 car

Even though 2025 is still in the future, Ferrari has already scheduled the debut of their upcoming race car.

The unveiling of Ferrari's Formula 1 car for the 2025 season is scheduled for February 19, following the sport's first-ever season launch event.

Teams are anticipated to present show cars at the 'F1 75 Live' event, while they are still permitted to conduct their individual launch events separately.

In the past few years, Ferrari has been unveiling their vehicles prior to conducting a test run at their Fiorano circuit.

This would allow Hamilton to experience his new Ferrari before the pre-season tests begin in late February.

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