Charles Leclerc seeks to monitor Lewis Hamilton's initial experience with Ferrari closely.

Charles Leclerc has allegedly asked to be present for Lewis Hamilton's initial Ferrari simulator session in Maranello.

Hamilton is scheduled to operate the team's simulator for the first time this coming Monday, kick-starting his preparations for the 2025 F1 season.

The seven-time world champion is anticipated to have his first track appearance later this week, driving Ferrari's 2022 contender.

As reported by FORMULA1.IT, Leclerc is keen to monitor Hamilton and observe his initial simulator session with Ferrari.

Leclerc is likely eager to observe Hamilton's adjustment to the Ferrari, even if it's just in a simulated environment, and how he collaborates with his new engineering team.

Considering Hamilton's extensive background and impressive record, Leclerc is expected to gain insights from his new teammate as they both prepare for a significant season ahead.

This upcoming week will be vital for Hamilton as he aims to forge connections with his new colleagues, get accustomed to using the Ferrari controls, and adjust to his new surroundings in Italy.

Is Ferrari Set to Clinch the F1 Championship in 2025?

According to projections, Ferrari boasts the most formidable pair of F1 drivers in the competition.

Equipped with the appropriate equipment, the pairing of Leclerc and Hamilton has the potential to secure the F1 constructors' championship title.

Ferrari concluded the season as a strong competitor to McLaren, securing victories in both the United States and Mexico.

Nonetheless, the Ferrari was found to be at a disadvantage in the fast-turning sections when measured against McLaren and Red Bull.

Ferrari must improve their performance in qualifying sessions, particularly in heating their tyres, which was a significant shortcoming last season.

The recently acquired Loic Serra has been given the responsibility to address their tire issues, especially in single-lap performance.

On the day of the race, Ferrari showed improved performance, yet Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found it difficult to keep up with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during the qualifying rounds.

Serra has concentrated on adjusting the suspension to optimize performance with this year's Pirelli tires for single-lap runs.

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Helmut Marko cautions George Russell about the potential threat posed by Kimi Antonelli, his new Mercedes F1 colleague.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, thinks that Andrea Kimi Antonelli poses a potential threat to his fellow Mercedes F1 team member George Russell in this year's competition.

Mercedes chose to elevate Antonelli to take over from the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton starting in 2025, even though the young Italian had only one season of Formula 2 experience under his belt.

The teenager, who is highly regarded as a potential future Formula 1 sensation, caught the media's attention during his initial practice run with Mercedes at the previous year's Italian Grand Prix, where he was involved in a crash shortly after the session started.

Marko believes that Antonelli possesses the speed to challenge the British driver Russell, who outperformed his departing teammate Hamilton in 2024, in his first season.

"The 81-year-old Austrian remarked to Sport.de that Antonelli's skill was evident at Monza, though he questioned the decision to have him race on that particular track."

He demonstrated remarkable speed during his initial three laps, however, during the fourth lap, he collided with the barriers.

"I believe that if he effectively utilizes his capabilities, of which he possesses many, he could pose a threat to Russell."

Comparison Made to Verstappen

Antonelli is seen as Mercedes' counterpart to Max Verstappen, who notably made his entry into F1 at the young age of 17.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff made an unsuccessful attempt to secure Verstappen, who ultimately chose to sign with Red Bull since they provided him with an instant opportunity to race in F1 with their affiliate team.

Wolff has acknowledged that a reason for advancing Antonelli's position was due to his desire not to forego the opportunity of including him in the Mercedes team.

Marko made a parallel between Antonelli and Verstappen, emphasizing the "gamble" Mercedes undertook by directly placing him in the main team.

"Antonelli poses a gamble, but we embraced a similar gamble with Verstappen before," he clarified.

"Max was quite youthful when he entered the racing scene. However, he wasn't immediately part of an elite team [he began with Red Bull's affiliate team], which meant the expectations on him were not as high."

Wolff has consistently sought to temper anticipations regarding Antonelli's inaugural Formula 1 season.

"Wolff cautioned Auto Motor und Sport that anticipating him to secure the pole position in Melbourne, clinch the race victory, and instantly contend for the championship is a gamble, as it's unlikely to occur."

"Adopting the perspective that the young man is 18, exceptionally skilled, yet understandably needs time to mature and is expected to err, the gamble is minimal. This is our rationale for proceeding. We view 2025 as a year of change, aiming to ready him for 2026."

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Video surfaces showing Lando Norris’ Ferrari F40, valued at £2 million, involved in a crash in Monaco.

A McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris, lost control of his Ferrari F40, resulting in a crash in Monaco.

Norris wasn't driving the Ferrari since he was on vacation.

Footage has emerged on the internet depicting Norris' vehicle losing control and crashing into the barriers.

The left back side of the Ferrari suffered considerable damage.

The vehicle has an estimated worth of around 2 million pounds and is among the 1,311 units manufactured during the years 1987 to 1992.

In December, Norris was spotted behind the wheel of the F40 on a shopping excursion in Monte Carlo.

Nonetheless, the identity of the driver involved in the accident remains a mystery.

The iconic Ferrari supercar probably surprised the driver, as the turbo lag led to an unforeseen push from the back.

Picture yourself overseas when suddenly your vehicle gets hit in such a manner 😭🎥: thanosofmonaco TikTok pic.twitter.com/O40MgoTF7S

The delay in turbo response likely caused the vehicle to spin out and ultimately crash.

This video emerges following the release of another clip that captured a different F40 accident, occurring this time in the UK.

A short distance from London, the F40 with the most miles on record experienced a significant accident. It collided with a pole and subsequently tipped over onto its side.

In contrast to Norris' vehicle, this F40 endured far greater harm.

Reports indicate that a Ferrari was involved in a crash while being test-driven by a service technician.

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Max Verstappen remains steadfast in his racing strategy, even as he approaches the risk of an F1 suspension.

Max Verstappen is adamant about maintaining his racing style against Formula 1 competitors, despite the risk of facing a suspension in 2025.

Accumulating 12 penalty points within a year leads to an automatic suspension for one race, a situation experienced by ex-Haas racer Kevin Magnussen, who missed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last year due to this rule.

Verstappen, a champion who has claimed the world title four times, has accumulated eight points on his FIA Super Licence, leaving him only four points away from facing a suspension.

The driver from Red Bull needs to tread cautiously through the initial 11 races of the 2025 season as two penalty points are set to be removed from their record on June 30

Nonetheless, Verstappen affirmed that he has no plans to alter his strategy or way of driving.

"Verstappen declared to Blick that he has no plans to alter his driving approach despite the circumstances, stating he's aware of his limits."

"Similar to the closing race in Abu Dhabi, when I made a move on Piastri right at the beginning. I didn’t hesitate to say sorry to [him] once the race was over."

He remarked, "Fueling my drive can really set things in motion."

"We could spend hours debating the various fines and points. Now, I'm in the same boat as Alonso, having accumulated eight penalty points myself. However, I have no intentions of altering my approach to driving."

Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko acknowledged that Verstappen must exercise caution to steer clear of a suspension in the near future.

"Marko expressed concern to Sky Deutschland following the season's final race in Abu Dhabi, noting that he scored another two points, bringing his total to eight, and urged caution."

"Some stewards are known to impose harsher penalties, a concern shared by many. It has been suggested that greater uniformity in sanctions would be preferable."

What purpose do Verstappen's points serve?

2024 Austrian Grand Prix

Score: 2

Cause: Impact involving Lando Norris

2024 Grand Prix in Mexico City:

Score: 2

Cause: Pushing Norris out of the racing line

2024 Grand Prix in Sao Paulo

Score: 1

Cause: Violation of Vehicle Stability

2024 Grand Prix in Qatar

Score: 1

Reason: Moving at an excessively slow pace during the qualifying round and obstructing George Russell.

2024 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

Score: 2

Cause: Impact with Oscar Piastri

Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, has accumulated eight penalty points on his driving licence.

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INITIAL GLIMPSE: Photographs surface of Lewis Hamilton's inaugural visit to Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton seen dressed sharply upon his initial arrival at Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

Lewis Hamilton recently debuted as a driver for Ferrari, visiting the iconic F1 base in Maranello that belongs to the team.

Photos capturing the arrival of the seven-time world champion at Maranello on Monday morning have surfaced on social media platforms.

Hamilton was spotted donning a suit and tie as he made his way into Ferrari's renowned manufacturing facility for the first time, following his high-profile move from Mercedes on January 1.

This shift represents the most significant driver change in Formula 1 history, generating immense excitement for the 2025 season that lies ahead.

This week marks the commencement of Hamilton's journey with Ferrari in Formula 1. The 40-year-old British driver is anticipated to engage with team personnel, undergo a seat fitting, and participate in his inaugural simulator training on Monday.

The partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari kicks off as the seven-time world champion makes his debut at Maranello as their Formula 1 driver! 👀📸 Courtesy of @ raceday__official (Instagram) pic.twitter.com/2Z4SNiXrKG— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) January 20, 2025

Dawning of a new chapter @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/EVUjKNC3MO— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) January 20, 2025

"In the early hours of today, the statement from Ferrari disclosed that the athlete, who has clinched the world championship title seven times, made his way to the squad's main office located at 27 Enzo Ferrari Street in Maranello."

He then proceeded to the Fiorano circuit, situated near Enzo Ferrari’s residence, in a quaint plaza that has been dedicated to the legendary seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher. Here, he was greeted by the Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, and the CEO of Ferrari, Benedetto Vigna.

At that location, the customary initial day snapshots were captured, and the ambiance was made even more welcoming for Lewis thanks to the quintessentially British gray skies and light rain. Additionally, a Ferrari F40 was present, which happens to be Lewis' most admired supercar.

Up next for Lewis was a brief stop at the Fiorano residence and the racing team's pit area, accompanied by Vasseur and Vigna, which featured a tour of the iconic office that Enzo Ferrari used to observe his team's operations. Following this, Hamilton made his way back to the Scuderia headquarters to meet with the leadership group and Piero Ferrari. He then spent the entire day deeply engaging with the team through visits to the multitude of departments to familiarize himself with the crew.

"Efforts will resume tomorrow with additional technical sessions and updates, as groundwork is laid for what promises to be an action-packed season."

Recent addition to the team, Charles Leclerc, has allegedly asked to monitor Hamilton's initial actions closely at Maranello.

After missing the opportunity to test drive for Ferrari during the post-season Abu Dhabi test in December, Hamilton is set to pilot an older model of the Scuderia’s vehicle later this week.

The anticipated event is set to occur in a 2023 Ferrari on the team's Fiorano test circuit, with Wednesday being the speculated date.

Ferrari is adapting their strategies based on the weather conditions.

Hamilton is anticipated to proceed to Barcelona for additional trials in vintage Ferrari F1 vehicles, preparing for his inaugural season in the iconic red.

In 2025, as a Ferrari driver, Hamilton is restricted to a total of 1000 kilometers of driving, spread over no more than four days, in vehicles that are at least two years old, in accordance with Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.

There are alerts suggesting that Hamilton's arrival might create disorder as enthusiastic Tifosi gather at either Maranello or Fiorano, aiming to catch a glimpse of Ferrari's latest standout racer.

Hamilton and Leclerc are expected to participate in a brief session at Fiorano with Ferrari's 2025 Formula 1 vehicle following its unveiling on February 19.

Following that initial trial outing, Hamilton is set to make his next appearance in a Ferrari during the pre-season tests scheduled in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.

Hamilton is set to kick off his Formula 1 racing career with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, which opens the season on March 16.

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Williams anticipates a straightforward relationship between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, believing their competitive spirit will bolster the F1 squad.

Williams team leader James Vowles is optimistic that the new Formula 1 pairing of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon in 2025 will experience a smooth collaboration without any internal disputes.

Sainz has made the move to Williams from Ferrari, stepping aside for the new arrival of Lewis Hamilton, and will team up with Albon to bolster Williams' driving roster for the 2025 season.

Since joining Williams, Albon has consistently outperformed his teammates. However, Sainz, who has claimed victory in four Grand Prix races, might challenge Albon's status as the unofficial leader of the team.

Nonetheless, the head of the Williams team, Vowles, is unworried about the collaboration between the two drivers, emphasizing that neither of them possesses any inclination towards politics.

"Vowles mentioned to Motorsport.com that what stands out about Carlos and Alex is their lack of political agenda. They are purely focused on enhancing the car's speed and delivering their top performance in that setting."

Both are aware of the difficulties faced in 2025, yet the essential point lies in anticipating our shared ventures in 2026. Therefore, my anticipation revolves around gaining understanding into our weekly strengths, aligning with my existing perceptions and those of Alex.

"My anticipation is for leadership that can guide our team towards the right path with minimal words as we progress as an organization. I'm looking for someone who will commit fully from the start of any race, as our goal is to ensure the team's success."

Vowles commended Albon for his leadership skills and disclosed that he was keenly urging Williams to target Sainz for recruitment as soon as the Spanish driver was on the market.

"Vowles expressed his admiration for Alex, highlighting his leadership qualities. He mentioned that Alex thrives in challenging situations, always stepping up to rally the team and restore their morale. Alex was instrumental in advocating for Carlos's inclusion in the team, showing his eagerness for the team's success over any personal concerns about competition.

"This year has been filled with challenges for him. Looking back, I see Alex as the talented driver he truly is, and I believe that next year he'll come back refreshed, ready to start anew, and he'll demonstrate his strength right from the start."

Vowles has affirmed that Sainz and Albon will have the liberty to compete against each other, and he is of the opinion that a positive competition between the two will propel Williams ahead, aiding their ambition to climb the ranks in the future years.

"From my perspective on Carlos, does he compete with intensity? Absolutely. However, is his approach fair? Indeed, it is. The racing between them is notably clean. They're not achieving their positions by causing damage to each other's vehicles. Instead, they're competently racing, where the quicker one among them genuinely earns their place," he detailed.

"We find ourselves in a similar position. My steadfast principle has been that racing is perfectly acceptable. Competing is fine, but it's crucial not to collide with one another or force someone off the track. The goal is to compete with sportsmanship and integrity, honoring the brand we stand for.

Observing [Sainz and Charles Leclerc], there has been a bit of back-and-forth chatter on the radio during the recent races. It's to be expected. Inevitably, one of the drivers is bound to feel aggrieved by the situation.

"However, by establishing a conducive atmosphere where they understand the acceptable manner of competing against one another… And there will be moments when I must declare that it's not permissible. We have to ensure the outcome is secured. Because achieving the desired result takes precedence over individual placements. This presents a unique scenario to manage."

"When you have a pair of drivers competing against one another, it usually results in them performing at their peak. The remarkable thing about Carlos is that, even though his prospects might change from the present, he's seen battling fiercely for every victory. This determination is one of his key strengths."

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Lewis Hamilton signals the dawn of a "new era" at Ferrari with a memorable photo in Maranello.

The beginning of a "new era" for Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 is underway.

Lewis Hamilton was photographed standing outside the legendary office of Enzo Ferrari during his inaugural day with his new Formula 1 squad.

Hamilton shared an image dressed sharply, positioned in front of the iconic red and white structure, beside a Ferrari sports car.

Hamilton is set to have his inaugural day at Maranello on January 20, possibly followed by a session in the simulator.

The seven-time world champion is scheduled to pilot Ferrari's 2022 Formula 1 car in the coming days at the team's base circuit in Fiorano.

Hamilton announced the beginning of a "new era" on social media.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash.net – Formula 1 (@crashnetformula1)

He posted on Instagram, saying, "Some days are unforgettable, and today, marking my debut as a Ferrari driver, is definitely one of those days.

"I've been fortunate to reach milestones in my profession that I once deemed unreachable, yet a piece of me has consistently clung to the aspiration of competing in red."

"I'm overjoyed to see this aspiration come to life right now. We're embarking on a fresh chapter in the saga of this legendary squad today, and I'm eager to discover the tales we'll craft collectively."

Hamilton concluded his 12-year tenure with Mercedes to transition to Ferrari for the forthcoming season.

The individual, aged 40, aimed to realize their lifelong ambition of competing for F1's top-performing team.

The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari unites these two iconic powerhouses.

Hamilton is eager to secure his eighth F1 championship, surpassing Michael Schumacher's record.

Conversely, Ferrari has not achieved championship glory since the year 2008.

Hamilton prepares for his journey with Ferrari

Hamilton faces a hectic period ahead as he adjusts to his surroundings in his new team.

He must adapt to a different car's controls and familiarize himself with Ferrari's specific steering interface. Additionally, establishing strong connections and effective communication with his engineering team is crucial for a triumphant season.

Hamilton is no stranger to making daring professional decisions, notably his switch from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, a move that received significant skepticism initially.

Hamilton is teaming up with Ferrari at an opportune moment, as they concluded the 2024 F1 constructors' championship a mere 13 points shy of McLaren.

Nonetheless, despite securing two wins, 2024 marked Hamilton's least successful season in Formula 1 to date.

His performance, particularly during qualifying laps, raised eyebrows as he managed to outpace George Russell in only five out of 24 races.

Should Hamilton enhance his speed for single laps, he stands a strong chance to be at the forefront of the competition.

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Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has acquired a lavish £10m Mangusta yacht.

Formula 1 reigning champion Max Verstappen has recently acquired a high-end yacht.

According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the driver from Red Bull has recently taken possession of a 33-metre Mangusta GranSport 33, a purchase he made two years prior.

The estimated expense exceeds £10 million, equivalent to approximately €12 million or $12.33 million.

Formula 1 star Max Verstappen selects Viareggio for his new luxury yacht https://t.co/QwKbGdh2NN— Repubblica Firenze (@rep_firenze) January 20, 2025

Formula 1 star Max Verstappen selects Viareggio for his new luxury yacht https://t.co/QwKbGdh2NN

It's said that Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet were seen together in the Italian coastal city of Viareggio, visiting the Mangusta shipyard.

It is reported that the man from the Netherlands chose the name ‘Unleash the Lion’ for his yacht.

This contributes to the expanding collection of lavish items owned by Verstappen. He is already in possession of a private jet, specifically a Dassault Falcon 900EX.

The aircraft, purchased from Sir Richard Branson, came with a price tag of around $15 million. It boasts a distinctive paint scheme, the ability to fly long distances, and seating for as many as 12 individuals.

However, it does not feature a racing simulator, a detail that was mistakenly reported by many.

In 2023, Verstappen clarified the situation, explaining, "I believe that was Helmut who mentioned that, but it seems there was a misunderstanding, as my conversation with him was actually last year.

"I'm constructing a new RV for my journeys across Europe to attend the Formula 1 events, and I've decided to equip it with one so that I can continue my travels even after returning in the evening."

"My fondness for it stems from its nature as a personal pastime, which also serves to keep me mentally agile. Thus, I believe there was a misunderstanding on his part when he exclaimed 'plane!'"

"Thus, I've decided against equipping my aircraft with one. To me, that seems quite ridiculous."

As the top earner in Formula 1, Verstappen has no problem indulging in extravagant comforts.

Forbes estimated that his income from the championship-winning 2024 season was around $75 million.

The amount comprises an unprecedented base salary of $60 million, along with $15 million in bonuses tied to performance.

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MotoAmerica standout shares hospital update following unusual face-plant accident

Former Moto2 competitor and current MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly is hospitalized after a training crash.

Sean Dylan Kelly, who previously competed in Moto2 and has achieved victory in MotoAmerica Superbike races, is currently in the hospital following an accident that occurred while he was training.

Last year, Kelly secured his inaugural victory in a MotoAmerica Superbike race at the Circuit of the Americas, competing for the TopPro BMW team. Unfortunately, last Thursday, he was involved in a crash while riding his supermoto bike.

The American was fitted with a neck brace and transported to the hospital, later providing an update through an Instagram post on Sunday, January 19.

"On Thursday, I experienced a significant and unusual crash while riding my supermoto, which left me quite disoriented."

"Fortunately, I was surrounded by incredible individuals who helped things gradually fall into place for me."

"I'm feeling fine, but I'll have to relax for a few more days. It's probably time to concentrate on different activities since I've been riding quite a lot."

In 2022, Kelly transitioned to Moto2 after winning the MotoAmerica Supersport championship in 2021. His peak performance that year was securing 11th place at the Thai Grand Prix.

In mid-2023, he suffered an injury that caused him to miss four consecutive races, ultimately resulting in his mid-season exit from the American Racing team, with which he had entered the Grand Prix paddock.

At the San Marino Grand Prix, Kelly rejoined the Forward team, but throughout the rest of the 2023 season, he managed to earn just a single point at the race in Indonesia. In 2024, he went back to the United States to compete with the TopPro BMW team, where he secured a fourth-place finish in the Superbike category.

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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on motorcycle consumer and racing news at Visordown.

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Racing Bulls playfully tease Lewis Hamilton as he joins Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

The Racing Bulls have mocked Lewis Hamilton's much-talked-about move to Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

On his first day at Ferrari's iconic headquarters, Hamilton posted a photo of himself at the Maranello plant, marking the start of his role as a Scuderia driver on Monday.

The seven-time world champion expressed his utmost joy, stating he was thrilled to have "fulfilled his dream" by joining Ferrari as a driver.

Hamilton was seen wearing a black pinstripe suit and an overcoat, posing in front of a Ferrari F40 supercar on a rainy day in Maranello.

The social media team for Racing Bulls wasted no time in poking fun at Hamilton and Ferrari. They shared a humorous post featuring a photo of their new driver, Isack Hadjar.

The edited picture of Hadjar depicted him in an overcoat standing outside the Faenza base of Red Bull's affiliated team.

Certain days stick in your mind forever, and today is undoubtedly one of those unforgettable days. #F1 #VCARB pic.twitter.com/K6oH0R06H6— Visa Cash App RB F1 Team (@visacashapprb) January 20, 2025

The caption read: "Some days are unforgettable, and today is certainly one of those," echoing Hamilton's words from his social media update.

Nineteen-year-old Hadjar has advanced to a position with Racing Bulls following his second-place finish in Formula 2. He is stepping in for Liam Lawson, who has moved up to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Since the announcement in February of the previous year, the surprising news of Hamilton moving from Mercedes to Ferrari has captured the attention of the media.

A 40-year-old man from Britain is dedicating the majority of his initial day to interacting with important individuals and familiarizing himself with the factory and the team.

Later this week, Hamilton is anticipated to take the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari Formula 1 car at the Fiorano test track belonging to the team.

In an Instagram post, he expressed that certain days are unforgettable, and his debut as a Ferrari driver is one of those memorable days.

Throughout my career, I've had the fortune of accomplishing feats I once considered beyond my reach. However, a portion of my aspirations has always been tied to the vision of competing in red. Today, I'm overjoyed to see that vision come to life.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this legendary team, and I'm eager to discover the journey we'll embark on together."

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Unforeseen Support from F1 Could Assist Lewis Hamilton in MotoGP Investment

New Development in Lewis Hamilton's Alleged MotoGP Interest

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who is stepping down from his role as managing director and spokesperson for the Sauber Formula 1 team, is reportedly connected to Lewis Hamilton's efforts to put money into a MotoGP team.

For nearly a year, there have been rumors about Hamilton possibly investing in a MotoGP team following Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, purchasing Dorna Sports last spring.

Despite the rumors about a potential Gresini acquisition being false, ex-Liberty CEO Greg Maffei verified that Hamilton had shown interest in joining a MotoGP team following its recent change in ownership.

In an interview with Speedweek that took place in December, Pit Beirer, the head of KTM motorsport, disclosed that substantial discussions had occurred with Lewis Hamilton's management regarding the possibility of him investing in the financially struggling Austrian racing team.

KTM is presently experiencing financial difficulties and its future in MotoGP is uncertain. Meanwhile, recent discussions about Hamilton possibly joining the team have subsided.

The future actions of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion regarding his potential involvement in MotoGP are still uncertain. However, Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that his ambitions might receive a boost with assistance from Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

Alunni Bravi has revealed that he will be stepping down from his position with the Sauber F1 team after dedicating seven years to the Swiss organization in multiple capacities.

After his stint with Sauber, his path forward is uncertain as he takes on fresh challenges.

He lacks any obvious connection to Hamilton or MotoGP, making it unclear how he might be involved if Hamilton decides to invest in a team.

Hamilton's plans to invest in a MotoGP team are paused as they await the outcome of an EU investigation into Liberty Media's purchase of the series.

Despite Liberty and Dorna's earlier optimism about finalizing their €4.2 billion agreement by the end of last year, the European Commission's anti-competition board decided to investigate the deal further due to concerns it might create a monopoly over television broadcasting rights.

Liberty is the current owner of F1, as well as Formula 2 and Formula 3, with an affiliated company holding Formula E. If Liberty successfully acquires Dorna, it would gain ownership of the rights to MotoGP, World Superbikes, and all other championships linked with Dorna.

The European Union's investigation might postpone the completion of the acquisition until May, assuming it receives regulatory approval.

This season, Hamilton has become part of the Ferrari team. He previously expanded his interests in the sports world by acquiring a stake in the NFL's Denver Broncos in North America several years back.

He was also the proprietor of a team that participated in the Extreme E off-road racing series for electric sport utility vehicles.

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Exclusive: Valentino Rossi's Pursuit of His Coveted 10th World Championship

Crash.net's Lewis Duncan interviews WRT team leader Vincent Vosse regarding Valentino Rossi's journey in car racing up to now and the prospects for 2025.

Just after turning 46, Valentino Rossi is set to kick off the 2025 World Endurance Championship as an official BMW driver for WRT in the LMGT3 category. This year also signifies ten years since he almost claimed a world championship title, falling short of the 2015 MotoGP championship to his Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo.

The current year signifies the fourth year that Rossi has dedicated himself to being a full-time car racer. He transitioned from motorcycle racing to car racing upon retiring from MotoGP at the conclusion of 2021. Rossi joined forces with the WRT team, led by Vincent Vosse, for his inaugural season in GT Racing.

In 2022, Rossi had a promising beginning with several top-six finishes in both the Endurance and Sprint Cups of the GT World Challenge Europe, driving an Audi R8. In 2023, Rossi transitioned to driving a BMW for WRT, achieving his first podium finish by securing second place at the opening round of the Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch.

At his cherished Misano circuit, where the VR46 Academy regularly practices and where he has triumphed three times in MotoGP, he once again claimed victory on the podium, this time with his Le Mans-winning co-driver, Maxime Martin. The duo also secured a win at Misano the previous year.

In 2024, Rossi made a comeback to the world championship scene in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He participated as an FIA silver-level driver, having been reclassified from gold to meet the series' status regulations, and joined WRT in the newly introduced LMGT3 category for GT vehicles.

Teaming up with Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy, the three drivers took their #46 BMW M4 GT3 to a fourth-place finish at the opening race in Qatar. They then secured a second-place finish, part of a WRT 1-2, at the next event in Imola, which was affected by rainy conditions. Unfortunately, they faced consecutive retirements at Spa and Le Mans, and more problems prevented strong performances at COTA and Bahrain. The team achieved their second podium of the season with a third-place finish at Fuji. Rossi concluded the season in sixth place overall in the standings.

"Initially, Vale competed in the GT World Challenge within the pro category and achieved victories at Misano," WRT team principal Vosse revealed in an exclusive conversation with Crash.net. He also mentioned that Vale stood on the podium in several races, contending fiercely in the pro category, which Vosse described as quite remarkable. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Vale is performing exceptionally well as a silver-ranked driver, now entering his fourth season.

"Reflecting on last year's WEC season, it was challenging overall, particularly in the LMGT3 category, though this wasn't related to Vale. The season was tough, and our only victory at Imola, where we secured first and second, was under unique circumstances. Vale, as a driver and athlete, approaches everything he does with the right attitude and seriousness. He doesn't participate in races merely for enjoyment or to casually drive around the track."

"He does it to stay competitive, and that's what keeps him motivated. It's in those moments when he realizes he can compete at a high level that he feels most alive. The happiness he experiences when winning a race isn't just about the victory itself; it's about matching the competitiveness of his peers. As he approaches his 46th birthday, it becomes clear that when athletes like him decide to pursue something, they commit fully. They don't do it just for fun or to try something new, but to excel and remain competitive. This dedication is what sets great champions apart, and he truly is one of them."

Rossi has already solidified his status as a motorsport legend, with nothing more to demonstrate in his illustrious career. However, he has never been one to do things partially or without full commitment. Even when he tested Ferrari's Formula 1 cars in the mid-2000s, he approached it with a serious consideration of possibly joining the series.

In the previous year, Rossi participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe competitions. With two children now and a strong desire to return to MotoGP in 2025, Rossi was confronted with a tough decision during the winter regarding his plans for this year. This week, WRT revealed that his attention will be directed towards the WEC.

Vosse explained that they chose WEC instead of GTWCE because they believed it would be an excellent opportunity for him. Vosse also informed Crash that they are in talks with Rossi regarding the possibility of participating in some GT endurance races that the Italian still enjoys, outside of the WEC. An announcement on this matter is anticipated in the next few weeks.

WRT has made changes to the driver roster for its #46 car in the WEC's LMGT3 category. Martin has been substituted by Kelvin van der Linde, a seasoned GT driver known for his victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours and finishing second in the DTM in 2024.

From an external perspective, it might seem that WRT is heavily prioritizing the #31 car. In the 2025 season, this vehicle will be spearheaded by star BMW driver Augusto Farfus, Timur Boguslavskiy, and Le Mans victor Yasser Shahin, who is making the switch from Porsche. However, Vosse perceives this situation differently.

"We've never participated in a championship just for the sake of competing," he remarked. "Last year, we demonstrated that both of our vehicles have the capability to win races and contend for titles. Many assumed that car #46 would be the standout, but ultimately, it was car #31 that shone, which is also a positive outcome for me. We possess two competitive cars. Naturally, having Vale in one of them makes the prospect of him securing his tenth world title exciting. It would be a personal achievement. However, our primary objective is to elevate both vehicles to a competitive standard, not just focus on one."

In November of last year, Rossi participated in the WEC rookie test held in Bahrain, where he drove a BMW M8 Hybrid LMDh car, which competes in the series' premier Hypercar category. True to his style, Rossi approached this with serious intent rather than just to satisfy a curiosity.

Is it possible that this might develop into something greater later on?

Vosse expressed that Vale aims to be a strong contender, whether it's in the Hypercar class or GT racing. His goal is to compete at a high level and achieve victory. If they decide to enter the Hypercar category at this point, they would initially be at a disadvantage and need to work hard to catch up. During the Bahrain test, Vale showcased remarkable speed and skill, proving himself to be outstanding.

"It was precisely what he required to be fast. He was thrilled, and his expression as he stepped out of the car resembled that of someone who had just won a race, simply because he was performing so well. He found himself in a leading position, which is exactly where he aims to be. For an athlete like him, not seeing his name at the top is quite challenging."

The thought of Valentino Rossi driving a prototype sports car at Le Mans is an exciting possibility that the World Endurance Championship (WEC) would likely welcome enthusiastically. Over the years, the series has seen participation from many renowned figures, but the level of fan devotion that Rossi brings is unique, as Vosse discovered in the GT World Challenge Europe series a few years back.

He acknowledges, "Our initial race as a team was at Imola in 2022, and it was a disaster." He continues, "We didn't anticipate such a situation in a series that typically doesn't attract a large number of Rossi supporters. However, Rossi enthusiasts aren't just limited to MotoGP; they are dedicated to Vale himself and will follow him to any event he participates in."

"Naturally, after the initial race, adjustments were necessary. We had to modify some aspects and ensure we were highly organized to manage the fans effectively. This kind of situation is unique. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), there have been renowned figures like Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, and Robert Kubica. While they are major names in WEC, their fan following doesn't compare to that of Vale."

Despite Rossi reducing his racing schedule in 2025, he remains as determined as ever, preparing for another campaign in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Securing a tenth championship, officially called the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Drivers, will be a formidable challenge, yet Rossi has consistently demonstrated that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.

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