GPS tracking on a company car from Alpine disclosed that Esteban Ocon had visited the Williams F1 team, according to former Alpine head Marcin Budkowski.

Marcin Budkowski revealed that the entire Alpine team discovered Esteban Ocon had visited Formula 1 competitors Williams by tracking the GPS data from his company vehicle.

Ocon joined Haas following Alpine's announcement in June that they would be separating at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

In July, James Vowles, the head of Williams, disclosed that Ocon had traveled to Grove for a seat fitting as the team considered their future driver lineup.

Ex-Alpine executive director Budkowski, who exited the French team in 2022, asserted that GPS tracking on Ocon’s company vehicle showed he had visited Williams.

According to Budkowski, speaking to Viaplay Poland, he visited Enstone prior to the Silverstone event and used an Alpine vehicle provided to him as a company car during his time there.

"These vehicles are equipped with GPS trackers. Consequently, it was discovered that his Alpine vehicle was stationed in the Williams parking area for a duration of five hours while Esteban was in the United Kingdom. This is how the entire Alpine team became aware that Esteban had spent several hours there."

"I doubt he knew about it. However, the reality is that the team chose not to renew his contract, allowing Esteban to explore opportunities with other teams."

"It's amusing how the situation ended up becoming public in that way."

Williams considered Ocon for future seasons

During the Hungarian Grand Prix last year, Vowles told Autosport that Williams was assessing Ocon as a possible driver for the 2025 or 2026 season.

After Carlos Sainz departed from Ferrari to accommodate the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, Williams secured Sainz's services with a contract spanning multiple years.

Vowles informed Autosport that Esteban's visit wasn't for a genuine seat fitting; rather, it was to assess him with an eye on the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

"I had to check if he could actually fit in the car due to his height. Alex is also quite tall, but his body measurements can be challenging in some respects."

All of our current efforts are focused solely on drivers for 2025 and the future, and nothing else.

"He was certainly someone we thought about. I've been acquainted with him for quite a long time, especially during his time at Mercedes, where he was under my supervision alongside Toto Wolff and Gwen's management team, who took care of him."

"He's shown impressive speed. Beating Fernando Alonso in qualifying is no small feat and requires exceptional talent. By providing him with the right support and surroundings, he has the potential to become a formidable competitor. This is why he was taken into account."

At that time, Vowles indicated that it is improbable for Ocon to become a potential choice for Williams moving forward.

He expressed that he believes their current situations prevent their paths from intersecting, which he finds regrettable. He noted that there are certain aspects that he feels could be successful if they were to collaborate.

"However, there are some aspects that I believe won't be feasible within the given time constraints. Nonetheless, I am certain that he will enjoy a highly successful career in Formula 1."

In 2025, Esteban Ocon will team up with Formula 1 newcomer Oliver Bearman, creating a refreshed driver lineup for Haas.

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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem criticizes the media for what he describes as an "unfair" representation of his actions and makes an unusual remark about the British Grand Prix.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has critiqued his portrayal by the media covering Formula 1.

While speaking at the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia, Ben Sulayem has once again expressed his belief that certain parts of the media have criticized him unfairly.

In what appeared to be an unprovoked outburst, the 63-year-old Emirati, who has been heavily criticized for his management of F1, reportedly stated to Autosport: "I've faced three years of criticism. Do I care? Was my election meant for listening to the media? No."

"I appreciate media that is positive and constructive. If I make an error, you're welcome to critique me, but please do so objectively."

Since taking on the role of FIA president in December 2021, Ben Sulayem has been involved in a number of disputes. He emphasized that he believes the way he has been treated is "unfair."

He remarked oddly about Qatar Airways sponsoring the British Grand Prix.

"Life isn't always just, and that's how the world works. Saudi Arabia has made significant reinvestments," he mentioned to journalists in the country.

"When examining certain segments of the British media, you'll find they often criticize either Saudi Arabia or myself. However, I suggest taking a look at the British Grand Prix."

"Is it just the British Grand Prix? No, it's officially the Qatar Airways British Grand Prix. If you take away the sponsorship, you lose the funding."

During a conversation with Autosport at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last year, Ben Sulayem criticized what he perceives as a noticeable bias in the British media.

He made his comments following Adrian Newey, a former designer for Red Bull, who mentioned on the High Performance podcast that the British press had not treated Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel fairly.

Ben Sulayem concurred with Newey's perspective, expressing his admiration for Max Verstappen by stating, "As a fellow driver and former champion, I hold great respect for Max as well as for all winners and champions."

"I understand that he experienced his own difficulties, but let's focus on my situation. When you examine how the British media treated me… Honestly, they passed judgment on me."

“They haven't blamed me for anything, but they continue to persist. Do I mind? Not at all. Why not? Because their goal is to boost sales and gain more exposure for themselves. Absolutely, yes.”

"However, they hold no authority over me or the FIA."

Respectfully addressing the British media and other media outlets, it's important to note that they do not have voting rights. We operate as an independent, democratic organization. My election was made possible by the decision of our membership body. The authority lies with the General Assembly, not the media.

"How about we put an end to this foolishness and focus on improving the sport? That's my request. If the media doesn't want to cooperate, it's their choice."

However, life continues. Do you know what their actions resulted in for me? They made me more resilient. Now, I approach things with greater caution and increased wisdom.

"I have the backing of the club members. If they ever choose to replace me as president, that decision is up to them."

Ultimately, who placed me in this position? It was the General Assembly and its members. I am extremely clear about this. If they disagree, the decision is theirs to make.

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David Croft comes to Max Verstappen's aid following criticism from fans labeling him as "petulant."

"Max's actions are driven by his desire to win and secure championships. Red Bull employs him for these very achievements, so he's merely fulfilling his role."

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has come to the defense of Max Verstappen regarding his "over-aggressive" actions during races, characterizing the Dutch driver as a "winner."

In 2024, Verstappen clinched his fourth straight F1 drivers' championship, successfully fending off a strong end-of-season push from Lando Norris.

Without a doubt, Verstappen's performance this season stood out, especially considering the difficulties Red Bull faced during the latter part of the year.

In the first 10 races, Verstappen secured seven wins, but in the last 14 races, he only managed to win twice.

Because Verstappen had more points than Norris, he could adopt a more aggressive approach during their head-to-head duels on the track.

The Red Bull racer received two 10-second penalties due to aggressive driving during the Mexico event.

During the Autosport International event held in Birmingham, Croft had a conversation with a fan.

Regarding Verstappen, the fan commented: "He's overly aggressive during races and behaves immaturely towards fellow drivers."

Croft responded by saying, “You have the right to your opinion, sir, and I won’t argue with you about it.”

"He tends to be overly aggressive while racing and often displays petulance towards fellow competitors, traits that might actually contribute to his success as a winner and a champion. But do we truly admire champions? Are we fond of winners? Everyone has their personal favorites, and I completely understand that perspective."

"The key point about Max is that he strives for victory and aims to be a champion, which aligns with Red Bull's expectations since they compensate him to achieve these goals. He is simply fulfilling his role. I see no issue with that at all. I have always had a fondness for Max."

"I've admired him since he first participated in the Japan FP1 back in 2014 because he has incredible skills, and I really value those abilities."

Croft likens Verstappen to Schumacher

Croft notes that both Verstappen and Michael Schumacher share an intense drive to achieve victory in Formula 1.

He believes that Verstappen might receive more recognition since he's somewhat of a "winner."

"Michael Schumacher is someone we admire greatly. We also hold Lewis Hamilton in high regard," he stated. "These individuals are winners and champions. Additionally, we have a deep appreciation for Sebastian Vettel and his achievement of securing four championships over the years."

"He took the necessary actions to secure victory. If his teammate happened to be an unintended casualty in the process, it was not a concern for him. His focus was solely on winning."

"Perhaps we need to recognize that Max is quite the champion. It might be time to acknowledge and applaud his consistent success over the past four years."

"The last occasion when Max was not at the forefront of the drivers' championship was in Spain 2022. Consider waking up daily with the goal of maintaining your position at the top for almost four years. It's an incredibly demanding challenge."

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The incident when Mohammed Ben Sulayem crashed a Renault F1 car

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who serves as the president of the FIA, had an occasion where he crashed a Formula 1 car

During a demonstration event for Renault, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was involved in an accident where he crashed a Formula 1 car.

In 2009, the president of the FIA had the chance to try out Formula 1 equipment during a demonstration event organized by Renault in Dubai. This event was held to promote the first-ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which occurred that same year.

As construction continued on the Yas Marina Circuit, the event was held at the Dubai Autodrome.

Behind the wheel of the 2008 Renault R28, Ben Sulayem was involved in a drag race with a Ford GT, which ended in a crash.

After a rapid start that put him in front, Ben Sulayem lost control of his Renault and crashed into the wall on the pit straight.

Although the Emirati was not injured in the accident, the Formula 1 car sustained significant damage on its left side.

The demonstration had to be cut short due to the accident.

Footage of the accident is available for viewing below.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's experience behind the wheel

Although Ben Sulayem lacks experience in single-seater racing, he does possess a history in driving.

He is an ex-rally driver who secured victory in the Middle East Rally Championship on 14 occasions.

Ben Sulayem participated in 23 World Rally Championship events from 1988 to 1995, driving for Toyota and Ford, and accumulated 12 points throughout his rally career.

In 2005, Ben Sulayem shifted his focus away from racing to assume a leadership role off the track. He took on the position of president of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation, serving as the representative for the United Arab Emirates within the FIA.

In 2008, Ben Sulayem was chosen as Vice President for sport and became a part of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. He was instrumental in setting up the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In December 2021, he took over from Jean Todt to become the president of the FIA.

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Ferrari hints on social media about the design of Lewis Hamilton's car for 2025

Reports suggest Ferrari plans to use a deeper red for their 2025 model.

Ferrari may have suggested a new design for their 2025 F1 season car, supporting the recent speculation that they are aiming for a more striking appearance.

As preparations for the upcoming season continue, several reports have surfaced about Ferrari’s latest car, which will be Lewis Hamilton's inaugural vehicle with the team.

According to Autoracer, Ferrari plans to select "a deeper shade of red" for their design in 2025.

According to the report, the red hue is expected to be lighter than the one featured at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix held in Mugello.

Since the beginning of the year, several updates on Ferrari's social media platforms may have suggested the specific red color they plan to feature on their upcoming Formula 1 vehicle.

A fitting room tag, a birthday cake for Hamilton, and a table set for a pair all share a deep red hue.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash.net's Formula 1 account (@crashnetformula1). The post is shared by Crash.net's Formula 1 page (@crashnetformula1).

Supporters will need to hold off until the official Formula 1 launch event, F1 75 Live, taking place at The O2, where all teams will be in attendance, to catch a first look at the new livery.

Ferrari is gearing up for Lewis Hamilton's initial testing experience with the team. As the countdown to pre-season testing in Bahrain ticks down to just over a month, Ferrari plans to provide Hamilton with several opportunities to familiarize himself with their 2022 car.

Hamilton couldn't participate in the team's testing session in Abu Dhabi at the close of the previous year because he was bound by contractual obligations with Mercedes.

Hamilton's participation will provide him with a vital chance to get acquainted with his new team and begin forming connections in anticipation of an important year for Ferrari.

In the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, Ferrari secured the second position, trailing McLaren by only 13 points.

Loïc Serra, formerly associated with Mercedes alongside Hamilton, is playing a pivotal role in shaping the design of the new vehicle.

Reports indicate that Serra has concentrated on the suspension system and its relationship with the Pirelli tires.

In 2024, Ferrari and Hamilton faced challenges during the qualifying rounds, and Serra has been assigned to improve this aspect.

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Christian Horner stated that the idea of leaving Formula 1 never crossed his mind, even amidst a difficult situation. Despite facing a particularly tough year in F1 2024, Horner was committed to staying with Red Bull.

Christian Horner has firmly stated that he "never, ever" thought about leaving Formula 1 following the controversy that surrounded him and his Red Bull team.

Just before the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Red Bull faced a crisis due to accusations of improper and controlling actions directed at team principal Horner.

A British man, aged 51, refuted the allegations against him and was found not guilty of any misconduct after an internal inquiry into his actions involving a female coworker. Her subsequent appeal was also rejected.

The situation involving Horner sparked a potential crisis for Red Bull, creating internal political unrest, as Jos Verstappen, father of Max Verstappen, demanded Horner's resignation.

Questions about Verstappen's future arose following the controversies away from the racetrack.

Red Bull experienced a decrease in performance halfway through the season. Nonetheless, Verstappen managed to secure his fourth consecutive world championship, even as McLaren's Lando Norris posed a significant challenge.

Despite their efforts, Red Bull was unable to hold onto their title as constructors' champions and ended up in third position in the championship standings, trailing behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Horner's enthusiasm never wavered

"Without a doubt, it was an exceptionally tough year," Horner admitted to PlanetF1.

"There were numerous challenges, yet we consistently kept our attention on the track."

"Clearly, we've undergone some team adjustments, but we're progressing with an eye on the future, and I believe we're well-prepared for it."

"My drive has always been fueled by the thrill of competition. It gets me up in the morning. If you’re a racer at heart, that never changes. When the race begins, that’s the essence of everything."

Although Red Bull has faced various challenges both on and off the racing track, Horner emphasized that resigning from his role never crossed his mind.

"Honestly, I've never even considered that idea," he stated.

Red Bull Powertrains is embarking on a thrilling new phase, marking the most ambitious undertaking in our two-decade history in the sport. This upcoming period promises to be among the most exhilarating yet.

"In this field, there's always something new to learn."

Several important members of the Red Bull team are departing as they approach the 2025 season. Among them, Adrian Newey has chosen to exit following the controversy surrounding Horner.

A renowned Formula 1 designer has become part of the Aston Martin team and is scheduled to start his position on March 2nd.

Jonathan Wheatley, who served as the sporting director, has left his position to take on the role of team principal at Sauber. This team is set to transform into the official Audi works team in 2026.

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Aston Martin has revealed the reserve drivers who will support Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in the upcoming Formula 1 season.

Felipe Drugovich is set to remain in his role as Aston Martin's reserve and test driver for the Formula 1 season in 2025.

Since 2022, Drugovich has been involved with Aston Martin's driver program, the same year he won the Formula 2 championship.

Despite having participated in multiple test sessions with Aston Martin, Drugovich has not yet secured a full-time racing position with any team.

According to reports, discussions had previously taken place between the Brazilian and Williams, prior to their decision to choose Logan Sargeant.

Aston Martin has announced that Drugovich will keep attending races to serve as a reserve for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

The position will be jointly held by ex-McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne.

Discussing recent developments, Drugovich expressed his satisfaction by stating, "I'm truly delighted to continue with Aston Martin Aramco for a third consecutive year as the Test and Reserve Driver."

"This team has a strong drive, and I'm eager to see the accomplishments we can reach collectively."

"The impressive state-of-the-art facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, which feature a newly introduced simulator, highlight the ambition of the organization. I am dedicated to contributing to Aston Martin Aramco's lasting achievements. I also wish to express my gratitude to the team for their continuous support."

Mike Krack, who serves as the Chief Trackside Officer, expressed his thoughts by saying, "Felipe has played an essential role in our team since he came on board, and we're thrilled to keep collaborating with him until 2025. He truly is a valuable asset. His work behind the scenes, especially in the simulator and during test sessions, has been extremely beneficial, and he consistently performs flawlessly when driving."

Felipe's commitment and insights have been essential to our advancement, and we are sure he will keep contributing greatly to our team.

"We hope he does well in the upcoming 24 Hours of Daytona race."

Aston Martin's Expectations for the 2025 Season

In 2025, Aston Martin is expected to have a transitional year as they anticipate Adrian Newey starting his projects later in the year.

Aston Martin is setting its sights on 2026, as their vehicle will be shaped by Newey's influence and powered by a Honda works engine.

This suggests that the team located in Silverstone might face challenges again in 2025.

Aston Martin secured the fifth position in the constructors' championship once more, but they lagged significantly behind the leading four teams.

As the year concluded, they found themselves trailing behind Alpine and Haas in terms of sheer speed, frequently depending on Alonso's exceptional skill.

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Manager of Franco Colapinto discloses intriguing contract specifics following his switch to Alpine F1

Information about Franco Colapinto's agreement with Alpine has come to light…

Franco Colapinto's manager has provided insight into the discussions with Alpine and the "determined" Flavio Briatore regarding the Argentine driver's switch to a new team for the 2025 F1 season.

Just last week, it was revealed that Colapinto will serve as Alpine's reserve and test driver for the next season.

It is widely anticipated that Colapinto will eventually secure a permanent racing position as a teammate to Pierre Gasly, though this move hinges on Jack Doohan's performance.

Colapinto's standout performances for Williams, stepping in for Logan Sargeant mid-season, have caught the attention of both Alpine and Red Bull.

A disappointing conclusion to the year, marred by several incidents and a reportedly substantial release clause, led to a decline in interest in Colapinto.

Following extensive discussions with Alpine, an agreement was reached to have Colapinto join Enstone as their test and reserve driver.

In an interview with the Argentinian media outlet Infobae, Maria Catarineu, who is the Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, disclosed that Briatore showed a strong interest in Colapinto.

"The process was lengthy due to the complicated nature of the negotiations, much like this particular instance. However, Flavio remained consistently determined and became especially focused and driven in the past few weeks," she remarked.

The deal was reached as it satisfied the desires of both sides involved. Flavio succeeded in securing Franco's signature, while [Williams boss] James [Vowles] provided Franco with a racing opportunity, given that Williams' usual drivers are tied to long-term agreements.

She mentioned, "Ever since Franco started his Formula 1 career, Briatore has been aware of him. During our initial conversation, he remarked, 'I’ve recognized talent, and I want him on board.'"

"He paid close attention to every race and tracked his progress as a Formula 1 driver throughout the nine Grand Prix events he participated in."

Colapinto Secures Five-Year Contract with Alpine

Catarineu disclosed that Colapinto's contract with Alpine spans five years, which is remarkably lengthy for a driver who has competed in only nine races.

"Williams transferred Franco to Alpine under a five-year agreement," she clarified.

"I believe that if another team shows an interest in Franco during that time frame, it would likely lead to negotiations between Alpine and the other team."

It seems unavoidable that Colapinto will be promoted instead of Doohan.

Alpine has announced that Doohan will continue driving at the beginning of the season, but the Australian racer will face significant internal pressure.

Catarineu declined to comment on whether Colapinto would have the chance to join Alpine as a permanent driver.

She decided not to express her emotions.

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Franco Colapinto's Manager Shares Intriguing Contract Information Following Alpine F1 Transition

New insights have come to light regarding Franco Colapinto's contract with Alpine…

The manager of Franco Colapinto has provided details about her discussions with Alpine and the notably determined Flavio Briatore, which were related to the Argentine driver's team switch in preparation for the 2025 F1 season.

Just last week, Colapinto was revealed as the reserve and test driver for Alpine in the forthcoming season.

It is widely anticipated that Colapinto will eventually join Pierre Gasly as a full-time teammate, although this will rely on Jack Doohan's performance.

Colapinto's standout performances for Williams, where he took over for Logan Sargeant mid-season, caught the attention of both Alpine and Red Bull.

The year's conclusion was disappointing, marred by several incidents, and the substantial release clause reportedly attached to Colapinto led to a decline in interest.

Following extensive discussions with Alpine, an agreement was reached to have Colapinto join Enstone as their test and reserve driver.

In an interview with the Argentinian outlet Infobae, Maria Catarineu, who serves as the Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, disclosed that Briatore showed a strong interest in Colapinto.

"The negotiations were drawn-out due to their complexity, particularly in this instance. However, Flavio remained consistently determined and became particularly focused in the final weeks," she explained.

The deal was reached as both sides achieved their goals. Flavio succeeded in signing Franco, and Williams' team principal, James Vowles, provided Franco with the opportunity to compete, as the team's usual drivers are tied to long-term agreements.

She mentioned, "Briatore has been aware of Franco since his entry into Formula 1. On the day we initially spoke, he remarked, 'I've noticed his skill, and I want to work with him.'"

"He paid close attention to each race, observing his development as a Formula 1 driver throughout the nine Grand Prix events he participated in."

Colapinto Secures Extended Contract with Alpine

Catarineu disclosed that Colapinto has signed a lengthy contract with Alpine, spanning five years. This is notably long for a driver who has competed in only nine races so far.

"Williams arranged for Franco to be with Alpine for a period of five years," she stated.

"I realize that if another team shows interest in Franco during that time frame, it would likely lead to discussions between Alpine and the other team."

It seems certain that Colapinto will be promoted instead of Doohan.

Alpine has announced that Doohan will continue driving for the beginning of the season, but the Australian driver will face significant internal pressure.

Catarineu declined to comment on the possibility of Colapinto becoming a full-time driver for Alpine.

"I’m not going to express my emotions," she finished.

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Aston Martin has revealed the F1 reserve drivers who will be supporting Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The team has officially announced their backup drivers for the upcoming season.

Felipe Drugovich is set to remain in his role as reserve and test driver for Aston Martin for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Since 2022, Drugovich has been involved in Aston Martin's driver program, the same year he became the Formula 2 champion.

Despite having participated in multiple test sessions with Aston Martin, Drugovich remains without a full-time driving position as teams have consistently passed him over.

According to reports, the Brazilian had discussions with Williams previously before the team decided on Logan Sargeant.

Aston Martin has announced that Drugovich will keep participating in races as a reserve driver, supporting Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Former McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne will share the position.

In a recent statement about the news, Drugovich expressed his excitement about continuing with Aston Martin Aramco for a third consecutive year as their Test and Reserve Driver.

"The team is currently experiencing a strong sense of forward movement, and I'm eager to discover what we can accomplish as a group."

The impressive facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, featuring the latest simulator, reflect the high ambitions in this place, and I am dedicated to contributing to Aston Martin Aramco's future achievements. As ever, I express my gratitude to the team for their continuous support.

Mike Krack, who serves as the Chief Trackside Officer, expressed his thoughts by saying, "Felipe has played an essential role in our team since he came on board, and we are delighted to maintain our collaboration with him through 2025 – he truly is an asset. His work in the background, especially in the simulator and during testing, has been incredibly valuable, and he consistently performs flawlessly when driving."

Felipe's commitment and insights have been essential to our development, and we are certain that he will keep making a meaningful difference within our team.

"We send our best wishes for his success at the upcoming 24 Hours of Daytona event."

Aston Martin's Expectations for 2025

The year 2025 is expected to serve as a transitional period for Aston Martin while they anticipate Adrian Newey starting his projects later this year.

Aston Martin is setting its sights on 2026, with their vehicle expected to be shaped by Newey's influence and powered by a Honda works engine.

This suggests that the team based in Silverstone might face challenges again in 2025.

Aston Martin secured the fifth position in the constructors' championship once more, but they lagged significantly behind the leading four teams.

As the year drew to a close, they fell behind Alpine and Haas in terms of sheer speed, frequently depending on Alonso's exceptional skills.

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Ferrari hints at the 2025 car design for Lewis Hamilton on social media. Reports suggest that the team will switch to a deeper red color for their livery in 2025.

Ferrari may have provided a clue regarding their new paint scheme for the 2025 Formula 1 season, supporting a recent assertion that they plan to embrace a more daring design.

As the new season approaches, there are numerous reports about Ferrari's latest vehicle, which will be the first car for Lewis Hamilton with the team.

According to Autoracer, Ferrari plans to adopt a "deeper shade of red" for their color scheme in 2025.

According to the report, the red hue will be lighter compared to the one featured at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix in Mugello.

Several updates on Ferrari's social media platforms since the beginning of the year may have suggested the particular red hue they plan to feature on their latest Formula 1 vehicle.

A dressing room tag, Hamilton’s birthday dessert, and the small table set for two all share the same deep red color.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash.net – Formula 1, which is available under the handle @crashnetformula1.

Supporters must hold on until the F1 75 Live event at The O2, where all the teams will be in attendance, to catch a first look at the new design.

Ferrari is gearing up to allow Hamilton to test their 2022 car as he prepares for the upcoming pre-season sessions in Bahrain, which are just over a month away.

Due to his contractual obligations with Mercedes, Hamilton was not able to participate in the team's testing session in Abu Dhabi at the end of the previous year.

Hamilton's appearances will provide him an essential chance to get acquainted with his new team and begin forming connections in anticipation of an important year for Ferrari.

Ferrari secured the runner-up position in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' championship, trailing McLaren by only 13 points.

Loïc Serra, a former Mercedes colleague of Hamilton, is playing a crucial role in the development of the new vehicle.

Sources indicate that Serra has concentrated on the suspension system and how it works with Pirelli tires.

In 2024, Ferrari and Hamilton faced challenges during the qualifying sessions, and Serra has been assigned to help improve their performance in this area.

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Christian Horner stated that the idea of stepping away from Red Bull in the face of controversy in the 2024 Formula 1 season never crossed his mind.

Christian Horner has firmly stated that he "never, ever" thought about leaving Formula 1 despite the controversy that surrounded him and his Red Bull team.

Just before the start of the 2024 F1 season, Red Bull faced upheaval due to accusations of improper and domineering conduct directed at team leader Horner.

A 51-year-old British man refuted the allegations against him and was eventually exonerated after an internal inquiry examined his conduct towards a female coworker, whose subsequent appeal was rejected.

The situation involving Horner caused a stir at Red Bull, creating political unrest within the team. This turmoil was heightened when Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father, demanded Horner's resignation.

Questions about Verstappen's future arose following the controversy away from the racetrack.

Red Bull experienced a decline in their performance during the middle of the season, yet Verstappen managed to secure his fourth consecutive world championship. This achievement came even as McLaren's Lando Norris posed a strong challenge.

Red Bull was unable to hold onto their constructors' title and fell to third place in the championship standings, finishing behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Horner expressed his enduring enthusiasm.

"It was definitely a tough year," Horner admitted to PlanetF1.

"There were numerous challenges, but our attention was consistently directed towards the track."

"Clearly, our team has undergone some changes, but we're adapting for the future, and I believe we're well-prepared for what's ahead."

"My love for competition has been a constant driving force in my life. It's the reason I wake up each morning. Being a racer is ingrained in me, and the thrill when the race starts is everything to me."

In the face of challenges both on and off the racing circuit, Horner emphasized that leaving his role was never a consideration for him.

"I can honestly say that I've never considered that idea," he remarked.

A thrilling new phase is about to unfold with Red Bull Powertrains, marking the most significant challenge we've encountered in our two decades in the sport. I believe this upcoming phase could be one of the most exhilarating parts of our journey.

"In this field, there's always something new to learn."

Several important members of the Red Bull team are departing as they approach the 2025 season. Among them is Adrian Newey, who has chosen to exit the team following the controversy surrounding Horner.

A renowned Formula 1 designer has become part of the Aston Martin team and will start his position on March 2nd.

Jonathan Wheatley, who has been serving as sporting director, has left his position to take on the role of team principal at Sauber. This team is set to transition into the Audi works team by 2026.

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