Unreleased video reveals crucial insights from Carlos Sainz to Williams

Carlos Sainz begins his journey with the new Formula 1 team…

Williams is already gaining advantages from Carlos Sainz's input after his initial appearance with the team towards the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season.

Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz got the chance to test drive Williams' 2024 car model on a filming day.

In a video uploaded to Williams' YouTube channel, Sainz took his initial laps driving the FW46.

Before taking his first laps in the car, Sainz asked his engineers to insert additional padding into the cockpit to enhance his comfort.

Upon returning to the garage, Sainz talked over some adjustments to the setup with his engineering team in preparation for the full day of activities during the official post-season test.

During his initial drive, he had the opportunity to try out different controls on the Williams steering wheel, such as the "pit confirm" button, which notifies his team of his entry into the pit lane.

The conversation took an interesting turn when his engineer commented, "Doesn't this feel like the first day at school?"

Sainz responded by saying, "It's a totally different vehicle. It's unbelievable! Even the accelerator feels different. You can sense more through the steering wheel here."

Sainz's crucial insights

After completing several additional laps, Sainz shared intriguing observations with the Williams team.

The Spanish driver has gained recognition as one of the hardest-working competitors in the racing circuit, known for his insightful feedback and his talent for enhancing team performance.

Additional setup modifications were made based on the input provided by Sainz.

The ex-Ferrari driver commented, “I want to examine closely with you the front and rear tire slips during my lap and the differential's wheel separation, particularly when I accelerate again.”

An engineer responded by saying, "That's an intriguing observation," and then Sainz mentioned, "I think there's a slight lag in how fast it should shut."

Sainz received information that the holdup was due to another racer, Franco Colapinto.

Sainz replied by saying, "When you have the data available, share it with me, and I’ll let you know if I believe it's excessive or insufficient. For now, let's concentrate on the rear and front slips this evening, and we will differentiate the profile."

"I want the data to reflect what I'm experiencing in the car because if it does, I believe I can significantly assist in making precise adjustments. We're focusing on fine-tuning here. The recent adjustments have been effective for me. Using Franco's tools, we're able to brake later, which is great."

Sainz is optimistic that Williams will improve their performance during the winter break, following their drop to ninth place in the Formula 1 constructors' standings.

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2025 Formula 1 Reserve Drivers: Each Team's Standby Lineup

Here are the drivers set to step in for each Formula 1 team for the 2025 season.

Each Formula 1 team has a minimum of one backup driver available for use throughout the season.

Although ideally reserve drivers won't be required on the track, they are crucial for F1 teams as a contingency. They must be ready to step in for a regular driver, often with minimal warning.

In addition to being present at nearly all, if not every, grand prix throughout the racing season, reserve drivers are also responsible for tasks like working with simulators, participating in tests, and attending key engineering meetings.

Below is an overview of the reserve driver choices available for each team in 2025.

McLaren

To Be Confirmed

McLaren has not revealed their reserve driver roster yet, but it is expected that Pato O’Ward, who served in the role last year, will likely remain in the position.

Due to their partnership with Mercedes for engines, McLaren could also access the reserve drivers from the Silver Arrows team if needed.

Title: Ferrari

To Be Confirmed

As Oliver Bearman, the standout substitute from 2024, secures a regular position with Haas this season, Ferrari is in search of another option to support Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc this year.

Following his departure from Sauber, Zhou Guanyu has been associated with the position, although there has been no formal confirmation yet.

Ferrari's roster includes Antonio Giovinazzi and Arthur Leclerc, who is the sibling of Charles Leclerc.

Red Bull

To Be Confirmed

Similar to Ferrari, Red Bull has seen their previous reserve drivers move on to full-time Formula 1 roles, and they have not yet announced their future strategies.

Liam Lawson will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull, as Isack Hadjar moves into Formula 1 to fill the position Lawson left at Racing Bulls.

Red Bull might consider promoting one of their younger drivers, like Ayumu Iwasa or the recently joined Formula 2 competitor Pepe Marti. Another option for them would be to recruit someone not currently within their group of drivers to take on the role.

Mercedes Team

Driver: Valtteri Bottas

After being sidelined from Formula 1 for the 2025 season, Valtteri Bottas has made a comeback to Mercedes, taking on the role of their new reserve driver.

The Finn, aged 35, who has achieved victory in ten grand prix races, would be a reliable choice to drive if George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli were unable to participate in a race weekend.

Valtteri Bottas has taken over the position previously held by Mick Schumacher.

Aston Martin

Felipe Drugovich

Aston Martin has revealed that Felipe Drugovich will continue as the team's test and reserve driver for the 2025 season.

The Brazilian driver has been linked with the team based in Silverstone ever since he clinched the F2 championship in 2022.

During this period, Drugovich has been involved in five FP1 sessions and has also joined the post-season test three times.

Stoffel Vandoorne

Aston Martin has the option to rely on ex-McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

Vandoorne joins Drugovich in assisting Aston Martin with responsibilities both at the racetrack and in the simulator.

This year, the two individuals will keep dividing the responsibilities of the role.

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

After making an impressive debut in his Formula 1 career with Williams, stepping in for Logan Sargeant, Franco Colapinto has been contracted by Alpine to serve as one of their reserve drivers in 2025.

If Jack Doohan doesn't deliver strong performances in the initial races of his debut season, the 21-year-old Argentine could find himself driving one of Alpine's cars sooner rather than later.

Ryo Hirakawa's Name

Japanese driver Ryo Hirawaka unexpectedly transitioned from McLaren to Alpine, taking on the role of a test and reserve driver. He participated in the end-of-season Formula 1 test in Abu Dhabi, representing both McLaren and Haas.

Aron Paul

Alpine has included Paul Aron, a leading F2 competitor and junior driver, among their reserve driver lineup, providing them with three potential choices. At 20 years old, the Estonian secured third place in the 2024 F2 championship, with one race victory to his name.

Haas

To Be Confirmed

Haas has not yet announced who will be their reserve driver for the 2025 season. Pietro Fittipaldi has held this position for a number of years. He stepped in on two occasions, taking over for Romain Grosjean in the last two races of the 2020 Formula 1 season while the French driver was recuperating from injuries he suffered in a major fiery crash.

Title: Competing Cattle

Details Pending

Red Bull has not yet determined who will serve as the backup driver for their main team and the affiliated team.

Williams

To Be Confirmed

Williams is seeking a new backup driver following Colapinto's move to Alpine. Similar to McLaren, they have the option to seek assistance from Mercedes.

The British team has multiple choices from their driver academy, one of which is Formula 2 driver Luke Browning.

Clean

To Be Confirmed

Sauber is currently on the lookout for backup drivers for the 2025 season. Theo Pourchaire, who was in this position before, has recently departed from the team, as did another young driver, Zane Maloney.

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George Russell has already experienced a 'collision' with a Mercedes in 2025…

George Russell shares video of a 200km/h drive on an icy lake.

For the first time this year, George Russell has had an accident involving a Mercedes, but he managed to find humor in the situation.

The Formula 1 racer from Mercedes posted several photos of him behind the wheel of a road car navigating a snow-covered track in Sweden.

Even in the off-season, these Formula 1 drivers can't resist the urge to chase speed.

Zooming at high speed on the ice 🧊 pic.twitter.com/AQQ74pUz9I— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) January 14, 2025

Russell humorously mentioned that he was too eager to wait until next month to drive again, sharing a photo of a Mercedes stranded in the snow.

This location continues to astonish me! Driving on Sweden's icy lakes is always an extraordinary experience.

"Boundaries are meant to be challenged!"

Russell shared a video demonstrating that he reached a speed of 200 kilometers per hour while driving on the icy lake.

Image link: pic.twitter.com/il640dY5Rd— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) on January 13, 2025.

Image link: pic.twitter.com/il640dY5Rd

George Russell has taken on the role of the lead driver for Mercedes. The 2025 season promises significant changes for Russell.

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari significantly alters the atmosphere at Mercedes, as the team now operates without the most accomplished driver in Formula 1 history.

In the previous year, Russell managed to outperform his renowned teammate Hamilton during the qualifying sessions on Saturdays.

Russell secured sixth place in the drivers' standings, placing just above Hamilton.

This year, with Hamilton not present, Russell is set to take on the role of lead driver for Mercedes.

Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be the one to face the test in his place.

Toto Wolff has highly praised Antonelli, but how this will affect his performance in Formula 1 is still uncertain.

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Was the shake-up at Aston Martin unexpected? Mike Krack had hinted at it… Lewis Larkam notes that Aston Martin had been suggesting significant changes in recent months.

Significant transformations are underway at Aston Martin just before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

On Friday, Aston Martin revealed a significant management reorganization, which includes appointing CEO Andy Cowell as the new team principal, replacing Mike Krack.

Krack, who took on the role of team principal in 2022, has essentially been moved to a different role as the chief trackside officer. In this new position, he will oversee performance at every grand prix in 2025.

Former Ferrari chassis leader Enrico Cardille is set to lead the factory's development efforts as the chief technical officer. In this position, he will be responsible for the planning, design, and construction of new racing vehicles. The exact date when Cardille will begin his new role has not been announced yet.

Tom McCullough, the former performance director, will continue his involvement with the team. Aston Martin describes his new role as a "leadership position" where he will be "instrumental in the team's growth across various racing categories."

Aston Martin's statement did not reference the renowned designer Adrian Newey. He is set to become the managing technical partner for the team based in Silverstone on March 2, after leaving Red Bull.

Aston Martin has stated that the changes are meant to provide "clearer leadership" and to support a transition to a "more streamlined organizational structure."

Cowell, previously in charge of Mercedes' Formula 1 engine department from 2008 to 2020, is stepping into the role of team principal for the first time.

The British executive, aged 55, took on the role of group CEO at Aston Martin in October of the previous year. Since then, he has been assessing strategies to optimize team performance in order to fulfill owner Lawrence Stroll's high aspirations of transforming them into world championship contenders in the near future.

Cowell expressed that over the past three months, he has been evaluating and analyzing the team's performance. He noted being extremely impressed by the team's dedication, commitment, and hard work.

The AMR Technology Campus has been finished, and by 2026, we will transform into a fully-fledged works team, setting us on the path to win the championship.

The adjustments within the organization are a logical progression of the long-term strategies we have planned, and I am very enthusiastic about what's ahead.

Did Mike Krack Suggest a Possible Reorganization?

Although the reorganization might catch some off guard, Krack seemed to suggest that changes could be on the horizon during an exclusive interview with Crash.net at the final Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of the season.

At the beginning of 2023, Aston Martin appeared strong, emerging from the winter season as the closest competitors to Red Bull. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso secured six podium finishes in the first eight races. However, the team's performance has significantly declined since then.

In 2023, Aston Martin found themselves lagging behind their competitors in terms of development, and unfortunately, this worrying pattern persisted into 2024. During this season, the team did not secure a podium finish and accumulated less than half of the 280 points they had achieved the year before.

For the second year in a row, Aston Martin secured the fifth position in the constructors' championship, suggesting consistency on paper. However, in practice, the team actually lagged further behind Formula 1's top competitors instead of narrowing the distance to the leaders.

Krack acknowledged to Crash.net that Aston Martin had to engage in self-reflection following their inability to achieve their goals.

Krack expressed that it's a time for introspection. He noted that these challenges have persisted for about 18 months, dating back to mid-2023, and should not be dismissed as isolated incidents.

"We've consistently noticed that our performance development hasn't met expectations. This requires careful examination. That's what we're doing, as we're closely evaluating the situation since the team has expanded rapidly."

"You have a traditional framework. How is our organization set up? What is our process for getting things done? Who communicates with whom during the development of performance? We must recognize that our current approach is not bringing about success. Therefore, we need to reevaluate it."

"Currently, we are engaged in these activities, and we must consider whether any modifications are necessary or if we should adjust certain procedures."

In November, initial modifications took place when Dan Fallows resigned as technical director after holding the position for two years. This decision was influenced by Cowell.

Cowell has further established his influence at Aston Martin by implementing a major reshuffle of the team's leadership, mere weeks before the start of the upcoming season.

Only time will reveal if this will lead to a quick improvement in Aston Martin's success during the final year of consistent rules, as the 2026 changes promise to disrupt the current hierarchy.

As Honda joins as a fresh engine collaborator, Aston Martin is set to challenge the top teams in Formula 1 by 2026, thanks to a cutting-edge wind tunnel now active and Newey being completely involved.

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Uncovered: Adrian Newey, the F1 design mastermind, set to begin at Aston Martin

Crash.net has discovered when the iconic F1 designer Adrian Newey will commence his role at Aston Martin.

Adrian Newey, a renowned designer in Formula 1, is set to begin his duties in his new position at Aston Martin on March 3, according to information obtained by Crash.net.

Adrian Newey, renowned as possibly the best designer in Formula 1 history with 14 championship-winning cars to his name over 30 years, is set to join Aston Martin following his decision to leave Red Bull after 19 years with the team.

Aston Martin succeeded in securing a contract with the 66-year-old British individual following his departure from Red Bull, which was announced in May last year amid a scandal involving team principal Christian Horner.

For a while, it seemed likely that Ferrari would be the ones to bring Newey on board, but the exciting possibility of him joining forces with Lewis Hamilton is off the table now that Aston Martin has successfully signed him.

According to reports, Newey has committed to a five-year deal in his new position as Managing Technical Partner, with potential earnings reaching £30 million annually.

Eddie Jordan, a previous owner of a Formula 1 team and the manager of Newey, successfully assisted him in securing a faster departure that bypassed a long gardening leave.

Red Bull has revealed that Newey will exit the organization in "the first quarter of 2025." Following this announcement, it was disclosed that Newey will join Aston Martin in March.

According to information from Crash.net, Newey is set to begin his role at Aston Martin on Monday, March 3rd.

Adrian Newey was at Aston Martin's newly established Silverstone facility when the news was revealed last September.

Newey's Challenge Ahead

As he will not be joining in time to significantly impact Aston Martin's 2025 car, Newey's primary attention will be directed towards the regulatory overhaul set for 2026.

On January 1, teams got the green light to begin developing their cars for the 2026 season. Aston Martin will heavily rely on Newey's skills to influence their success.

Aston Martin has high aspirations to compete for and secure world championship titles in the near future. The team views the 2026 rule changes as their prime opportunity to advance towards the leading positions in the competition.

The team is set to benefit from the launch of a cutting-edge wind tunnel and a unique agreement for power unit supply with the Japanese company Honda.

Last season, Aston Martin secured a fifth-place finish in the constructors' championship for the second year in a row.

Adrian Newey stated that the bold vision of team owner Lawrence Stroll was a key factor in his decision to become part of Aston Martin. Additionally, this opportunity allows him to fulfill a longstanding dream of collaborating with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

Newey expressed his admiration for Lawrence's dedication and enthusiasm in all his endeavors, stating that he has been deeply inspired and impressed by it.

Lawrence is committed to building a top-performing team. He stands out as the sole majority team owner who is directly involved in the sport.

His dedication is evident in the creation of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone. These facilities are cutting-edge and designed to provide an excellent working atmosphere.

"With the support of outstanding partners such as Honda and Aramco, they possess all the essential infrastructure required to transform Aston Martin into a world championship-winning team, and I am eager to assist in achieving this objective."

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Evaluating Ferrari Formula 1 Drivers Post-Michael Schumacher: From Least to Most Successful

Which driver has excelled the most for Ferrari since Michael Schumacher departed at the conclusion of the 2006 season?

After Michael Schumacher departed in 2006, Ferrari has only claimed the F1 drivers’ championship title one time, despite experiencing several agonizingly close attempts.

Below is our list, ordered from least to most impressive, of Ferrari's drivers since 2007.

Luca Badoer

Many might not remember that Luca Badoer was called in to join Ferrari in mid-2009 after Felipe Massa suffered a terrible accident during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

At one time, it seemed that Schumacher was on the verge of making a dramatic comeback to Formula 1 with the Scuderia team. However, this was postponed due to doctors raising worries about the condition of his neck injury.

As a result, Ferrari enlisted the help of Italian veteran Luca Badoer, who first entered Formula 1 in 1993. By 1999, Badoer's initial stint in F1 concluded without scoring any points, leading him to assume the position of a test driver for Ferrari.

A decade later, Badoer made his comeback to Formula 1 at the 2009 European Grand Prix. He ended up qualifying in the last position, trailing 1.5 seconds behind Jaime Alguersuari, who was in 19th place.

In his second appearance at the Belgian Grand Prix, he managed to steer clear of the chaos on the first lap but ended up finishing in 14th place. In the end, Ferrari chose to substitute him with Giancarlo Fisichella for the remaining part of the season.

Giancarlo Fisichella

During the 2009 season, Fisichella became the second driver to temporarily replace Massa. The Italian racer had recently secured a podium finish with Force India at the Spa circuit when he received a call from Ferrari.

Giancarlo Fisichella had a track record of winning races and played a key role in Renault's success in securing the constructors’ championship titles in both 2005 and 2006. Although Force India was becoming more competitive, the opportunity to drive for Ferrari was too tempting for him to turn down.

During his five races with the team, Fisichella was unable to earn any points due to difficulties managing the F60's handling. Nevertheless, the decision proved beneficial since Fisichella remains involved with Ferrari, competing for them in sportscar events.

6) Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz was brought on board by Mattia Binotto for the 2021 season to take over from Sebastian Vettel. Despite Sainz's impressive performances during his two-year stint with McLaren, it was anticipated that the Spanish driver would support Charles Leclerc as the team's secondary driver.

In 2020, Leclerc significantly outperformed Vettel and secured his position as the leading driver for Ferrari. However, in 2021, Sainz managed to surpass Leclerc in terms of points, showcasing his impressive performance.

Certainly, Leclerc held a clear advantage in both the qualifying sessions and the direct race comparisons, yet Sainz demonstrated himself as a dependable and steady driver in the other Ferrari car.

In 2022, Ferrari re-entered the championship race, at least during the first six months. However, Sainz faced difficulties with the F1-75's performance. Despite these challenges, he secured his first-ever win at the British Grand Prix, even though Leclerc was arguably the more deserving winner.

In 2023, much like in 2021, Carlos Sainz displayed a remarkable ability to score points, even as Ferrari faced challenges during races. Sainz distinguished himself as the sole driver outside of the Red Bull team to secure a race win, achieving a strategic victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In his last year with Maranello, he performed at his best, securing two additional victories. Ferrari came close to winning the F1 Constructors' Championship.

5) Felipe Massa

Among Ferrari drivers, Felipe Massa ranks third in terms of experience, surpassed only by Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. Massa joined Ferrari in the 2006 season, taking over from his compatriot Rubens Barrichello, and continued with the team until 2013.

Massa's time with Ferrari can be distinctly split into two phases. The initial phase was marked by significant achievements, including 11 race victories and contributing to Ferrari securing two constructors' titles.

Following his accident, his subsequent attempts were fraught with difficulty, as he couldn't reclaim the top position on the podium. His highest point was in 2008 when he came close to winning the championship but was edged out by Lewis Hamilton.

The championship fight involving Massa and Hamilton was marked by numerous mistakes from each competitor. Massa faced significant setbacks due to mechanical issues in Hungary, which robbed him of a certain win, and in Singapore, where a fueling mishap occurred as the hose was left attached to his car. Despite these challenges, he also committed several avoidable mistakes.

Massa made significant errors in Australia, Malaysia, and Britain, which led to him ending the season just a single point shy of Hamilton. The accident he experienced in 2009 marked a crucial change in his career, as he returned for the next season teaming up with Fernando Alonso.

Alonso quickly took control in the battle between teammates and gained Ferrari's favor. This was evident when Massa was controversially instructed to let Alonso pass and take the lead during the 2010 race at Hockenheim. Rob Smedley, Massa's race engineer, stated that this incident had a more significant effect on the Brazilian driver than his previous accident.

Massa faced difficulties over the next three years, even though there were occasional moments of speed, and was eventually replaced by Raikkonen in 2014. Despite this, Massa's career highlights were more significant than Sainz's, as he contended for the championship in 2008, placing him above the Spanish driver in our rankings.

4) Kimi Raikkonen

It might be surprising to see Raikkonen ranked so low, especially since he holds the distinction of being Ferrari's last Formula 1 world champion. When he stepped in for Schumacher, Raikkonen managed to clinch the championship from both Hamilton and Alonso during the final race of the 2007 season.

Kimi Raikkonen trailed Lewis Hamilton by 17 points with just three races left in the season. However, he capitalized on a strategic error by Hamilton and his McLaren team in China, and then went on to secure victory in the final race in Brazil.

His spot in the rankings can be attributed to being outperformed by Massa when they were teammates. Later, in 2014, Alonso overwhelmingly surpassed him, and from 2015 to 2018, Vettel consistently maintained an advantage over him.

Charles Leclerc

In contrast to some drivers before him, Leclerc hasn't experienced the advantage of having a car capable of competing for the championship throughout the whole season.

In 2022, he came nearest to challenging when Ferrari competed closely with Red Bull during the first half of the season, until the notorious TD39 came into play. Leclerc's talent and speed have never been in doubt, as evidenced by his 26 pole positions, a number surpassed only by Schumacher.

Over the years, Leclerc has become more consistent, reduced mistakes, and enhanced his performance during races. He now tends to outperform Sainz more significantly during Sunday races compared to Saturdays.

Leclerc possesses all the attributes needed to become a world champion, but it is up to Ferrari to provide him with the necessary resources.

Sebastian Vettel

Following a challenging last season with Red Bull, Vettel became a part of the Ferrari team in 2015. His debut year at Ferrari was perhaps his most successful, as he managed to secure three wins despite Mercedes' stronghold on the sport.

Following sixteen out of nineteen races in the 2015 season, Sebastian Vettel was positioned ahead of Nico Rosberg in the championship standings. This demonstrated that the German driver was not merely reliant on designs by Adrian Newey, as some detractors had claimed. Although 2016 was a regression for Vettel, his failure to secure any victories was primarily due to ineffective strategies employed by Ferrari, which deprived him of possible wins in races such as Australia and Canada.

In 2017, Vettel had his most successful season with Ferrari, competing fiercely with Hamilton for the championship. Some might say that Vettel had the edge over Hamilton that year, as Hamilton frequently fell behind Valtteri Bottas during the early part of the season.

Certainly, Vettel's aggressive behavior on the track led to a lost victory in Azerbaijan, and he holds significant responsibility for the chaotic first lap in Singapore. However, it was ultimately mechanical issues that hindered his championship chances in the concluding races of the season.

In 2018, Vettel's performance showcased both his strengths and weaknesses, marking what many consider the start of his decline. His accident during the German Grand Prix, while he was in the lead, handed Hamilton a significant advantage in the championship battle.

Nevertheless, his performances in the 2015 and 2017 F1 seasons rank among the top of his career, and they continue to outshine Leclerc's best efforts to date.

1) Fernando Alonso

Leading our rankings is Alonso. Despite not securing a championship title during his five years with the team, the Spaniard's standing in the sport only grew stronger.

Alonso clinched victory during his first race with Ferrari, leading a 1-2 finish in Bahrain. However, a strategic error in Abu Dhabi resulted in Alonso losing the championship to Vettel.

In 2011, even though Ferrari's car was only the third quickest on the track, he delivered an outstanding performance. His 2012 season was remarkable and is remembered as one of the sport's all-time great campaigns, as he came close to winning the championship but ultimately finished just behind Vettel.

In the years 2013 and 2014, Alonso was not in the running for the championship. However, he consistently got the most out of his car until he made an unfortunate choice to move to McLaren-Honda.

Without question, Alonso has been Ferrari's top driver since Schumacher left the team after the 2006 season.

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The Formula 1 racer who lost his spot before his debut

The overlooked tale of a Formula 1 driver who was replaced before ever competing…

Having participated in only a single Formula 1 race, Jack Doohan is already facing significant pressure to maintain his position with Alpine for the 2025 season.

On Thursday, Alpine revealed that they have secured Franco Colapinto from Williams on a contract lasting several years, appointing him as their new test and reserve driver.

Amid numerous rumors about Colapinto and Flavio Briatore's interest, it seems Doohan's career in F1 might not last long.

Alpine has confirmed that Doohan will be driving at the beginning of the season, yet the Australian finds himself in a progressively uncomfortable situation.

Doohan managed to participate in his first Formula 1 race with the Alpine team, taking over for Esteban Ocon at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

A Brazilian driver named Luiz Razia was contracted by a Formula 1 team, but he did not participate in the season's opening race.

In 2013, the underdog team Marussia decided to go with a completely new F1 driver duo, selecting Razia and British driver Max Chilton.

Marussia was among the trio of teams that entered the racing lineup at the beginning of 2010.

By 2013, HRT had disappeared from the scene, whereas Marussia and Caterham had not yet managed to earn any points.

In an effort to stay in the Formula 1 race, Marussia brought Razia on board largely because of the substantial financial support he offered.

The Brazilian driver took over from experienced racer Timo Glock for the upcoming season, which, at least theoretically, significantly reduced the strength of their driver roster.

Razia's elevation from a backup driver to a main driver occurred quite late, with the official announcement being made only in February, coinciding with the start of the 2013 pre-season testing.

Razia's departure clears the path for a Ferrari protégé. Just three weeks later, Marussia let Razia go due to his Brazilian sponsors failing to make a second payment.

In a statement to Autosport, team leader John Booth clarified their choice by saying, "We've encountered circumstances that necessitated ending our agreement with Luiz Razia."

"After establishing the foundation for our operations in 2013 and implementing necessary changes, we had no choice but to adhere to the principles we deemed essential for ensuring our long-term success."

This meant that Razia, although he had signed with the team, was never able to make his first appearance in Formula 1.

It turned out to be a fortunate turn of events because Marussia managed to secure a deal with Ferrari's promising young driver, Jules Bianchi.

Bianchi excelled with the team, earning their initial points at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2014.

The French driver's impressive showings might have secured him a potential spot with Ferrari in the future if not for his unfortunate crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

In hazardous weather at Suzuka, Bianchi lost control of his vehicle, causing it to skid beneath a recovery truck.

He remained in a medically induced coma for the following nine months and sadly died on July 17, 2015.

The impact of Bianchi's contributions is still evident in Formula 1, particularly through the implementation of the Halo safety feature.

He was the godfather to Charles Leclerc, who is currently a driver for Ferrari.

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Fernando Alonso reveals intense neck exercise routine in preparation for the 2025 F1 season. The Aston Martin racer focuses on building remarkable neck strength during his gym sessions.

Fernando Alonso is rigorously working out to get ready for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The driver from Aston Martin offered an uncommon look into his fitness routine for the upcoming year.

At 43 years old, Alonso is the most senior driver in the lineup, but he continues to perform with no apparent decline in pace.

A photo he posted of his intense workout clearly demonstrated the power of his neck.

Getting started 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 12, 2025

Getting started 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f

Why do Formula 1 drivers work out their neck muscles? Formula 1 racers are well-known for having strong necks.

When navigating a corner at high speed, the gravitational forces can cause their helmet-covered heads to feel five times heavier than normal.

A previous trainer of Sebastian Vettel offered a straightforward explanation for why Formula 1 drivers need to have strong necks.

According to Antti Kontsas in an interview with F1.com, the neck plays a crucial role because it allows you to look ahead and see your path.

"The focus is on accuracy, down to fractions of a second."

"If you can't clearly visualize your path and struggle to maneuver effectively along the route, you won't be able to secure that small fraction of a second needed to advance."

"When you examine the footage from the helmet camera, you notice the significant amount of head movement and realize how challenging it is to precisely hit those apexes."

"Keeping your head steady improves the quality of information your brain receives, which can help you make better decisions while driving on the track."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Fernando Alonso demonstrates intense neck exercises in preparation for the 2025 F1 season. The Aston Martin racer is focusing on building impressive neck muscles during his gym sessions.

Fernando Alonso has been rigorously working out at the gym to get ready for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The Aston Martin driver offered an uncommon look into his physical training routine for the upcoming year.

At 43 years old, Alonso is the most senior driver competing, but he doesn't appear to be losing momentum.

A photo he posted from his intense workout clearly showcased the power of his neck.

Kicking off 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 12, 2025

Kicking off 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f

What is the reason behind the neck exercises of Formula 1 drivers?

Formula 1 racers are well-known for having strong, muscular necks.

When navigating a fast corner with a helmet on, the gravitational forces can cause their heads to feel five times heavier than normal.

A former trainer for Sebastian Vettel provided a straightforward explanation for why Formula 1 drivers need to have strong neck muscles.

Antti Kontsas explained to F1.com that the neck's significance lies in its role in allowing you to see your path ahead.

"It's entirely focused on accuracy, dealing with times measured in seconds and fractions thereof."

"If you can't clearly identify your destination and struggle to maneuver along the path, you won't be able to achieve those additional fractions of a second that make a difference."

"When you examine the footage from a helmet camera, you notice the significant amount of head movement and realize how challenging it is to precisely hit those apexes."

“The steadier your head remains, the more accurate the information your brain receives, which can assist you in making decisions while navigating the track.”

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Fernando Alonso demonstrates intense neck exercises in preparation for the 2025 F1 season. The Aston Martin racer is focusing on building remarkable neck strength during his gym sessions.

Fernando Alonso has been intensively working out to get ready for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The Aston Martin racer offered a seldom-seen look into how he trains his body for the upcoming year.

At 43, Alonso is the most senior driver on the circuit, but he continues to demonstrate no intention of easing up.

A photo he posted revealed the powerful muscles in his neck, a result of his intense workout sessions.

Kicking off the journey 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 12, 2025

Kicking off the journey 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f

What is the reason behind F1 drivers focusing on neck exercises?

F1 racers are well-known for having strong neck muscles.

When navigating a fast turn with a helmet on, the gravitational pull can make a person's head feel five times heavier than normal.

A previous coach for Sebastian Vettel clarified that there is a straightforward reason why F1 drivers need to have strong neck muscles.

Antti Kontsas explained to F1.com that the neck's significance lies in its role in helping you see your path ahead.

"The focus is on accuracy, measuring down to hundredths and tenths of a second."

"If you can't clearly identify your path and struggle to maneuver effectively on the course, you won't be able to gain those crucial fractions of a second that can make a difference."

"When observing footage from the helmet camera, you notice the significant amount of head motion and realize the challenge of precisely hitting those apexes."

"The steadier your head remains, the clearer the information your brain receives, which can assist you in making decisions while navigating the track."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of events, including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Lewis Hamilton's initial simulation session at Ferrari's main office has been highlighted. Reports suggest that Hamilton's initial activities at Ferrari's Formula 1 base have been disclosed.

Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to have his inaugural day at Ferrari's Formula 1 headquarters on January 20.

According to the Italian outlet Autoracer, the seven-time world champion is set to have his inaugural session in Ferrari's simulator at Maranello early next week.

Hamilton is expected to make his first appearance on the track for Ferrari next week, although the specific date has yet to be officially announced.

According to a report from Autoracer, the event is expected to occur on January 22. However, it notes that Ferrari might opt to utilize their Fiorano test circuit on January 21, 22, or 23, contingent on weather conditions.

Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari in a vintage car, speculated to be the F1-75 model from the 2022 season. Alternatively, Ferrari might opt to utilize their SF-23 vehicle from two years prior.

Ferrari plans to utilize one of their designated Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) days to give Hamilton his initial drive.

Ferrari has laid out a comprehensive testing schedule to prepare Hamilton for his debut season with the team.

Ferrari has reserved the Barcelona track for a minimum of four days towards the end of the month to give Hamilton extra time to practice with their previous F1 cars.

Fred Vasseur, the head of the Ferrari team, expressed complete confidence that Hamilton will adjust smoothly to his new surroundings after his 12-year tenure with Mercedes, stating he is "not concerned in the slightest."

The Frenchman remarked, "We understand that there are numerous procedures to absorb over these few days, but he has the necessary experience to manage it."

"We benefit from having a simulator, which will allow him to conduct both race and qualifying simulations. This will enable him to get fully acquainted with the steering wheel and all the specific features of the car. However, I am not concerned about this, as it is not the most difficult obstacle we face."

Lewis Hamilton is set to debut as a Ferrari driver with his new teammate Charles Leclerc at a special F1 season launch event. This event will take place on February 18 at the O2 Arena in London.

The day after, Ferrari is set to unveil their 2025 competitor in Maranello.

Following the launch on February 19, Ferrari plans to utilize one of their allowed 'filming days' to carry out a shakedown of their new Formula 1 vehicle at the Fiorano circuit. This event will mark the initial occasion for Hamilton and Leclerc to get behind the wheel of the 2025 model.

Hamilton and Leclerc are set to participate in Ferrari's official pre-season testing sessions in Bahrain, scheduled from February 26 to 28. The 2025 season will then begin with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, which will be Hamilton's first race with Ferrari.

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Lewis frequently travels to Grands Prix events globally for Crash.net. He typically covers the happenings on-site, sharing narratives about key figures in the sport.

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Liam Lawson comments on his disagreement with Fernando Alonso: “My goal wasn't to upset him”

“I wasn’t trying to upset him, but I simply raced him the way I usually do with others, and it ended up irritating him. So, I just aimed to handle the situation as best as I could.”

Liam Lawson has looked back on his conflict with Fernando Alonso after their heated competition at the 2024 United States Grand Prix. He admitted that it was not his intention to irritate Alonso.

Lawson is gearing up for an important year as he joins forces with Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

With only 11 races under his belt, Lawson enters the new season facing intense observation, as Red Bull aims to compete for both championships.

The New Zealander has demonstrated his willingness to be assertive during races, engaging fiercely against Alonso and Sergio Perez several times.

After the sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas, Lawson and Alonso were spotted engaged in an intense conversation in parc ferme.

Looking back on his meeting with Alonso, Lawson shared with Stuff.co.nz: "I entered the situation in a distinct position. I had the chance to participate in six races, which was my opportunity to demonstrate that I deserved a spot in Formula 1, be it with VCARB or Red Bull. That was the only chance I got."

The individuals mentioned, particularly Fernando, have been competing for quite a while. I took advantage of each lap I had the opportunity to drive in the car.

"I didn't mean to upset him, but I simply raced him the way I usually do with others, and it ended up having that effect. I just aimed to get the best outcome from the situation."

Lawson is determined to maintain his aggressive style in Formula 1, a characteristic that has marked his journey in racing and one that he intends to keep.

His demeanor both during races and in other settings likely caught the attention of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who are optimistic that Lawson might provide a substantial improvement over Perez.

In 2024, Red Bull dropped to third place in the constructors' championship, coming in behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Lawson remarked, "To be truthful, I don’t believe I've changed in any way. Perhaps the issue was that I didn't have much television exposure before, or something similar, I'm not certain. Fundamentally, this is the way I've consistently approached racing. The journey to Formula 1 frequently feels unjust, and I've always needed to capitalize on every chance I get."

"I've been very fortunate with how things have lined up, so I approached the race just as I typically do. The added pressure, being aware of the stakes, might have triggered some of my less admirable moments. However, I'm continuously learning, and I take lessons from these experiences."

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