Key individual at Ferrari recognized as Lewis Hamilton touches down in Italy.

"Pressure isn't necessary; those who excel in Formula 1 already thrive without additional pressure!"

The leadership of Fred Vasseur is highlighted as a key asset for Ferrari as they prepare for Lewis Hamilton to join the team.

For the first time, Hamilton is scheduled to drive a Ferrari next week at Fiorano, located in Italy.

For his inaugural visit to Maranello, he will take the wheel of one of the team's previous Formula 1 vehicles after making a significant transition from Mercedes.

A former key figure at Ferrari emphasizes that their team principal plays a crucial role in what Hamilton will encounter.

Rob Smedley expressed his admiration for Fred, stating on the Red Flags podcast that he appreciates Fred and the work he is involved in. Notably, Smedley served as Felipe Massa's race engineer.

"I am lucky or perhaps unlucky to receive proposals from Formula 1 teams, and my personal measure is whether I would consider working for them."

"There aren't many individuals I would do that for, but Fred is one of them."

"He speaks very directly and is humble."

He possesses both intelligence and a charming demeanor, which is a valuable trait for a high-level manager working in a high-pressure environment.

"Individuals who thrive in Formula 1 do not require additional stress to succeed."

"If you achieve success in Formula 1, you'll find that your toughest critic is often yourself."

Fred has effectively shown this and taken care of individuals.

"You can't claim it's a blame-free environment if, when something goes wrong, someone is immediately shown the door!"

Fred excels in caring for his team. He understands what it takes to achieve success.

"Some F1 team principals lack the necessary understanding," Smedley asserted, adding that it might be more common than people think.

"Many Formula 1 team principals lack the understanding needed to build a winning team."

He referred to Ross Brawn, a key figure during Michael Schumacher's successful period at Ferrari, who subsequently headed Honda.

"Ross is undoubtedly a superstar, his reputation is self-explanatory. I've gained knowledge from both Ross and Jean Todt," noted Smedley.

"They guided me and offered their support."

"The present group? Toto Wolff is an excellent leader. He understands the dynamics."

"Reflecting on a decade ago, despite his lack of experience, he compensated with intelligence, determination, and a strong desire to succeed."

"The newcomers? Andrea Stella is a former colleague and friend from our time at Ferrari. He is highly respected and instills a great deal of trust and assurance."

"He is quite practical and avoids attempting anything too unconventional or reckless."

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

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Gianpiero Lambiase praised for his "no hierarchy" spirited disagreements with Max Verstappen

Former Ferrari employee Rob Smedley discusses the skills of a race engineer

Gianpiero Lambiase has been praised for the way he communicates with Max Verstappen.

In the world of Formula 1, Verstappen and his race engineer are famous for their spirited exchanges over the radio.

Lambiase is especially praised for his calm and composed reactions to Verstappen's frequently intense remarks.

During an episode of the Red Flags Podcast, Rob Smedley mentioned that the person in question is an engineer, just as he used to be.

Smedley was employed by Jordan, Ferrari, and Williams within the F1 community, where he gained recognition for his role as Felipe Massa's race engineer.

He described the special responsibilities of a race engineer, who needs to communicate with a driver under pressure through radio communication during a grand prix event.

"When I was just beginning, Gary Anderson advised me that 'you need to flatter each other' in order to succeed," Smedley remarked.

"There isn't a ranking system in place; it's just two individuals working together to maximize the potential of this situation."

"It's also like a pressure cooker. You need to maintain a fully transparent relationship."

"There will be times when you become frustrated with him, or he becomes frustrated with you."

"It's similar to any close relationship; you have those instances where things are tense, but just a few minutes later, everything is fine again."

"That is how the dynamic should function between an engineer and a driver when their partnership is well-established."

Gianpiero Lambiase has been commended for keeping Max Verstappen in check. "GP speaks candidly to him, and Max is quick to respond," Smedley added.

"Something I appreciate about GP, which aligns with my own feelings, is that drivers can occasionally display sociopathic tendencies in their perspectives regarding the team."

"These individuals work tirelessly, often into the late hours, on your behalf."

"You've heard GP mention this a few times, and I've also communicated it to my drivers: 'It's important that you visit the garage and apologize to the team, as your actions have been immature and you've not treated others kindly.'"

"GP accomplished that with Max, just as I achieved it during my period."

The manner in which Gianpiero behaves during radio broadcasts mirrors the nature of their actual relationship.

"They have complete dependence on each other and share absolute trust."

Every time I communicated a message, I kept in mind that the sport isn't named 'Massa Formula 1', 'Smedley Formula 1', or 'Alonso Formula 1'. It's known as Ferrari Formula 1.

"Our salaries come from Scuderia Ferrari, as that is our employer."

"You need to find the right balance. If a race engineer concentrates solely on the team's requirements, they won't be maximizing the performance of their car."

"If you don't focus on improving the package, you're letting the team down. It's a delicate balance to enhance the car without crossing the line and harming the team's overall performance."

Lambiase, who has worked with Verstappen throughout his four straight driver titles, is set to be promoted to a new position at Red Bull this year.

He is set to take on the role of Head of Racing as part of an organizational reshuffle following Jonathan Wheatley's departure.

Importantly, Lambiase will continue to communicate with Verstappen over the radio during races.

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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, football, and Formula 1.

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McLaren's approach to team orders in Formula 1 is expected to undergo a renewal by 2025, according to Lando Norris.

Lando Norris has announced that McLaren plans to update their team orders policy for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

In 2024, team orders stirred discussions at McLaren when the team decided to prioritize Norris, who became Max Verstappen's main competitor for the championship during the latter part of the season.

Following criticism regarding their management of events in Hungary and Italy, which resulted in Norris falling behind Verstappen, McLaren ultimately decided to focus on supporting the British driver.

According to Norris, the 'Papaya Rules' of McLaren will be revised for the upcoming season, allowing both drivers to compete under the same conditions.

"[2025] marks a new beginning, and Oscar will also have the chance to compete for a championship," Norris stated.

Much of the discussion and reporting you engage in stems from the competition for the championship title, specifically the battle for the Drivers’ Championship, which has been the catalyst for many conversations and developments.

"I worked hard to deserve some of those benefits."

"I proved my worth by performing well throughout the entire season, which is why I was granted that chance. I don't go around requesting it."

"Winning a championship like this isn't my preferred way. I aim to compete fairly against Max, contribute my best efforts, and achieve the title on my own terms."

"Occasionally, Oscar assists me in certain situations."

"It seemed as though everyone was talking as if it would happen at every race."

"We headed into Baku, and the situation was actually reversed. I managed to hold off Sergio Perez a little, and then Oscar assisted me in securing a victory in Brazil."

"Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated on Sunday, and the chance slipped away, but I made amends."

"I believe this is where we excel as a team. I don't think other teams operate in the same manner."

"This is certainly one of the reasons we have reached our current position as a leading team in Formula 1, and why we competed for the victory in the Constructors' Championship."

Piastri discusses McLaren’s 'perfect situation'

Though he was content with the circumstances last season since he wasn't competing for the championship, Piastri is now resolute in preventing a similar situation from occurring this year.

"It's somewhat of a dilemma," said the two-time grand prix champion in an interview with Autosport. "If my position were stronger, there likely wouldn't be any team directives."

"It seems like the issue has been blown out of proportion. In reality, there hasn't been a circumstance yet where we've had to rely on them, if you will."

"Indeed, a few adjustments have been made, with some new rules and modifications to certain aspects of racing. However, these changes apply to quite specific situations, in my opinion. Consequently, it seems to be a more significant topic for those not directly involved with the team."

For those of us who are part of this, we understand the importance of making the right choices when necessary. Looking ahead to next year, my goal is to be in a position to compete. Ideally, I hope it will be just Lando and me battling for the championship, as that would be our perfect situation.

"Even though we haven't followed strict team instructions, we've consistently supported one another by making the right choices, and I believe that will remain the same."

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Lewis frequently travels to various international Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He typically covers the events directly from the location, sharing the narratives of significant figures within the sport.

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A groundbreaking and unforeseen F1 narrative for 2025 anticipated

Our journalists foresee the future, hinting at significant drama in the world of F1.

Will Max Verstappen face a breakdown, or will Mercedes experience further troubles?

Specialists are attempting to forecast the significant narrative in 2025 that will shake up the Formula 1 paddock.

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, along with the fierce competition for the top-performing car between Red Bull and McLaren, has stirred up the world of racing.

Which rumor is likely to come true? Which seemingly stable relationship might unexpectedly erupt?

Journalists at Crash.net offer their forecasts for the excitement and events expected this season…

Lewis Larkam delves into Max Verstappen's connection with the Red Bull team, examining how the team manages the departure of important team members and the rise in competitive pressure.

Last season, Red Bull experienced genuine issues for the first time, marked by controversy, internal conflicts, and difficulties in their racing performance. These challenges left Verstappen feeling frustrated and contemplating his future with the team.

Even though Red Bull and Verstappen managed to survive the challenges and secure the drivers' championship, it will be intriguing to watch how events play out in 2025. The question remains whether the team will fall apart or recover from a difficult season.

Red Bull's newly established powertrains division is under significant pressure to perfect their first internally developed engine in time for the crucial 2026 regulations update.

The future of Verstappen largely hinges on how well Red Bull performs, especially with Mercedes showing a keen interest.

As the 2026 regulations approach, it will be intriguing to see when teams decide to shift their focus away from 2025 and dedicate their efforts entirely to the following year.

Back in 2008, Ferrari and McLaren were both competing for the championship right up to the last race, which led them to concentrate on that season's competition. As a result, they were at a disadvantage when the new regulations were introduced in 2009.

During that season, BMW decided to give up on their chances of winning the championship with Robert Kubica in 2008, opting instead to concentrate on the upcoming rule changes. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results, as they began the following year trailing behind the top teams.

Lewis Duncan reports that Mercedes has made a bold decision by advancing Andrea Kimi Antonelli to a Formula 1 position early in his racing journey.

The situation could unfold in one of two scenarios: Kimi Antonelli might demonstrate exceptional rookie skills that define his generation, or he could face significant challenges, revealing that his advancement happened prematurely.

The 2023 winner of the Formula Regional European Championship quickly advanced to Formula 2 for the 2024 season. During this time, he secured two wins, with one coming from a reversed-grid sprint race. Throughout the season, he regularly finished in the top six, ultimately placing sixth overall in the championship standings.

He also outperformed his well-regarded Prema teammate, Oliver Bearman, in the rankings. Bearman, who is set to join Haas in 2025, faced numerous challenges during the season, which was disrupted twice due to being called up for F1 duties.

Mercedes intends to shield him from pressure, yet his actions will be closely watched. Should things go awry, Mercedes' top executives will face significant inquiries, especially given the availability of other talented drivers in the current lineup.

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McLaren and Red Bull face setbacks as specialists choose the quickest car for F1 2025. Our journalists forecast which vehicle will be the most coveted by competitors.

The 2025 season marks the end of the current set of regulations in Formula 1.

In the coming year, a significant overhaul of the engines will offer all teams a chance to start fresh.

This is the reason Aston Martin has enlisted Adrian Newey—to maximize their chances of launching a new period of supremacy beginning in 2026, equipped with the quickest car.

There are rumors suggesting that Mercedes possesses an impressive engine for the upcoming set of regulations.

This year, McLaren wrapped up 2024 with the quickest vehicle, yet there is no assurance they will maintain this status by the time the year concludes.

Our journalists have forecasted which racing team will possess the quickest F1 vehicle by the end of 2025…

Lewis Duncan reports that Ferrari's positive progress provides a lot of hope following a strong performance in the 2024 season, where the team finished only 14 points behind the constructors' championship.

As the significant regulatory changes set for 2026 approach, teams are expected to allocate minimal resources to their 2025 competitors.

Ferrari is well-positioned with a solid base, and minor adjustments might lead to a highly competitive setup right from the beginning.

Should it maintain its current pace, by the close of 2025, it will have the top-performing vehicle. Moreover, the 2026 car's development will benefit from Lewis Hamilton's input as he gradually familiarizes himself with the driving style required to maximize the Ferrari's capabilities.

Lewis Larkam predicts an intense competition among McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari as the season begins. However, he believes Ferrari will ultimately emerge with the quickest car by the end and secure both world championship titles.

Connor McDonagh predicts that McLaren will have a strong start to the season and, with many teams concentrating on 2026, they are likely to finish the year with the top-performing car.

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Tension among F1 teammates? Expect Turbulence in 2025 Paddocks

Our journalists predict which pair of drivers will have a conflict this season…

In Formula 1, the primary objective for drivers is to outperform their teammates.

This has resulted in memorable rivalries and conflicts that will be remembered for a long time.

Just last year, in Monaco, tensions flared between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon at Alpine. This incident marked the beginning of Ocon's departure from the team.

Fernando Alonso has experienced numerous issues with his former teammates, one of whom is Ocon.

The 2025 Formula 1 season showcases some well-known and fresh driver pairings, which might lead to intense competition within the teams as they vie for the top position.

Our journalists have identified the Formula 1 teammates they anticipate will have conflicts in 2025.

Lewis Larkam: While McLaren seems like the clear choice in this situation, I'm inclined to consider a less conventional option…

I think we might witness some conflict at Williams.

Alex Albon has consistently taken on the role of leading the Williams team without facing any real competition and has consistently outperformed his teammates for an extended period.

This year, the situation will shift as Carlos Sainz, full of motivation, becomes part of the team.

I'm anticipating some intense action as the duo challenge one another to prove who is better.

Connor McDonagh expressed that he doesn't anticipate any disagreements between the Ferrari drivers, considering the calm demeanor of both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

The driver from Monaco is not as confrontational as some of Hamilton's past teammates, like Nico Rosberg or Fernando Alonso.

Should Oscar Piastri significantly enhance his performance and truly rival Lando Norris, it could potentially lead to some complications.

Reporter Lewis Duncan noted that there were moments of tension in the relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the year 2024.

Both drivers were uncomfortable with the different team order situations, but McLaren handled the situation effectively.

The issue they will face in 2025 is that both drivers will begin the season on a more level playing field.

Certainly, Norris is experienced and competed for the championship last year. However, in 2024, Piastri proved his capabilities and played a crucial role in McLaren's victory in the constructors’ championship.

Should McLaren kick off the season with the top-performing car, Norris and Piastri are expected to be competitive right from the beginning. This scenario could potentially reignite tensions, possibly reaching a level where McLaren struggles to keep things under control.

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F1 Team Leaders Face Pressure Amid Rising Tensions

Our journalists forecast which F1 team boss is likely to be in the spotlight

As the F1 2025 season unfolds, not only the drivers will face mounting pressure; team leaders will also be closely watched.

In Formula 1, team principals may not always be the decision-makers, as evidenced by the numerous former leaders who have either been forced out or subtly encouraged to step down.

In the previous year, several new individuals stepped into roles as leaders of Formula 1 teams, joining the ongoing cycle of personnel

Oliver Oakes has assumed the position at Alpine, whereas Ayao Komatsu has succeeded the well-liked Guenter Steiner at Haas.

James Vowles has already influenced Williams, and Laurent Mekies aims to achieve the same success with the Racing Bulls.

However, several of the more prominent figures are sure to face intense examination.

In Formula 1, team owners are always prepared to make changes and dismiss anyone who fails to deliver, whether due to issues with drivers, strategic errors, or poor personal choices.

Our journalists made forecasts about which Formula 1 team manager could face significant stress in 2025.

Connor McDonagh suggests that while many team leaders will likely experience increased stress next year, Frederic Vasseur is expected to face significant scrutiny by 2025.

Under his guidance, significant progress has been observed, but the combination of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton with a car capable of winning the championship is likely to greatly increase the pressure.

Ferrari has invested heavily to assemble what many consider the best pair of drivers in Formula 1.

Vasseur has previous experience with both Leclerc and Hamilton, and the top executives at the Italian company are eager to see him lead them effectively.

A crucial factor in Vasseur's success will be how effectively he can keep Leclerc and Hamilton engaged if he chooses not to designate an official lead driver.

Lewis Larkam: In my first response, I speculated that Mike Krack might face challenges at Aston Martin this season.

With the announcement of the team's significant reorganization and the appointment of a new team principal just before the new season, I was somewhat correct!

After reconsidering my choice, I've decided to pick Christian Horner. Although I don't believe Horner's job is in jeopardy, it's undeniable that he's under significant pressure to ensure Red Bull stays on course this season, following the tumultuous events that enveloped the team last year.

Red Bull is eager to prevent a season without securing a championship, a possibility that seems quite plausible for 2025.

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Red Bull's decision could backfire as newcomer identified as main underperformer in 2025 Our journalists identify a rookie expected to encounter challenges this year

This season, numerous fresh faces will join the ranks of Formula 1 drivers.

Liam Lawson, who is already accustomed to the team, is set to begin his first full season with the Racing Bulls.

In a significant development, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to make his first appearance by stepping in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Formula 1 teams have chosen newcomers instead of veteran drivers for this season.

Jack Doohan has joined the Alpine team, Gabriel Bortoleto is representing Sauber, Oliver Bearman is part of the Haas lineup, and Isack Hadjar is teaming up with Lawson for Racing Bulls.

Our journalists selected the newcomer they believe will struggle with the challenges of F1…

Connor McDonagh reports that Isack Hadjar was a strong contender for the Formula 2 championship, ultimately falling just short to Gabriel Bortoleto. As he looks toward Formula 1, Hadjar is expected to face significant challenges.

Yuki Tsunoda has been showcasing impressive skills, as confirmed by his recent trio of teammates, but he sadly didn't secure a position with Red Bull.

Hadjar faces significant pressure to deliver results, especially with Arvid Lindblad ready to step in.

Gabriel Bortoleto, as reported by Lewis Larkam, is making his debut in Formula 1. The Brazilian driver, who comes with a strong reputation after clinching the championship in Formula 2, is expected to face challenges in achieving success with Sauber, a team currently not performing well.

While it's possible that he will perform well, evaluating his success will be challenging because Sauber had the slowest car on the grid for most of 2024.

This year, significant changes are improbable as the team that will soon become Audi is primarily concentrating on 2026.

Nico Hulkenberg is set to present Bortoleto with a formidable challenge as his inaugural F1 teammate.

Lewis Duncan has reported that Jack Doohan is expected to face significant pressure right from the start of 2025.

As last season drew to a close, there were claims suggesting that Alpine, especially Flavio Briatore, did not view Doohan as a viable long-term option.

Due to the reality that he seems to be beginning the year needing to understand F1 and simultaneously attempt to secure his career before it has truly begun, Doohan is probably going to find himself in a situation where he's pushing too hard and consequently making errors.

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The first F1 driver predicted to lose their seat in 2025 has been spotted

Our journalists forecast which driver's season might be cut short

For certain Formula 1 racers, simply reaching the conclusion of the 2025 season will be considered a significant accomplishment.

The intense demand to consistently deliver results, combined with the persistent risk of competitors vying for a spot, might lead to someone being dismissed halfway through the season.

Last season, Daniel Ricciardo struggled significantly, leading his RB team to decide on swapping him out for Liam Lawson.

Williams' decision to replace Logan Sargeant with Franco Colapinto turned out to be highly successful, potentially persuading other teams that making a switch in the middle of the season could be beneficial.

This year, numerous newcomers will be keeping an eye on their competition.

It is well-known that Red Bull is inclined to make daring decisions during the middle of the season.

Our team of writers has speculated on which Formula 1 driver might be the first to lose their seat in the 2025 season.

Connor McDonagh: Everything seems to indicate that Jack Doohan is the focus.

Flavio Briatore, who serves as an executive advisor for Alpine, has already secured the signing of Franco Colapinto.

Throughout the history of Formula 1, Briatore has shown a willingness to make tough choices regarding drivers.

According to Lewis Larkam, since Alpine has signed Franco Colapinto, it seems likely that Jack Doohan will be next.

Even before officially beginning his Formula 1 career, he is already facing the possibility of being replaced. With Alpine's roster of drivers expanding, he will undoubtedly feel the pressure to deliver strong performances from the very start.

Flavio Briatore is certainly not hesitant when it comes to making difficult decisions.

Lewis Duncan reports that Franco Colapinto has performed remarkably well during his short time filling in for Logan Sargeant at Williams. As a result, Alpine has decided to add the Argentine driver to their roster in a reserve capacity.

Speculation is growing that Doohan might be the individual most at risk of missing out in this situation.

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Pessimistic forecast for Lewis Hamilton's chances against Charles Leclerc

Our specialists share their outlook on Lewis Hamilton's performance for the upcoming year.

This year, Lewis Hamilton is joining the Ferrari team, hoping to conclude his distinguished Formula 1 career with one last achievement.

However, he faces a challenge from his high-caliber teammate Charles Leclerc, who not only has more familiarity with the car and team dynamics but also benefits from being younger.

In the 2024 season, Hamilton is showing signs of improvement after a disappointing year. Despite breaking his winless spell at Silverstone last summer, he consistently fell behind his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, during qualifying sessions on Saturdays.

In order to have a shot at becoming Ferrari's leading driver, Hamilton must improve his qualifying performance in 2025.

Our team of writers made forecasts about Hamilton's performance this year…

The main topic of speculation as we approach 2024 revolves around Lewis Hamilton. It's difficult to accept that his performance declined so abruptly, especially when contrasting last season with 2023.

In all likelihood, it will fall somewhere between the two extremes.

There's no question he's likely to surpass his last performance with Mercedes, yet it's uncertain if he'll reach the caliber of a world champion, akin to Max Verstappen.

It seems improbable. Leclerc is expected to have the upper hand during Saturday sessions, and considering the significant progress the Monegasque driver has made in race conditions over the years, it appears unlikely that Hamilton will surpass him in 2025.

Reporter Lewis Duncan confirms that, indeed, Hamilton is joining Ferrari. The team, known as the Scuderia, appears to be improving following a 2024 season that was stable but still fell short of their ambitions.

Carlos Sainz and Leclerc together secured five victories, surpassing the number of wins by Mercedes. Meanwhile, Ferrari came close to winning the constructors' championship, falling short by just 14 points.

Hamilton's recent two wins have effectively erased the memory of his unsuccessful efforts in 2022 and 2023. At this juncture in his career, a new challenge might be the perfect motivation for him to perform at his best once more.

Leclerc poses a significant challenge as a teammate, presenting a more difficult competition than George Russell, and promising to be Hamilton's most formidable internal team rivalry yet.

However, that might be precisely what he requires to begin making an impact in the championship competition.

It seems improbable that he will compete for the championship in his first year. He will require time to adapt to the vehicle, and it is more plausible that his contributions will lead to a car better suited to his driving style by 2026.

Anticipate victories in races. Look forward to seeing his cheerful demeanor return. However, do not count on him being the top contender for the championship in 2025.

Lewis Larkam believes that Hamilton's time with Ferrari will be marked by triumph, enhancing his already distinguished career in Formula 1.

Assuming my forecast is accurate, he is expected to not only overcome his struggles in qualifying but also secure victories and outperform his teammate Leclerc in their debut season together, potentially clinching the championship title.

I want to note that Leclerc will challenge Hamilton intensely, especially having an advantage during the qualifying sessions.

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Nico Rosberg cautions Lewis Hamilton before his competition with Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton has been alerted to the difficulties he will face at Ferrari alongside his new Formula 1 teammate.

Nico Rosberg cautioned his ex-F1 teammate Lewis Hamilton about the significant challenge he will encounter when competing against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

Hamilton is set to join forces with Leclerc as he begins a new phase in his remarkable and celebrated Formula 1 career at Ferrari, following a major move from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion is set to face off against Leclerc, one of Formula 1's most thrilling and speedy drivers, who is regarded by many as the fastest in a single lap.

Although Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most F1 pole positions with 104, he has faced challenges in qualifying over the past few seasons. Last year, he was decisively outperformed by his former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, in their direct qualifying battles, with a score of 19-5.

Nico Rosberg, who narrowly beat Lewis Hamilton to win the world championship in 2016 and then retired from Formula 1, thinks that his old teammate will have to improve his performance to maintain an advantage over Charles Leclerc.

When questioned about who he believes will triumph between Leclerc and Hamilton, Rosberg expressed to Sky F1 that if considering the Abu Dhabi race, his pick would undoubtedly be Charles.

"Charles is expected to perform at a level comparable to George Russell, representing the top tier of the emerging generation of drivers, with the exception of Verstappen, who has consistently been a notch above. Meanwhile, Lewis is currently facing challenges, and the reasons behind this remain unclear."

"If we consider today's circumstances, Charles would outperform him just like George Russell is currently doing. However, Lewis is still regarded as the greatest of all time."

"We are still hopeful that he will return to his top form, and if that happens, he is expected to be just ahead of Charles by the year’s end."

Hamilton Deserves Some Leeway

Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports analyst Anthony Davidson believes that Lewis Hamilton should be granted some leeway for his challenges in qualifying as he faces a tough last season with Mercedes in 2024.

Davidson mentioned that they are optimistic his passion will reignite once he steps into the vehicle, helping him regain his confidence and drive.

"This year, 2024, has been especially challenging for Lewis. As someone who used to be a driver, I find it hard to fathom what it's like to go through an entire season with the knowledge that you will be stepping away and that the partnership will conclude."

"It was probably challenging for Lewis, which might explain his fluctuating performance. Let's cut him some slack."

The performance of Hamilton with Ferrari and his ability to overcome his recent struggles in qualifying are expected to be major talking points for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton is set to participate in his first race for Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which kicks off the season on March 16.

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Mercedes Chooses Not to Follow the Trend with W16 F1 Car Introduction

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Mercedes has decided not to organize a launch event for their newest Formula 1 vehicle.

According to information obtained by Crash.net, Mercedes has decided not to organize a launch event for their 2025 Formula 1 car, marking a departure from their usual practice.

In past years, Mercedes has unveiled their latest Formula 1 car at Silverstone and followed it up with a shakedown session and a filming day prior to the pre-season tests.

Nevertheless, Mercedes has opted not to proceed with this in 2025, indicating that the period following Lewis Hamilton's tenure will commence without a formal introduction.

Mercedes' W16 car will make its debut appearance during a filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 25. The driving responsibilities will be split between George Russell and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

This event is scheduled for the day prior to the start of pre-season testing, which will occur from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain.

With the exception of 2021, Mercedes has hosted a launch event at Silverstone every year since 2017.

Although the W16 won't make its debut until the end of February, Mercedes is set to reveal their 2025 livery at the official F1 season launch event on February 18. This event, featuring all the teams, will take place at London's O2 Arena.

Ferrari, the new team for Hamilton, has become the first to reveal the date for their 2025 car unveiling.

The racing team plans to unveil their latest vehicle at the Fiorano test circuit in Maranello on February 19. Both the seven-time world champion and his new partner, Charles Leclerc, are scheduled to take it for its inaugural drive.

On February 14, Williams will unveil their latest FW47 car at Silverstone, featuring a unique livery for the occasion.

Antonelli amasses significant test mileage

In other news, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff shared that Antonelli has completed "nearly 9000 kilometers" in Formula 1 cars before making his debut this season.

An 18-year-old who recently completed Formula 2 will take Hamilton's place at Mercedes.

Over the last year, Antonelli has tested a number of vintage Mercedes F1 cars on various tracks to get ready for his first season as a newcomer.

On Wednesday, the Italian driver undertook his initial test of the year at the Jerez circuit, piloting the Mercedes W11 car, which claimed the championship in 2020, adorned in a camouflage paint scheme.

Wolff has been eager to manage the expectations about Antonelli, especially after he crashed just minutes into his first F1 practice at Monza last year.

Wolff explained that if you anticipate him securing the pole position in Melbourne, clinching the race victory, and instantly vying for the championship title, then you're taking a significant risk because that's not going to occur.

"If we consider that the young man is 18, highly skilled, yet still needs time to develop and learn from his errors, then the risk involved is minimal. This is the reason for our decision. We view 2025 as a year of transition and aim to get him ready for 2026."

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