Kevin Magnussen Secures Pole Position for BMW Debut at Daytona 24 Hours

BMW Car #24 Leads Qualifying at Daytona

Kevin Magnussen is set to make his debut at the Daytona 24 Hours, driving the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, which will begin the race from the pole position at the iconic American endurance event.

Following his departure from the Haas Formula 1 team, Magnussen has inked a deal with BMW to join their roster as a factory driver for the 2025 season.

Magnussen is set to concentrate mainly on the World Endurance Championship with WRT, while also participating in the three major endurance races of the IMSA SportsCar Championship. His involvement kicks off this weekend with the Daytona 24 Hours event.

Car #24, which will be driven by Magnussen alongside Dries Vanthoor, Philipp Eng, and Raffaele Marciello, is set to begin the Daytona classic from the front of the grid. Notably, Marciello will also team up with MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi in a BMW managed by WRT for the Bathurst 12 Hour race.

Vanthoor was assigned the responsibility of driving the car in the GTP class pole shootout, and he completed a lap in 1 minute and 33.895 seconds.

"It definitely wasn't simple dealing with the red flag situation," Vanthoor commented, referring to the early stoppage caused by the #25 BMW during the session.

"It complicates the process of heating up tires for all involved."

"Last year posed significant challenges for us, but we've made considerable progress since then."

"After that, my focus was on completing the lap and performing to the best of my ability. Fortunately, everything came together, and I'm really pleased with the outcome."

"We have been putting in a lot of effort."

"It's great to observe that things are going well for both the people here and those at the factory."

"Everyone should feel pleased and proud about this achievement, but securing the pole position is just a small reward on top of a significant accomplishment. The main event, the race, is yet to come, and its outcome remains uncertain."

The 2025 edition of the Daytona 24 Hours race is scheduled to begin at 6:40 PM GMT on Saturday, January

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Martin Brundle comments on Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that age may have diminished his performance as he prepares for his first season with Ferrari.

F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes that Lewis Hamilton's performance has slightly declined with age. However, he still considers the seven-time world champion capable of winning championships.

This week marked a significant moment for Hamilton, as he made his inaugural visit to Ferrari's Maranello factory on Monday.

Following a series of initial team briefings and an initial simulator run, Hamilton made his debut on the Fiorano circuit with Ferrari, piloting their 2023 Formula 1 car for the first time.

As expected, Hamilton's debut week with the team has captivated everyone, with a photo of him posing in front of Enzo Ferrari’s iconic former residence becoming the most 'liked' F1-related post on Instagram.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Brundle was asked about Hamilton's abilities and if he still possesses the skills needed to race against the top competitors in Formula 1.

"Brundle reflected on the previous year at Silverstone, noting that when he had the opportunity to secure a victory at the British Grand Prix, he succeeded. He also clinched a win at Spa, although that triumph was somewhat fortunate due to George's disqualification."

During practice sessions in Las Vegas, Lewis showcased exceptional skills but faltered during the qualifying round, a rare occurrence for him. Despite this setback, he delivered an outstanding performance in the race. It seems he certainly has the speed.

"Is Lewis Hamilton's greatest performance still to come, or is it in the past? In my opinion, it's in the past. I believe he's lost some of his sharpness as he's gotten older, which is a natural occurrence."

"There are occasions when he finds himself in skirmishes that he used to come out ahead in, but now he doesn't, or he might slip up during qualifying sessions. Nevertheless, I believe that even at 96 or 97 percent, Lewis Hamilton in a competitive car remains formidable."

Hamilton is expected to find new inspiration with Ferrari, potentially revitalizing his drive and enthusiasm.

Being in a fresh environment with a different group is expected to enhance his performance, while

Ferrari's performance during races is expected to give Hamilton a strong chance to consistently compete for a spot on the podium.

Last year, Ferrari came close to clinching the F1 constructors’ championship, ending up only 13 points shy of McLaren.

Even though Mercedes secured two victories, they ended up in a far-off fourth place in the championship standings. Their performance has been notably erratic, a trend that has persisted since the introduction of these technical rules in 2022.

Brundle believes that Hamilton won't be "overcome" by the challenges and stress associated with driving for Ferrari.

"He possesses all the necessary experience, and, as I mentioned, the entire experience will revitalize his energy and enthusiasm," he remarked.

He won't be daunted by handling a Ferrari, unlike many other drivers. Additionally, even though he's not part of the Ferrari team, the passionate Italian supporters, known as the Tifosi, love him. He's heading there, and they absolutely cherish him.

"The crowd supported him even during his victories with Mercedes."

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Lewis Hamilton provides new details on his choice to join Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has revealed new information about his decision to depart from Mercedes and join their F1 competitors, Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton describes his choice to join Ferrari as a "complete gamble" motivated by his "instincts."

In February, the Formula 1 community was stunned when the driver, who has won the world championship seven times, revealed his plans to depart from Mercedes and make a high-profile move to their competitors, Ferrari.

Following his contentious title loss to Max Verstappen in 2021, during which he secured only two victories, Hamilton has inked a multi-year contract with Ferrari. He is now preparing for his first season racing alongside Charles Leclerc with the Italian team.

In a discussion with LinkedIn's 'Get Hired' newsletter, the 40-year-old from Britain shared new perspectives on why he decided to relocate.

"According to Hamilton, each fresh opportunity is essentially an act of complete trust."

No one can foresee what lies ahead, so whether you're switching jobs or, like me, transitioning to a new team, there will invariably be an element of uncertainty involved.

"However, I think the greater danger lies in remaining in a place where you feel at ease, as it can lead to complacency."

Whether you call it intuition or just a gut feeling, I was certain that joining Ferrari was the right choice for me and would provide the challenge I was seeking.

"I'm really looking forward to collaborating with the amazing individuals on our team, and I'm completely confident that we'll accomplish remarkable feats together."

Hamilton stated that his ongoing drive for betterment is what keeps him inspired after 18 years in Formula 1.

He stated, "I consider each Formula 1 season to be a fresh chapter." He went on to explain that despite having victories, trophies, and titles in previous years, he understands that success in the upcoming season is never assured.

"My strategy involves putting in maximum effort daily, ensuring that when I return to the car, I've improved beyond my performance from the previous season."

"The mentality of consistently advancing, regardless of the scale of the steps, has driven me to accomplish more than I once believed I could."

Anthony, Hamilton’s father, disclosed that his son has been "training intensely" as he prepares for his debut season with Ferrari.

Hamilton has had a positive experience during his initial week working at Ferrari. On Wednesday, he drove their 2023 Formula 1 car for the first time, marking his debut on the track for the team at the Fiorano testing circuit.

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Alessandro Alunni Bravi secures a position at McLaren

Former leader of Sauber takes on a fresh role within the Formula 1 community

Alessandro Alunni Bravi has taken on the role of Chief Business Affairs Officer at McLaren.

He stepped down from his position as the team representative for Sauber when Jonathan Wheatley took over as their new team principal.

Alunni Bravi quickly secured a new position within the F1 community.

As a member of the McLaren Racing Executive Team, he will start his role on February 1, 2025, and will report directly to CEO Zak Brown.

In this newly established position, Alunni Bravi will engage in executive leadership for various McLaren Racing business issues, which encompass legal affairs, the development of drivers, commercial activities, managing driver contracts, and interactions with rights holders and governing bodies.

He will be responsible for leading the McLaren Driver Development program, taking over from Stephanie Carlin. Carlin will remain with McLaren.

McLaren's chief, Brown, expressed his pleasure at Alessandro coming on board, highlighting his vast experience and background in motorsport.

In addition to overseeing our legal affairs and driver development programs, he will offer crucial assistance with all aspects of professional driver business management. He will also be involved in racing governance activities with our rights holders and governing bodies. Furthermore, he will provide comprehensive business support to all our racing series when necessary. We are excited to have him join the McLaren Racing team in February.

"I want to express my gratitude to Steve for his role in McLaren Racing's achievements during the past two seasons and I hope he finds success in his future pursuits."

Alunni Bravi expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "I've always been a big fan of McLaren, and it holds a special place in my heart. It's incredibly exciting for me to now have the chance to collaborate with this remarkable team. I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to become part of such a fantastic organization, whose values and culture are evident to everyone."

"I aim to honor the trust and confidence that Zak and the Board have placed in me by committing fully and working hard to support ongoing success, as I believe collaboration is crucial to achieving our goals."

"I am thrilled to become part of a team that I genuinely think establishes the standard in Formula 1, both in competition and beyond, and I eagerly anticipate starting in early February."

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Lewis Hamilton "trained intensely" prior to his test with Ferrari, drawing parallels to his time with McLaren. Anthony Hamilton offers an uncommon glimpse into his son's initial experiences as a driver for the Ferrari F1 team.

Lewis Hamilton's father reports that his son has been "intensively training" in preparation for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion took to Ferrari's Fiorano test track on Wednesday, completing 30 laps. This marked his highly anticipated on-track debut for the Scuderia after his headline-grabbing transfer from Mercedes.

Hamilton is preparing to start his inaugural season with Ferrari, aiming to secure a historic eighth world championship and bring an end to the iconic team's 16-year championship drought.

Anthony Hamilton traveled to Maranello to support his son at his initial test run, with his mother Carmen and stepmother Linda also present.

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Hamilton Sr shared that his son has been "training intensely" throughout the winter. He further mentioned that his son is "completely focused and confident" as he gets ready for his first race with Ferrari, scheduled for March 16 at the Australian Grand Prix.

Anthony Hamilton likened his son's initial day at McLaren to the start of his debut season in Formula 1 in 2007.

He remarked, "Honestly, this feels exactly like my initial day at McLaren."

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, as the team aims to enhance their performance following a second-place finish in the 2024 constructors' championship, where they came close to winning but were edged out by their competitors, McLaren.

The Daily Mail reports that Hamilton had a private meal at Ristorante Montana, a restaurant favored by Michael Schumacher.

On Monday, Hamilton made his initial trip to Ferrari's renowned Maranello base to familiarize himself with the team and their facilities.

Following the test on Wednesday, Hamilton expressed that it was "one of the most incredible experiences" he's ever had.

"When I turned on the engine and steered the car out of the garage, a huge grin spread across my face," he mentioned.

The experience took me back to when I first got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. That moment was filled with excitement and a sense of uniqueness, and now, nearly two decades later, those same feelings are rushing back to me.

"I was well aware of the intense passion within the Ferrari family, extending from all the team members to the dedicated tifosi, or fans."

Experiencing it directly as a Ferrari driver has been incredibly inspiring. Their passion is inherent, and it naturally invigorates you.

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. Although there's plenty of work ahead, I'm eager to begin."

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Fernando Alonso makes an audacious prediction regarding a team that will make a significant impact in F1 by 2026. He shares his thoughts on which team he believes will be an unexpected force in the competition.

Fernando Alonso suggests that Williams might become a formidable competitor when the new F1 regulations are implemented.

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 plans to implement a set of new regulations that will bring significant changes to the cars' power units, as well as their chassis and aerodynamics.

Typically, when regulations are revamped, the competitive dynamics in Formula 1 tend to shift. Various teams, such as Williams, see the year 2026 as a chance to significantly advance towards the leading positions.

Aston Martin's driver, Alonso, has suggested that Williams might soon regain the success they once enjoyed in Formula 1.

Alonso mentioned to DAZN that if he were a journalist or simply a viewer watching Formula 1 on TV, he would regard Williams as a formidable team.

The double world champion commented, "It makes sense that Aston Martin is viewed in that manner as well. However, all of us are extremely enthusiastic!"

In 2026, we are set to face updated regulations, and Adrian Newey will be joining our team starting in April of this year, although initially expected in March.

"We should genuinely look forward to a promising year, with the possibility of clinching a World Championship title. While this is a bold statement, the anticipation is substantial."

"I am aware that they will be, as we are currently in the early stages of 2026, and the unveiling of that vehicle is approaching rapidly."

"With new rules, Adrian Newey, and Fernando Alonso in the mix, I can predict the questions you'll have for me! 'Is it possible for us to aspire to a championship title?'"

"As someone looking in from the outside, I would also wonder about Newey switching to a different team."

Williams sets modest goals

Since 2023, Williams has been in a phase of reorganization following the arrival of team principal James Vowles. The team is aiming to enhance their performance and move up from the back of the race standings.

The UK-based team has secured Carlos Sainz to join Alex Albon, enhancing their driver roster for 2025, with aspirations of achieving more progress in the future.

Vowles has swiftly dismissed the chances of Williams possessing a car capable of winning races during the initial year under F1's new regulations.

He mentioned that if he were to choose a specific date, he would lean towards 2028. However, he emphasized that the most important thing is to be on the correct path to achieve that goal.

"Significant investments, as well as senior management and other factors, are being introduced for 2026 and 2027. Progress in Formula 1 requires time."

"We might be able to speed up certain processes and achieve quicker results, but without a solid foundation, things are likely to fall apart eventually."

Achieving success in Formula 1 hinges on consistently performing well, not just for a single season but over numerous years into the future.

"At 28, I'd feel much more assured about meeting your gaze and confidently saying, 'Yes.'"

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Esteemed celebrity, known for appearances on Martin Brundle's grid walk, secures a prestigious position with F1

New program aims to provide fans with an opulent experience within the paddock

An experienced figure from the Formula 1 community, known for frequent appearances during Martin Brundle's grid walks, has secured a significant new position.

Famed chef Gordon Ramsay has joined forces with Formula 1 to create the Formula 1 Garage, which is touted as offering a top-tier dining experience within the most luxurious hospitality area of the paddock.

Ramsay's project will take place within the F1 paddock and pit lane, offering fans the chance to enjoy his acclaimed cuisine as they watch the races.

In the previous year, he successfully rebranded F1 Garage as Ramsay’s Garage during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In 2025, he plans to participate in 10 races, starting with the Miami Grand Prix. This will be followed by Grands Prix in Canada, Britain, Italy, the United States, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Ramsay is a recognized enthusiast of the sport and has spent many years involved in the paddock.

He has had several conversations with Brundle, one of which was in the company of Stormzy and Tom Cruise.

Interestingly, it was Ramsay who rescued Brundle from an uncomfortable encounter with Franco Colapinto during last season.

At the US Grand Prix, Colapinto, who is just starting his journey as a race driver for Williams, unintentionally ignored Brundle during a stroll on the grid.

Ramsay was quickly brought in to speak with Brundle following the incident involving Colapinto.

Ramsay expressed his enthusiasm regarding his latest collaboration with Formula 1 by stating: "Everyone knows how much I love F1, but what really draws me in is the intricate design and speed of the vehicles, along with the skill of the numerous individuals involved in their construction and operation."

"Formula 1 can be compared to a top-tier professional kitchen in several aspects, making this collaboration ideal for our expanding chain of international restaurants."

"We're thrilled about the experiences we have prepared for the F1 Garage visitors, and we're eager to kick off the event in Miami this May."

Stefano Domenicali, who serves as the President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his excitement about starting a new partnership with the famous chef, Gordon Ramsay.

"F1 Garage provides a unique opportunity within our sport, granting fans exclusive access to the inner workings of Formula 1."

"Our goal is to provide top-tier F1 hospitality, delivering a distinctive experience both on the racing circuit and at dining events, embodying the high standards and fervor that define our sport."

"We are eager to launch this collaboration focused solely on providing our guests with an unforgettable experience, beginning with the Miami Grand Prix."

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Alpine assures that Jack Doohan will receive an equitable opportunity in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, despite Franco Colapinto's entry into the team.

Alpine has assured that Jack Doohan will have an equal opportunity to showcase his talents in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, even with the addition of Franco Colapinto to the team.

At the beginning of this month, Alpine revealed that they had finalized a multi-year agreement with Williams, securing Colapinto as their reserve driver for the 2025 season.

A 21-year-old from Argentina will serve as a reserve driver for Pierre Gasly and Doohan. This marks Doohan's first complete season in Formula 1. He made his debut at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in December, following an early departure agreement between Alpine and Esteban Ocon.

The addition of Colapinto to the team is expected to intensify the expectations on Doohan, whose father is the legendary five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan. As Doohan embarks on his debut season, there is growing talk that the Australian racer might be dropped if his performance does not meet expectations early on.

Alpine's team leader, Oliver Oakes, emphasized that Doohan, who has moved up to a racing position after serving as the team's reserve driver for three years, has the complete support of the French team.

Oakes mentioned on the James Allen on F1 podcast that some of the comments directed at Jack by online critics have been somewhat severe, but he will have a fair opportunity next year.

The goal isn't to burden him with expectations. It's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. In my opinion, Formula 1 is all about small differences.

"A large number of individuals count on a driver for weekend deliveries, so it's crucial to ensure we have top-notch drivers in the race car both today and in the days ahead."

Colapinto quickly stood out in Formula 1 with his strong early showings, stepping in for Logan Sargeant, who was having difficulties at Williams.

However, his prospects of securing a permanent position for 2025 were hindered by multiple significant accidents occurring late in the year.

Oakes commented on Colapinto, saying, "Franco seemed to leave a strong initial impact with Williams. It appeared evident that towards the end, he might have been pushing himself a little excessively."

Determining how much of his performance was due to his uncertain position, as he was trying to make a strong impact without a confirmed seat, and how much was due to compromises in the car's components, is challenging. However, the main point is that he left a significant mark with the speed he demonstrated.

"It's fantastic to have a lineup of two promising young drivers like Paul and Franco ready to step up. This isn't just about the year 2025; the future years like 2026 and 2027 are approaching quickly. In Formula 1, it's challenging to predict future developments and decide which drivers will be behind the wheel."

"It ensures that everyone remains accountable for their performance and offers us various alternatives."

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Lewis Hamilton switches to a different high-end watch brand as he joins Ferrari. The racing star was seen wearing an elegant new timepiece during his first appearance with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton was seen wearing a high-end Richard Mille watch during his first appearance with Ferrari in Formula 1.

As many people were understandably captivated by Hamilton's inaugural test drive in a Ferrari at a misty and wet Fiorano on Wednesday, sharp observers might have spotted the latest accessory adorning the seven-time world champion's left wrist.

During his tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton was known for sporting IWC watches. However, now that Ferrari has teamed up with Swiss watch brand Richard Mille, the 40-year-old Briton has changed his watch preference.

Hamilton was seen sporting a red RM67-02 ‘Italy’ automatic ultra-thin edition watch. Its case is constructed from stacked layers of carbon fiber, providing it with a sleek and modern appearance.

See this Instagram update from Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton), shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton).

The timepiece, launched in 2024, is priced at nearly £300,000 and holds the distinction of being the lightest model in the Richard Mille lineup.

For the past four years, Charles Leclerc, who is now teaming up with Hamilton, has been spotted with the RM67-02 watch on his wrist.

This year, Hamilton will sport more Richard Mille watches during his first season with Ferrari, following a sensational move from Mercedes, marking the most significant driver change in Formula 1 history.

Earlier this month, F1 revealed that TAG Heuer, a luxury watch brand, will become the official timekeeper for the world championship starting in 2025, succeeding Rolex.

This decision is a component of Formula 1's decade-long agreement with LVMH, which will introduce several of its high-end brands to the racing circuit. The collaboration with Liberty Media, the owner of F1, is said to have a value of up to $1 billion.

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Key Insights from Lewis Hamilton's First Ferrari F1 Test

Lewis Larkam reports that Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test with Ferrari's F1 team has provided some significant preliminary insights.

It was evident from Lewis Hamilton's first test run with Ferrari's F1 team that his cheerful demeanor had returned.

On Wednesday, the seven-time world champion drove a 2023 vehicle for 30 laps at the Fiorano test track, which was shrouded in mist, cold, and wet conditions near Ferrari's renowned Maranello base.

There was a lot of excitement as Hamilton took his initial drive in one of Ferrari's famous red vehicles. This moment came during his first week with the team, drawing significant attention after his high-profile move from Mercedes, which had been announced almost a year earlier.

Hamilton's debut with Ferrari was a significant event, drawing considerable interest in how his initial performance would unfold.

During Hamilton's initial laps, minor mistakes such as premature lockups and veering off course were observed. These issues are typical when familiarizing oneself with new equipment, especially under cold weather and reduced traction circumstances.

A lap time was reported at one minute, which is approximately five seconds slower than Michael Schumacher's record at Fiorano. This drew attention, although it should be noted that the run was primarily meant for adaptation, and thus not much can be inferred from it.

Hamilton utilized approximately 100 kilometers from the 1000-kilometer limit allowed under Formula 1's regulations for testing older vehicles. This session occurred using Pirelli tires not designated for race weekends, making any meaningful data analysis nearly impossible.

What stood out even more was how swiftly Hamilton appeared to feel comfortable in his new surroundings. Sporting a pinstripe suit paired with a double-breasted overcoat, Hamilton perfectly captured the essence of traditional Italian fashion as he made his debut entrance into Maranello on Monday with self-assurance.

Hamilton seemed comfortable and at ease while meeting his new colleagues and familiarizing himself with the factory. During a speech, he shared with the staff that he had been anticipating joining the team for a long time.

Jump ahead to Wednesday, and we witnessed Hamilton behind the wheel of a Scuderia F1 car for the first time. The blend of the car's red color with Hamilton's bold new yellow helmet, which pays tribute to his origins, is already becoming legendary.

For the first time, Hamilton had the opportunity to understand how the Ferrari engine functions, transitioning from his long-standing experience with Mercedes engines over his 18-year F1 career. Additionally, this was a chance for him to build a connection and develop a collaborative working method with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

A Revitalized and Joyful Hamilton

On his noteworthy day, Hamilton's face was adorned with an unmistakable smile. The event was truly a family gathering, with his father Antony, mother Carmen, and stepmother Linda present. Hamilton's close-knit group remains crucial to his aspirations for success. His team has been strengthened by the return of his long-time physiotherapist, Angelo Cullen, who will rejoin the team in 2025.

A heartfelt scene was captured by Ferrari's social media crew, showing Hamilton and his father exchanging a 'we did it' handshake after one of his performances. Meanwhile, Hamilton's mother was by his side as he paused to acknowledge approximately 1500 Tifosi. These dedicated fans had endured challenging weather to stand along the boundary fences, eager to see their new idol.

Throughout most of his challenging last season with Mercedes, Hamilton seemed downcast, but his switch to Ferrari has visibly rejuvenated and refocused him. The change seems to have invigorated the 40-year-old, who is now learning Italian and has quickly built a strong bond with the Tifosi. They chanted and sang his name as he smiled and waved in response.

According to Hamilton, experiencing his first drive in a Ferrari was an unforgettable thrill. He described starting the engine and steering the car out of the garage as a moment that brought an enormous smile to his face.

"The experience took me back to when I initially drove a Formula 1 car. It was an incredibly thrilling and memorable occasion, and now, nearly two decades later, I'm reliving those same feelings."

"Before joining Ferrari, I was aware of the intense enthusiasm shared by the entire Ferrari team and their fans, the Tifosi. However, experiencing it directly as a Ferrari driver has been truly inspiring. Their passion is inherent, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by it."

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's plenty of work ahead, but I'm eager to begin."

In just a few days, Hamilton appears completely at ease in a collaboration that seems to have been meant to happen.

After the thrill and adrenaline subside, Hamilton is aware that it comes down to business. He aims to secure an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 world championship with Ferrari, which would also conclude the team's 16-year drought without a title.

A fascinating point highlighted in Ferrari's announcement mentioned that the misty weather Hamilton faced was reminiscent of the conditions Schumacher dealt with during his initial drive at Fiorano. This raises the exciting possibility of a new era for Ferrari, which could become a legendary chapter in Formula 1 history.

Over the years, we've discovered that when Hamilton is content, he usually performs at his highest level.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at these races, Lewis provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test drive with Ferrari, describing it as a significant occasion for both the team and Hamilton. Leclerc expressed his delight at witnessing the moment.

Charles Leclerc shared his excitement about personally watching Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test with Ferrari's F1 team, calling it "a truly significant day for the team."

It has been a hectic week at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, as Hamilton made his inaugural visit to the team's facility.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took to the circuit driving Ferrari's 2023 Formula 1 car, marking a significant event for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton was accompanied by his parents and his physiotherapist, Angela Cullen, during the examination.

Leclerc had the chance to get back into the groove by completing several laps in the 2023 car at the team's home circuit in Fiorano.

He went online to share his thoughts about returning to work for the first time in 2025.

Leclerc posted on his X account, expressing his excitement: "It's great to be back behind the wheel and to see all the tifosi at the circuit once more."

It was an exceptional day for both the team and Lewis, and I felt truly delighted to witness it.

"Eager to kick off this season."

Ferrari is preparing for a major push in the 2025 Formula 1 season, aiming to contend for the championship once again after coming close to winning the constructors' title in 2024.

In the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, they ended up just 13 points shy of McLaren.

Ferrari regretted making a mid-season update that negatively affected their performance starting around the Barcelona race.

It was only following the summer hiatus that Ferrari managed to fix the issue, bringing them back into the competition for race victories.

With Hamilton joining the team, Ferrari aims to break their championship victory dry spell that has lasted since 2008.

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Connor, known for his keen awareness of Formula 1's disputes and narratives, serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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Helmut Marko claims that Max Verstappen is quicker than Lewis Hamilton, even when driving a "mediocre" vehicle. According to Marko, Verstappen can consistently extract an additional 0.1 to 0.2 seconds from the car per lap, a feat unmatched by any other driver.

Max Verstappen has been praised for his speed, surpassing that of Lewis Hamilton, even when he is in a less competitive car.

The conclusion reached by Red Bull's Helmut Marko came right after Hamilton completed his first test drive with Ferrari.

Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari suggests he may once again compete for the championship against Verstappen.

In an interview with Motorsport-Total, Marko stated that Max is not just the quickest driver but also the top performer in Formula 1 when considering all aspects.

"He manages to shave off 0.1 to 0.2 seconds per lap from the car's performance that other drivers can't achieve."

Lewis Hamilton remains quick, but can he maintain that pace throughout an entire season? I have my reservations.

"Even with a top-notch Ferrari, if we only manage to create an average Red Bull, I would still bet on Max."

Marko offered Hamilton some very direct guidance for the year 2025.

He advised Ferrari's rising star to "avoid falling into a negative pattern" similar to his past experiences with Mercedes.

Could we see a showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in 2025? Since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton has struggled to consistently compete with Verstappen at the forefront of the Formula 1 field.

In that contentious race, Verstappen secured his first Formula 1 title, and he has since gone on to win four consecutive championships.

Even though Red Bull's stronghold on Formula 1 diminished last year due to McLaren becoming more competitive, Verstappen secured the drivers' championship by performing well in the initial races.

The progress Ferrari made last season might offer Hamilton some optimism.

In 2024, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz collectively secured victory in five grand prix races, leading Ferrari to surpass Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

Hamilton's ability to adjust to new equipment will challenge the accuracy of Marko's daring statement.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on topics ranging from American sports and football to Formula 1.

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