Lewis Hamilton speaks out for the first time after his experience driving a Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton shares his thoughts following his initial test drive of a Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has shared his initial impressions after driving a Ferrari for the first time.

On Wednesday in Italy, Hamilton took the driver's seat of his new Formula 1 team's vehicle.

Following the completion of 30 memorable laps in his inaugural stint with Ferrari, he shared his thoughts on the experience.

"I've had the fortune of experiencing numerous milestones in my career, ranging from my initial test and race to achieving my first podium finish, victory, and championship," stated Hamilton.

"I wasn't certain how many more experiences I would have, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari high-performance car for the first time this morning was an incredible feeling."

As soon as I turned on the engine and maneuvered the vehicle out of the garage, a huge grin spread across my face.

"It took me back to when I first drove a Formula 1 car; it was an exhilarating and unique experience, and now, nearly two decades later, I'm reliving those feelings once more."

From the beginning, I was aware of the intense passion shared by the Ferrari family, which includes everyone on the team and the dedicated Tifosi fans.

"Experiencing this directly as a Ferrari driver has been truly breathtaking. Their enthusiasm is deeply ingrained, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by it."

"I deeply appreciate the warmth and support I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. We have plenty of tasks ahead, but I'm eager to begin."

A mother's affection is everlasting! ❤️ Lewis Hamilton had his mother, Carmen, accompanying him during his inaugural Ferrari F1 test. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/OapqgNNU0r— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) January 22, 2025

A mother's affection is everlasting! ❤️ Lewis Hamilton had his mother, Carmen, accompanying him during his inaugural Ferrari F1 test. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/OapqgNNU0r

Charles Leclerc, the new member of the team, expressed his excitement, saying, "Returning to the car after the break is always a fantastic experience. It's wonderful to be racing again and to see such a large crowd of fans who have come to watch us."

Experiencing the buzz around the team is incredibly inspiring. Despite some rain during my drive, it turned out to be a pleasant day.

Certainly, witnessing Lewis take his initial laps in a Ferrari was a memorable experience for both the team and him. I'm eager to return to the car next week and begin putting in significant effort for the upcoming season.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed that the initial experience on the track each year feels similar to returning to school after a break, evoking a lot of emotions. This was particularly true today, as it marked Lewis's debut with the team.

Introducing a fresh driver is always a significant occasion. While today might not have been particularly extraordinary for Charles, it was reassuring to see him in good shape, at ease, and eager to return to racing.

On the technical front, Charles and Lewis completed their laps despite less-than-ideal weather conditions. They managed to reacquaint themselves with the track atmosphere ahead of the official testing session scheduled for next month in Bahrain.

"The day served as a practice session for the crew in the garage, which was its only objective."

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

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EXCLUSIVE – Joan Mir Reflects: "My 2019 ICU Stay Deserved a Documentary!"

"Toprak's Achievement Was Undoubtedly Spectacular"

A competitor who deeply admires Toprak Razgatlioglu's remarkable success in defeating a severe lung injury to clinch the previous year's WorldSBK championship is Joan Mir, a one-time adversary in the Red Bull Rookies competition.

An often overlooked incident in Mir's professional journey occurred when the would-be MotoGP titleholder was admitted to the hospital following a severe testing crash at Brno in August 2019, during his first season at the top level.

A malfunction led to Mir's Suzuki going out of control at a speed of 300km/h, heading into Turn 1. This incident resulted in his GSX-RR flying beyond the trackside barriers, prompting immediate response from ambulance crews to assist Mir.

Mir was flown to a nearby hospital where doctors identified a ‘lung bruise’ as the cause of his condition. After he went back to Spain, he was immediately moved to a different medical facility in Barcelona to receive additional care.

"In the ICU, I recall it took me a whole week before I could stand up again," Mir, who currently rides for factory Honda, shared with Crash.net.

"The issue is that our production was quite limited, and the cameras didn't capture the actual events as they unfolded."

"We didn't produce a documentary! However, that doesn't imply it was easy," he said with a smile.

Following an absence from two races, Mir made a comeback to MotoGP competition and subsequently achieved his highest finish of his debut season, securing fifth position at Phillip Island.

However, the recovery process, both physical and mental, was prolonged.

He went on to say, "The difficulty was immense. My energy was completely drained since staying in the hospital for a week or two means you cease all activities and end up losing weight."

"Additionally, returning to cycling proved difficult due to my mishap being caused by a technical issue."

"Thus, you must regain confidence in the motorcycle. It posed a significantly tough obstacle."

"Even after two months, traces of blood remained"

"Even after two months, there were still traces of blood and air bubbles present in the lungs.

"It was challenging. An extremely brutal accident. Likely one of the most severe I've witnessed."

"It would have been wise to create a documentary [to capture everything]! However, when you're in the midst of it, events unfold rapidly."

"Reflecting on the past often reveals the challenges you faced."

Merely a season after, Mir clinched the title of MotoGP champion in 2020.

"A year on, that's incredible," he said with a smile.

Razgatlioglu's accomplishment last year was also described as 'fantastic'.

The Turkish racer was on his way to securing BMW’s inaugural WorldSBK championship title when he encountered a severe crash against a barrier at Magny-Cours, which resulted in a punctured lung. This incident broke his impressive 13-race winning streak and sidelined him for two events.

Nonetheless, Razgatlioglu made a comeback to seize the championship.

"Mir expressed admiration for Toprak's incredible achievement in securing the championship despite the heightened challenges."

"I sincerely extend my congratulations to him. He emerged as the most formidable competitor in the previous season."

"I'm truly delighted on his behalf. We've been acquainted since our days at the Rookies Cup back in 2014, and he's genuinely a good person."

Defending MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin clinched the 2014 Rookies Cup, edging out Mir, while Razgatlioglu secured a victory in one of the races, finishing sixth overall.

In 2015, Martin entered the Moto3 global championship during the same period Mir was securing victories in the CEV Junior series and marked his Grand Prix debut through a wild-card entry.

In the meantime, Razgatlioglu embarked on a unique journey that culminated in securing two World Superbike championships, starting with a victory in the European Superstock 600 Championship.

Razgatlioglu's name keeps popping up in connection with MotoGP, and should BMW decide to enter the top tier, he may rejoin the lineup with Martin and Mir.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's health struggles.

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Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez's perspective on competing for the championship emphasizes the urgency of contention. "If you're not battling for the title, someone else will claim your spot!"

Historically, Marc Marquez greeted newcomers to the Repsol Honda MotoGP team with a clear message that success was anticipated.

Upon Jorge Lorenzo joining to create a highly anticipated 'dream team' in 2019, Marquez clarified, "A dream team is defined by winning the triple crown."

At Marquez's last Honda unveiling, where he appeared with a new teammate and past champion, Joan Mir, Marquez made a statement:

"Each of us must succeed in races – it's obligatory when you don these hues."

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The dynamics have shifted, as Marquez joins the Ducati Lenovo squad as the fresh face, teaming up with the equally accomplished Francesco Bagnaia in what's being called a 'dream team' for the 2025 season.

When questioned about the potential of competing against Marquez for the championship at Monday's team introduction, Bagnaia found that the Spaniard was able to complete his thought before he could.

Bagnaia started by saying, "Donning the red suit means you must – he [Marquez] is aware that this year…"

Marquez, sporting a playful grin, interjected, "You have to battle for the title! Otherwise, someone else will snatch your ride!"

Elaborating further, two-time champion Bagnaia, who came close to securing a third title but was edged out by Jorge Martin in the previous season, concurred that Marquez is likely to be his primary rival, yet he remained open to the possibility of an unexpected challenger.

"Identifying the competitor each season can be challenging."

"However, considering the bike's capabilities and based on last year's performance, Marc is undoubtedly going to be a tough competitor, indeed the primary challenger."

"Since he has an additional year of familiarity with our bicycle, the latest model will definitely be a better fit for him as it marks an upgrade over last year's version."

"Last year, he was excelling, consistently securing spots on the podium and clinching victories in three races."

"I believe he's going to be the primary competitor, and as the season progresses, we'll identify who the other challengers are."

"It's possible there's another, yet I believe the primary contenders are ourselves."

Marquez: "Primary goal is to be among the top three for the championship"

Marquez, while recognizing the importance of competing for the championship under the factory banner, maintains that achieving a position within the top three of the world championship, similar to last year's accomplishment, would be fulfilling.

"Clearly, my colleague has consistently secured either the first or second spot over the past four years, indicating his exceptional strength. It's only natural to expect him to lead, particularly in the initial races," Marquez stated.

He emerged victorious in eleven competitions. True, he had his share of errors, but victory in eleven races doesn't come without taking risks. Ultimately, it boils down to finding a balance.

"However, as I've mentioned, my goal is to absorb knowledge from him, to grasp how I can elevate my performance to its peak within the Ducati Lenovo team using my unique riding approach. From there, we'll see what happens."

"Aiming for a spot among the top three by the championship's conclusion is our primary goal. Naturally, our sights are set on clinching the title, but securing a position in the top three remains our foremost objective."

Marquez, the victor of six top-tier championships between 2013 and 2019, also stated:

The goal of the team is to attempt victory. Should Pecco be unable to secure a win, I will make an effort to do so. Conversely, if I cannot clinch a victory, he will strive to achieve it.

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Marc Marquez Warns Against Underestimating Ducati's Competitors

He affirms, "We view the other competitors as equals."

Ducati Lenovo's leading riders, Francesco Bagnia and Marc Marquez, have cautioned not to overlook their competitors in 2025.

Bagnaia and his new teammate Marquez, who together hold eight top-tier MotoGP championships, are now the main point of attention for a manufacturer that experienced just a single race loss last season.

Thus, the spotlight is on a showdown between Bagnaia and Marquez for championship dominance, a situation both competitors recognize as anticipated.

VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio will stand as the sole competitor piloting a factory-spec Desmosedici.

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Nonetheless, three ex-Ducati competitors, with the current titleholder Jorge Martin among them, have departed to bolster the rosters of European contenders Aprilia and KTM.

Up-and-coming talent Pedro Acosta brings a year of experience to the table, and Pramac's move to Yamaha has decreased the Ducati lineup from eight to six.

Bagnaia expressed that having fewer Ducati teams might make it challenging to dominate the podiums as they did previously. He mentioned that the KTM competitors, particularly Acosta, are extremely strong. However, he noted that the actual scenario still needs to be observed.

Currently, it's challenging to predict. Aprilia has secured a world champion and brought in Bezzecchi, adding two fresh faces to their lineup. Bezzecchi is aiming to surpass his previous performances, while Jorge is determined to keep his number 1 status. Therefore, it seems Aprilia could be a strong contender.

"Honda and Yamaha are challenging to assess. However, I believe Yamaha made significant progress last year, especially in the final races where they showed improvement, so I anticipate they will continue to advance."

"Honda, I believe, will find it challenging to maintain their current stance, so I anticipate they will make a significant advancement."

"Currently, the primary ones are Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. Let's find out."

Marquez cautioned that it would be risky to predict Ducati's victory in the championship, pointing out that Andrea Dovizioso, who was fifth in 2016, fiercely contested the championship with the Repsol Honda rider the next year.

"The eight-time world champion expressed that believing Ducati is guaranteed to win the championship could create a risky environment."

"However, within our group, we view other producers as being on an equal footing."

"In MotoGP, it's understood, for example, that Yamaha made progress last year. However, they could show up in Malaysia with an updated motorcycle, and they've got Quartararo, who is an exceptionally talented rider."

"KTM remains consistent. Aprilia, Honda… Our arena is MotoGP.

"In my experience battling Dovizioso back in 2017, the key takeaway was the importance of being mindful of all competitors, as circumstances can shift drastically from one season to the next."

Last year, Ducati dominated by securing the first four positions in the rankings, with Martin, Bagnaia, Marquez, and Enea Bastianini leading the pack. The closest competitors were Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, both riding for KTM, followed by Maverick Vinales from Aprilia.

Among the leading seven, only Bagnaia and Marquez are set to compete under the Ducati banner in 2025.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and Marc Marquez's battles with injuries.

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Honda is eager to make a move in MotoGP before 2027

Honda's team leader, Alberto Puig, implies the company is not solely relying on the rule changes anticipated in 2027

Honda MotoGP team leader Alberto Puig has expressed urgency in enhancing the team's performance, emphasizing that they cannot afford to delay until 2027 to address the struggles they've faced with the RC213V in recent years.

Honda is currently experiencing one of its most challenging periods in its Grand Prix history, with three of the past five seasons passing without a single victory.

In 2024, it ended up at the bottom of the constructors' rankings, accumulating only 75 points. The highest-placed rider from the team, LCR's Johann Zarco, secured the 17th position in the standings.

Amid its ongoing challenges, there is widespread speculation that Honda might channel all its efforts into the new project due to the significant regulatory shift happening in 2027 with the launch of the 850cc engines.

However, during a conversation with Autosport, Puig mentioned that currently, this is not a viable choice for Honda.

"He mentioned in reply to an inquiry regarding the 2027 regulations that companies will continually seek methods to increase the speed of bicycles."

"Regardless of the reduction in controls or devices, the situation remains challenging to address at this moment. However, Honda cannot afford to delay action until 2027, which is why I must consider the upcoming year."

In recent months, Honda has undergone significant changes in its staff, notably bringing on board Romano Albesiano, the ex-technical head of Aprilia, to lead its motorcycle development.

Regarding this, Puig commented, "At the moment, our sole focus is on enhancing the motorcycle."

"This marks the beginning. To accomplish this goal, Honda is dedicating every available resource and its technological capabilities."

"I'm referring not only to monetary assets but also to the workforce."

"This is the reason we chose to bring Romano on board. The primary objective is to enhance the motorcycle."

"We're improvising and putting in our best efforts daily, acknowledging that our current performance isn't up to par."

In recent times, Honda's initiatives in MotoGP and Formula 1 have been grouped under the HRC label, a move that Puig indicates the motorcycle sector is attempting to benefit from.

"He emphasized the need for a distinction, affirming that while Honda is indeed achieving success in Formula 1, it's crucial to recognize that a car and a motorcycle are fundamentally different."

"Honda provides the engines, while Red Bull boasts an impressive team responsible for designing the car."

"In this instance, Honda is responsible for the complete management of the motorcycle. This approach is distinct, yet both fall within the scope of HRC."

"We're making efforts to leverage the opportunities presented by F1, exploring how we can establish connections with what it has to offer."

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Motorcycle racing icon Valentino Rossi will compete in the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour race

Rossi makes a comeback to the renowned Australian endurance race

The WRT BMW team has revealed that renowned MotoGP star Valentino Rossi will participate in the Bathurst 12 Hour race as part of his 2025 motorsport schedule.

Rossi announced earlier this month his intention to concentrate his BMW factory efforts on the LMGT3 category in the World Endurance Championship.

Last season, he participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe with the WRT team. However, he found the number of races overwhelming, especially considering his family obligations and his intention to increase his involvement in MotoGP this year.

Discover more: A closer look at Valentino Rossi's pursuit of his elusive tenth world championship

Last year, Rossi announced his plans to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, which is a segment of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, although it hadn't been officially confirmed.

WRT has officially announced that Rossi will be making a comeback to the race, driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. He will be teaming up with Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weertz.

Previously, Rossi participated in the event as a member of the WRT team during 2023 and 2024. His highest achievement came in the previous year, securing a fifth-place finish overall. At that time, he was co-driving a BMW alongside Marciello and Maxime

In a one-on-one conversation with Crash.net, WRT team leader Vincent Vosse revealed that talks are currently in progress with Rossi regarding participation in several GT races beyond the eight-event WEC schedule.

"He mentioned that there are a few concepts and proposals in consideration, but nothing has been finalized yet."

"However, there are certainly specific races that he finds particularly enjoyable. On those weekends, he's really passionate about participating."

Rossi entered the World Endurance Championship for the first time last year, securing two top-three finishes in the #46 vehicle alongside Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy.

In 2025, he is set to join forces again with Al Harthy, as Kelvin van der Linde, a two-time Nurburgring 24 Hours champion, steps in to take Martin's place in the team.

Vosse, in a statement to Crash, regarding Rossi's decision to prioritize the World Endurance Championship (WEC) over the GT World Challenge Europe, explained: "This choice stems from various factors such as his age, personal life, and career status. Additionally, his business and MotoGP team, VR46, are expanding."

"This year, it seems like they'll require some extra focus since they're welcoming a new member to the squad [Franco Morbidelli], marking what could be considered a fresh chapter for the team."

Vale has also embarked on a new chapter in his life with the arrival of his second child just a few days ago.

"Likely, he believes that the previous year he overextended himself with the number of racing events he participated in."

"Thus, he aimed to decrease the amount of weekends, and it was up to us to determine the most suitable option for him."

"After having a conversation, we concluded that WEC would indeed be an excellent opportunity for him."

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Might 2025 herald the rise of MotoGP's lesser-known Marquez?

While Marc Marquez's move to factory Ducati grabs headlines, his sibling could emerge as an unexpected contender.

It's surprising to think that by the 2025 season, Alex Marquez will have completed his sixth year competing in MotoGP.

In 2020, he was recruited into the top division, taking over for Jorge Lorenzo in the factory Honda team. This move was quickly overshadowed by the chaos brought on by the COVID pandemic, and further turmoil ensued when his teammate, who is also his elder brother, Marc Marquez, suffered a severe arm injury during the first race of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.

When the former 2019 Moto2 and 2014 Moto3 world champion advanced to MotoGP, expectations for his performance were low. His entry into the competition was confirmed shortly after Lorenzo declared he would be retiring, having completed only one year of a two-year agreement with Honda. Moreover, the revelation in February 2020 of Marc Marquez’s major four-year deal implied that Honda Racing Corporation's acquisition of his younger sibling was a condition tied to the contract of the eight-time world champion.

Additionally, he faced the challenge of riding the motorcycle that essentially concluded the career of three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo and resulted in Dani Pedrosa's first season without a victory during his last race in 2018. Alex Marquez found himself in a less than desirable position.

After Honda's designated test rider was out due to an injury, he had to quickly adapt without much guidance. Impressively, he performed well, managing to secure podium finishes at both the French GP and Aragon GP. He stood out as the only Honda competitor to make it to the podium that year.

In 2020, despite a reduced calendar, he managed to rack up 74 points. However, over the next two seasons with LCR Honda, struggles with the bike's performance often left him unable to reach those levels. By 2022, he opted to leave and pursue a fresh opportunity with the Gresini Ducati team.

Switching teams turned out to be a brilliant strategy, as he clinched two victories in sprints and landed on the podium twice in grands prix, propelling him to an all-time high of ninth place in the rankings with 177 points. Nevertheless, the GP23 bike he competed on the previous year presented challenges in terms of adjustment and was noticeably inferior to the GP24. As a result, Marquez secured just a single podium finish but still finished eighth in the overall standings, amassing 173 points.

Despite a slight dip, his average points per race merely decreased from 8.85 to 8.65 in 2024. Moreover, in the 16 races he completed last season, he only placed outside the top 10 on two occasions. His reliability has been a significant advantage for Gresini, helping the team to secure a sixth-place finish in the team rankings in 2023 and climb to third in 2024, benefitting from a surge in performance under Marc Marquez's leadership.

Is it Alex Marquez's Moment in the Spotlight?

As his elder sibling grabbed the spotlight in a year focused on reviving his career, Alex Marquez acknowledges he faced significant pressure but didn't falter because of it.

"He mentioned at Gresini's 2025 unveiling last weekend that it isn't a matter of Marc going excessively far, as he will be merely one garage down from us, either on our left or right, yet it signifies a change."

"I've mentioned repeatedly that Marc's presence in the garage brings both advantages and disadvantages. At the start of last year, the atmosphere in the garage was tense due to elevated expectations."

"However, Marc contributed significantly with his vast experience, and from the outset, he emerged as a guiding force. He enlightened us on numerous aspects. The lessons he imparted are something we must leverage this year, as he propelled us forward as a team."

The excitement surrounding Gresini is expected to diminish in 2025 following Marc Marquez's move to the official Ducati team. However, under Nadia Padovani's leadership, the team views Alex as the right person to take the helm. With a deal lasting until the close of 2026, he will be responsible for fast-tracking Fermin Aldeguer's transition into MotoGP as a newcomer.

It might be tempting to dismissively label Alex as merely a remnant of the Marquez legacy at Gresini, but he has productively utilized his tenure with his sibling. Moreover, it's important to acknowledge that Marc's self-described 'comeback' season could not have been achieved without the influential encouragement from his junior brother.

"He acknowledged gaining substantial knowledge from Marc and expressed confidence in gaining insights from Fermin too," he remarked. "However, since he's new to the team, I embrace the role of being the team's guiding figure, the person expected to deliver performance. For a standalone team, achieving results every weekend is crucial for television exposure and sponsor visibility. This role is something I enjoy and it significantly drives my motivation."

However, it shouldn't be assumed that Alex Marquez will attempt to emulate Marc entirely in 2025, now that he has returned to lead Gresini. Although he values the support from his brother, Alex mentioned to the author previously that he had to limit Marc's guidance during his first season, as it started to overwhelm him.

Gresini has set high goals for the GP24 this season, aiming for top-five finishes in every race. Alex Marquez has begun to consistently achieve these impressive results in the final stages of a challenging 2024 season.

Securing fifth position in the Thai GP sprint, he continued his strong performance with two fourth-place results in Malaysia, and matched his efforts with a fifth in the sprint and a fourth in the main race at the season's conclusion in Barcelona. This achievement signified his first entry into the top five since securing a third-place finish at the German GP the previous July, where he stood on the podium just behind Marc Marquez, marking the first time in 27 years that brothers shared a MotoGP podium.

The late-season rally occurred because they focused on their tasks and their space without any pressure, which has left him optimistic about securing his initial MotoGP grand prix victory in 2025, believing there are "numerous opportunities" ahead.

At this point, it's uncertain how significant the improvements will be with Ducati's GP25 model. However, Marquez's initial experience with the GP24 during the Barcelona test in November was exceptionally promising, as he led the field in timing.

He mentioned that each time he pushed the GP24, it improved significantly, unlike the GP23, which was hindered by issues with entering corners.

The beginning of the 2025 campaign is set to be a pivotal moment for Gresini and Marquez. Armed with a fully developed and finely-tuned GP24, they will have their best opportunity to outperform their factory competitors during the initial rounds of the season.

As attention focuses on his sibling's transition to Ducati and the anticipated rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez is set to deliver his most impressive season so far in MotoGP…

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Haas names first female race engineer in F1 following significant organizational changes

Laura Muller achieves groundbreaking advancement as Haas's first female race engineer in F1.

Haas has named Laura Muller as the inaugural woman race engineer in Formula 1.

Muller, who became part of the American team in 2022, is set to collaborate with recent addition Esteban Ocon in the 2025 season after moving from Alpine.

The elevation of the 33-year-old from Germany to a performance engineer position represents a significant milestone in Formula 1.

"Selecting Laura wasn't based on her being a woman. Our focus isn't on nationality or gender; those factors are irrelevant," explained Ayao Komatsu, the Haas team principal.

"The essential aspects are your performance, your ability to integrate with the group, and your potential to enhance overall productivity – and in my opinion, Ronan and Laura are the optimal selections."

In the upcoming season, Oliver Bearman, a newcomer to Formula 1, will have Ronan O’Hare as his race engineer. O’Hare brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a performance engineer at both Williams and the NIO Formula E team, in addition to his engineering positions at Racing Bulls and Mercedes.

Haas is set to welcome its inaugural chief of race strategy, a position to be filled by Carine Cridelich. She will assume her new role on March 1, following her departure from Racing Bulls.

In a significant reshuffle of their race team personnel before the upcoming season, Haas has welcomed former Toyota, Sauber, and Marussia engineer Francesco Nenci to take on the role of chief race engineer.

Nenci was last employed by Audi's Dakar Rally initiative.

Before assuming the role of team principal last year, a position that saw him succeed Guenther Steiner, Komatsu had occupied this role.

Mark Lowe has advanced in his career, moving up from managing the operations team to the position of

Discussing the reasons behind the overhaul at Haas, Komatsu stated: "I believed that last year, one of the team's most significant shortcomings was its performance at the track. As the car's competitiveness increased, this flaw became even more apparent."

As the year came to a close, our car ranked as the fifth quickest. However, when it came to overall performance, we were positioned to secure the sixth place in the constructors' standings, yet we fell short of achieving that.

"A significant issue was our failure to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities during the race operations. Therefore, a substantial improvement was necessary."

In the previous year's constructors' championship, Haas secured the seventh spot, amassing a total of 58 points. Initially, they seemed poised to claim the sixth position until Alpine made a strong comeback towards the season's end.

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Lewis Hamilton may team up with Angela Cullen at Ferrari amid ongoing speculation for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen are gearing up to reunite at Ferrari.

A recent publication by the Daily Mail reveals that Cullen is set to join forces again with Hamilton, as the seven-time world champion begins his latest endeavor in Italy.

During his tenure at Mercedes, Cullen earned a place in Hamilton's close-knit group, serving as his personal physiotherapist.

The Kiwi remained a constant presence with Hamilton throughout Formula 1 events from 2016 to 2023, until her unexpected departure.

Cullen and Hamilton ended their association just before the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Since that time, Cullen has been observed collaborating in IndyCar with fellow countryman from New Zealand, Marcus Armstrong.

Speculation about Cullen teaming up with Hamilton once again is hardly a recent development.

At the beginning of the month, rumors reached a fever pitch when Cullen and Hamilton shared images on Instagram showing them engaging in winter sports amidst the snowy peaks.

Despite the lack of proof that they traveled together, Cullen fueled speculation by featuring a ‘44’ flag in the backdrop of her picture.

Not long afterward, Cullen turned off her Instagram account.

It appears that Cullen is set to make a comeback to Formula 1 as Hamilton makes the groundbreaking switch to Ferrari.

According to the document, Cullen will remain in Fiorano, situated a short distance from the main entrance of the Scuderia.

Hamilton has consistently praised Cullen for her significant contribution to his Formula 1 career.

"After she left, Hamilton remarked, “Angela has stood with me for the past seven years, constantly encouraging me to reach my full potential."

"Her influence has made me both a more formidable competitor and a more improved individual. Thus, today I invite you to join me in extending our heartfelt wishes for success as she embarks on her journey to achieve her aspirations."

"I appreciate all you've done, Ang. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for you."

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Ferrari Unveils Alternate Strategy for Lewis Hamilton's Initial F1 Trial in Case of Inclement Weather

Should adverse weather conditions interfere, Ferrari is prepared to relocate Lewis Hamilton's inaugural Formula 1 test to an alternative location.

According to reports, Ferrari plans to relocate Lewis Hamilton's initial Formula 1 test with the team from their traditional Fiorano testing grounds should adverse weather conditions disrupt their scheduled plans.

Hamilton is anticipated to pilot a 2023 F1 vehicle at Fiorano, situated near Ferrari's renowned Maranello base, on Wednesday. However, the precise date and place are still dependent on weather conditions.

According to sources in Italy and on F1.com, Ferrari is prepared with contingency plans due to the expected harsh weather conditions in the Modena region this week.

Should the adverse circumstances persist, Ferrari possesses the flexibility to change the location to either Imola or Mugello on relatively short notice.

Ferrari is making efforts to maintain secrecy around Hamilton's initial test, aiming to prevent a surge of fans from gathering at the specific location.

Hamilton's examination will be part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) initiative, with Ferrari also reportedly reserving the Barcelona track for extra sessions later this month.

The seven-time world champion eagerly made his first visit to Ferrari's Formula 1 manufacturing facility in Maranello on Monday.

On his initial day, Hamilton engaged with top executives, which included meetings with Ferrari's CEO Benedetto Vigna, chairman John Elkann, and team principal Fred Vasseur.

The 40-year-old British individual also had an encounter with Piero Ferrari, the offspring of the iconic founder of Ferrari, Enzo, and started familiarizing himself with both the factory and the team.

Hamilton will continue exploring different departments on Tuesday, ahead of taking to the track in a vintage Ferrari model.

"In a message shared on Instagram, he expressed, 'Certain days are unforgettable, and today, marking my debut as a Ferrari driver, is certainly one of those.'"

Throughout my career, I've reached milestones that once seemed beyond my reach. Yet, a portion of me always clung to the aspiration of racing clad in red. Today, I'm overjoyed to see that vision come to life.

"Today marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the saga of this legendary team, and I'm eager to discover the narrative we'll craft collectively."

In another message, Hamilton expressed his appreciation, saying, "I’m thankful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, and Fred Vasseur for placing their faith in me and welcoming me into this family."

I'm thrilled to embark on this new journey and to collaborate with an incredibly skilled and motivating team, who have greeted me warmly.

"I am committed to giving my all in contributing to the team, the broader organization, and our supporters."

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How is Lewis Hamilton spending his second day at Ferrari?

Lewis Hamilton is ongoing with his preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season at Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton's initial week representing Ferrari in Formula 1 progresses as he gears up for his first track appearance with the squad.

Monday marked a significant moment for Hamilton and the world of racing when the seven-time world champion was captured in a photo outside the legendary former residence of Enzo Ferrari in Maranello.

Hamilton had the chance to interact with the Tifosi for the first time – the passionate fans of Ferrari – who went into a frenzy upon seeing their latest star driver for the first time.

On his initial day with Ferrari, he had the opportunity to meet with the team's principal, Frederic Vasseur, as well as Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna

Hamilton was also spotted alongside Ferrari chairman John Elkann, the individual credited for recruiting F1's top driver to Ferrari.

Subsequently, Hamilton engaged with different sections of Ferrari's engineering crew, initiating connections with the individuals responsible for the groundwork.

Hamilton's integration into Ferrari progresses into its second day

On his second visit to the facility, Hamilton will further acclimate to his new team.

According to Autoracer, the second day will involve meetings focused on technical aspects and briefings in preparation for the upcoming season.

This is expected to provide Hamilton with an opportunity to get acquainted with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

Previously, Adami served as the race engineer for Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, marking the conclusion of Hamilton's extended collaboration with Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington.

The upcoming gatherings are crucial because Hamilton is scheduled to pilot Ferrari's 2022 Formula 1 contender at the Fiorano track on Wednesday.

Today marks a significant milestone for Hamilton as he takes the wheel for Ferrari for the very first time.

As this marks Hamilton's initial experience behind the wheel of a modern F1 vehicle not powered by a Mercedes engine, it will serve as a valuable opportunity for him to acclimate to his new team and brush up on his skills.

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Pair of F1 newcomers poised for significant track experience during extended Imola trial

Key circuit experience scheduled for a duo from F1's 2025 batch of rookies.

Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto are set to gain crucial initial track experience at Imola this week before making their Formula 1 debuts.

According to Motorsport, this is due to the Racing Bulls and Sauber teams scheduling several days of testing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix location during this week.

Racing Bulls is set to conduct a three-day trial where newcomer Hadjar will take the wheel of their 2023 AT04, sharing the track with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

In the meantime, Sauber is set to team up with Racing Bulls on the Imola circuit starting Wednesday. They're bringing in recent recruit Nico Hulkenberg along with Formula 2's latest champion, Bortoleto, who will be making his first Formula 1 appearance. Both will be taking turns driving their 2022 model, the C42

The Racing Bulls team has scheduled their runs for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while Sauber will be participating on Wednesday and Thursday.

Hulkenberg and Bortoleto initiated their integration with their new team at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, where they took the 2024 car for a spin.

For Hadjar and Bortoleto, the Imola event offers extra time on the track to familiarize themselves with F1 cars as they prepare for their debut seasons in the championship.

The evaluations will be conducted under Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) policy, permitting teams to operate a vehicle that is a minimum of two years old. This can be done for up to 1000 kilometers across four days, specifically for drivers who regularly compete in grand prix events.

Hamilton Begins Testing with Ferrari

Ferrari is utilizing the regulation to assist their new recruit, Lewis Hamilton, in acclimating quickly.

The seven-time world champion made his eagerly-awaited debut at Ferrari's renowned F1 base in Maranello on Monday.

Hamilton is anticipated to have his first outing with Ferrari this Wednesday at the Fiorano test track, although the specific date and place for the test are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Joining Hamilton, Charles Leclerc is also expected to get behind the wheel of Ferrari's F1-75 model from the 2022 season, or alternatively, pilot the team's vehicle for the 2023 season.

The 2023 model is the latest version of Ferrari that is allowed under the Formula 1 testing regulations.

For the first time in his 18-year Formula 1 career, Hamilton will drive a car that doesn't feature a Mercedes engine.

Inclement weather conditions may lead Ferrari to consider a last-minute change of venue to either Imola or Mugello, both circuits being owned by the Scuderia.

Imola is expected to experience rain, which might limit track time for Racing Bulls and Sauber.

The squads are set to return to the track for the official Formula 1 pre-season trials scheduled to occur in Bahrain from February 26th to 28th.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. Known for his on-site reporting, Lewis shares insights and narratives about the key figures in the sport.

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