In the traditional Aston Martin team preview, team ambassador and racing veteran Pedro de la Rosa talked about a driver's feelings during the start...
Pedro de la Rosa: "Before the start, you feel the power of the cars around you particularly vividly. It's a special moment, filled with the energy of the people and the engines.
In this moment, it's just you and the car. Headphones on, helmet on, visor down. Silence. Only the vibration tells you that there's a tremendous force behind you. You engage first gear and wait for the lights.
The first signal lights up. You rev up to 11,000 RPM. Then the second light. The third. The only thing that matters now is the traffic lights. And then, the lights go out.
You release the clutch to about 70-80 percent. The car lunges forward. The difficulty lies in holding the throttle in the right position when the 2.5g of G-force pushes you back, pulling your foot off the pedal.
In the first 10 meters after the start, you need to maintain your throttle position.
Pedro de la Rosa: "Before the start, you feel the power of the cars around you particularly vividly. It's a special moment, filled with the energy of the people and the engines.
In this moment, it's just you and the car. Headphones on, helmet on, visor down. Silence. Only the vibration tells you that there's a tremendous force behind you. You engage first gear and wait for the lights.
The first signal lights up. You rev up to 11,000 RPM. Then the second light. The third. The only thing that matters now is the traffic lights. And then, the lights go out.
You release the clutch to about 70-80 percent. The car lunges forward. The difficulty lies in holding the throttle in the right position when the 2.5g of G-force pushes you back, pulling your foot off the pedal.
In the first 10 meters after the start, you need to maintain your throttle position.
This weekend in the central part of the Mojave Desert, where Las Vegas is located, it will be warm during the day and cold at night when the main sessions take place, but not as critical as many expected.
On Thursday night, the temperature will drop to +11C, on Friday to +14C, and on Saturday to +10C. No precipitation is expected.
If the stage had taken place a week later, the temperature at night would have dropped to 5 degrees.
On Thursday night, the temperature will drop to +11C, on Friday to +14C, and on Saturday to +10C. No precipitation is expected.
If the stage had taken place a week later, the temperature at night would have dropped to 5 degrees.
Brembo company has released a video about the point of the most severe braking on the Las Vegas track.
Before the 14th turn, the racers will reduce their speed from 334 to 128 km/h in 2.19 seconds over a distance of 120 meters, experiencing a maximum overload of 4.5 g. The maximum force on the brake pedal will be 143 kg with a braking power of 2566 kW.
Before the 14th turn, the racers will reduce their speed from 334 to 128 km/h in 2.19 seconds over a distance of 120 meters, experiencing a maximum overload of 4.5 g. The maximum force on the brake pedal will be 143 kg with a braking power of 2566 kW.
Alonso: I hate to lose - I always will.
Today on the streaming platform DAZN premiered a two-part documentary dedicated to Fernando Alonso - a detailed story about the sports biography of the two-time world champion and his achievements. Alonso is talked about in the movie by many people who have known him for a long time and well: Pedro de la Rosa, Tony Cucerella (former chief engineer at Ferrari), Rob Smedley (former Formula 1 technical advisor), Paul Monaghan (chief engineer at Red Bull Racing), Mike Crack and others. And here's what Alonso himself says about himself in the movie: "Everyone knows me as a driver, but very few know me as Fernando. And I want to keep it that way, because each of us has its own private life, habits and preferences, his sense of humor, and all this is very personal ...
Today on the streaming platform DAZN premiered a two-part documentary dedicated to Fernando Alonso - a detailed story about the sports biography of the two-time world champion and his achievements. Alonso is talked about in the movie by many people who have known him for a long time and well: Pedro de la Rosa, Tony Cucerella (former chief engineer at Ferrari), Rob Smedley (former Formula 1 technical advisor), Paul Monaghan (chief engineer at Red Bull Racing), Mike Crack and others. And here's what Alonso himself says about himself in the movie: "Everyone knows me as a driver, but very few know me as Fernando. And I want to keep it that way, because each of us has its own private life, habits and preferences, his sense of humor, and all this is very personal ...
Toto Wolff: Cadillac's entry fee is too small
The Cadillac factory team is scheduled to debut in Formula 1 in 2026. The new entrant must pay an entry fee of $450 million, which will be distributed among all current teams to compensate for the loss of part of the prize money due to the appearance of the eleventh team. The head of Mercedes Toto Wolff called this amount of the entry fee is insufficient. Toto Wolff: "First of all it should be noted that we will lose with the appearance of a new team. We do not know how much Cadillac invests in Formula 1. The entry fee, which will go to compensate, is currently $450 million, and is too small. It doesn't make up for the direct loss of revenue. Only time will tell how valuable the arrival of an eleventh team will be to Formula 1. If the value of the sport increases, we will all benefit. But at the moment we don't know whether that will be the case or not.
The Cadillac factory team is scheduled to debut in Formula 1 in 2026. The new entrant must pay an entry fee of $450 million, which will be distributed among all current teams to compensate for the loss of part of the prize money due to the appearance of the eleventh team. The head of Mercedes Toto Wolff called this amount of the entry fee is insufficient. Toto Wolff: "First of all it should be noted that we will lose with the appearance of a new team. We do not know how much Cadillac invests in Formula 1. The entry fee, which will go to compensate, is currently $450 million, and is too small. It doesn't make up for the direct loss of revenue. Only time will tell how valuable the arrival of an eleventh team will be to Formula 1. If the value of the sport increases, we will all benefit. But at the moment we don't know whether that will be the case or not.
Williams' top ten drivers with the most starts
In 2025 in the career of Carlos Sainz begins a new chapter - he became a racer Williams, and with his arrival the British team has great hopes. They will come true, they will not come true - there is no point in guessing, but the press service of Williams, obviously, hopes that Carlos will stay for a long time, so he compiled a list of ten drivers who spent in the team, founded by Frank Williams, the largest number of starts.
For all this time, cars Williams piloted 56 drivers, someone became a champion, someone's successes were more modest, but, of course, all of those who were included in this top ten, in different years won races or at least climbed the podium. Although not all managed to do it together with the team from Grove. This peculiar excursion into the history of Williams begins with the racer, whose name in this list occurs twice. 10.
In 2025 in the career of Carlos Sainz begins a new chapter - he became a racer Williams, and with his arrival the British team has great hopes. They will come true, they will not come true - there is no point in guessing, but the press service of Williams, obviously, hopes that Carlos will stay for a long time, so he compiled a list of ten drivers who spent in the team, founded by Frank Williams, the largest number of starts.
For all this time, cars Williams piloted 56 drivers, someone became a champion, someone's successes were more modest, but, of course, all of those who were included in this top ten, in different years won races or at least climbed the podium. Although not all managed to do it together with the team from Grove. This peculiar excursion into the history of Williams begins with the racer, whose name in this list occurs twice. 10.
Finnish press laments that Keke Rosberg is undeservedly forgotten
Yesterday, we published a compiled by Williams ten drivers who spent at the wheel of cars of this British team the largest number of starts, and on the tenth line in this list is the name of Keke Rosberg, the first Finnish driver of Formula 1, in 1982 became world champion.
Williams press service gave such a characteristic of Rosberg-senior: "Keke was famous for a dashing manner of piloting, unbridled courage and business acumen ..." Last December, he turned 76, and this week in Finland, where he spent his childhood and youth, and where in the early 70's he achieved his first victories, once again was composed of five athletes whose names are included in the symbolic "Hall of Fame" of national sport. But Keke Rosberg's name is not in it.
Yesterday, we published a compiled by Williams ten drivers who spent at the wheel of cars of this British team the largest number of starts, and on the tenth line in this list is the name of Keke Rosberg, the first Finnish driver of Formula 1, in 1982 became world champion.
Williams press service gave such a characteristic of Rosberg-senior: "Keke was famous for a dashing manner of piloting, unbridled courage and business acumen ..." Last December, he turned 76, and this week in Finland, where he spent his childhood and youth, and where in the early 70's he achieved his first victories, once again was composed of five athletes whose names are included in the symbolic "Hall of Fame" of national sport. But Keke Rosberg's name is not in it.
Villeneuve: Hopefully Lawson will be able to press Max.
Jacques Villeneuve believes that Liam Lawson does not intend to put up with the status of the number two driver in the team Red Bull Racing, although its unconditional leader is Max Verstappen. Despite the fact that the 22-year-old New Zealander has so far spent only 11 races in Formula 1, in 2025, he became the new partner of the four-time world champion.
Christian Horner, head of Red Bull Racing, has repeatedly noted such a quality Lawson, as psychological resilience, which should help him to avoid the fate of Pierre Gasly, Alex Elbon, and now also Sergio Perez. All these racers at different times were partners of Max, but did not withstand competition with the Dutchman.
Jacques Villeneuve believes that Liam Lawson does not intend to put up with the status of the number two driver in the team Red Bull Racing, although its unconditional leader is Max Verstappen. Despite the fact that the 22-year-old New Zealander has so far spent only 11 races in Formula 1, in 2025, he became the new partner of the four-time world champion.
Christian Horner, head of Red Bull Racing, has repeatedly noted such a quality Lawson, as psychological resilience, which should help him to avoid the fate of Pierre Gasly, Alex Elbon, and now also Sergio Perez. All these racers at different times were partners of Max, but did not withstand competition with the Dutchman.
Audi has finalized the acquisition of Sauber
Audi has confirmed that ahead of the 2025 season, the deal to acquire the assets of the Swiss team Sauber has been fully completed. In 2026 in Formula 1 will debut in the factory team of this German automaker, which was announced back in August 2022, and if initially Audi was going to be limited to only a share of 75% of Sauber, then the plans changed, and last March it became known about the intention to fully buy the team. Now the management of Audi has confirmed that these plans have been realized in early 2025. The parameters of the deal are not named, but according to experts it should be at the level of 600 million euros. "As planned, in January 2025, the full acquisition of the assets of Sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was finalized," reads the official statement. - In the first days of the year, Audi took the next important step on the road to Formula 1.
Audi has confirmed that ahead of the 2025 season, the deal to acquire the assets of the Swiss team Sauber has been fully completed. In 2026 in Formula 1 will debut in the factory team of this German automaker, which was announced back in August 2022, and if initially Audi was going to be limited to only a share of 75% of Sauber, then the plans changed, and last March it became known about the intention to fully buy the team. Now the management of Audi has confirmed that these plans have been realized in early 2025. The parameters of the deal are not named, but according to experts it should be at the level of 600 million euros. "As planned, in January 2025, the full acquisition of the assets of Sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was finalized," reads the official statement. - In the first days of the year, Audi took the next important step on the road to Formula 1.
Ferrari and UniCredit will hold a presentation in Milan in March
In September last year, it was announced the beginning of a long-term partnership between Ferrari and UniCredit, an international banking group headquartered in Milan. But then the details of this cooperation, which was to begin in 2025, were not disclosed. Recently, Ferrari and UniCredit held a joint press conference in Milan, where representatives of the management of both parties told about the joint program in more detail. This includes a major presentation in March in the same city to mark the new partnership, highlighting that it begins in the year when Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, will now drive for Ferrari after becoming Charles Leclair's new teammate.
In September last year, it was announced the beginning of a long-term partnership between Ferrari and UniCredit, an international banking group headquartered in Milan. But then the details of this cooperation, which was to begin in 2025, were not disclosed. Recently, Ferrari and UniCredit held a joint press conference in Milan, where representatives of the management of both parties told about the joint program in more detail. This includes a major presentation in March in the same city to mark the new partnership, highlighting that it begins in the year when Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, will now drive for Ferrari after becoming Charles Leclair's new teammate.
Alonso: I hope I can still get on the podium.
The season is less than two months away: the Australian Grand Prix will take place in Melbourne on March 16. For Fernando Alonso it will be his 20th race in Albert Park - in 2006 he celebrated a victory there, when he was still playing for Renault, and in total climbed on the podium at the end of the Australian stage 6 times. The previous time it was relatively recently, in 2023, but now the two-time world champion warned fans in advance that does not connect special expectations with the upcoming season. Important changes, which are taking place in Aston Martin F1, can give effect only after some time. Andy Cowell was recently appointed as the new head of the team, and Mike Crack is now responsible only for the work of the racing team; Bob Bell took the post of executive technical director, Enrique Cardile was appointed chief technical director.
The season is less than two months away: the Australian Grand Prix will take place in Melbourne on March 16. For Fernando Alonso it will be his 20th race in Albert Park - in 2006 he celebrated a victory there, when he was still playing for Renault, and in total climbed on the podium at the end of the Australian stage 6 times. The previous time it was relatively recently, in 2023, but now the two-time world champion warned fans in advance that does not connect special expectations with the upcoming season. Important changes, which are taking place in Aston Martin F1, can give effect only after some time. Andy Cowell was recently appointed as the new head of the team, and Mike Crack is now responsible only for the work of the racing team; Bob Bell took the post of executive technical director, Enrique Cardile was appointed chief technical director.
Pato O'Ward on how the FIA didn't give him a super license
Mexican driver Pato O'Ward, who drives for McLaren in IndyCar, has revealed how he signed a contract with Red Bull to drive for Toro Rosso in 2019, but the FIA revoked the super license already approved for him. According to Pato, the super license was granted to him by Charlie Whiting, the former FIA race director who passed away in March that year just before the start of the season. "In fact Helmut Marko signed a contract with me. I put my signature on the contract that was going to be the basis for me to compete in Formula 1, getting a seat at Toro Rosso at the end of 2019," O'Ward recalled, taking part in the Creativo podcast. - But Charlie Whiting, who had already approved the granting of my superlicense, died that year. And the FIA didn't want to give me a license because I had to take the place of the French driver.
Mexican driver Pato O'Ward, who drives for McLaren in IndyCar, has revealed how he signed a contract with Red Bull to drive for Toro Rosso in 2019, but the FIA revoked the super license already approved for him. According to Pato, the super license was granted to him by Charlie Whiting, the former FIA race director who passed away in March that year just before the start of the season. "In fact Helmut Marko signed a contract with me. I put my signature on the contract that was going to be the basis for me to compete in Formula 1, getting a seat at Toro Rosso at the end of 2019," O'Ward recalled, taking part in the Creativo podcast. - But Charlie Whiting, who had already approved the granting of my superlicense, died that year. And the FIA didn't want to give me a license because I had to take the place of the French driver.
Max Verstappen became the owner of a $15 million yacht.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion of the last four years, tops the list of the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers: according to Forbes, his fees amount to $60 million a year, and that's not counting bonuses.
Of course, with such fees he can afford not only the most expensive supercars, but also a private jet, and recently became the owner of a superyacht, which received a somewhat pretentious name Unleash the Lion, which can be translated as "Unchain the Lion". 33-meter long vessel cost the Red Bull Racing driver $15 million. - Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet did not advertise their visit to the shipyard when the shipbuilders launched the yacht, and the ceremony was attended only by Overmarine employees, the security service of the shipyard and literally a few close friends of the racer.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion of the last four years, tops the list of the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers: according to Forbes, his fees amount to $60 million a year, and that's not counting bonuses.
Of course, with such fees he can afford not only the most expensive supercars, but also a private jet, and recently became the owner of a superyacht, which received a somewhat pretentious name Unleash the Lion, which can be translated as "Unchain the Lion". 33-meter long vessel cost the Red Bull Racing driver $15 million. - Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet did not advertise their visit to the shipyard when the shipbuilders launched the yacht, and the ceremony was attended only by Overmarine employees, the security service of the shipyard and literally a few close friends of the racer.
Aston Martin F1 must prepare for Newey's arrival
In the new management structure of Aston Martin F1, Mike Crack is the race director, i.e. he is not in charge of the whole team, but only the team working on the races. In an interview with RacingNews365, he shared his opinion on what will be the most difficult task for the team when Adrian Newey starts as "managing technical partner" on March 3, whatever that means. In addition, Newey is now among the shareholders of Aston Martin. According to Mike Krak, in order for the talent and capabilities of the aerodynamic genius to truly unfold, the team must create the conditions for his effective work. "This is the main problem for Adrian, wouldn't you agree?" reasoned Krak. - Krak reasoned. - At the same time, he always succeeds, and from his arrival in Aston Martin no one expects anything else.
In the new management structure of Aston Martin F1, Mike Crack is the race director, i.e. he is not in charge of the whole team, but only the team working on the races. In an interview with RacingNews365, he shared his opinion on what will be the most difficult task for the team when Adrian Newey starts as "managing technical partner" on March 3, whatever that means. In addition, Newey is now among the shareholders of Aston Martin. According to Mike Krak, in order for the talent and capabilities of the aerodynamic genius to truly unfold, the team must create the conditions for his effective work. "This is the main problem for Adrian, wouldn't you agree?" reasoned Krak. - Krak reasoned. - At the same time, he always succeeds, and from his arrival in Aston Martin no one expects anything else.
Emerson Fittipaldi thinks McLaren are the favorites
Emerson Fittipaldi, the legendary Brazilian racer, believes that the favorites in 2025 will be the team McLaren, while Red Bull Racing will continue to have difficulties, and Lewis Hamilton will need some time to adapt to Ferrari. Although Max Verstappen became world champion for the fourth time, closer to the middle of the season began problems with the car RB20, its behavior became too unstable, and Sergio Perez was no longer able to cope with it - as a result, the team had to part with the Mexican. But even Max had a period lasting 10 races, when he could not win, and such has not been since 2020. "The main favorites I consider McLaren - said Fittipaldi in an interview with the British radio station talkSPORT.
Emerson Fittipaldi, the legendary Brazilian racer, believes that the favorites in 2025 will be the team McLaren, while Red Bull Racing will continue to have difficulties, and Lewis Hamilton will need some time to adapt to Ferrari. Although Max Verstappen became world champion for the fourth time, closer to the middle of the season began problems with the car RB20, its behavior became too unstable, and Sergio Perez was no longer able to cope with it - as a result, the team had to part with the Mexican. But even Max had a period lasting 10 races, when he could not win, and such has not been since 2020. "The main favorites I consider McLaren - said Fittipaldi in an interview with the British radio station talkSPORT.
Max Verstappen on the difference between virtual and real racing
In the off-season Max Verstappen actively participates in cyber racing, and we told you about some of his adventures related to sim racing. This weekend, together with his team Team Redline, he participates in the virtual "24 Hours of Daytona" and shared his opinion on what is the main difference between this sport and real racing. Max Verstappen: "I think the main difference, of course, is that behind the wheel of a real car you are constantly experiencing overload - when accelerating, braking, when passing corners. In sim racing you don't feel any of that, especially since I use a static simulator at home, because it allows me to drive faster. When you deal with any dynamic simulators, you always get slower with them.
In the off-season Max Verstappen actively participates in cyber racing, and we told you about some of his adventures related to sim racing. This weekend, together with his team Team Redline, he participates in the virtual "24 Hours of Daytona" and shared his opinion on what is the main difference between this sport and real racing. Max Verstappen: "I think the main difference, of course, is that behind the wheel of a real car you are constantly experiencing overload - when accelerating, braking, when passing corners. In sim racing you don't feel any of that, especially since I use a static simulator at home, because it allows me to drive faster. When you deal with any dynamic simulators, you always get slower with them.
Last week the racing public discussed rumors, according to which in Aston Martin offered Max Verstappen a billion pounds sterling. In the team from Silverstone immediately denied these information, and now the word took the word of Red Bull consultant on motorsport Helmut Marko. Helmut Marko: "I do not comment on the content of the contract, but in any case, we are confident that we can provide Max a good car. Our engineers have already made good progress in the work, so we are optimistic. Max has a contract with us until the end of 2028. I am sure that everything will be fine, because I know how loyal and grateful to Red Bull. That's why he will play for Red Bull Racing in 2026 as a five-time world champion".
Last week the racing public discussed rumors, according to which in Aston Martin offered Max Verstappen a billion pounds sterling. In the team from Silverstone immediately denied these information, and now the word took the word of Red Bull consultant on motorsport Helmut Marko. Helmut Marko: "I do not comment on the content of the contract, but in any case, we are confident that we can provide Max a good car. Our engineers have already made good progress in the work, so we are optimistic. Max has a contract with us until the end of 2028. I am sure that everything will be fine, because I know how loyal and grateful to Red Bull. That's why he will play for Red Bull Racing in 2026 as a five-time world champion".
Last season, Lando Norris scored four wins and finished second in the individual standings. Rider McLaren said that such results gave him confidence in his abilities, and in 2025 he is ready to fight for the title with any rivals. Lando Norris: "I am very proud of my performances last season. I'm proud that under the pressure our team was under, I was able to prove myself. Yes, I made mistakes, but at the same time I learned from my mistakes. Before the start of the new season we have to say to ourselves: 'We have everything we need, we have the car'. I think I'm a good enough driver and I have all the qualities I need. I'm excited about the 2025 season because I know I've already learned a lot and made progress. Now I am ready to fight with everyone. I have lacked confidence in the past, but I have gained enough for 2024. I'm sure I'm a good enough rider to win the title in the upcoming season. And I will be able to give a fight to any opponent who wants to fight with me.
Oliver Oakes: Teams won't sacrifice the season
The 2025 season will be the last under the current technical regulations. The new machines will be an evolutionary development of last year's machines, and some teams are tempted to switch to 2026 preparations before their rivals do, to gain an advantage. Oliver Oakes, Alpine's team principal, believes that no one will write off the upcoming season, and if anyone says they will sacrifice 2025 results for success in 2026, it means that the team already realizes that the new machine is not fast enough. Oliver Oakes: "We would like to change a lot of things about the car, but we are limited in what we can do As a team principal, I have to decide whether I want to sacrifice 2025 and focus on preparing for 2026 and 2027. I don't believe anyone in Formula 1 is really ready to write off the upcoming season, as we all want to fight and everyone is working hard.
The 2025 season will be the last under the current technical regulations. The new machines will be an evolutionary development of last year's machines, and some teams are tempted to switch to 2026 preparations before their rivals do, to gain an advantage. Oliver Oakes, Alpine's team principal, believes that no one will write off the upcoming season, and if anyone says they will sacrifice 2025 results for success in 2026, it means that the team already realizes that the new machine is not fast enough. Oliver Oakes: "We would like to change a lot of things about the car, but we are limited in what we can do As a team principal, I have to decide whether I want to sacrifice 2025 and focus on preparing for 2026 and 2027. I don't believe anyone in Formula 1 is really ready to write off the upcoming season, as we all want to fight and everyone is working hard.
Team Ferrari continues testing on the track Fiorano. In the morning at the wheel of the car SF-23 worked Lewis Hamilton, and in the afternoon he was replaced by Charles Leclair. During the day Hamilton drove a total of 30 laps (89 kilometers) and several times worked out the start procedure. After completing his part of the program, Lewis, accompanied by several team officials, drove a "civilian" car to the track fence to greet the many fans gathered on the track, despite the bad weather. The seven-time world champion walked along the fence for a few minutes, smiling and waving to the tifosi. After a short pause, Charles Leclair took to the track. The Monegasque also greeted the spectators by spinning "donuts" in front of them. Then Charles switched to work on the Ferrari program, having passed 14 laps (42 kilometers). It is expected that the next time Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclair will return behind the wheel next week at the private tests in the Spanish Barcelona.