Norris wants it to be a little easier to win races
Lando Norris was already considered one of the title contenders last season and in the end lost to Max Verstappen not so much. But, in his opinion, to win the championship, in McLaren should try to make his task a little easier, so that to win races was not as difficult as last year. "I think, together with the team, we realize that now that we are fighting for victories, we would like to make it easier, - shared Norris, taking part in the World Economic Forum in Davos. - We want to continue to perform at this level, but in such a way that winning races will be easier than last year. The team remains as focused as possible, although we could easily relax, telling ourselves that we are good enough, and the task is completed.
Lando Norris was already considered one of the title contenders last season and in the end lost to Max Verstappen not so much. But, in his opinion, to win the championship, in McLaren should try to make his task a little easier, so that to win races was not as difficult as last year. "I think, together with the team, we realize that now that we are fighting for victories, we would like to make it easier, - shared Norris, taking part in the World Economic Forum in Davos. - We want to continue to perform at this level, but in such a way that winning races will be easier than last year. The team remains as focused as possible, although we could easily relax, telling ourselves that we are good enough, and the task is completed.
Vasser: Sainz is distinguished by his ability to adapt
With the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, a new chapter begins in Ferrari's history, but Frédéric Vasseur still remembers with gratitude the period of cooperation with Carlos Sainz. The Italian team principal was one of those approached for comments by the creators of the documentary about Fernando Alonso, which we told you about, but Vasseur also noted the other Spanish driver, who from 2025 will drive for Williams. "For us, the important thing was the influence of the human factor and their effective cooperation with Charles Leclair, but even more important was cooperation - Over the years he has been able to establish a good relationship with literally everyone. Carlos always gives 100%, and he is a very stable driver. For Ferrari this was a great advantage: when he showed not the highest results, it meant that it was about the car.
With the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, a new chapter begins in Ferrari's history, but Frédéric Vasseur still remembers with gratitude the period of cooperation with Carlos Sainz. The Italian team principal was one of those approached for comments by the creators of the documentary about Fernando Alonso, which we told you about, but Vasseur also noted the other Spanish driver, who from 2025 will drive for Williams. "For us, the important thing was the influence of the human factor and their effective cooperation with Charles Leclair, but even more important was cooperation - Over the years he has been able to establish a good relationship with literally everyone. Carlos always gives 100%, and he is a very stable driver. For Ferrari this was a great advantage: when he showed not the highest results, it meant that it was about the car.
Williams is very proud of the team's historical heritage
Williams is a team with a very rich history and by the number of Constructors' Cups won, it ranks second, second only to Ferrari. Jim Barker - one of those responsible for the restoration of historical equipment, told the official site of the championship, how difficult it is. "I started working at Williams when I was 19 years old, and now I'm over 50, so more than half of my life I have devoted to these cars, - said Jim. - I was lucky, I had a very close relationship with Frank Williams, and he was an amazing man. And although he is no longer with us, and the team belongs to other people, but for me the atmosphere in Williams remains the same. For us, the famous historical cars - the most important asset of the company, we are very proud of them, and working with them inspires us ...
Williams is a team with a very rich history and by the number of Constructors' Cups won, it ranks second, second only to Ferrari. Jim Barker - one of those responsible for the restoration of historical equipment, told the official site of the championship, how difficult it is. "I started working at Williams when I was 19 years old, and now I'm over 50, so more than half of my life I have devoted to these cars, - said Jim. - I was lucky, I had a very close relationship with Frank Williams, and he was an amazing man. And although he is no longer with us, and the team belongs to other people, but for me the atmosphere in Williams remains the same. For us, the famous historical cars - the most important asset of the company, we are very proud of them, and working with them inspires us ...
Krak: Last season was the best of Verstappen's career
Mike Crack, race director and former Aston Martin team principal, believes that the 2024 season was the best of Max Verstappen's career, as the world champion had to face serious difficulties, but he successfully overcame them. "Last season was probably his best season in our memory, because he became champion, although Red Bull Racing had a problematic car," Crack told RacingNews365. - It was seen with what serious difficulties at times faced Sergio Perez, because, in my opinion, the RB20 was not even second or third in speed. But Max showed a great example of piloting, and his champion qualities were manifested just when the real difficulties began.
Mike Crack, race director and former Aston Martin team principal, believes that the 2024 season was the best of Max Verstappen's career, as the world champion had to face serious difficulties, but he successfully overcame them. "Last season was probably his best season in our memory, because he became champion, although Red Bull Racing had a problematic car," Crack told RacingNews365. - It was seen with what serious difficulties at times faced Sergio Perez, because, in my opinion, the RB20 was not even second or third in speed. But Max showed a great example of piloting, and his champion qualities were manifested just when the real difficulties began.
McLaren is ready to reconcile the parties in the litigation with Palou
In McLaren Racing are preparing for a legal battle against Alex Palou, who is accused of breach of contractual obligations and filed a lawsuit against the champion IndyCar for $ 30 million. But, according to AP News, the British team is ready to go to the conciliation procedure, the so-called "mediation", if it is possible to agree with the lawyers of Palou.
This weekend Alex acts in the "24 Hours of Daytona" for the team Acura Meyer Shank Racing, although he was unlucky, on the fifth hour of the race on the hypercar #93 had serious technical problems. Palou signed a contract with McLaren in 2022, but did not honor it and continued to compete in IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing.
In McLaren Racing are preparing for a legal battle against Alex Palou, who is accused of breach of contractual obligations and filed a lawsuit against the champion IndyCar for $ 30 million. But, according to AP News, the British team is ready to go to the conciliation procedure, the so-called "mediation", if it is possible to agree with the lawyers of Palou.
This weekend Alex acts in the "24 Hours of Daytona" for the team Acura Meyer Shank Racing, although he was unlucky, on the fifth hour of the race on the hypercar #93 had serious technical problems. Palou signed a contract with McLaren in 2022, but did not honor it and continued to compete in IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Ayo Komatsu is impressed with Oliver Berman's mature approach
Oliver Berman is facing his first full season in Formula 1 with Haas, but the American team has no doubts about the potential of its debutant and that he is destined for a successful future.
Ayo Komatsu, head of Haas F1, likes the approach to business, characteristic of the young British driver, and it became obvious after the first practice, which Berman spent at the wheel of the car VF-23 on Friday before the Grand Prix of Mexico in the fall of 2023. "I immediately realized how good he is, - quotes Komatsu publication The Race. - And it's about all his qualities in combination, not just speed, and I've said that many times. I have seen many newcomers who spent Friday training and drove fast, but then many of them had to make a very serious effort to confirm their speed. But Oliver is not like that.
Oliver Berman is facing his first full season in Formula 1 with Haas, but the American team has no doubts about the potential of its debutant and that he is destined for a successful future.
Ayo Komatsu, head of Haas F1, likes the approach to business, characteristic of the young British driver, and it became obvious after the first practice, which Berman spent at the wheel of the car VF-23 on Friday before the Grand Prix of Mexico in the fall of 2023. "I immediately realized how good he is, - quotes Komatsu publication The Race. - And it's about all his qualities in combination, not just speed, and I've said that many times. I have seen many newcomers who spent Friday training and drove fast, but then many of them had to make a very serious effort to confirm their speed. But Oliver is not like that.
Former Formula 1 racer, FIA steward Johnny Herbert does not expect a decrease in the heat of the fight on the track because of the change in the rules of this fight. We are talking about the assessment of the location of the car on the apex and permissible actions when overtaking on the inner and outer radius in 2025 - the rules were clarified at the request of racers. Johnny Herbert: "From the point of view of the work of the steward, I do not expect any changes at the first stage of the new season in Australia. Everything that has happened before will happen now. We will see incidents, we will hear complaints from drivers and teams, we will have to solve these problems as usual. The changes in the rules of the fight for position will make it closer to karting. In karting, we didn't push the opponent off the track like in Formula 1 in recent years. The one who is faster is the one who is ahead, and the one who did not have time, has to give way. Now the overtaking must be earned!"
Sauber selects a reserve driver
Not all teams have decided on reserve drivers who could replace one of the drivers in the main squad if necessary - as we have seen in previous years, such a need can arise, and the reasons can be different.
In 2022 at Monza, Alex Elbon needed emergency surgery to remove his Apedix, and that weekend his Williams was piloted by Nick de Vries, and last season his debut race in Formula 1 was conducted by Oliver Berman, because at the beginning of the race weekend in Saudi Arabia Carlos Sainz was out of action, and with the same diagnosis.
Berman did well, driving the Ferrari to a 7th place finish at the very difficult city circuit in Jeddah, which also helped him to get a contract prize Haas driver for 2025. But he had his first race for the American team earlier, last September in Baku, when Kevin Magnussen was disqualified for one stage, because he scored too many penalty points.
Not all teams have decided on reserve drivers who could replace one of the drivers in the main squad if necessary - as we have seen in previous years, such a need can arise, and the reasons can be different.
In 2022 at Monza, Alex Elbon needed emergency surgery to remove his Apedix, and that weekend his Williams was piloted by Nick de Vries, and last season his debut race in Formula 1 was conducted by Oliver Berman, because at the beginning of the race weekend in Saudi Arabia Carlos Sainz was out of action, and with the same diagnosis.
Berman did well, driving the Ferrari to a 7th place finish at the very difficult city circuit in Jeddah, which also helped him to get a contract prize Haas driver for 2025. But he had his first race for the American team earlier, last September in Baku, when Kevin Magnussen was disqualified for one stage, because he scored too many penalty points.
A group of excavators was required to clear away 85 abandoned vehicles located near railroad tracks in California.
@joshuagrading via Instagram
The issue of abandoned cars in Oakland has transformed a piece of land that separates a residential area from a railroad into a trash site. Officials requested a private company to clear it, and an Instagram video illustrates the process of removing approximately 85 damaged, burnt, and wrecked vehicles.
This piece of land is situated in East Oakland, and local news sources report that residents have been illicitly dumping abandoned cars, scrap metal, and other debris there for years. While disposing of a mattress might be straightforward, getting rid of a GMT800-generation Chevy Tahoe without any wheels presents a more complex challenge.
@joshuagrading via Instagram
The issue of abandoned cars in Oakland has transformed a piece of land that separates a residential area from a railroad into a trash site. Officials requested a private company to clear it, and an Instagram video illustrates the process of removing approximately 85 damaged, burnt, and wrecked vehicles.
This piece of land is situated in East Oakland, and local news sources report that residents have been illicitly dumping abandoned cars, scrap metal, and other debris there for years. While disposing of a mattress might be straightforward, getting rid of a GMT800-generation Chevy Tahoe without any wheels presents a more complex challenge.
Mitsubishi May Operate Independently Without Honda or Nissan
Mitsubishi
Did Mitsubishi executives miss out on playing The Legend of Zelda? Don't they realize that "it's dangerous to go alone?" Apparently, they haven't, as a recent report from the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, relayed by Automotive News, indicates that Mitsubishi intends to observe the Honda/Nissan merger from a distance while remaining an independent entity.
According to the report, Mitsubishi will maintain collaboration with both Honda and Nissan—though the extent of this collaboration is still unclear—yet will operate as a standalone manufacturer. While Nissan holds a significant stake in Mitsubishi, it seems to be letting the smaller automaker chart its own path.
Mitsubishi
Did Mitsubishi executives miss out on playing The Legend of Zelda? Don't they realize that "it's dangerous to go alone?" Apparently, they haven't, as a recent report from the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, relayed by Automotive News, indicates that Mitsubishi intends to observe the Honda/Nissan merger from a distance while remaining an independent entity.
According to the report, Mitsubishi will maintain collaboration with both Honda and Nissan—though the extent of this collaboration is still unclear—yet will operate as a standalone manufacturer. While Nissan holds a significant stake in Mitsubishi, it seems to be letting the smaller automaker chart its own path.
How Aston Martin intends to address development standstill
Aston Martin’s new team principal might have addressed the challenges that hindered in-season car development over the past few years. This is the perspective of Jefferson Slack, the increasingly prominent commercial director at the Lawrence Stroll-owned team, which has faced difficulties in advancing since early 2023 despite significant investments.
Since the conclusion of last season, Aston Martin appointed former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell as the new team principal, succeeding Mike Krack, who will now transition to the role of chief trackside officer. Slack, who started his career managing Michael Jordan's marketing efforts before venturing into European football, describes this as part of a new strategy for the team.
"I’m not someone deeply involved in Formula 1, nor am I a technical expert," Slack shared with DAZN.
Aston Martin’s new team principal might have addressed the challenges that hindered in-season car development over the past few years. This is the perspective of Jefferson Slack, the increasingly prominent commercial director at the Lawrence Stroll-owned team, which has faced difficulties in advancing since early 2023 despite significant investments.
Since the conclusion of last season, Aston Martin appointed former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell as the new team principal, succeeding Mike Krack, who will now transition to the role of chief trackside officer. Slack, who started his career managing Michael Jordan's marketing efforts before venturing into European football, describes this as part of a new strategy for the team.
"I’m not someone deeply involved in Formula 1, nor am I a technical expert," Slack shared with DAZN.
Alpine refutes claims that Colapinto put 'pressure' on Doohan.
Alpine has rejected claims that it is exerting additional "pressure" on rookie Jack Doohan as he approaches his Formula 1 debut.
There are speculations that the 22-year-old Australian might only secure the first part of the 2025 season, with newly appointed reserve Franco Colapinto ready to take over. Team advisor Flavio Briatore hasn't dismissed these rumors.
"If a driver doesn’t deliver results or show progress, he will be replaced," he recently stated to Le Parisien. "You can’t afford to be emotional in Formula 1."
Joan Villadelprat, an engineer and manager familiar with Briatore, mentioned that he has witnessed similar situations in the past.
"Briatore knows what he wants," he said on the Duralavita podcast. "He seeks young talent at all costs, reminiscent of his approach with (Michael) Schumacher.
Alpine has rejected claims that it is exerting additional "pressure" on rookie Jack Doohan as he approaches his Formula 1 debut.
There are speculations that the 22-year-old Australian might only secure the first part of the 2025 season, with newly appointed reserve Franco Colapinto ready to take over. Team advisor Flavio Briatore hasn't dismissed these rumors.
"If a driver doesn’t deliver results or show progress, he will be replaced," he recently stated to Le Parisien. "You can’t afford to be emotional in Formula 1."
Joan Villadelprat, an engineer and manager familiar with Briatore, mentioned that he has witnessed similar situations in the past.
"Briatore knows what he wants," he said on the Duralavita podcast. "He seeks young talent at all costs, reminiscent of his approach with (Michael) Schumacher.
Verstappen's management addresses the speculation surrounding Aston Martin.
Max Verstappen's management has reacted positively to reports suggesting that Aston Martin is ready to invest a staggering $1 billion to attract the four-time world champion away from Red Bull. There are rumors that new addition Adrian Newey envisions a Verstappen partnership with current driver Fernando Alonso as an ideal lineup for 2026, although the team has "categorically" denied these claims.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, however, recognizes the genuine risk that Verstappen might leave after the upcoming season. "We need to provide him with a car that allows him to win on his own," he stated to Sport1. "It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than the others, but unlike our car last year, it must be competitive throughout the entire season and on every circuit.
Max Verstappen's management has reacted positively to reports suggesting that Aston Martin is ready to invest a staggering $1 billion to attract the four-time world champion away from Red Bull. There are rumors that new addition Adrian Newey envisions a Verstappen partnership with current driver Fernando Alonso as an ideal lineup for 2026, although the team has "categorically" denied these claims.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, however, recognizes the genuine risk that Verstappen might leave after the upcoming season. "We need to provide him with a car that allows him to win on his own," he stated to Sport1. "It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than the others, but unlike our car last year, it must be competitive throughout the entire season and on every circuit.
McLaren dismisses the label of 'overall favorite' for 2025.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown does not see the Woking-based team as the frontrunner for victory in 2025. The past few years have been tumultuous for the storied Formula 1 team, with Brown acknowledging that the organization nearly faced bankruptcy during the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. "We were almost insolvent," he shared with Auto Motor und Sport. "Without the financial support from our shareholders in Bahrain and an external investor, we might not have survived. However, McLaren has been profitable since 2023."
Additionally, McLaren clinched the constructors' world championship in 2024, even though Lando Norris fell short in the drivers' championship. In an interview for the World Economic Forum this week, the British driver stated that he could "sense" the title. "It was within our grasp," noted Norris, 25.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown does not see the Woking-based team as the frontrunner for victory in 2025. The past few years have been tumultuous for the storied Formula 1 team, with Brown acknowledging that the organization nearly faced bankruptcy during the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. "We were almost insolvent," he shared with Auto Motor und Sport. "Without the financial support from our shareholders in Bahrain and an external investor, we might not have survived. However, McLaren has been profitable since 2023."
Additionally, McLaren clinched the constructors' world championship in 2024, even though Lando Norris fell short in the drivers' championship. In an interview for the World Economic Forum this week, the British driver stated that he could "sense" the title. "It was within our grasp," noted Norris, 25.
Perez can make a comeback to F1 following his 'sabbatical', according to his father.
Sergio Perez is not facing any barriers in his potential return to Formula 1 following a break. This perspective comes from his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, a Mexican politician who has played a significant role in the career of the recently dismissed Red Bull driver.
At present, after losing his position for 2025, the 34-year-old Perez claims to be content spending time with his young family and plans to delay any decisions regarding his future for the next six months. His father has recently mentioned the possibility of entering Formula E but is now communicating to the local sports newspaper Esto that Perez is satisfied with his current situation.
Sergio Perez is not facing any barriers in his potential return to Formula 1 following a break. This perspective comes from his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, a Mexican politician who has played a significant role in the career of the recently dismissed Red Bull driver.
At present, after losing his position for 2025, the 34-year-old Perez claims to be content spending time with his young family and plans to delay any decisions regarding his future for the next six months. His father has recently mentioned the possibility of entering Formula E but is now communicating to the local sports newspaper Esto that Perez is satisfied with his current situation.
Perez Sr: A lot of riders have come back stronger
In December, just after the end of the season, Red Bull confirmed that Max Verstappen would be changing teammates and thanked Sergio Perez for their partnership over four seasons. Christian Horner, commenting on this, said at the time: "He decided that he will take a little time out, in fact, will go on vacation from Formula 1". Perez himself, speaking in January with the Mexican press, explained the change in his fate somewhat differently: "It is too early to say whether I will have the intention to return to Formula 1. At the end of last season, events were developing very quickly, I did not expect that with the team will have to part". Antonio Perez, the father of the racer - a man in Mexico is also quite famous, in an interview with the capital's newspaper Esto once again made it clear that the career of his son in Formula 1 is not yet complete.
In December, just after the end of the season, Red Bull confirmed that Max Verstappen would be changing teammates and thanked Sergio Perez for their partnership over four seasons. Christian Horner, commenting on this, said at the time: "He decided that he will take a little time out, in fact, will go on vacation from Formula 1". Perez himself, speaking in January with the Mexican press, explained the change in his fate somewhat differently: "It is too early to say whether I will have the intention to return to Formula 1. At the end of last season, events were developing very quickly, I did not expect that with the team will have to part". Antonio Perez, the father of the racer - a man in Mexico is also quite famous, in an interview with the capital's newspaper Esto once again made it clear that the career of his son in Formula 1 is not yet complete.
Pierre Genon to work with Toyota at Haas F1
After 12 years at Enstone, former Renault and Alpine engineer Pierre Genon has accepted an offer to join Haas F1 as Toyota's project manager. The Belgian will be the link between the team and Toyota's Cologne-based Gazoo Racing division after the two sides announced a technical partnership late last year.
Genon previously worked for the Prodrive Subaru WRC team and the Peugeot LMP1 program, with which he won at Le Mans in 2009. Pierre Genon: "I am delighted to join Haas F1 as Toyota's project manager, where I will be responsible for the collaboration between the team and Toyota Gazoo Racing. I am ready to take on this challenge, look forward to getting to know my new colleagues and want to contribute to the team's next steps with this project. Many thanks to all those I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 12 years at Enstone, whether they stay or go.
After 12 years at Enstone, former Renault and Alpine engineer Pierre Genon has accepted an offer to join Haas F1 as Toyota's project manager. The Belgian will be the link between the team and Toyota's Cologne-based Gazoo Racing division after the two sides announced a technical partnership late last year.
Genon previously worked for the Prodrive Subaru WRC team and the Peugeot LMP1 program, with which he won at Le Mans in 2009. Pierre Genon: "I am delighted to join Haas F1 as Toyota's project manager, where I will be responsible for the collaboration between the team and Toyota Gazoo Racing. I am ready to take on this challenge, look forward to getting to know my new colleagues and want to contribute to the team's next steps with this project. Many thanks to all those I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 12 years at Enstone, whether they stay or go.
At the Autodromo in Suzuka completed the next stage of modernization of the track, laying new asphalt. When updating the surface engineers used the most modern materials, which allowed to ensure the uniformity of the surface, improve grip and reduce tire wear. In addition, increased efficiency of the drainage system, which is important for the track, where races are often accompanied by heavy rain. The new surface will allow racers to pass the corners faster, but teams will have to adapt to its characteristics. This year's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka will take place on April sixth.
Mercedes has named the date for the presentation of the car for the 2025 season. The novelty Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E Performance will be shown on the official website of the team on Monday, February 24. The next day George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will conduct a run-in in Bahrain, and 26th on the track Sakhir will begin pre-season tests with the participation of all ten teams. The team confirmed that at the general ceremony F1 Live in London on February 18 will show only the coloring of the car model 2025.
The FIA will participate in the Retromobile car show for the first time
For the first time, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will take part in the Retromobile Paris motor show dedicated to historic machinery, which will take place in the French capital from February 5 to 9. This is due to the fact that 2025 marks 50 years since the FIA's International Sporting Code introduced Appendix K, the regulations for racing historic machines. The FIA press release says that such a prestigious show as Retromobile is perfect for celebrating such an anniversary, especially since Appendix K has recently been amended to allow the participation in international historic car races of vehicles manufactured between 1991 and 2000.
For the first time, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will take part in the Retromobile Paris motor show dedicated to historic machinery, which will take place in the French capital from February 5 to 9. This is due to the fact that 2025 marks 50 years since the FIA's International Sporting Code introduced Appendix K, the regulations for racing historic machines. The FIA press release says that such a prestigious show as Retromobile is perfect for celebrating such an anniversary, especially since Appendix K has recently been amended to allow the participation in international historic car races of vehicles manufactured between 1991 and 2000.
1996 World Champion Damon Hill has received a prestigious award... 1996 World Champion Damon Hill has received a prestigious award from Motorsport UK for his special contribution and sporting achievements. Damon spent nine seasons in Formula 1, making his debut for Brabham in 1992 before moving to Williams the following year where he won his only championship title. Hill left Formula 1 after the 1999 season, but remained in motorsport and was associated with the Sky F1 commentary team until the end of last year. The last time Nigel Mansell received the British Federation's Special Contribution Award was in 2013.