Yuki Tsunoda to be Red Bull Racing's reserve driver
The British press reports that Red Bull Racing has selected Yuki Tsunoda for the role of reserve driver in 2025. Thus, the Japanese will combine these duties with performances for Racing Bulls. In the upcoming season, if necessary, Yuki will replace Max Verstappen or Liam Lawson during the race weekend. The reason for the replacement could be not only the illness of one of the main drivers, but also a potential disqualification. Max Verstappen finished last season with eight penalty points on his account. A set of twelve will be followed by disqualification. The reigning world champion is in a difficult position, because he has repeatedly said that he is not going to change the approach to the fight on the track, and in 2025, his first penalty points will be burned only at the twelfth stage of the season in Austria.
The British press reports that Red Bull Racing has selected Yuki Tsunoda for the role of reserve driver in 2025. Thus, the Japanese will combine these duties with performances for Racing Bulls. In the upcoming season, if necessary, Yuki will replace Max Verstappen or Liam Lawson during the race weekend. The reason for the replacement could be not only the illness of one of the main drivers, but also a potential disqualification. Max Verstappen finished last season with eight penalty points on his account. A set of twelve will be followed by disqualification. The reigning world champion is in a difficult position, because he has repeatedly said that he is not going to change the approach to the fight on the track, and in 2025, his first penalty points will be burned only at the twelfth stage of the season in Austria.
The FIA has expelled Herbert from the stewards.
The FIA has announced that Johnny Herbert will no longer be part of the stewards' panel. A former Formula 1 driver and winner of three Grands Prix, Herbert has been frequently called upon to take on the role of steward over the past 15 years. He made his debut in the role in 2010, when former drivers were first invited to become stewards. Herbert has been criticized recently for making uncomfortable comments to management, including quotes to gambling companies who then offered them to the media in exchange for promotional links. The FIA said that this was one of the reasons why it was decided to exclude Herbert from stewarding. Rumor has it that another reason was Max Verstappen and his entourage's dissatisfaction with the two 10-second penalties in Mexico City, after which Jos Verstappen accused the stewards of bias.
The FIA has announced that Johnny Herbert will no longer be part of the stewards' panel. A former Formula 1 driver and winner of three Grands Prix, Herbert has been frequently called upon to take on the role of steward over the past 15 years. He made his debut in the role in 2010, when former drivers were first invited to become stewards. Herbert has been criticized recently for making uncomfortable comments to management, including quotes to gambling companies who then offered them to the media in exchange for promotional links. The FIA said that this was one of the reasons why it was decided to exclude Herbert from stewarding. Rumor has it that another reason was Max Verstappen and his entourage's dissatisfaction with the two 10-second penalties in Mexico City, after which Jos Verstappen accused the stewards of bias.
Reconstruction continues at the Hungaroring
The major reconstruction of the Hungaroring circuit on the outskirts of Budapest continues. The Hungarian circuit has often been described as outdated, so a new contract could only be signed by guaranteeing Formula 1 a serious reconstruction of the circuit, which has been ongoing with few interruptions since last year. Now the organizers have reported an important step of the second phase - the installation of the roof over the new main grandstand. "A historic moment! The first element of the roof structure has been installed on the new Hungaroring main grandstand, preceded by four months of pre-assembly of the steel structures. The operation required a 650-ton mobile crane, the only one of its kind in Hungary. The huge roof structure, 272 meters long and 33 meters wide, will weigh 1,300 tons with an area of 8,976 square meters.
The major reconstruction of the Hungaroring circuit on the outskirts of Budapest continues. The Hungarian circuit has often been described as outdated, so a new contract could only be signed by guaranteeing Formula 1 a serious reconstruction of the circuit, which has been ongoing with few interruptions since last year. Now the organizers have reported an important step of the second phase - the installation of the roof over the new main grandstand. "A historic moment! The first element of the roof structure has been installed on the new Hungaroring main grandstand, preceded by four months of pre-assembly of the steel structures. The operation required a 650-ton mobile crane, the only one of its kind in Hungary. The huge roof structure, 272 meters long and 33 meters wide, will weigh 1,300 tons with an area of 8,976 square meters.
Technical Director of Red Bull Racing Pierre Vacher considers useful experience of solving problems with the machine last year, but is not sure that they will not arise again. Pierre Vacher: "In Formula 1 you are always in search of a solution to some problem. And one of our tasks is to anticipate them. Last year's problems with correlation in those areas that we knew, now solved, the question is where they will arise now. It's dangerous to blindly trust the conclusions you draw, you need to put everything in perspective. The team stays strong when you have doubts. If you are completely confident in yourself and your abilities, you will fail. I consider the experience of dealing with the problems we had last year a positive experience. By winning, you will never get to the bottom of it, and if you can't win, you will look for the cause, which will eventually allow you to take the next step."
On Wednesday, the team Ferrari continued tests in Barcelona with the car SF-23. In the morning the first behind the wheel sat Lewis Hamilton, and in the afternoon he is scheduled to be replaced by Charles Leclaire. According to the Italian TV channel Sky, at about 11:00 local time Lewis lost control of the car on the third sector of the track and crashed into the barrier. The racer was not injured and independently got out of the cockpit, and the car received noticeable damage to the suspension and aerodynamic dodger. Ferrari SF-23 was delivered to the boxes, after which Ferrari mechanics began to work on its restoration. The start of Charles Leclair's tests had to be postponed, and at the time of publication it was not known whether the Monegasque would be able to take to the track today.
McLaren is interested in endurance racing
McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown told the AP that the company's next move into motorsport could be to get involved in endurance racing, possibly at the expense of Indycar or Formula E. Zak Brown: "Our car business, which McLaren Racing works closely with, has a strong position in the sports road car market. They are now in the process of reorganization, soon to be a healthy company again and want to get into racing. The manufacturers have clearly expressed confidence in the new regulations, sportscar racing is once again a major form of motorsport and has definitely caught our attention. A decision needs to be made soon to get off the ground in 2027, and so far things are shaping up favorably. Together we believe that sports car racing is a platform that can really benefit our automotive and racing businesses.
McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown told the AP that the company's next move into motorsport could be to get involved in endurance racing, possibly at the expense of Indycar or Formula E. Zak Brown: "Our car business, which McLaren Racing works closely with, has a strong position in the sports road car market. They are now in the process of reorganization, soon to be a healthy company again and want to get into racing. The manufacturers have clearly expressed confidence in the new regulations, sportscar racing is once again a major form of motorsport and has definitely caught our attention. A decision needs to be made soon to get off the ground in 2027, and so far things are shaping up favorably. Together we believe that sports car racing is a platform that can really benefit our automotive and racing businesses.
Peter Bayer on the loss of 20 million in prize money
Last year before the summer break RB was sixth in the Constructors Cup, and finished the season eighth. Executive Director of Racing Bulls Peter Bayer said that the loss of 20 million dollars, which was already counted on in the team, can not but affect its work. Peter Bayer: "We have ambitious plans. Unfortunately, for financial reasons and because of restrictions on power plants we can not yet conduct tests with the machines of previous years. Now they are held by all major teams, Mercedes with Kimi Antonelli - the best example. The car is slightly different, but it corresponds to the speed of Formula 1, and the tests are held on modern tracks, which is great for young racers. Such tests are an addition to the mandatory program, a bonus, which is possible only in the case of an increase in the budget, not its reduction due to the loss of prize money.
Last year before the summer break RB was sixth in the Constructors Cup, and finished the season eighth. Executive Director of Racing Bulls Peter Bayer said that the loss of 20 million dollars, which was already counted on in the team, can not but affect its work. Peter Bayer: "We have ambitious plans. Unfortunately, for financial reasons and because of restrictions on power plants we can not yet conduct tests with the machines of previous years. Now they are held by all major teams, Mercedes with Kimi Antonelli - the best example. The car is slightly different, but it corresponds to the speed of Formula 1, and the tests are held on modern tracks, which is great for young racers. Such tests are an addition to the mandatory program, a bonus, which is possible only in the case of an increase in the budget, not its reduction due to the loss of prize money.
British press with reference to their sources in the team reports that the new car RB21 for the season 2025 successfully passed the mandatory tests FIA. Unlike last year, when the team from Milton Keynes had problems with the passage of crash tests, this time the procedure did not cause special difficulties. In addition, in Red Bull Racing decided with the date of the first exit RB21 on the track. Running-in is scheduled for February 25 and will be held in Bahrain on the eve of three-day pre-season tests.
Albert Park has reconfigured the sixth turn at Albert Park
The organizers of the Australian Grand Prix told about the change of the track in the sixth corner of Albert Park, where more than once there were dangerous crashes. The problem was that after hitting the barrier damaged cars flew onto the track and crashed into the wall on the opposite side. Last year, two drivers dropped out of the fight there. In the first Friday practice session Alex Elbon hit the car first against one wall, then against another, so there was nothing to restore - his teammate Logan Sargent was removed from the Grand Prix, having built a car for Alex on his chassis. The second casualty was George Russell, who seriously wrecked his car in the race.
The organizers of the Australian Grand Prix told about the change of the track in the sixth corner of Albert Park, where more than once there were dangerous crashes. The problem was that after hitting the barrier damaged cars flew onto the track and crashed into the wall on the opposite side. Last year, two drivers dropped out of the fight there. In the first Friday practice session Alex Elbon hit the car first against one wall, then against another, so there was nothing to restore - his teammate Logan Sargent was removed from the Grand Prix, having built a car for Alex on his chassis. The second casualty was George Russell, who seriously wrecked his car in the race.
On the artificially watered French circuit Paul Ricard continue testing prototypes of rain tires for the season 2026, which are held in Pirelli together with McLaren. Yesterday morning the tests were hampered by cold weather - the temperature on some parts of the track reached-2 ° C, but in the afternoon Oscar Piastri made up for lost time, fully completed the planned program. He completed 120 laps with a best time of 1'07''008 on the 3.463-kilometer version of the track. Today Lando Norris will be behind the wheel, continuing the testing program of rain and intermediate tires for the 2026 season, which, while retaining the current 18-inch rim diameter, will have a slightly smaller width and outside diameter on the front and rear axles.
Hamilton had an accident while testing a new pedal configuration.
Lewis Hamilton was testing a new pedal configuration when he crashed at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday. As part of the preparations for his first season with Ferrari in 2025, the seven-time world champion was driving a 2023 car when he collided with the barriers in the fast final sector. Ferrari downplayed the incident but did not provide specifics, with reports indicating that the bodywork and suspension were damaged around 11 am. The planned afternoon session for teammate Charles Leclerc in the same car was canceled.
As reported by La Repubblica and Sky Italia, Hamilton was experimenting with a different pedal layout after having difficulty with the standard setup during his debut at Fiorano last week.
Lewis Hamilton was testing a new pedal configuration when he crashed at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday. As part of the preparations for his first season with Ferrari in 2025, the seven-time world champion was driving a 2023 car when he collided with the barriers in the fast final sector. Ferrari downplayed the incident but did not provide specifics, with reports indicating that the bodywork and suspension were damaged around 11 am. The planned afternoon session for teammate Charles Leclerc in the same car was canceled.
As reported by La Repubblica and Sky Italia, Hamilton was experimenting with a different pedal layout after having difficulty with the standard setup during his debut at Fiorano last week.
Last year, multinational corporation LVMH became a global partner of Formula 1, signing a ten-year contract that will see the logos of Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy and Tag Heuer appear at selected rounds of the World Championship. In particular, Louis Vuitton became the title partner of the Australian Grand Prix. The French fashion house Louis Vuitton has produced cases for the stage's trophy cases and its logos will appear at track events. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1: "We are delighted to welcome Louis Vuitton as title partner for the first race of the 2025 season. This is a partnership between two vibrant brands bound by a passion for innovation, excellence and creativity. 2025 will be an epic year for Formula 1 and I am proud that we are starting it with our passionate partners at Louis Vuitton."
Johnny Hebert has a new position at Lola
A day after the FIA announced the removal of Johnny Herbert from the stewardship ranks, Lola has made the announcement that it has appointed the former racing driver as chief brand ambassador, where he will play a key role in developing the company's business and corporate ambitions. With Lola, Herbert will be involved in both the Formula E program and future projects. These could include a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he won in 1991 as a Mazda driver, as well as a move into other forms of motorsport that use alternative fuels. Herbert was helped to secure his place at Lola by his friendship with the company's commercial director Keith Smout, who knew him from his Formula 1 appearances in the 1990s. Johnny Herbert: "I think the return of Lola is great news for the motorsport industry as the brand brings together different eras of racing.
A day after the FIA announced the removal of Johnny Herbert from the stewardship ranks, Lola has made the announcement that it has appointed the former racing driver as chief brand ambassador, where he will play a key role in developing the company's business and corporate ambitions. With Lola, Herbert will be involved in both the Formula E program and future projects. These could include a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he won in 1991 as a Mazda driver, as well as a move into other forms of motorsport that use alternative fuels. Herbert was helped to secure his place at Lola by his friendship with the company's commercial director Keith Smout, who knew him from his Formula 1 appearances in the 1990s. Johnny Herbert: "I think the return of Lola is great news for the motorsport industry as the brand brings together different eras of racing.
Toto Wolff: I am very happy for Lewis
Last week Lewis Hamilton made his first appearance at Ferrari's base in Maranello, and the world was abuzz with the iconic photo of Lewis posing in a black raincoat against a Ferrari F40. The head of Mercedes Toto Wolff told what he felt when he saw this photo. Toto Wolff: "It felt like you were friends after a divorce and then you saw your former partner with a new friend for the first time. But I'm very happy for Lewis. I've already told him that those photos turned out to be significant - they are very well thought out, which is not surprising, knowing Lewis. Speaking about the balance of power in the upcoming season, Toto suggested waiting for the first stage in Melbourne: "Last year we spent a lot of time racking our brains trying to figure out the car, especially at the beginning of the season. Like other teams, we had ups and downs.
Last week Lewis Hamilton made his first appearance at Ferrari's base in Maranello, and the world was abuzz with the iconic photo of Lewis posing in a black raincoat against a Ferrari F40. The head of Mercedes Toto Wolff told what he felt when he saw this photo. Toto Wolff: "It felt like you were friends after a divorce and then you saw your former partner with a new friend for the first time. But I'm very happy for Lewis. I've already told him that those photos turned out to be significant - they are very well thought out, which is not surprising, knowing Lewis. Speaking about the balance of power in the upcoming season, Toto suggested waiting for the first stage in Melbourne: "Last year we spent a lot of time racking our brains trying to figure out the car, especially at the beginning of the season. Like other teams, we had ups and downs.
Christian Horner believes that the transition of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari will be one of the brightest events of the new season of Formula 1. In this case, the head of Red Bull Racing predicts a very tight battle for the title in 2025. Christian Horner: "I saw some photos, and I think that the red color suits him. The whole of Formula 1 will benefit from this transition. Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is a really loud poster. It's going to be another spectacular season and I think it's going to be an incredibly tight battle on the track, with four teams at the same level. McLaren and Ferrari will be strong, while Mercedes have something to prove. We could have a stellar year."
Adrian Newey on Red Bull's problems and the graund effect
Former technical director of Red Bull Adrian Newey in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport admitted that the problems with the car were obvious to him even before leaving the team... Adrian Newey: "Part of the loss of competitiveness of Red Bull is due to the progress of McLaren and Ferrari, but from what I saw, at the end of 2023 and in 2024 the car became more and more difficult to manage. Max coped with it, and Perez could not, so already in 2023 we saw a serious difference between them. This continued in the first half of the 24th, but the car was still fast enough to win. I was seriously concerned about it, but many in the team were not worried at all.
Former technical director of Red Bull Adrian Newey in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport admitted that the problems with the car were obvious to him even before leaving the team... Adrian Newey: "Part of the loss of competitiveness of Red Bull is due to the progress of McLaren and Ferrari, but from what I saw, at the end of 2023 and in 2024 the car became more and more difficult to manage. Max coped with it, and Perez could not, so already in 2023 we saw a serious difference between them. This continued in the first half of the 24th, but the car was still fast enough to win. I was seriously concerned about it, but many in the team were not worried at all.
The Ferrari team has announced the name of the new car. In 2025, Charles Leclair and Lewis Hamilton will have to pilot SF-25. Over the past 25 years, Ferrari has repeatedly changed the name of racing cars, but this time in Scuderia decided to maintain continuity, changing only the year in the name to the current one. The novelty will be shown on February 19 at the presentation in Maranello. The day before, on February 18, at the F1 Live ceremony in London, the team will present only the coloring of the car.
Kyalami and Cape Town are vying to host the South African Grand Prix
South Africa is determined to bring a national round back to the country and is evaluating three bids from organizers - one from Kyalami and two from Cape Town. Kyalami has clear advantages. The circuit north of Johannesburg hosted twenty Grands Prix between January 1967 and March 1993, and although it is now outdated and only Grade 2, it looks like a ready-made solution. The organizers have agreed a deal with Apex, who will tidy up the track, and are ready to host a Grand Prix in 2027. Kyalami is the clear favorite, but the 2023 event was scrapped at the last minute due to a lack of financial guarantees, so now the organizers are required to plan a long-term commercial strategy to ensure financial stability throughout the 10-year term of the proposed contract.
South Africa is determined to bring a national round back to the country and is evaluating three bids from organizers - one from Kyalami and two from Cape Town. Kyalami has clear advantages. The circuit north of Johannesburg hosted twenty Grands Prix between January 1967 and March 1993, and although it is now outdated and only Grade 2, it looks like a ready-made solution. The organizers have agreed a deal with Apex, who will tidy up the track, and are ready to host a Grand Prix in 2027. Kyalami is the clear favorite, but the 2023 event was scrapped at the last minute due to a lack of financial guarantees, so now the organizers are required to plan a long-term commercial strategy to ensure financial stability throughout the 10-year term of the proposed contract.
A race of two worlds. Chapter 18. Part 1
This is a fictional story, no crossovers with real events should be sought. This is a continuation of "Race of Two Worlds" by Nikita Saveliev for the readers of F1News.ru... Chapter 18. The denouement. Part 1 Norman spoiled himself the beginning of the second race - he missed not only sharp Carbone, but also two more rivals, so he was even glad of the rain - it will bring confusion in the ranks of competitors. And that Norman began to inexorably lag behind - whether the tires could not enter the necessary rhythm, or the engine is already tired. Not only the victory trophy together with Cody Ross sailed further and further away, but also Norman began to be pushed by the car, which occupied the fifth place. What good would that do? I don't care that even for such a result there is a solid prize money. For Norman, any result other than a win equated to defeat. Yeah.
This is a fictional story, no crossovers with real events should be sought. This is a continuation of "Race of Two Worlds" by Nikita Saveliev for the readers of F1News.ru... Chapter 18. The denouement. Part 1 Norman spoiled himself the beginning of the second race - he missed not only sharp Carbone, but also two more rivals, so he was even glad of the rain - it will bring confusion in the ranks of competitors. And that Norman began to inexorably lag behind - whether the tires could not enter the necessary rhythm, or the engine is already tired. Not only the victory trophy together with Cody Ross sailed further and further away, but also Norman began to be pushed by the car, which occupied the fifth place. What good would that do? I don't care that even for such a result there is a solid prize money. For Norman, any result other than a win equated to defeat. Yeah.
Piero Ferrari: Hamilton's age is not a problem
In an interview with Autosprint, Piero Ferrari, son of the legendary Ferrari founder, said he was impressed by the reception that Lewis Hamilton received from the tifosi during his first days with the team. Piero Ferrari: "I was impressed. I could hardly believe it. It was a genuine display of passion. The many people on the little bridge overlooking the Fiorano circuit was a beautiful demonstration of love. I went to greet Lewis when he arrived in Fiorano. When he saw the fans waiting for him from the car windows, he was happy and surprised. I can't remember any other driver so elegant on his first day at Ferrari. Impeccable suit, tie, fancy hair. We managers, for example, were without ties. Then we were photographed together in front of Enzo's house with the F40 - it's his favorite car. The first time Lewis came to visit us was in 2014, when he bought a LaFerrari.
In an interview with Autosprint, Piero Ferrari, son of the legendary Ferrari founder, said he was impressed by the reception that Lewis Hamilton received from the tifosi during his first days with the team. Piero Ferrari: "I was impressed. I could hardly believe it. It was a genuine display of passion. The many people on the little bridge overlooking the Fiorano circuit was a beautiful demonstration of love. I went to greet Lewis when he arrived in Fiorano. When he saw the fans waiting for him from the car windows, he was happy and surprised. I can't remember any other driver so elegant on his first day at Ferrari. Impeccable suit, tie, fancy hair. We managers, for example, were without ties. Then we were photographed together in front of Enzo's house with the F40 - it's his favorite car. The first time Lewis came to visit us was in 2014, when he bought a LaFerrari.