Marko acknowledges that Verstappen plays a crucial role in maintaining his position in Formula 1.
Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledges that supporting Max Verstappen is one of the primary reasons he continues to work in Formula 1 at nearly 82 years old. Last year, during the upheaval in leadership at Red Bull involving Christian Horner, Marko was close to being ousted but was saved by Verstappen’s public endorsement and ultimatum. "I've never felt such a connection with a driver," Marko confides to the Dutch magazine Formule 1. "That’s something I admit openly."
The interviewer described Marko as Verstappen’s "second father." Marko chuckles, replying, "You won't hear me say that. What I do know is that when I first had a serious discussion with Max, he was just 13 years old. Typically, I spend 10 to 15 minutes talking to a young driver, but with Max, it lasted over an hour.
Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledges that supporting Max Verstappen is one of the primary reasons he continues to work in Formula 1 at nearly 82 years old. Last year, during the upheaval in leadership at Red Bull involving Christian Horner, Marko was close to being ousted but was saved by Verstappen’s public endorsement and ultimatum. "I've never felt such a connection with a driver," Marko confides to the Dutch magazine Formule 1. "That’s something I admit openly."
The interviewer described Marko as Verstappen’s "second father." Marko chuckles, replying, "You won't hear me say that. What I do know is that when I first had a serious discussion with Max, he was just 13 years old. Typically, I spend 10 to 15 minutes talking to a young driver, but with Max, it lasted over an hour.
Team leaders support the FIA regarding penalties for swearing.
Two Formula 1 team leaders have minimized the backlash regarding heightened penalties for driver misconduct, such as using foul language. Alex Wurz, head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, expressed his dissatisfaction with the FIA's introduction of these drastic penalties—potentially reaching six-figure fines or month-long suspensions—without prior discussion. "We learned about this through the media," the Austrian remarked.
Wurz does not dismiss the possibility of sending another strongly worded letter on behalf of the F1 driver union, but he acknowledges some merit in enforcing rules against swearing. "Ultimately, I'm also a father, and it's best not to swear," he noted. "However, it's not solely about swearing. We all recognize that we need to serve as role models.
Two Formula 1 team leaders have minimized the backlash regarding heightened penalties for driver misconduct, such as using foul language. Alex Wurz, head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, expressed his dissatisfaction with the FIA's introduction of these drastic penalties—potentially reaching six-figure fines or month-long suspensions—without prior discussion. "We learned about this through the media," the Austrian remarked.
Wurz does not dismiss the possibility of sending another strongly worded letter on behalf of the F1 driver union, but he acknowledges some merit in enforcing rules against swearing. "Ultimately, I'm also a father, and it's best not to swear," he noted. "However, it's not solely about swearing. We all recognize that we need to serve as role models.
Haas is not concerned that Esteban Ocon’s well-documented conflicts with teammates will escalate in intensity in 2025. The small American team has introduced a completely new driver lineup for this season, featuring the seasoned Alpine veteran Ocon, 28, competing alongside the talented teenage rookie Oliver Bearman. This has heightened suspicions that Ocon's infamous past clashes with Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, and Pierre Gasly might seem minor this year as he tries to assert his seniority.
"No, no, no," asserts team principal Ayao Komatsu. "The rules of engagement need to be crystal clear from the very beginning. I do not anticipate any contact between teammates or any DNFs as a result." However, the Japanese leader mentioned that he still expects his drivers to "race hard." "The rules of engagement will simply be very clear," Komatsu confirmed.
"No, no, no," asserts team principal Ayao Komatsu. "The rules of engagement need to be crystal clear from the very beginning. I do not anticipate any contact between teammates or any DNFs as a result." However, the Japanese leader mentioned that he still expects his drivers to "race hard." "The rules of engagement will simply be very clear," Komatsu confirmed.
Red Bull Racing has appointed Richard Wood as Liam Lawson's race engineer. Wood joined the team as a strategy officer, then helped out at the base as a simulator engineer, and later began taking the team to stages as Sergio Perez's car performance engineer. Last year, Richard spent several weekends as Perez's race engineer when his regular engineer Hugh Bird was on vacation.
A movie was made about the life and career of Luca di Montezemelo
A documentary about the life and career of former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo will be released this year. The film is being produced by Manish Pandey, well known in Formula 1, who has made films on the lives of Ayrton Senna and Bernie Ecclestone. Manish Pandey: "The idea was born in 2020 when I was interviewing Ecclestone for my movie. All of a sudden I got a call from Montezemolo saying he didn't have any memoirs and asked me if I wanted to make a movie about him. I agreed, but it wasn't easy to film - when you go out with Luca, you are immediately surrounded by fans. It's like walking next to Paul Newman." For the film, Pandey used historical film footage from those years, assisted by Edoardo Stella, son of McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, who was one of the editors who went through the old archives.
A documentary about the life and career of former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo will be released this year. The film is being produced by Manish Pandey, well known in Formula 1, who has made films on the lives of Ayrton Senna and Bernie Ecclestone. Manish Pandey: "The idea was born in 2020 when I was interviewing Ecclestone for my movie. All of a sudden I got a call from Montezemolo saying he didn't have any memoirs and asked me if I wanted to make a movie about him. I agreed, but it wasn't easy to film - when you go out with Luca, you are immediately surrounded by fans. It's like walking next to Paul Newman." For the film, Pandey used historical film footage from those years, assisted by Edoardo Stella, son of McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, who was one of the editors who went through the old archives.
Former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat will take part in electric Formula E tests with the DS Penske team. Kvyat will drive the Gen3Evo on February 13 at the Jeddah circuit for the third round of the season during an additional 40-minute free practice session for drivers who do not compete in Formula E on a permanent basis. Daniil will visit the DS Penske base in Paris this week to have his seat adjusted and work on the simulator. For Kvyat, this will not be his first experience of piloting a Formula E car. In 2023, he has already participated in rookie tests in Berlin and Rome. In 2025, Daniil is not busy in the races because of the fact that the team Lamborghini, for which he acts in the world championship in endurance racing, put on pause participation in the WEC. Nicolas Todt, the driver's manager, is actively looking for other options for him to continue his career, and tests in Formula E will be part of this search.
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After five years in the factory Mercedes team, Valtteri Bottas found himself at Alfa Romeo/Sauber, where the car was going worse and worse - and eventually left without a contract. Valtteri Bottas: "The last two seasons have been extremely difficult, especially 2024, when I could only fight for the last places in the race. I didn't get worse or slower, but for many it was as if I disappeared. Physically, I was even in better shape than before, I got additional experience - it did not affect the results, but I was sure that I would stay in the team, and as a result I found myself without the contract of the main pilot.
Former head of Ferrari Jean Todt said that in the past few years, none of the representatives of Scuderia does not maintain contact with him. According to Todt, such an attitude on the part of former colleagues puzzles him. Jean Todt: "After leaving Ferrari, I continued to communicate with some employees of the team. But after I left the FIA, with me in general no one else contacted. I have to say that this attitude puzzles me, considering how many years I have worked in this incredible company and what successes we have achieved. When I joined Ferrari in 1993, their castle was in ruins. However, gradually we turned it into a jewel. I couldn't have done it alone, but I was good at picking people, forming a dream team. We won 14 titles and that achievement is still in the record books. It was the most successful period in Ferrari's history."
Carlos Sainz and Alex Elbon began preparations for the upcoming season. On the eve of the team Williams held private tests on the track in Barcelona with the car 2023. In the morning behind the wheel of FW45 sat Alex Elbon, and in the afternoon he was replaced by Carlos Sainz. For the Spanish racer this is already the second experience of piloting the machine of the British team - in December, he participated in the tire tests in Abu Dhabi on the car 2024. The head of Williams James Vowles expects that Sainz will help the team to make significant progress. "Carlos is perfect for us - said Vowles. - He is not only a great man with experience of victories, but he also wants Williams to succeed. I spent three or four hours with him and Alex discussing our plans for the year. His input is critical to the team moving forward. Now we have reached the level where we have to win back not seconds, as before, but thousandths, so you need attention to detail".
Gunter Steiner commented on reports in the British press that in Aston Martin offer Max Verstappen a contract for one billion pounds. According to the former head of the Haas team, Max could get a very generous offer, but such an amount is not true. Gunter Steiner: "A billion is a big figure. He should accept it, even if he finishes last. Obviously, not all teams can afford to sign Max, but Aston Martin can. But a billion? I think that's an inflated figure, but I'm sure Aston Martin are willing to pay a decent amount for Max. Maybe Verstappen will move to them in 2027. I do not think that Fernando will leave earlier, and I do not think that they will replace Lance Stroll". Answering the question, why Lawrence Stroll continues to keep his son Lance in the team, although he is noticeably inferior to the partner Fernando Alonso, Steiner said: "It is absolutely certain that Lawrence is not a fool. You can call him whatever you want, but not like that. It's simple - his shirt is closer to his body."
In an interview with Sky Sport F1, former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard spoke about his career and the lack of appreciation of the UK's contribution to the sport... David Coulthard: "Only three Formula 1 teams are not based in the UK - Ferrari, RB and Haas F1. We are the silicon valley of engineering, designing and building fast race cars and we have a lot to be proud of. If we were Americans, everyone would know that we are brilliant at building cars and nurturing the best drivers, world champions. But we Brits are not used to bragging. We tend to be more reserved about it. I wasn't an outstanding racer. I had moderate success and was not in the category of the best of the best, but I was good enough to come into the sport feeling a lot of support from the predominantly British teams. Sir Frank Williams gave me a chance like he gave Damon Hill, Jenson Button - Nigel Mansell came through Lotus, but he won his world championship at Williams."
Formula 1 race weekend schedule in 2025
In 2025 in Formula 1 scheduled to hold 24 stages - the season starts March 16 in Australia and finishes December 7 in Abu Dhabi. The season includes six stages with sprint - in China, Miami, Belgium, USA (Austin), Sao Paulo and Qatar. Stage in Las Vegas - night, the race starts on Saturday at 20:00 local time (two hours earlier than in 2024). In Moscow it will be early Sunday morning at the time of the start. 2025 season race weekend schedule (Moscow time) Grand Prix 1 session 2 session/Squal.
In 2025 in Formula 1 scheduled to hold 24 stages - the season starts March 16 in Australia and finishes December 7 in Abu Dhabi. The season includes six stages with sprint - in China, Miami, Belgium, USA (Austin), Sao Paulo and Qatar. Stage in Las Vegas - night, the race starts on Saturday at 20:00 local time (two hours earlier than in 2024). In Moscow it will be early Sunday morning at the time of the start. 2025 season race weekend schedule (Moscow time) Grand Prix 1 session 2 session/Squal.
Pirelli has revealed the cause of Hamilton and Sainz's punctures
After two months, Pirelli has released the results of its investigation into the tire punctures on the cars of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz at the Qatar Grand Prix. During the December race at the Losail circuit, the Mercedes and Ferrari cars suffered a front left tire puncture a few seconds apart. Initially it was assumed that Lewis and Carlos damaged the tire, driving on the starting straight on the debris of the rearview mirror of the car Alex Elbon, but this version was rejected a few days later, after studying the telemetry data, which showed that the tires and Hamilton and Sainz were on the verge of destruction before hitting the debris.
After two months, Pirelli has released the results of its investigation into the tire punctures on the cars of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz at the Qatar Grand Prix. During the December race at the Losail circuit, the Mercedes and Ferrari cars suffered a front left tire puncture a few seconds apart. Initially it was assumed that Lewis and Carlos damaged the tire, driving on the starting straight on the debris of the rearview mirror of the car Alex Elbon, but this version was rejected a few days later, after studying the telemetry data, which showed that the tires and Hamilton and Sainz were on the verge of destruction before hitting the debris.
Team leader Williams James Vowles ten years worked with Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes and is confident - the British driver will be able to at least on equal terms to compete with Charles Leclair in Ferrari... James Vowles: "In motorsport there are no guarantees, but I know well that Lewis every winter rethinks himself, as each new season starts in better shape.
With every opponent he faced, he found a way to improve himself, to get on the same level as him if he was behind, and if he was ahead, to increase the advantage even further. That's Lewis. He's a seven-time world champion. He can never be written off."
With every opponent he faced, he found a way to improve himself, to get on the same level as him if he was behind, and if he was ahead, to increase the advantage even further. That's Lewis. He's a seven-time world champion. He can never be written off."
Low wages pushing engineers away from F1 - Newey
While Formula 1 is regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, it may struggle to retain the sharpest engineering talent. Blake Hinsey, a former engineer for Red Bull, believes the budget cap has negatively impacted the situation in F1. He shared on social media, "I recently had an informal chat with a recruiter about a position as a race engineer in F1, and their highest salary was less than what I earned last year working part-time as a performance engineer on a LMDh team in WEC." Hinsey, who expresses "no interest" in the demanding 24-race calendar of Formula 1, speculates that teams are reluctant to advocate for a higher budget cap, which would allow salaries to return to previous levels. "For the profitable teams, it’s likely that the bosses and shareholders are pocketing a portion of the unspent funds," he claimed.
While Formula 1 is regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, it may struggle to retain the sharpest engineering talent. Blake Hinsey, a former engineer for Red Bull, believes the budget cap has negatively impacted the situation in F1. He shared on social media, "I recently had an informal chat with a recruiter about a position as a race engineer in F1, and their highest salary was less than what I earned last year working part-time as a performance engineer on a LMDh team in WEC." Hinsey, who expresses "no interest" in the demanding 24-race calendar of Formula 1, speculates that teams are reluctant to advocate for a higher budget cap, which would allow salaries to return to previous levels. "For the profitable teams, it’s likely that the bosses and shareholders are pocketing a portion of the unspent funds," he claimed.
Red Bull fills top positions by promoting from within the company.
Red Bull has fulfilled its commitment to address personnel gaps by promoting internally. In light of the leadership upheaval and a significant decline in performance in 2024, the team featuring Max Verstappen experienced the departure of several prominent figures, including Jonathan Wheatley, Will Courtenay, Lee Stevenson, and notably, Adrian Newey. Key officials Christian Horner and Dr. Helmut Marko asserted that the vacancies could largely be filled through internal promotions and structural changes. "We are broad and well-positioned," advisor Marko told Auto Motor und Sport. "And we will fight for every employee." Indeed, Verstappen's renowned race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will keep his original position while also taking on the role of 'head of racing,' with overarching responsibilities for the entire team.
Red Bull has fulfilled its commitment to address personnel gaps by promoting internally. In light of the leadership upheaval and a significant decline in performance in 2024, the team featuring Max Verstappen experienced the departure of several prominent figures, including Jonathan Wheatley, Will Courtenay, Lee Stevenson, and notably, Adrian Newey. Key officials Christian Horner and Dr. Helmut Marko asserted that the vacancies could largely be filled through internal promotions and structural changes. "We are broad and well-positioned," advisor Marko told Auto Motor und Sport. "And we will fight for every employee." Indeed, Verstappen's renowned race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will keep his original position while also taking on the role of 'head of racing,' with overarching responsibilities for the entire team.
Doohan aims to 'establish' his position on the F1 grid.
Jack Doohan expresses his determination to "secure" his position on the Formula 1 grid. Although the Australian rookie will start as Pierre Gasly’s teammate at Alpine in early 2025, Flavio Briatore clearly has significant ambitions for his new recruit, the highly regarded reserve driver Franco Colapinto. Team principal Oliver Oakes asserts that Briatore's action wasn’t intended to "pressure" Doohan, whose debut in Abu Dhabi late last season was less than impressive. However, former F1 steward Johnny Herbert remarks: "I think Jack already feels like he’s on borrowed time. When I talk to people, they share the same sentiment.
Jack Doohan expresses his determination to "secure" his position on the Formula 1 grid. Although the Australian rookie will start as Pierre Gasly’s teammate at Alpine in early 2025, Flavio Briatore clearly has significant ambitions for his new recruit, the highly regarded reserve driver Franco Colapinto. Team principal Oliver Oakes asserts that Briatore's action wasn’t intended to "pressure" Doohan, whose debut in Abu Dhabi late last season was less than impressive. However, former F1 steward Johnny Herbert remarks: "I think Jack already feels like he’s on borrowed time. When I talk to people, they share the same sentiment.
'Scared' Hadjar watches Red Bull Racing promotion closely.
Although he has acknowledged feeling "scared" and lacking experience, Isack Hadjar still harbors ambitious goals for his inaugural season in Formula 1 in 2025. The F2 runner-up was the last driver confirmed for the upcoming season, stepping in for Liam Lawson, who is heading to Red Bull Racing, at the junior team, Racing Bulls.
Recently, the 20-year-old, whom Dr. Helmut Marko has characterized as "fast" yet "very impulsive," expressed to Canal Plus, "Honestly, I’m scared." In an interview with the French sports daily L’Equipe, he elaborated, admitting that his nervousness stems from his lack of experience in Formula 1.
What does the French-Algerian foresee for his first F1 season? "It’s hard to say," Hadjar admitted. "From a technical standpoint, I clearly lack a lot of data.
Although he has acknowledged feeling "scared" and lacking experience, Isack Hadjar still harbors ambitious goals for his inaugural season in Formula 1 in 2025. The F2 runner-up was the last driver confirmed for the upcoming season, stepping in for Liam Lawson, who is heading to Red Bull Racing, at the junior team, Racing Bulls.
Recently, the 20-year-old, whom Dr. Helmut Marko has characterized as "fast" yet "very impulsive," expressed to Canal Plus, "Honestly, I’m scared." In an interview with the French sports daily L’Equipe, he elaborated, admitting that his nervousness stems from his lack of experience in Formula 1.
What does the French-Algerian foresee for his first F1 season? "It’s hard to say," Hadjar admitted. "From a technical standpoint, I clearly lack a lot of data.
The head of Red Bull Christian Horner said that Max Verstappen does not feel comfortable because of his popularity... Christian Horner: "Max is charged to win every race, and if he can not win, tries to earn the maximum possible points. Now he looks at the situation wider than before, but it is natural - such a skill comes with experience. Max - a unique racer, deserving of the highest marks for his piloting, but fame is not to his liking. He is not looking for flattery. Fame weighs on Verstappen, he does not like to be recognized - he feels much more comfortable behind the wheel of the car on the track.
Ferrari has unveiled the new uniforms that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclair will use for the 2025 season. The Scuderia previously showed off the race overalls for the upcoming season, and now they have revealed the branded driver and team apparel for use off the track and at sponsorship events. The team will unveil the new car on February 19 at Fiorano, the morning after unveiling the new F1 75 paint scheme in London.