Williams has announced that it has signed a contract with Built For Athletes, a British suitcase and travel accessories company. Built For Athletes has been appointed as the team's official supplier and will produce a limited edition Williams-branded suitcase. James Vowles, Team Principal: "We are delighted to welcome Built For Athletes to Williams Racing as our official suitcase supplier ahead of the 2025 season. We have 24 races to run in 21 countries, so high quality suitcases are vital to Formula 1 teams. Built For Athletes guarantees quality and a commitment to innovation that aligns with our own aspirations."
Andretti acknowledges that his son Michael was an "obstacle" for Cadillac's F1 plans.
Mario Andretti acknowledges that his son Michael might have posed an "obstacle" to the Cadillac Formula 1 project's progress. The initial plan, approved by the FIA, faced resistance from F1 owner Liberty Media, with CEO Greg Maffei reportedly telling Mario that the team's approval would be unlikely as long as Michael remained involved. Subsequently, the plan was adjusted, with former McLaren driver Michael stepping back and the ‘Andretti’ name being dropped entirely. The ‘Cadillac F1’ team is now set to make its debut in 2026.
"The aim was to have an American team on the starting grid, and we accomplished that," said F1 legend Mario Andretti, who is serving as an advisor, in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.
Mario Andretti acknowledges that his son Michael might have posed an "obstacle" to the Cadillac Formula 1 project's progress. The initial plan, approved by the FIA, faced resistance from F1 owner Liberty Media, with CEO Greg Maffei reportedly telling Mario that the team's approval would be unlikely as long as Michael remained involved. Subsequently, the plan was adjusted, with former McLaren driver Michael stepping back and the ‘Andretti’ name being dropped entirely. The ‘Cadillac F1’ team is now set to make its debut in 2026.
"The aim was to have an American team on the starting grid, and we accomplished that," said F1 legend Mario Andretti, who is serving as an advisor, in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.
Rosberg states that the 'feud' with Hamilton has now ended.
Nico Rosberg states that his previous "feud" with Lewis Hamilton is now largely a thing of the past. The two were teammates from 2013 to 2016 during Mercedes’ dominance in Formula 1, but their friendship soured, and they were not on speaking terms for several years. Rosberg, who is now 39, retired from F1 after winning the title in 2016, having triumphed over Hamilton. Jacques Villeneuve suggests that Rosberg exemplifies a driver who is content in retirement.
"Take Nico Rosberg; he was happier not racing. That’s just a different level of passion," remarked the 1997 world champion, in a comparison between Rosberg and Hamilton. During an appearance on the NDR Talk Show, Rosberg shared that Hamilton now surprises his daughters with gifts each Christmas. The two live near each other in Monaco.
"It’s true that my daughters are fans of Lewis.
Nico Rosberg states that his previous "feud" with Lewis Hamilton is now largely a thing of the past. The two were teammates from 2013 to 2016 during Mercedes’ dominance in Formula 1, but their friendship soured, and they were not on speaking terms for several years. Rosberg, who is now 39, retired from F1 after winning the title in 2016, having triumphed over Hamilton. Jacques Villeneuve suggests that Rosberg exemplifies a driver who is content in retirement.
"Take Nico Rosberg; he was happier not racing. That’s just a different level of passion," remarked the 1997 world champion, in a comparison between Rosberg and Hamilton. During an appearance on the NDR Talk Show, Rosberg shared that Hamilton now surprises his daughters with gifts each Christmas. The two live near each other in Monaco.
"It’s true that my daughters are fans of Lewis.
Todt: Ferrari isn't necessarily 'better' with Hamilton.
Jean Todt expresses uncertainty regarding whether Ferrari will be "better" now that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has joined the team. Todt, a former FIA president, is well-known for his role as team principal at Ferrari during Michael Schumacher's dominance in the sport.
The Frenchman notes that Ferrari was already well positioned with Hamilton's predecessor, Carlos Sainz. "What does Ferrari lack to win?" Todt, 78, said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica. "Very, very little. The team was already very close to it. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz formed a strong driver lineup. Ferrari definitely did not lose because of the drivers."
Todt acknowledges that Hamilton's skill and experience are beneficial for the iconic team. "Clearly, with Hamilton, the lineup will be of the highest caliber," he continued.
Jean Todt expresses uncertainty regarding whether Ferrari will be "better" now that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has joined the team. Todt, a former FIA president, is well-known for his role as team principal at Ferrari during Michael Schumacher's dominance in the sport.
The Frenchman notes that Ferrari was already well positioned with Hamilton's predecessor, Carlos Sainz. "What does Ferrari lack to win?" Todt, 78, said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica. "Very, very little. The team was already very close to it. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz formed a strong driver lineup. Ferrari definitely did not lose because of the drivers."
Todt acknowledges that Hamilton's skill and experience are beneficial for the iconic team. "Clearly, with Hamilton, the lineup will be of the highest caliber," he continued.
By GMM
6 February 2025 - 08:51
It’s an advantageous time for those working at Ferrari. Reports indicate that, due to profits in 2024 exceeding expectations, every employee in the road car and Formula 1 sectors will receive a bonus of 14,400 euros. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, acknowledging that Lewis Hamilton positively impacts the "brand," believes the prosperous period at Maranello will likely persist for the foreseeable future. "We anticipate significant growth in 2025, which will allow us to meet most of our 2026 profitability goals a year earlier than planned," he stated during a financial conference call.
Ferrari not necessarily ’better’ with Hamilton - Todt
6 February 2025 - 08:51
It’s an advantageous time for those working at Ferrari. Reports indicate that, due to profits in 2024 exceeding expectations, every employee in the road car and Formula 1 sectors will receive a bonus of 14,400 euros. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, acknowledging that Lewis Hamilton positively impacts the "brand," believes the prosperous period at Maranello will likely persist for the foreseeable future. "We anticipate significant growth in 2025, which will allow us to meet most of our 2026 profitability goals a year earlier than planned," he stated during a financial conference call.
Ferrari not necessarily ’better’ with Hamilton - Todt
Alex Dunne, who competed in 2024 Formula 3, will continue his career in Formula 2. Team Rodin Motorsport signed a contract with the 19-year-old Irishman. In 2025, Alex will become a partner of another native of Formula 3 Christian Mansell. Last season in Formula 3, a member of the youth program McLaren Dunne twice climbed on the podium - in Barcelona and Monza. Alex finished 14th in the individual standings. Alex Dunne: "I am delighted to be able to confirm my plans for 2025, in which I will join Rodin Motorsport in Formula 2. I am looking forward to the upcoming season and thank everyone who has supported me at this stage of my career. I can't wait to get to work."
The confrontation between Charles Leclair and Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is one of the intrigues of the upcoming Formula 1 season. The 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg shared his prediction, which of the drivers of Scuderia will be ahead of his partner. Nico Rosberg: "Max Verstappen is one step ahead of all the drivers. Probably the best representative of the young generation George Russell, but also Charles Leclaire pilots at about the same level. As for Lewis, in 2024, he had certain problems, and from the outside it may seem that he does not know why it happens. If we go by that, then Charles will be ahead of Lewis like George Russell was ahead of Lewis, but you have to be careful what you say because Hamilton is the best driver of all time, so I believe he can get back to his usual level. In that case he will be a little bit ahead of Leclair at the end of the season."
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Ferrari and McLaren completed the Pirelli tests in Barcelona
In Barcelona ended two-day tests of prototypes of Pirelli tires for the next season with the participation of Ferrari and McLaren. Today Charles Leclair and Lewis Hamilton again in turn piloted Ferrari SF-24, and Oscar Piastri worked behind the wheel of McLaren MCL60. Both cars were adapted to the dimensions of the tires of 2026 - they are already today's 25 millimeters in front and 30 at the rear. On the second day of testing racers drove 300 laps: 74 each for Leclair and Hamilton and 152 laps for Piastri. Time on the lap did not matter - the drivers worked on the Pirelli program on different series with different rubber, nevertheless the tire makers named the time of the best lap - 1:14.971 for Leclair, 1:15.815 for Piastri and 1:16.759 for Hamilton.
In Barcelona ended two-day tests of prototypes of Pirelli tires for the next season with the participation of Ferrari and McLaren. Today Charles Leclair and Lewis Hamilton again in turn piloted Ferrari SF-24, and Oscar Piastri worked behind the wheel of McLaren MCL60. Both cars were adapted to the dimensions of the tires of 2026 - they are already today's 25 millimeters in front and 30 at the rear. On the second day of testing racers drove 300 laps: 74 each for Leclair and Hamilton and 152 laps for Piastri. Time on the lap did not matter - the drivers worked on the Pirelli program on different series with different rubber, nevertheless the tire makers named the time of the best lap - 1:14.971 for Leclair, 1:15.815 for Piastri and 1:16.759 for Hamilton.
Less than two weeks remain until the general presentation, at which all Formula 1 teams will show the coloring of their cars for the season 2025. Show F1 Live will be held in London on February 18, and the next day in Maranello Ferrari will hold a presentation of the new car SF-25. As it was learned by the Italian press, on the same day at the track Fiorano will be run-in of the novelty in one of the two allowed for the season filming days. It is planned that behind the wheel of the SF-25 will work both drivers of the team - Charles Leclair and Lewis Hamilton, who will be able to drive the same distance.
Cadillac is in full swing in preparation for the debut of its own team in Formula 1 in 2026. Project consultant Mario Andretti told what drivers are looking for in the team, and confirmed that the priority to put behind the wheel of one of the cars of the American pilot. Mario Andretti: "Colton Herta is definitely on the list of candidates we are considering. The team is at the beginning of its journey, so we need an experienced driver and his nationality doesn't matter. The second rider could be a young American talent. Those are our goals at the moment." There are several candidates being discussed in the press for the Cadillac seat. In addition to Colton Herta sound the names of Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Guangyu Zhou.
Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus E21 sold at auction
Auction house RM Sotheby's on February 4-5 held an auction in Paris, which mainly sold sports cars, but there were also a few lots related to Formula 1. Among them was a car Lotus E21, which was driven first by Kimi Raikkonen and then Roman Grozhan in the 2013 season. Kimi piloted the chassis E21-04 on five stages, including in Germany and Hungary, where he finished second. Starting with the Grand Prix of Singapore, the team transferred this car to his partner. In Korea, Japan and India Roman finished third, and in Austin he climbed to the second step of the podium. Both drivers earned a total of 121 points at the wheel of E21-04. The new owner paid 325,625 euros for the car. During the auction was sold Williams FW20, at the wheel of which Jacques Villeneuve spent three Grand Prix in the 1998 season and finished fourth in Imola.
Auction house RM Sotheby's on February 4-5 held an auction in Paris, which mainly sold sports cars, but there were also a few lots related to Formula 1. Among them was a car Lotus E21, which was driven first by Kimi Raikkonen and then Roman Grozhan in the 2013 season. Kimi piloted the chassis E21-04 on five stages, including in Germany and Hungary, where he finished second. Starting with the Grand Prix of Singapore, the team transferred this car to his partner. In Korea, Japan and India Roman finished third, and in Austin he climbed to the second step of the podium. Both drivers earned a total of 121 points at the wheel of E21-04. The new owner paid 325,625 euros for the car. During the auction was sold Williams FW20, at the wheel of which Jacques Villeneuve spent three Grand Prix in the 1998 season and finished fourth in Imola.
This season Isaac Hajar will debut in Formula 1 in the Racing Bulls. As early as last year, Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko said that the French racer is excessively emotional, and he needs to learn to keep himself in control. Isaac replied that he heard the advice and from now on will not swear during radio conversations with the team. Isaac Hajar: "Yes, I get angry on the radio. Some people consider it a weakness, but it doesn't matter to me. I realize what I'm doing and I know why I do it, but I understand what I've been told. This year, I'm going to stop all of that. I will continue to yell at myself while behind the wheel, but no one will hear it."
The Ferrari team has announced the signing of a new multi-year sponsorship deal, with Vantage Markets, a global trading platform, becoming an official partner of the team. Its logos will appear on various media in Formula 1 in the coming season. Lorenzo Giorgetti, Head of Commercial at Ferrari: "We are delighted to welcome Vantage Markets as an official partner of Ferrari. This collaboration is based on shared values of innovation, precision and efficiency. These principles drive both our team in Formula 1 and Vantage in the trading world, and we look forward to working together to engage with our global audience in new and exciting ways."
The Mercedes press office has unveiled the racing overalls for the 2025 season. George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be wearing black overalls with white stripes. In addition to the overalls, the team has unveiled a collection of new uniforms that will be worn by drivers and team staff during rounds and at sponsorship events. It is available in both dark and light colors and is sold on the team's official website. The presentation of the new Mercedes paint scheme for the 2025 season will take place on February 18 at the show in London.
Franco Colapinto took to the track for the first time behind the wheel of an Alpine team car. It happened on Wednesday in Barcelona, with the young Argentinian driver piloting the 2023 A523 car as part of the TRS test. During the day Colapinto familiarized himself with Alpine's on-track procedures and evaluated the handling of the new car. In addition to Colapinto, the team's main driver Jack Duan also worked behind the wheel of the A523 in Barcelona. For the Australian past tests were another point in the program of preparation for the debut in Formula 1. Tests Alpine were held in parallel with tests protipypes of tires Pirelli for the season 2026, in which participated Ferrari and McLaren. Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore published in social networks a short video from the tests, on which Franco Colapinto climbs out of the cockpit. The fact that Briatore emphasized Franco without mentioning Jack has further fueled talk of a possible replacement for Duen with Colapinto as the upcoming season progresses.
McLaren has announced the signing of a multi-year contract with Greene Tweed as the official partner of the Formula 1 and Arrow McLaren IndyCar teams. The company produces advanced materials and high-performance components. Greene Tweed logos will appear on the cars of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as the team cars of Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgard. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing: "We are delighted to welcome Greene Tweed to the McLaren racing family. Their expertise in creating innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges is closely aligned with our ongoing commitment to high performance."
Late last year, Eddie Jordan revealed for the first time on the Formula For Success podcast he hosts with David Coulthard that he had been diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer. In the latest edition of the podcast, the former Formula 1 team principal revealed that he has left Europe for the winter at his home in Cape Town, South Africa, and gave an update on his battle with the serious illness. Eddie Jordan: "I'm going through chemotherapy, which is in full swing. Before recording this episode of the podcast, I went for another session. I'm in good shape, and I'm reaching out again to all the listeners. Go get yourself checked out. I don't want to sound like a broken record that keeps repeating the same thing over and over again, but the reality is that the chances of recovery are very good. There's quality medical care available virtually all over the world these days, and chemotherapy appears to be working."
Luca Magnussen, half-brother of Kevin Magnussen, will make his debut in the British GB4 series in 2025. The Danish driver has signed a contract with Fortec Motorsport for the upcoming season. For Luca it will be the debut in the "formulas", as previously he performed only in karting. The father of the driver Jan Magnussen and brother Kevin Magnussen at one time also started their careers in Britain. Jan dominated the British Formula 3 in 1993, and Kevin became the vice-champion of the series in 2011. Both Magnussen reached Formula 1, and now their way will try to repeat the fifteen-year-old Luca.
Lewis Hamilton made a farewell gift to all Mercedes employees before leaving the team. Hamilton's collaboration with Mercedes turned out to be the most successful between the driver and the team in the history of Formula 1 - in 12 seasons Lewis won 84 victories and became world champion six times. To mark the completion of the collaboration, Hamilton turned to artist Paul Oz to create the original painting and three thousand copies of it. The painting shows Lewis piloting Mercedes on its way to victory in the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix. The driver chose this particular race for a reason - it was the first race after Niki Lauda's passing, and in memory of the Austrian champion, the Halo was painted in Niki's signature red color. Lauda was once instrumental in Lewis' transition from McLaren to Mercedes. Each team member received a printed reproduction of the painting and the original is on display at the Mercedes base at Brackley.
Racing expert Gordon Murray believes that clinching an F1 championship is simpler than securing a win at Le Mans.
Gordon Murray Automotive
There are not many individuals like Gordon Murray in the automotive industry. In fact, there never have been many like him. The former Formula 1 engineer and creator of the iconic McLaren F1 and GMA T.50 has accomplished it all. So, when Murray spoke with Top Gear about his lifetime achievement award, career, and forthcoming biography, he shared some intriguing insights, including the notion that winning Le Mans is even more challenging than securing an F1 championship.
If anyone would be qualified to make that comparison, it’s Murray, as he has achieved both.
Gordon Murray Automotive
There are not many individuals like Gordon Murray in the automotive industry. In fact, there never have been many like him. The former Formula 1 engineer and creator of the iconic McLaren F1 and GMA T.50 has accomplished it all. So, when Murray spoke with Top Gear about his lifetime achievement award, career, and forthcoming biography, he shared some intriguing insights, including the notion that winning Le Mans is even more challenging than securing an F1 championship.
If anyone would be qualified to make that comparison, it’s Murray, as he has achieved both.