The Aston Martin team held a one-day test in Barcelona on Tuesday, with the two main drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, piloting the AMR23, the 2023 car, as part of tests of past years' cars. The team does not report test statistics. In such tests, current drivers are allowed to drive no more than 1,000 kilometers in four days a year. Ferrari has already conducted similar tests with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclair.
Arvid Lindblad: I've gained a lot of weight thanks to Marco
At the end of last year, Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko said that Arvid Lindblad has championship potential. In turn, the 17-year-old British driver said that he has developed a very productive relationship with Marko. Arvid Lindblad: "I talk to Helmut Marko quite a lot. Last year we talked to him almost every weekend and he helped me a lot. We have a very honest relationship. I don't like excuses, and neither does he, so we discuss everything very honestly - both when things are going well and never very well. We openly discuss what went wrong and how the problem can be solved. This relationship is the main reason why I've been able to make a big difference. We get on very well with Helmut and it has always been a pleasure to work with him. I am impressed by the number of drivers Marco has brought to Formula 1.
At the end of last year, Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko said that Arvid Lindblad has championship potential. In turn, the 17-year-old British driver said that he has developed a very productive relationship with Marko. Arvid Lindblad: "I talk to Helmut Marko quite a lot. Last year we talked to him almost every weekend and he helped me a lot. We have a very honest relationship. I don't like excuses, and neither does he, so we discuss everything very honestly - both when things are going well and never very well. We openly discuss what went wrong and how the problem can be solved. This relationship is the main reason why I've been able to make a big difference. We get on very well with Helmut and it has always been a pleasure to work with him. I am impressed by the number of drivers Marco has brought to Formula 1.
Hamilton feels 'at ease' as F1 legend forecasts victory.
Lewis Hamilton is reportedly adjusting well to his Ferrari cockpit, as stated by the respected Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite some speculation regarding his discomfort with the initial pedal setup and a minor incident in Barcelona while driving an older Maranello single-seater, adjustments made recently have reportedly allowed the seven-time world champion to feel "immediately more comfortable."
Opinions among experts are divided on how the 40-year-old will perform this year, particularly given his difficulties with Mercedes at the onset of the current 'ground effect' regulations. Some suggest that both Ferrari and Hamilton may be primarily driven by financial incentives.
Lewis Hamilton is reportedly adjusting well to his Ferrari cockpit, as stated by the respected Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite some speculation regarding his discomfort with the initial pedal setup and a minor incident in Barcelona while driving an older Maranello single-seater, adjustments made recently have reportedly allowed the seven-time world champion to feel "immediately more comfortable."
Opinions among experts are divided on how the 40-year-old will perform this year, particularly given his difficulties with Mercedes at the onset of the current 'ground effect' regulations. Some suggest that both Ferrari and Hamilton may be primarily driven by financial incentives.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet First Drive Review: I'm Convinced
Although my test drive was limited to just a few hours in urban traffic, I was thoroughly impressed with the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet. This car is designed to create an immersive fantasy experience for its passengers, and it excels in this role. You could find yourself at a stoplight in Omaha during October, lower the top, switch to Sport+, and suddenly feel an exhilarating rush, akin to the thrill of hearing the opening guitar riff from the Miami Vice theme.
The interior ambiance of the Mercedes is vibrant, saturated with chrome and leather, highlighted by striking decorative lighting. Complementing this are the curved wood or carbon accents with silver trim, an enhanced exhaust sound, and the refreshing breeze flowing in with the roof down, making the CLE 53 feel like racing through a blue ocean in a high-speed boat.
Although my test drive was limited to just a few hours in urban traffic, I was thoroughly impressed with the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet. This car is designed to create an immersive fantasy experience for its passengers, and it excels in this role. You could find yourself at a stoplight in Omaha during October, lower the top, switch to Sport+, and suddenly feel an exhilarating rush, akin to the thrill of hearing the opening guitar riff from the Miami Vice theme.
The interior ambiance of the Mercedes is vibrant, saturated with chrome and leather, highlighted by striking decorative lighting. Complementing this are the curved wood or carbon accents with silver trim, an enhanced exhaust sound, and the refreshing breeze flowing in with the roof down, making the CLE 53 feel like racing through a blue ocean in a high-speed boat.
Topdon BT200 Battery and Charging System Tester: Practical Evaluation
Michael Febbo
We may earn commission from the products featured on this page and be a part of affiliate programs. Learn more ›
The Topdon BT200 Battery and Charging System Tester arrived at just the right moment. I've experienced a few intermittent check engine lights due to a low-voltage code without any obvious issues starting the car. As I've recently been transitioning from skepticism to pessimism, I prepared myself for the potential cost of a $400 alternator. However, a couple of quick tests with the Topdon BT200 alleviated my worries and confirmed that all I needed was a relatively inexpensive and easy battery replacement.
I understand that essentials like eggs, trucks, houses, and coffee beans have surged in price since 2020, but I was not ready for the cost of a new car battery.
Michael Febbo
We may earn commission from the products featured on this page and be a part of affiliate programs. Learn more ›
The Topdon BT200 Battery and Charging System Tester arrived at just the right moment. I've experienced a few intermittent check engine lights due to a low-voltage code without any obvious issues starting the car. As I've recently been transitioning from skepticism to pessimism, I prepared myself for the potential cost of a $400 alternator. However, a couple of quick tests with the Topdon BT200 alleviated my worries and confirmed that all I needed was a relatively inexpensive and easy battery replacement.
I understand that essentials like eggs, trucks, houses, and coffee beans have surged in price since 2020, but I was not ready for the cost of a new car battery.
Yuki Tsunoda was hoping to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing, but the team chose the less experienced Liam Lawson. Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner has revealed how Yuki plans to keep motivated in 2025. Christian Horner: "Yuki said he will be motivated by being able to demonstrate that he deserves the opportunity [to drive for Red Bull]. Hopefully the Racing Bulls team will take a step forward with the fact that they will be using our rear suspension, gearbox and other components that are allowed to be bought. The team and its management have gained experience, which will naturally allow them to make a step forward.Yuki is very motivated. He knows how quickly things can change. Who would have thought nine months ago that Liam Lawson would be our driver in 2025? Things change very quickly in Formula 1 and Yuki knows that. He knows he always has to deliver results and be the driver that knocks on our door."
TAG Heuer is the title sponsor of the Monaco Grand Prix
Having regained its status as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1, Swiss company TAG Heuer is gradually expanding its presence. Today it was announced that it will be the title sponsor of one of the most exciting rounds of the season, the Monaco Grand Prix. This is the first time in the history of Formula 1 that the Monaco Grand Prix has had a title sponsor - since 1950 the round has always been called Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco and will now change its name to TAG Heuer Grand Prix De Monaco. In addition to the title sponsorship, Tag Heuer branding, including a unique logo in honor of the partnership, will grace the streets of the Principality throughout the weekend.
Having regained its status as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1, Swiss company TAG Heuer is gradually expanding its presence. Today it was announced that it will be the title sponsor of one of the most exciting rounds of the season, the Monaco Grand Prix. This is the first time in the history of Formula 1 that the Monaco Grand Prix has had a title sponsor - since 1950 the round has always been called Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco and will now change its name to TAG Heuer Grand Prix De Monaco. In addition to the title sponsorship, Tag Heuer branding, including a unique logo in honor of the partnership, will grace the streets of the Principality throughout the weekend.
The start of the new season of Formula 1 is getting closer and the teams, fueling interest, publish in social networks details of the cars of 2025. Today the element of the new W16 showed the press service of Mercedes. In a short video shows how on the side of the engine kohuzha mechanic team sticker number 12, under which Kimi Antonelli will perform. But many paid attention not so much to the number itself, but to the color of the hood - black. This gave rise to the theory that in 2025, the entire Mercedes car will be black. While it is only an assumption - the full coloring of the car in Mercedes will show at the general presentation in London in the evening on February 18.
The conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has been going on for many years and could prevent the Grand Prix from taking place. At last year's FIA season-end awards ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame confirmed the submission of an official bid to host the Grand Prix. In response, in a letter to Formula 1 Executive Director Stefano Domenicali, Congolese Foreign Minister Theresa Kayikwamba Wagner expressed concern over the matter.
Therese Kayikwamba Wagner: "Rwanda is currently occupying most of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, displacing over 700,000 of our citizens. While I welcome Formula 1's desire to host a Grand Prix in Africa, I doubt that Rwanda will best represent our continent and I urge you to stop negotiations and exclude Rwanda as a potential host. Does Formula 1 really want its brand to be tarnished by a bloody association with Rwanda? Is it really the best country to represent Africa in world motorsport?"
Therese Kayikwamba Wagner: "Rwanda is currently occupying most of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, displacing over 700,000 of our citizens. While I welcome Formula 1's desire to host a Grand Prix in Africa, I doubt that Rwanda will best represent our continent and I urge you to stop negotiations and exclude Rwanda as a potential host. Does Formula 1 really want its brand to be tarnished by a bloody association with Rwanda? Is it really the best country to represent Africa in world motorsport?"
Adrian Newey: Sometimes decisions come by themselves
The designer of many champion cars Adrian Newey told Auto Motor und Sport about his sources of inspiration... Adrian Newey: "If I notice that I am stuck in solving a problem, I forget about it for a while, and the solution comes by itself, sometimes in the middle of the night! I used to get up immediately and write down the idea, and in the morning suddenly realized that it was not worth it. Now I keep sleeping and say to myself: "If the idea is really good, I'll remember it in the morning". In case of any difficulties, I switch to some ordinary things - go for a walk, take a shower, drink coffee. And it is there, during a walk or in the shower, that the solution suddenly comes to mind. The workings of the subconscious never cease to amaze me - you're doing something completely different and your brain keeps thinking and comes up with a solution.
The designer of many champion cars Adrian Newey told Auto Motor und Sport about his sources of inspiration... Adrian Newey: "If I notice that I am stuck in solving a problem, I forget about it for a while, and the solution comes by itself, sometimes in the middle of the night! I used to get up immediately and write down the idea, and in the morning suddenly realized that it was not worth it. Now I keep sleeping and say to myself: "If the idea is really good, I'll remember it in the morning". In case of any difficulties, I switch to some ordinary things - go for a walk, take a shower, drink coffee. And it is there, during a walk or in the shower, that the solution suddenly comes to mind. The workings of the subconscious never cease to amaze me - you're doing something completely different and your brain keeps thinking and comes up with a solution.
Before the start of the 2022 season, the Red Bull Racing team concluded one of the most lucrative sponsorship agreements in the history of Formula 1, signing a five-year contract with Oracle, worth about $100 million a year. The American IT giant became the team's title sponsor, and the partnership continues to this day. The previous day, a number of publications reported that Red Bull had agreed a new $5 million-a-year sponsorship deal with Perplexity, a company that has developed an AI-based search engine, but Oracle blocked the deal. However, according to PlanetF1, such press reports are untrue, as Oracle has no say in the team's choice of sponsors. Oracle is believed to have expressed concerns to Red Bull about the potential for a new sponsorship deal. As a result, the team independently decided not to partner with Perplexity.
Formula 1 has said it is "closely monitoring" the military conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and assessing its impact on Rwanda's bid to host the Grand Prix. The comments came in response to a letter from DRC Foreign Minister Theresa Kayikwamba Wagner, who expressed concern over the prospect of a Formula 1 round in Rwanda. A Formula 1 spokesperson said the following: "We have received inquiries from several organizers around the world who wish to host a Formula 1 race in the future. We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions are based on the completeness of the information and on those factors that are in the best interests of the sport and our values." According to BBC Sport, Rwanda has little chance of hosting the Grand Prix due to a number of factors including the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In an interview with This Morning, Lando Norris talked about Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari... Lando Norris: "On the track, the color of Lewis' car doesn't matter to me. He is my rival, who I want to get ahead of. On the track there are always those who you leave a little more space, and there are those about whom you know that they are great fight, Lewis is one of them. I'm glad we'll be fighting again this year. It's a great honor to compete with these kind of competitors. I want to prove myself. He obviously wants to prove himself. He's going to keep fighting until he finishes his F1 career. It's cool that Lewis has moved to Ferrari after all he's achieved. It's a great move. I'd probably do the same thing if I were him. It's an amazing story for him. I know he's starting this part of his career with fresh motivation, wanting to prove to everyone that he's still the Lewis Hamilton he was many years ago."
Italy's largest oil and gas company Eni is returning to Formula 1, having signed a multi-year contract with the Alpine team and becoming the official energy and fuel partner. Renault Group, Eni and Alpine will work together to test new bio-petrol products for racing purposes. The last time the Eni brand worked with the team from Enstone in 2000, when it was called Benetton. Eni logos will appear on the team's cars, overalls and drivers' helmets at the general presentation in London on February 18. Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor of BWT Alpine: "We are proud to welcome Eni back to Formula 1 with the Alpine team. Eni has a lot of history with the team, having played an important role in the past, and we share common goals and objectives, especially in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and future biofuel-based products. It's great to have them back in the Alpine team, we hope to do a lot of interesting things on and off the track in the future."
The third session of tests of Pirelli prototype tires for the 2026 season began yesterday in the Spanish Jerez de la Frontera with the participation of Alpine and McLaren teams, and continued today with Alpine and Mercedes. On the first day, the tiremakers worked with different compositions of slicks ranging from C2 to C4. Pato O'Ward drove the MCL60 and Pierre Gasly sat behind the wheel of the Alpine A523 - both teams used 2023 machines. The Mexican did 153 laps with a best time of 1:19.484, while Gasly was slightly quicker with 157 laps and a 1:18.092, but it does not matter, because the racers worked on a different program. Today, the tests continued in a different composition - behind the wheel of Alpine drove Jack Duane, and in McLaren by lot gave the track to Mercedes - behind the wheel sat George Russell.
Max Verstappen will start the 2025 season as the reigning world champion. The Red Bull Racing driver said that he is not ready to name his goal for this year until he assesses the potential of the new car RB21. Max Verstappen: "Last year was difficult at times. Of course, there were a lot of good moments, and I hope that this season, let's say, we can perform more stable, and the car will be more suitable for tracks of any type I myself am interested in how competitive we will be. I have a new teammate, Liam Lawson, and I'm happy to work with him. I guess the whole team is excited and looking forward to this season. My attitude hasn't changed. Of course, winning a fourth title was a dream come true and even bigger, so now I feel relaxed. I'm looking forward to the season, but first of all I want to understand how competitive the car will be. Once we understand that, then we can set concrete goals. But right now it's too early to talk about it".
In Formula 1 explained the rejection of the point for the best lap
From 2025 in Formula 1 decided to abandon the accrual of an additional point for the best lap shown in the race. The decision was largely unexpected, and in Formula 1 did not hurry to explain it. In the press there was a suggestion that the reason was the actions of the team RB at the Grand Prix of Singapore, when in the final stage of the race, the team held a pit stop Daniel Riccardo, and he on fresh tires showed the best lap. Since the Australian finished outside the top ten, he did not receive a bonus point, but took it away from Lando Norris, who at that stage of the season was still fighting for the title with Max Verstappen. In McLaren were unhappy with the actions of RB and hinted that the team from Faenza so did in the interests of Red Bull Racing.
From 2025 in Formula 1 decided to abandon the accrual of an additional point for the best lap shown in the race. The decision was largely unexpected, and in Formula 1 did not hurry to explain it. In the press there was a suggestion that the reason was the actions of the team RB at the Grand Prix of Singapore, when in the final stage of the race, the team held a pit stop Daniel Riccardo, and he on fresh tires showed the best lap. Since the Australian finished outside the top ten, he did not receive a bonus point, but took it away from Lando Norris, who at that stage of the season was still fighting for the title with Max Verstappen. In McLaren were unhappy with the actions of RB and hinted that the team from Faenza so did in the interests of Red Bull Racing.
Five days before the general presentation in London, the McLaren team revealed the name of the new car and presented racing overalls for the upcoming season. All cars of the team from Woking since the appointment of Zak Brown as director of McLaren Racing in mid-2016 included the letter code MCL, and the numerical index, with rare exceptions, consistently changed since 1981 - this tradition in the team decided to respect. The new car was named MCL 39. The new overalls look original. Lando Norris' overalls presented by the team are made in black color and have no sponsor logos yet, but they will appear at the presentation.
The day before the presentation of the new car racer Williams Carlos Sainz showed a new design of the helmet, which will be the basic in the upcoming season. With the change of the team seriously changed and the coloring of the helmet, although it remained recognizable by the signature colors of the racer. Previously dominant red color Ferrari gave way to the traditional for Williams shade of blue.
The court has handed down a verdict to the Schumacher family blackmailers
We have repeatedly told you about the criminal story in which Michael Schumacher's family unwittingly became embroiled. The former bodyguard of the seven-time world champion Markus Fritche together with his associates extorted from the family of the racer 15 million euros, threatening to put on the darknet personal photos and videos of Michael. The prosecution claimed that Markus Fritche stole and stored about 1500 photos and 200 videos from Schumacher's villa on four USB drives and two hard disks, as well as had information about the health and treatment of Schumacher. In addition, Fritche sold some of the drives to his longtime friend Yilmaz Tozturkan and his son Daniel Lins for a five-figure sum. All three went on trial in Germany, which handed down the verdict on Feb. 12.
We have repeatedly told you about the criminal story in which Michael Schumacher's family unwittingly became embroiled. The former bodyguard of the seven-time world champion Markus Fritche together with his associates extorted from the family of the racer 15 million euros, threatening to put on the darknet personal photos and videos of Michael. The prosecution claimed that Markus Fritche stole and stored about 1500 photos and 200 videos from Schumacher's villa on four USB drives and two hard disks, as well as had information about the health and treatment of Schumacher. In addition, Fritche sold some of the drives to his longtime friend Yilmaz Tozturkan and his son Daniel Lins for a five-figure sum. All three went on trial in Germany, which handed down the verdict on Feb. 12.
McLaren has revealed the car of 2025
McLaren has become the first Formula 1 team to show the car for the 2025 season. The team has published a photo of the MCL39 in camouflage black and orange coloring, taken during the run-in of the novelty at Silverstone. The team will unveil the official paint scheme for the new season at the F1 75 Live ceremony in London on February 18. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing: "Today is an important milestone on our journey towards title contention in the 2025 season. It's great to put the new MCL39 on track for the first time, with which we will fight for the championship title - it's the culmination of the team's hard work. We need to remain realistic, realizing that our rivals have also made progress this winter. Last year's results were very tight, which is a very good thing for the sport.
McLaren has become the first Formula 1 team to show the car for the 2025 season. The team has published a photo of the MCL39 in camouflage black and orange coloring, taken during the run-in of the novelty at Silverstone. The team will unveil the official paint scheme for the new season at the F1 75 Live ceremony in London on February 18. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing: "Today is an important milestone on our journey towards title contention in the 2025 season. It's great to put the new MCL39 on track for the first time, with which we will fight for the championship title - it's the culmination of the team's hard work. We need to remain realistic, realizing that our rivals have also made progress this winter. Last year's results were very tight, which is a very good thing for the sport.