Barcelona remains 'quiet' yet 'hopeful' regarding a new F1 agreement.
The organizers of the Barcelona Grand Prix remain optimistic about successfully negotiating a new race contract with Formula 1. While the event at the Circuit de Catalunya is confirmed for 2025 and 2026, next year it will coincide with a street race in Madrid, which has a long-term contract and has taken on the official title of the Spanish GP. With Formula 1 shifting away from its European origins and implementing an annual rotation for certain historic races, beginning with Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, a straightforward contract renewal for Barcelona appears unlikely.
However, Miquel Samper, the business minister of the Generalitat of Catalonia, continues to express hope, urging for "patience" and reminding race fans in Barcelona that "silence often ensures success.
The organizers of the Barcelona Grand Prix remain optimistic about successfully negotiating a new race contract with Formula 1. While the event at the Circuit de Catalunya is confirmed for 2025 and 2026, next year it will coincide with a street race in Madrid, which has a long-term contract and has taken on the official title of the Spanish GP. With Formula 1 shifting away from its European origins and implementing an annual rotation for certain historic races, beginning with Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, a straightforward contract renewal for Barcelona appears unlikely.
However, Miquel Samper, the business minister of the Generalitat of Catalonia, continues to express hope, urging for "patience" and reminding race fans in Barcelona that "silence often ensures success.
Garmin Understands That Deals Are the Key to Their Hearts This Valentine’s Day
Michael Febbo
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I’m sure you’re aware of my fondness for Garmin smartwatches when it comes to fitness, sleep tracking, and general health monitoring. If you aren't, I recommend checking out my review of the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar watch that I shared a few weeks ago. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone aiming to enhance their workout regimen. With numerous Garmin Valentine’s Day promotions available, it's a perfect chance to purchase one for your loved one—or even for yourself. Why not get matching smartwatches for both of you?
Let’s start with the Fenix 7X I mentioned earlier. Well, almost that one.
Michael Febbo
We may earn revenue from the products featured on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
I’m sure you’re aware of my fondness for Garmin smartwatches when it comes to fitness, sleep tracking, and general health monitoring. If you aren't, I recommend checking out my review of the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar watch that I shared a few weeks ago. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone aiming to enhance their workout regimen. With numerous Garmin Valentine’s Day promotions available, it's a perfect chance to purchase one for your loved one—or even for yourself. Why not get matching smartwatches for both of you?
Let’s start with the Fenix 7X I mentioned earlier. Well, almost that one.
The Aston Martin team announced the extension of its multi-year partnership with ServiceNow, an artificial intelligence platform for business transformation. Since 2023, when the parties became partners, ServiceNow has helped optimize processes at the AMR Technology Campus and on the track. ServiceNow helps Aston Martin bring people, data and workflows together on one platform, allowing the team to focus on speed. The expanded partnership will further integrate ServiceNow's advanced technology into the team's human resources and finance functions, empowering decision-making. The ServiceNow logo will be featured on the drivers' cars and racing suits. Jefferson Slack, Chief Commercial Officer: "ServiceNow is a leader in business transformation, we are excited to continue working with them in a long-term partnership. This company's advanced technology is helping to revolutionize the way our team operates, I look forward to seeing the continued progress."
Oscar Piastri: The MCL39 has innovations
On Thursday, the team McLaren held a run-in of the new car MCL39 on the track at Silverstone. The first behind the wheel sat Lando Norris, and later he was replaced by Oscar Piastri. The Australian racer shared his first impressions and said that the novelty has several innovative solutions. "I will sit behind the wheel later today, but I have already piloted this car on the simulator, - said Oscar Piastri on Sky Sports. - Impressions from the work on the simulator is very good, but you never know whether such impressions will remain from the real machine. This year the regulations have not changed much, but, of course, we do not stand still. The new car is different from last year, it has innovations. In my opinion, this approach and should be followed to stay on top. In the past, we saw that other teams are constantly preparing new products and did not stand still.
On Thursday, the team McLaren held a run-in of the new car MCL39 on the track at Silverstone. The first behind the wheel sat Lando Norris, and later he was replaced by Oscar Piastri. The Australian racer shared his first impressions and said that the novelty has several innovative solutions. "I will sit behind the wheel later today, but I have already piloted this car on the simulator, - said Oscar Piastri on Sky Sports. - Impressions from the work on the simulator is very good, but you never know whether such impressions will remain from the real machine. This year the regulations have not changed much, but, of course, we do not stand still. The new car is different from last year, it has innovations. In my opinion, this approach and should be followed to stay on top. In the past, we saw that other teams are constantly preparing new products and did not stand still.
Lando Norris: In the fight with Max, you have to act smartly
Having taken on the results of last season's second place in the individual standings, Lando Norris said that he was not ready to fight for the title with Max Verstappen. After running the new MCL39 car, the McLaren driver has revealed what he needs to do this year to beat his Red Bull Racing rival. Lando Norris: "I need to put my elbows out and show that I'm not going to lose ground to Max. At the same time I have to act with intelligence - it's just necessary in the fight with Max. I don't have to prove anything to him. I don't have to take unnecessary risks and show something special to get ahead of Max. He's fast, aggressive and one of the best drivers of all time, so the easiest way to get ahead of him is to be a little bit faster and stay in front. Like I said, you have to be smart because we are talking about playing the long game.
Having taken on the results of last season's second place in the individual standings, Lando Norris said that he was not ready to fight for the title with Max Verstappen. After running the new MCL39 car, the McLaren driver has revealed what he needs to do this year to beat his Red Bull Racing rival. Lando Norris: "I need to put my elbows out and show that I'm not going to lose ground to Max. At the same time I have to act with intelligence - it's just necessary in the fight with Max. I don't have to prove anything to him. I don't have to take unnecessary risks and show something special to get ahead of Max. He's fast, aggressive and one of the best drivers of all time, so the easiest way to get ahead of him is to be a little bit faster and stay in front. Like I said, you have to be smart because we are talking about playing the long game.
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes that due to lack of experience Kimi Antonelli makes too many mistakes, so that in the fight for high goals as the season progresses in Mercedes can only count on George Russell... Martin Brundle: "I heard that in tests with Mercedes. Antonelli made too many mistakes. One of them, the brightest, we saw last year in Monza. All strong teams have two experienced racers, and in Mercedes decided to put everything on Russell, while Antonelli is gaining experience. From Kimi expect incredible success in the future, but on this way he will inevitably make mistakes".
Max Verstappen has unveiled the basic helmet coloring for the 2025 season, reflecting Max's career from his early years to the present day. The helmet features traces of his karting career as well as echoes of Jos's helmet design and past helmet experience. Every line, color and detail is the result of years of tweaking and experimentation. Max Verstappen: "The design is partly reminiscent of the helmet I started racing in when I was four years old. It was designed by my father, which I am very proud of. One of the small details is the red and blue lines that symbolize the Dutch flag. I tried to keep it as simple as possible, which I like, of course with the lion on top. You could say it's our family design. Some details are different, but overall it's a return to the origins. I'm very happy with it."
Conflict may disrupt Rwanda's plans for an F1 race.
The African nation of Congo has complicated Rwanda's clear intentions to join the Formula 1 calendar. During the FIA’s year-end awards ceremony held in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, President Paul Kagame seized the opportunity to formalize the country's ambition to host the African Grand Prix. However, a month later, a rebel group reportedly backed by Rwanda seized control of Goma, a city in Congo close to the Rwandan border. In light of this, the United Nations condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, citing that the violence has already led to thousands of deaths.
Congo’s foreign affairs minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, has since addressed a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, expressing her concerns regarding the discussions between Formula 1 and Rwanda.
The African nation of Congo has complicated Rwanda's clear intentions to join the Formula 1 calendar. During the FIA’s year-end awards ceremony held in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, President Paul Kagame seized the opportunity to formalize the country's ambition to host the African Grand Prix. However, a month later, a rebel group reportedly backed by Rwanda seized control of Goma, a city in Congo close to the Rwandan border. In light of this, the United Nations condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, citing that the violence has already led to thousands of deaths.
Congo’s foreign affairs minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, has since addressed a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, expressing her concerns regarding the discussions between Formula 1 and Rwanda.
Verstappen is looking forward to a 'more stable' 2025 season.
Max Verstappen is openly wishing for a "more stable" season with Red Bull in 2025. F1 legend Gerhard Berger, the first-ever Red Bull-supported athlete, expressed concern this week about the instability and performance drop at the F1 team last year. "It will be intriguing to see if Red Bull can regain its former strength or if Verstappen will continue facing challenges in securing wins," he shared with Auto Motor und Sport. "If that's the case, he'll need to evaluate if he's still in the right team," Berger remarked.
Team principal Christian Horner, who personally endured the power struggles and scandals of 2024, views last year's issues as primarily related to car performance. "We have realized where the development fell short last year," he was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Max Verstappen is openly wishing for a "more stable" season with Red Bull in 2025. F1 legend Gerhard Berger, the first-ever Red Bull-supported athlete, expressed concern this week about the instability and performance drop at the F1 team last year. "It will be intriguing to see if Red Bull can regain its former strength or if Verstappen will continue facing challenges in securing wins," he shared with Auto Motor und Sport. "If that's the case, he'll need to evaluate if he's still in the right team," Berger remarked.
Team principal Christian Horner, who personally endured the power struggles and scandals of 2024, views last year's issues as primarily related to car performance. "We have realized where the development fell short last year," he was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
McLaren F1 presents the MCL39, its contender for the 2025 championship.
The McLaren Formula 1 Team unveiled the MCL39 today at Silverstone Circuit, marking its first appearance on the track with an eye-catching geometric camo design in papaya and black tones. After a successful 2024 season, during which McLaren secured their ninth FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, the team held a promotional filming day in preparation for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sharing driving responsibilities at the iconic British motorsport venue.
McLaren will unveil their livery for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship at F1 75 Live on Tuesday, February 18. This design will highlight some of the most prominent global brands and organizations, showcasing the ongoing support from McLaren’s valuable partners both on and off the track.
The McLaren Formula 1 Team unveiled the MCL39 today at Silverstone Circuit, marking its first appearance on the track with an eye-catching geometric camo design in papaya and black tones. After a successful 2024 season, during which McLaren secured their ninth FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, the team held a promotional filming day in preparation for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sharing driving responsibilities at the iconic British motorsport venue.
McLaren will unveil their livery for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship at F1 75 Live on Tuesday, February 18. This design will highlight some of the most prominent global brands and organizations, showcasing the ongoing support from McLaren’s valuable partners both on and off the track.
Journalists observe the altered McLaren for the 2025 season.
McLaren has unveiled major updates to its championship-winning Formula 1 car for the upcoming season. As we enter the final year of the existing regulations, all teams will certainly base their 2025 cars on their previous versions, with McLaren’s past model having led them to the 2024 constructors' championship. However, McLaren is not resting on its success.
On Thursday, the Woking-based team released images of its heavily camouflaged orange and black 2025 car being tested at Silverstone during a ‘filming day’ shakedown. Auto Motor und Sport journalist Tobias Gruner noted, "The orange and black pattern made it challenging to identify new aerodynamic features." He added that a closer inspection revealed that the airbox is now flatter and more oval-shaped.
McLaren has unveiled major updates to its championship-winning Formula 1 car for the upcoming season. As we enter the final year of the existing regulations, all teams will certainly base their 2025 cars on their previous versions, with McLaren’s past model having led them to the 2024 constructors' championship. However, McLaren is not resting on its success.
On Thursday, the Woking-based team released images of its heavily camouflaged orange and black 2025 car being tested at Silverstone during a ‘filming day’ shakedown. Auto Motor und Sport journalist Tobias Gruner noted, "The orange and black pattern made it challenging to identify new aerodynamic features." He added that a closer inspection revealed that the airbox is now flatter and more oval-shaped.
Briatore emphasizes that Alpine must compete for the championship in 2027.
Alpine is aiming for a few podium finishes in 2025, consistent top-three results in 2026, "and by 2027, we need to be competing for the championship." This statement comes from team advisor Flavio Briatore, who has recently brought the Italian oil company Eni back to Enstone and Formula 1. Following Alpine's dismal start to 2024 and the return of former championship-winning team principal Briatore as a significant advisor, the team has started to show improvement.
"We recognized what wasn’t functioning within the team," the 74-year-old Italian expressed to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Now that we’ve organized everything, we can focus on enhancing our performance." Briatore acknowledges that he has succeeded in reinstating a "racing team way of working" at Enstone.
Alpine is aiming for a few podium finishes in 2025, consistent top-three results in 2026, "and by 2027, we need to be competing for the championship." This statement comes from team advisor Flavio Briatore, who has recently brought the Italian oil company Eni back to Enstone and Formula 1. Following Alpine's dismal start to 2024 and the return of former championship-winning team principal Briatore as a significant advisor, the team has started to show improvement.
"We recognized what wasn’t functioning within the team," the 74-year-old Italian expressed to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Now that we’ve organized everything, we can focus on enhancing our performance." Briatore acknowledges that he has succeeded in reinstating a "racing team way of working" at Enstone.
Report: Red Bull, Audi, and Aston Martin all turned down Vettel.
Dr. Helmut Marko has disclosed that he firmly rejected Sebastian Vettel's wish to make a comeback to Formula 1 in 2025 with Red Bull. Amid ongoing speculation regarding Sergio Perez’s uncertain prospects last year, advisor Marko acknowledged that the team’s former four-time world champion, Vettel, reached out via phone. This comes despite the 37-year-old German asserting just days ago that he is quite content in his retirement.
"I have genuinely enjoyed the last few years, especially the time spent with my children," Vettel stated to RTL. "I hope they have enjoyed it as well. Maybe my feelings will change in the future, but for now, everything is going very well."
However, Auto Bild reports that Vettel is "not entirely done" with Formula 1 just yet.
Dr. Helmut Marko has disclosed that he firmly rejected Sebastian Vettel's wish to make a comeback to Formula 1 in 2025 with Red Bull. Amid ongoing speculation regarding Sergio Perez’s uncertain prospects last year, advisor Marko acknowledged that the team’s former four-time world champion, Vettel, reached out via phone. This comes despite the 37-year-old German asserting just days ago that he is quite content in his retirement.
"I have genuinely enjoyed the last few years, especially the time spent with my children," Vettel stated to RTL. "I hope they have enjoyed it as well. Maybe my feelings will change in the future, but for now, everything is going very well."
However, Auto Bild reports that Vettel is "not entirely done" with Formula 1 just yet.
F1 has finally acknowledged the reason for eliminating the bonus point.
Formula 1 has eliminated the bonus point for the fastest lap for the 2025 season, citing its "controversial" nature. Last October, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council confirmed the removal of the extra point for drivers finishing in the top 10, although no reasons were provided at that time. Many speculated that the decision was connected to a notably controversial incident involving McLaren’s Lando Norris during the Singapore race. In that event, Daniel Ricciardo's late pit stop for new tires in the Red Bull-owned Racing Bulls car and his resulting fastest lap cost Norris a vital point in his championship battle with Max Verstappen. "It was Daniel’s last race, but it was also something that was taken away from me," Norris remarked. "If it was done intentionally, it’s clearly against what we stand for.
Formula 1 has eliminated the bonus point for the fastest lap for the 2025 season, citing its "controversial" nature. Last October, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council confirmed the removal of the extra point for drivers finishing in the top 10, although no reasons were provided at that time. Many speculated that the decision was connected to a notably controversial incident involving McLaren’s Lando Norris during the Singapore race. In that event, Daniel Ricciardo's late pit stop for new tires in the Red Bull-owned Racing Bulls car and his resulting fastest lap cost Norris a vital point in his championship battle with Max Verstappen. "It was Daniel’s last race, but it was also something that was taken away from me," Norris remarked. "If it was done intentionally, it’s clearly against what we stand for.
Sebastian Vettel finished his career in Formula 1 at the end of 2022, after spending two seasons in Aston Martin. Four-time world champion has repeatedly said that he is satisfied with his decision to leave the race, but the German press writes that Sebastian made attempts to return. According to F1-Insider, in 2024, Vettel was in talks with Sauber on the contract of the main pilot, expecting to participate in the Audi project to create their own team of Formula 1. However, neither the former head of Sauber Andreas Seidl, nor his successor Mattia Binotto did not show interest in signing a contract with Sebastian. The team decided to bet on the experienced Nico Hulkenberg and young Gabriel Bortoleto, who will debut in Formula 1 in the coming season.
Christian Horner commented on reports in the press, according to which in Aston Martin offer Max Verstappen contract for one billion pounds sterling. The head of Red Bull Racing assures that the four-time world champion is not going to leave the team. Christian Horner: "Max has an extremely open relationship with the team, and, of course, as in any such relationship, we openly discuss various issues. He has made it clear what his position in relation to the team. And, of course, we discuss these kinds of things behind closed doors. It's a normal situation. Every team is interested in Verstappen, because he is an exceptional talent. We are well aware that Max tops the list of desirable candidates in any team. Recently there has been a lot of noise about him, but, as a rule, the stronger the noise, the less believable it is. Serious business is usually done behind the scenes, not through the press."
Aston Martin's expectations for the 2025 season are 'modest.'
Aston Martin's outlook for the 2025 season is considered "low." This assertion comes from the team's new simulator driver, Dani Juncadella, who mentioned on the L’Angle Del Miramar podcast that the new regulations set to take effect in 2026 and beyond will be a major priority this year. Despite finishing fifth overall in 2024, Aston Martin faced challenges in effectively developing both their 2023 and 2024 cars during the season.
Adrian Newey is set to commence his work at the significantly upgraded Silverstone factory in just over two weeks, but his primary focus will be on the entirely new 2026 project. When asked about his expectations for 2025, Juncadella was candid: "They are low. It’s not that we will disregard the year, as having a competitive season is crucial.
Aston Martin's outlook for the 2025 season is considered "low." This assertion comes from the team's new simulator driver, Dani Juncadella, who mentioned on the L’Angle Del Miramar podcast that the new regulations set to take effect in 2026 and beyond will be a major priority this year. Despite finishing fifth overall in 2024, Aston Martin faced challenges in effectively developing both their 2023 and 2024 cars during the season.
Adrian Newey is set to commence his work at the significantly upgraded Silverstone factory in just over two weeks, but his primary focus will be on the entirely new 2026 project. When asked about his expectations for 2025, Juncadella was candid: "They are low. It’s not that we will disregard the year, as having a competitive season is crucial.
Three teams have completed tests at Jerez
Three teams have completed tests of Pirelli prototype tires for the 2026 season at the Angel Nieto circuit at Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain. The Alpine team worked both days, the first day with McLaren and the second with Mercedes, with George Russell behind the wheel of the Mercedes on the second day, completing 135 laps with a best time of 1:17.976, while Jack Duen was slightly quicker with a 1:17.255 and 113 laps. Mario Isola, Head of Pirelli's Motorsport Division, summarized the results of the next series of tests: "Another series is behind us and thanks to the cooperation of the three teams it was a productive one. In addition to the data collected in Paul Ricard and Barcelona, we now have a lot of very important information from the track in Jerez.
Three teams have completed tests of Pirelli prototype tires for the 2026 season at the Angel Nieto circuit at Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain. The Alpine team worked both days, the first day with McLaren and the second with Mercedes, with George Russell behind the wheel of the Mercedes on the second day, completing 135 laps with a best time of 1:17.976, while Jack Duen was slightly quicker with a 1:17.255 and 113 laps. Mario Isola, Head of Pirelli's Motorsport Division, summarized the results of the next series of tests: "Another series is behind us and thanks to the cooperation of the three teams it was a productive one. In addition to the data collected in Paul Ricard and Barcelona, we now have a lot of very important information from the track in Jerez.
on February 14, two weeks before the start of pre-season testing, the Williams team unveiled its new car at Silverstone with a live broadcast on social media. The team will spend the 2025 season with a new title sponsor, Australian IT company Atlassian, and will compete under the name Atlassian Williams Racing. In the name of the car retained continuity - the initials of the creator of the team Frank Williams and the serial number of the chassis project - FW47. The ceremony was opened by the head of the team James Vowles, then in the conversation included racers, and after half an hour Carlos Sainz took to the track behind the wheel of the FW47 in the framework of a day of filming allowed by the rules for partners and sponsors. He would later be replaced by Alex Elbon.The story of the presentation...
On Friday, the Williams team presented in Silverstone car FW47 in temporary coloring. The first behind the wheel of the novelty of 2025 sat Carlos Sainz, drove two installation laps on rain tires on a short version of the track. Immediately after the races, the Spanish driver shared his first impressions. Carlos Sainz: "I can say that the first trip to the track went well, which can be considered good news. Usually the very first installation circles on a new car is not without difficulties, but in our case the machine worked as it should, and we are ready to move forward with the program. Now I will go to communicate with the engineers to give them feedback. Being in the cockpit, I felt a few things that can be improved. I will give the feedback, after which we will start preparing the car to take to the track on slicks, and gradually we will attack harder and harder."
James Vowles: We're investing in title contention
The head of Williams James Vowles at the presentation of the new car FW47 spoke about the changes that are taking place in the team, and once again emphasized that the victories in 2025, we are not talking about, but the main goal of Williams remains unchanged - the fight for the titles. James Vowles: "You will see that the team continues to progress, but I have always said that our attention is focused on 2026, 2027 and 2028, and we act in accordance with these plans. This year we have made huge changes in the infrastructure. Whereas we used to have 700 people on the team, we are now over 1,050 and we are not done hiring new people. We have a lot in the pipeline, but all this work is happening behind the scenes and is not visible from the outside. I want to make sure that we deliver results not only in the short term, but also in the long term.
The head of Williams James Vowles at the presentation of the new car FW47 spoke about the changes that are taking place in the team, and once again emphasized that the victories in 2025, we are not talking about, but the main goal of Williams remains unchanged - the fight for the titles. James Vowles: "You will see that the team continues to progress, but I have always said that our attention is focused on 2026, 2027 and 2028, and we act in accordance with these plans. This year we have made huge changes in the infrastructure. Whereas we used to have 700 people on the team, we are now over 1,050 and we are not done hiring new people. We have a lot in the pipeline, but all this work is happening behind the scenes and is not visible from the outside. I want to make sure that we deliver results not only in the short term, but also in the long term.