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.
Williams has switched to pushrods in the rear suspension
In the conditions of stable regulations the appearance of cars from year to year almost does not change, but the Italian expert Paolo Filizetti on the pages of RacingNews365 told about some external differences of the new Williams FW47... Paolo Filizetti: "The front suspension FW47 is still based on pushrods, but one of the areas shows how seriously this unit has been improved compared to the previous car. The attachment points of the cross arms remained the same, but the pushrod is strongly tilted back, which shifted the front axle forward. As a result, the nose fairing became about eight centimeters longer than in last year's car, but retained the same external shape, which allowed the team to move the radiator intakes away from the turbulent air flow behind the front wheels.
In the conditions of stable regulations the appearance of cars from year to year almost does not change, but the Italian expert Paolo Filizetti on the pages of RacingNews365 told about some external differences of the new Williams FW47... Paolo Filizetti: "The front suspension FW47 is still based on pushrods, but one of the areas shows how seriously this unit has been improved compared to the previous car. The attachment points of the cross arms remained the same, but the pushrod is strongly tilted back, which shifted the front axle forward. As a result, the nose fairing became about eight centimeters longer than in last year's car, but retained the same external shape, which allowed the team to move the radiator intakes away from the turbulent air flow behind the front wheels.
2009 World Champion Jenson Button attended the FW47 presentation as a Williams ambassador and spoke about the first laps of the new car driven by Carlos Sainz... Jenson Button: "Today is the first time the FW47 has been fully assembled. The engineers and mechanics have been working on nodes and parts all winter and today they put everything together, so it's a special day. It's the first time we've seen this car as a whole. It looks beautiful, it really is. As you know, in 2025 there are no major changes in the regulations, but it looks like there are a lot of changes in the FW47 design, which is great. The team has been working on making the car more efficient in slow corners, more downforce, more stability on corner entry - it makes the drivers feel confident."
Oscar Piastri: I can be a champion this year
At the end of last season Oscar Piastri helped his teammate Lando Norris in the fight with Max Verstappen. In 2025, the Australian racer McLaren intends to fight for the title himself, and believes that he has everything necessary for this. Oscar Piastri: "This year we are all starting from scratch, and it is quite natural that at the end of last season I had more opportunities to demonstrate everything that I am capable of. Yes, I helped Lando a few times, but he also helped me a few times, so it's not that clear-cut. But we're definitely going to start with a clean slate and I think I can be world champion this year. Twelve months ago I started the season with weaknesses that I wasn't completely sure about. I've tried to address them, but now it's about showing my best every weekend and that will be the difference from last year.
At the end of last season Oscar Piastri helped his teammate Lando Norris in the fight with Max Verstappen. In 2025, the Australian racer McLaren intends to fight for the title himself, and believes that he has everything necessary for this. Oscar Piastri: "This year we are all starting from scratch, and it is quite natural that at the end of last season I had more opportunities to demonstrate everything that I am capable of. Yes, I helped Lando a few times, but he also helped me a few times, so it's not that clear-cut. But we're definitely going to start with a clean slate and I think I can be world champion this year. Twelve months ago I started the season with weaknesses that I wasn't completely sure about. I've tried to address them, but now it's about showing my best every weekend and that will be the difference from last year.
Alex Elbon: Carlos brought a lot of information from Ferrari
In 2025, for the first time in several seasons Alex Elbon will have a strong partner - Carlos Sainz. The racer Williams assures that he does not feel additional pressure because of the performance in one team with Carlos. Alex Elbon: "Honestly, I do not feel additional pressure. Maybe I look at the situation differently than others, but I see the picture as follows: the better my teammate, the better I become myself. I will be able to fight with a rider with a great reputation and who had a very strong season last season. I've said once before that I think Carlos' last season was probably the best of his career. I have a big challenge ahead of me but I'm positive. I'm confident and ready to compete with anyone. Having worked with Carlos, I understand why he's highly regarded. He's a thinking driver and I think I'm one of them.
In 2025, for the first time in several seasons Alex Elbon will have a strong partner - Carlos Sainz. The racer Williams assures that he does not feel additional pressure because of the performance in one team with Carlos. Alex Elbon: "Honestly, I do not feel additional pressure. Maybe I look at the situation differently than others, but I see the picture as follows: the better my teammate, the better I become myself. I will be able to fight with a rider with a great reputation and who had a very strong season last season. I've said once before that I think Carlos' last season was probably the best of his career. I have a big challenge ahead of me but I'm positive. I'm confident and ready to compete with anyone. Having worked with Carlos, I understand why he's highly regarded. He's a thinking driver and I think I'm one of them.
The Aston Martin team announced that it has signed a sponsorship deal with Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume in the U.S. The parties have signed a multi-year agreement. In 2025, Coinbase logos will appear on the Halo and the end plate of the AMR25 car's rear antifender, as well as on the racing jumpsuits of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Jefferson Slack, managing director of commerce and marketing, said: 'This partnership demonstrates the trust and confidence in Coinbase as a leading digital finance company. The transaction between the parties is USDC - thereby demonstrating our commitment to innovation by building a strong and forward-thinking relationship with Coinbase."
Vowles: Colapinto will one day return to Williams
Last year, Franco Colapinto made a bright debut in Formula 1 in Williams, replacing Logan Sargent in the course of the season. The Argentine could not continue his career at Williams - the team had already signed a contract with Carlos Sainz, and he was given on loan to Alpine, where he became a reserve pilot with a chance to get into the main squad, if Jack Duane has problems. At the presentation of the new car Williams team manager James Vowles was asked what he thinks about the future of Colapinto ... James Vowles: "It is important that now Franco - racer Alpine. It's up to them to decide what they want from him and how they want to proceed. I hope that after this period he will return to Williams. I really want him to continue racing in 2025 and 2026, to gain experience - and the option with Alpine seems to be the most successful.
Last year, Franco Colapinto made a bright debut in Formula 1 in Williams, replacing Logan Sargent in the course of the season. The Argentine could not continue his career at Williams - the team had already signed a contract with Carlos Sainz, and he was given on loan to Alpine, where he became a reserve pilot with a chance to get into the main squad, if Jack Duane has problems. At the presentation of the new car Williams team manager James Vowles was asked what he thinks about the future of Colapinto ... James Vowles: "It is important that now Franco - racer Alpine. It's up to them to decide what they want from him and how they want to proceed. I hope that after this period he will return to Williams. I really want him to continue racing in 2025 and 2026, to gain experience - and the option with Alpine seems to be the most successful.
Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has clearly outlined the team's goals for the next three seasons. In 2025, Flavio expects Pierre Gasly and Jack Duen to finish in the top six on a regular basis, and in 2027 - to fight for the title. Flavio Briatore: "We have sorted out what was wrong with the team. In 2025 Alpine should always be in the top six and fighting for podiums in some races. We have much more room to improve the aerodynamics of the car than McLaren and Ferrari. In 2026 we aim to be on the podium at half of the season's rounds. In 2027, the team should be in a position to fight for the title."