Antonelli downplays Ferrari speculation and focuses on winning the Mercedes championship.
"I'm very satisfied with my current situation."
Kimi Antonelli has addressed speculation connecting him to Ferrari, emphasizing that his primary focus is on securing a world championship with Mercedes. In an interview with Sky Italia during the ACI Caschi d’Oro awards in collaboration with Autosprint, the Italian rookie acknowledged the allure of Ferrari but clarified that he is pleased with his present position. "Ferrari is an incredible team. Racing for Ferrari is fantastic, but I'm very satisfied with where I am and I'm thankful for the opportunity Mercedes has provided me," Antonelli stated. "My current dream is to win a world championship with them, and then we'll see what happens in the future.
"I'm very satisfied with my current situation."
Kimi Antonelli has addressed speculation connecting him to Ferrari, emphasizing that his primary focus is on securing a world championship with Mercedes. In an interview with Sky Italia during the ACI Caschi d’Oro awards in collaboration with Autosprint, the Italian rookie acknowledged the allure of Ferrari but clarified that he is pleased with his present position. "Ferrari is an incredible team. Racing for Ferrari is fantastic, but I'm very satisfied with where I am and I'm thankful for the opportunity Mercedes has provided me," Antonelli stated. "My current dream is to win a world championship with them, and then we'll see what happens in the future.
Ferrari has scheduled the shakedown for their 2026 car on January 23.
The 2026 car will be the first one fully managed by Loic Serra.
Ferrari is set to unveil and conduct a brief run of its 2026 Formula 1 car on January 23 at Fiorano, with team principal Fred Vasseur cautioning that next season presents an even bigger leap into the unknown than the onset of the hybrid era. During Ferrari’s usual Christmas lunch, which was attended by CEO Benedetto Vigna, Piero Ferrari, and senior technical personnel, Vasseur confirmed that the Scuderia will disclose the new car online ahead of a brief shakedown, likely covering just 15 kilometers.
"What fans will see from the Via Giardini overpass won’t be a prototype, but rather an 'A version' of the red car, which we’ll likely put together the day before," Vasseur informed La Repubblica. "As for the name? We will announce it then.
The 2026 car will be the first one fully managed by Loic Serra.
Ferrari is set to unveil and conduct a brief run of its 2026 Formula 1 car on January 23 at Fiorano, with team principal Fred Vasseur cautioning that next season presents an even bigger leap into the unknown than the onset of the hybrid era. During Ferrari’s usual Christmas lunch, which was attended by CEO Benedetto Vigna, Piero Ferrari, and senior technical personnel, Vasseur confirmed that the Scuderia will disclose the new car online ahead of a brief shakedown, likely covering just 15 kilometers.
"What fans will see from the Via Giardini overpass won’t be a prototype, but rather an 'A version' of the red car, which we’ll likely put together the day before," Vasseur informed La Repubblica. "As for the name? We will announce it then.
Verstappen dismisses Mercedes speculation once more.
Max Verstappen has once again downplayed ongoing rumors linking him to Mercedes, asserting that he has made his stance clear amid renewed speculation following his recent GT3 test. In an end-of-year interview with Viaplay, the Red Bull driver addressed the Mercedes rumors that resurfaced earlier this year after he was seen vacationing with Toto Wolff.
"You don't hear anything about it now because I have clearly stated that I'm staying," Verstappen said, acknowledging that he understands why the rumors escalated in 2025. "Our vacation together didn’t help, of course," he joked.
Verstappen described their much-talked-about meeting in Sardinia as mere coincidence. "We were on vacation. I enjoy Sardinia, and he enjoys Sardinia," he clarified. "It wasn’t planned; we just ended up there. At some point, you know the nice locations.
Max Verstappen has once again downplayed ongoing rumors linking him to Mercedes, asserting that he has made his stance clear amid renewed speculation following his recent GT3 test. In an end-of-year interview with Viaplay, the Red Bull driver addressed the Mercedes rumors that resurfaced earlier this year after he was seen vacationing with Toto Wolff.
"You don't hear anything about it now because I have clearly stated that I'm staying," Verstappen said, acknowledging that he understands why the rumors escalated in 2025. "Our vacation together didn’t help, of course," he joked.
Verstappen described their much-talked-about meeting in Sardinia as mere coincidence. "We were on vacation. I enjoy Sardinia, and he enjoys Sardinia," he clarified. "It wasn’t planned; we just ended up there. At some point, you know the nice locations.
De la Rosa uncertain if Alonso will continue racing after 2026.
"It’s a very personal matter"
Pedro de la Rosa acknowledges that even Fernando Alonso is uncertain about the duration of his Formula 1 career following the new 2026 regulations. The two Spaniards share a long-standing friendship and professional relationship, with de la Rosa currently working as a brand ambassador for Aston Martin alongside Alonso. In a conversation on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, de la Rosa noted that the decision ultimately rests on Alonso’s personal feelings.
"I’ve learned from Fernando to value his talent and to collaborate with him race by race," he stated. "I’m not sure—nor do I think he is either. It’s a deeply personal issue, and when he senses a drop in performance or energy, he’ll be the first to acknowledge it. But for now, that isn’t the case."
De la Rosa emphasized that there are no indications of decline.
"It’s a very personal matter"
Pedro de la Rosa acknowledges that even Fernando Alonso is uncertain about the duration of his Formula 1 career following the new 2026 regulations. The two Spaniards share a long-standing friendship and professional relationship, with de la Rosa currently working as a brand ambassador for Aston Martin alongside Alonso. In a conversation on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, de la Rosa noted that the decision ultimately rests on Alonso’s personal feelings.
"I’ve learned from Fernando to value his talent and to collaborate with him race by race," he stated. "I’m not sure—nor do I think he is either. It’s a deeply personal issue, and when he senses a drop in performance or energy, he’ll be the first to acknowledge it. But for now, that isn’t the case."
De la Rosa emphasized that there are no indications of decline.
Doornbos is skeptical about Norris's ability to replicate his F1 championship success.
"The world champion of 2025 is not the top driver of that year."
Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos states that "everyone" acknowledges Lando Norris was not the leading driver of the 2025 season and expresses skepticism regarding the new world champion's potential to win another title. "The world champion of 2025 isn’t the best driver of 2025, and everyone knows this," Doornbos told the Dutch publication Formule 1.
He believes that Norris' primary weakness lies in his mental strength, especially under pressure. "I understand how it works. When the media writes positively about you, it feels great. And when they write negatively, you might insist you don’t read it, but it still affects you," he remarked.
"The world champion of 2025 is not the top driver of that year."
Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos states that "everyone" acknowledges Lando Norris was not the leading driver of the 2025 season and expresses skepticism regarding the new world champion's potential to win another title. "The world champion of 2025 isn’t the best driver of 2025, and everyone knows this," Doornbos told the Dutch publication Formule 1.
He believes that Norris' primary weakness lies in his mental strength, especially under pressure. "I understand how it works. When the media writes positively about you, it feels great. And when they write negatively, you might insist you don’t read it, but it still affects you," he remarked.
I witnessed F1 champion Lando Norris defeat his McLaren boss in a kart race, and it was an eye-opening experience for me.
McLaren
The most significant news and reviews in the automotive world, without any nonsense.
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With over 30 years of following Formula 1, I have seen the advancement of the finest technological race cars and the fierce personalities who drive them. As a child, I observed strong, middle-aged men wrestle with race cars, fueled by intense passion and fearless determination. Now, as an adult, I watch lean young drivers operate high-performance machines every other weekend, striving for recognition, global fame, and substantial financial rewards.
McLaren
The most significant news and reviews in the automotive world, without any nonsense.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the essential stories directly to you every weekday.
With over 30 years of following Formula 1, I have seen the advancement of the finest technological race cars and the fierce personalities who drive them. As a child, I observed strong, middle-aged men wrestle with race cars, fueled by intense passion and fearless determination. Now, as an adult, I watch lean young drivers operate high-performance machines every other weekend, striving for recognition, global fame, and substantial financial rewards.
Verstappen: It's the body, not age, that hinders F1 drivers.
Max Verstappen notes that Fernando Alonso has demonstrated that age alone doesn’t make a Formula 1 driver slower, although the physical demands of the cars tend to increase. During a conversation with Viaplay, the four-time world champion shared a recent discussion with 44-year-old Alonso on a flight to Qatar late in the season. "I was flying to Qatar with Fernando and we talked about it," Verstappen recounted. "For me, it’s intriguing to learn - he’s 44! So I asked him something like, ‘What are your thoughts on that?’ I thought it would be interesting to ask."
Verstappen mentioned that Alonso asserted that speed doesn’t merely fade with age. "It’s more about physical discomfort," Verstappen clarified. "You encounter more issues, and these cars aren’t the easiest to handle. As you get older, you feel these effects more acutely.
Max Verstappen notes that Fernando Alonso has demonstrated that age alone doesn’t make a Formula 1 driver slower, although the physical demands of the cars tend to increase. During a conversation with Viaplay, the four-time world champion shared a recent discussion with 44-year-old Alonso on a flight to Qatar late in the season. "I was flying to Qatar with Fernando and we talked about it," Verstappen recounted. "For me, it’s intriguing to learn - he’s 44! So I asked him something like, ‘What are your thoughts on that?’ I thought it would be interesting to ask."
Verstappen mentioned that Alonso asserted that speed doesn’t merely fade with age. "It’s more about physical discomfort," Verstappen clarified. "You encounter more issues, and these cars aren’t the easiest to handle. As you get older, you feel these effects more acutely.
Pollock cautions that patience is essential for Cadillac as they enter Formula 1 for the first time.
"Cadillac is undertaking a task I once faced"
Craig Pollock acknowledges that Cadillac is embarking on a challenging journey as it establishes a Formula 1 team from the ground up, yet he believes the timing for their entry is quite favorable. The former founder of BAR and the person who guided Jacques Villeneuve's career expressed to La Presse Canadienne that Cadillac is tackling similar obstacles that he encountered in the past.
"Cadillac is doing what I had to do," Pollock stated. "You begin from zero, and you have to construct the team. That’s incredibly difficult."
BAR, known for its rocky start in 1999 when it failed to achieve a single point, eventually made improvements. Pollock emphasized the need to manage expectations wisely this time around.
"Cadillac is undertaking a task I once faced"
Craig Pollock acknowledges that Cadillac is embarking on a challenging journey as it establishes a Formula 1 team from the ground up, yet he believes the timing for their entry is quite favorable. The former founder of BAR and the person who guided Jacques Villeneuve's career expressed to La Presse Canadienne that Cadillac is tackling similar obstacles that he encountered in the past.
"Cadillac is doing what I had to do," Pollock stated. "You begin from zero, and you have to construct the team. That’s incredibly difficult."
BAR, known for its rocky start in 1999 when it failed to achieve a single point, eventually made improvements. Pollock emphasized the need to manage expectations wisely this time around.
Mintzlaff backs Horner's departure, downplays Verstappen's contract clause.
"It was a well-known fact that there was too much happening within the team."
Red Bull's CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, has staunchly defended the decision to part ways with Christian Horner, asserting that the team had to "move forward" while dismissing claims that Max Verstappen has excessive influence within the organization. In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Mintzlaff emphasized that the choice regarding Horner was not made lightly.
"We recognized the need for action," Mintzlaff explained. "I’m not merely a manager who hires and fires. Relying on the past is not a viable long-term strategy; it was time for a new chapter. It was challenging, but we did not approach it lightly.
"It was a well-known fact that there was too much happening within the team."
Red Bull's CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, has staunchly defended the decision to part ways with Christian Horner, asserting that the team had to "move forward" while dismissing claims that Max Verstappen has excessive influence within the organization. In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Mintzlaff emphasized that the choice regarding Horner was not made lightly.
"We recognized the need for action," Mintzlaff explained. "I’m not merely a manager who hires and fires. Relying on the past is not a viable long-term strategy; it was time for a new chapter. It was challenging, but we did not approach it lightly.
Colletta downplays speculation regarding changes in Ferrari F1.
"There are no objective preconditions for change."
Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship director Antonello Colletta has categorically rejected rumors suggesting he might succeed Frederic Vasseur as the Formula 1 team principal. Reports from Italy indicated that Ferrari could contemplate this shift after a lackluster 2025 F1 season, but Colletta emphasizes that there is no discord and no plans for upheaval. "We’re all pursuing our own paths and fulfilling our roles," Colletta stated to Italy’s Formula Passion. "It’s natural for speculation to arise during challenging periods, but that’s to be expected. We are all part of the same organization, so I find no reason to see these assumptions as unusual."
The Italian highlighted that Ferrari’s leadership is united as focus shifts towards the 2026 regulatory overhaul.
"There are no objective preconditions for change."
Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship director Antonello Colletta has categorically rejected rumors suggesting he might succeed Frederic Vasseur as the Formula 1 team principal. Reports from Italy indicated that Ferrari could contemplate this shift after a lackluster 2025 F1 season, but Colletta emphasizes that there is no discord and no plans for upheaval. "We’re all pursuing our own paths and fulfilling our roles," Colletta stated to Italy’s Formula Passion. "It’s natural for speculation to arise during challenging periods, but that’s to be expected. We are all part of the same organization, so I find no reason to see these assumptions as unusual."
The Italian highlighted that Ferrari’s leadership is united as focus shifts towards the 2026 regulatory overhaul.
Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton.
"We need to enhance our collaboration with Lewis."
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has candidly recognized that the Scuderia misjudged the extent of Lewis Hamilton's struggles during his challenging first season with the team. Hamilton finished the 2025 season without a victory, securing only one sprint win and failing to reach the podium in any grand prix, as Ferrari found it difficult to integrate the seven-time world champion after his lengthy tenure at Mercedes. Speaking before Christmas, Vasseur acknowledged that the transition was more challenging than anticipated.
"We’ll start in a better position," Vasseur told Sky Italia in reference to Hamilton and the 2026 season. "Lewis is now familiar with the team, and we understand him much better than we did last year. He is acquainted with all the software and tools. We’ll improve our performance.
"We need to enhance our collaboration with Lewis."
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has candidly recognized that the Scuderia misjudged the extent of Lewis Hamilton's struggles during his challenging first season with the team. Hamilton finished the 2025 season without a victory, securing only one sprint win and failing to reach the podium in any grand prix, as Ferrari found it difficult to integrate the seven-time world champion after his lengthy tenure at Mercedes. Speaking before Christmas, Vasseur acknowledged that the transition was more challenging than anticipated.
"We’ll start in a better position," Vasseur told Sky Italia in reference to Hamilton and the 2026 season. "Lewis is now familiar with the team, and we understand him much better than we did last year. He is acquainted with all the software and tools. We’ll improve our performance.
Verstappen clarifies the 'number 2' position within Red Bull's hierarchy.
"I would always define a clear number 1 and 2."
As Isack Hadjar prepares for his inaugural season alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the four-time world champion has expressed his views on what he thinks is effective at the top level of Formula 1. Speaking with Viaplay, Verstappen stated that McLaren paid a price in 2025 for failing to establish a definite hierarchy between its title contenders.
"If I were the team principal, I would always define a clear number 1 and 2," Verstappen remarked. "When you’re on your own, you can be more aggressive in your attacks. That’s my preferred approach."
With new champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri competing for wins, Verstappen believes that McLaren lost some opportunities.
"I would always define a clear number 1 and 2."
As Isack Hadjar prepares for his inaugural season alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the four-time world champion has expressed his views on what he thinks is effective at the top level of Formula 1. Speaking with Viaplay, Verstappen stated that McLaren paid a price in 2025 for failing to establish a definite hierarchy between its title contenders.
"If I were the team principal, I would always define a clear number 1 and 2," Verstappen remarked. "When you’re on your own, you can be more aggressive in your attacks. That’s my preferred approach."
With new champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri competing for wins, Verstappen believes that McLaren lost some opportunities.
Verstappen: Red Bull made a mistake by letting Lawson go in '25.
"You're jeopardizing that chance with a leading team."
Max Verstappen has stated that Red Bull Racing moved too hastily in letting go of Liam Lawson after only two races at the beginning of the 2025 season. "Two races for a teammate, I certainly didn't agree with that at the time," the four-time world champion expressed to Viaplay. Lawson, still a rookie, was elevated to the main team to succeed Sergio Perez but was swiftly returned to Racing Bulls due to his struggles in Australia and China. Verstappen elaborated: "Ultimately, someone is losing their chance. You're forfeiting that opportunity at a top team." He went on to say, "I must acknowledge that Liam has performed well at Racing Bulls. One could also say, 'Just move on, I don't care anymore,' but making a decision after just two races is premature.
"You're jeopardizing that chance with a leading team."
Max Verstappen has stated that Red Bull Racing moved too hastily in letting go of Liam Lawson after only two races at the beginning of the 2025 season. "Two races for a teammate, I certainly didn't agree with that at the time," the four-time world champion expressed to Viaplay. Lawson, still a rookie, was elevated to the main team to succeed Sergio Perez but was swiftly returned to Racing Bulls due to his struggles in Australia and China. Verstappen elaborated: "Ultimately, someone is losing their chance. You're forfeiting that opportunity at a top team." He went on to say, "I must acknowledge that Liam has performed well at Racing Bulls. One could also say, 'Just move on, I don't care anymore,' but making a decision after just two races is premature.
Germany remains in anticipation as Domenicali dampens hopes for a return.
"We are prepared and willing to engage in any form of discussion."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has tempered expectations regarding the swift return of the German Grand Prix, indicating that it won't be reinstated on the calendar unless the appropriate commercial conditions are met. The last race in Germany occurred during the pandemic at Nurburgring in 2020, while the most recent traditional German GP took place at Hockenheimring in 2019. In an interview with motorsport-magazin.com, Domenicali took a cautious stance. "The positive aspect is that we’re not in a desperate situation, as we receive numerous inquiries from around the world," the Italian noted. "If the German market does not prioritize the return of Formula 1, we must accept that and focus on the future.
"We are prepared and willing to engage in any form of discussion."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has tempered expectations regarding the swift return of the German Grand Prix, indicating that it won't be reinstated on the calendar unless the appropriate commercial conditions are met. The last race in Germany occurred during the pandemic at Nurburgring in 2020, while the most recent traditional German GP took place at Hockenheimring in 2019. In an interview with motorsport-magazin.com, Domenicali took a cautious stance. "The positive aspect is that we’re not in a desperate situation, as we receive numerous inquiries from around the world," the Italian noted. "If the German market does not prioritize the return of Formula 1, we must accept that and focus on the future.
The controversy regarding F1 engines intensifies, with the FIA considering a one-year compromise.
"The teams aim to address these issues through weekly meetings."
The controversy surrounding the 2026 power unit has escalated with allegations that Mercedes is not the only one taking advantage of a potential loophole, although it may still be the primary beneficiary. According to Italy’s Corriere dello Sport, Red Bull Powertrains is also attempting to replicate the same system that purportedly enables Mercedes engines to achieve an effective compression ratio nearing 18:1 during operation, despite a 16:1 regulatory limit.
“Seven months ago, a Mercedes engineer who joined Red Bull Powertrains disclosed this secret. Since then, Red Bull has been working to reproduce this system,” the newspaper reports. However, it states that this endeavor has not been easy.
"The teams aim to address these issues through weekly meetings."
The controversy surrounding the 2026 power unit has escalated with allegations that Mercedes is not the only one taking advantage of a potential loophole, although it may still be the primary beneficiary. According to Italy’s Corriere dello Sport, Red Bull Powertrains is also attempting to replicate the same system that purportedly enables Mercedes engines to achieve an effective compression ratio nearing 18:1 during operation, despite a 16:1 regulatory limit.
“Seven months ago, a Mercedes engineer who joined Red Bull Powertrains disclosed this secret. Since then, Red Bull has been working to reproduce this system,” the newspaper reports. However, it states that this endeavor has not been easy.
The engine industry is in an uproar over claims of a loophole in the 2026 compression regulations.
"The matter has been and is still being discussed."
Formula 1's engine regulations for 2026 have sparked early controversy following reports that Honda, Ferrari, and Audi are questioning Mercedes and Red Bull over a supposed loophole regarding compression ratios.
As reported by the German outlet motorsport-magazin.com, these three manufacturers have filed a complaint with the FIA, asserting that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains have discovered a method to maintain an 18:1 geometric compression ratio under the new rules, despite the stipulated limit of 16:1.
The complaint revolves around thermal expansion. Although the 2026 regulations state that compression must not exceed 16:1, the measurements are to be taken at ambient temperatures.
"The matter has been and is still being discussed."
Formula 1's engine regulations for 2026 have sparked early controversy following reports that Honda, Ferrari, and Audi are questioning Mercedes and Red Bull over a supposed loophole regarding compression ratios.
As reported by the German outlet motorsport-magazin.com, these three manufacturers have filed a complaint with the FIA, asserting that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains have discovered a method to maintain an 18:1 geometric compression ratio under the new rules, despite the stipulated limit of 16:1.
The complaint revolves around thermal expansion. Although the 2026 regulations state that compression must not exceed 16:1, the measurements are to be taken at ambient temperatures.
Fernando Alonso is looking forward to the new Formula 1 season with optimism. The Aston Martin driver expects his team to cope with the switch to the new regulations better than their rivals.
Fernando Alonso: “We actually switched to preparing for the next season as early as April. I’m optimistic because with the new regulations everyone will have to start from scratch, and that gives the chance that someone will do the job better than the others.
We’re starting from scratch, and that always gives hope. Our team has a new base, a new wind tunnel, Honda is supplying engines exclusively to us. We have fuel supplier Aramco, Adrian Newey... All the facts suggest we can be optimistic, but Formula 1 is a tough sport, and everyone might do their job well, so we’ll see.
I’m relaxed. It’s a long season ahead, and a lot will happen in the first three to four months as we study the car’s characteristics, understand which philosophy everyone has chosen, and which direction we need to go next. In the first two or three races we’ll get answers to many questions.
I believe we have everything necessary for a successful season — the people, the base, the equipment. So now it all depends on us.”
Fernando Alonso: “We actually switched to preparing for the next season as early as April. I’m optimistic because with the new regulations everyone will have to start from scratch, and that gives the chance that someone will do the job better than the others.
We’re starting from scratch, and that always gives hope. Our team has a new base, a new wind tunnel, Honda is supplying engines exclusively to us. We have fuel supplier Aramco, Adrian Newey... All the facts suggest we can be optimistic, but Formula 1 is a tough sport, and everyone might do their job well, so we’ll see.
I’m relaxed. It’s a long season ahead, and a lot will happen in the first three to four months as we study the car’s characteristics, understand which philosophy everyone has chosen, and which direction we need to go next. In the first two or three races we’ll get answers to many questions.
I believe we have everything necessary for a successful season — the people, the base, the equipment. So now it all depends on us.”
Season review: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
Having scored the same number of points as a year ago, the Mercedes team finished the year two places higher than in 2024.
Driver
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
George Russell
24
4
319
1
1
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
24
7
150
2
2
Mercedes AMG Petronas
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
2025
24
2
469
1
1
2024
24
4
468
1
1
2023
22
2
409
1
2
2022
22
3
515
1
1
2021
22
1
613.5
1
1
At the end of the year Mercedes did not hide their delight that the 2022 technical regulations using ground effect are becoming a thing of the past. One of the smartest teams poured enormous effort and resources into developing several interesting concepts but never found a way to make those rules work.
All these years Mercedes cars suffered from porpoising, were effective only in a narrow range of conditions and worked well with the tyres only in certain weather.
Having scored the same number of points as a year ago, the Mercedes team finished the year two places higher than in 2024.
Driver
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
George Russell
24
4
319
1
1
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
24
7
150
2
2
Mercedes AMG Petronas
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
2025
24
2
469
1
1
2024
24
4
468
1
1
2023
22
2
409
1
2
2022
22
3
515
1
1
2021
22
1
613.5
1
1
At the end of the year Mercedes did not hide their delight that the 2022 technical regulations using ground effect are becoming a thing of the past. One of the smartest teams poured enormous effort and resources into developing several interesting concepts but never found a way to make those rules work.
All these years Mercedes cars suffered from porpoising, were effective only in a narrow range of conditions and worked well with the tyres only in certain weather.
2025 world champion Lando Norris beat his boss, Zak Brown, at an unusual karting tournament organized by the team's sponsors, DeWalt and eBay.
The tournament was set up for two. Lando and Zak had to take turns completing three timed tasks — drive a slalom between cones, perform a pit stop by removing a wheel from another kart, and complete a fast lap.
Youth prevailed. Zak received three five‑second penalties for the slalom and finished with a time of 2 minutes 36 seconds; Lando only had one penalty and won with a time of 2 minutes 31 seconds.
After receiving the winning trophy shaped like an impact wrench, Norris said the trophy was his and he wouldn't give it to McLaren.
The tournament was set up for two. Lando and Zak had to take turns completing three timed tasks — drive a slalom between cones, perform a pit stop by removing a wheel from another kart, and complete a fast lap.
Youth prevailed. Zak received three five‑second penalties for the slalom and finished with a time of 2 minutes 36 seconds; Lando only had one penalty and won with a time of 2 minutes 31 seconds.
After receiving the winning trophy shaped like an impact wrench, Norris said the trophy was his and he wouldn't give it to McLaren.
Vaulz: A top-three finish would exceed our expectations.
Williams team principal James Vowles believes it's impossible to predict the pecking order for next season right now, but the team's goal is to take the next step…
James Vowles: "Don't believe it when they say Mercedes' power units will have an advantage in the new season — nobody knows that at the moment. Partly these rumors are linked to an attempt by one team and one engine manufacturer to shape a particular version of events in order to secure changes that would benefit them.
But no one knows for sure. I seriously doubt that Ferrari will struggle with the engines — they get things right year after year. This year Honda produced a benchmark power unit. I don't think we'll see a repeat of 2014, when one manufacturer pulled away from the rest and everyone else was scrambling to close the gap.
Williams team principal James Vowles believes it's impossible to predict the pecking order for next season right now, but the team's goal is to take the next step…
James Vowles: "Don't believe it when they say Mercedes' power units will have an advantage in the new season — nobody knows that at the moment. Partly these rumors are linked to an attempt by one team and one engine manufacturer to shape a particular version of events in order to secure changes that would benefit them.
But no one knows for sure. I seriously doubt that Ferrari will struggle with the engines — they get things right year after year. This year Honda produced a benchmark power unit. I don't think we'll see a repeat of 2014, when one manufacturer pulled away from the rest and everyone else was scrambling to close the gap.
Mercedes finished the season second in the Constructors' Championship — a decent result, but with a large gap to the leader. In a team video, Toto Wolff admitted that he had expected more…
Toto Wolff: "I have mixed feelings about the past season. Looking at the statistics in ten years' time someone will say that we achieved a decent result — we finished second, became world runners-up, but in reality we did not reach our goal.
We wanted to win races and fight for the championship, wanted to be the best, but we couldn't. And that's the pain of the moment — our efforts were not enough."
Toto Wolff: "I have mixed feelings about the past season. Looking at the statistics in ten years' time someone will say that we achieved a decent result — we finished second, became world runners-up, but in reality we did not reach our goal.
We wanted to win races and fight for the championship, wanted to be the best, but we couldn't. And that's the pain of the moment — our efforts were not enough."