While Mercedes’ W15 car has shown glimpses of speed, it has also been inconsistent and temperamental. Team boss Toto Wolff highlights the challenges faced at Suzuka and China, where improvements in high-speed corners were offset by losses in low-speed sections. Despite efforts to optimize setups, Mercedes remains short of significant success. George Russell suggests that a focus on development rather than setup adjustments is crucial for future progress.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has cautioned Max Verstappen that the team’s current dominance in Formula 1 is not guaranteed to continue, drawing parallels to Lewis Hamilton’s struggles since 2021. Verstappen has been in exceptional form, winning 21 of the last 23 races. However, Horner emphasizes the need to cherish the moment and acknowledges that the team cannot promise to provide a championship-winning car indefinitely. Ferrari and McLaren are seen as potential challengers to Red Bull’s supremacy, while Mercedes and Aston Martin face significant hurdles to catch up.
Scuderia Ferrari has announced a multi-year title partnership with Hewlett Packard (HP), rebranding the team to Scuderia Ferrari HP. The partnership brings together two iconic brands known for innovation and performance. HP’s distinctive blue logo will be featured prominently on Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars, team kit, and overalls. Additionally, the title branding deal extends to Ferrari’s F1 Academy and esports programs.
Ferrari’s iconic red race cars will take on a vibrant blue hue for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, paying homage to the team’s American expansion. The SF-24 will feature two distinct shades of blue, including a lighter shade similar to the Argentinian flag and a darker shade known as Azzurro Dino, honoring legendary driver Clay Regazzoni. Ferrari’s special livery and race suits aim to celebrate the team’s breakthrough into the American market.
Despite their intense on-track rivalry during their time as teammates at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have recently revealed that they are mending their relationship. Rosberg, who retired from Formula 1 after winning the 2016 World Championship, has praised Hamilton’s karting skills and acknowledged his respect for the seven-time world champion. Hamilton, in turn, has reached out to Rosberg’s daughters, Alaia and Naila, with gifts, leading Rosberg to admit that their friendship is on the mend.
Building a Formula 1 car is an expensive endeavor, with the total cost potentially reaching £18.2 million. The most expensive components include the engine, which can cost between £5-£15 million, and the carbon fiber monocoque, which can cost up to £500,000. Aerodynamic components, gearbox, and hybrid systems also add significantly to the overall cost.
Sergio Perez’s hopes of securing a three-year contract extension with Red Bull seem to be fading as the reigning world champions have rejected his initial request. With Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda emerging as potential candidates for a Red Bull seat, Perez faces an uphill battle to maintain his position alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 season.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expresses satisfaction with Sergio Perez’s performance and attitude this season. Despite Max Verstappen’s dominance, Perez has shown consistency with four podium finishes. Marko notes that Perez has abandoned his pursuit of beating Verstappen and adopted a more collaborative approach, resulting in better qualifying results. However, Perez’s seat remains uncertain beyond this year, with Red Bull weighing their options and considering other drivers like Alex Albon.
Former Formula 2 runner-up Frederik Vesti has made a significant move in his pursuit of a Formula 1 return. This season, Vesti will compete in the Super Formula series in Japan while also continuing his involvement in IndyCar. Additionally, he has signed on as a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren, putting him in a prime position to seize any opportunities that arise in F1.
The Formula 1 driver market is abuzz with anticipation as key decisions and contract negotiations continue to unfold. While some teams and drivers have already made their intentions clear, others remain in a holding pattern, creating a complex landscape for all involved.
