Today’s F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
The 2025 Formula 1 calendar reveals the Australian Grand Prix as the season opener, displacing Bahrain, which had taken on the role since 2021 due to the pandemic. Melbourne's return to the forefront means Lewis Hamilton's debut race with Ferrari will take place there. The calendar includes notable shifts, such as the Canadian Grand Prix swapping with the Spanish Grand Prix, while the season will conclude with a triple-header in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi before a major overhaul of F1's rules.
Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)
The Shanghai F1 circuit underwent repairs to smooth out bumps ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix's return after three years. The sensitivity of current F1 cars to bumps prompted the need for these repairs, which were conducted in collaboration with Herman Tilke's engineering firm following an FIA inspection. Despite the adjustments, teams face uncertainty due to limited data on the track's surface characteristics, compounded by the unfamiliarity of the new ground effect cars and sprint race format. Shanghai officials are also constructing new grandstands for the anticipated sell-out crowd, though some areas may not be completed in time for this year's race.
Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble & Frankie Mao (motorsport.com)
Fernando Alonso's contract extension with Aston Martin until at least 2026 removes him from contention for Red Bull and Mercedes seats. Yuki Tsunoda emerges as a contender for Red Bull alongside Perez, while Carlos Sainz's options become more limited due to Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari. Red Bull aims to maintain harmony with Max Verstappen, which will possibly affect Sainz's chances.
Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)
Mercedes has improved the stability of its W15 car for race weekends, but lingering issues persist. Despite a major redesign, the car fell short of expectations, which led to Mercedes' worst performance at Suzuka in over a decade. While some progress was made with George Russell finishing P7 and Lewis Hamilton ninth, Mercedes aims to unlock more performance potential with a "more stable platform." However, they acknowledge the need for quick solutions to remaining issues.
Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)
Heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda was feeling the pressure to perform well in front of his home fans. Fortunately, he had a strong race, finishing in tenth place and earning one point. This solid result added to his positive start in the 2024 season. But is it time for Tsunoda to consider moving on from the team?