Formula 1 News of the Week

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Key Stories Shaping the Grid

As the 2024 Formula 1 season comes to a close, the world of motorsport is buzzing with developments and insights that set the stage for an exhilarating 2025. From standout driver performances to major team decisions, here are the top stories making waves this week in Formula 1.

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1. Formula 1’s Multi-Team Battle at the Front

Formula 1 Grand Prix, Ferrari,
Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Formula 1
Lando Norris, Mclaren, Formula 1, Abu DHabi

The 2024 season ended with a bang, featuring seven different race winners and a constructors’ championship fight that went down to the wire. McLaren’s narrow 14-point victory over Ferrari marked their first title since 1998, but the real story was how competitive the front of the grid became.

Lando Norris emerged as a true contender, pushing Max Verstappen to his limits and proving he has what it takes to challenge for a world title. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s resurgence was bolstered by their consistency and the promise of Lewis Hamilton joining Charles Leclerc in 2025. Red Bull, recovering from an uncharacteristic drop to third in the standings, aims to reclaim their dominance with Verstappen leading the charge.

With Mercedes also lurking in the wings and a tightly packed midfield eager to pounce, 2025 promises a multi-team showdown reminiscent of F1’s golden eras.

2. Vasseur Dismisses Concerns Over Hamilton’s Pace

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Mercedes

As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his highly anticipated move to Ferrari, some doubts linger about his form. The seven-time world champion openly labeled himself as “not fast anymore” after a challenging Sprint Qualifying session in Qatar during the 2024 season. However, Ferrari’s Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, remains confident in Hamilton’s abilities.

Vasseur pointed to Hamilton’s remarkable drive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he climbed from P10 to P2, nearly matching teammate George Russell. “Have a look at the 50 laps he did in Vegas,” Vasseur stated. “I’m not worried at all.”

Hamilton’s partnership with Charles Leclerc is set to be one of the most compelling aspects of 2025. Leclerc has praised Hamilton’s arrival, acknowledging the added motivation and challenge of going wheel-to-wheel with one of the sport’s most decorated drivers. As Ferrari builds on a strong 2024 campaign, the Hamilton-Leclerc dynamic could prove pivotal in their quest for glory.

3. Alpine’s Mercedes Power Unit Decision for 2026

Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Alpine

Big changes are on the horizon for Alpine as they prepare to transition from their works engine program to becoming a Mercedes power unit customer starting in 2026. Team Principal Oliver Oakes called the move a “statement of intent” as the team aims to climb to the front of the grid.

In a candid interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Oakes explained that Alpine’s decision was driven by a desire to secure the best powertrain available. “Times change, and you can’t rest on your laurels,” Oakes remarked. “We’re not here just to be making up the numbers. The choice we made was to get the best engine in the back of the car and help the team keep climbing back up the grid.”

While acknowledging that no decision is foolproof, Oakes expressed confidence in Mercedes’ track record of excelling during regulation changes. With Mercedes engines already powering championship-contending cars, Alpine’s partnership could be a game-changer.

As Alpine continues to make strides, the team will also welcome rookie Jack Doohan to partner Pierre Gasly in 2025. The new pairing, combined with the Mercedes deal, signals an ambitious future for the Enstone-based squad.

4. Celebrating F1’s 75th Anniversary

Before the lights go out for the first race, Formula 1 will kick off its milestone 75th season with an unprecedented launch event at London’s iconic O2 Arena. On February 18, all 10 teams will unveil their 2025 liveries in a glitzy, interactive celebration featuring entertainment, special guests, and live streaming for fans worldwide.

This historic event sets the tone for a year-long celebration of the sport’s rich history while looking ahead to its bright future. Expect the 2025 season to be packed with nostalgia and spectacle.

5. Drivers Rank Verstappen as 2024’s Best

Verstappen, Dutch Grand Prix, 2023 Winner, Formula 1

In the seventh edition of the Drivers’ Driver of the Year poll, Max Verstappen was voted the best driver of 2024 by his peers for the fourth consecutive year. Verstappen’s dominant performance, securing his fourth world championship with two races to spare, earned him top marks on eight drivers’ lists. Remarkably, every participating driver placed Verstappen within their top four.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, runner-up in the championship and a four-time race winner in 2024, secured second place in the poll, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third. Both drivers moved up two spots from their 2023 rankings, mirroring their standings in the drivers’ championship.

Mercedes’ George Russell made a strong impression, landing fourth after failing to crack the top 10 in 2023. Rookie sensation Oscar Piastri rounded out the top five following his maiden Grand Prix victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan.

Other notable entries include Carlos Sainz in sixth, holding steady after a career-best season, and Pierre Gasly in seventh, who delivered consistent performances for Alpine. Nico Hulkenberg, a new entry at eighth, impressed with 10 points-scoring finishes, while Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top 10 despite facing challenging campaigns.

The poll’s results highlight the grid’s respect for standout performances and underline the competitive nature of the 2024 season. With so many drivers raising their game, the 2025 season promises to deliver even more thrilling action.

From a tighter fight at the top to the arrival of fresh faces, Alpine’s bold moves, and the unique 75th-anniversary celebrations, this week’s Formula 1 news showcases the stories shaping the grid’s exciting future. Buckle up, F1 fans—the wait is almost over.

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