Formula 1 News of the Week
As the 2025 Formula 1 season looms closer, teams and venues are ramping up preparations for another thrilling year of racing. This week brought a host of significant announcements, from exciting redevelopment updates at the Hungaroring to the renewal of a key sponsorship for the Singapore Grand Prix and a detailed look at the evolving reserve driver lineups. Here’s everything you need to know from the world of Formula 1 this week.
Hungaroring Redevelopment: A Historic Transformation
The iconic Hungaroring, home to the Hungarian Grand Prix, is undergoing a remarkable transformation as part of its multi-phase redevelopment project. The second phase, launched immediately after the 2024 Grand Prix, includes major upgrades to the paddock, main building, and grandstands.
With over 620 workers on-site daily, progress has been swift, featuring the installation of 23,785 cubic meters of concrete and 7,604 tonnes of reinforcing steel. Zsolt Gyulay, CEO of the Hungaroring, described the project as one of the most significant construction efforts in Hungary.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the international field. I think we’ll see a lot of surprised faces when they realize the changes the track is undergoing.”
While some facilities will require temporary solutions for the 2025 Grand Prix, the circuit is set to evolve into a year-round event center by 2026, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Formula 1.
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Singapore Airlines Renews Singapore Grand Prix Sponsorship
In another major development, Formula 1 announced the renewal of Singapore Airlines as the Title Sponsor for the Singapore Grand Prix through 2028. The partnership, which began in 2014, has been instrumental in elevating the night race’s prestige on the F1 calendar.
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“Singapore has become one of the most revered Grands Prix on the calendar, and it is through the hard work and dedication of partners such as Singapore Airlines that we can continue to deliver such a strong event.”
With the next Singapore Grand Prix scheduled for October 3-5, 2025, fans can expect another dazzling display under the lights at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
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2025 Reserve Driver Lineups: Fresh Faces and Familiar Names
What Does a Reserve Driver Do?
Reserve drivers are the safety net for F1 teams, ready to replace a main driver in the event of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, their responsibilities extend far beyond this. Reserve drivers often attend most, if not all, races, participate in simulator work, provide valuable feedback in engineering meetings, and sometimes take part in FP1 sessions or other on-track tests.
Notable moments include Ferrari calling upon Ollie Bearman to replace an unwell Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, showcasing just how pivotal these roles can be.
The Confirmed Reserve Drivers for 2025
Mercedes
- Valtteri Bottas
- Making a homecoming to Mercedes, Bottas returns as their reserve driver after departing Kick Sauber at the end of 2024. The Finn brings immense experience, having raced for the Silver Arrows between 2017 and 2021. His familiarity with the team’s operations and his proven reliability make this a mutually beneficial reunion.
Aston Martin
- Felipe Drugovich
The 2022 Formula 2 champion continues his role with Aston Martin, where he has been a test and reserve driver since joining their development program. Drugovich’s regular appearances in FP1 sessions and extensive testing experience solidify his standing as a key backup option. - Stoffel Vandoorne
The former McLaren driver and Formula E champion extends his tenure with Aston Martin. Vandoorne’s versatility across different racing disciplines and his familiarity with the team’s systems provide Aston Martin with a strong, experienced reserve lineup.
Alpine
- Franco Colapinto
After an impressive nine-race stint with Williams in 2024, Colapinto has joined Alpine on a multi-year deal. This move is seen as a step toward securing a permanent seat in F1 for the promising Argentine talent. Colapinto will balance simulator work, FP1 outings, and potential Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) responsibilities. - Ryo Hirakawa
The experienced Japanese driver brings a wealth of single-seater and endurance racing knowledge. Hirakawa will participate in Alpine’s testing program and has been confirmed for an FP1 session at the Japanese Grand Prix. - Paul Aron
A standout performer in Formula 2, Aron is another addition to Alpine’s robust reserve lineup. With ties to new Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes, Aron’s development into an F1-ready driver is a clear goal for the Enstone team.
TBC: Who Will Fill the Vacancies?
Several teams, including McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Haas, Williams, and Kick Sauber, have yet to confirm their reserve drivers for 2025. Here are some potential candidates and considerations:
- McLaren: Pato O’Ward, who served as their 2024 reserve, remains a strong contender.
- Ferrari: With Ollie Bearman graduating to Haas, potential options include Antonio Giovinazzi or development driver Arthur Leclerc.
- Red Bull: Their junior program stars like Pepe Marti or Ayumu Iwasa are in contention to fill the gap left by Liam Lawson’s promotion.
- Williams: Following Franco Colapinto’s move to Alpine, Williams could look to their junior program, such as F2 driver Luke Browning, or share reserves with Mercedes.
- Haas: Pietro Fittipaldi, a familiar face in Haas’s garage, might continue his role.
- Kick Sauber: With Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney departing, their plans remain uncertain.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to the 2025 Season
With extensive upgrades to historic venues, renewed partnerships, and the unveiling of reserve driver rosters, Formula 1 is gearing up for a memorable 2025 season. The Hungaroring’s transformation highlights the sport’s commitment to innovation, while the Singapore Grand Prix continues to shine as a fan-favorite event. Meanwhile, the reserve driver announcements remind us that F1 is not just about the stars on the grid—it’s also about the talent waiting in the wings.
As excitement builds, one thing is clear: Formula 1 is ready to deliver another year of high-octane drama, both on and off the track.
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