Formula 1 News of the Week
The 2025 Formula 1 season is already shaping up for the history books, with significant developments both on and off the track. This week, we dive into four major stories that are making waves: key pre-season dates to mark on your calendar, an exciting new ticketing option for the Miami Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s emotional first Ferrari drive, and the addition of Alessandro Alunni Bravi to McLaren’s leadership team. Let us break down the details.
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Key Pre-Season Dates for 2025
As Formula 1 gears up for the highly anticipated 2025 season, fans have a packed schedule of events to look forward to before racing kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. From car launches to the first-ever season launch event, this pre-season promises excitement and plenty of surprises. Here is a roundup of the most important dates.
February 14: Williams Reveal
Kicking off the pre-season festivities, Williams will unveil their new FW47 at a special event at Silverstone. Scheduled for Valentine’s Day, this promotional event will give fans a first glimpse of a one-off livery before the 2025 race livery is officially revealed at the season launch event. The FW47 is expected to symbolize Williams’ continued push to climb the midfield ladder.
February 16: Haas Filming Day
Just two days later, Haas takes center stage with their first permitted filming day at Silverstone. The new car will debut with Esteban Ocon behind the wheel, marking the Frenchman’s start with the American team. Rookie Ollie Bearman will also get his first taste of the car during a second filming day in Bahrain later this month.
February 18: F1 Season Launch Event
For the first time in Formula 1 history, all 10 teams will come together to unveil their 2025 liveries at London’s iconic O2 Arena. The event, which marks the sport’s 75th anniversary, will feature appearances by all 20 drivers and team principals. Special guest presenters and entertainment stars will add to the spectacle, making this a must-watch occasion for fans worldwide. The event will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.
February 19: Ferrari Reveal
The day after the season launch, Ferrari will unveil their 2025 challenger at their Fiorano test track. This reveal is particularly exciting as it marks Lewis Hamilton’s first outing as a Ferrari driver. Team boss Fred Vasseur has confirmed that the car will also take to the track, though it remains unclear whether Hamilton or Charles Leclerc will drive it first.
Hamilton reflected on his first experience driving for Ferrari: “I have been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win, and championship, so I was not sure how many more firsts I had. But driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time was one of the best feelings of my life,” he said. Hamilton completed 30 laps at Fiorano, greeted fans, and expressed his excitement to work with Ferrari’s passionate team. Leclerc also joined the session, completing 14 laps and celebrating with donuts for the fans.
February 26-28: Pre-Season Testing
Pre-season testing will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from February 26-28. Over these three days, teams will fine-tune their machines, evaluate new components, and ensure reliability ahead of the season. With several driver changes across the grid, including Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari and Carlos Sainz at Williams, these sessions will be crucial for building momentum.
March 14-16: Season Opener in Melbourne
The excitement culminates with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. As the first of 24 races on the 2025 calendar, it sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling year of action. With numerous driver lineup changes and new regulations in place, all eyes will be on the grid as the teams take their first competitive laps of the year.
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One-Day Tickets Introduced for Miami Grand Prix
In a significant move to enhance accessibility, the Miami Grand Prix has introduced One-Day Grandstand tickets for the first time. Fans can now choose to attend specific days of the race weekend, scheduled for May 2-4, 2025, at the Miami International Autodrome. Limited tickets are available across all grandstands, including the Start/Finish Grandstand and the Marina Grandstands, offering premium views and a lively atmosphere.
The Miami Grand Prix, now in its fourth year, has become a highlight on the F1 calendar, known for its thrilling on-track battles and luxurious fan experiences. The inclusion of the F1 Sprint and support series like the F1 Academy and Porsche Carrera Cup North America ensures a packed schedule of action for all attendees. Additionally, Three-Day Grandstand Pass holders gain exclusive rewards, including special pricing for the 2026 event and invitations to year-round activities.
Tyler Epp, President of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, stated: “We are thrilled to offer One-Day Grandstand ticket options for the first time, allowing fans the opportunity to experience the Miami Grand Prix in a manner that best suits them. This offering underscores our commitment to making F1 more accessible to new motorsport enthusiasts.”
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Hamilton Reflects on Emotional First Ferrari Drive
The link-up we've waited almost a year to see 🔴#F1 pic.twitter.com/pj2b0YOVoK
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 22, 2025
Lewis Hamilton has shared his emotions after driving a Ferrari F1 car for the first time, describing it as “one of the best feelings of my life.” The seven-time World Champion debuted in red during an immersion program at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, completing 30 laps in the SF-23.
Hamilton described the moment as a flashback to his first Formula 1 test nearly 20 years ago: “When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was such an exciting and special moment.”
Team boss Fred Vasseur and fans were present to witness the event, along with Charles Leclerc, who joined Hamilton on track later in the day. Leclerc completed 14 laps and celebrated the start of the 2025 season with donuts for the crowd.
The session marks the beginning of Hamilton’s highly anticipated Ferrari chapter, with both drivers aiming to bring the team back to championship contention.
Alunni Bravi Joins McLaren as Chief Business Affairs Officer
McLaren Racing has announced the appointment of Alessandro Alunni Bravi as their new Chief Business Affairs Officer, effective February 1. The former Kick Sauber Team Representative will oversee a range of McLaren Racing business matters, including legal operations, driver development, commercial aspects, driver contract management, and governing body relations.
Alunni Bravi’s extensive experience in motorsport includes his tenure as Managing Director of the Sauber Group and Team Representative for Kick Sauber, as well as leadership roles at ART Grand Prix, Trident Racing, and SPARK Racing Technology. Reporting directly to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, he will play a crucial role in strengthening the team’s executive leadership.
Zak Brown commented, “I am delighted to have Alessandro joining us with his extensive expertise and motorsport background. Alongside managing our legal and driver development functions, he will also provide invaluable support on all professional driver business management matters, racing governance activities, and broad business support across all our racing series.”
Alunni Bravi expressed his excitement: “McLaren is a team I have been a huge fan of my whole life, and it, therefore, sparks special emotions personally to have the opportunity to now work with such an amazing group of people. I am so grateful to be joining a great organization with the values and culture that are so clear to see from the outside.”
As part of the transition, McLaren Chief Communications Officer Steve Atkins will depart at the end of February, with Zak Brown thanking him for his contributions over the past two years.
Stay tuned as the countdown to the 2025 season continues. Excitement is building, and this pre-season promises to be one for the history books.
Sources
- All the Key Pre-Season Dates for F1 2025
- One of the Best Feelings of My Life: Hamilton Reflects on Special First Ferrari Drive
- Miami Grand Prix Introduces One-Day Grandstand Tickets for 2025
- Alunni Bravi to Join McLaren Ahead of 2025 Season
- Laura Mueller Becomes F1’s First Female Race Engineer
- Key Lewis Hamilton Questions Answered