Formula 1 News of the Week
The Formula 1 offseason is in full swing, but the sport never truly slows down. As teams prepare for the new season, major developments are unfolding across the paddock. Race start times for 2025 have been confirmed, while teams are finalizing their car launch dates, drivers are securing future roles, and testing is already underway to shape the performance of next year’s challengers.
This week, Formula 1 unveiled its full 2025 race schedule, Zhou Guanyu made his return to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri tested Pirelli’s latest compounds, and Aston Martin locked in its launch date for the AMR25.
Here’s everything you need to know in Formula 1 this week.
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Formula 1 Announces Race Start Times for 2025 Season
Formula 1 has officially confirmed race start times for the 2025 season, ensuring a balance between global viewership and optimal race conditions. While most events remain in their traditional time slots, a few key changes have been made.
- Las Vegas Grand Prix retains its Saturday night slot, beginning at 22:00 local time (PST)—one of the latest starts in F1 history.
- The Australian Grand Prix will now begin at 15:00 local time (AEDT), an hour earlier than in 2024, to improve conditions for both drivers and global audiences.
- The British Grand Prix keeps its 14:00 local start time (BST), ensuring prime-time European viewership.
- Singapore Grand Prix will again take place under the Marina Bay floodlights at 20:00 local time, maintaining its iconic night-race atmosphere.
Selected 2025 Race Start Times
- Bahrain GP – 18:00 local time
- Saudi Arabian GP – 20:00 local time
- Miami GP – 16:00 local time
- Singapore GP – 20:00 local time
- Las Vegas GP – 22:00 local time (Saturday)
- Abu Dhabi GP – 17:00 local time
These scheduling tweaks reflect F1’s growing global audience, with prime-time broadcasts remaining a key priority for key markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. Additionally, some shifts accommodate extreme weather conditions, ensuring optimal track temperatures for performance and safety.
Hamilton, Leclerc, and Piastri Take Part in Pirelli’s Barcelona Tyre Test
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Formula 1’s offseason break may be in full swing, but Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri were already back behind the wheel as they took part in Pirelli’s crucial tyre test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The test focused on evaluating prototype compounds for 2025, with Pirelli refining its next-generation tyres to enhance:
- Durability – Improving wear rates to extend stint length without sacrificing performance.
- Overheating resistance – Reducing tyre degradation, especially under high-load conditions.
- Performance balance – Ensuring consistent grip levels across various fuel loads and track temperatures.
Hamilton’s appearance was particularly notable, coming just days after his Ferrari testing crash. The seven-time world champion completed significant mileage, gathering crucial data on tyre degradation and balance shifts.
Leclerc and Piastri also logged extensive runs, with McLaren’s participation highlighting their commitment to further optimizing their 2025 package.
Pirelli will analyze the test results and finalize its tyre allocation for next season, ensuring teams have optimal compound selections for various track conditions.
Zhou Guanyu Returns to Ferrari as Reserve Driver for 2025
After being left without a full-time race seat, Zhou Guanyu has secured a return to Ferrari for the 2025 season, taking on the role of reserve driver. The move marks a homecoming for Zhou, who was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2014 to 2018 before moving to Alpine’s junior program.
With Carlos Sainz strongly linked to a Kick Sauber move, Zhou’s options were limited for 2025. Ferrari saw an opportunity to bring him back into the fold, offering a reserve role that keeps him involved in F1 while ensuring the team has a reliable backup driver.
As reserve driver, Zhou’s responsibilities will include:
- Extensive simulator work to support Ferrari’s development program.
- Potential FP1 outings as part of the team’s race weekend structure.
- Standing in for either Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton if required.
While this role isn’t ideal for Zhou, it keeps him in the Formula 1 ecosystem, and with the 2026 regulation overhaul looming, he could position himself for a return to the grid in the near future.
Aston Martin Sets February 12, 2025, as Launch Date for New Challenger
Aston Martin has confirmed that its 2025 Formula 1 car, the AMR25, will be unveiled at the team’s Silverstone headquarters on February 12, 2025.
After a strong start to 2023, Aston Martin’s 2024 campaign has been inconsistent, with the team struggling to keep pace with Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari. Heading into 2025, Aston Martin is expected to focus on:
- Aerodynamic refinements – Enhancing efficiency and overall downforce levels.
- Weight reduction – Improving car agility and tire management.
- Better race pace stability – Addressing issues that have cost them podium opportunities.
Alonso’s 2025 Outlook – Make or Break?
At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso is still one of the most formidable drivers on the grid, but 2025 will be a crucial year. The two-time champion has repeatedly stated his desire to fight at the front, and if Aston Martin fails to provide a competitive package, questions about his long-term F1 future will only grow louder.
Meanwhile, Lance Stroll remains under intense scrutiny, with speculation about his future increasing as Aston Martin evaluates potential driver changes beyond 2025.
Confirmed 2025 Car Launch Dates So Far:
- Red Bull – February 4, 2025
- Mercedes – February 6, 2025
- Ferrari – February 10, 2025
- McLaren – February 11, 2025
- Aston Martin – February 12, 2025
- Williams – February 14, 2025
Expect Kick Sauber, Alpine, Haas, and RB to announce their launch dates soon.
Final Thoughts – 2025 is Taking Shape
With race start times confirmed, key driver movements, and teams locking in their launch dates, the 2025 season is quickly coming into focus.
- Pirelli’s tyre test will shape how teams approach race strategies and tire management.
- Zhou’s move to Ferrari keeps him in the F1 conversation despite losing his race seat.
- Aston Martin’s 2025 car launch will be a pivotal moment for Alonso’s and Stroll’s futures.
With pre-season testing fast approaching, the offseason developments are setting the stage for what could be an intense and highly competitive 2025 campaign.
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