This Week – 23/02/2025
Hello, welcome to This Week, the main stories this week come from the F1 75th season launch at the O2 in London, we will bring you all the news and key comments from all the key players we also saw the first commission meeting of the year and the F1 Awards. In just two days’ time, we hit the track and then onto Melbourne for the opening race
General News
Three men including a security guard were convicted last week of trying to blackmail the Schumacher’s. Yilmaz T, 53, was jailed for three years for threatening to upload 900 personal photos, almost 600 videos and confidential medical records to the dark web unless the Schumacher family paid €15m (£12m).
His 30-year-old son was given a six-month suspended sentence for aiding and abetting extortion. A former security guard at Schumacher’s home, who denied any involvement, received a two-year suspended sentence. Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public following a skiing accident in Grenoble in December 2013, and there has been limited information given about his condition with the last update in September 2024 during the trial.
The father and son had admitted most of the charges and Yilmaz T, a nightclub bouncer in Constance in southern Germany, told the court that what he had done was “very, very disgusting. I realised that on the second day in prison. I will answer for it.”
In his confession he said he had received two hard drives from the security guard, Markus F, who was accused of passing the sensitive files for a “five-figure sum”. He was asked by Corinna had asked him to digitise the family’s private photos
One hard drive is believed never to have been recovered. A lawyer for the Schumacher’s said they would challenge his suspended sentence.
Max Verstappen and George Russell have at least in public have ended their row which dominated the final two races of 2024. Verstappen was irate because he felt the Mercedes driver was trying to get him punished by the stewards, with Verstappen indeed having to cede his Qatar pole to Russell for impeding.
It led to a rant from Verstappen saying he had “lost all respect” for Russell, before the Briton snapped, going into an extraordinary rant in Abu Dhabi where he called the four-time world champion a bully.
Speaking in the press conference at F1 75 launch the Dutchman said, “Honestly, I have no intention to continue any kind of beef in February,” Verstappen shrugged at F1’s 75th anniversary launch in London. “I’m still enjoying my time away Formula 1 and just getting ready for the season, so I have honestly nothing to say about that subject.”
In his press conference Russell, said he didn’t feel the need to clear the air saying he has moved on but suggested he would if needed keep standing up to Verstappen. The Englishman added, “We haven’t spoken, no concerns about him or his driving, or anything that’s happened last year, and I want to focus on myself. Obviously, things I felt got out of line at the end of last year and made it pretty clear that I’m not going to kind of take it.”
“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job, and the job is to win. So, I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him, fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.” This to me looks to be a ceasefire rather than a resolution to the spat which I feel is the only way it could be resolved but time can be a great healer
- Read more on the launch & livery designs
F1 has announced a plan to increase the number of mandatory pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix in a bid for “better racing”. The sport’s most famous race has been critics for a processional racing in recent years due to the tight nature of the circuit and the bigger cars.
Last year’s Grand Prix saw the top ten start and finish in the same positions, with a red flag on the opening lap taking out any strategic element. The rules state that at least two dry tyre compounds must be used in a Grand Prix if the conditions are dry, therefore each driver must complete a pit stop, unless there is a red flag which allows you to change tyres.
At the F1 commission meeting held on Tuesday in London the teams, FIA and Liberty discussed the idea. A statement said, “With the aim of promoting better racing at the Monaco Grand Prix, the commission discussed proposals for Monaco-specific regulations.”
“The commission agreed to increase the numbers of mandatory pit stops in the Race. These proposals will be further discussed by the Sporting Advisory Committee in the coming weeks.”
Charles Leclerc won his home event in Monaco last year with a lights-to-flag victory from Oscar Piastri and he thinks having at least two pit stops will help.
The commission also confirmed the plan announced last year for new deflection tests on front wings, after controversy about teams exploiting wing flexing last year. The new tests on front wings will be introduced from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, the ninth race of the year in early June, with new tests on rear wings beginning from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The regulation on the number of gearboxes which can be used has been removed and clarifications have been made around start procedures after Lando Norris and George Russell pulled away from the grid at last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix when the “aborted start” message emerged.
On Wednesday F1 held its annual promoter awards at London’s Natural History Museum. South Florida Motorsports, the promoter of the Miami Grand Prix, was named Promoter of the Year, with Miami Grand Prix Managing Partner Tom Garfinkel collecting the award.
Garfinkel said, “On behalf of Stephen Ross and our team in Miami, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Formula 1 and Stefano Domenicali for the honour of being named the Promoter of the Year. It’s humbling to be recognised with so many great promoters out there who have welcomed us to a sport that we love and set a standard that inspires us.”
Abu Dhabi won the Event Spectacle for the most impressive off-track event spectacle through entertainment, concerts, and other activations during the Grand Prix. Singapore won the Fan Experience award for its entertainment stages around the circuit, innovative wayfinding, and clear branding.
Mexico City won the award for best opening and closing ceremonies, for its pre-race driver presentation and overall spectacle, including mariachi bands and local dancers.
Environmental, Social and Governance initiative award went to Spa in Belgium, with its noted for low-carbon fan travel options, recycling strategy that ensured all waste was diverted from landfill, and a biodiversity fan walkway to preserve the site’s flora and fauna.
Community Change award for removing barriers for underrepresented groups and inspire the next generation went to Melbourne. Recognised for its holistic social impact programme, which encompasses local community engagement, accessibility initiatives, and celebration of native culture.
McLaren
Lando Norris has warned anyone doubting Lewis Hamilton “is a bit silly,” ahead of a possible championship fight with the seven-time champion and compatriot. The McLaren had a breakthrough 2024 season where he finished runner up and goes into this season as the bookie’s favourites to take a maiden title.
The 25-year-old Brit claimed the first four victories of his F1 career last season – including at the final round in Abu Dhabi – but ultimately finished sixty-three points behind Verstappen.
Hamilton is also viewed as a contender for a record-breaking eighth title, following his blockbuster switch to Ferrari, despite lacking consistency particularly in qualifying during the final season with Mercedes. Speaking to Sky Sports, Norris said, “I feel like he would struggle to find any reasons to not be motivated. You know, it’s an incredible opportunity for him. It’s a cool story.”
“I’m sure there’s a lot of bonuses with a lot of things going over to Ferrari, so there’s a lot of reasons to be more motivated and be ready to go. It’s Lewis and I think anyone who doubts him is a bit silly.”
Norris while embracing the ‘bookies favourite’ position says he is doing so without “any overconfidence or too much arrogance”. Adding “It’s a nice thing, so I appreciate all those guys out there and girls who are out there betting on me, but I’m focused on this year.”
“I felt good after last season. I felt like I wanted to continue after Abu Dhabi. I ended on the right note and I knew I needed to improve on some areas and some things. I felt like I proved to myself that I got what it takes. You know, something clicks and you just feel like, ‘OK, I feel like I can do it now’.”
Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton says he is ‘invigorated’ at his first public appearance as a Ferrari driver at the 2025 season launch at The O2 Arena in London. The seven-time champion drew huge reactions from the 15,000 crowd at the event, tickets for which sold out in 20 minutes last year.
as the crowd celebrated him and their first sight of the seven-time champion in Ferrari’s red overalls. Hamilton said, “Good evening everyone. Such a great night to be here among all of you. The word I am thinking about is ‘invigorated’. I feel so full of life because everything is new. Just focus on what’s ahead. I am so excited to be part of the team.”
Hamilton joins the team following a twelve-year stint at Mercedes joining the biggest name in the sport, a year on still creates a huge buzz as the biggest move in the sport’s history.
Teammate Charles Leclerc faced the biggest ribbing from comedian Whitehall, who took every opportunity to make a joke about the Monaco native’s good looks.
Speaking to BBC News in his first big interview of the year, later in the week, Hamilton said that Ferrari has “absolutely every ingredient to win.” Hamilton remained in the UK in recent days while Leclerc did an initial test of the SF-25 car at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track on Wednesday.
Hamilton said he “couldn’t really say too much” about the car but that it “feels like a car I am getting on well with”.
The seven-time champion added: “From seeing the passion, everything under one roof, which I’ve never experienced before, this team has absolutely every ingredient to win. But we’re also aware we have to continue to work. We have to improve and elevate everywhere – not everywhere but in certain areas, and I have no doubt that we can do that.”
Hamilton further backed up my feelings that he has been reinvigorated by the move to Ferrari and I think that’s been backed up by him saying he “genuinely don’t really want to leave in the day.”
Both Hamilton and Leclerc hope they can be the driver to deliver Ferrari’s first driver’s title since 2007 and constructors since 2008.
Leclerc also told BBC News, the car had given him no bad surprises on Wednesday and added he felt Hamilton was joining the team “at the right time” because of the changes Vasseur had made in the last two years.
Leclerc said, “Fred has a very big strength at keeping the emotional level of the team at a good level. We have been so much more solid on that in the past years. Lewis joining the team has been a big boost and has been amazing in so many areas.
Red Bull
Christian Horner has responded to talk of a big-money Aston Martin approach for Max Verstappen, insisting the Dutchman is “very happy” at Red Bull. The four-time champion’s long-term future is committed to Red Bull until 2028 in £1bn deal.
In his press conference at The O2 in London the Red Bull team principal was asked about the headlines and how he reacted when he saw them. Horner said, “I know you guys [the media] have all got column inches to fill over a winter period, but a billion-pound driver, a billion dollars, it would be an eye-wateringly large amount of money.”
“I think Max is very happy in the environment that he’s in. He’s grown up in the team, he has a great relationship with the team, the engineers, the technicians and everybody that he works with. “It’s down to us to provide a competitive car and continue to give him the platform to be able to achieve the results that he has over the last almost ten years.”
When the reports were put to Verstappen his initial response that “it’s a lot of money” before playing things down.
Adding, “Honestly, when I read that, it’s the first time that I saw something like that. The only contact that I had with them was about GT3 for this year. That’s it. There’s not much to say, really, because there isn’t anything.”
Asked to clarify what the GT3 contact was about, he explained: “It’s not me personally driving, but I’m starting my own team for this year with the drivers, so, of course, some things need to be in place.”
Verstappen will head into the 2025 season aiming to join an exclusive club of five-time World Champions, with Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton the only other drivers to achieve the feat.
Mercedes
George Russell is confident that Mercedes are “not going to fall into a trap” with their 2025 car in the same way they have done in recent seasons. Since the 2022 regulation changes, the team has struggled to fight for championships and has been slow off the mark in challenging at the front.
However, 2024 was their most successful season with four wins in the ground effect era, although they had their worst season in terms of championship position since 2012 with fourth. Those struggles have been dictated by a weak starting point for each of the last three campaigns, but in the final season before the regulations change once more, Russell is optimistic about the team’s chances of being competitive from the off.
In his press conference on Tuesday at The O2 in London, Russell said, “I think it’s going to be a significant change this year, to be honest. Every year we’ve uncovered a problem, we’ve solved it, and it’s created a new one. We’ve probably been a lot more disciplined with every change that we’ve made and been more thorough than ever in terms of the simulator running – just to ensure we’re not going to fall into a new trap.”
“So far, it’s a reasonable step, obviously you have no idea what everyone else is doing and it’s going to be, I feel like, quite an interesting season with how people deploy the resource between 2025 and 2026.”
The trap he explained was the team was so focused on problem-solving they weren’t looking ahead to what future issues would cause, saying once one issue was resolved there would be another issue.
Russell also noted the impact of new teammate Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian who has replaced Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time world champion’s switch to Ferrari.
Saying “I’m more confident this year that with the work we’ve done on the sim – we’ve got some really great simulator drivers putting in lots of effort, Kimi’s been doing some really great work as well – I’m much more confident we’re not going to fall into a trap as we have done in the previous years.”
Looking ahead to 2025, asked what he can do to reach the next level, Russell said: “You’ve got to work in tandem with the team because it is man and machine and they sort of work together. I feel last year the car – well, the last couple of years – the car has sort of suited my driving style quite naturally, but I feel I can adapt to whatever is coming my way.”
Aston Martin
Aston Martin and the Saudi state owned mining company Madden has signed a deal for it to become the team’s principal partner. Madden is the Middle East’s largest mining and metal company claiming to be the fastest growing in the world.
On Tuesday Maaden has today it launched a campaign titled ‘Unearth Your Greatness’, which aims to celebrate the greatness that comes from the dedication to craft – both within F1 and the mining industry. Maaden and Aston Martin Aramco together strive for greatness, and this campaign will honour the dedication and talent that goes into mastering a skill.
The campaign initiatives will focus on driving awareness of Maaden at an international level through social and digital campaigns as well as trackside content. It will also work with universities and create internships in the region as well as celebrate Saudi culture.
Aston Martin Managing Director of Commercial, Jefferson Slack, said “Both Aston Martin Aramco and Maaden share a desire to prosper together and be world-renowned champions of the future. This is reflected in our elevated partnership as the team’s first Principal Partner, marking a huge milestone for our team and testament to the hard work and dedication that is driving our growth.
“This new chapter will strengthen our relationship and sets the stage for a longer-term collaboration that will help Aston Martin Aramco achieve its trackside ambitions while supporting Maaden’s own ambitious goals.”
CEO of Maaden, Bob Wilt, added, “The ambition and dedication to success that Aston Martin Aramco fosters is something that resonates deeply with Maaden. As we both set to deliver strong growth in the coming years, our role as inaugural Principal Partner is testament to the value that we see in this long-term relationship.”
Alpine
Jack Doohan has issued a defiant response to the rumours that he doesn’t have a ffull-seasoncontract after the team signed Franco Colapinto. Colapinto is one of three reserve drivers for this year alongside Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa.
Colapinto generally impressed on his nine-race stint for Williams last year, and has also brought Argentinian sponsor Mercado Libre with him to the team. It has made him a driver who is seen as ready to go, with Doohan needing to deliver immediately if he is to retain his seat.
At the O2 in London on Tuesday, Doohan shrugged off any suggestions Colapinto’s arrival is already putting him under more pressure than any other debutant. he said “No, I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver, and I think, regardless, you’re one of twenty Formula 1 drivers in the world. I know when I was a go-karter, in Formula 3, Formula 2 – I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.
“So, [whether] it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cut-throat sport. But whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”
Speaking to Motorsport.com earlier this year, Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes already insisted Doohan would get a “fair chance” to impress at the squad, and Pierre Gasly also voiced his support for his new teammate.
Haas
Former team principal Guenther Steiner has dropped a lawsuit against the team after they agreed during mediation proceedings. Steiner sued Haas claiming was money owed to him after his contract with the team was not renewed.
The case claimed Haas had built its success and fanbase largely on the back of Steiner, stating that “the popularity of Formula 1 in America is rapidly growing, and Haas F1 has grown with it. But neither Haas F1 nor Formula 1 would exist in the modern United States if not for Guenther Steiner.”
It was also claimed that Haas had continued to use Steiner’s name and likeness after he had been told his contract would not be renewed.
However, documentation from the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court shows that voluntary mediation was held and, after 28 hours and 36 minutes, the parties reached an agreement on all issues.
A statement said, “Haas Formula, LLC is pleased to announce that Guenther Steiner and Haas Formula, LLC have resolved their dispute, that Guenther Steiner has withdrawn all allegations previously made in his lawsuit, and all claims asserted against Haas Formula, LLC have been dismissed with prejudice.”
“Both Mr. Steiner and Haas Formula, LLC wish each other success in their future endeavours and will have no further comments on this matter.”
Steiner ran the team from its founding in 2014 until the end of 2023, since the launch of the Netflix series Drive to Survive in 2019 has become a household name because of his forthright opinions. He is likely to continue as a pundit on the Netflix series this year and joined German broadcaster RTL as a pundit and commenter on the German language feed.
Ollie Bearman has revealed the reason why he failed his first driving test in 2022 the Englishman who made three starts last season and is entering his first full season says he took two attempts.
Bearman told his press conference ahead of F1’s 75th-anniversary launch event. I missed a stop sign, I didn’t blow it. I slowed down; I was crawling, but you’re meant to stop.”
“We don’t have those [stop signs] on race tracks. Typical me, typical racing driver, I thought I could pass my test without having lessons so that’s probably where I went wrong. After that I took a few lessons.”
Bearman served as a reserve driver for Ferrari last season and made his debut as the team’s youngest-ever rookie, when he stood in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finishing in seventh place. He also filled in twice for Haas, finishing tenth in Baku and twelfth in Sao Paulo.
Bulls
Yuki Tsunoda insists his first priority is to remain with the Red Bull family even if a seat doesn’t become available in the senior team. Tsunoda is in his fifth season with the junior team but the future after this year has been placed in doubt when Christian Horner warned his time with the energy drinks giant could be coming to an end.
He questioned whether it would “make sense” to keep him in 2026 if there was no chance of him landing a seat at Red Bull. Honda were going to leave the sport but has since decided to partner with Aston Martin.
Staying within Red Bull could mean Tsunoda will be parting ways with a manufacturer that has backed his career from its early days, although the Japanese giant has suggested it will keep supporting him even if he isn’t competing with a Honda engine.
Tsunoda says that his “main target” is to continue his association with the energy drinks firm, whether that means staying at Racing Bulls or being promoted to its main team alongside world champion Max Verstappen.
Speaking about his future, he said, “It depends upon my performance, [like] every season. Obviously, I would like to stay at the Red Bull family. If I’m at Red Bull Racing, that’s amazing. If not, still I would still love to be part of this team [Racing Bulls]. I’ve been in this team [for] five years already.”
“I’m probably [the] most [longest-serving] driver in this team. I already feel like I’m connected to every person, which is for me very important as a driver to develop myself and focus on what I want to do.”
The Japanese driver even tested the car in Abu Dhabi last year in the hope of gaining one of the most coveted seats on the grid, only for Red Bull to snub him in favour of Liam Lawson. He added he wasn’t “angry or disappointed” when he learned about Red Bull’s choice and is looking forward to leading the rebranded Racing Bulls this year.
Williams
Carlos Sainz says the FIA’s clampdown on swearing is “too much” and thinks it would be bad for drivers to be no longer allowed to show emotion inside the car. Last month the governing body updated its sporting code for all championships, featuring a series of stewards’ penalty guidelines to handle swearing or other sporting code violations. The new guidelines suggest much stricter penalties ranging from fines of up to €120,000 to points deductions and even race bans.
WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux was the first to fall foul of this clampdown at last weekend’s Rally Sweden, with the Hyundai driver fined €10,000 and hit with a further suspended €20,000 fine for using “inappropriate language” during a TV interview.
Sainz urged the FIA to make a distinction between swearing inside and outside the car. And while he agreed drivers shouldn’t use inappropriate language in official press conferences, he urged the governing body not to clamp down too hard on drivers showing passion and emotion in team radio exchanges.
The Spaniard said, “F1 drivers should be controlled enough doing press conference and media appearances not to swear, and I am in favour of making an effort as a group – when all the kids are watching us in press conference or in front of the media – to at least have good behaviour and decent vocabulary.”
“I think that’s not very difficult. So, do we need fines, or do we need to be controlled for that? I don’t know, but I’m in favour of always being well-spoken and well-mannered in front of microphones and in front of media.”
“At the same time, do I think this is too much for radio communication and the adrenaline and the pressure that we have inside the car? Yes, I think it’s too much what the FIA is trying to achieve with bans and everything, because for me that’s a fundamental part of the sport.”
Sainz is concerned that the sport could lose some of it characters if drivers are muzzled, saying he understands certain words being muted but swear words shows the drivers emotion. As well as people missing out on what’s going on and drivers are going through in the car.