Rwanda set to close €60m deal with Alpine, Ranking the six best drives of the 2024 season, and other big updates

Rwanda set to close €60m deal with Alpine

Alpine is set to partner with Rwanda starting in 2025, with the deal worth 60 million euros over three years. The partnership will help promote Rwanda, which is looking to get involved in Formula 1. Rwanda could be the next African country to host a Grand Prix, with talks happening with other F1 teams. President Paul Kagame wants to bring a race to Rwanda and is working on a proposal to F1 for a spot on the calendar.

Click here to read the full article by Norberto Mujica (gpblog.com)

‍

Ranking the six best drives of the 2024 season

In the 2024 season, 24 drivers raced in 24 events, the most since 2017. RacingNews365 picked six of the best performances, and fans can vote for their favorite. Ollie Bearman replaced Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia and finished 7th. Other great drives include Carlos Sainz’s win in Australia, Charles Leclerc’s victory in Monza, Max Verstappen’s comeback in São Paulo, Esteban Ocon’s strong performance in the rain at São Paulo, and Lewis Hamilton’s charge from 10th to 2nd in Las Vegas.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)

‍

Villeneuve eyes Sky Sports role in 2025

Damon Hill announced last month that he is stepping away from his punditry role with Sky Sports after more than a decade. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 champion, has expressed interest in taking on a larger role with Sky Sports in 2025. Villeneuve's candid and direct commentary during the Canadian and Singapore Grands Prix drew attention, including a public dispute with Daniel Ricciardo and criticism of McLaren's "Papaya Rules." He is fluent in English and French and has experience as an analyst for broadcasters like Canal+ and Sky Italia.

Click here to read the full article by Daniel Moxon & Charlie Parker-Turner (express.co.uk)

‍

What it takes to be a female racer in F1

Abbi Pulling had an amazing 2024 season in F1 Academy, winning nine out of 14 races and reclaiming her title after an extra race was added. Her success got her a fully funded spot in the GB3 Championship for 2025, where she knows the competition will be tough. Pulling says her progress came from self-reflection and staying focused, even when facing stereotypes and criticism. She hopes to break the long gap for women in Formula 1 but knows it will take hard work, fitness, and financial support to get there.

Click here to read the full article by Kieran Jackson (independent.co.uk)

‍

Red Bull grooming F4 champion for F1 seat in 2026

Red Bull is grooming Arvid Lindblad for an F1 seat with Racing Bulls in 2026. The 17-year-old will compete in Formula 2 next season after victories in Italian F4 and FIA F3. If Yuki Tsunoda's seat becomes available, Lindblad is likely to be prepared to take over with a special program to secure an FIA Super License and provide F1 testing opportunities. Red Bull aims for Lindblad to be one of the top drivers in F2 and ready for a 2026 F1 debut.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)