Haas is in dire need of reinforcements, Drivers with the most points without a title, and other big updates

Haas is in dire need of reinforcements

Haas finished 7th in the 2024 standings, their best result since 2018, despite having the smallest budget and workforce in F1. Komatsu’s leadership brought immediate improvements in mid-season development, strategy, and race operations, allowing the team to exceed expectations. However, Gene Haas’s resistance to significant investment leaves the team unable to close the gap on rivals despite their efficiency and collaboration with Ferrari. With new competitors like Audi and Cadillac entering in 2026, Haas urgently needs hundreds of additional staff and infrastructure upgrades to remain competitive.

Click here to read the full article by Jaden Diaz-Ndisang (lastwordonsports.com)

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Drivers with the most points without a title

In Formula 1, the ultimate prizes are the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships, but not every exceptional driver achieves the latter. The points system overhaul in 2010 means modern drivers often surpass their predecessors, but some have accumulated significant points without winning the Drivers' Championship. Rubens Barrichello, George Russell, Lando Norris, and others made their mark in F1, coming close to glory but falling short. Among them, Valtteri Bottas holds the record for the most points without a title, having finished as runner-up twice while racing for Mercedes

Click here to read the full article by Mary Neale-Smith (givemesport.com)

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AvaTrade signs major deal with Red Bull Racing

Red Bull has teamed up with AvaTrade in the biggest deal the trading broker has ever made in Formula 1. The partnership will support the Red Bull Academy Programme and show AvaTrade branding on the team's cars, driver suits, and kit starting in 2025. AvaTrade will also sponsor the Talking Bull podcast and join the F1 Academy to promote diversity in motorsport. Both companies are excited to grow AvaTrade's global presence, especially in the Middle East and South America.

Click here to read the full article by Balazs Szabo (f1technical.net)

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Russell picks Spa drive over Vegas win

In 2024, George Russell won two of the three races he finished, but he considers his lost victory at Spa to be more significant than his Las Vegas win. Despite being disqualified for being underweight, he felt his drive at Spa was a real battle, especially as he held off Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri. Russell switched to a one-stop strategy at Spa, taking the lead and then managing the pressure in the final laps. While his Las Vegas victory was commanding, he regarded the Spa performance as the better drive due to the strategic challenges and intense competition.

Click here to read the full article by Alex Kalinauckas (motorsport.com)

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Verstappen looks back at 2024 season

As 2024 wraps up, Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing comes back to the Talking Bull podcast to reflect on the 2024 Formula 1 season. The team had an impressive year, with nine wins, eight pole positions, and four double podiums. Max, who's now a bonus dad, also shared that he doesn't want his child to race but thinks designing cars could be a cool option.