Verstappen makes top 20 highest-paid athletes, McLaren to bring F1 experience to Woking town center, and other big updates

Verstappen makes top 20 highest-paid athletes

Max Verstappen was the highest-paid F1 driver in 2024, with a total of $76 million, and took 18th place on Sportico’s list. He was ahead of Patrick Mahomes and four places above Lewis Hamilton, who had $60 million. Cristiano Ronaldo was the top earner with $260 million, followed by Stephen Curry and Tyson Fury. The top 100 athletes had a combined total of about six billion euros, including salaries, bonuses, prize money, and sponsorships.

Click here to read the full article by Nicole Mulder (gpblog.com)

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McLaren to bring F1 experience to Woking town center

McLaren Racing will bring driving simulators and a full-scale Formula 1 car to Woking town center this half-term to celebrate their 2024 Constructors' Championship victory. The five-day event at Victoria Place shopping center will feature an interactive pit stop challenge and a display of the team's 2025 livery. Fans can test their reaction times on a driving simulator outside Export House or try changing tires on a full-scale car at the Woking Superbowl on 22 and 23 February. 

Click here to read the full article by Patrick Barlow (bbc.com)

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Restoring Williams’ glory could be Sainz’s finest moment

Carlos Sainz joined Williams after Ferrari replaced him with Lewis Hamilton, making him the fourth driver to race for Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams. While moving to a struggling team is a step-down, Sainz is motivated by the challenge of helping Williams rebuild under team boss James Vowles. His experience, technical expertise, and teamwork make him a valuable asset as the team aims to return to the front of the grid. Despite the uncertainty, Sainz takes pride in completing the set of F1’s legacy teams and hopes to play a key role in Williams' revival.

Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren (motorsport.com)

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McLaren and Williams reveal major differences between MCL39 and FW47.

McLaren has added new design features for 2025, like a P-shaped sidepod inlet, a new rear cooling setup, and a halo winglet, all inspired by rival teams. McLaren has incorporated new design concepts inspired by rivals, including a P-shaped sidepod inlet, revised rear cooling, and a halo winglet. Meanwhile, Williams has focused on refining last season’s innovations while adapting to new Mercedes-supplied components, including a push-rod rear suspension. Their changes also include a modified sidepod design, a higher SIS tube for floor development, and a more neutral front wing concept.

Click here to read the full article by Matthew Somerfield (planetf1.com)

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Ex-team boss slams 'lazy' F1 staff

Franz Tost dismissed complaints about F1’s 24-race calendar, calling them “a joke” and insisting that mechanics are not overworked. He compared today’s schedule to the past, where staff had to test cars midweek without complaints. Tost criticized modern curfews and work-life balance discussions, arguing that working in F1 is a privilege. He labeled concerns about workload as pointless and suggested they stem from laziness.

Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)