Sauber to auction 2025 launch show car, Can Albon hold his own against Sainz at Williams?, and other big updates

Sauber to auction 2025 launch show car

Sauber is selling the show car that will reveal its 2025 livery at Formula 1’s season launch on February 18th at the O2 Arena. F1 Authentics will auction it online, with bidding starting on February 11th. This is the first time all ten teams will show their liveries together, making the car a rare collectible. Sauber’s Stefano Battiston and Memento Exclusives’ Barry Gough said it’s a special chance for fans to own a piece of F1 history.

Click here to read the full article by Michael Delaney (f1i.com)

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Can Albon hold his own against Sainz at Williams?

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have started working together as new Williams teammates. Sainz comes from Ferrari, while Albon has been leading Williams for the past few years. The big question is how they will compare, as Sainz’s strong record could put pressure on Albon. If Albon struggles, it could hurt his career, but if he beats Sainz, it could open new opportunities.

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

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Hot Wheels partners F1 to launch die-cast car collection

Hot Wheels has partnered with Formula 1 as the sport's popularity continues to rise, driven by factors like Drive to Survive and Liberty Media's expansion efforts. This collaboration includes die-cast F1 cars in both consumer-friendly and collector-focused designs, with approvals from official teams, though Ferrari and Aston Martin are absent. Mattel sees F1 as a perfect fit due to its global appeal, speed, and design focus, aiming to engage fans of all ages. The long-term partnership has plans to expand product lines, special liveries, and historical models.

Click here to read the full article by Mat Coch (speedcafe.com)

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Red Bull won’t sacrifice speed for stability

Red Bull will focus on making the fastest car for 2025 instead of making it easier to drive. In 2024, balance problems and weak upgrades led to a 10-race winless streak and the loss of the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. Technical Director Pierre Wache said they won’t slow the car down just to make it more stable, as speed is the priority. He admitted they made mistakes last year, but the goal now is to stay fast while avoiding the same problems.

Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)

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FIA may cut live team radio

The FIA has introduced new rules for the 2025 Formula 1 season that could lead to fines, suspensions, and points deductions for driver misconduct, including swearing. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hinted at the possibility of shutting down live team radio communications to curb offensive language. Last season, Max Verstappen had to do public service for swearing, and Charles Leclerc was fined €10,000 for a similar reason. Team radios are already censored, but these new rules could change how live onboard audio is broadcast.

Click here to read the full article by Arjan Sandhu (givemesport.com)