Hamilton marks "new era" at Ferrari with iconic Maranello shot, How Mercedes almost breached 2024 cost cap, and other big updates

Hamilton marks "new era" at Ferrari with iconic Maranello shot

Lewis Hamilton will make his Ferrari track debut on 22 January at Fiorano, driving the 2022 F1-75 car after joining Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season. On Monday, he visited Maranello to meet his new team, including race engineer Riccardo Adami and made sure his seat and steering wheel were adjusted. He also completed his first simulator session to get accustomed to Ferrari's setup ahead of the Fiorano test. Hamilton expressed his excitement about fulfilling his dream of driving for Ferrari, calling it the start of a "new era," while his arrival has created a buzz among fans, causing local hotels to sell out.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Vinel & Franco Nugnes (motorsport.com)

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How Mercedes almost breached 2024 cost cap

The cost cap in Formula 1, which was introduced in 2021, limits how much teams can spend each season on things like repairs and upgrades. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that the team came "very close" to breaching the 2024 cost cap due to heavy crashes late in the season, including incidents with Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, and others. These accidents severely impacted Mercedes' budget, forcing them to cut back on upgrades and even operate with limited wing specifications. Even though they almost went over the limit, Wolff supports the cost cap, saying it has made teams more profitable and the sport more sustainable.

Click here to read the full article by Nick Golding (racingnews365.com)

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Vowles confident in Sainz-Albon partnership

Williams team principal, James Vowles, is sure that there will be no politics between the new teammates, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, in 2025. Sainz joins from Ferrari and could challenge Albon’s position, but Vowles believes both drivers only care about performance. He praised Albon for his leadership and said Albon pushed for the team to sign Sainz. Vowles also said that both drivers will be free to race each other fairly, which will help the team move forward.

Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)

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Singapore Airlines extends Grand Prix deal until 2028

Formula 1 has extended its deal with Singapore Airlines to be the title sponsor until 2028. The airline has held the title since 2014, and the Singapore Grand Prix will continue to be officially known as the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. This partnership has contributed to the race becoming one of the most iconic on the F1 calendar. Singapore Airlines highlighted how the event helps show off the city and its role as a global hub.

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

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Four drivers and their crashed supercars

Lewis Hamilton’s Pagani Zonda was involved in a minor crash in 2015, and in 2023, the car was in a more serious accident in Wales. Charles Leclerc caused a minor fender bender with his Ferrari Purosangue in Monaco in 2024, though neither party seemed upset by the incident. Adrian Sutil, now retired, had his McLaren Senna LM wrecked in Monaco after hitting a light pole.

Click here to read the full article by Elizabeth Blackstock (planetf1.com)