Drivers risk €80,000 fine and bans for swearing, What to expect at the O2 Arena livery launch, and other big updates

Drivers risk €80,000 fine and bans for swearing

Under new FIA guidelines, Formula 1 drivers face significant penalties for swearing, including fines and potential points deductions. Max Verstappen, who previously faced consequences for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix, may set a precedent as the guidelines call for escalating fines and suspensions for repeated offenses. A third offense could result in a €120,000 fine, a month-long suspension, and the loss of championship points. These changes, part of broader regulations on misconduct, have sparked tensions with the GPDA, which is seeking more clarity on the issue.

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

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What to expect at the O2 Arena livery launch

Formula 1 will reveal the 2025 car designs for all 10 teams at the F175 event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18. Each team will have seven minutes to show off their livery, with the order based on last season’s standings in reverse. Some teams will still have their own events, but the O2 launch will focus on the designs, sponsors, and colors. The event will also have music, VIP guests, and all 20 drivers, including Ferrari’s new signing Lewis Hamilton, to celebrate F1’s 75th anniversary.

Click here to read the full article by Mark Mann-Bryans (motorsport.com)

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Alpine to give Doohan a fair chance

Despite rumors about Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine, team boss Oliver Oakes says Doohan will get a "fair chance" to keep his seat over Franco Colapinto. Colapinto, who Alpine signed as a reserve driver for 2025, puts pressure on Doohan, especially after Alpine's Flavio Briatore wouldn't promise him a full season. Oakes says the criticism of Doohan is unfair and that the team is focused on finding the best drivers for the future. He also says Colapinto has shown talent, even if he tried too hard last season.

Click here to read the full article by Michelle Foster (planetf1.com)

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Lessons from Hamilton's Ferrari test

Lewis Hamilton’s first test with Ferrari at Fiorano focused on getting used to the car and team, not speed or performance. He worked on starts, DRS, and control systems while building relationships with key team members, including engineer Riccardo Adami. Thousands of Tifosi gathered despite the conditions as they showcased their instant admiration and optimism for Hamilton’s Ferrari journey. With limited mileage used and greater preparation planned for the Barcelona test, this debut served as a symbolic and practical start to a new era for Ferrari and Hamilton.

Click here to read the full article at the-race.com

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Inside the chaotic 2025 driver market

F1’s wildest driver market lasted 323 days and ended with Red Bull replacing Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson and promoting Isack Hadjar to Racing Bulls. This year, an astounding 50% of the grid changes, a stark contrast from the previous season's static lineup, and this sets the stage for a potentially dramatic 2025 season.