F1 Fast Five: Bahrain to host 2025 pre-season testing, Did McLaren’s rear wing give Piastri an edge in Baku?, and other big updates

Bahrain to host 2025 pre-season testing

Formula 1 has confirmed Bahrain as the venue for 2025 pre-season testing, scheduled from February 26-28. Despite the season starting in Australia, Bahrain remains a preferred testing site due to its stable climate and ideal conditions for teams. Fans will get their first look at new driver line-ups, including Russell and Antonelli at Mercedes and Leclerc and Hamilton at Ferrari. VCARB and Sauber have yet to finalize their driver pairings for the upcoming season.

Click here to read the full article by Lydia Mee (si.com)

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Did McLaren’s rear wing give Piastri an edge in Baku?

McLaren's rear wing design is being questioned after footage showed the upper flap bending at high speeds, which might improve the car's straight-line speed. This bending works like a weaker version of DRS and helps McLaren gain an advantage. The FIA has been checking for these kinds of changes since 2021, using onboard cameras and markers to make sure teams follow the rules. While no action has been taken yet, other teams will probably try to copy the design.

Click here to read the full article by Matt Somerfield (motorsport.com)

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FIA launches 'Officials Department' to improve race management

The FIA has created a new 'Officials Department' to produce more qualified race officials, starting in 2025 under the leadership of Matteo Perini. This department will enhance recruitment, empower officials regionally, and streamline operational processes. With over 300,000 officials worldwide, the FIA wants to improve how it manages and places them. President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed the importance of officials in keeping the sport safe and fair, while also pointing out the growing diversity, with 42% female participation in recent programs.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)

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Why Red Bull's upgrade didn’t help Verstappen

Red Bull hoped to turn its season around with the first fix for its struggling 2024 Formula 1 car. But instead, they lost the lead in the constructors' championship to McLaren at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen also had his worst weekend of the year, even with the new upgrade. So why didn’t Red Bull’s first fix help Verstappen?

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F1 circuits through a photographer's lens

What’s the best F1 circuit? You won't believe what Kym Illman has lined up as the circuits every Formula One fan should experience, strictly from a photographer's perspective. There's the Shanghai International Circuit, known for its affordable tickets, and Brazil's Autodrome José Carlos Pace, a smaller track with excellent overtaking at Turn One, among many others.