- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 409,381
- Reaction score
- 43
The first race of the 2025 F1 season is upon us as Australia returns to host the season-opening grand prix for the first time in six years.
All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton as he makes his debut in the famous Ferrari red this weekend following a stunning reception from fans worldwide to his move from Mercedes.
Max Verstappen claimed his fourth straight world championship in 2024 but McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite this year, with the papaya expected to have the quickest car. Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri competes at his home race this weekend.
Last year at the tricky Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne, Carlos Sainz claimed a famous win as he led home a Ferrari one-two ahead of Charles Leclerc. Who will be victorious this Sunday?
Follow all the latest F1 news with The Independent as we count down to the Australian Grand Prix
More from Toto, who says: “I don't flirt outside if I am in a good relationship. At the moment that (a move for Verstappen) is not on the radar.
"I don't like to shift my concentration away from these guys (Russell and Antonelli). I'm someone who sticks to what he says and this is the combination that I want to go forward with Mercedes. I have no other reasons to doubt that."
Following Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari, Russell will enter a campaign as Mercedes' lead driver for the first time in his career.
And when quizzed about Russell's next deal, Wolff continued: "We had a chat a few weeks ago about when the right timing would be to liaise.
"We're going to find some time, I guess before the summer. We will do that in a timely manner, without disrupting the season."
Max Verstappen says he was “not surprised” to see a doctored clip of him appearing on the latest season of Drive to Survive.
The popular F1 docu-series has previously been boycotted by Verstappen, who refused to appear in his first title-winning season, due to Netflix’s tendency to manipulate storylines and drama.
On season seven, a clip of Verstappen’s cool-down room reaction to Lando Norris’s win in Miami is mixed in with his reaction at his home race in Zandvoort in the same scenario, showing a more despondent Verstappen, some three months later.
Full quotes below:
Verstappen’s response to ‘doctored’ F1 Drive to Survive is exactly what you’d expect
Statistics for Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park:
Lap distance: 5.278km. Total distance: 306.124km (58 laps)
2024 pole position: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) one minute 15.915 seconds.
2024 winner: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Race lap record: Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 1:20.235 - 2023.
NOTE: The circuit was shortened by 28 metres, with two turns taken out and seven corners modified, in 2022.
Start time: 0400 GMT (1500 local)
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Max Verstappen is no longer on his radar and said he is ready to open talks with George Russell over a contract extension.
Wolff attempted to lure Verstappen to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton last year before the four-time world champion elected to stay at Red Bull.
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli was instead promoted from the team's junior ranks alongside Russell for the new season which starts in Australia on Sunday.
Russell, 27, is entering his fourth season with Mercedes but his current deal is due to expire at the end of the year, leaving room for Wolff to make a play for Verstappen.
However, speaking in Melbourne ahead of Sunday's curtain-raiser, Wolff said: "We need to concentrate on our driver line-up.”
“The pressure I’ve put on myself has been ten times higher than any pressure put upon me.
“I haven’t been made to feel any pressure, I know what I can deliver and it’s just getting my head down.
“No expectations this weekend, getting used to this new car. Ferrari power is new, different vibrations, different feel.”
“We’ll see. No one knows what to expect, testing went pretty well and we’re pretty happy with how it went, Melbourne is different to Bahrain.
“Different every hour by the look of things, it’ll be an interesting weekend.
“We’re expecting to be at the front, whether it’s the pointy end we’ll see. “
“I’m super keen to get on the track, get to tomorrow, it’s been a long time since Abu Dhabi.
“To enjoy each time I’m on track, work hard with the team, deliver on track with whatever the car’s potential so far.”
Thursday 13 March 2025 23:00 , Luke Baker
Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris.
On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a “perfect” end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he’d need no invitation; he was going to get “hammered” later that night over the border in Bahrain.
Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. “It’s been a special year,” he said over team radio, before adding: “And next year is going to be my year, too.”
Why Lando Norris knows there are now ‘no excuses’ – he has to win 2025 F1 title
“I remember the excitement, might not be the same for Kimi, being on track with Schumacher ahead of me, just followed him for as many laps until he came in. It’s very surreal and hard to believe it’s true, hard to believe what you’re seeing.
When I see the youngsters coming through, try to set a good example in what I do. I want to protect them from the bombardment they will experience, it can be a cruel world.
“They just need time, diamonds are created over time. I hope they have time and space to grow, be themselves, not have to conform and rush.
“Some drivers come in and are booted out straight away, I hope they’re given time. We all make mistakes in our life but we do it in front of the world. I hope you can take it easy on the youngsters, take it out on us!”
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:01 , Luke Baker
A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to “keep fighting”.
Mick Schumacher, the German great’s son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium.
Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately.
Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’
“I definitely hope to be top-10! I don’t have expectations, I ultimately want to come away knowing I gave absolutely everything and excelled in every way I can, felt comfortable in the car and one foot in front of the other.
“We won’t know until tomorrow where we truly stand with the top teams, I’m hoping we can compete for top-5 – somewhere in that space.”
Lewis Hamilton has been warned that getting used to how things are done at Ferrari after 11 years with Mercedes may take a little time, even though he has made a promising start to life in Maranello.
Writing in his season preview for Sky Sports, F1 pundit and commentator Martin Brundle gave his thoughts on Hamilton’s switch.
“The Ferrari move does seem to be working for Lewis. I've never seen him smile so much,” wrote Brundle.
“He seems really energised and invigorated by this new opportunity. Lewis has been very smart too. Obviously, he knows team boss Fred Vasseur very well from times of old, but he's had an advance party at Ferrari to integrate as quickly as he can into the team. Angela Cullen has returned, while Marc Hynes has been back in the fold for a year or two now already.
“He's got a new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and has got to understand how Ferrari works, which will be diametrically opposed to how Mercedes works in terms of culture I suspect, in terms of procedures. Lewis is going to have to find out where all the green buttons are and I expect it will take him a little bit of time to get used to that, along with speaking some Italian.”
Two years into the project of a lifetime, James Vowles is keeping his ultra-focused head above the parapet.
Hunched over a table in his team’s hospitality unit, the Williams team principal is reflecting on a 2024 season of underachievement. In 24 races, his team recorded more crashes than points: 20 to 17. To say it was an expensive, energy-sapping campaign would be an understatement.
Yet ultimately, it does not matter. Nor does the upcoming 2025 season, even with Ferrari race winner Carlos Sainz, a coup of an acquisition, joining the team to partner Alex Albon.
Nearly all of Vowles’ attention is geared towards 2026; a year of new engine and chassis regulations and, as such, fresh opportunity at the front.
Read Kieran Jackson’s exclusive interview with the Williams boss:
James Vowles: ‘This is why Williams and Sainz will be F1 title contenders again’
“No, I don’t think so.
“That would be ideal, what every team dreams of but at this point in the regulations, expecting that is incredibly naive.
“This season is going to be just as tight if not tighter than the second half of last year. We have a new set of rules next year, which will change the pecking order or gaps a bit.
“This year will be a competitive year of F1, as much as I’d like to have that level of success, it’ll be very very tough.”
Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is heading into the season-opening Formula 1 race in Australia with fewer than 500 laps in a Grand Prix car under his belt.
The 20-year-old Hadjar has been dubbed 'Petit Prost' — a young version of former F1 star Alain Prost — by the French media for his successes in F2 last year, when he finished runner-up with four victories. That was two more than champion Gabriel Bortoleto, now with Sauber.
The French driver has had just four practice sessions in F1 and last year's post-season test for Red Bull Racing and the brand's second Grand Prix team, now known as Racing Bulls. He says "it's enough" ahead of his first F1 race weekend.
"Ideally, I would go on different tracks, of course, because now Melbourne in an F1 car is pretty challenging," Hadjar said. "By F1 experience, I've been on really easy tracks — Bahrain and Abu Dhabi mostly. So now on really challenging tracks, it's going to be a fair bit different."
Lando Norris believes McLaren’s tag as clear F1 favourites is being exaggerated as the Brit looked to dampen expectations ahead of the new season.
The McLaren driver, who finished runner-up to Max Verstappen last year, is the title favourite with the bookies this year following McLaren’s constructors’ championship victory in 2024.
Yet Norris looked to downplay McLaren’s favourites tag, when asked ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend.
Lando Norris dismisses ‘short-sighted’ F1 teams who have McLaren as clear favourites
For all his stardust, Lewis Hamilton is not always the easiest interviewee.
When he’s on-form, Formula One’s biggest star is thoughtful and genuine, with the ears of everyone in the room fixed on his words. At times, however, particularly in the last three topsy-turvy years at Mercedes, he can be reticent to speak at all.
Not now, though. Hamilton has the essence of a man completely reborn donning the famous Ferrari red and, ahead of his debut race this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, the 40-year-old was unwavering in his exhilaration at what is to come in his 19th F1 season.
Full piece below:
Lewis Hamilton on cloud nine at Ferrari: ‘It’s the most exciting period of my life’
“I was already signed up for this year and next but it felt like a natural progression to sign longer term.
“My years at the team have been incredible to when I joined to constructors’ champions.
“It made a lot of sense, myself and Lando are there for a long time now – it seemed like a no-brainer.”
“I feel I’ve joined a team full of motivation, who want to bring the team back to the front. It was a good test in Abu Dhabi.
“We’ve had a strong winter, a positive test, are we going to be one second off the leaders? I don’t know. We want to show progress.
“Impossible to know at the moment.
“We are not the quickest at the moment but it’s a very long season.
“From the start of last year to the end, a lot of things can change quickly in Formula 1?”
A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to “keep fighting”.
Mick Schumacher, the German great’s son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium.
Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately.
Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’
“I’m very fortunate, I’ve had a long career in Formula 1. This is very reminiscent of my first year, for all those years I’ve gone up and down the paddock and seen the red garage, now I’m in red.
“The pressure I’ve put on myself has been ten times higher than any pressure put upon me. I haven’t been made to feel any pressure, I know what I can deliver and it’s just getting my head down. No expectations this weekend... just getting used to this new car.
“This is the most exciting period of my life.”
“Yes so far. I feel so. Difficult to know where we stand with everyone else, Carlos was incredibly quick, Kimi too.
“It’s going to be close between us all. I’m itching to get going, it’s been a long time coming, to think this is going to be my first grand prix with the team, very honoured and grateful to get the opportunity.”
Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season.
Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team.
The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors’-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title.
Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.”
Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’
McLaren legend Mika Hakkinen has backed current driver Lando Norris, saying the Brit is “absolutely ready” to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship title this year.
The 25-year-old was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger in 2024 but made key mistakes at crucial times as the Red Bull star won a fourth title on the spin.
But former world champion Hakkinen was bullish when asked if Norris is now ready to win the title.
“Absolutely, yes,” Hakkinen told theHindustan Times.“Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success, but it was part of my development to become a good racing driver.
“You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks. Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out.
“When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He is flat-out ready to achieve his goal.”
Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season.
Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team.
The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors’-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title.
Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.”
Zak Brown claims McLaren have ‘best driver line-up’ in F1 after Oscar Piastri deal
Lewis Hamilton has been warned that getting used to how things are done at Ferrari after 11 years with Mercedes may take a little time, even though he has made a promising start to life in Maranello.
Writing in his season preview for Sky Sports, F1 pundit and commentator Martin Brundle gave his thoughts on Hamilton’s switch.
“The Ferrari move does seem to be working for Lewis. I've never seen him smile so much,” wrote Brundle.
“He seems really energised and invigorated by this new opportunity. Lewis has been very smart too. Obviously, he knows team boss Fred Vasseur very well from times of old, but he's had an advance party at Ferrari to integrate as quickly as he can into the team. Angela Cullen has returned, while Marc Hynes has been back in the fold for a year or two now already.
“He's got a new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and has got to understand how Ferrari works, which will be diametrically opposed to how Mercedes works in terms of culture I suspect, in terms of procedures. Lewis is going to have to find out where all the green buttons are and I expect it will take him a little bit of time to get used to that, along with speaking some Italian.”
McLaren legend Mika Hakkinen has backed current driver Lando Norris, saying the Brit is “absolutely ready” to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship title this year.
The 25-year-old was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger in 2024 but made key mistakes at crucial times as the Red Bull star won a fourth title on the spin.
But former world champion Hakkinen was bullish when asked if Norris is now ready to win the title.
“Absolutely, yes,” Hakkinen told theHindustan Times.“Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success, but it was part of my development to become a good racing driver.
“You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks. Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out.
“When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He is flat-out ready to achieve his goal.”
Max Verstappen does not have “a chance” of a fifth straight F1 Drivers’ Championship win in 2025 according to former driver Ralf Schumacher.
Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a “rescue” effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won’t be able to do the same again.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid.
Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: “Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn’t handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue.
“However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don’t think he has a chance.”
Toto Wolff promised Lewis Hamilton he wouldn’t pursue a move for Max Verstappen while the Brit was at Mercedes, as revealed in the new season of Drive to Survive.
The Mercedes team principal, who worked with Hamilton for 12 years, spent the first half of the 2024 season looking for a replacement for the Ferrari-bound driver.
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were among the contenders, with Wolff eventually opting to promote teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell this year.
Yet Wolff made no secret of his desire to sign Hamilton’s 2021 foe Verstappen – especially amid unrest at Red Bull at the start of last season – and details as such in season seven of Drive to Survive, released on Friday.
Wolff makes shock Verstappen F1 revelation after breaking ‘promise’ to Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year.
The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.
Hamilton is also F1’s first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the “traumatising” racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.
Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches “crossed his mind” when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter.
Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move
Nothing has ever motivated Lewis Hamilton more than the naysayers of this world. Where the sceptics see adversity, Hamilton sees opportunity. And last month, the seven-time world champion had a message for the doubters ahead of the most anticipated phase of his glittering Formula One career.
“Don’t ever compare me to anyone else,” he toldTime. “I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different… I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife or kids. I’m focused on one thing and that’s winning.”
Has the Hamilton-Ferrari hype train caught you yet? If so, what drew you in? Was it the joyous scenes of week one, appearing in a black suit and Ferrari race gear in Maranello for the first time? Was it London, F1 75 Live, and an adoring British crowd? Or was it Bahrain, Milan, and now Melbourne, as the sight of F1’s joint-most successful driver in peerless scarlet red becomes the new reality?
The Independent’s F1 Correspondent Kieran Jackson is in Melbourne ahead of the Australian GP and has dug into whether Hamilton can live up to the hype:
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are ‘perfect match’ – but will results match the hype?
Let’s start with the obvious: Christian Horner has been a dream for Drive to Survive since the show landed in 2019. The Red Bull F1 CEO has been front-and-centre of countless episodes in the past six seasons, gladly playing the role of F1’s pantomime villain, with numerous scenes filmed at his country mansion home in Oxfordshire, alongside Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell.
Season seven is no different. The latest instalment, chronicling the 2024 season, begins with Horner at the wheel of his 4x4, locked in conversation with Geri about a record-breaking 2023 campaign, in which Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races.
With an air of inevitability synonymous with Netflix’s exquisitely curated narratives, Geri strikes a warning to her husband: “You never know what life’s going to bring.” In actual fact, we all know what’s coming next.
Horner scandal rehashed as Drive to Survive season 7 unearths new F1 villain
The eyes of the sporting world will be on Lewis Hamilton when the lights go out for Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton will fulfil a lifelong ambition by starting his 19th Formula One campaign in the red of Ferrari following a mouth-watering transfer from Mercedes which is set to earn him north of £100m.
However, with change comes extraordinary pressure.
Hamilton is widely considered F1’s G.O.A.T. No driver boasts more victories or pole positions in the sport’s 75-year history, his record tally of seven world championships is one he shares with Michael Schumacher and he transcends the sport. But it is not hyperbole to suggest Hamilton’s legacy is on the line.
Dream move or nightmare in waiting? Lewis Hamilton on red alert with Ferrari
The new Madrid F1 circuit set to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035 will be known as Madring, organisers have revealed.
The 5.47km part-street layout will be around the IFEMA exhibition centre with easy access by rail and metro from the city and nearby Barajas airport.
Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya currently hosts the Spanish Grand Prix and has a contract for one more race after this season.
Alpine have added a fourth test and reserve driver to their roster with the announcement of Indian Kush Maini.
Formula Two driver Maini, 24, joins a list that includes Argentine Franco Colapinto, Estonian Paul Aron and Japan's Ryo Hirakawa.
Alpine now have twice as many reserves as race drivers, with Colapinto already having F1 race experience with Williams and widely seen as a future replacement for Australian rookie Jack Doohan.
The team said Maini would offer support by using the driver-in-loop simulator at the Enstone factory and taking part in the testing of previous cars (TPC) programme.
Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris.
On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a “perfect” end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he’d need no invitation; he was going to get “hammered” later that night over the border in Bahrain.
Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. “It’s been a special year,” he said over team radio, before adding: “And next year is going to be my year, too.”
Why Lando Norris knows there are now ‘no excuses’ – he has to win 2025 F1 title
The dispute between four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell shows no sign of abating as the new season gets underway.
The pair memorably clashed after the Qatar Grand Prix last season, when Verstappen, the eventual winner, was penalised for impeding the Brit.
Russell claimed that afterwards Verstappen threatened to "purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and 'put me on my head in the wall'", while his Dutch counterpart said he had “lost all respect” for the Mercedes driver.
‘No love lost’ between Russell and Verstappen as feud rumbles on
Max Verstappen does not have “a chance” of a fifth straight F1 Drivers’ Championship win in 2025, according to former driver Ralf Schumacher.
Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a “rescue” effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won’t be able to do the same again.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid.
Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: “Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn’t handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue.
“However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don’t think he has a chance.”
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year.
The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.
Hamilton is also F1’s first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the “traumatising” racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.
Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches “crossed his mind” when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter.
Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move
As foolish as it sounds, Ollie Bearman’s manager was actually cut off from the call which changed the life of his most precious client. Fortunately, the British teenager himself was not short of credit on his phone.
Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last March, Ferrari suddenly needed a driver after Carlos Sainz fell ill. Relaxing idyllically off the shores of the Red Sea fresh from securing pole position in F2, 18-year-old Bearman spotted Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur’s name on his phone and, right then, knew he was about to be given the opportunity of a lifetime.
Kieran Jackson chats exclusively to the British F1 rookie sensation:
F1 star Bearman: ‘You only get one shot – my goal is to be a world champion’
For the second year running, there will be no new races on the schedule. 2026 is set to be different, though, with Madrid already confirmed as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning 2025 could be the last year Barcelona hosts an F1 race.
Other calendar alterations include a triple-header in April between Japan-Bahrain-Saudi, while Spain has moved forward three weeks to the end of May/start of June.
Belgium and Hungary have swapped weekends too, with Budapest now hosting the final race before the customary summer break.
This year sees a four-week gap in autumn but there will be no such space in the calendar next year, with just one week’s rest in-between Singapore and Austin in October.
Here’s the calendar for 2025:
The 2025 F1 season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
We’ll have all the news here and the build-up to the weekend’s action.
Continue reading...
All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton as he makes his debut in the famous Ferrari red this weekend following a stunning reception from fans worldwide to his move from Mercedes.
Max Verstappen claimed his fourth straight world championship in 2024 but McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite this year, with the papaya expected to have the quickest car. Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri competes at his home race this weekend.
Last year at the tricky Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne, Carlos Sainz claimed a famous win as he led home a Ferrari one-two ahead of Charles Leclerc. Who will be victorious this Sunday?
Follow all the latest F1 news with The Independent as we count down to the Australian Grand Prix
F1 AUSTRALIAN GP - LATEST UPDATES
- F1 returns this weekend with the Australian GP kicking off the 2025 season
- Practice one takes place at 1:30am (GMT); FP2 at 5am (GMT)
- Lando Norris starts campaign as favourite for world title but played down McLaren's tag of 'favourites'
- ANALYSIS: Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari F1 are a ‘perfect match’ – but will results live up to the hype?
- EXCLUSIVE - Ollie Bearman: ‘You only get one shot in F1 – my ultimate goal is to be a world champion’
Toto Wolff repsonds to Verstappen links
Thursday 13 March 2025 11:44 , Lawrence OstlereMore from Toto, who says: “I don't flirt outside if I am in a good relationship. At the moment that (a move for Verstappen) is not on the radar.
"I don't like to shift my concentration away from these guys (Russell and Antonelli). I'm someone who sticks to what he says and this is the combination that I want to go forward with Mercedes. I have no other reasons to doubt that."
Following Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari, Russell will enter a campaign as Mercedes' lead driver for the first time in his career.
And when quizzed about Russell's next deal, Wolff continued: "We had a chat a few weeks ago about when the right timing would be to liaise.
"We're going to find some time, I guess before the summer. We will do that in a timely manner, without disrupting the season."
You must be registered for see images
Max Verstappen’s response to ‘doctored’ F1 Drive to Survive episode is exactly what you’d expect
01:00 , Kieran JacksonMax Verstappen says he was “not surprised” to see a doctored clip of him appearing on the latest season of Drive to Survive.
The popular F1 docu-series has previously been boycotted by Verstappen, who refused to appear in his first title-winning season, due to Netflix’s tendency to manipulate storylines and drama.
On season seven, a clip of Verstappen’s cool-down room reaction to Lando Norris’s win in Miami is mixed in with his reaction at his home race in Zandvoort in the same scenario, showing a more despondent Verstappen, some three months later.
Full quotes below:
You must be registered for see images attach
Verstappen’s response to ‘doctored’ F1 Drive to Survive is exactly what you’d expect
Australian Grand Prix statistics
00:46 , Luke BakerStatistics for Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park:
Lap distance: 5.278km. Total distance: 306.124km (58 laps)
2024 pole position: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) one minute 15.915 seconds.
2024 winner: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Race lap record: Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 1:20.235 - 2023.
NOTE: The circuit was shortened by 28 metres, with two turns taken out and seven corners modified, in 2022.
Start time: 0400 GMT (1500 local)
Toto Wolff repsonds to Verstappen links
00:30 , Lawrence OstlereMercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Max Verstappen is no longer on his radar and said he is ready to open talks with George Russell over a contract extension.
Wolff attempted to lure Verstappen to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton last year before the four-time world champion elected to stay at Red Bull.
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli was instead promoted from the team's junior ranks alongside Russell for the new season which starts in Australia on Sunday.
Russell, 27, is entering his fourth season with Mercedes but his current deal is due to expire at the end of the year, leaving room for Wolff to make a play for Verstappen.
However, speaking in Melbourne ahead of Sunday's curtain-raiser, Wolff said: "We need to concentrate on our driver line-up.”
You must be registered for see images
Lewis Hamilton on the pressure of racing for Ferrari:
00:13 , Kieran Jackson“The pressure I’ve put on myself has been ten times higher than any pressure put upon me.
“I haven’t been made to feel any pressure, I know what I can deliver and it’s just getting my head down.
“No expectations this weekend, getting used to this new car. Ferrari power is new, different vibrations, different feel.”
You must be registered for see images
Oscar Piastri on potential home win this weekend:
Thursday 13 March 2025 23:45 , Kieran Jackson“We’ll see. No one knows what to expect, testing went pretty well and we’re pretty happy with how it went, Melbourne is different to Bahrain.
“Different every hour by the look of things, it’ll be an interesting weekend.
“We’re expecting to be at the front, whether it’s the pointy end we’ll see. “
Jack Doohan on first home race:
Thursday 13 March 2025 23:00 , Kieran Jackson“I’m super keen to get on the track, get to tomorrow, it’s been a long time since Abu Dhabi.
“To enjoy each time I’m on track, work hard with the team, deliver on track with whatever the car’s potential so far.”
Thursday 13 March 2025 23:00 , Luke Baker
Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris.
On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a “perfect” end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he’d need no invitation; he was going to get “hammered” later that night over the border in Bahrain.
Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. “It’s been a special year,” he said over team radio, before adding: “And next year is going to be my year, too.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Why Lando Norris knows there are now ‘no excuses’ – he has to win 2025 F1 title
Lewis Hamilton on six rookies this year:
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:00 , Kieran Jackson“I remember the excitement, might not be the same for Kimi, being on track with Schumacher ahead of me, just followed him for as many laps until he came in. It’s very surreal and hard to believe it’s true, hard to believe what you’re seeing.
When I see the youngsters coming through, try to set a good example in what I do. I want to protect them from the bombardment they will experience, it can be a cruel world.
“They just need time, diamonds are created over time. I hope they have time and space to grow, be themselves, not have to conform and rush.
“Some drivers come in and are booted out straight away, I hope they’re given time. We all make mistakes in our life but we do it in front of the world. I hope you can take it easy on the youngsters, take it out on us!”
You must be registered for see images
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:01 , Luke Baker
A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to “keep fighting”.
Mick Schumacher, the German great’s son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium.
Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately.
You must be registered for see images attach
Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’
Lewis Hamilton on expectations in Australia:
Thursday 13 March 2025 19:00 , Kieran Jackson“I definitely hope to be top-10! I don’t have expectations, I ultimately want to come away knowing I gave absolutely everything and excelled in every way I can, felt comfortable in the car and one foot in front of the other.
“We won’t know until tomorrow where we truly stand with the top teams, I’m hoping we can compete for top-5 – somewhere in that space.”
Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari honeymoon
Thursday 13 March 2025 17:00 , Luke BakerLewis Hamilton has been warned that getting used to how things are done at Ferrari after 11 years with Mercedes may take a little time, even though he has made a promising start to life in Maranello.
Writing in his season preview for Sky Sports, F1 pundit and commentator Martin Brundle gave his thoughts on Hamilton’s switch.
“The Ferrari move does seem to be working for Lewis. I've never seen him smile so much,” wrote Brundle.
“He seems really energised and invigorated by this new opportunity. Lewis has been very smart too. Obviously, he knows team boss Fred Vasseur very well from times of old, but he's had an advance party at Ferrari to integrate as quickly as he can into the team. Angela Cullen has returned, while Marc Hynes has been back in the fold for a year or two now already.
“He's got a new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and has got to understand how Ferrari works, which will be diametrically opposed to how Mercedes works in terms of culture I suspect, in terms of procedures. Lewis is going to have to find out where all the green buttons are and I expect it will take him a little bit of time to get used to that, along with speaking some Italian.”
You must be registered for see images
James Vowles: ‘This is why Williams and Carlos Sainz will be F1 title contenders again’
Thursday 13 March 2025 16:01 , Luke BakerTwo years into the project of a lifetime, James Vowles is keeping his ultra-focused head above the parapet.
Hunched over a table in his team’s hospitality unit, the Williams team principal is reflecting on a 2024 season of underachievement. In 24 races, his team recorded more crashes than points: 20 to 17. To say it was an expensive, energy-sapping campaign would be an understatement.
Yet ultimately, it does not matter. Nor does the upcoming 2025 season, even with Ferrari race winner Carlos Sainz, a coup of an acquisition, joining the team to partner Alex Albon.
Nearly all of Vowles’ attention is geared towards 2026; a year of new engine and chassis regulations and, as such, fresh opportunity at the front.
Read Kieran Jackson’s exclusive interview with the Williams boss:
You must be registered for see images attach
James Vowles: ‘This is why Williams and Sainz will be F1 title contenders again’
Oscar Piastri on whether McLaren can match Red Bull era of dominance:
Thursday 13 March 2025 15:00 , Kieran Jackson“No, I don’t think so.
“That would be ideal, what every team dreams of but at this point in the regulations, expecting that is incredibly naive.
“This season is going to be just as tight if not tighter than the second half of last year. We have a new set of rules next year, which will change the pecking order or gaps a bit.
“This year will be a competitive year of F1, as much as I’d like to have that level of success, it’ll be very very tough.”
French rookie Isack Hadjar ready for F1 debut
Thursday 13 March 2025 13:12 , Lawrence OstlereRacing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is heading into the season-opening Formula 1 race in Australia with fewer than 500 laps in a Grand Prix car under his belt.
The 20-year-old Hadjar has been dubbed 'Petit Prost' — a young version of former F1 star Alain Prost — by the French media for his successes in F2 last year, when he finished runner-up with four victories. That was two more than champion Gabriel Bortoleto, now with Sauber.
The French driver has had just four practice sessions in F1 and last year's post-season test for Red Bull Racing and the brand's second Grand Prix team, now known as Racing Bulls. He says "it's enough" ahead of his first F1 race weekend.
"Ideally, I would go on different tracks, of course, because now Melbourne in an F1 car is pretty challenging," Hadjar said. "By F1 experience, I've been on really easy tracks — Bahrain and Abu Dhabi mostly. So now on really challenging tracks, it's going to be a fair bit different."
You must be registered for see images attach
Lando Norris dismisses ‘short-sighted’ F1 teams who have McLaren as clear favourites
Thursday 13 March 2025 12:30 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris believes McLaren’s tag as clear F1 favourites is being exaggerated as the Brit looked to dampen expectations ahead of the new season.
The McLaren driver, who finished runner-up to Max Verstappen last year, is the title favourite with the bookies this year following McLaren’s constructors’ championship victory in 2024.
Yet Norris looked to downplay McLaren’s favourites tag, when asked ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend.
You must be registered for see images attach
Lando Norris dismisses ‘short-sighted’ F1 teams who have McLaren as clear favourites
Lewis Hamilton on cloud nine as Ferrari F1 debut looms: ‘This is the most exciting period of my life’
Thursday 13 March 2025 11:30 , Kieran JacksonFor all his stardust, Lewis Hamilton is not always the easiest interviewee.
When he’s on-form, Formula One’s biggest star is thoughtful and genuine, with the ears of everyone in the room fixed on his words. At times, however, particularly in the last three topsy-turvy years at Mercedes, he can be reticent to speak at all.
Not now, though. Hamilton has the essence of a man completely reborn donning the famous Ferrari red and, ahead of his debut race this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, the 40-year-old was unwavering in his exhilaration at what is to come in his 19th F1 season.
Full piece below:
You must be registered for see images attach
Lewis Hamilton on cloud nine at Ferrari: ‘It’s the most exciting period of my life’
Oscar Piastri on his new long-term contract:
Thursday 13 March 2025 10:30 , Kieran Jackson“I was already signed up for this year and next but it felt like a natural progression to sign longer term.
“My years at the team have been incredible to when I joined to constructors’ champions.
“It made a lot of sense, myself and Lando are there for a long time now – it seemed like a no-brainer.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Carlos Sainz on Williams:
Thursday 13 March 2025 08:59 , Kieran Jackson“I feel I’ve joined a team full of motivation, who want to bring the team back to the front. It was a good test in Abu Dhabi.
“We’ve had a strong winter, a positive test, are we going to be one second off the leaders? I don’t know. We want to show progress.
Max Verstappen on the potential of a tight F1 season:
Thursday 13 March 2025 07:20 , Kieran Jackson“Impossible to know at the moment.
“We are not the quickest at the moment but it’s a very long season.
“From the start of last year to the end, a lot of things can change quickly in Formula 1?”
You must be registered for see images
Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’
Thursday 13 March 2025 05:30 , Flo CliffordA group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to “keep fighting”.
Mick Schumacher, the German great’s son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium.
Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately.
You must be registered for see images attach
Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’
Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari debut this weekend:
Thursday 13 March 2025 04:39 , Kieran Jackson“I’m very fortunate, I’ve had a long career in Formula 1. This is very reminiscent of my first year, for all those years I’ve gone up and down the paddock and seen the red garage, now I’m in red.
“The pressure I’ve put on myself has been ten times higher than any pressure put upon me. I haven’t been made to feel any pressure, I know what I can deliver and it’s just getting my head down. No expectations this weekend... just getting used to this new car.
“This is the most exciting period of my life.”
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
Lewis Hamilton when asked if he's happy with the Ferrari car:
Thursday 13 March 2025 03:41 , Kieran Jackson“Yes so far. I feel so. Difficult to know where we stand with everyone else, Carlos was incredibly quick, Kimi too.
“It’s going to be close between us all. I’m itching to get going, it’s been a long time coming, to think this is going to be my first grand prix with the team, very honoured and grateful to get the opportunity.”
You must be registered for see images
Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’
Thursday 13 March 2025 01:30 , Jamie BraidwoodOscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season.
Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team.
The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors’-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title.
Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’
Lando Norris 'ready to win title', says Mika Hakkinen
Thursday 13 March 2025 00:35 , Luke BakerMcLaren legend Mika Hakkinen has backed current driver Lando Norris, saying the Brit is “absolutely ready” to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship title this year.
The 25-year-old was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger in 2024 but made key mistakes at crucial times as the Red Bull star won a fourth title on the spin.
But former world champion Hakkinen was bullish when asked if Norris is now ready to win the title.
“Absolutely, yes,” Hakkinen told theHindustan Times.“Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success, but it was part of my development to become a good racing driver.
“You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks. Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out.
“When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He is flat-out ready to achieve his goal.”
You must be registered for see images
Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’
Wednesday 12 March 2025 16:39 , Luke BakerOscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season.
Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team.
The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors’-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title.
Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Zak Brown claims McLaren have ‘best driver line-up’ in F1 after Oscar Piastri deal
Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari honeymoon
Wednesday 12 March 2025 16:13 , Luke BakerLewis Hamilton has been warned that getting used to how things are done at Ferrari after 11 years with Mercedes may take a little time, even though he has made a promising start to life in Maranello.
Writing in his season preview for Sky Sports, F1 pundit and commentator Martin Brundle gave his thoughts on Hamilton’s switch.
“The Ferrari move does seem to be working for Lewis. I've never seen him smile so much,” wrote Brundle.
“He seems really energised and invigorated by this new opportunity. Lewis has been very smart too. Obviously, he knows team boss Fred Vasseur very well from times of old, but he's had an advance party at Ferrari to integrate as quickly as he can into the team. Angela Cullen has returned, while Marc Hynes has been back in the fold for a year or two now already.
“He's got a new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and has got to understand how Ferrari works, which will be diametrically opposed to how Mercedes works in terms of culture I suspect, in terms of procedures. Lewis is going to have to find out where all the green buttons are and I expect it will take him a little bit of time to get used to that, along with speaking some Italian.”
You must be registered for see images
Lando Norris 'ready to win title', says Mika Hakkinen
Wednesday 12 March 2025 15:41 , Luke BakerMcLaren legend Mika Hakkinen has backed current driver Lando Norris, saying the Brit is “absolutely ready” to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship title this year.
The 25-year-old was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger in 2024 but made key mistakes at crucial times as the Red Bull star won a fourth title on the spin.
But former world champion Hakkinen was bullish when asked if Norris is now ready to win the title.
“Absolutely, yes,” Hakkinen told theHindustan Times.“Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success, but it was part of my development to become a good racing driver.
“You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks. Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out.
“When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He is flat-out ready to achieve his goal.”
You must be registered for see images
Max Verstappen told 'he doesn't have a chance' of F1 title this year
Wednesday 12 March 2025 15:12 , Luke BakerMax Verstappen does not have “a chance” of a fifth straight F1 Drivers’ Championship win in 2025 according to former driver Ralf Schumacher.
Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a “rescue” effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won’t be able to do the same again.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid.
Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: “Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn’t handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue.
“However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don’t think he has a chance.”
You must be registered for see images
Toto Wolff makes shock Max Verstappen F1 revelation after breaking ‘promise’ to Lewis Hamilton
Wednesday 12 March 2025 14:43 , Luke BakerToto Wolff promised Lewis Hamilton he wouldn’t pursue a move for Max Verstappen while the Brit was at Mercedes, as revealed in the new season of Drive to Survive.
The Mercedes team principal, who worked with Hamilton for 12 years, spent the first half of the 2024 season looking for a replacement for the Ferrari-bound driver.
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were among the contenders, with Wolff eventually opting to promote teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell this year.
Yet Wolff made no secret of his desire to sign Hamilton’s 2021 foe Verstappen – especially amid unrest at Red Bull at the start of last season – and details as such in season seven of Drive to Survive, released on Friday.
You must be registered for see images attach
Wolff makes shock Verstappen F1 revelation after breaking ‘promise’ to Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move
Wednesday 12 March 2025 14:15 , Luke BakerLewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year.
The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.
Hamilton is also F1’s first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the “traumatising” racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.
Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches “crossed his mind” when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter.
You must be registered for see images attach
Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari F1 are a ‘perfect match’ – but will results live up to the hype?
Wednesday 12 March 2025 13:38 , Luke BakerNothing has ever motivated Lewis Hamilton more than the naysayers of this world. Where the sceptics see adversity, Hamilton sees opportunity. And last month, the seven-time world champion had a message for the doubters ahead of the most anticipated phase of his glittering Formula One career.
“Don’t ever compare me to anyone else,” he toldTime. “I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different… I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife or kids. I’m focused on one thing and that’s winning.”
Has the Hamilton-Ferrari hype train caught you yet? If so, what drew you in? Was it the joyous scenes of week one, appearing in a black suit and Ferrari race gear in Maranello for the first time? Was it London, F1 75 Live, and an adoring British crowd? Or was it Bahrain, Milan, and now Melbourne, as the sight of F1’s joint-most successful driver in peerless scarlet red becomes the new reality?
The Independent’s F1 Correspondent Kieran Jackson is in Melbourne ahead of the Australian GP and has dug into whether Hamilton can live up to the hype:
You must be registered for see images attach
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are ‘perfect match’ – but will results match the hype?
Drive to Survive review: Season 7 airs with Christian Horner Red Bull scandal rehashed on Netflix
Wednesday 12 March 2025 12:49 , Luke BakerLet’s start with the obvious: Christian Horner has been a dream for Drive to Survive since the show landed in 2019. The Red Bull F1 CEO has been front-and-centre of countless episodes in the past six seasons, gladly playing the role of F1’s pantomime villain, with numerous scenes filmed at his country mansion home in Oxfordshire, alongside Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell.
Season seven is no different. The latest instalment, chronicling the 2024 season, begins with Horner at the wheel of his 4x4, locked in conversation with Geri about a record-breaking 2023 campaign, in which Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races.
With an air of inevitability synonymous with Netflix’s exquisitely curated narratives, Geri strikes a warning to her husband: “You never know what life’s going to bring.” In actual fact, we all know what’s coming next.
You must be registered for see images attach
Horner scandal rehashed as Drive to Survive season 7 unearths new F1 villain
Dream move or nightmare in waiting? Lewis Hamilton on red alert with Ferrari
Wednesday 12 March 2025 12:26 , Luke BakerThe eyes of the sporting world will be on Lewis Hamilton when the lights go out for Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton will fulfil a lifelong ambition by starting his 19th Formula One campaign in the red of Ferrari following a mouth-watering transfer from Mercedes which is set to earn him north of £100m.
However, with change comes extraordinary pressure.
Hamilton is widely considered F1’s G.O.A.T. No driver boasts more victories or pole positions in the sport’s 75-year history, his record tally of seven world championships is one he shares with Michael Schumacher and he transcends the sport. But it is not hyperbole to suggest Hamilton’s legacy is on the line.
You must be registered for see images attach
Dream move or nightmare in waiting? Lewis Hamilton on red alert with Ferrari
Madrid F1 circuit given new name
Wednesday 12 March 2025 11:58 , Luke BakerThe new Madrid F1 circuit set to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035 will be known as Madring, organisers have revealed.
The 5.47km part-street layout will be around the IFEMA exhibition centre with easy access by rail and metro from the city and nearby Barajas airport.
Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya currently hosts the Spanish Grand Prix and has a contract for one more race after this season.
Alpine add a fourth F1 reserve with India's Maini
Wednesday 12 March 2025 10:40 , Luke BakerAlpine have added a fourth test and reserve driver to their roster with the announcement of Indian Kush Maini.
Formula Two driver Maini, 24, joins a list that includes Argentine Franco Colapinto, Estonian Paul Aron and Japan's Ryo Hirakawa.
Alpine now have twice as many reserves as race drivers, with Colapinto already having F1 race experience with Williams and widely seen as a future replacement for Australian rookie Jack Doohan.
The team said Maini would offer support by using the driver-in-loop simulator at the Enstone factory and taking part in the testing of previous cars (TPC) programme.
Why Lando Norris knows there is ‘no excuses’ now – he has to win 2025 F1 title
Wednesday 12 March 2025 10:15 , Flo CliffordTaking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris.
On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a “perfect” end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he’d need no invitation; he was going to get “hammered” later that night over the border in Bahrain.
Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. “It’s been a special year,” he said over team radio, before adding: “And next year is going to be my year, too.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Why Lando Norris knows there are now ‘no excuses’ – he has to win 2025 F1 title
‘No love lost’ between George Russell and Max Verstappen as last season’s feud rumbles on
Wednesday 12 March 2025 09:26 , Flo CliffordThe dispute between four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell shows no sign of abating as the new season gets underway.
The pair memorably clashed after the Qatar Grand Prix last season, when Verstappen, the eventual winner, was penalised for impeding the Brit.
Russell claimed that afterwards Verstappen threatened to "purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and 'put me on my head in the wall'", while his Dutch counterpart said he had “lost all respect” for the Mercedes driver.
You must be registered for see images attach
‘No love lost’ between Russell and Verstappen as feud rumbles on
Max Verstappen told 'he doesn't have a chance' of F1 title this year
Wednesday 12 March 2025 08:15 , Flo CliffordMax Verstappen does not have “a chance” of a fifth straight F1 Drivers’ Championship win in 2025, according to former driver Ralf Schumacher.
Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a “rescue” effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won’t be able to do the same again.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid.
Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: “Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn’t handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue.
“However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don’t think he has a chance.”
Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move
Wednesday 12 March 2025 07:45 , Flo CliffordLewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year.
The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.
Hamilton is also F1’s first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the “traumatising” racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.
Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches “crossed his mind” when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter.
You must be registered for see images attach
Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move
Ollie Bearman: ‘You only get one shot in F1 – my ultimate goal is to be a world champion’
Wednesday 12 March 2025 07:30 , Flo CliffordAs foolish as it sounds, Ollie Bearman’s manager was actually cut off from the call which changed the life of his most precious client. Fortunately, the British teenager himself was not short of credit on his phone.
Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last March, Ferrari suddenly needed a driver after Carlos Sainz fell ill. Relaxing idyllically off the shores of the Red Sea fresh from securing pole position in F2, 18-year-old Bearman spotted Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur’s name on his phone and, right then, knew he was about to be given the opportunity of a lifetime.
Kieran Jackson chats exclusively to the British F1 rookie sensation:
You must be registered for see images attach
F1 star Bearman: ‘You only get one shot – my goal is to be a world champion’
When does the new F1 season start? Full 2025 calendar and testing schedule
Wednesday 12 March 2025 07:00 , Flo CliffordFor the second year running, there will be no new races on the schedule. 2026 is set to be different, though, with Madrid already confirmed as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning 2025 could be the last year Barcelona hosts an F1 race.
Other calendar alterations include a triple-header in April between Japan-Bahrain-Saudi, while Spain has moved forward three weeks to the end of May/start of June.
Belgium and Hungary have swapped weekends too, with Budapest now hosting the final race before the customary summer break.
This year sees a four-week gap in autumn but there will be no such space in the calendar next year, with just one week’s rest in-between Singapore and Austin in October.
2025 F1 calendar
Wednesday 12 March 2025 06:45 , Flo CliffordHere’s the calendar for 2025:
- ROUND 1 - AUSTRALIA - Albert Park, Melbourne - 14-16 March
- ROUND 2 - CHINA (sprint weekend) - Shanghai International Circuit - 21-23 March
- ROUND 3 - JAPAN - Suzuka International Racing Course - 4-6 April
- ROUND 4 —BAHRAIN - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 11-13 April
- ROUND 5 - SAUDI ARABIA - Jeddah Corniche Circuit - 18-20 April
- ROUND 6 - MIAMI (sprint weekend) - Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium - 2-4 May
- ROUND 7 - EMILIA ROMAGNA - Imola Circuit - 16-18 May
- ROUND 8 - MONACO - Circuit de Monaco - 23-25 May
- ROUND 9 - SPAIN - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 30 May-1 June
- ROUND 10 - CANADA - Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal - 13-15 June
- ROUND 11 - AUSTRIA - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg - 27-29 June
- ROUND 12 - GREAT BRITAIN - Silverstone Circuit - 4-6 July
- ROUND 13 - BELGIUM (sprint weekend) - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - 25-27 July
- ROUND 14 - HUNGARY - Hungaroring, Budapest - 1-3 August
- ROUND 15 - NETHERLANDS - Circuit Zandvoort - 29-31 August
- ROUND 16 - ITALY - Monza Circuit - 5-7 September
- ROUND 17 - AZERBAIJAN - Baku City Circuit - 19-21 September
- ROUND 18 - SINGAPORE - Marina Bay Street Circuit - 3-5 October
- ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES(sprint weekend) - Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 17-19 October
- ROUND 20 - MEXICO - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 24-26 October
- ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint weekend) - Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 7-9 November
- ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas Street Circuit - 20-22 November
- ROUND 23 - QATAR (sprint weekend) - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 28-30 November
- ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI - Yas Marina Circuit - 5-7 December
F1 returns for 2025 season at Australian Grand Prix on Sunday
Wednesday 12 March 2025 06:30 , Flo CliffordThe 2025 F1 season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
We’ll have all the news here and the build-up to the weekend’s action.
Continue reading...
