Ok, you got me, I am completely lost as to what is going on in Formula One. From shock driver announcements, to the first of ten livery reveals, rule changes and a team principal under investigation? Give me that wine. So, if, like me, you've been hiding under a rock - a big rock I must add; then here is everything that you, I and everyone needs to know.
Starting with the biggest news that has literally been impossible not to miss - Lewis Hamilton is ditching Mercedes for Ferrari. Ok, this isn't until 2025 but still, it's a surprise I didn't see coming. Like many, I was under the impression he would see out his career with the Silver Arrows but alas, 'twas not meant to be.
So, what's in it for the most success Formula One driver of all time? Well, a multi-year contract, millions and millions of £,$,€, and a chance to race for the most prestigious teams in Formula One history. Interestingly, Hamilton's move to Ferrari will be the first time he races in F1 without a Mercedes power unit, ending the longest and most successful partnership in F1 history. Stay tuned because 2025 is going to be one not to miss!
With Hamilton joining Ferrari, it leaves us with the question as to where current Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, will be for 2025. Could he go to Mercedes? Red Bull? Stake? Sure, there's options but with only 20 seats available, and a rumoured Sainz x Audi partnership from 2026, he could be left in limbo for 2025. I hope this isn't the case. Team principals should be queuing at his door. You can read more about Sainz's options here!
We finally find ourselves in February - the month that F1 returns to TV screens all around the world. And, with a new season comes ten car launches - or should I say livery launches? Car launches are a thing of the past, it seems. So far we've seen the 2024 challenger for seven out of ten teams, with Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull yet to show off their most prized possessions. I won't go into too much detail as I'm planning a full article once all has been revealed. Until then, carbon fibre.
F1 Sprints. Yes, they are still a thing, but come with a yet another a new format for 2024. I'll let Williams F1 Team explain this one for you! "The format of an F1 Sprint weekend has changed for the 2024 season. In the season just gone, Saturday would act as a Sprint-exclusive day, but the two specific Sprint sessions will now be spread across Friday and Saturday. Friday will begin with FP1 before it's time for the Sprint Shootout." So, never fret employed people, like myself, we can watch the main qualifying session live once again. Could this new format change the perceptions surrounding the sprint? Possibly.
Ok, let's talk race locations. Madrid will be joining the race calendar from 2026 with a new street circuit. I heard plenty of collective sighs there. This could put the current Spanish Grand Prix under threat of loosing their slot on the calendar. Silverstone has signed a new 10-year deal to hold the British Grand Prix and, there is talk of Chicago being added at some point in the future. It's no secret that I detest street circuits but they are looking like the future of Formula One. I mean, it's not like there's already a motorsport series that races predominantly on street tracks... *eye roll*
And, finally, could Christian Horner's time at Red Bull be reaching it's end as the team principal finds himself under investigation by the team for alleged inappropriate behaviour. As we await the verdict from the hearing, Horner has been back at work with the team as they prepare for the 2024 season. Is this a sign of what is to come for Red Bull this season? Time is the essence.
Phew, it's all kicking off. If the pre-season is anything to go by, 2024 could be fascinating in more than one way! I, definitely, will be coming out from under my rock now. Formula One is back, good and proper.
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