5 Things We’re Talking About After F1’s Pre-Season Testing

With the wrap of pre-season testing, the countdown to the first race of the season is officially a go! And, as always with testing, we have come away with numerous talking points that have gotten us completely and utterly hyped up for the season ahead. Shall we dig in to a few of these?

Red Bull's Advantage

Let's kick things off with Red Bull. The team that obliterated the pack in 2023 have had, bar a few technical niggles here and there, a dream testing session, topping the time sheets on Day One with a time that was over a second quicker than the next car behind. Of course, this quickly diminished F1 aficionados hopes of a Championship battle in 2024 and Max Verstappen's comment of "a very positive test" didn't help when it comes to the perceptions fans may have of the upcoming season. However, the reckless optimists in us will be believing anything can happen, while keeping a close eye on Ferrari who, so far, could be the ones to challenge the dominant force of the Bull.

The Raging Bull vs The Prancing Horse

Remember the 2022 Formula One Season that gave us some incredible racing between Red Bull and Ferrari? Well, listen up folks, we could be getting a repeat of that in 2024. Ok, testing is a funny one when it comes to the pecking order, but with Carlos Sainz topping Day Two, Charles Leclerc topping Day Three, and an overall positive few days of testing, maybe there is some pace in that car to take the fight to Red Bull? Even both Sainz and Leclerc have commented on their revived confidence that they are feeling compared to this time last year. That, in itself, is a positive sign. Let's keep everything crossed that Ferrari can max out their strategies without the odd blunder that we've come to regularly expect.

Hope for McLaren

This time in 2023 was dismal for McLaren. Their car was slow and completely unreliable. Not what you want going into a Formula One season. However, as we remember well, towards the end of 2023 they found their footing and became Red Bull's "main pain in the backside," so to speak. Luckily for the Papaya team, they have managed to continue where they left off, with "overall grip" being their main priority to remain in the chasing pack. Even driver Oscar Piastri was heard talking about how this year's test was completely different - in a positive way, when compared with 2023. Surely, this team has what it takes to keep fighting onwards and upwards!

No Shock Surprises

In previous years there has usually been at least one team that surpasses all expectations for the upcoming season. Take Aston Martin last season. Before testing, you'd be crazy to gamble on a podium for the British team in the first race of the season. After testing, you would have been mad not to! Alas, in 2024 the pecking order is looking eerily similar to 2023, in that Red Bull's domination continues and the pack behind is made up of the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin. Not the best news for those who are crossing everything in the hopes of a season that isn't dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull for a third/fourth consecutive season.

Drains

It may be a new season, however the talk of lose drain covers is still milling around the Formula One community after two stoppages during the second and third days due to, you guessed it, drains. You would think that after numerous issues with drain covers in races such as Las Vegas in 2023 and others that have preceded that, the FIA and FOM would do something about it. But, I guess not. Could this be a subject that is revisited again later on in the year?

As always with pre-season testing there is usually tonnes to talk about. I could have easily included Alpines struggles and Fernando Alonso's claim that "19 out of 20 drivers" already believe Verstappen will make it a fourth WDC in 2024. But time is off the essence, with less than a week before the first race weekend of the season gets underway. I am so excited, I've really missed having Formula One in my life over the Winter Break. You'd think that after twnety-odd years I would have found something to fill that void! Anyway, see you next Saturday for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Yippee!

What In The F1 Is Going On?

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.

Opinion: With Hamilton to Ferrari, what’s next for Carlos Sainz?

February 1st 2024 will go down in Formula One history with the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's surprising move to Ferrari for 2025. In scenes that resembled the announcement of Hamilton's 2014 move from McLaren to Mercedes, Formula One fans across the globe sat in shock as they digested the big news that has seemingly kicked off the 2024 season. Hamilton, himself, has made no secret of his desire to one day drive for the prestigious Scuderia, and, with the Brit reportedly "shopping" around for a change of scenery in 2025, should we be as surprised as we are? Of course, this marks the end of one of the MOST successful partnerships in Formula One between Hamilton and Mercedes. It is, in theory, a very big deal.

But, we find ourselves left with the question as to what will happen to Carlos Sainz - the driver Hamilton will be replacing. With other Ferrari driver; Charles Leclerc, getting an extension to his current contract in recent weeks, there was zero word on Sainz, apart from rumours in the media suggesting that "contract talks had halted," for unknown reasons.

Sainz needn't be overlooked by other teams. With his proven ability to race wheel to wheel, win races, consistently score points and strategise, shouldn't he be on the mind of several team principles up and down the field? Quite possibly he already is. But, with the Sainz family reportedly in talks with Audi, who are set to join the grid as a Sauber rebrand in 2026, this could play a pivotal role as to whether he is racing or on the sidelines in 2025. But of course, in pure motorsport fashion, rumours are already rife as to where the young Spaniard will find himself next.

As a Carlos fan, not knowing his immediate future in Formula One is daunting. But, I don't think this is the end of his nearly decade-long F1 career. With only twenty seats on the grid, and a good percentage of them already locked in for 2025, his options are limited. Limited, but there, despite the fact that many seem to be overlooking his numerous achievements in the sport to date. I will gladly take this moment to remind you that he was the only non-Red Bull winner of 2023.

So, what are his options, I hear you ask? First and foremost there is the seat at Mercedes vacated by Hamilton. A sought after seat in Formula One, many drivers will have their eye on this one. Then, there is Red Bull. With Sergio Perez's seat contract up at the end of this upcoming season, would the Red Bull team be interested in reuniting Sainz with his old Toro Rosso team mate; Verstappen. Or, what about Stake F1 Team? They're the one's being taken over by Audi, after all. But, with plenty of other racing drivers also vying for a Formula One seat, Carlos can be sure that his experience may give him that all important edge.

However, only time will tell and give us an outcome. Maybe his destiny is in another series. Luckily for Sainz he has a whole F1 season to negotiate and make impressions. I'm excited to see what he achieves in 2024. Maybe losing his Ferrari seat is the drive (pun not intended) he needs to, what do they say? "Kick some ass."