Formula 1 2025: Discussion Thread Motor Sport

[Franco Pinion]

Formula 1 greeted the 24-race 2025 season with a special event at London's O2 Arena this evening.

All 20 drivers were in attendance as the 10 teams unveiled their liveries for the new season at F1 75 Live — conceived to mark the sport's 75th anniversary.

Each team was given a seven-minute slot to unveil their designs.

Sauber, Williams, Alpine

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McLaren, Mercedes, Haas

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Aston Martin, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, Ferrari

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I think the VCARB and Alpine got the biggest livery upgrades while Ferrari went backwards. Think the Alpine looks better from the sides than the front though.

 

[Bandit]

I think the VCARB and Alpine got the biggest livery upgrades while Ferrari went backwards. Think the Alpine looks better from the sides than the front though.

Stand out one for me is Alpine

 

[Bad Gizmo]

Toto Wolff has always dreamed of having Max Verstappen in his team, but there was one big obstacle - Lewis Hamilton. Now that Lewis is moving to Ferrari, the door is finally open for a conversation.

"I haven't talked to him because I promised Lewis not to talk to him, but I will have that conversation now."

Wolff admitted he made a promise not to approach Max while Hamilton was still at Mercedes, but things have changed. The question is: Will Verstappen even consider leaving Red Bull?

 

[Franco Pinion]

Cadillac has officially received approval to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 as the 11th team, backed by General Motors (GM) and TWG Motorsports.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the decision, calling it a milestone for the sport. The team has been rapidly expanding its operations across multiple locations, including Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, and Silverstone, with over 200 engineers already working on car development.

Cadillac aims to become a full works team by the end of the decade, with power unit development already underway.

Key hires include Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal and Russ O'Blenes leading GM's power unit division. Initially partnering with Ferrari for engines and gearboxes, Cadillac plans to develop its own fully independent power unit in the coming years. With the 2026 regulations bringing new sustainable technologies, the team is preparing to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

 

[Son Of Jack]

The FIA has introduced a new technical directive to limit the flexibility of rear wings, addressing concerns over 'mini-DRS' solutions that could provide aerodynamic advantages.

Starting from the Chinese Grand Prix, teams must ensure openings remain below 0.50mm, with a one-time exception of 0.25mm for this race, setting the absolute limit at 0.75mm. This measure aims to enforce stricter compliance and maintain fair competition.

McLaren and any other team must have that opening at less than 0.50mm starting from Japan, with an exception of 0.25mm at the Chinese GP, making 0.75mm the maximum allowed.

Any breach of these limits could result in penalties.

 

[Bandit]

A few news sources are reporting that Tsunoda is replacing Lawson at Red Bull in Japan. Has this been confirmed?

 

[David76]

A few news sources are reporting that Tsunoda is replacing Lawson at Red Bull in Japan. Has this been confirmed?

Yes, it has been confirmed.

Lawson will swap places with Yuki Tsunoda and return to Red Bull's second team, Racing Bulls, from the next race in Japan in a week's time.

It was a questionable decision to promote him in the first place, but this is just brutal and harsh. I think it is terrible driver management for Lawson, Tsunoda, and Red Bull as a team.

 

[Son Of Jack]

A few news sources are reporting that Tsunoda is replacing Lawson at Red Bull in Japan. Has this been confirmed?

I still don't understand why they didn't sign Yuki in the first place. This whole situation is just creating unnecessary drama and tension

 

[Crabtree]

A few news sources are reporting that Tsunoda is replacing Lawson at Red Bull in Japan. Has this been confirmed?

Helmut Marko says they made a mistake putting Lawson in the second Red Bull seat and that Tsunoda will be given until the end of the year. Apparently, Yuki made a big step since last year and his greater experience will be of more benefit when dealing with a "very difficult car"

Liam Lawson: Red Bull chief Helmut Marko says team 'made mistake' with their decision-making

Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko admits the team "made a mistake" with their decision-making over Liam Lawson.

www.bbc.com

Wasn't Yuki going to be out of a job next year with Honda moving to Aston Martin? Even if his stint in the Red Bull goes well, what seat is available for him next year I wonder. Or will he be a reserve driver for AM?

 

[Franco Pinion]

George Russell is expected to sign a new 2-year deal with Mercedes.

The contract would include an option to stay through 2028, with an estimated salary of $30 million per year.