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      Every F1 rule change revealed ahead of new season with fastest lap bonus point scrapped and swearing sanctions

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      FORMULA ONE is going to look a little different in 2025 – after a host of new rules.The new F1 season is set to be one of the closest title fights in modern history when it kick starts in Melbourne on Sunday.This season is the latest before a major change in regulationsDefending champion Max Verstappen will begin his F1 title defence this weekendBefore lights out at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, several key technical and regulatory tweaks will come into effect.Most are in response to controversies that occurred last season, before the major overhaul to technical regulations from 2026.Here SunSport runs you through the main ones that are worth knowing about.Goodbye fastest lap bonus pointSince 2019, a driver that finished in the top 10 of a race was eligible for an extra championship point if they set the fastest lap.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut this rule – the only change to the points system- has been removed in arguably the biggest of the changes introduced.While the bonus point had led to drivers pushing in the closing stages of races, there had been controversy over teams making late pit stops or attempts to block rivals.This was notable when drivers outside the top 10 posted the fastest lap, which took the bonus away from title contenders. Last season, Daniel Ricciardo denied Lando Norris an extra point for the fastest lap of the race at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportRicciardo was driving for Red Bull’s junior team Visa Cash App RB.Norris was locked in a tight fight with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the drivers title – which can be lost and won with a single point.Daniel Ricciardo pitted to change to soft tyres and go for the fastest lap time in SingaporeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHeavier cars and cooling systemsIf you believe the current F1 cars are too big, we have some bad news for you.Car mass is up 2kg from 798kg to 800kg this season, which combines both cars and drivers. The change is due to the minimum driver weight having been increased by 2kg from 80kg to 82kg, which partially accounts for the taller drivers such as George Russell and Esteban Ocon.Driver weight includes their helmet, race suit and shoes. Teams will also be required to fit a mandated driver cooling system in the event of a heat hazard.The hazard would be declared when the temperature is forecast to be 31 degrees or above during a sprint or Grand Prix race.Car weights will be increased by 2kg for practice, qualifying and sprint qualifying when cooling systems are required.Russell was heartbreakingly stripped of his Belgian GP win last season, when his car was found underweight after it was drained of fuel during the usual post-race checks.Car mass is up 2kg from 798kg to 800kg this seasonRed Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Mini-DRS and flexible wings One of the main technical points that arose during the 2024 campaign was McLaren’s rear-wing design.At high speeds the rear wing of the MCL38 tilted backward under heavy aerodynamic load, creating a gap in the win that was termed a “mini-DRS.”While McLaren was instructed to alter their design in September, the FIA has tightened up the technical regulations regarding both the rear wing and the Drag Reduction System (DRS).The FIA have tightened technical regulations regarding the rear wing and Drag Reduction System.Under the new regulations outlined in Article 3.10 of the Technical Regulations, the minimum gap in the rear wing has decreased from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm. The FIA will introduce stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish GP in June – much to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s dismay.The FIA tightened technical regulations regarding the rear wing and Drag Reduction SystemF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconNo swearingDrivers face possible one-month BANS if they repeatedly swear or criticise the governing body.The controversial move is prompted by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s determination to cut out bad language.Verstappen was the first big victim of this clampdown after he used X-rated language during a press conference at the Singapore GP.The four-time world champion was ordered do “community service” and spend time with grassroot competitors in Rwanda.Under the new guidelines, a first offence would result in a £33,750 fine, a second offence £67,4300 and a suspended one-month ban. A third offence would bring a £100,000 fine, a one-month ban and the deduction of championship points.F1 personnel could also be punished for causing moral injury or loss to the FIA; incitement to violence or hatred; political, religious or personal statements that do not align with FIA neutrality.Failure to comply with FIA instructions at official ceremonies is also punishable.Max Verstappen was not impressed after being told off for swearing at a press conferenceMohammed Ben Sulayem wants to cut out bad languageTwo-stop race in MonacoF1 has made Monaco a two-stop minimum Grand Prix in bid to improve racing.It’s mainly in response to drivers – namely Hamilton’s- complaints last year after an early red flag allowed a free tyre change.This meant they adhered to the regulated stop before completing the circuit without further changes.A lack of overtaking at the iconic street circuit has been criticised for affecting the spectacle of the event.Tweaks to qualifying based on championship positionThis is to cover the situation in Brazil last year when qualifying was touch and go due to bad weather.The forecast of more heavy rain from mid-afternoon in Sao Paulo led to the decision to bring the race time forward.That saw qualifying moved to an early start time because there must be a minimum of four hours between the end of qualifying and the start of the race.So, the grid for the race will be defined by the drivers championship position, IF qualifying cannot take place.This is to cover off the situation in Brazil last year if qualifying could not have gone ahead due to bad weatherCredit: RexMore practice for rookies and test timeThe mandatory FP1 running for rookie drivers has been expanded for 2025.Each team will be required to run four young drivers free practice sessions.This is an increase over the previous requirement of two.Teams will choose which weekends their rookies will participate in, with the finale in Abu Dhabi often being a favourite.During the season, teams have a limited allowance of testing of previous cars – which are aged between two and four years old. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will not be allowed to exceed 1,000km of running in total.Teams can only have one of these cars available to run during a test at any time. More

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      ‘It’s madness’ – Red Bull advisor demands rule change hours before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix

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      RED BULL advisor Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be SCRAPPED hours before 2025 campaign kicks off.The new campaign gets underway in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice starting on Friday.Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be scrappedCredit: GettyFlexible wings are always a point of contention during an F1 seasonCredit: RexMarko is incensed over the governing body’s plan to introduce stricter stress tests for F1 car front wings in the MIDDLE of the season.Aerodynamic regulations have always been a battleground where teams push the boundaries of what is legal and find creative ways to squeeze more performance out of their cars. One such area of innovation has been flexible wings – parts that remain rigid enough to pass static FIA tests, but bend during high-speed racing.Teams argue that the flexibility reduces drag on straights, improving top speed, while maintaining high downforce in corners.READ MORE ON F1The FIA have introduced stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, in answer to the technical debate. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Marko raged: “It’s madness.”Either the new rule applies from the start of the season or not at all.”It’s insane. It’s virtually impossible to do a comprehensive inspection of the bend. The teams have much more manpower than the FIA.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Now everyone except the smaller teams have built a wing that bends. “It’s crazy that they can throw them away in the middle of the season.”Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision But the Red Bull advisor did find one silver lining for his team as everybody on the grid will be affected by the change.He added: “No one else handles a shaky car as well as Max Verstappen.”Most teams have already built their 2024 cars with some degree of front wing flexibility within the previous FIA guidelines.The mid-season change will upset strategies as they will have already designed their cars to meet the existing rules.Meanwhile, this comes after Red Bull themselves complained about rear wings ahead of the start of the season.As a result, rear wing tests will be tightened immediately – starting in Melbourne on Sunday. And Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari faces a thorough FIA investigation, as does Lando Norris’ McLaren.Elsewhere, the minimum driver weight allowance has been increased from 80kg to 82kg and a driver cooling kit has been introduced.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe technical regulations remain the same, so most teams will have an evolution in car design from 2024.Meanwhile, everybody will have half an eye on 2026 when the cars and engines will change completely.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Ollie Bearman suffers worst possible start to F1 season as Lewis Hamilton struggles for Ferrari

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      OLLIE BEARMAN suffered a nightmare start to the season with a huge crash in the first practice while Lewis Hamilton struggled for Ferrari.The British 19-year-old, who was born in Chelmsford, was unhurt in the crash at Melbourne’s Albert Park track but failed to make it out for the second session. Ollie Bearman suffered a nightmare debut for Haas in AustraliaCredit: RexBearman took too much speed into Turn 10 with his Haas and went off trackCredit: AFPAfter driving over the gravel trap he then lost control and smashed into the wall, ending his Friday runningCredit: AFPThe force of the impact saw a wheel fly off his carCredit: @F1Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled for competitive pace with FerrariCredit: RexBearman lost control at Turn 10 and spun into the wall in what is his first full season in the sport having signed with Haas last summer. The car looked wrecked in the aftermath, with parts flying off and the right, front tyre hanging on by a thread, prompting a red flag.Charles Leclerc outshone his Ferrari team-mate Hamilton as he topped Friday’s final session. The McLarens were looking sharp once again, with Oscar Piastri finishing second and Lando Norris in third.READ MORE IN F1Norris led the first practice session while Hamilton struggled, placing 12th and grumbling about the handling issues on the car. When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked about Hamilton, he said: “We have something like 150 sessions over the year, so this is just the beginning of the story.”We just have to focus on it and forget about the world around us and work as a team. “But honestly, when he’s in the briefing room, he’s fully focused on the objective and he knows the job perfectly, and he has to build relationships with the team. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”That’s not a long process, but it’s a process we have to follow. We are on that path. “We shouldn’t expect too much from the first session – that’s not the target. Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “We know we have a long way to go, and honestly, we did a good step compared to last year and I have a good feeling.”Hamilton later managed P5 in the second practice session, but was still over four-tenths slower than Leclerc.Meanwhile, world champion Max Verstappen only managed P5 and P7, with the second session seeing his Red Bull go slower than sister team drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Major changes to Australian Grand Prix circuit confirmed ahead of F1 opener after George Russell’s terrifying crash

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      FORMULA ONE’S season-opener in Australia has undergone some major changes since last season.The 2025 F1 calendar raises the curtain Down Under in Melbourne for the first time since 2019 ahead of a highly-anticipated season.The Australian Grand Prix has made major changes to the circuit after two huge crashes last yearCredit: AFPMercedes’ George Russell was left stranded in the middle of the track after his car flipped when hitting a kerbCredit: AFPAlex Albon was also put out of the race after hitting the wall and skidding back into the middle of the trackCredit: GettyRussell said the moves were positiveCredit: RexBig narratives include Lewis Hamilton making his debut for Ferrari while six rookies – including teen millionaire Ollie Bearman – also take to the grid.However, there have also been changes made to the circuit itself in Australia.The 2024 race was as dramatic as they come with Max Verstappen’s brakes catching on fire before Carlos Sainz swept home to win the race following surgery on his appendix.But George Russell and Alex Albon suffered huge crashes at the same part of the track, with Russell’s Mercedes flipping violently before coming to a halt on its side while Albon’s Williams slid into the middle of the track following a big shunt against the wall.READ MORE IN F1Both incidents forced a red flag, but measures have been taken for this year’s race to try and ensure the same incidents do not happen again.This year Albert Park chiefs have done major work to Turns 6 and 7, where the crashes happened.The first change has seen the barrier moved and angled differently to stop a car bouncing back into the track.Sections of the kerbing have been slightly flattened to reduce the risk of potential instability caused by the bumps.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMeanwhile, adjustments have also been made to the gravel traps by bringing them closer to the kerbs.Russell said the changes were a positive following his terrifying crash last year.Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneHe told reporters: “Yeah, I know there’s been changes to the circuit through that corner. “There’s been a few big crashes there and obviously that was, yeah, it was a big one in itself. I’m fortunate I didn’t get collected. Afterwards I think the duty lies on the FIA, to be honest. “In this regard, I think the people around the circuit have done everything they can to make that corner slightly better if you were to have a crash so…  “You know, it’s part of racing, it’s the dangers that we involve ourselves with. “It’s when you push the limits and you’re going for everything, it sometimes bites. But I trust the team.”An FIA spokesperson also explained the changes made after taking on board proposed changes from the FIA Safety Department.They said: “The kerb at the exit of Turn 6 through entry and apex of Turn 7 has been replaced with a single specification of negative kerb.”This adjustment removes the transition from negative to positive kerb that was present in this area, which previously had been addressed by local modification (grinding) of the kerb to provide a smoother transition between kerb types. “The intent is to remove the possibility of this transition destabilising a car.”Additionally, the gravel trap now extends to the back of the kerb and the barrier on the left-hand side of Turn 7 has also been moved and re-profiled to mitigate the possibility of a car coming to rest in a position near the racing line following an impact with the energy absorbing barrier in this area.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe weather forecast for the Australian GP has sunny skies for practice and qualifying across Friday and Saturday.However, the race on Sunday has a more than 80 per cent chance of being struck by rain, which would really throw the cat amongst the pigeons considering the other variables already in play.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconCHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

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      FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010Credit: GettyThese will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren’s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.READ MORE IN F1Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – MercedesKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: RexKimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories. This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOllie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – HaasOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024Credit: RexOllie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to SurviveBearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – SauberGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championshipsCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – AlpineJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyJack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconHe was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing BullsIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2Credit: RexIsack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red BullLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing careerCredit: GettyLiam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started. Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen’s team-mate. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari under FIA investigation after Red Bull complain about 2025 car in huge blow ahead of F1 season

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      LEWIS Hamilton’s Ferrari faces a thorough FIA investigation after Red Bull complained about it’s rear wings, according to reports. The new 2025 F1 season is set to be one of the closest title fights in modern history after a promising pre-season test in Bahrain.Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team are under investigation by the FIACredit: AFPRed Bull technical director Pierre Wache accused Ferrari and McLaren of still using ‘mini-DRS’ design tricksCredit: RexMcLaren had already changed their rear wing designs once last seasonCredit: GettyBut FIA inspectors will head to Maranello to inspect Ferrari’s latest F1 car after Red Bull’s complaints during pre-season testing. Christian Horner’s team argued Ferrari and McLaren were using a flexible rear wing trick to gain a performance advantage.The FIA has promised to clamp down on it and run checks before the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.F1’s governing body will place rear wings under increased scrutiny at the Australian Grand Prix next weekend.READ MORE F1 NEWSRed Bull technical director Pierre Wache raised fresh concerns last week, and told The Race: “It is still going on. “I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still.”The extra investigation will include cameras on the rear wings of all 10 teams, allowing the FIA to monitor any flexibility outside of the regulations.The Scuderia reject Red Bull accusations and don’t believe that they’ll face “too many problems”, according to Italian outlet FUnoAnalisiTecnica. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs it stands, all cars with wings that have passed the FIA’s static load checks are deemed to be compliant within the rules.McLaren already changed their rear wing designs once last season after complaints from their rivals. Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleRed Bull complained about McLaren’s ‘mini DRS’ rear wing trick after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race won by Oscar Piastri. Although the design was legal, the slot in the wing appeared to open narrowly under load which created an slight advantageous effect.McLaren, who went on to win the constructors’ title, said they had “proactively offered to make some minor adjustments to the wing” after FIA talks. They also made it clear they wanted to governing body to make sure other teams were not using similar tricks.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconThe accusations travelled in multiple directions last term.McLaren called attention to Red Bull’s front-bib device at the United States GP. The front bib is a tool that adjusts the height of the front of a car’s floor.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut FIA officials subsequently clarified that there was no way for the drivers to alter ride height from the cockpit, which would have been illegal.Max Verstappen is the defending drivers’ champion but Lando Norris heads into the season as the title favourite with McLaren. More

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      ‘I promised Lewis I wouldn’t speak to Max’ – Wolff reveals sweet Hamilton vow in chat with wife in new Drive To Survive

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      TOTO WOLFF has appeared to hint Lewis Hamilton did not want Max Verstappen as a teammate at Mercedes. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has switched from Mercedes to Ferrari for the new 2025 season. Toto Wolff has indicated Lewis Hamilton didn’t want Max Verstappen as a teammateCredit: PAThe fierce rivals have been battling it out for almost a decadeCredit: GettyToto and his wife Susie discuss Hamilton’s Mercedes’ replacement in the new Drive to Survive documentaryCredit: GettyHamilton’s shock move is the subject of a new episode in Netflix’s hugely popular documentary series Drive to Survive. The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.He announced he was leaving Mercedes after 13 years last February, stunning the world of F1.Hamilton has previously indicated he would “100 per cent” race in the same team as any other F1 driver, per Sky Sports.READ MORE ON F1But the new conversation between Wolff and his wife Susie appears to suggest the Brit was keen to avoid teaming up with rival Red Bull Verstappen. In the clip, Wolff and Susie are on the balcony of their home in Monaco. The pair are discussing who to replace Hamilton with – and whether George Russell is good enough to become Mercedes’ lead driver. Wolff said: “Carlos [Sainz] is somebody to look at. He’s had some really good performances.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Fernando [Alonso]? I mean, race pace, racecraft is still very good.”Susie pointed out Alonso, 43, would not constitute a “new era.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing She then asks her husband: “You don’t think Max is an option?”Toto replied: “I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.”I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him.”But I will have the conversation now.”After failing to land Verstappen, Wolff changed his approach. Mercedes opted for youngster Kimi Antonelli to step into Hamilton’s shoes with Russell as lead driver.Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior team for five years and began karting at the age of just seven.Hamilton drove his new Ferrari car in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne next week. And he insists there is “no bad blood” between himself and Mercedes after the split.Speaking to TIME Magazine, Hamilton said: “There is no bad blood. “Absolutely not. We won so many championships.”They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more World Championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have no doubt.”Elsewhere on the new episode of Drive to Survive, Red Bull boss Christian Horner hit back in the wake of his sexting scandal. More

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      ‘It’s almost ready…’ – F1 chief confirms major grid change announcement is on the horizon to shake up the sport

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      FORMULA ONE chief Stefano Domenicali has claimed it is a “formality” an 11th team will be on the grid in 2026.The new F1 season gets underway next week with the Australian Grand Prix from Melbourne. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has given an update on Cadillac’s bid to be on the gridCredit: AFPThere could soon be an 11th team on the grid for 2026Credit: GettyFans are eager to see Lewis Hamilton make his debut for Ferrari following a shock switch from Mercedes.While defending champion Max Verstappen is targeting a record fifth-straight title. It was announced last year that F1 had signed an “agreement in principle” with Cadillac and parent company General Motors.F1 CEO Domenicali has now provided an update following numerous delays. READ MORE ON F1And it appears the US-based team will be lining up on the grid from next season. Domenicali said: “There is the formality that is related to the process that [is] almost ready. “Together with the FIA there has to be an update and whenever this will be ready, it should be not too long, there will be an update to formalise what basically has already happened. “So they will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCadillac will initially use Ferrari engines, with the team hoping to build their own power units in the future. In a statement last November, F1 confirmed they had kept a constant “dialogue” open with General Motors. Random bus enters F1 testing in Bahrain as Lewis Hamilton and Co are forced to abruptly stop It read: “Formula One has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.”Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024.”Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time.”Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”General Motors remains the largest car-maker in the United States.The company was the biggest in the world until 2008 when it was overtaken by Japanese company Toyota. More