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The past two weeks have been eventful in the Formula 1 world, with significant developments both on and off the track – with Lewis Hamilton dominating with his historic move!
1. Lewis Hamilton’s Historic Move to Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton has made a landmark transition from Mercedes to Ferrari, marking his second career move. His debut appearance in Ferrari colors was highlighted by a photo in front of Enzo Ferrari’s old house, which became the most liked F1 post on Instagram, garnering 5.4 million likes within three days. Hamilton’s move is expected to be highly lucrative, with potential earnings of $400 million. He expressed excitement after driving Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car at the Fiorano test track. The new Ferrari car for the 2025 season will be unveiled on February 19 in London, with Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc present.
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2. Martin Brundle’s Perspective on Hamilton’s Performance
Former F1 driver and pundit Martin Brundle has expressed concerns that Lewis Hamilton, now 40, may have lost some of his competitive edge. During initial test laps for Ferrari, Hamilton’s times were slower compared to his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. However, Brundle believes that a change in environment could invigorate Hamilton and that, even at slightly reduced performance, he remains a formidable contender. Brundle is confident that with a competitive car, Hamilton can still win races and challenge for the championship.
3. Lewis Hamilton Reunites with Former Trainer Angela Cullen
In a significant development, Lewis Hamilton has reunited with his former physiotherapist and performance coach, Angela Cullen, as he embarks on his journey with Ferrari. Cullen, who worked with Hamilton from 2016 to 2023, played a pivotal role during four of his six championship-winning seasons at Mercedes. After parting ways in 2023, Cullen had been working with IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong. Their renewed partnership is expected to bolster Hamilton’s performance as he aims for an eighth world title with Ferrari.
Formula 1® – The Official F1® Website
4. FIA Introduces Stricter Penalties for Driver Conduct
The FIA has revised its Sporting Code, introducing stricter penalties for drivers who swear or criticize the governing body. The new rules impose escalating fines, starting at €40,000 for a first offense, up to €120,000 and a one-month ban for a third offense within two years. Offenses include causing moral injury to the FIA, inciting violence, and making political, religious, or personal statements that conflict with FIA’s principles. The changes have been met with concern from drivers and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, citing issues of subjectivity and lack of prior consultation.
5. Laura Müller Appointed as F1’s First Female Race Engineer
Haas has appointed Laura Müller as Formula 1’s first female race engineer, working with new driver Esteban Ocon. Müller, 33, joined Haas in 2022 and has a background in endurance racing, with a degree in automotive engineering. Her appointment is part of a team overhaul aimed at improving Haas’s trackside operations. This milestone is significant for women in the sport and is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in motorsport, particularly in STEM fields.
