Weekly round-up: F1 75 Live show and 2025 cars on track for the first time

Photo: Scuderia Ferrari

23. 02. 2025 20:16 CET
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Weekly round-up: F1 75 Live show and 2025 cars on track for the first time

Tereza Hořínková

News.gp journalist and a girl with big dreams

Formula 1 weeklyroundup summaries

Before F1 heads to Bahrain for pre-season testing and MotoGP to Thailand for the 2025 season opener, there is one more week of news to recap.

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Biggest car launch in Formula 1's history

The F1 75 Live event at London’s O2 Arena was a big celebration of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, bringing all ten teams together for a unique season launch. For the first time, every team revealed their 2025 car liveries on the same stage, giving fans a first look at the new designs.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was a major talking point, while Jack Whitehall kept the crowd entertained as host. The night also featured music performances and plenty of fun moments.

But there was some drama too. Max Verstappen was booed by fans, leading him to suggest he might skip future UK events. Red Bull boss Christian Horner also faced a cold reception due to recent controversies.

Despite the drama, the event built excitement for the new season, with teams now heading to Bahrain for pre-season testing.

Ducati may stick with 2024 bike components for start of 2025

Ducati has hinted that they may start the 2025 MotoGP season with their 2024 chassis and aerodynamics after opting to stick with last year’s engine. During testing in Thailand, the team decided not to use their new GP25 engine, as MotoGP’s engine freeze until 2027 made it too risky to switch. Technical boss Gigi Dall’Igna saw no major improvements over the GP24, leading Ducati to prioritize stability over change.

While the GP25 will include updates in electronics and suspension, its core will remain the same for now. Team manager Davide Tardozzi expressed confidence in Ducati’s riders but acknowledged stronger competition in 2025. As the season nears, fans will be watching closely to see if this strategy helps Ducati retain their dominance.

 

Lewis Hamilton's 2025 car on track for the first time

Less than a day after unveiling its SF-25 livery in London, Ferrari returned to Italy and hit the track at Fiorano. Charles Leclerc completed the first laps while Lewis Hamilton and team boss Frederic Vasseur watched from the garage.

Despite a strong 2024 season, Ferrari made major changes to the SF-25, including a switch to pull-rod front suspension for better handling. Now, all eyes are on its performance in pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Update on Jorge Martin's condition

MotoGP champion Jorge Martin is set to return for the 2025 season opener in Buriram after missing most of pre-season testing due to injury. He was cleared to resume training a week after surgery on his fractured right hand, while his left foot injury, which didn't require surgery, continues to heal.

With only days left before the race, Martin is focused on regaining strength and adapting to his new Aprilia. Despite missing testing, Martin has stayed closely involved, regularly communicating with Aprilia's engineers.

Track debut of VCARB 02

Just 87 kilometers from Ferrari’s Fiorano test, Racing Bulls debuted their 2025 car, the VCARB02, at Imola. Yuki Tsunoda completed the first laps, with rookie Isack Hadjar drove later in the day.

The new car closely follows Red Bull’s design, featuring the same suspension, gearbox, and distinctive ‘shark-mouth’ sidepods. Originally planned for Monday, the shakedown was delayed to avoid leaks before its official reveal at F1 75 Live in London on Tuesday.

Sainz named director of GPDA

Carlos Sainz has been elected by his fellow drivers to replace Sebastian Vettel as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA). He joins George Russell as an active driver representative, working alongside chairman Alex Wurz and legal advisor Anastasia Fowle to address key issues in the sport.

Sainz, now set to race for Williams after four years at Ferrari, expressed his pride in taking on the role. His appointment comes amid tensions between drivers and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with ongoing debates over governance and regulations. Wurz welcomed Sainz, praising his long-standing involvement with the GPDA.

 

Guenther Steiner dropped lawsuit against Haas

Guenther Steiner and Haas F1 have settled their legal dispute this week, which began after Steiner claimed he was owed money and that the team had continued using his name for promotion after his departure. His lawsuit argued that Haas' growth, particularly in the U.S., was largely due to his popularity, boosted by his role in Drive to Survive.

After 28 hours of mediation, both parties reached an agreement, leading Steiner to dismiss the case with prejudice. Haas confirmed the resolution, stating both sides wished each other success. With the matter now closed, Steiner and Haas F1 have officially moved on.

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