TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Hi fellow F1 fanatics, I’m back from my Christmas break to bring you the return of TermiOnTrack F1 Newsbites – Winter 2025 Edition. Let’s take a look at the latest from the world of Formula 1.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – World Champions McLaren unleash their 2025 challenger, the MCL39
We begin with defending World Constructor’s Champions McLaren revealing their 2025 contender on Thursday February 13, the Mercedes-powered MCL39, which will contest the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship season.
Following a successful 2024 campaign, which saw the Woking based-squad achieve their first Constructor’s crown since 1998, unveil their new car for a promotional filming day at Silverstone Circuit in a striking papaya and black livery.
Both drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri shared driver duties at the home of British Motorsport.
McLaren will release their 2025 livery at F1 75 Live event on February 18 with the design set to feature some of the world’s largest brands and organisations as the team’s valuable partners continue to support them both on and off the circuit.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown explained: “Today is a big milestone in our journey in the fight for the 2025 title. It’s great to get our Championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work. We must be realistic that every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport. We believe we have made further steps forward since the Championship-winning MCL38 but we won’t know where we sit in the standings until we get into Qualifying in Australia. We’re a team that never stops racing and we’ll be giving it our all to bring both Championships back to Woking.” Brown concluded, credit to McLaren for the quote.
McLaren Racing Team Principal Andrea Stella added : “Today is a big milestone in our journey in the fight for the 2025 title. It’s great to get our Championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work. We must be realistic that every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport. We believe we have made further steps forward since the Championship-winning MCL38 but we won’t know where we sit in the standings until we get into Qualifying in Australia. We’re a team that never stops racing and we’ll be giving it our all to bring both Championships back to Woking.” Stella concluded, credit to McLaren for the quote.
Norris commented: “It’s exciting to hop in the MCL39 for the first time and see what it can do on track, ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain. The camo livery is a fun one and it’s great to be able to showcase something different ahead of our full livery reveal at the official F1®75 launch. Thank you to the entire team for their work in getting us to this point. This year will be more competitive than ever, so we’ve got a lot to do to be able to retain our Constructors’ title and go for the Drivers’ as well. I’ve been back at the MTC prepping for the season ahead and the mood is feeling positive but focused. We’re all looking forward to getting the car on track in Bahrain ahead of our competitive debut in Australia and to see where we net out amongst the other teams. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season.” Norris concluded, credit to McLaren for the quote.
Piastri said: “It’s great to get behind the wheel of the MCL39 for the first time ahead of us putting it through its paces in Bahrain. The camo livery looks cool and I am excited to showcase what we’ll be racing in this season at the official livery reveal next week. I have been working hard in the off-season to ensure I am ready for the season ahead. The margins at the top are likely to be incredibly tight but I’m excited by the room for growth after two seasons in the sport. Winning Grands Prix early in my career has given me the taste for success and I want much more. As a team, we can take great momentum into 2025 after such a brilliant year in 2024. A big thank you to everyone back at base and trackside for all the hard work that’s been done so far.” Piastri concluded, credit to McLaren for the quote.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Williams reveal their 2025 contender the FW47
On Valentines Day, Atlassian Williams Racing unleashed their new contender, the Mercedes-powered FW47 at Silverstone Circuit in a promotional event.
The Grove-based outfit’s challenger was revealed in-front of their fans, partners and media just weeks before the team’s new line-up of Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz will give it’s racing debut at the season-opening Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025.
Fans will get to see the new livery during the F1 75 Live season launch event at The O2 on February 18.
It comes as Williams prepare their next step in returning back to the top, with the Grove-based squad hoping to make more progress after ending the 2024 season in ninth place.
The team’s newest contender was revealed to the world as part of Friday’s special event, which was also attended by drivers Albon and Sainz along with Team Principal James Vowles.
Following the unveiling, Sainz piloted the FW47 around the famous Silverstone Circuit. The Spaniard is preparing his new adventure with the team, having signed a multi-year contract after leaving Ferrari.
One noticeable change was the inclusion of Williams’ new title sponsor, Atlassian, a software company having come onboard what was described as the “biggest partnership deal” in their 48-year history.
After releasing their 2025 at the F1 75 Live event, Williams will join the rest of their rivals for pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 26-28.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Hamilton’s first day in red
On January 20, Hamilton’s first day as a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver began at the team’s Maranello headquarters at Enzo Ferrari 27.
The seven-time world champion then went to the Fiorano Circuit where, against the backdrop of Enzo Ferrari’s house, in the small square, which is named after the only other seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, the Briton was met by Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna.
The traditional first photos were taken there and the weather made Hamilton feel like at home, with the typical overcast skies and light drizzle as in Great Britain. Also featured there was the Briton’s favourite supercar, the Ferrari F40.
The seven-time world champion then took a short visit to the Fiorano house and pit garage, with Vasseur and Vigna, including a look at Enzo Ferrari’s famous office where he would watch his team at work.
Hamilton then returned to Ferrari’s headquarters where he met with the management team and Piero Ferrari, before undertaking a day-long total immersion programme, visiting all the various departments to get to know the team as a whole.
Hamilton on his first day at Maranello explained: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver, is one of those days. I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today. I’m incredibly grateful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, Fred Vasseur and everyone at Ferrari for their trust in me and making me part of this family. I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation and the fans. Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.” Hamilton concluded, credit to Ferrari for the quote.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Hamilton’s first run in a Ferrari and Leclerc’s return behind the wheel
On January 23, the moment everyone was waiting for had arrived, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton’s debut driving a Ferrari along with Charles Leclerc as both drivers began their initial track day of the year at Fiorano.
Rain greeted Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello on the Monday and on Thursday January 23 gave way to thick fog, which slightly spoilt the view for the “Tifosi” who had attended on the via Gardini overpass in Maranello, which runs alongside the Ferrari-owned test circuit.
The fog coincidentally, also was a factor on November 16 1995, when Michael Schumacher, who was going to be a seven-time world champion, had his initial outing at Fiorano in the 412t2.
On Thursday January 23, Hamilton piloting the SF-23 with his famous number 44, left the garage for the first time, for one installation tour on rain tyres, with Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and deputy Jerome D’Ambrosio watching on.
Member’s of Hamilton’s family were there and very excited. Once returning back to the pits, Hamilton remained in the car speaking to his new race engineer in Riccardo Adami over the team radio.
Then Ferrari Vice President Piero Ferrari arrived to watch the action, as Hamilton’s SF-23 was given a set of slicks, and sent out for some flying laps and doing some practice starts as the Briton got used to all the systems on the car.
Hamilton completed a total of 30 tours, equal to 89 kilometres. Following the post-session debrief with the engineers, the seven-time world champion went out to the corner to greet the fans to say thank you for their warm welcome for his first few days as a Ferrari driver.
During the lunch break, the fog was cleared away by the light drizzle, as the Ferrari mechanics changed the configuration of the car and it was Leclerc’s turn to pilot the SF-23.
In the morning, the Monegasque driver had meetings in the Maranello offices and then, after 43 days since he last ran in the post-season Abu Dhabi test, was back in the cockpit. Leclerc ran a different programme to new team-mate Hamilton was Vasseur and D’Ambrosio watched on.
Leclerc ran 14 laps to bring the day’s total up to 44 and 131 kilometres. At the end of the afternoon, the Monegasque driver also went to meet the fans who patiently endured the cold and wet conditions in Maranello. Earlier, Leclerc got them cheering with celebratory “doughnuts” on track.
Hamilton explained after his first run in a Ferrari: “I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life. When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again. I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi! But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it. I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.” Hamilton concluded, credit to Ferrari for the quote.
Leclerc commented on his initial day back: “The first day back in the car is always a great feeling after the holidays. It’s good to be back on track, to see that so many fans came out to watch us. Feeling all this excitement surrounding the team is very motivating. It was a good day, even though it was raining a little bit when I was driving. Of course it was nice to be able to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I’m looking forward to being back in the car next week and to really start working hard for the coming season.” Leclerc concluded, credit to Ferrari for the quote.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Giovinazzi and Zhou confirmed as Ferrari reserve drivers
On February 5, it was announced that Zhou Guanyu returned to Ferrari as a reserve driver alongside Antonio Giovinazzi.
For Chinese driver Zhou, it is something of a homecoming as he spent four years with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015-2018.
Zhou is the first driver from China to compete in Formula 1, racing for Alfa Romeo in the 2022 and 23 seasons, staying with the team under the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber name last year.
The Chinese driver has taken part in 68 Grands Prix, scoring 16 points and twice setting the fastest lap.
Born in Shanghai on May 30 1999, Zhou joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2015, at the end of his time racing karts. Whilst based in Maranello, the Chinese driver competed in Formula 4 and Formula 3. Both he and Ferrari went their separate ways at the end of 2018, before making his Formula 2 debut; a category where he won five times, with 20 podiums over three campaigns, before landing a Formula 1 seat.
Zhou shares the driver role with Giovinazzi who has worked with Ferrari since 2017. The Italian will also continue to race in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the number 51 499P, which he won the legendary 24 Heures Du Mans back in 2023.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Alpine and Eni join forces
On February 13 2025, it was announced that BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team and Eni will partner together with the Italian company becoming the team’s energy and fuel supplier in a multi-year deal.
The announcement and return of Eni to an Enstone-affiliated team since the brands last involvement with a team in Formula One in 2000 with Benetton.
The Enstone based-outfit will work with Eni to activate it’s Enilive brand as selected Grands Prix throughout the season.
CEO of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo explained: “The beauty of automotive is that it’s a team sport. This has never been more true, as we have to reinvent mobility. When it comes to developing innovative solutions, nothing can beat the combined expertise and skills of great companies. That’s why I’m so thrilled about this partnership we are striking with Eni, in F1 and also to explore new opportunities for shared and efficient mobility. Together, we have the potential to push boundaries.” de Meo concluded, credit to Alpine for the quote.
CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi added: “Today we have signed a significant agreement allowing Eni and Renault Group to combine the industrial standing and technological leadership that the two companies represent in their respective sectors with the aim of opening new paths of development in areas fundamental to sustainable transport. The introduction of bio-gasoline testing through BWT Alpine Formula One Team is equally important as it reflects F1’s continuous pursuit of absolute technological excellence in engine development and performance.” Descalzi concluded, credit to Alpine for the quote.
As a Premium partner of the team, Eni branding will feature on the team’s overalls, drivers’ helmets and the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship contender, the A525, and will be unveiled at the F1 75 Launch event on February 18.
Eni’s presence will also extend to the pit-crew and throughout the entire BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team and racing environment, which includes a future collaboration aimed at assessing and analysing innovations in fuel technologies and the development of bio-gasoline for racing in Formula One.
BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore commented: “It is with immense pride that we welcome Eni back to Formula One with BWT Alpine Formula One Team. Eni formed a great part of our history at this team and has also, in the past, been an important partner in Formula One. We share common goals and objectives, especially in regard to energy efficiency, sustainability, and future bio-gasoline products. To have them back on board at BWT Alpine Formula One Team is great and we look forward to doing many exciting things together in future both on and off the track.” Briatore concluded, credit to Alpine for the quote.
Eni and Renault Group also announced they are working together to identify and develop future opportunities to decarbonise the transport sector.
Under the agreement terms, both companies will work towards identifying joint business development paths across various departments, including electric mobility infrastructure, smart mobility services, and energy supply solutions, which can support the transition process.
The first achievement of this agreement will be the acquisition of Renault Vehicles by Enjoy, Enilive’s car sharing service.
TermiOnTrack Newsbites Winter Edition – Colapinto joins Alpine on a multi-year deal
On January 9 2025, BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team announced the signing of Franco Colapinto in a multi-year deal.
The 21-year-old Argentine will take up the role as the team’s test and reserve driver for the upcoming 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship season, further adding to the talent of the driver pool at the Enstone based-squad, which the team can call upon to driving throughout the season.
As part of the role at BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, Colapinto will be in attendance at a number of Grands Prix throughout the year and will share duties with reserve drivers Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa in the Testing of Previous Cars Programme (TPC), as well as contributing to the team’s efforts on the simulator at the Enstone based-squad’s headquarters.
Colapinto explained: “I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team. First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my dream of racing in Formula One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that. Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour. A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo], Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us. Also, a massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 season. Your support made it all possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me. Let’s aim for even greater things in 2025 and beyond.” Colapinto concluded, credit to Alpine for the quote.
BWT Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore added: “We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula One grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver. We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.” Briatore concluded, credit to Alpine for the quote.