Lewis Hamilton Joins Ferrari

🌎 Around Formula 1

👎 F1 Rejects Andretti’s 11th Team Entry - F1's rejection of Andretti’s bid to join the grid in 2025/6, despite FIA approval, highlights a rift between sporting and commercial interests. The decision, influenced by existing teams' reluctance to share revenue and competition, and F1's demand for 'added value', raises questions about the sport's openness to new entrants. Andretti's rejection, despite their proven track record and a solid engine partnership plan, suggests a preference for manufacturer teams over independent racing organizations. This decision could have legal implications under anti-trust laws and indicates a growing divide between F1's commercial goals and its sporting ethos. Read more

Here is a summary of the conclusions Formula 1 came to reject them.

1. A new 11th team would not add value to the Championship unless competitive. The Applicant is not seen as competitive.

2. Forcing new teams to use a compulsory power unit for several seasons could harm the Championship's prestige.

3. The Andretti brand is more likely to gain value from F1, rather than adding value to F1.

4. An 11th team would increase operational burdens and costs for race promoters and reduce resources for existing competitors.

5. No significant positive impact on Championship's financial results from the new team is expected.

6. The Applicant's current proposal does not demonstrate added value to the Championship, and their application should be rejected.

7. A future application involving a GM power unit in the 2028 Championship might be viewed more favorably, especially if it brings a new prestigious OEM to the sport. Read full F1 statement

💰 F1 Gets Valued at $18.22B - Liberty Media, the rights holder of F1, tops Forbes' Most Valuable Sports Empires list for the fourth year, valued at $18.22 billion. F1's global appeal and city partnerships contribute to this success, with significant viewership spikes in key markets: 48% in France, 40% in Italy, and 39% in the UK. Race day operations are lucrative, with cities like Baku paying $55 million annually to host GPs, reaping over $500 million in tourism. The shift to city circuits, like the upcoming Spanish GP in Madrid, is driven by these financial gains. Read more

🛞 Drivers

🤯 Hamilton Joins Ferrari - Lewis will join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, leaving Mercedes after a successful tenure. This move, confirming long-standing rumors, positions Hamilton to potentially end Ferrari's championship drought and become the first driver since Juan Manuel Fangio to win titles with three different teams. Ferrari's decision reflects their ambition to pair Hamilton with Leclerc, sidelining Sainz. Read more

🛞 Carlos Sainz’ Options for 2025 - Welp now that Hamilton is joining the team Sainz needs a new team. Here are potential options

1. Mercedes: As the top available driver for 2025, Sainz could be an ideal replacement for Hamilton at Mercedes. His consistent performance and reliability make him a strong candidate to partner with Russell.

2. Red Bull: With Perez's contract ending and his 2023 performance under scrutiny, Red Bull might consider Sainz as a stronger competitor to Verstappen. However, past tensions with Verstappen at Toro Rosso could be a concern.

3. Sauber/Audi: Persistent rumors link Sainz to Audi, set to enter F1 in 2026. Joining Sauber (soon to be Audi) would be a risk, but it offers Sainz a potential lead driver role, leveraging his family's ties with Audi.

4. Aston Martin: If Alonso decides to leave F1 or Stroll moves on, Aston Martin could emerge as an option for Sainz. However, this is less likely compared to other teams.

5. Williams: Should Mercedes opt for Albon as Hamilton's replacement, Williams might become a fallback option for Sainz. While a step back, Williams' improvement and James Vowles' leadership could offer some appeal. Read more

🏎 Teams

🏎️ Formula 1 Historical Teams Breakdown - Unlike long-standing soccer clubs, F1 has seen many teams come and go since its inception in 1950. The sport's team dynamics are more akin to North American sports franchises, with frequent changes in identity and location. Here's a look at F1's 10 longest-running teams:

1. Ferrari (73 years): The most iconic team in F1, Ferrari has been a central part of the sport since 1950, missing only the first race. They hold records for most races, wins, poles, and championships.

2. McLaren (57 years): Founded by Bruce McLaren in 1966, they've won eight constructors' titles and have seen legendary drivers like Lauda, Prost, Senna, Hakkinen, and Hamilton.

3. Williams (49 years): Starting in 1975, Williams reached great heights in F1 but have struggled in recent years. Now under new ownership, they aim to return to past success.

4. Lotus (36 years): A dominant force in F1 history, Lotus won seven constructors' titles and 81 races but eventually succumbed to financial issues in 1994.

5. Brabham (29 years): Jack Brabham's team entered F1 in 1962 and won two constructors' titles. Bernie Ecclestone later owned the team, which ceased operations in 1992.

6. Tyrrell (28 years): Starting in 1970, Tyrrell won three drivers' titles with Jackie Stewart. The team was sold in 1997, becoming British American Racing in 1999.

7. Ligier (20 years): A prominent French team, Ligier won nine races and was a solid midfield team in the '90s before being transformed into Prost Grand Prix.

8. Minardi (20 years): Known as the underdogs, Minardi never achieved great success but were a beloved team that helped start many drivers' careers.

9. Red Bull (18 years): Since 2005, Red Bull has become a dominant force in F1, winning multiple championships with Vettel and Verstappen.

10. BRM (17 years): Active from 1958 to 1975, BRM won 17 races and a drivers' and constructors' title in 1962.

These teams represent a rich history in F1, but the sport's dynamic nature means few have endured as long-standing entities. Teams like Benetton, Jordan, and Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri, recently rebranded as RB) had significant runs but didn't make this list due to ownership changes or identity shifts. Current teams like Mercedes have had discontinuous stints in F1, adding complexity to their historical timelines. Read more

🤔 Who Will Replace Hamilton? - The 2024 switch to Ferrari leaves a prime Mercedes seat open. Carlos Sainz's proven race-winning at Ferrari makes him a strong candidate. Fernando Alonso's experience and recent form with Aston Martin. Esteban Ocon's long-standing ties with Mercedes and consistent midfield performance. Alex Albon's impressive tenure at Williams and Red Bull connections. Daniel Ricciardo's past success with Red Bull and recent return to form. Mercedes' junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a promising talent, represents a bold, long-term investment for the team. Each driver brings unique strengths to the potential role at Mercedes. Read more