2025 F1 News and Prediction League

[pharvey]

Yep, OK - we've just finished the 2024 Season, but there's plenty of news already regarding the forthcoming 2025 Season which begins in a little under 3 month's time!!

There's movement with the Drivers and Teams, but let's just start with the 24 Race Schedule for this Season: -
.

.
I have to say, I'm really looking forward to this Season - it could well be one of the best in years... AND who knows what 2026 will bring with the multitude of Rule and Engine changes comming?!

[pharvey]

As mentioned above, there's certainly some movement within the F1 Teams for the 2025 Season. LH to Ferarri is hardly big or "New News" and changes within the Red Bull setup were always going to be on the cards... BUT, a few things have now been confirmed: -

Perez has had his contract cut short and has ultimately been sacked by the lead Red BS Team - a sad end, but hardly enexpected considering what can only be decribed as a poor showing in 2024 (I hope he's taken his employers for a pretty penny considering he still had 2 years remaining on his recently signed contract). Perez will be replaced by the 22 year old Kiwi Lawson, a favourite of Homer's and a driver with far less experience than Teammate Tsunoda who will no doubt feel somewhat agrieved despite his own lack of performance/Race results.

Lawson will be replaced by Frenchman Hadjar in what will now be called "Red Bulls" (FFS) in 2025. Hadjar was Runner-up in last Season's F2 Championship.

Personally I think it's a complete farce that Red Bull are allowed to run 2 Teams in F1 - mindblowing really!

More info @ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/ar ... mnxweg781o

Despite rumours to the contary, my hopes/beliefs and Para "Dutch" Handy's belittlement....

Bottas Returns to Mercedes as Reserve Driver

"The 35-year-old Finn was a free agent after being released by Audi-owned Sauber at the end of this season following three years with the Swiss team.

Bottas drove for Mercedes from 2017-21, winning 10 races and taking 20 pole positions. He will serve as back-up for race drivers George Russell and novice Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Bottas said: "Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what's next and I couldn't be more pleased."

Good luck to him!!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/ar ... 4pj0j9z98o

[pharvey]

It's that time of year again and this year could well be the best in a while!! Obviously the whole "Pre-Season Testing" doesn't truly give an insight into what's going to happen in the up and coming season, but the first two days have been interesting - and there's plenty to be excited about! For me, it's great to see LH there as well as Sainz and also the Mercedes doing well. The "Top Four" (Red BS, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren) are still going to battle it out, but it's going to be a close field IMHO - that including others who are supposedly "Mid-Field"... Have to say I'm looking forward to seeing what Williams, Haas and Aston Martin will do

As such, the "HHF - F1 2025" Prediction League has been set up and I hope all invited will sign up, along with some additional members. Those who have played previously should have recieved an invitation by Email - those who haven't, but wish to take part, please use the following details: -

https://www.superbru.com/f1/pool.php?p=12965102

or by downloading the Superbru app and searching for the pool with code:

ruinkegs

"Parahandy"will no doubt attempt to extend his winning run (whilst supporting the Dire Dutchman) and "VS" will hopefully hurl some of those "Wooden Spoons" acquired last season (sorry VS) in his general direction!!

[pharvey]

Well, we're still a couple of weeks away from the opening race in Australia and the accusations of "cheating" have already started - notably from Red BS...

Red Bull Accuse Ferrari and McLaren

"Red Bull has accused Ferrari and McLaren of using a "mini-DRS" system, which is a form of rear wing flexibility that could provide an aerodynamic advantage during the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Key Points:

Accusation: Red Bull's Technical Director, Pierre Wache, has pointed out that Ferrari and McLaren are still using the mini-DRS system, which involves either a full rear wing that tilts backward at high speed or a variable gap on the straight.

FIA Response: The FIA has introduced stricter tests for rear wing flexibility, effective from the opening race in Australia, and will enforce even more stringent rules from the Spanish Grand Prix.

Impact: Red Bull is concerned that this could give Ferrari and McLaren an unfair advantage, and they expect the issue to be a significant point of discussion at the start of the season."


Various Sources Including https://scuderiafans.com/ferrari-whats- ... ing-legal/

[PeteC]

Australian Grand Prix - Thai Time

Free Practice 1 14 Mar 08:30

Free Practice 2 14 Mar 12:00

Free Practice 3 15 Mar 08:30

Qualifying 15 Mar 12:00

Grand Prix 16 Mar 11:00

[Big Boy]

OMG, that's come around fast. I'll have to dust off my lucky dice again.

[PeteC]

The problem I have is the window between 3rd practice and qualifying. If you're going to have well thought out results, instead of simply a dart throw, you need to know the results of the 3rd practice before making picks. Race time zones and practice times makes the process very difficult IMO most of the time.

[Dannie Boy]

I guess the only consolation is that it’s the same for everyone, but I can understand the frustration of it all.

[Big Boy]

instead of simply a dart throw

You mean there's another option to my lucky dice ?

[pharvey]

The problem I have is the window between 3rd practice and qualifying. If you're going to have well thought out results, instead of simply a dart throw, you need to know the results of the 3rd practice before making picks. Race time zones and practice times makes the process very difficult IMO most of the time.

Well, times are all "Silly O'clock" for me with the race being in Aus, so it's certainly going to be a "Dart Throw" as nothing can really be taken from the recent testing and FP1/FP2 are not indicative of race set-ups and times.

Here's hoping for an exciting season though!!

[EDIT] Thanks for posting schedules PeteC

[PeteC]

Uggghh.....Just discovered that TRUE is not televising F1 this year as they have for the past 2-3 for free, and I'm sure not going to pay for it.

[Dannie Boy]

It’s not that expensive if you’re a fan - personally I’m not!!

https://connect-th.beinsports.com/th/select-plan

[pharvey]

^ There are options which are not expensive. I've just enjoyed FP3 without forking out for "Sky Sports" - though that said, watching has made my predictions for the HHF/Superbru League so-so to say the least..... Or maybe that was the wine!!

Not sure if I'll make Qualifying, but......

[PeteC]

It’s not that expensive if you’re a fan - personally I’m not!!

https://connect-th.beinsports.com/th/select-plan

Thanks. No, I'm borderline, more of a forum obligation I guess.

[Dannie Boy]

I’ve only ever been to one F1 race and that was the inaugural race in Bahrain when I was working/living in Bahrain/Saudi. My Company picked up the tab for going, but I found the experience completely overwhelming - it was very hot down at the track, unbelievably noisy back in 2004 and although there were big TV monitors, the actual cars pass where you’re stood within a few seconds, so not easy to appreciate anything that’s going on. To this day, I fail to understand the popularity of F1 racing!!