Latest news with #FerrariSF-25
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Charles Leclerc Addresses Relationship With Ferrari Engineer
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc addressed his relationship with his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, after the Belgian Grand Prix, full of intense radio messages between both parties. Leclerc pulled off a fantastic result at Spa, getting a shock podium despite new upgrades coming to Max Verstappen's Red Bull. The race was challenging as the Ferrari driver faced intense pressure from Verstappen throughout the entire race. "Leave me alone, please," the Monegasque proclaimed over the radio after Bozzi said what the gap was between the driver and Verstappen. Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc looks on before the start of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, on July 27, 2025. Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc looks on before the start of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, on July 27, 2025. Photo by"I can have no information, then when he's getting close, I have too much information. Keep it constant. Don't worry." The Ferrari driver is known for his intense reactions on the radio during races, especially when he is under pressure. After the race, he explained his tense messages to his engineer and clarified his position with Bozzi. "I love Bryan, we have a great relationship and it's true that sometimes in the car Brian always gives me a lot of information," Leclerc said after the race. "Most of the time, I need this information. Today, honestly, it was so complicated as a race that I decided, and I didn't say it in the most polite way, but we'll talk about it, but I'm sure there's no problem because he knows me, when you drive in a car like this at 300 km per hour it's never easy. "So with the adrenaline, I was quite raw, but well, it's okay, everything is going well." "no, i love my engineer, i love bryan! we have a great relationship... today, honestly, it was such a complicated race that i decided- and i didnt tell him in the most polite way, but we'll talk about it. but im sure theres no problem because he knows me" — clara (@leclercsletters) July 28, 2025 Despite the Ferrari SF-25 struggling this season to fight for wins, Leclerc has achieved five podium finishes through 13 races. The current F1 car regulations allow him to benefit from his blistering qualifying pace. Leclerc is neck and neck with Verstappen in terms of outright one-lap pace. The Italian racing team isn't lying down this season as the team brought a massive upgrade pack to the European swing of races, which concludes with Hungary. Leclerc is happy with the direction that the team is going, even if the results aren't there yet. "Honestly, we've had what we expected with this upgrade and that's really positive. We need to keep learning about how to maximise this new upgrade," he added. "It's still pretty new, but it's a good first weekend and I'm happy that we are on the podium to thank the whole team back in Maranello. We keep pushing and hopefully we'll put soon a bit more pressure on the McLarens." F1 news: Lewis Hamilton Lends Support to Mercedes' Starlet Amid Struggles Max Verstappen's 2026 Decision Reportedly Made Amid Mercedes Rumors Nico Rosberg Shares Awkward Moment With Jos Verstappen After Horner Questioning For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Boss Blames FIA for Rain Delay That Hurt Belgian GP Setup
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies has highlighted how Formula One's governing body, the FIA, delayed the Belgian Grand Prix race start to avoid a wet race. While he acknowledged that the delay was for safety reasons, the decision left Red Bull at a disadvantage, as its car was set up for a wet race. The race weekend at Spa Francorchamps saw Max Verstappen win the dry sprint race on Saturday, but Sunday turned out to be the opposite as the four-time world champion spent a major part of the race behind Charles Leclerc, struggling to overtake the Ferrari SF-25. Eventually, he finished P4. Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda finished the race in P13. Rain was forecast for Sunday's Grand Prix, and as a result, Red Bull set up the RB21 F1 car for a wet race. However, the formation lap in the wet highlighted the huge amount of spray being left behind by the cars, which significantly reduced visibility. The race start was delayed for 80 minutes until the rain clouds had passed and the standing water dissipated The race then began under the safety car for four laps just as the sun came out. Mekies, for whom this was the first race as Red Bull team principal after Christian Horner's ousting, revealed that the extended delay caused his team to lose out on performance. He told the media after the race: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 25, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. More"I think we were all surprised by how late we started the race. "I'm sure the FIA had its considerations, but certainly for us as a team, it surprised us. "Fundamentally, we waited not only for the rain to stop, but also for pretty much the sun to come out, and then we still had many laps behind the safety car. "Again, I'm sure the FIA had its reasons, but in our specific case, having biased the car towards wet running, it cost us performance but it's part of the game." He added: "For us in terms of effectiveness, the fact that we got so little wet running didn't help. We had made quite heavy choices thinking about a wet race. In the end, the rain came, but we didn't get much wet racing. For sure, it had an influence on the race. "In the dry, at the end of the day, Max spent every single lap in Charles' gearbox, and we didn't have much overtaking. And with our choices and downforce package, it was always unlikely we would pass in the dry. It is what it is. "You start fourth, beaten by three thousandths of a second by Charles, and you finish fourth."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton: Focus on Building a Championship-Winning Car for 2026
The dust has settled on the 2025 British Grand Prix, and it was a mixed bag for Ferrari, with some moderate success and more head-scratching failure to add to their tumultuous 2025 season. Lewis Hamilton managed to secure fourth position, his best result for Ferrari this season, yet the Silverstone race showed how limited the SF-25 was. We'll get into the particulars of why the British GP was a microcosm of all of Ferrari's failures this F1 season. Still, one thing is crystal clear: Ferrari must shift its focus to the future to establish itself as a championship contender under the new 2026 regulations. Also Read:: Why Ferrari's F1 Struggles Aren't as Bad as You Think: Insider Finds Positives During Disappointing 2025 Lewis Hamilton Again Decries the State of the Ferrari SF-25 The respectable P4 finish at Silverstone did not stop Lewis Hamilton from speaking candidly about the Ferrari SF-25's performance. Despite his history of public disputes with the team, Hamilton has consistently criticized the car's handling, and the British Grand Prix was no exception. 'The SF-25 is the toughest car I've driven here,' Hamilton said after the race. 'This was only my second time in it, and it's incredibly challenging. I'm just hoping to come back and enjoy it more next time. That said, I learned a lot today.' Hamilton's struggles were further complicated by a GPS malfunction that left Ferrari unaware of his race position for much of the event, preventing the team from providing critical feedback. The cause of such a malfunction remains unclear. Team principal Fred Vasseur remained optimistic about fixing the qualifying issues but admitted that they were working to resolve an unknown problem. Ferrari needs to convert their 2025 frustrations into a specific 2026 competitive plan. Related: Ferrari SF-25 Seems to Suffer from Split Personalities The Ferrari SF-25 showed excellent pace during practice runs, but Lewis Hamilton began the race from fifth position while Charles Leclerc started from sixth. Leclerc described the car's issue as 'weird,' noting that grip and balance were not the problem, as the team was still investigating the root cause. Those root causes are the big unknown. Despite the driver feedback and upgrades that have addressed the more visible issues, there's still something not quite right with the car in 2025. Despite the challenges, there were bright spots. Hamilton led the first practice session and Ferrari drivers achieved a decisive victory in Q2. McLaren's Andrea Stella praised Ferrari, calling them a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 Constructors' Championship fight. So there are positives about the car when it's operating at peak condition. But why it has so many dropouts and inconsistencies for each driver remains a big mystery, and a sign that Ferrari should focus on 2026. Read More: Focus on Driver Input & 2026 Should be the Strategy for Ferrari Ferrari should now prioritize developing their strategy for 2026 over the current season, which is now at its midpoint. While Ferrari should work closely with both drivers, Lewis Hamilton should play a significant role in guiding Ferrari in developing the 2026 car design, utilizing the remainder of 2025 to integrate Hamilton into its operations and refine its strategy. He is one of the most significant drivers in motorsport history, and the 2026 season presents a perfect opportunity for Ferrari to start fresh with next season's cars, which will be lighter and have equal distribution between combustion and electric power systems. 'But having lots of data to take from this, I mean, for me, I might have to sit down with the people that are designing the car for next year, because there are elements of this car that cannot go into the following year,' Hamilton said after the British Grand Prix The addition of Hamilton to the team means they need to adopt his professional approach and his ideas about designing a successful car. The partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc offers Ferrari the opportunity to develop a car that will be both competitive and ready for a true championship run for all three of them and the Scuderia. After all, the last time a Ferrari driver won an F1 world championship was 18 years ago in 2007 when Kimi Raikkonen did it. If the prancing horse wants to get back to the top after a long absence, the path to 2026 begins now. Read More: Related Headlines Derrick Lewis next fight: 'Black Beast' returns this Saturday for dangerous main event clash Boston Red Sox organization called out again for handling of Rafael Devers NASCAR entry list Sonoma: Cup Series field for Sonoma Raceway, NASCAR odds this week NBA Insider: Houston Rockets surge to contention, narrow Thunder gap with bold offseason moves
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton's Dior Partnership Fuels 'Designer Era' Chatter
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ferrari Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has announced his collaboration with luxury fashion house Dior - his second project with Christian Dior's haute couture items. The seven-time world champion revealed that he worked with the brand's fashion designers to launch a lifestyle capsule, prompting fans to highlight the 'designer era' in his life. The Briton is known for his unique sense of fashion, often appearing on Grand Prix weekends with outfits that spark conversations. He shared pictures on Instagram, revealing some behind-the-scenes shots and images of the outfits he helped design. Hamilton appreciated the designers and artists who worked with him on the lifestyle capsule, adding that he was taking back with him some key learnings from the collaboration. He wrote: Lewis Hamilton attends the World Premiere of F1® The Movie in Times Square on June 16, 2025 in New York City. Lewis Hamilton attends the World Premiere of F1® The Movie in Times Square on June 16, 2025 in New York Warner Bros. Pictures "My second lifestyle capsule with @dior is here. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team I had the pleasure of working with — your passion, creativity, and dedication made this journey unforgettable. "To everyone at the house of Dior, thank you for your patience, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the process. I truly cherish the time we spent designing these pieces together. I've learned so much from each of you and will always be grateful. It's always a privilege to be in a room full of such inspiring artists and thinkers ~" Hamilton's interest in fashion and acting is no hidden secret. The 40-year-old driver ensures he makes time for these interests despite the hectic 24-race F1 schedule. The current ground effect era in the sport might not have served Hamilton well, but fans have pointed out his "designer era" through his partnership with Dior. Hamilton comes off the back of his best 2025 finish with Ferrari at his home race in Silverstone, securing P4. Despite the ongoing challenges with his Ferrari SF-25, Hamilton's attitude to keep pushing could soon help him achieve his first podium finish this season, and potentially, even a Grand Prix victory. Ferrari reportedly conducted a filming day session on Wednesday with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, where it tested a new rear suspension that is likely the solution to the SF-25's ride height problems. But it remains to be seen if the team noticed a significant improvement in the car's performance during the test, and if the new suspension will be on the car for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
Newsweek
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mercedes Team Boss Stands by Lewis Hamilton - 'Don't Ever Write Him Off'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has voiced support for his former driver Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this year. The seven-time world champion's journey with the Maranello outfit hasn't been a smooth one on many fronts thus far, leading many to question if Hamilton still has the racing prowess. However, Wolff emphasized, saying, "Don't ever write Lewis Hamilton off." The 40-year-old driver's move to Ferrari after 12 successful years with Mercedes meant he not only had to adapt to a new car but also to a new team, new location, and new language. While one would expect a world champion like Hamilton to get up to speed in no time, the complexities of the current ground effect cars also add to his challenge, especially considering his struggles at Mercedes since 2022, when the new era began. Hamilton has reportedly had no role in the development of the current Ferrari SF-25, making the task of adapting to the car more challenging. He has yet to secure his first Grand Prix podium finish with the red team, though his sprint race win at Shanghai cannot be dismissed. Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton rides a scooter in the paddock during previews ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, on June 12, 2025. Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton rides a scooter in the paddock during previews ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, on June 12, who celebrated eight Constructors' Championships with Hamilton and shares a friendly relationship with him, revealed the factors that are likely affecting the Ferrari driver. Speaking on the Bloomberg Hot Pursuit podcast, Wolff explained how the start of the ground effect era in 2022 affected Hamilton and why he needs to be given more time to adapt to his new car and team. He said: "You don't unlearn driving that quickly. In 2021, he was great. Then the regulations changed, and it got a little more difficult, but he was still performing at a very high level. "Just by changing teams, suddenly you don't lose your skills. "Everybody needs a period of adaptation – different car, different DNA in how the vehicle drives, a new engineering team that you need to start working together. "Then you have to be involved in the continuous development of the car so it suits your driving style." Wolff highlighted the major cultural shift that had taken place for Hamilton and revealed a lesser-known pattern concerning him. He said: "It's an all-Italian team, and he's a British guy parachuted in there. And that takes time. "Also, we've seen a bit of a pattern that Lewis, at the beginning of the season, needs to find his mojo and the second half of the season has always been very strong. "So don't ever write Lewis Hamilton off."
