2025 Formula One Season Thread

[danny842003]

And He's won a GP ! 2020 Italian GP. Beautiful car as well that year.

View attachment 2495888

Out of 781 drivers to start a GP only 115 have won a race. Again it’s hard to say any of them are bad.
Mazapin springs to mind as being awful but my judgment is probably clouded by the fact he was also an awful human being but he was still putting in qually laps that met the targets.

 

[Glideslope]

Honda will probably make sure Yuki will stay till the end of the season. They got a lot of power within Red Bull, and Honda is backing Yuki.

In the end, Yuki should have been promoted to Red Bull based on merit / driving ability. And this is what probably have pissed Honda off. It's not only due to those 2 races by Lawson (which has added fuel to the fire obviously).

Yuki will most likely get replaced by the end of the year, when Honda leaves Red Bull.

I have a feeling Yuki will not be the only driver leaving Red Bull at the end of the year.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It would be rather harsh if Lawson is dropped after what is just one normal dry race. I thought Gasly being dropped after something like 9 races was harsh but this is something else. It is Red Bull though, so nothing surprises.

The rumour is gaining legs:

Liam Lawson: Red Bull set to replace New Zealander with Yuki Tsunoda for Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull deliver one of the most ruthless driver moves in F1 history after deciding to drop Liam Lawson after just two races.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

OFFICIAL - Lawson and Tsunoda Swap seats for Japanese Grand Prix

Liam Lawson: Red Bull set to replace New Zealander with Yuki Tsunoda for Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull deliver one of the most ruthless driver moves in F1 history after deciding to drop Liam Lawson after just two races.

www.bbc.co.uk

Incredible and shows that Red Bull are in a desperate situation.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

OFFICIAL - Lawson and Tsunoda Swap seats for Japanese Grand Prix

Liam Lawson: Red Bull set to replace New Zealander with Yuki Tsunoda for Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull deliver one of the most ruthless driver moves in F1 history after deciding to drop Liam Lawson after just two races.

www.bbc.co.uk

Incredible and shows that Red Bull are in a desperate situation.

I don't think that shows that at all. All it shows is that for whatever reason, none of us are privvy to..., Liam really isn't up to the job. From my armchair expert position he looked so uncomfortable, and scared, causing a very hesitant drive. Very different than the other rookies. I mean look at Hadjar, crying his eyes out, but got back in the seat and showed them. I fully expect that there have been many conversations and assessments behind the scenes.

Bad news doesn't age well, best to just rip it off and deal with it.

 

[Glideslope]

I don't think that shows that at all. All it shows is that for whatever reason, none of us are privvy to..., Liam really isn't up to the job. From my armchair expert position he looked so uncomfortable, and scared, causing a very hesitant drive. Very different than the other rookies. I mean look at Hadjar, crying his eyes out, but got back in the seat and showed them. I fully expect that there have been many conversations and assessments behind the scenes.

Bad news doesn't age well, best to just rip it off and deal with it.

Doing this during Yuki’s homerace might be a stroke of genius or will end up in devastation

It is going to be interesting when the details come out. Last season my thought was Yuki might be problematic in a Rosberg/Hamilton way. Now I'm curious how much Honda's change in sponsorship monies to RB played a role.
Japan will be interesting......

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Doing this during Yuki’s homerace might be a stroke of genius or will end up in devastation

It is going to be interesting when the details come out. Last season my thought was Yuki might be problematic in a Rosberg/Hamilton way. Now I'm curious how much Honda's change in sponsorship monies to RB played a role.
Japan will be interesting......

I wonder if they'll sit Lawson and Yuki in the Japan press conference and awkwardly ask them both how they are feeling, like they did with Verstappen and Kvyat when they were swapped? They also did it last season with Lewis and Carlos just to raise it to 9 on the tension scale.

I think it is a difficult seat and for me it seems Red Bull are struggling to accept their edge has gone. Max is driving hard to make up for the performance disadvantage and the second seat is in a car where the balance seems to only just suit Max. Interesting times and I hope Yuki proves many of us wrong.

 

[Glideslope]

I wonder if they'll sit Lawson and Yuki in the Japan press conference and awkwardly ask them both how they are feeling, like they did with Verstappen and Kvyat when they were swapped? They also did it last season with Lewis and Carlos just to raise it to 9 on the tension scale.

I think it is a difficult seat and for me it seems Red Bull are struggling to accept their edge has gone. Max is driving hard to make up for the performance disadvantage and the second seat is in a car where the balance seems to only just suit Max. Interesting times and I hope Yuki proves many of us wrong.

IMO, allot goes back to their flawed decision process last year. I think there was allot at play, and they miscalculated.

Honda leaving for AMR, not giving Yuki a chance because of that, Honda balking at a large increase in Yuki’s sponsorship last year.

I certainly hope there isn’t a repeat of those pressers. Unfortunately it’s the way in 2025. Liberty media has been terrible for F1. Some days I actually find myself with positive thoughts from Bernie’s reign.

Somewhat unsettling……..

 

[CWallace]

I think Red Bull is in full Panic Mode right now and throwing everything and everyone at the wall to see which/whom sticks.

I also think Yuki right now is the best bet for Red Bull Racing because no matter what happens, he is leaving the Group at the end of the season along with Honda.

If he succeeds, that helps Max towards the WDC and Red Bull Racing towards the CC.

If he fails, well nobody else can get it done so keep him there, collect the extra $10 million from Honda to help cover the CC payout losses.

This allows Lawson and Isaac to have a full year in the more-compliant Racing Bulls to get comfortable and show who has the greater talent. Then promote one of them (back) into Red Bull Racing in 2026.

 

[danny842003]

OFFICIAL - Lawson and Tsunoda Swap seats for Japanese Grand Prix

Liam Lawson: Red Bull set to replace New Zealander with Yuki Tsunoda for Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull deliver one of the most ruthless driver moves in F1 history after deciding to drop Liam Lawson after just two races.

www.bbc.co.uk

Incredible and shows that Red Bull are in a desperate situation.

It isn’t official yet. Although I don’t doubt it will be soon.

IMO, allot goes back to their flawed decision process last year. I think there was allot at play, and they miscalculated.

Honda leaving for AMR, not giving Yuki a chance because of that, Honda balking at a large increase in Yuki’s sponsorship last year.

I certainly hope there isn’t a repeat of those pressers. Unfortunately it’s the way in 2025. Liberty media has been terrible for F1. Some days I actually find myself with positive thoughts from Bernie’s reign.

Somewhat unsettling……..

How can you say liberty has been terrible? I don’t agree with every decision they make but the sport is more popular than it’s ever been, teams aren’t constantly on the verge of bankruptcy.
The owners aren’t pitting teams against each other.

 

[danny842003]

I think Red Bull is in full Panic Mode right now and throwing everything and everyone at the wall to see which/whom sticks.

I also think Yuki right now is the best bet for Red Bull Racing because no matter what happens, he is leaving the Group at the end of the season along with Honda.

If he succeeds, that helps Max win the WDC and Red Bull Racing the CC.

If he fails, well nobody else can get it done so keep him there, collect the extra $10 million from Honda to help cover the CC payout losses.

This allows Lawson and Isaac to have a full year in the more-compliant Racing Bulls to get comfortable and show who has the greater talent. Then promote one of them (back) into Red Bull Racing in 2026.

If Yuki proves to be a credible number 2 why will he leave at the end of the year?
Honda might not end their sponsorship but Yuki would be able to get other Japanese sponsors if he does a decent job.

 

[Apple fanboy]

It isn’t official yet. Although I don’t doubt it will be soon.



How can you say liberty has been terrible? I don’t agree with every decision they make but the sport is more popular than it’s ever been, teams aren’t constantly on the verge of bankruptcy.
The owners aren’t pitting teams against each other.

More popular than it’s ever been? Check out the viewing figures before F1 was behind a paywall. Audiences were much much bigger.
No crappy races in car parks either!

 

[danny842003]

More popular than it’s ever been? Check out the viewing figures before F1 was behind a paywall. Audiences were much much bigger.
No crappy races in car parks either!

I think I know the figures you’re talking about and they relate to the number of people who watched 1 race in a season.
Granted that number has dropped but I’m also not sure that’s the best measure of popularity.

I haven’t got a stat on hand to back it up but as someone who has watched since the early 90s I have never known so much talk from people about the sport or known so many people who watch weekly.
The number of women who are genuinely fans is massive now.

Never heard of the ceasers palace GP?

 

[CWallace]

If Yuki proves to be a credible number 2 why will he leave at the end of the year?

Because I believe they really don't want him in the Group anymore. He has 94 points in 89 starts with one pole and no wins which, for RBG, isn't super impressive. IMO, he is still there because of Honda's backing (both as their PSU supplier and the additional sponsorship money they pay for his seat).

And if they really want a Japanese driver in 2026, they have Ayumu Iwasa in reserve at Racing Bulls whom they can promote when either Lawson or Hadjar move up to Red Bull Racing.

 

[CWallace]

Obviously back when F1 was free-to-air in most global television markets more people probably watched it in aggregate, but viewership started moving to pay-per-view back in the Mosley and Bernie era.

IMO, in terms of "general public interest" in the sport, F1 has never been more popular than it is now and that is, again IMO, directly attributable to Liberty embracing social media whereas Bernie was very much against it (even though drivers and teams wanted it).

And yes, that brings a lot of the drawbacks of social media, as well, but the teams are financially stable and so are more and more circuits and overall, the sport seems healthier with more manufacturers wanting to join.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I think I know the figures you’re talking about and they relate to the number of people who watched 1 race in a season.
Granted that number has dropped but I’m also not sure that’s the best measure of popularity.

I haven’t got a stat on hand to back it up but as someone who has watched since the early 90s I have never known so much talk from people about the sport or known so many people who watch weekly.
The number of women who are genuinely fans is massive now.

Never heard of the ceasers palace GP?

I’ve been watching a bit longer than that. I would say (in my social circles) there is no more or less talk about the races than there ever has been.

Can’t really comment on social media as this is the only site I post on. Never been on FB or X.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Obviously back when F1 was free-to-air in most global television markets more people probably watched it in aggregate, but viewership started moving to pay-per-view back in the Mosley and Bernie era.

IMO, in terms of "general public interest" in the sport, F1 has never been more popular than it is now and that is, again IMO, directly attributable to Liberty embracing social media whereas Bernie was very much against it (even though drivers and teams wanted it).

And yes, that brings a lot of the drawbacks of social media, as well, but the teams are financially stable and so are more and more circuits and overall, the sport seems healthier with more manufacturers wanting to join.

Close racing helps. Nobody likes one driver seconds ahead every lap.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I think I know the figures you’re talking about and they relate to the number of people who watched 1 race in a season.
Granted that number has dropped but I’m also not sure that’s the best measure of popularity.

I haven’t got a stat on hand to back it up but as someone who has watched since the early 90s I have never known so much talk from people about the sport or known so many people who watch weekly.
The number of women who are genuinely fans is massive now.

Never heard of the ceasers palace GP?

Live viewers is much less in Europe, but they count reach to include extended highlights and YouTube content to massage the figures. You certainly don’t get 9-14 million tuning in for live races in the UK, Germany and France like you had pre-2011.

Unlike you I’ve never known less people talking about F1 generally. It used to catch people who didn’t necessarily follow the sport but they’d catch a race because it was on TV, that’s a thing of the past now. If I went into work and asked if anybody watched the race, it would be one or two at most. Bernie started the decline but Liberty continued it. Liberty have also turned the fanbases toxic by allowing dreadful productions like Drive To Survive and introducing gimmicks like Sprint races which many long time fans don’t bother with. F1 needs a rethink and a new owner for sure.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Live viewers is much less in Europe, but they count reach to include extended highlights and YouTube content to massage the figures. You certainly don’t get 9-14 million tuning in for live races in the UK, Germany and France like you had pre-2011.

Unlike you I’ve never known less people talking about F1 generally. It used to catch people who didn’t necessarily follow the sport but they’d catch a race because it was on TV, that’s a thing of the past now. If I went into work and asked if anybody watched the race, it would be one or two at most. Bernie started the decline but Liberty continued it. Liberty have also turned the fanbases toxic by allowing dreadful productions like Drive To Survive and introducing gimmicks like Sprint races which many long time fans don’t bother with. F1 needs a rethink and a new owner for sure.

Perhaps its demographics. So many people I know watch it always. Have multiple subscriptions like in Sky and F1 TV. merch is in the shops, pubs are showing it, sports bars open weird times.

Sure when it was free broadcast you perhaps had more viewers, but not the earnings. And there wasn’t the competition from other channels nor watch on demand. It’s very different times.

It’s a bit like Android has many more users. But developers make money from the fewer Apple users. True fans will pay and watch or go to the tracks.

 

[danny842003]

Because I believe they really don't want him in the Group anymore. He has 94 points in 89 starts with one pole and no wins which, for RBG, isn't super impressive. IMO, he is still there because of Honda's backing (both as their PSU supplier and the additional sponsorship money they pay for his seat).

And if they really want a Japanese driver in 2026, they have Ayumu Iwasa in reserve at Racing Bulls whom they can promote when either Lawson or Hadjar move up to Red Bull Racing.

But if he’s good now all that goes out the window surely.
Although it is red bull so all bets are off.

 

[danny842003]

Live viewers is much less in Europe, but they count reach to include extended highlights and YouTube content to massage the figures. You certainly don’t get 9-14 million tuning in for live races in the UK, Germany and France like you had pre-2011.

Unlike you I’ve never known less people talking about F1 generally. It used to catch people who didn’t necessarily follow the sport but they’d catch a race because it was on TV, that’s a thing of the past now. If I went into work and asked if anybody watched the race, it would be one or two at most. Bernie started the decline but Liberty continued it. Liberty have also turned the fanbases toxic by allowing dreadful productions like Drive To Survive and introducing gimmicks like Sprint races which many long time fans don’t bother with. F1 needs a rethink and a new owner for sure.

Did DTS do that or has social media done that? I don’t know a single fandom that doesn’t have toxic elements.

Football
Rugby league
Warhammer
Computer games
Tech

All full of the worst people ever to walk the earth. I genuinely think that’s a societal issue.

 

[headlessmike]

Perhaps its demographics. So many people I know watch it always. Have multiple subscriptions like in Sky and F1 TV. merch is in the shops, pubs are showing it, sports bars open weird times.

Sure when it was free broadcast you perhaps had more viewers, but not the earnings. And there wasn’t the competition from other channels nor watch on demand. It’s very different times.

It’s a bit like Android has many more users. But developers make money from the fewer Apple users. True fans will pay and watch or go to the tracks.

My experience is that fewer people casually follow the sport but those that do follow it are doing so more intensely than ever.

To give an example, I have a coworker (he’s Danish) that’s a big sports geek. He has close family playing in the FIFA World Cup and Serie A and a child with an Olympic medal. He travels to see his favorite teams play and is always bringing up results from sports like handball and curling. A couple of years ago we were on a business trip together and he asked me if I followed any sports. When I mentioned F1, his response was ”Is that still around?” He couldn’t recall hearing about F1 since Michael Schumacher retired. I understand that Drive to Survive and social media brings a lot of renewed interest to the sport, but for a large part of the population the fact that F1 doesn’t get any airtime on regular TV essentially means that it doesn’t exist. This mirrors my experience in general, at least in the US (where I’m from) and Sweden (where I live): Schumacher was the last household name from an era when everyone was exposed to F1, at least briefly, from time to time.

In my age group (late 30s) and social circles I know only two people that follow F1.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Did DTS do that or has social media done that? I don’t know a single fandom that doesn’t have toxic elements.

Football
Rugby league
Warhammer
Computer games
Tech

All full of the worst people ever to walk the earth. I genuinely think that’s a societal issue.

It’s probably a mix. I’ve been discussing F1 on internet forums since 1998 and it’s always attracted heated debate, but between fans who were invested in the sport and could argue the technical aspects well. You had to make a concerted effort to discuss online years ago. I’ve noticed since 2018 it’s got a lot more toxic online where more recent fans just want to argue personalities and there’s just no reasoning. Even this thread attracted that a couple of years ago. Times have changed for sure.

 

[Glideslope]

My experience is that fewer people casually follow the sport but those that do follow it are doing so more intensely than ever.

To give an example, I have a coworker (he’s Danish) that’s a big sports geek. He has close family playing in the FIFA World Cup and Serie A and a child with an Olympic medal. He travels to see his favorite teams play and is always bringing up results from sports like handball and curling. A couple of years ago we were on a business trip together and he asked me if I followed any sports. When I mentioned F1, his response was ”Is that still around?” He couldn’t recall hearing about F1 since Michael Schumacher retired. I understand that Drive to Survive and social media brings a lot of renewed interest to the sport, but for a large part of the population the fact that F1 doesn’t get any airtime on regular TV essentially means that it doesn’t exist. This mirrors my experience in general, at least in the US (where I’m from) and Sweden (where I live): Schumacher was the last household name from an era when everyone was exposed to F1, at least briefly, from time to time.

In my age group (late 30s) and social circles I know only two people that follow F1.

Absolutely. I notice this well. While the total population may have decreased those still involved tend to be hyper active. Sometimes this is a positive, many times it's a negative. One could apply this to many arenas other than F1 as well.

 

[CWallace]

But if he’s good now all that goes out the window surely. Although it is red bull so all bets are off.

Yes, if Yuki is consistently right behind Max in FP and qualifying and finishing in the Top Five, then they may very well keep him for 2026, despite Ford said to not want him and Honda no longer subsidizing him. And I have heard that Yuki's driving style is very similar to Max's, favoring a "planted" front-end and a "nervous" rear-end, which means maybe he can also get on top of the RB21's "peculiarities".