TOCA Junior’s launch has been delayed until 2026 due to numerous challenges. The series, designed to fill the gap left by Ginetta Junior, faced difficulties from its inception, particularly in developing a bespoke car. Initially set for 2024, the start was postponed, highlighting the project’s complexity.

The unveiling of the Chevron B1417 at a launch event revealed a price of £78,500 + VAT, which deterred many potential entrants due to its high cost. Despite interest from some prominent teams, further commitments were sparse. Even following testing feedback from drivers, this was insufficient to guarantee broader support for the championship.

The cancellation of the 2025 season was anticipated, prompting organisers to shift strategies by implementing a centrally-run structure. This change aims to reduce costs and enhance control for participants. However, building trust again with potential entrants will be essential, given the setbacks faced so far.

Despite the challenges of the past two years without a junior championship at BTCC events, the future of TOCA Junior hinges on overcoming existing doubts. Other manufacturers have shown interest in simpler production models, but TOCA opted for a new rear-wheel-drive concept. Whether this gamble will pay off remains uncertain as they seek to solidify a successful framework for aspiring racers.

Overall, TOCA Junior’s delay until 2026 stems from high development costs, insufficient pre-launch support, and strategic missteps. A new centrally-run model is intended to attract participants, but rebuilding confidence in the series will be crucial for its success moving forward. The lack of a strong junior championship in BTCC events has been felt, highlighting the need for a viable solution in motorsport development.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Toto Wolff has expressed uncertainty regarding whether Mercedes has resolved its Formula 1 car’s performance inconsistency linked to cold weather conditions. During the Bahrain pre-season testing, unusually low temperatures have left the team unable to fully assess their progress. Mercedes has aimed to improve its car’s performance, which previously excelled in cooler races but struggled in hotter conditions, such as during the past season.

The cold and wet weather in Bahrain has complicated evaluations of the new car’s capabilities. Wolff acknowledged this challenge during a conversation with Autosport, jokingly mentioning that Mercedes should perform significantly better in the current conditions.

Despite the difficult conditions, George Russell secured a second-place finish on the opening day of testing, marking Mercedes’ strongest early performance in Bahrain since the new regulations were introduced. However, uncertainties remain about the consistency of their results throughout the upcoming season.

Mercedes is grappling with evaluating its new F1 car’s performance due to unseasonably cold conditions in Bahrain, which has hindered their ability to determine if improvements have been made. While the team aims to overcome past challenges, the impact of temperature and wind on handling remains a concern. Russell’s strong performance offers hope, yet the team cannot yet confirm its ability to deliver consistently in different conditions for the 2025 season.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, proclaimed the team as the most commercially successful in Formula 1 history after securing its first constructors’ title in 26 years in 2024. McLaren began the previous season with 53 partners, the most among all teams in the F1 grid. Under Brown’s leadership since 2018, the number of partnerships has risen markedly from 31, focusing on expanding American market ties.

At a media day in London ahead of the F175 event, Brown mentioned no new partnerships would be revealed until the 2025 season. He expressed satisfaction with aligning on-track performance with commercial achievements, stating, “We’re in great shape commercially.”

Brown highlighted McLaren’s unprecedented commercial revenue and anticipates more developments. He emphasized stability and visibility as priorities for the racing team, noting a focus on consistency among drivers, pit wall staff, and sponsors throughout the coming years.

McLaren is not alone in bolstering its partnerships; F1 as a whole benefits from the sport’s growth. Brown believes this upward trajectory will continue, especially as Liberty Media expands its reach. He praised the start of the new year with high-profile events and media coverage, suggesting a vibrant calendar ahead.

Overall, Brown remains optimistic about F1’s future and its health. He acknowledged challenges related to the broader economic environment but affirmed that the sport is thriving and set for continued growth.

In summary, McLaren’s commercial achievements under CEO Zak Brown position it as a leader in Formula 1. With a focus on stability and strategic partnerships, the team is well-equipped for future successes. The growth of F1 as a sport, bolstered by new media engagement and strong leadership, suggests a promising outlook ahead.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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The 10 Formula 1 teams unveiled their 2025 liveries at the 75th anniversary event in London, marking the first collective launch in F1’s history at the O2 Arena. Each team showcased its new designs live, using older machinery for the presentation, commencing with Sauber and concluding with McLaren.

Sauber debuted a revamped neon green and carbon grey livery, reminiscent of their Las Vegas design. Team boss Mattia Binotto expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasising its importance for the team.

Williams followed suit with a dark-to-royal blue gradient, incorporating white trim and maintaining its popular Duracell intake. Team principal James Vowles highlighted the excitement for the 2025 season, with anticipation building for the Bahrain and Australian races.

Racing Bulls, known as RB in 2024, introduced a white livery with Red Bull logos, reflecting its updated identity. Team boss Laurent Mekies described their mission as performance-driven and focused.

Haas confirmed its leaked livery featuring more white colouration, with angular black and red designs. New signing Esteban Ocon praised the car’s beauty following his initial drive.

The event showcased all ten Formula 1 teams unveiling their liveries for the 2025 season, a historic first in F1. Each team’s livery reflected unique designs and sponsor partnerships. With pre-season testing on the horizon, enthusiasm for the upcoming championship is palpable across the teams as they aim for success.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Red Bull has unveiled the RB21, its 2025 Formula 1 challenger, aiming for Max Verstappen’s fifth consecutive drivers’ title. As the last team to showcase its car ahead of the winter tests in Bahrain, Red Bull closely adheres to the current ground-effect regulations with its design resembling the previous season’s RB20. The new car focuses on addressing balance issues that hampered the RB20, which saw Verstappen and Sergio Perez face challenges as McLaren improved.

The RB21 is set for the 2025 season, focusing on enhanced balance while retaining peak performance potential. Red Bull aims to overcome previous challenges faced in the 2024 season and compete strongly this year. Verstappen and new teammate Lawson are expected to harness the improvements made in the car’s design.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Alpine unveiled its A525 Formula 1 car during a shakedown event at Bahrain International Circuit ahead of the 2025 season. The test, mainly a filming day limited to 200km with demonstration tyres, allowed drivers Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan to experience the car for the first time. Team principal Oliver Oakes confirmed the day was split equally between both drivers.

Gasly expressed optimism about the car, noting that while the shakedown limited performance, it felt smooth, and he looked forward to the official pre-season testing slated for later in the week. Doohan echoed this sentiment, mentioning the packed schedule of three days of testing when they would continue to develop the A525.

The team’s ambitious target for the 2025 season is a top-five finish in the constructors’ championship, a goal set by Gasly that entails outperforming rivals like Aston Martin. Oakes noted the focused areas for development, aiming to enhance the car’s performance before the season opener.

Alpine’s A525 car has been launched with promising feedback from both drivers. The team is gearing up for pre-season testing in Bahrain with ambitious goals for the upcoming season. The mixed experience of Gasly and Doohan will aim to strengthen Alpine’s positioning against its competitors.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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The 2025 F1 pre-season testing kicks off this week in Bahrain, following a spectacular livery launch in London. The event spans three days and will be aired on F1TV and Sky Sports, with teams currently preparing for the challenges ahead as Bahrain is not the season opener this year.

1. Red Bull’s Handling Issues: After dominating testing in 2024, Red Bull now seeks to resolve past handling problems seen with the RB20. Verstappen’s off-track excursions and reliability concerns during the previous season indicate a crucial focus on improved car handling and performance.

2. McLaren’s Bahrain Struggles: Despite being owned by the Bahrain sovereign wealth fund, McLaren has faced difficulties at this track in recent years, with various setbacks impacting their lap counts. The team aims for a clean and competitive test to gauge their form ahead of the first race in Melbourne.

3. Rookies and Their New Roles: A significant 30% of the grid features rookies, including several who have previously stepped in as replacements. All eyes are on newcomers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli as they begin their campaigns amid the pressure of high expectations.

4. Hamilton and Ferrari’s New Chapter: This season marks Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, where he has a limited time to adapt to the SF-25. His acclimatisation during this test will be critical to the team’s performance and strategy as they move forward.

5. Tech Developments and Innovations: Teams will be exploring balance in car development while teasing potential technological innovations. Though the current regulations limit major changes, unexpected updates, like dual-axis steering in the past, could emerge during testing.

6. Mercedes’ Unique Preparation: For the first time, Mercedes will complete a filming day in Bahrain, breaking from their usual practice in Silverstone. This change is aimed at maximising their initial testing efforts and ensuring smooth operations ahead of the season.

7. Importance of This Testing Period: Given that Bahrain is not the first race venue, teams must maximise their track time to analyse performance data thoroughly. This testing is vital to confirm setups and strategies before heading to Melbourne, highlighting its significance for all teams.

The 2025 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain will be pivotal for teams, addressing previous car handling issues, rookie performances, and new driver transitions, especially for Hamilton and McLaren. The nature of this year’s testing will demand more focus and strategic preparations as teams look to maximise all available track time ahead of the season.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Max Verstappen is leaving behind any lingering feuds from 2024 as he gears up for a title defence in the 2025 Formula 1 season. At the F175 event in London, Verstappen displayed his readiness to tackle any media queries, despite the spotlight on his altercations with rival George Russell. He expressed that he is focused on preparation and relishing his time away from the track, making it clear he has no interest in stoking old rivalries.

When questioned about potential fines for swearing among drivers, Verstappen addressed the need for a collective discussion rather than strict penalties, acknowledging that emotions can naturally lead to slip-ups in language during high-pressure moments. He urged that a balance must be found when handling such situations within the motorsport environment.

Looking ahead to the competition, Verstappen remains focused on his own team’s performance instead of fixating on competitors like McLaren’s Lando Norris. He believes that Red Bull must concentrate on enhancing their car to reclaim the championship title, ensuring they just work on improving without distraction from outside influences.

In summary, Verstappen is prioritising his focus on preparation for the upcoming season while moving past any previous conflicts. He promotes dialogue over strict penalties for swearing and remains committed to improving Red Bull’s performance to achieve a fifth consecutive title. This mindset reflects his determination to concentrate on what matters most in the championship race.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Yuki Tsunoda must prove his maturity this season to solidify his future in F1 following his demotion in favour of Liam Lawson at Red Bull. In an international press conference, Tsunoda accepted the outcome candidly, indicating he had already set his expectations low and was not overly distressed by the decision. Instead, he focused on remaining a positive part of the Red Bull family despite their recognisable naming challenges over the years.

Tsunoda joked about potential changes in team identity and acknowledged his precarious position after three seasons, highlighting the historical precedent for Red Bull junior drivers. With Honda’s departure from Red Bull post-2025 complicating matters, Tsunoda is keen to stay relevant and believes he can still demonstrate his value. He has accepted his situation, stating, “I understand why they chose Liam. It is what it is.

Tsunoda’s ability to distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable factors marks a pivotal development in his approach. He aims to maximise his performance rather than dwell on outside decisions, with potentially crucial implications for his career. His immediate goal is to outperform his new teammate, Isack Hadjar, and prove his worth to the team.

Despite his commitment to Red Bull, seeking alternative opportunities may be wise for Tsunoda. He has acknowledged that unexpected options may arise as circumstances evolve. Understanding and adapting to his current reality while optimising his performance could secure Tsunoda a stronger position within the competitive landscape of F1.

Yuki Tsunoda’s journey in pursuit of securing his future in Formula 1 hinges on his ability to demonstrate maturity and effective performance. By accepting his current situation and focusing on factors within his control, he aims to showcase his potential this season. Despite loyalty to Red Bull, exploring alternative opportunities could ensure his F1 career remains vibrant and successful. Key Takeaways: – Acceptance of competition and setbacks – Focus on controllable outcomes – Potential for broader opportunities.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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Jack Doohan, an Alpine driver, countered speculation regarding his long-term future after Franco Colapinto joined as a reserve driver. Doohan emphasised that he was once in Colapinto’s shoes last year, indicating confidence in his position despite renewed speculation. Doohan has only participated in one F1 race and is preparing for his full rookie season in 2025, having formed a solid bond with teammate Pierre Gasly.

When questioned about the pressure from Colapinto’s signing, Doohan dismissed concerns, stating that pressure is inherent in F1 regardless of circumstances. He reiterated, “I look forward to enjoying that – embracing it and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.” He also downplayed feelings of being undermined by Colapinto, asserting that he understood the competitive nature of the sport.

Alpine seems to support Doohan’s position, planning media strategy to prevent prolonged questioning on the Colapinto topic. Alpine’s team boss assured that Doohan will get a “fair chance” to showcase his talent. Pierre Gasly also publicly backed Doohan, emphasising the importance of support for a rookie driver during their challenging transition to F1.

Doohan responded positively to speculations about Colapinto’s presence by affirming his readiness for the upcoming F1 season. His confidence, coupled with the team’s support and camaraderie with Gasly, suggests a strong foundation for his rookie season in 2025. Alpine’s strategic handling of media queries about internal competition shows their commitment to Doohan’s development.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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