As we gear up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, the racing landscape is rife with unexpected developments and strategic maneuvers. Leading the pack is Lewis Hamilton, who has firmly shut down any speculation of an Italian twist to his iconic “Hammer Time” rallying cry, a term that has been synonymous with his racing strategy for the past decade.
Hamilton’s emphatic “no” to the suggestion of replacing the long-standing “Hammer Time” call – a directive from his race engineer Peter Bonnington – with the Italian equivalent, “tempo di Martello”, comes in the wake of his last race with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Fans heard the familiar call for the last time there, marking the end of an era.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s RB21 is grappling with significant teething issues. The car, set to compete in the Australian race, has not performed up to par during the pre-season testing, according to technical director Pierre Wache. This revelation follows the three-day test at the Bahrain International Circuit, where George Russell emerged the fastest on the final day. Concurrently, McLaren seems to have gained an edge with their long-run pace, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
On another front, Ferrari is reportedly throwing a wrench in Aston Martin’s plans by blocking a crucial hiring move. While Aston Martin has successfully enlisted F1 design legend Adrian Newey, they are allegedly facing resistance in bringing another key recruit onboard due to Ferrari’s intervention.
Finally, FIA, the governing body of F1, is shaking things up with a revamped stewarding panel. Reportedly, the number of stewards serving at an F1 grand prix is set to increase, with six to feature at a higher number than the rest. This change is slated to debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. This new development, revealed by Autosport, is indicative of an apparent new system that could potentially influence the dynamics of the race.
As the anticipation for the 2025 F1 season builds, these significant developments promise an exciting and unpredictable racing calendar. As Lewis Hamilton puts the “Hammer Time” to bed, Red Bull scrambles to iron out their technical glitches, Ferrari plays hardball, and FIA introduces a new stewarding system, the stage is set for a season of high-octane thrill and drama.