F1 News
F1 Today | Hamilton test exclusive; FIA divided on the 'miscondut' rules
Lewis Hamilton completed his first Ferrari test this week, drawing in huge amounts of fans both in person and online. Today, GPblog exclusively found out when the next test will take place for the Brit and his new Italian team. Along with that, there is rumoured to be division within the FIA surrounding the new 'misconduct' rules that were announced. And Hot Wheels are teaming up with F1 throughout 2025.
Hamilton to be back in testing action for Ferrari
Since the major move from Mercedes to Ferrari was announced before the 2024 season, everyone in the world of F1 has been waiting to see Lewis Hamilton in Maranello with Ferrari, suited up in the iconic red race suit and behind the wheel of the iconic scarlet car. This week, it finally happened, with the seven-time world champion taking to the Fiorano circuit for the TPC test for the Scuderia, completing 30 laps in front of hundreds of fans in the 2023 SF-23 car.
Today, GPblog were able to confirm when the Brit, along with Charles Leclerc, will be back behind the wheel of a Ferrari car before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March. It won't happen again in January, but in February, they will take part in the 2026 tyre test for Pirelli on February 4 and 5 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where McLaren will also be present.
FIA divided over the new 'misconduct' rules
During the second half of the 2024 season, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem voiced his opinion on drivers swearing in press conferences and in races, asking for it to be toned down. That resulted in the Max Verstappen swearing scandal, with the Dutchman swearing in a press conference, resulting in him getting a fine and community service. He refused to answer questions in the FIA press conference during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, and then the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, led by Geroge Russell, wrote an open letter to the FIA to share their disapproval of the handling of the situation.
However, Ben Sulayem is not backing down, and this week, he and the FIA announced new 'misconduct' rules around swearing, as well as conduct that tarnishes the sports governing body, with punishments including driver bans and even points deductions possible. But, since then, rumours have come out saying that these laws were pushed through by Ben Sulayem himself, with others in the FIA opposing and disapproving of them being in action, with some calling it "ridiculous".
F1 partner up with Hot Wheels for 2025
Another F1 partnership was announced today before the 2025 season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix, but this one is a lot more miniature than normal. That is because the premier class of motorsport have collaborated with Hot Wheels this year, launching a collection of model F1 cars.
8 different models of cars will be available to the public when they come out on sale, with Ferrari and Aston Martin the two teams from the grid missing at the moment. Both F1 and Mattel, the company behind Hot Wheels, are excited to "celebrate the partnership and further ignite fans’ passion for the sport."
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!