Saturday’s F1 headlines revolved around major updates across teams and drivers, with Lewis Hamilton’s retirement plans being a top focus. According to a new book on Mercedes, Hamilton has a clear plan for his eventual departure from F1. Despite having signed a multi-year deal to join Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton, now nearing 40, seems to have his final years mapped out. His upcoming Ferrari tenure is expected to be a defining chapter, as he seeks to maximize his competitive presence before retirement.
In driver news, Red Bull and Alpine are competing to sign rising star Franco Colapinto for the 2025 season. Reports indicate that Alpine may be leading, as they’re open to negotiating a loan deal with Williams, while Red Bull is reportedly hesitant. Williams has set a €20 million price to release Colapinto, and Alpine’s flexibility on loan terms could secure the deal. If signed, Colapinto might join Pierre Gasly at Alpine, potentially taking Jack Doohan’s spot before he even begins the season.
Audi F1 made headlines with reports of an investment deal with Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, aiming to solidify their upcoming 2026 entry into F1. Audi, which will take over the Sauber team, has reportedly sold a minority stake to Qatar, a stakeholder already invested in Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen. This funding will boost Audi’s development at their facilities in Hinwil, Switzerland, laying the groundwork for a stronger entry. The move underscores Audi’s commitment to becoming a competitive force in F1, with Qatar’s backing adding to the team’s financial and strategic resources.
Meanwhile, Guenther Steiner shared pointed views on Lance Stroll’s place in F1, questioning his commitment after a disappointing performance at the Brazil Grand Prix. Steiner argued that Stroll likely wouldn’t be in F1 if it weren’t for his father, Lawrence Stroll, owning Aston Martin. Stroll’s stalled car on the formation lap in Brazil drew Steiner’s criticism as a “brain fart” moment, highlighting concerns about his motivation and consistency. The incident has fueled ongoing discussions about how financial backing impacts driver selection in F1.
In other driver news, former team owner Eddie Jordan has suggested that Red Bull may replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson for 2025. Jordan believes that Perez, who currently trails teammate Max Verstappen by a large margin, is unlikely to remain with the team next season. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has praised Lawson’s abilities and recently indicated that a final decision on Perez’s seat will be made after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Should Lawson be chosen, he would join Verstappen as his new Red Bull teammate, marking a significant shift for the team.