New piece in F1 2025 driver puzzle fitted as Max Verstappen drops future hint – F1 news round-up

Max Verstappen gets ready for the commencement of the Miami Grand Prix in 2024.

Wednesday’s F1 news includes a signed contract for the F1 2025 season and Max Verstappen’s thoughts on a potential move from Red Bull to Mercedes.

There’s no time to lose, let’s jump right in…

F1 news: F1 2025 contract signed, Max Verstappen on Mercedes, more

Alex Albon commits F1 future to Williams

Williams has confirmed that Alex Albon has agreed to a fresh multi-year contract, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

Since making a comeback to the grid with Williams in F1 2022, Albon has successfully rebuilt his reputation. He played a crucial role in securing almost all of the Grove-based team’s points last season, contributing to their seventh-place finish in the Constructors’ standings.

Despite being linked with a potential move away, including a possible return to former employers Red Bull, the Thai driver has officially signed a new contract.

Read more: Alex Albon agrees new Williams deal as next piece of F1 2025 driver market falls into place

Max Verstappen addresses Mercedes speculation

Amid ongoing rumors linking him to Mercedes, Max Verstappen has made it clear that he lacks the motivation to embark on a sudden journey of establishing something new, firmly stating his commitment to Red Bull.

Amid the ongoing turmoil within the Red Bull team, Verstappen’s F1 future has become uncertain, despite his impressive start to the 2024 season with four victories out of six races.

The Dutchman has expressed his contentment with his current situation, stating that he is “extremely pleased.” He also mentioned that he possesses the fastest car in F1 at the moment, which makes him less inclined to consider abandoning his current position and starting anew elsewhere.

Read more: Max Verstappen delivers Mercedes blow with ‘desire’ admission over F1 future

Martin Brundle names four-team shortlist for Adrian Newey

According to Martin Brundle, there are only four teams in the current grid that possess the necessary resources to entice Adrian Newey after his departure from Red Bull.

Earlier this month, Newey made the announcement that he would be departing from Red Bull in early 2025. Throughout his time with the team, he played a crucial part in their accomplishments alongside Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

According to Brundle, who managed to secure the interview that the rest of us desired with Newey in Miami, he believes that Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Mercedes will all be keen on enticing the F1 design prodigy.

Read more: ‘No point signing Adrian Newey’ – Martin Brundle’s warning as four-team shortlist revealed

Ron Dennis speaks out on McLaren exit

Ron Dennis has addressed his departure from McLaren in 2017, asserting that he was not compelled to leave the company. However, he admitted that there were notable conflicts during the period leading up to his exit.

After playing a significant role in the team’s Formula 1 achievements, Dennis’s departure from McLaren was a chaotic affair, allegedly triggered by a power struggle within the boardroom.

Dennis, who was honored with a knighthood in December, has acknowledged that his tenure with McLaren became somewhat tumultuous towards the end. He further elaborated on his association with Formula 1 in the present day.

Read more: Ron Dennis opens up on ‘significant disagreements’ as shock McLaren exit explained

McLaren release rare Ayrton Senna data from Monaco 1988

It has been 36 years since the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, a race that will always be remembered for Ayrton Senna’s unforgettable crash. The incident occurred just 24 hours after he had secured the most legendary pole position in the history of Formula 1.

In celebration of the event, McLaren released Senna’s race timesheet, which was handwritten and included lap times and elaborate setup specifics.

What is the three-word entry for Lap 67, you inquire?

“Crashed at Portier.”

Read more: McLaren release incredible Ayrton Senna data from iconic 1988 Monaco Grand Prix

Williams Alex Albon Max Verstappen