Formula One News — January 2025

Japanese racing star Ryo Hirakawa has joined Alpine’s Formula 1 team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season. The two-time World Endurance Champion and Le Mans 24 Hours winner will bring a wealth of experience to Alpine as the team looks to enhance its car development programme.

Max Verstappen, first

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will remain part of Formula 1’s calendar until 2031, but under a rotational agreement. The iconic race will feature in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, skipping the seasons of 2028 and 2030.

Charles Leclerc, second

Lando Norris, third

George Russell, fourth

Carlos Sainz, fifth

Oscar Piastri, sixth

Fernando Alonso, seventh

Lewis Hamilton, eighth

One year after Formula 1 saw, for the first time in its history, all the drivers that competed in the last race of one season keep their seats for the start of the following World Championship, things have changed dramatically.