Formula 1
Formula 1 British GP: Another Chapter in Verstappen vs Norris?
Formula 1 returns to the track where it all began in 1950. Read DRC’s preview for the 2024 Formula 1 British GP.

As the Verstappen-Norris rivalry reaches its boiling point, the British GP will be crucial to see how the two drivers react to the Austria incident on and off the track going forward. Mercedes and McLaren will hope to continue their upward streak while Ferrari will try to return to being competitive.
Read the Austrian GP Review here.
Know The Circuit
The British GP has been on the F1 calendar ever since the inception of the championship in 1950. From 1950 to 1986, the venue rotated between Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Aintree. In 1987, the event permanently settled at the Silverstone Track. The site of this circuit was used as an airfield by the RAF between 1943 and 1946.
Credits: formula1.com
Silverstone is one of the most famous circuits on the F1 calendar. In recent years, it has produced some memorable racing moments like Hamilton winning the race on only three wheels in 2020, the Hamilton – Verstappen crash at the Copse corner in 2021, the horrific crash of Zhou Ghuanyu and Sainz’s first F1 victory in 2022.
This track has two DRS zones, but unlike most tracks on the F1 calendar, the pit straight is not one of them. The second sector consists of some famous high-speed corners like Copse, Maggots and Becketts, and Chapel. Watching the drivers swiftly making their way through this section is a treat for the eyes. The old pit straight or the Hanger Straight is the second DRS zone of the circuit and ends in the Stowe corner which gave us the three-car battle between Hamilton, Leclerc, and Perez in 2022. The 2024 British GP will be 52 laps around this 5.891 km track.
Will Redbull Domination Return?
In the last few races, Redbull hasn’t been performing at the same level as that at the start of the season. McLaren has started catching up in the Constructors’ Championship. In the last 5 races, McLaren has scored 131 points while Redbull has scored only 107 points. The two factors responsible for this are the progress that McLaren is making and Checo’s consistently poor performances for Redbull. This weekend, it would be interesting to see if Redbull can outscore Mclaren and extend their lead in the Constructors’ Championship which is now down to 87 points.
Embed from Getty ImagesMercedes and McLaren Improving
Leading to their home race, both, Mercedes and McLaren have shown significant progress in their pace. McLaren has consistently been on the podium for the last seven races and now poses a considerable threat to Red Bull in the Constructors Championship. The Woking outfit has brought arguably the fastest car to the track in the last couple of races.
Embed from Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Mercedes have also been making their way up the field. They are now closer to the sharp end of the field as compared to the start of the season. They are showcasing their progress by achieving pole positions, podiums, and, now, even a win in Austria. Promising performances from these teams only mean an exciting Championship battle, come the end of the season.
Farrari Woes
As Mercedes and McLaren continue to show improvements, Ferrari seems to have dropped away since their outstanding performances in Monaco and Australia. They are having trouble regarding the on-track pace as well as the strategy department. If they do not get their act together, their Championship hopes may not last for long.
Embed from Getty ImagesBenchmark for Backmarkers
Haas and RB have pretty much been setting the benchmark for the rest of the teams with Haas scoring double points in the Austrian GP and Ricciardo scoring for RB. Even Alpine has been scoring points consistently in recent races. Williams has been on the back foot while Sauber remains the only team yet to score points.
Embed from Getty ImagesActually, there is a marginal pace difference in these teams, but the midfield is so close, that everyone has to be on their A-game to take away some points from a weekend. This is what provides for exciting racing throughout the field. Let’s hope that this wheel-to-wheel action continues at Silverstone as well.
Schedule and Where To Watch
All sessions this weekend can be watched on F1TV as well as Fancode. The timings of the sessions are given below in IST.
Formula 1
Australian Grand Prix Preview: New Faces, Big Moves, and a Battle for Early Supremacy
Formula 1 heads down under to Melbourne to begin it’s 75th season. Here’s DRC’s preview for the weekend.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit from March 14-16. This season opener brings significant team changes, high expectations, and unpredictable weather conditions that could impact the race outcome.
Track Information
The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, has undergone several modifications to enhance safety and competitiveness for the 2025 Formula 1 season opener. Following significant incidents in the previous year, particularly George Russell’s severe crash, officials have implemented changes to Turns 6 and 7. Adjustments include repositioning and re-angling barriers to prevent cars from rebounding onto the track, flattening sections of kerb to reduce instability, and extending gravel traps closer to the kerb.

These updates aim to improve driver safety and racing dynamics, offering more overtaking opportunities and a smoother racing experience.
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix promises thrilling battles as teams and drivers vie for early dominance in the championship race.
McLaren: Championship Favorites or Pre-Season Hype?
McLaren enters the 2025 season as the reigning Constructors’ Champion, with their MCL39 car building upon the success of its predecessor, the MCL38. The team has adopted a “brave risk” approach to car design, focusing on aggressive and fundamental changes to maintain their competitive edge.

Reigning Constructors Champion (Credits: @BBC Sport)
Lando Norris, who finished second in the 2024 Drivers’ standings, is widely regarded as a strong contender for the championship this year. His consistent performances and ability to extract maximum performance from the car have positioned him as a favorite among pundits. Oscar Piastri, entering his second full season with McLaren, aims to secure his first Formula 1 victory at his home Grand Prix. Piastri’s impressive rookie season, coupled with his familiarity with the Albert Park Circuit, makes him a formidable competitor this weekend.
Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence in the harmonious relationship between Norris and Piastri, emphasizing that their collaboration is crucial for defending the championship. He stated,
“The strong working relationship between Lando and Oscar is key to our success. Both are capable of winning, but we won’t interfere with their battle unless necessary.”
Ferrari: Hamilton’s Debut Sparks Hope for a Championship
Ferrari made headlines with the signing of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who joins Charles Leclerc to form one of the most experienced driver line-ups on the grid.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari signifies a new chapter in his illustrious career. He humorously marked his debut by recreating a scene from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” reflecting his excitement about joining the Scuderia. Hamilton stated,
“This is a fresh challenge for me. I want to bring success back to Ferrari and push for that eighth title.”
Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, welcomes the opportunity to learn from Hamilton’s vast experience. He acknowledged, “Having Lewis as a teammate will push me even harder. We both want the same thing—championships for Ferrari.”
The SF-25 has undergone significant development to address the tire degradation issues that hampered their previous campaigns. With a more stable car and a strong driver pairing, Ferrari aims to challenge for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships this season.
Red Bull Racing: Verstappen’s Quest for a Fifth Title Amidst Team Changes
Red Bull faces challenges due to key personnel changes, but Max Verstappen remains a formidable force, targeting his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. New teammate Liam Lawson steps up, aiming to support Verstappen effectively.
Liam Lawson, stepping up from the junior categories, joins Verstappen as his new teammate. Lawson faces a steep learning curve but has shown potential in pre-season testing. His integration into the team will be crucial for Red Bull’s strategy and development throughout the season.
Verstappen acknowledged the competition, stating,
“At the moment, we’re not the quickest, but it’s a long season, and we’ll keep pushing to improve.”
Mercedes: Russell Leads Charge with Rookie Antonelli
Mercedes looks to rebound from recent struggles with George Russell leading the charge. Joining Russell is rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a highly-rated talent making his Formula 1 debut. Antonelli’s performance will be closely watched as he adapts to the demands of the sport. The W16 has shown promise in testing, but its competitiveness relative to rivals remains to be seen.

(Credits: @/www.mercedesamgf1.com/)
Russell expressed optimism, saying, “We’ve made significant progress over the winter, and I’m confident we’ll be competitive from the start.” Antonelli shared his excitement, stating,
“Joining Mercedes is a dream come true; I’m ready to learn and contribute to the team’s success.”
Williams Racing: A New Era with Sainz and Albon Leading the Charge
Williams Racing enters the 2025 season with renewed ambition, blending experience and fresh innovation to climb up the grid. The team’s biggest signing, Carlos Sainz Jr., brings race-winning pedigree after departing Ferrari, joining Alex Albon in what could be Williams’ most competitive driver pairing in years.

Carlos Sainz And Alex Albon (Credits: Formula1.com)
Pre-season testing saw Sainz top the timesheets in Bahrain, a surprising but promising sign for the team. However, the Spaniard was quick to manage expectations, stating, “I’m sure you’re not going to see me on the podium or in the top five this year, so don’t get too motivated.” He did, however, express confidence in the team’s progress, adding, “We’re in a much better place than expected, and that’s exciting.”
Meanwhile, Williams has secured a major partnership with Australian tech giant Atlassian, bringing cutting-edge AI-driven development to its operations. This collaboration aims to streamline car performance analysis and improve in-season upgrades, a crucial factor in staying competitive against midfield rivals.
Team Principal James Vowles has emphasized the long-term vision, stating that
“Williams is no longer here just to participate—we are here to fight.”
With an improved FW47 chassis, a strong driver lineup, and a revamped development strategy, Williams could be the dark horse of the 2025 season.
Aston Martin: The Green Revolution Begins with Newey at the Helm
Aston Martin enters 2025 aiming to reclaim the form that saw them emerge as podium Aston Martin is gearing up for a transformative season, bolstered by the arrival of Adrian Newey as Managing Technical Partner. The legendary engineer, who shaped multiple championship-winning cars, joins at a crucial time as the team prepares for its 2026 works partnership with Honda. Newey is already influencing the team’s long-term vision, stating,
“The opportunity to shape Aston Martin’s technical journey is both a challenge and a privilege. I look forward to contributing to the team’s pursuit of excellence.”

Adrian Newey to Aston Martin (credits: Astonmartinf1.com)
Fernando Alonso, at 43, remains one of the sharpest drivers on the grid, determined to fight for podiums despite Aston Martin’s current limitations. Lance Stroll, on the other hand, faces a critical season, needing to prove himself as a valuable asset rather than a driver benefiting from his father’s ownership. With Newey’s technical expertise, Alonso’s relentless drive, and a revamped AMR25, the team aims to stabilize in the midfield before making a serious leap forward in 2026.
While wins may not be immediate, Aston Martin is no longer just another team on the grid—it’s building towards something bigger. If Newey’s past success is any indicator, the green machine could soon be a title contender in the making.
Haas: A Risky Bet on Youth and Aggression
Haas enters the 2025 season with an entirely new driver lineup, rolling the dice on experience versus youth by pairing Esteban Ocon with rookie Oliver Bearman. The decision to part ways with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg signals a fresh start for the American outfit, but will it pay off?
Ocon, known for his aggressive race-craft and internal team battles, joins Haas after a turbulent spell at Alpine. His history of fiery teammate rivalries (with Alonso, Gasly, and Perez) has some questioning how well he will gel with Bearman, a highly-rated Ferrari junior.
Bearman, at just 19 years old, faces immense pressure to prove himself. The Briton was called up as a substitute in 2024 and impressed instantly, but now he has a full-time seat to justify. He remains confident, stating, “I know what I’m capable of, and I’m here to show it.”
Haas’ VF-25 is reportedly an improvement over last year, but midfield competition is fiercer than ever. With a rookie adapting to F1 and a teammate known for intra-team drama, Haas could either thrive or implode—and both scenarios would make for spectacular entertainment.
Sauber: Bridging the Gap Before the Audi Revolution
Sauber is entering its final season before transitioning into Audi’s works team in 2026, making 2025 a pivotal year for laying the groundwork. With long-term goals in mind, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have been tasked with steering the team through this transition period.

Team kick Sauber (Credits: Formula1.com)
Hulkenberg’s return to Sauber (where he last raced in 2013) brings a veteran presence and much-needed technical feedback for development. The German is realistic about expectations, stating, “We’re in a building phase, but that doesn’t mean we won’t push for every single point.”
Bortoleto, a rookie straight from Formula 2, is a bold yet calculated risk for Sauber. The 19-year-old Brazilian will need time to adjust, but with Audi’s future in mind, the team is investing in young talent early.
The C45 may not be a frontrunner, but Sauber’s focus is on development rather than results. Any success this season will be viewed as a steppingstone toward Audi’s entry in 2026, when they plan to shake up the pecking order.
Alpine: Doohan’s Big Break and a High-Stakes Final Renault Season
Alpine enters 2025 with a mix of stability and uncertainty, retaining Pierre Gasly while promoting Jack Doohan to a full-time race seat. Doohan, stepping into his first full F1 season, faces immense pressure not just to perform but to secure his long-term place in the team, with Franco Colapinto waiting in the wings as a potential mid-season replacement. The internal battle between these two adds tension to an already crucial year for Alpine.
Beyond driver dynamics, 2025 marks Alpine’s final season with Renault power, as they transition to Mercedes engines in 2026. This decision aims to improve reliability and performance, but until then, the team must maximize its current package to stay in the midfield fight. Can Alpine remain competitive, or will this be a transition year filled with struggles?
Racing Bulls: New Name, New Identity, and a Future Star in Hadjar?
The team formerly known as RB has officially rebranded as Racing Bulls, entering a new phase of its Red Bull sister-team identity. With a bold new white livery and a clear mission to be more than just a junior development squad, the team has retained Yuki Tsunoda while bringing in rookie Isack Hadjar as a fresh face for 2025.

New Livery of Visa Cash app RB (Credits: visacashapprb.com)
Hadjar, a rising star from Formula 2, replaces Liam Lawson, who has moved up to Red Bull Racing. While Hadjar’s talent is undeniable, his ability to adapt quickly to F1 will define Racing Bulls’ season. Meanwhile, Tsunoda faces a defining year, needing to prove he belongs in F1 long-term, or risk being overlooked for future Red Bull promotions.
With Honda power and a Red Bull-aligned chassis, Racing Bulls could be a dark horse in the midfield—but will they deliver consistent results, or will the rebrand be more style than substance?
Weather Conditions
The Australian Grand Prix weekend is expected to feature variable weather conditions:
- Friday (Practice Sessions): Sunny and fair with temperatures reaching up to 28°C. Chance of rain is minimal.
- Saturday (Qualifying): Clear skies with high temperatures, potentially reaching 37°C. Chance of rain remains low.
- Sunday (Race Day): A significant chance of rain, with forecasts indicating up to an 80% likelihood of showers during the race. Temperatures are expected to be cooler, around 23°C.
Teams and drivers will need to adapt their strategies accordingly to navigate the changing conditions throughout the weekend.
Schedule
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Formula 1
Kush Maini Joins Alpine F1 team as Test and Reserve Driver
Alpine F1 Team has announced Kush Maini as it’s Test and Reserve Driver for 2025.

After 13 long years, F1 finally has an Indian Driver involved in a role with a team. This makes Kush only the third Indian driver to have an active role with an F1 team, after Karun Chandhok and Narain Karthikeyan.
🇮🇳 | Indian drivers in Formula 1!
— Desi Racing Co (@DesiRacingco) March 12, 2025
After 13 years, India finally has a presence in Formula 1 again!
Kush Maini joins Alpine F1 Team as a Reserve Driver, becoming only the third Indian to be part of an F1 team after Narain Karthikeyan & Karun Chandhok. 💪🏻🇮🇳#F1 pic.twitter.com/TMuQJ3ypWr
Kush Maini’s Role for 2025
Kush Maini joined the Alpine Academy driver in October 2023 ahead of the 2024 season and has since competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, scoring five podiums including a victory in Hungary.
As Test and Reserve Driver, Kush’s duties will involve offering valuable support to the team’s car development and set-up objectives using the driver-in-loop simulator at Enstone, as well as participating in its TPC Programme aimed at improving skills at the wheel of a contemporary, modern Formula One car.
Kush will continue racing in Formula 2 for 2025, driving for DAMS with the season beginning on the Formula One support bill in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season. Since joining the Alpine Academy ahead of last year, I have been incredibly welcomed in the entire Alpine family and I am thankful to Flavio and Oliver for their continued support. I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula One machinery in this role and to build on what I have already learned with the team in 2024. I’m very excited to begin the role as soon as possible but for now my focus is on my third season in Formula 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia.” said Kush Maini.
This makes Kush the 4th Reserve Driver Alpine has announced this year, apart from Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa.
“We are very happy to announce the expansion of Kush’s role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver duties for the team this season. Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results,” – Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director

Realistically speaking, chances of Kush making a debut in F1 this year seem unlikely, as Alpine would prefer to give the chance to more experienced Franco Colapinto should an opportunity arise to use a reserve driver. But this should not take away any excitement this announcement brings, as this shows that Kush is on the right path in his career and the team is taking notice.
Kush Maini will enter his third Formula 2 campaign this year, and with a third different team as well. Kush has mentioned before how his second year in F2 didn’t go as planned and rightly so as he lost momentum because of things not in his control after having a brilliant start to the season. It will be important for Kush to have a strong third season, being one of the most experienced drivers on the F2 grid, the expectations are going to be very high for the 24-year-old Bengaluru boy.
Desi Racing Co is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Australian GP 2025: Could the rain spice up things for Red Bull?
Red Bull’s struggles in testing prompted Verstappen to rule out the victory in Melbourne. Could the forecasted rain on Sunday bring the dutchman back in the fight for the Australian GP?

The Australian GP returns as the season opener of Formula 1 for the first time since 2019. The 2025 Formula 1 season will kick off in Melbourne, with the Australian Grand Prix set to host the 75th season opener. However, as the grid prepares for the first race of the year, the spotlight is on Red Bull and their early-season struggles. The weather forecast hints at rain on race day, which could shake up the pecking order and play into Verstappen’s hands.
Table of Contents
Red Bull struggles

On the first two days of pre-season testing, Red Bull were very happy after the initial runs with their 2025 title contender, the RB21. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has stated that “The car is more predictable and reacts to the changes in the normal way. So, all the problems we had last year, I believe they are much better, or maybe they are also sorted.” However, Day 3 of the test was not a smooth sailing as Red Bull has hoped. The brought a new upgraded front wing and a new floor design for the final day, although the front nose worked up to the expectation but the new floor design brought back some of the issues from RB20.
Verstappen: ‘Red Bull can’t fight for win in Melbourne”

Max Verstappen has ruled out Red Bull out of contention for a victory at season opener in Melbourne. The reigning four-time world champion did not display any optimism during the final moment of pre-season testing, opening up to the media about his worries.
“I don’t think we can fight for the win already in Melbourne” – Max Verstappen said.
The dutchman, just like others in the F1 paddock has designated McLaren as the favorite going into 2025. “At the moment only one, and that team is orange! That’s a very nice colour of course, but from our side, we still have work to do.”
The Verstappen + Rain factor in Australian GP

We are still in the early stages of the race week and the weather forecast predicts rain on Sunday. Max Verstappen is know for his stellar performance in the rain, most notably his performance in the 2016 and 2024 São Paulo GP. The Meteology department of Australia reports a 70% chance of rain on Sunday. A wet Australian GP should make it a equal playing field for all the teams which could in return benefit Max Verstappen.

Follow Desi Racing Co. for more motorsport related content: Desi Racing Co is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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