F1 News Round-Up: Hamilton Declared ‘Back in the Game’ Audi co

F1 News Round-Up: Hamilton Declared ‘Back in the Game’, Audi Completes €600m Sauber Deal

In what has been a busy start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, two major developments have dominated the headlines. Lewis Hamilton, following his sensational move to Ferrari, is already making waves, with Ferrari’s CEO Benedetto Vigna stating that the British driver is “back in the game.” Meanwhile, Audi has completed its high-profile acquisition of Sauber, a deal worth €600 million. These updates could significantly shake up the dynamics of the F1 grid as the season gets underway. Here’s a deep dive into these developments.

Ferrari’s Hamilton Declared ‘Back in the Game’

After an illustrious career with Mercedes, during which Hamilton clinched seven World Championships, his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season took many by surprise. However, Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, has expressed his confidence in Hamilton, declaring that the F1 legend is “back in the game.” Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, the team with which he achieved so much success, has ignited discussions about his potential to turn Ferrari into championship contenders once again.

Vigna also praised Hamilton’s attitude in the lead-up to the season, referencing a heartfelt New Year’s message posted by the driver on LinkedIn. In his message, Hamilton spoke about embracing a new culture and looking forward to the future with Ferrari. Vigna commented on the post, calling it “beautiful,” and saw it as a testament to Hamilton’s commitment to the sport despite being in the twilight of his career.

There has been speculation that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could be the spark the team needs to return to the top of the grid. After years of struggling to match the dominance of Red Bull and Mercedes, Ferrari fans are hopeful that Hamilton’s experience and winning mentality will be enough to turn their fortunes around. Hamilton’s pairing with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s promising young driver, also presents an exciting dynamic, potentially forming one of the strongest driver line-ups in F1.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Hamilton adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can make Ferrari a genuine contender for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

Audi Completes €600m Sauber Deal

In another major development, Audi has officially completed its €600 million acquisition of Sauber, marking a significant step in the German manufacturer’s return to Formula 1. Audi’s long-anticipated entry into the sport is part of the Volkswagen Group’s broader motorsport strategy, and this acquisition solidifies its ambitions.

The deal, which was finalized this week, gives Audi a controlling stake in Sauber, and the team will now operate under the Audi banner for the 2025 season. This move represents Audi’s serious intent to compete at the highest level in F1, as they aim to challenge established powerhouses like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.

Audi’s entry is part of a new wave of manufacturers joining F1 as the sport undergoes significant regulation changes aimed at making it more competitive and sustainable. Audi has already made significant investments in developing a state-of-the-art power unit to compete with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari. With Sauber’s infrastructure and Audi’s engineering expertise, the team hopes to make an immediate impact on the grid.

Audi’s arrival also brings added intrigue to the driver market. With Audi seeking to assemble a competitive team, speculation is rife about which drivers will be on their radar. Sauber’s current line-up includes experienced driver Valtteri Bottas and the rising star Theo Pourchaire, but changes could be on the horizon as Audi looks to attract top talent.

What’s Next for Sauber?

As Sauber transitions into the Audi era, there is considerable excitement about what the team can achieve under new ownership. The influx of resources from Audi will undoubtedly give the team a significant boost, allowing them to invest in both car development and personnel.

While it may take time for Audi to challenge for championships, their arrival is expected to increase competition within the midfield and potentially push them closer to the top teams. The partnership between Sauber and Audi could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the team, which has struggled in recent years to consistently compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, the 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Hamilton looking to revive Ferrari’s fortunes and Audi making a grand entrance into the sport, there are plenty of storylines to follow as the teams prepare for the first race. Expect plenty of drama, intrigue, and competition as these developments play out on the track.