A Dream Realised in Monaco

Starting from pole position, Norris showed maturity beyond his years, managing the high-pressure race with clinical precision. From lights out to the chequered flag, the Briton never looked flustered, expertly navigating the tight turns and unforgiving barriers of the principality.

“This is what I dreamt about as a kid — to win here in Monaco,” Norris beamed in the post-race press conference. “It’s the race everyone wants to win at least once. To finally do it, with McLaren, feels unbelievable.”

Norris’s win adds another chapter to McLaren’s remarkable comeback in 2025 and intensifies what’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling championship battles in recent years.

Leclerc’s Podium at Home

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second, unable to convert home support into victory but still delivering a strong performance in front of an adoring Monegasque crowd. Starting from P3, he gained a position early and stayed within striking distance of Norris throughout, but the narrow circuit offered few overtaking chances — even with a controversial new rule aimed at spicing up the racing.

“It’s always special to be on the podium here,” Leclerc said. “But of course, you want more. The support from the fans was incredible, and I’ll keep pushing to give them that win someday.”

Piastri Keeps Title Lead – Just

Oscar Piastri continued his stunning sophomore season with a third-place finish, keeping him at the top of the Drivers’ Championship. Though outpaced by Norris on this occasion, the young Australian remains a picture of consistency, and he leaves Monaco just three points ahead of his teammate.

“I would have loved to take the win, but I can’t be too disappointed,” Piastri admitted. “Another podium, and we still lead the championship — we’ll take that and move forward to Spain.”

Verstappen Frustrated by Strategy Rule Change

World Champion Max Verstappen finished fourth after expressing frustration with the FIA’s experimental rule enforcing at least three different tyre compounds and a mandatory two-stop strategy. Intended to increase excitement in a race known for its lack of overtaking, the new regulation had limited impact — and drew sarcastic remarks from the Red Bull driver.

“Maybe next time we throw in some banana peels or a jump ramp,” Verstappen joked post-race. “If we’re trying to turn it into a video game, we might as well go all in.”

Despite his disappointment, Verstappen remains in the title hunt, sitting third in the standings.

Current Championship Standings

Drivers’ Championship (Top 5):

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 161 points

2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 158 points

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 136 points

4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 99 points

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 79 points

Constructors’ Championship:

1. McLaren – 319 points

2. Mercedes – 147 points

3. Red Bull – 143 points

4. Ferrari – 142 points

5. Williams – 54 points

McLaren’s stunning rise to the top of both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings has turned the F1 season on its head. Their strategic brilliance and the growing rivalry between Norris and Piastri are breathing new life into the championship narrative.

Looking Ahead: Spanish Grand Prix

Next up is the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya — a track known for its blend of technical sectors and high-speed straights. With momentum on their side, McLaren will look to tighten their grip on the championship, while Red Bull and Ferrari are under pressure to respond.

The 2025 season is far from over, but with Norris’s dream victory in Monaco and Piastri’s steady brilliance, Formula 1 fans are witnessing the dawn of a new golden era — and possibly, a new World Champion in the making.

The Pi8 McLaren Edition, a new version of the award-winning Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds goes on sale today in celebration of its tenth anniversary as a McLaren Automotive Partner.

Developed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team, the new earbuds build on the success of the award-winning Pi8, integrating the famous McLaren Papaya orange together with Galvanic Grey into the design.

Award-winning sound meets iconic McLaren design
Reflecting the shared technical and performance-led aesthetic of the brands, the Pi8 McLaren Edition offers the high-performance sound quality synonymous with Bowers & Wilkins, coupled with a design that connects fans of McLaren cars to the visual identity of the McLaren brand.

The Pi8 is the Bowers & Wilkins multi-award-winning flagship earbud combining reference-standard hi-res audio performance, elegant design, premium materials, exceptional comfort and fit, as well as enhanced connectivity and features, including Wireless Audio Retransmission.

“The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition celebrates a decade of our partnership together. Since 2015, we have combined the innovative design and high-performance of our supercars, including the McLaren GT and the recently announced McLaren W1, with Bowers & Wilkins’ exceptional audio quality This new edition marks an exciting advancement in our partnership and highlights our shared high standards for luxury design and performance”.
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the McLaren team once again. This reimagining of our award-winning earbuds elevates our long-term partnership even further by combining the unmistakable design DNA of McLaren with our industry-leading audio products to create an attention-grabbing version of our Pi8. We’re excited to see how it is received by Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren fans alike.”
Giles Pocock, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Bowers & Wilkins

A long-standing partnership rooted in prestige and performance
Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren Automotive have partnered to develop the high-performance audio systems found in McLaren’s supercars. The relationship is built on firm technical foundations and rooted in the brands’ shared values of delivering the highest levels of performance. More recently, the strategic long-term multi-year partnership was extended to see Bowers & Wilkins’ become McLaren’s Official Audio Partner across McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team.

Bowers & Wilkins’ pursuit of perfection, inspired by founder John Bowers, mirrors the unyielding precision and performance demanded in Formula 1 racing and the audio brand’s engineering team worked closely with their counterparts at McLaren Automotive to create and optimise the audio system found in the McLaren W1, the company’s new high-performance supercar. The audio system in the W1 features the latest advanced speaker technologies developed at the Bowers & Wilkins’ Southwater research and development centre, including the Continuum Cone, as found in the brand’s flagship 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers.

The Pi8 McLaren Edition is available to purchase now in Europe and APAC, via the Bowers & Wilkins website www.bowerswilkins.com. Pricing is £449 / €499.

London, England: 22nd April 2025 – Broad Arrow, a Hagerty company (NYSE: HGTY), will be auctioning two unique McLaren supercars with exceptional provenance at its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction on 24-25 May 2025.

The McLaren MP4-12C is regarded as the cornerstone of the modern era for McLaren Automotive. It returned the renowned British marque to the upper echelons of the supercar world after the success of the iconic McLaren F1 in the 1990s. At the time of its reveal in 2010, McLaren had two Formula One Drivers’ Champions on its F1 team, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Both were instrumental in the development of the MP4-12C, with Hamilton requesting the steering wheel be slimmed down and adjustments to the paddle-shifters for both position and to provide a more audible click, similar to the configuration in his McLaren F1 car.

Former boss of McLaren, Ron Dennis, gifted an MP4-12C to both drivers in recognition of their contribution to the creation of this impressive supercar and their success on F1 circuits around the world. Broad Arrow is now in the enviable position of offering both cars for sale at its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction.

“Broad Arrow is extremely proud to have been entrusted to find new owners for these remarkably special McLaren supercars that were owned by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button” says Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow’s EMEA Region. “These two McLaren MP4-12C models have a very special place in motoring history. The two F1 World Champions provided invaluable expertise in the development of the MP4-12C that would not only compete in the market with Ferrari and Lamborghini but would define the future of McLaren Automotive and the models it has produced since.”

Registered to the seven-time Formula One Drivers’ Champion on 1 March 2012, Hamilton’s MP4-12C was initially delivered to Switzerland, but re-routed to Monte Carlo after Hamilton moved to Monaco. It boasts a unique specification, configured by Hamilton himself at the McLaren factory in Woking, England. He kept the car in Monaco, where he drove it regularly and famously took it to Cannes for a music video shoot with Swizz Beatz.

This highly collectible McLaren MP4-12C features numerous carbon fibre options, including the front spoiler, rear diffuser and mirror casings. It also has the Stealth Pack and optional five-spoke wheels in Satin Dark Grey. After delivery of the car, Hamilton also arranged for the windows to be tinted. As an early model, this MP4-12C features the swipe door feature, which was changed in later models, something that further adds to its collectability.

This is a McLaren with ultimate provenance, a unique MP4-12C with a specification chosen by Sir Lewis Hamilton himself and that served as one of his own personal cars. Ownership provides a piece of F1 history as well as a car that signalled the return of McLaren to series production supercars.

The MP4-12C, designed by famous designer, Frank Stephenson, was more than a match for anything from Italian rivals, most of which were produced in much greater numbers than the McLaren, ensuring the MP4-12C retains its exclusivity. At its heart was a 592hp twin-turbo V8, but beyond its highly engaging powertrain, McLaren’s exceptional innovation in aerodynamics, engineering and performance made it the perfect car for a championship-winning F1 driver.

2009 F1 World Champion, Jenson Button, is such a driver and he too was proud to be involved in the development of the MP4-12C. It is his personal car that will be offered alongside Hamilton’s at Broad Arrow’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction. This car was actually Button’s second, as the first one provided to him was returned to the factory to be used to continue development work. Button then personally chose a second car, featuring stunning Elite Pearl White paintwork and an interior trimmed in Harissa Red and Black leather. Along with the difference in color, Button’s car features carbon fibre for the interior trim and the steering wheel.

Button’s MP4-12C was configured in consultation with McLaren Monaco before being supplied to the F1 champion. In 2012 it was sold to a private collection in the UK. It remained with that collection until now, being regularly maintained by the McLaren dealer network and today showing less than 12,000km.

These two McLaren MP4-12C supercars are testament to the pioneering design and engineering of McLaren Automotive. Their unique provenance as being specified and owned by two of the most famous F1 drivers of the current era, undoubtedly make them an enticing addition for any collector.

“This is a very rare opportunity to own the personal McLaren MP4-12C supercars of Sir Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button,” says Twyman. “Created to the specification of each of these F1 World Champions, these two cars feature incredible provenance that spans both the motoring and motorsport worlds.”

The McLarens are sure to stir competition among bidders, worthy of any race to the chequered flag, when bidding commences at the inaugural Broad Arrow Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction next month.

Specifications of Sir Lewis Hamilton McLaren MP4 12C

Estimate: €175.000 – €225.000

Specification of Jenson Button McLaren MP4-12C

Estimate: €125.000 – €150.000 | Offered Without Reserve 

Event Schedule

Here’s what fans can look forward to during this adrenaline-packed weekend:

• Friday, April 4:

  • Practice sessions, allowing teams to gather valuable data and perfect their setups.

• Saturday, April 5:

  • Final practice session followed by the high-stakes qualifying rounds to determine the starting grid.

• Sunday, April 6:

  • The main event—the Japanese Grand Prix.

Support races and activities will also keep fans entertained throughout the weekend.

Key Highlights

1. Suzuka’s Iconic Layout:

   • The figure-eight track design is unique in F1 and tests drivers’ skill with its fast corners, such as the ‘S Curves’ and ‘130R’ turns.

2. Driver and Team Strategies:

   • With championship standings beginning to take shape, Suzuka provides a pivotal point in the season, challenging teams to balance aggression with caution.

3. Fan Atmosphere:

   • Japanese fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated in the world, creating an unforgettable atmosphere with their support and creative tributes to teams and drivers.

Fan Experience and Tickets

The Japanese Grand Prix is a bucket-list event for motorsport enthusiasts:

• Tickets:

  • From general admission to premium grandstands, there’s an option for every fan. Early booking is strongly recommended due to high demand.

• Local Culture:

  • Suzuka and nearby Nagoya offer visitors a taste of Japanese hospitality, from exquisite cuisine to cultural landmarks.

Suzuka International Racing Course Insights

This legendary track is revered for its technical difficulty and high-speed sections. The ‘S Curves’ test a driver’s precision, while the ‘130R’ corner demands exceptional car control. Suzuka’s combination of elevation changes and tight chicanes ensures edge-of-the-seat action.

How to Prepare

To maximize your Grand Prix experience:

• Plan Your Visit:

  • Secure tickets and accommodations early.

  • Research transport options to Suzuka, as the circuit is located a short distance from major hubs like Nagoya.

• Explore Japan:

  • Extend your trip to experience the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Japan.

Conclusion

The 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is set to deliver thrilling racing and unforgettable memories. With its legendary track and unparalleled fan atmosphere, Suzuka remains one of the crown jewels of the Formula 1 calendar. Make sure to be part of the action from April 4-6!

Event Schedule

Fans can look forward to a thrilling lineup of activities across the weekend:

• Friday, March 21:

  • Practice sessions as teams gather crucial data to optimize car setups.

• Saturday, March 22:

  • Final practice session followed by qualifying to determine the grid positions.

• Sunday, March 23:

  • The main event—the Chinese Grand Prix.

Support events, including Formula 2 and other racing series, will add further excitement to the weekend.

Key Storylines

1. Tactical Challenges:

   • The Shanghai International Circuit is famous for its mix of long straights and technical corners, pushing drivers to their limits and challenging teams to strike a balance between speed and handling.

2. Driver Dynamics:

   • With the season already underway, rivalries and strategies will begin to take shape, offering fans a glimpse into how the championship battle might unfold.

3. New Beginnings:

   • Several teams have introduced new upgrades tailored to Shanghai’s demanding layout, aiming to capitalize on the circuit’s unique characteristics.

Fan Experience and Tickets

The Chinese Grand Prix is a highlight of the F1 calendar, blending cutting-edge racing with rich cultural experiences:

• Tickets:

  • Both general admission and premium seating options are available. Early booking is recommended as the event typically attracts massive crowds.

• Cultural Festivities:

  • Shanghai embraces its role as a host city with F1-themed activities, local cuisine, and entertainment options for visitors.

Shanghai International Circuit Insights

Designed by Hermann Tilke, the circuit is a marvel of modern engineering. The signature feature is its 1.2-kilometer back straight, one of the longest in F1, followed by a hairpin turn that often sets the stage for dramatic overtakes. Drivers and engineers must also navigate the circuit’s tight corners and variable grip levels.

How to Prepare

To fully enjoy the Chinese Grand Prix experience:

• Plan Your Trip:

  • Secure tickets and accommodations well in advance.

  • Familiarize yourself with transportation options to and from the circuit.

• Immerse Yourself in Shanghai:

  • Take time to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as The Bund and Yu Garden, alongside the Grand Prix festivities.

Conclusion

The 2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix promises to be an exhilarating race, offering fans a perfect blend of world-class motorsport and the vibrant culture of Shanghai. With the championship heating up, the Shanghai International Circuit is the ideal stage for another thrilling chapter in the Formula 1 season. Don’t miss the chance to witness this spectacle live from March 21-23!

Event Schedule

The weekend features a packed schedule, ensuring nonstop action for motorsport enthusiasts:

• Friday, March 14:

  • Practice sessions to help drivers fine-tune their cars and adapt to the track.

• Saturday, March 15:

  • Final practice session followed by the high-stakes qualifying rounds.

• Sunday, March 16:

  • The main event—the Australian Grand Prix race.

Additionally, support races, including the Formula 2 series, will add to the excitement, showcasing the next generation of racing talent.

Notable Highlights

1. Driver Debuts:

   • Australian driver Jack Doohan will make his highly anticipated F1 debut with Alpine F1 Team, competing on his home soil.

2. Team Shifts:

   • Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, is set to race for Ferrari for the first time, a strategic move that could reshape the championship battle.

3. Intense Competition:

   • Teams and drivers aim to start the season strong, with upgrades and strategies tailored to Albert Park’s unique challenges.

Fan Experience and Tickets

The Australian Grand Prix is renowned for its electric atmosphere and record-breaking attendance. Here are some key details for fans:

• Tickets:

  • General admission and grandstand tickets are selling fast. Early purchase is advised due to high demand.

• Event Expansion:

  • Organizers are exploring ways to integrate the race with Melbourne’s city life, featuring F1-themed activities, fan zones, and collaborations with local businesses.

Albert Park Circuit Updates

The circuit, known for its picturesque setting and challenging layout, remains a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Minor tweaks to the track and facilities ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

How to Prepare

To make the most of this spectacular event:

• Plan Ahead:

  • Secure your tickets and accommodation early.

  • Check for event schedules and updates on the official Australian Grand Prix website.

• Explore Melbourne:

  • Take advantage of the city’s vibrant culture, dining, and attractions.

Conclusion

The 2025 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is shaping up to be an unmissable event, blending world-class racing with a celebration of Melbourne’s unique charm. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or a casual enthusiast, this event promises an unforgettable start to the new season. Make sure to mark your calendars and join the excitement at Albert Park this March!

Milton Keynes, February 18, 2025 – Audi has signed a three-year deal to become the official sponsor of Sky Sports F1. The full channel sponsorship will cover a wide range of programming, including every practice, qualifying and race, as well as documentaries, analysis and features.

The multi-platform partnership begins on February 18, aligning with the F1 75 Live showcase where, for the first time ever, all 10 teams come together to unveil their 2025 liveries. Testing for the season begins in Bahrain on February 26 with the first race weekend in Australia starting March 14. Planned and brokered by Sky Media and Omnicom Media Group’s PHD, this new partnership encompasses all areas of the Sky Media ecosystem. It includes sponsorship across broadcast, Sky Sports digital platforms, with extension via Sky Advance, as well as coverage via Sky Sports social channels and the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

The 2024 season broke viewing records for Sky Sports, as close battles up and down the grid created an unpredictable and thrilling experience for fans. The British Grand Prix became the most-watched British GP ever. Additionally, video views across the YouTube channel, website, and app significantly increased.

Tony Moore, Head of Marketing at Audi UK, said: “Innovative engineering has always been an Audi trademark, especially embodied in our range of performance cars. We’re excited to launch our partnership with Sky Sports Formula 1, the perfect platform through which to celebrate Vorsprung durch Technik.”

Karin Seymour, Director of Client & Marketing at Sky Media, added: “Our partnership with Audi is truly multi-faceted. F1 has become one of the fastest-growing sports, with an increasingly diverse and engaged fan base driving record TV viewership and online engagement. As partners to Sky Sports F1, we’re helping Audi connect with this new wave of fans and be at the heart of the conversation.”

Tom Rovery, Partnerships Business Director at PHD, commented: “We are delighted to have extended Audi’s relationship with Sky Sports, in addition to our award-winning Innovation partnership. I’m confident that Audi & Sky Sports F1 will be a potent partnership of performance for years to come.”

Sky Sports is the home of F1 in the UK and Ireland until 2029, and is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session, and race, offering the best live coverage and expert analysis for both existing and new fans. The 2025 Formula 1 World Championship battle kicks off in Melbourne, Australia, from March 14-16.

The Earnings Behind the Legend

Hamilton’s wealth is primarily driven by his stellar Formula 1 career. In 2024, he earned a base salary of $55 million through his contract with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. His on-track success has been complemented by lucrative endorsement deals with global brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, and IWC, which added approximately $10 million to his annual income.

However, 2025 marks a new chapter in Hamilton’s career. His move to Ferrari, under a record-breaking two-year contract reportedly worth £363 million, has made him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history. This deal not only cements his place as a sporting icon but also significantly boosts his financial portfolio.

Beyond Racing: Investments and Ventures

Hamilton’s wealth isn’t confined to his racing career. He has made substantial investments in real estate, owning properties in some of the world’s most exclusive locations, including Monaco, New York, and London. His car collection, valued at over $40 million, features rare and iconic models like the 1995 McLaren F1 and a Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, showcasing his passion for automotive excellence.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Despite his immense wealth, Hamilton is deeply committed to giving back. He has donated £11 million to various charitable causes, with a significant focus on promoting diversity and inclusion. His initiative, Mission 44, aims to improve diversity within motorsport and education, reflecting his desire to leave a legacy beyond the racetrack.

The Road Ahead

As Hamilton embarks on his journey with Ferrari, his financial prospects are set to soar. The combination of a record-breaking contract, strategic investments, and ongoing endorsements positions him as a formidable figure in both the sporting and financial worlds.

Lewis Hamilton’s story is more than just a tale of speed and championships; it’s a narrative of how passion, skill, and business acumen can intersect to create a lasting legacy. With his career showing no signs of slowing down, the world will undoubtedly continue to watch as he pushes boundaries both on and off the track.