F1 Today: Ferrari Urged to Heed Hamilton, Red Bull Under EU Investigation, F1 Season Extended

Ferrari is being advised to listen to Lewis Hamilton's input to turn their fortunes around, while Red Bull faces a new antitrust investigation from the European Commission. Meanwhile, the 2025 Formula 1 season will be extended by a mandatory post-season Pirelli tire test in Abu Dhabi, requiring all teams to postpone their holidays.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's struggles, culminating in a double DNF at the Brazilian Grand Prix, highlight the urgent need for strategic changes. Hamilton's arrival was expected to inject new momentum, but recent events suggest internal misalignment. For Red Bull, the antitrust investigation threatens to disrupt its market dominance and could lead to significant penalties, impacting its broader business operations beyond F1. The extended F1 season underscores the evolving demands on teams and drivers, pushing the limits of an already intense schedule.

The details:

• Hamilton's Influence at Ferrari: Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lewis Hamilton could become "unstoppable" with Ferrari if the team heeds his advice. This comes after Ferrari Chairman John Elkann suggested drivers should "talk less," a sentiment Montoya argues is counterproductive if it means ignoring Hamilton's feedback.
  • Hamilton's Frustration: Montoya suggests Hamilton feels he is putting in more effort than Ferrari is reciprocating, leading to frustration. He believes that with the right tools and renewed motivation, Hamilton's competitive drive would make him formidable.
• Red Bull's EU Investigation: The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into Red Bull for allegedly restricting competition in the energy drink market.
  • Allegations: Regulators suspect Red Bull has implemented a Europe-wide strategy to limit competition from rivals, especially those selling products larger than 250ml, with a particular focus on the Netherlands.
  • Previous Actions: This follows raids in 2023 based on allegations from rival brand Monster Energy. The European Union's competition commissioner, Teresa Ribera, stated the investigation aims to determine if these practices are keeping prices high and limiting consumer choice.
• 2025 F1 Season Extension: The 2025 Formula 1 season will conclude two days after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a mandatory Pirelli tire test, requiring participation from all F1 teams.
  • Initial Expectations: It was initially thought there would be no post-season tests due to the significant technical regulation overhaul for the 2026 season, which would seemingly render current-generation car testing irrelevant.
  • Test Requirements: Both rookies, participating in the Young Driver Test, and current Grand Prix drivers, for the Pirelli tire test, are required to take part.

The big picture:

Ferrari's long-standing quest for F1 dominance hinges on its ability to integrate top talent like Hamilton effectively. The friction between driver input and team strategy could either be a catalyst for change or a source of ongoing frustration. Red Bull's legal battles outside of F1 illustrate the complex pressures on major sporting entities, where commercial practices face intense scrutiny. The extended F1 calendar, with mandatory post-season testing, signifies the sport's relentless evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries for technological development and driver preparation, even as it impacts team logistics and personnel.

What's next:

Ferrari will need to decide whether to fully embrace Hamilton's experience and insights to optimize their 2026 car development, or risk further internal discord. The European Commission's investigation into Red Bull is expected to proceed, with potential implications for the company's market strategies and financial health, while Red Bull will need to mount a robust defense. For F1 teams, the mandatory Pirelli test will add another logistical challenge to the already packed schedule, as they balance immediate season wrap-up with crucial preparations for the upcoming regulation changes.