Formula 1 has been thrown into controversy yet again as drivers react furiously to a drastic rule change introduced ahead of the 2025 season. With just weeks before pre-season testing, the FIA has announced a significant adjustment to track limits enforcement, sparking outrage among the grid’s top stars. Meanwhile, fresh data from Ferrari’s simulator has hinted at Lewis Hamilton’s early lap times with the Italian team, leaving fans eager for the seven-time champion’s debut in red.
Drivers Outraged Over FIA’s Rule Change
The new rule, which takes a stricter stance on track limits violations, has caught teams and drivers off guard. According to FIA officials, any driver exceeding track limits more than twice during a race will face an automatic time penalty, removing the previous system that allowed warnings before punishment. This decision has been met with immediate backlash, as many drivers believe it will lead to inconsistent stewarding and unfair penalties.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, was among the most vocal critics, stating, “This is getting ridiculous. We already had too many penalties last year, and now they want to decide races based on millimeters? It’s frustrating and unnecessary.” Mercedes’ George Russell echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that “F1 should be about racing, not about counting pixels on a white line.”
While some teams have accepted the change as an attempt to ensure fairer compeтιтion, others worry that it will make racing too restrictive. Team principals from Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren have reportedly held discussions with the FIA, urging them to reconsider the decision before the season opener in Bahrain. However, as things stand, the governing body remains firm on implementing the new regulations.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Lap Times Shock The Paddock
Away from the controversy, excitement continues to build around Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has already spent time in Maranello, meeting engineers and familiarizing himself with the team’s operations. However, the biggest revelation came from Ferrari’s latest simulator runs, where Hamilton’s early lap times have reportedly stunned insiders.
According to sources close to Ferrari, Hamilton’s pace in the virtual SF-25 was “exceptionally quick,” immediately matching—or even surpᴀssing—Charles Leclerc’s runs in the same conditions. One engineer was quoted saying, “Lewis adapted to the car incredibly fast. His feedback is already proving valuable, and his times are at a top level.”
This early performance has fueled speculation that Ferrari could pose a serious challenge to Red Bull in 2025. With the team making significant progress in car development over the winter, Hamilton’s arrival appears to have injected a fresh wave of motivation. Ferrari CEO John Elkann has openly stated that “the goal is to bring the championship back to Maranello,” and with Hamilton’s experience, that dream may now be closer than ever
While Hamilton himself has remained тιԍнт-lipped about the specifics of his Ferrari runs, he did share his excitement in a recent interview. “It’s been an amazing experience so far. The team has welcomed me with open arms, and I’m excited for what’s ahead,” he said.
What’s Next?
With pre-season testing just around the corner, teams will soon get their first real look at how the 2025 cars perform on track. The FIA’s rule change remains a major talking point, and it wouldn’t be surprising if further protests emerge before the first race. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if their early promise translates into genuine race-winning potential.
One thing is certain—2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable season in Formula 1.
