Lewis Hamilton declared ‘back in the game’; As Audi complete €600m deal – round-up

    Lewis Hamilton ‘Back in Action’ as Audi Finalizes €600M Sauber Deal – Latest F1 Developments and Insights

Is Lewis Hamilton rediscovering his championship-winning form? Can Max Verstappen justify the expense of an entire Formula 1 team? What lies ahead for Sauber under new management? These pressing questions dominate the F1 landscape as the 2025 season gears up, and we’ve got all the latest details in this comprehensive F1 news roundup for January 18, 2025.

     F1 News: Ferrari’s New Chapter with Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, has publicly declared that Lewis Hamilton is “back in action” following his dramatic switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season. This move, which sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, marks a significant shift in Hamilton’s career as he embarks on a new chapter with one of the sport’s most iconic teams.

Vigna lauded Hamilton’s recent New Year’s message on LinkedIn, calling it “beautiful” and viewing it as a testament to Hamilton’s adaptability and openness to embrace a new culture at a mature phase of his career. This message, posted in both English and Italian, emphasized Hamilton’s excitement and determination to thrive within the Ferrari setup.

Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is seen by many as an opportunity for rejuvenation, both for the driver and the team. After a challenging season with Mercedes in 2024, where Hamilton struggled to find his usual dominance, the move to Ferrari presents a fresh start. The Scuderia, under Vigna’s leadership, is hopeful that Hamilton’s presence will inspire a resurgence, potentially propelling the team back to the forefront of the championship battle.

      F1 News: Audi Completes Full Takeover of Sauber

In another groundbreaking development, Audi has confirmed the completion of its €600 million acquisition of the Sauber team, solidifying its place in Formula 1 ahead of the 2025 season. This takeover is a strategic move by the German automotive giant, setting the stage for their official entry into F1 under the new regulations that will come into effect in 2026.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Audi, as they aim to leverage Sauber’s existing infrastructure and expertise to establish themselves as a competitive force in F1. The deal, which has been in the works since Audi announced its intentions in 2022, underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the sport and its vision of becoming a key player in the new era of F1.

With this takeover, Sauber is expected to undergo substantial changes, including a rebranding under the Audi name, which will bring a fresh identity and potentially new ambitions. The integration of Audi’s cutting-edge technology and resources is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance, making them a formidable contender in the coming seasons.

#### The Future of Formula 1

As the 2025 season approaches, these developments highlight the evolving dynamics within Formula 1. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and Audi’s entrance signal a period of transformation, where established norms are being challenged, and new rivalries are set to emerge. The sport’s landscape is shifting, and fans can expect an exciting mix of veteran talent and innovative newcomers reshaping the competition.

Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari will be closely watched, as he seeks to add to his already illustrious career by bringing glory to the Italian marque. Meanwhile, Audi’s foray into F1 could disrupt the traditional power structures, bringing fresh excitement and unpredictability to the grid.

Stay tuned as we continue to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of these major changes, and how they will influence the future of Formula 1.