F1 Today | Leclerc's warning, risky '25 for Russell, respectful Verstappen

The F1 world is waking up slowly but surely. The winter break is almost over and another F1 season waits just around the corner, which cannot come soon enough for its fans. GPBlog brings the most relevant F1 news of the day in its daily round up.

Jacky Ickx, former Ferrari driver himself, has stated that marketing is "probably" among the reasons why the Italian team let Carlos Sainz go to make room for Lewis Hamilton. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc also commented on the Spaniard's departure from Ferrari and were in agreement that both would miss him fighting at the front, whilst being sure that it wouldn't be for long, since Williams could very well climb up the order with Sainz' input.

Leclerc also issued a warning to the Scuderia's competitors, citing "execution" and Ferrari's development as the reason behind their strong 2024. Frederic Vasseur, the Italian team's boss, has set a limit on the 2025 season's car development program, and Hamilton's engineer is rumoured to be the same as Sebastian Vettel's and Carlos Sainz's during their tenure at the Scuderia.

Fellow four time world champion, Alain Prost, has complimented Max Verstappen on being 'respectful' on track and states that the Dutchman "doesn't cheat". Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing's Chief, has also complimented his star driver on a "champion's drive" and celebrated Honda's partnership with Red Bull on its last year before Ford joins forces with the Milton Keynes' based team and Honda partners Aston Martin. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's Chief Advisor, has stated that Andrea Kimi Antonelli's promotion to Mercedes' F1 team is not without risk, particularly for George Russell.

McLaren team boss, Andrea Stella has been lyrical over Gil de Ferran's humane qualities, describing him as a "great racer" and revealing how important the late Brazilian was for him and McLaren to be able to reshape the team's culture to one of success which was cemented by their 2024 Constructors' championship win.