I completely missed Dakkar this year

I don't know what happened but Dakkar completely slipped my mind this year. 

What kind of motorsports fan am I?

Well, they never show the trucks enough for my liking anyway so I guess I didn't miss too much. Next year I'll pay more attention though.

Lewis Hamilton Reveals Striking Yellow Helmet For 2025 Season With Ferrari

 

(si.com 1-22-25)

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has shared his striking yellow crash helmet for the 2025 season with the Maranello outfit. The seven-time world champion sported a fluorescent yellow color lid last year with Mercedes. Now though, the bright yellow color matches the Ferrari logo and complements his red racing overalls.

Hamilton's historic arrival at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters on Monday, January 20, captured widespread attention. Welcomed warmly by Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, team principal Fred Vasseur, and chairman John Elkann, Hamilton also received an enthusiastic reception from the Tifosi, who gathered outside to catch a glimpse of him.

Day 2 was reportedly spent testing on Ferrari's simulator to prepare for his first track outing on Day 3. The car used for Hamilton’s track session is believed to be the 2022 F1-75, although some reports suggest it might be the SF-23 from the 2023 season.

Bearing his iconic number 44 under the Testing of Previous Cars regulations, the sleek red Ferrari was likely fitted with wet tires for the session. A social media video showcases Hamilton in red with his new crash helmet, braving the cold weather as he swiftly got to doing what he does best.

Fans have been eager to catch the track action at Fiorano, and many reportedly stationed themselves in the woods around the track from Tuesday itself to spot him on Wednesday morning, while around 200 people were on the bridge overlooking the track that gave them a bird's-eye view of the circuit.

Hamilton's arrival at Maranello on Monday comes nearly a year after he made the bombshell announcement about signing with Ferrari on February 1, 2024. Admitting that his Ferrari joining is a dream come true, the 40-year-old driver stated:

"There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver, is one of those days. I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today. 

"I’m incredibly grateful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, Fred Vasseur and everyone at Ferrari for their trust in me and making me part of this family. I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation and the fans.

"Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together."

https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/lewis-hamilton-receives-600-000-gift-from-sponsor-after-ferrari-move-01jk8amfht8g

2025 Chevy Equinox in Cacti Green

 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek in Alpine Green

I don't have high hopes for this relationship

So, Lewis Hamilton showed up for his official first day of work the other day at Ferrari. Of course it was just one big photo op with lots of shaking of hands and a few courtesy phrases in Italian thrown out to the mechanics.

But right from the get go I had a bad feeling that this relationship is not going to work out. 

Now, I would love to see Ferrari on top again, I think it would be great for F1. Actually, it would be better for F1 if Haas, Williams, or Alpine were on top of the leader board but, if Ferrari could get there it would still be great. Verstappen is getting annoying and it would be cool to see Hamilton make a come back.

But, what is up with the clothes? Seriously, this doesn't scream "let's roll up our sleeves and get to work and win some races."

This screams to me "I'm more interested in fashion than getting my hands dirty.”

C'mon, what is up with the coat just gently placed over the shoulders? I know, it's Italy and it's all about the silk suits and silk ties. 

But I want good racing, not fragile egos.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. But I'm already turning up my nose at this.

2025 VW Taos in Bright Moss Green

 

2024 VW Taos in Cornflower Blue