The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be contested for a second edition, a race which exceptionally takes place on a Saturday. In addition to the concerns of the world title, there is a lot of noise in the corridors concerning the players in the paddock.
Even Lando Norris seems resigned and realistic in his quest for the world title, Max Verstappen has three match points in this triple header between Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. But behind the scenes in the paddock, many subjects are still on people's minds.
Echoes from the paddock in Las Vegas
LEGO and F1 unveil the 2025 set collection
LEGO and Formula 1 have announced a new range of LEGO sets, the result of a multi-year partnership. Scheduled for early 2025, this collection includes all ten F1 teams with LEGO DUPLO, LEGO CITY, LEGO Speed Champions and LEGO Collectibles series. In other words, LEGO collections for all ages. The LEGO City F1 range will offer six sets allowing you to recreate a complete Grand Prix weekend. Fans will be able to build transport trucks, team garages, and simulate key moments like the start or pit stops under pressure.
Toto Wolff does not rule out Bottas for the reserve position
Valtteri Bottas was not selected by Stake for 2025, the German-Swiss team will include Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto who will start next year. Which sidelines Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas. For the Finn, he could find refuge in his former team Mercedes, Toto Wolff also mentioned it.
According to Mervi Kallio, journalist for Viaplay, discussions are underway for a position as reserve driver and advisor to Toto Wolff. “They would very much like Bottas to come back to the family. He would be an excellent reserve driver,” she declared. Furthermore, rumors are also circulating about Bottas' potential participation in the World Endurance Championship in 2024. Mercedes-AMG would make its return to this category, in collaboration with the Italian team Iron Lynx in LMGT3, which could offer a another competitive opportunity for the Finnish driver.
A smell of Marijuana in Las Vegas
On Thursday evening, Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez was the first to report an unusual smell floating in the air around the Las Vegas circuit. “What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night,” said the Mexican. “I'm already a little fed up, the quantity is incredible. It's something that all drivers will surely talk about.” Although public consumption of marijuana is illegal in Nevada, retail sales are permitted at several licensed Las Vegas dispensaries. The products can be consumed in dedicated salons, but clearly, their use extends well beyond authorized places.
Young Williams driver Franco Colapinto confirmed the situation, joking about the possible consequences: “Yes, there's a smell of marijuana. If we do a drug test now, I think we'll all be positive, I swear.”
Cadillac on the grid in 2026?
The subject was discussed in Las Vegas, the candidacy of Andretti-Cadillac could be accepted for 2026. A subject which we have already spoken about, but the interest of General Motors would be growing to the point of naming the team simply Cadillac. An agreement is reportedly in the works for the new team to join Formula 1 in 2026 under the name Cadillac and not Andretti, with its own engine by 2028.
Meanwhile, a collaboration with Honda to supply engines seems most likely, although newspaper Corriere della Sera suggests Ferrari would be well positioned for this partnership. Dutch journalist Nelson Valkenburg (Ziggo Sport) revealed that the first official communications on the matter should arrive next week, while the teams have yet to be formally informed.
Nyck de Vries, reserve at McLaren?
While the Dutchman Nyck de Vries was unable to keep his seat in F1, he drives full-time in Formula E and the FIA WEC. But he could re-enter the F1 paddock again (if not driving one). McLaren CEO Zak Brown confirmed to Viaplay that de Vries is being considered for a major role in 2025, potentially as a reserve driver to replace Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto.
“It went very well. Nyck has a long history with McLaren, he started with us. We are testing several drivers as part of our TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) program, and Nyck is one of them. We are looking for drivers for the simulator, tire tests or even track tests. Nyck is a great talent. We wanted to re-evaluate him, and he did an excellent job. Asked about the next steps regarding de Vries' future with McLaren, Brown concluded:
“We will probably have more information by the end of the year.”
Zhou, reservist at Scuderia Ferrari?
Zhou Guanyu could join Ferrari as a reserve driver. “I will try to stay in Formula 1. It is now crucial to choose correctly which team to cooperate with as a reserve driver. Nothing has been decided yet, but several teams are interested in me.”
Colapinto, holder in 2025?
Rumors are numerous regarding the tenure of Franco Colapinto for 2025, some see Red Bull Racing offering him the seat of Sergio Pérez. But the Argentinian tempers these rumors. “My manager is in discussions with James Vowles”he explained. “I don't really know what my future looks like, but if I don't have a cockpit in 2025, I want to come back in 2026 at the latest. Whatever happens, I want to race in 2025 to stay active. James and my manager is currently exploring all available options.”
Pérez distances himself from his father's homophobic statements
Sergio Pérez has publicly disapproved of homophobic comments made by his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, against former F1 driver and journalist Ralf Schumacher. As a reminder, Pérez Senior had criticized Schumacher for his statements about his son's future at Red Bull, mixing personal remarks with his recently revealed sexual orientation. “There is a driver turned journalist who first said Checo was already out of Red Bull”declared Pérez Garibay. “The following week, he came out. I don't know if he was in love with Checo. A lot of strange things are happening. We don't know anymore if he's a journalist, a woman or a man.”
The comments sparked criticism, including a response from Schumacher on social media. “I would also support my son 100%, that’s what a father does,” replied Schumacher. “For the style I would do differently, but we know Mr. Pérez and his emotions. I am not angry with him, but I believe that the results on the track are a better argument.”
Asked about this subject in Las Vegas, Sergio Pérez clearly expressed his disagreement with his father: "First of all, I disagree with his comments," he told Sky Sports News. “I think he made a mistake on this. I don't share any of his opinions, but I can't control what he says, only what I say.” Pérez stressed the importance for the sport of maintaining rivalries on the track: “It’s important as a sport to show that whatever happens on the track, stays on the track. We must always be an example to the world.“
Zandvoort, Spa, Imola and Barcelona in a circuit rotation plan in Europe?
After the confirmation of the Monaco Grand Prix until 2031, its place on the calendar should instead be held in June to organize a summer European tour. Canada will be moved forward in May to connect with Miami. But, certain grand prix in Europe could be in danger, at least in their systematic presence on the calendar. A rotation of circuits was even mentioned by Stefano Domenicali admitting on several occasions that some current grands prix may only have to host a race once every two years in the near future.
Michel Boeri (president of the Automobile Club of Monaco) said: “Not only will many other European grands prix disappear, but those that remain will be in this alternation. I believe that with the current demand of F1, there will only be two or three grands prix left in Europe, with interest shifting towards China and other continents.” According to the latest rumors, Zandvoort as well as Spa-Francorchamps, Barcelona and Imola are among the current races most likely to have to alternate.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort's current contract with F1 ends after next year's edition. Speculation suggests organizers are particularly worried that Max Verstappen's possible departure from F1 will make the event untenable. When asked if Zandvoort was forced to consider a race rotation system, van Overdijk replied to Dutch magazine Formula 1: “We only have one discussion partner and it’s the FOM. It’s a rumour”he added.
