F1 Team Announces Driver Lineup Change for 2025 Season
A notable shift is set to occur in the Formula 1 grid as a team has confirmed a change in its driver lineup for the upcoming 2025 season. This reshuffle follows a series of high-profile races and mounting speculation about driver performances, particularly after the recent Mexican Grand Prix. With only one seat left open at Sauber for the 2025 season, this announcement adds another layer of intrigue to what could be a transformative year for F1.
The pressure on Red Bull’s current lineup has been intensifying after Sergio Perez’s recent struggles on the track, including a disappointing 17th-place finish in Mexico. Despite his earlier contract extension, Perez’s place at Red Bull has become uncertain as the team reportedly considers VCARB star Liam Lawson as a potential replacement. Lawson’s possible promotion to Red Bull would create an opening at VCARB, fueling speculation that Williams driver Franco Colapinto could be a strong candidate to fill the vacant spot.
Meanwhile, the VCARB team has confirmed a change for its 2025 F1 Academy lineup. Brazilian-born Rafaela Ferreira has been selected to join the all-female racing series, replacing Amna Al Qubaisi as the VCARB-supported driver. Ferreira, who made history as the first woman to score pole position in the Copa Brasil de Kart in 2022, has shown consistent talent with podium finishes at the F4 Brazilian Championship throughout the current season.
Laurent Mekies, the VCARB team principal, expressed enthusiasm for Ferreira’s addition to the team, highlighting her as a “rising Brazilian talent” and underscoring VCARB’s commitment to advancing women’s motorsport. Mekies noted that the F1 Academy’s debut season has generated substantial attention for women in racing, aiming to inspire future generations of female drivers.
This lineup change not only emphasizes VCARB’s role in nurturing new talent but also marks an important moment in their journey to foster diversity within motorsport. The addition of Ferreira reflects the team’s dedication to building a globally influential platform for emerging female racers.
