As the 2025 Formula 1 season looms, the paddock is buzzing with intrigue and anticipation. Two major storylines have emerged from recent developments: a stark warning issued to Red Bull junior driver Yuki Tsunoda and whispers of Ferrari sandbagging during pre-season testing in Bahrain. With Lewis Hamilton’s feedback on the new SF25 adding fuel to the fire, rival teams like Red Bull and McLaren are reportedly growing wary of Ferrari’s true pace. Here’s a deep dive into what’s unfolding in the world of F1 as the season approaches.

Let’s start with Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver entering his fifth year with Red Bull’s junior team, now known as RB. Since joining the program, Tsunoda has shown flashes of brilliance, consistently outperforming teammates like Nick de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Liam Lawson in recent seasons. His 2024 campaign was particularly notable, as he held his own against seasoned competition. Despite this, Tsunoda missed out on a promotion to Red Bull’s main team for 2025, with the seat alongside Max Verstappen going to Liam Lawson after Sergio Perez’s departure. Tsunoda’s performance in the post-season Abu Dhabi test with Red Bull earned him positive feedback, but it wasn’t enough to secure the coveted spot.

Now, Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has issued a blunt warning to the 24-year-old driver. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Marko emphasized that Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 hinges on his ability to dominate his new teammate, rookie Isack Hadjar, who has been promoted from Formula 2. “He has to show it himself,” Marko said, pointing out Hadjar’s youthful speed as a benchmark. “If he’s doing well, then there’s a future. If not, then maybe there’s no more chance in F1 for him.” The pressure is on for Tsunoda, but given his experience and past performances—such as outpacing Pierre Gasly early in his career—many believe he has the edge over Hadjar, who will likely need time to adapt to the demands of F1. Still, Marko’s words underscore the ruthless nature of Red Bull’s driver program, where results are everything.

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s pre-season testing in Bahrain has sent ripples through the paddock, with rival teams questioning whether the Italian squad is hiding its true potential. According to a report from Italian publication AutoRacer, Ferrari’s test program was meticulously designed to understand the SF25’s new mechanical platform, particularly its response to setup changes and tire management. The team introduced a significant change for 2025: a switch to a pull-rod front suspension. This design tweak offers benefits like improved weight distribution, a lower center of gravity, reduced drag, and enhanced cornering ability—potentially unlocking better aerodynamic performance. However, it’s a new system for Ferrari, and the team is still fine-tuning its setup, as the inverted pull-rod suspension demands a deeper mechanical understanding.

Despite a technical glitch that cut Lewis Hamilton’s running short on the third day of testing, Ferrari reportedly gathered valuable data during the first two days, focusing on long runs and mileage accumulation. AutoRacer noted that the SF25 performed as expected, with a stronger front end, though optimization is still needed. Intriguingly, Ferrari’s program in Bahrain wasn’t geared toward outright pace, except for brief bursts of performance that caught the eye of rival teams. This has led to speculation of sandbagging—a tactic where teams deliberately downplay their speed to keep competitors guessing.

Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc provided complementary feedback, describing the SF25 as “not slow” but in need of refinement to unlock its full potential. AutoRacer also revealed that Ferrari’s aerodynamic data showed no significant discrepancies, suggesting a solid foundation for further development. However, what’s really turning heads is the reaction from Red Bull and McLaren. According to the publication, Red Bull expressed disappointment with its own testing performance and views Ferrari as the closest challenger to McLaren. Some within Red Bull believe Ferrari has been “playing hide and seek” with its true pace, while McLaren reportedly stated, “We don’t trust Ferrari at all.” This suspicion hints at a growing unease among Ferrari’s rivals, who fear the SF25 could be a dark horse when the season kicks off.

As Formula 1 heads into 2025, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Tsunoda, this season is a make-or-break moment to secure his place in the sport. For Ferrari, the whispers of sandbagging and Hamilton’s integration into the team add an extra layer of intrigue. Are they truly holding back, or are Red Bull and McLaren overestimating their rival’s potential? One thing is certain: the upcoming season promises drama, speed, and surprises at every turn. What do you think—will Tsunoda rise to the challenge, and is Ferrari poised to dominate? Let the speculation continue as we count down to the first race of the year.