Racing Bulls and Sauber F1 rookies in action at Imola

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Racing Bulls and Sauber are set to ignite their preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season this week with testing sessions at Imola’s Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

The multi-day event will serve as a critical opportunity for both teams to integrate their new driver lineups while working within the FIA’s stricter Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) guidelines.

Racing Bulls will begin their three-day program on Tuesday, fielding the 2023 AT04, a relic of its AlphaTauri days, to help Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar acclimate to the season ahead.

Debutants in Action

Tsunoda’s experience will be invaluable as Hadjar embarks on his maiden F1 campaign, with the young Frenchman keen to impress as a top-tier driver.

The AT04 may be two years out of competitive relevance, but for Hadjar, it represents a crucial step in understanding the intricate demands of Formula 1 machinery while gaining further experience with his RB crews.

Saber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

Sauber will join the track action on Wednesday, bringing out its 2022 C42 for another new pairing: veteran Nico Hülkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

The German driver, known for his consistency and technical feedback, will mentor Bortoleto as the Brazilian – the reigning FIA F2 champion – steps up to F1.

Having worked with the team during the Abu Dhabi post-season test, both drivers are already familiar with the structure and systems at Sauber, ensuring a smoother transition into race preparations.

Read also: Ferrari details Hamilton’s day of ‘total immersion’ in Maranello

Unfortunately, the forecast predicts rain for the latter two days in Emilia Romagna, adding an extra layer of complexity for the rookies.

For Racing Bulls and Sauber, though, Imola represents the first test of what promises to be a thrilling 2025 campaign.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will make his grand debut in red on Wednesday at Fiorano, following his simulator work and seat fitting at Ferrari on Tuesday and his official introduction to the team on Monday at Maranello.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.