At the end of the 2024 F1 season, we were all filled with excitement for the new season. The main reason, of course, was the decline in Red Bull’s performance after their 2023 dominance and McLaren’s victory in the Constructors’ Championship. Additionally, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari made us even more curious about the 2025 season. This year is also crucial as it marks the last season before the 2026 regulation changes, giving us insight into how teams will shape their future strategies.
The Championship Battle
For the first time in years, Red Bull will not start the season as the favorite, after finishing third in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. However, Max Verstappen remains the strongest contender for the Drivers’ Championship, although his path to victory will not be as smooth as in previous years. Red Bull is also entering a new phase with a new driver lineup and their first season without Adrian Newey. The key question is how much they can improve the RB21—or whether they might adopt a completely different concept. No matter what, Red Bull’s performance will be the biggest factor in this season’s championship battle. Additionally, the performance of Liam Lawson, who replaces Sergio Perez, will play a critical role in the Constructors’ Championship. Last season’s Constructors’ Champion, McLaren, will aim not only to defend their title but also to win the Drivers’ Championship. However, their biggest challenge remains how they start the season. In recent years, McLaren has often struggled with an underperforming car at the start, only to improve later. If that happens again, they may end up on the losing side by the season’s end. Internally, Piastri’s potential to challenge Norris could create tensions within the team, but regardless, McLaren will remain a strong contender. Over at Ferrari, the biggest headline is, of course, Hamilton’s surprising move to the Scuderia. Both Hamilton and Ferrari share the same goal: to win the championship after years of waiting. Whether that happens this season or in the future remains to be seen, but what unfolds this year will provide key insights into Ferrari’s long-term prospects. Perhaps the long-awaited championship will arrive sooner than expected. After all, Ferrari lost the 2024 Constructors’ title in the final race, proving that they are already in a competitive position. If they enter a title fight, the biggest question will be who leads the team—Hamilton’s experience and legacy make him a strong candidate, but Leclerc will fight for his championship ambitions. With arguably the best driver pairing on the grid, Ferrari will be the strongest challenger for the Constructors’ Championship—as long as the car delivers. Ultimately, the biggest deciding factor for the championship will be Red Bull’s performance.
The Rest of the Grid
While they may not be title favorites, Mercedes remains a key player in the F1 competition. Their biggest surprise this season was choosing Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement. Meanwhile, George Russell has been promoted to the lead driver role, a position he has proven himself worthy of in recent years. Antonelli is expected to be one of F1’s future stars, with many believing he could become the next Max Verstappen. Another team to watch is Aston Martin, thanks to Adrian Newey’s arrival and their recent investments. However, concerns remain about their driver lineup—while Alonso is still an exceptional driver, his age raises questions about his long-term performance. For now, Aston Martin remains a team with great potential. Another major storyline is Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams. Over the past two seasons, Williams has shown signs of progress, with Albon consistently overperforming while his teammates struggled. Now, with a strong driver pairing and a promising car, Williams could finally break out of the lower grid and compete in the midfield. This season is also shaping up to be a “Rookie Season”, featuring the debuts of Bortoleto, Doohan, Hadjar, and Bearman, along with Liam Lawson’s first full season. The battle for the best-performing rookie will be an exciting storyline to follow. Beyond that, Ocon and Hulkenberg have also joined new teams, and their performances will be crucial for Haas and Kick Sauber.
Closing Thoughts
If everything goes as planned, this will be the longest season in F1 history. With so many variables at play, it is impossible to predict what will happen—teams that start strong could fade, while underperformers could rise later in the season. The unpredictability factor is higher than ever, making this season one of the most thrilling in recent memory. While we expect a three-way championship battle, the real question is: which team will rise to the occasion? We can’t wait to find out.