Red Formula 1 car on a track, heading towards the camera

Fiona Mansell

The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. We can expect some close battles on track, new talents and established drivers aiming for historic achievements.

The fans are ready for drama, unpredictability, and high-octane racing. Let’s take a closer look at the key moments that could make the 2025 season unforgettable. 

A Close Battle Between Drivers and Constructors

This season will likely see one of the closest title fights in recent years.

Since the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022, the teams have been slowly adapting their cars. 2025 will be the year these machines reach their full potential.

These ongoing developments make the grid more competitive than ever, and Martin Brundle predicts it will be “too close to call.”

Fans can expect thrilling battles throughout the season.

Red Bull: Max Verstappen

Cracks had begun to appear within Red Bull last year, allowing several drivers from other teams to secure wins. Despite an underperforming car, Max Verstappen had a strong season.

Verstappen’s dominance in recent years has been undeniable. This year, he will want to secure his fifth World Championship and secure his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Even with new competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and potentially others, Verstappen’s consistency and relentless drive will make him a favourite heading into the season.

Will Red Bull provide him with the best chances to fight his strengthening competition and secure his fifth Drivers Championship?

“It is an interesting choice from the Red Bull junior team”

His new teammate, Liam Lawson, being new to Formula 1 may not help Red Bulls’ hopes to secure another Constructors Championship. It is an interesting choice from the Red Bull junior team with many fans supporting the decision to promote Yuko Tsuonda instead.

The pressure of Red Bull’s success and being one of Verstappen’s teammates is a story that hasn’t ended well for many.

Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc 

Ferrari, fresh off a turbulent few seasons, has seen its fortunes improve.

The arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the Scuderia is a major talking point. A move that shocked fans last year.

Hamilton is aiming to secure an unprecedented 8th World Championship.  He has already shown confidence in Ferrari’s capabilities ahead of this year and said he believes “this team has absolutely everything to win.”

The former world champion is familiar with what a world championship-winning team looks like. Therefore, his confidence should not be ignored.

Hamilton’s wealth of experience and knowledge will be an asset to the team.

However, after struggles in qualifying last year, could his talented teammate, Charles Leclerc, be Ferraris’s best hope for a drivers’ championship this year?

Hamilton’s presence could lead to a fierce intra-team battle with Ferrari’s homegrown star. Leclerc will be eager to challenge the veteran in hopes of his own championship win.

The dynamic between the two will be one to watch closely as the season unfolds.

McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri  

McLaren is entering with high expectations after winning the 2024 Constructor’s Championship. The team has shown impressive development and is confident they can maintain their dominance.

The key focus for the team is learning from strategic mistakes last year, like Monza and Silverstone. This will ensure they’re fully prepared for the season ahead. 

Lando Norris has emerged as one of the fan and bookies’ favourites heading into the 2025 season after a standout performance in 2024.

Norris’ confidence and maturity have grown significantly, with his resilience in high-pressure situations proving his potential as a future world champion.

He’s shown this after dominating races like Abu Dhabi and has said there are “no excuses” not to succeed this year.

With McLaren’s strong performance improvements, Norris’ blend of skill, experience and hunger for success makes him a top contender. 

“McLaren’s challenge will be balancing two drivers who are hungry to win”

Oscar Piastri has also proved himself an asset and a talent with his first two wins in his second F1 season.

The team has made it clear they won’t designate a number 1 driver after numerous mentions of “papaya rules” throughout 2024. It’s also clear that both drivers want to be competing for the championship.

McLaren’s challenge will be balancing two drivers who are hungry to win while keeping the team unified.

The Rise of the Rookies: New Talent Ready to Impress

This year six exciting rookies will get their chance to shine.

Among them is Ollie Bearman, who has already shown his potential by stepping in as a reserve driver for both Haas and Ferrari in 2024. His performances during those tests, coupled with his impressive results in junior categories, make him one to watch in 2025. 

Another highly anticipated talent is Kimi Antonelli, a rising star with immense potential. He will replace Hamilton at Mercedes, who has said he is “super talented.” His blend of maturity and raw talent could make an immediate impact.

“These new faces will challenge the veterans”

There are also other young drivers, such as Issak Hadjar and Gabrielle Bortelleto, who will be looking to make a name for themselves.

With so many talented rookies in the mix, 2025 could see a shift in the established pecking order. These new faces will challenge the veterans and prove that the future of Formula 1 is in good hands.

The Verdict

The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the hardest to predict in recent memory.

While some teams may rise to dominance, the unpredictability of driver performances and unforeseen breakthroughs in car development could easily sway the championship in surprising directions.

This season will be a thrilling rollercoaster where anything could happen. The only certainty is that the competition will be fierce.

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Featured image courtesy of Joe McGowan on Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.

Fiona is now undergoing a master's degree in 'Visual Journalism' in Cardiff after recently graduating with first-class honours in 'Performance and Media.' Most of her writing focuses on her passion for motorsport.

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