The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to kick off with the opening practice session for the Australian Grand Prix in the United States on Thursday night. Following this, the season will feature five consecutive races in Australia and Asia before moving on to Miami in May for the first of three races in the United States. Here are the key points to keep in mind as Max Verstappen aims to defend his title for the fourth consecutive season.
Max Verstappen’s Pursuit of History:
Max Verstappen is on track to potentially match Michael Schumacher’s record of winning five consecutive F1 titles. Schumacher remains the only driver to achieve this feat, securing his titles from 2000 to 2004 with Ferrari dominating the sport during that era. Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title in 2024, showcasing his prowess despite facing challenges from other teams. While he may not have been as dominant as in previous seasons, Verstappen’s determination and skill shone through, culminating in a strong finish to the season.
McLaren’s Rise and Competition:
In the wake of Red Bull’s struggles, McLaren emerged as a strong contender in the 2024 season. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showcased their speed and talent, securing wins for the team. As the new season approaches, McLaren appears to maintain its competitive edge based on preseason testing results. However, Ferrari and Mercedes are expected to mount strong challenges, potentially closing the gap in the constructor’s race. Red Bull, with newcomer Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s teammate, also remains a team to watch out for.
Lewis Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari:
The much-anticipated move of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari has come to fruition after over a year of speculation. Hamilton, the most successful driver in F1 history, now finds himself in the iconic Ferrari red, transitioning from his dominant tenure with Mercedes. Despite facing challenges in recent seasons, Hamilton has shown promising signs during preseason testing with Ferrari and is eager to make a strong comeback. His presence adds further excitement to the unfolding season.
It is not unreasonable to anticipate some victories in 2025. Lewis Hamilton is expected to have a more consistently fast car with Ferrari, making him a potential title contender. While the odds may suggest he is a favorite, they could be somewhat exaggerated. A F1-record eighth title for Hamilton in 2025 would be a remarkable achievement and would validate his decision to switch teams. The upcoming season will see the debut of five rookies in the field, including Lawson, Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, and Isack Hadjar. Lawson and Antonelli are seen as having the best chances to win a race this year. Williams has shown promising speed in preseason testing with Carlos Sainz, indicating they may be a team to watch in the midfield battle. As the top four teams are expected to be McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, the competition for fifth place will likely involve Alpine, Aston Martin, and Williams, with Red Bull and Haas also in the mix. Some teams may prioritize the 2026 season, which will introduce new rules, over the current season’s performance. This strategic approach reflects the teams’ focus on long-term development beyond the 2025 season.
