Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton thrilled fans at a Ferrari street show in Milan on March 6. The Formula 1 cars returned to the track on Friday for the first practice session of the 2025 season, which kicks off this weekend with a race in Melbourne, Australia. Anticipation is running high following Red Bull’s loss of dominance last season, which shook up the field and introduced a new level of unpredictability not seen in over a decade. This season has the potential to be a thrilling one, with the chance to either elevate a current legend or crown a new champion, while also showcasing the next generation of F1 stars.
Building off the momentum from the end of the previous season in December, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive championship title, with McLaren’s Lando Norris mounting a late challenge. McLaren claimed the constructors’ championship, pushing Red Bull down to third behind Ferrari.
Here are four key storylines to keep an eye on in the upcoming season:
1. Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari colors: After much speculation, Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has made the bold move to drive for Ferrari in pursuit of an eighth title. The allure of the iconic red team is strong, with many seeing it as the pinnacle of an F1 career. However, success is not guaranteed, as Ferrari has not captured a drivers’ championship since 2007. Hamilton will face tough competition from teammate Charles Leclerc, who is hungry for his own title.
2. Verstappen’s reign in jeopardy: Red Bull’s dominance faltered last season, and Verstappen’s chances of continued success appear uncertain as he expressed doubts about his team’s readiness. This creates an exciting opportunity for McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes drivers to challenge for wins.
3. Breakout successes and rivalries: The 2024 season saw Norris claim his first victories and secure McLaren’s first championship in over two decades. With drivers from different teams showing promising pace in preseason testing, the competition is shaping up to be fierce.
4. A season of unpredictability: With the field more evenly matched than in recent years, fans can expect thrilling races and potential upsets throughout the season.
The stage is set for an exhilarating Formula 1 season, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the drama unfolds on the track.
The driver market for the 2025 Formula 1 season is filled with excitement and anticipation. Charles Leclerc is feeling confident about his car and upcoming races as he aims for his first championship. His young teammate, Oscar Piastri, has already shown promise with two wins. Meanwhile, at Mercedes, George Russell has emerged as a standout performer, winning twice and establishing himself as a leader.
Over the past decade, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have dominated the world drivers’ championships, but could 2025 mark the beginning of a new era in Formula 1?
The upcoming season sees the arrival of six rookies, including 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is described as a prodigy and will be taking over Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes. Each rookie is eager to make their mark, with goals ranging from having a clean weekend to establishing themselves as a force on the track.
Among the rookies are Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, and Jack Doohan, all poised to showcase their talent in different teams. The changing lineup across teams adds an element of intrigue to the upcoming season, with fans eagerly anticipating the battles within teams.
The driver market is also heating up with the anticipation of new regulations in 2026 and the addition of the 11th team, Cadillac F1, in partnership with Andretti Global. High-profile drivers like Russell and Tsunoda are currently out of contract, leading to speculation about potential moves and team dynamics.
As the countdown to the new season begins, fans and teams alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable year in Formula 1.
The Aston Martin team, possibly facing challenges this season, has recruited renowned car designer Adrian Newey, known for creating championship-winning vehicles for Williams, McLaren, and most recently Red Bull. As for Cadillac’s plans, the team is exploring various options for their driver lineup, considering candidates from Formula 1, experienced drivers who have recently left the sport, and competitors from other racing series such as IndyCar. Graeme Lowdon, the newly appointed team principal of Cadillac F1, mentioned that they are actively engaging with potential drivers and evaluating their choices. While seeking skilled and seasoned drivers, including those not currently in Formula 1, the team is open to selecting American drivers based on merit, although their primary focus remains on talent and performance.
