Over the course of the winter break, the 2025 Formula 1 season has been dubbed potentially one of the most thrilling in recent history. With seismic driver moves, potential shifts in team performance and dynamics, and the longest calendar yet, this year looks to have a lot of high-stakes drama and fierce competition in store. As the teams prepare for the season kickoff in Melbourne this week, what’s the key storylines to look out for in the 2025 season?
McLaren’s Title Ambitions
After a strong end to the 2024 season culminating in their first Constructors’ title since 1998, McLaren will be on the hunt to once again clinch that trophy. After their testing performance appeared to be ominous for their competitors, they could once again be a serious championship contender. Lando Norris, now a proven race winner, and his teammate Oscar Piastri who clinched victory in 2024 in only his second season, are expected to be in the fight for race victories throughout the season. With impressive development over the past year, McLaren could be the team to beat as they aim to dethrone Red Bull and Mercedes from the top.
However, 2024 proved rocky in parts for the Woking team, bogged down by ‘Papaya rules’ which saw the two losing points to their rivals during brawls with their own teammates. Can the team pull off a more decisive season and go two-for-two in the Constructors’ Championship? With two young drivers set on victory, the Woking team cannot afford to take their eyes off their rivals during a rumble with each other at the first corner.
Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s historic switch to Ferrari caused shockwaves even before the 2024 season started, but over the winter break Hamilton, who had spent the last 12 seasons of his career with Mercedes, finally revealed his new look in red. The seven-time world champion on the hunt for his elusive eighth title, adding a new chapter to his storied career. Partnering with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari boasts one of the most formidable driver lineups on the grid. However, their success will depend heavily on whether the team can finally deliver a car capable of sustained championship contention. Add to that the question of team dynamics; will Leclerc remain the number one driver under Fred Vasseur’s Ferrari outfit, or will Hamilton’s entrance upset the apple cart?
Red Bull’s Uncertainty
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is aiming for his fifth consecutive title, but there are questions about Red Bull’s long-term dominance following the departure of legendary designer Adrian Newey. While the team has been almost unbeatable in recent years, a tumultuous 2024 season saw Verstappen barely cling onto his title – a far cry from his record-breaking 2023 season which saw the Dutchman win 19 of 21 races. Add in the turmoil of a shake-up in technical leadership, Newey’s exit could create an opportunity for rivals to close the gap. Additionally, Verstappen’s new teammate, rookie Liam Lawson, replaces Sergio Pérez and faces the challenge of adapting quickly to a top-tier team. The Mexican was replaced with Lawson after a miserable season in the Red Bull, ultimately costing the Milton Keynes team a Constructors win.
New Blood in Mercedes
With Lewis Hamilton leaving the team, Mercedes is entering a fresh chapter led by George Russell. The 2025 season will test whether Russell is ready to lead the Silver Arrows back to title contention. Alongside him, rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli makes his Formula 1 debut, bringing immense hype and potential to the team. If Antonelli can adjust quickly, Mercedes could have a strong lineup for the future. However, the 18-year-old enters F1 after a rapid ascent through the ranks, and whether the youngster will handle the pressure of Formula 1 remains to be seen over the course of the season.
Midfield Battles
As the top teams battle for supremacy, the midfield is set to be more competitive than ever. Alpine, Williams, and Haas have all made significant strides in development, while Aston Martin appear to have taken steps back during testing
- Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams has raised expectations, especially after the team’s promising pre-season performance. The Spaniard, partnered with Alex Albon, will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Grove team. However, the two must navigate dynamic changes and a slew of rookie drivers getting up to speed in the middle of the pack.
- Alpine’s mix of experience and youth, with Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan, adds another layer of unpredictability. With tighter gaps between teams, every point will be crucial in the 2025 season. Jack Doohan’s fate already hangs in the balance, as rumours are swirling even before the start of the season that he may be replaced with 2024 season stand-in Franco Colapinto. After many hours back at Enstone as reserve driver for the French outfit, Doohan may only have five races before his time on-track is cut short.
Key Rule Changes for 2025
One of the most notable regulation changes for 2025 is the removal of the bonus point for the fastest lap. This shift eliminates strategic pit stops late in the race just to secure an extra point – or to nab it from rivals, potentially leading to more unpredictable race strategies and closer on-track battles. Not only that, but with technical regulations overhauled for the 2024 season in order to make the lap times between teams closer, teams will be fine-tuning their cars to close the gap to the teams up ahead. The rules are subject to an overhaul again in 2026, so 2025 is a chance for teams to earn a bigger payout ahead of the changes.
With so many variables at play and changes in team dynamics, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory.
Will Verstappen maintain his reign in the drivers championship, or is this the year McLaren, Ferrari, or Mercedes dethrone the Red Bulls? Will McLaren hold onto the Constructors’, or will the battle at the top see them drop back down the table?
Want to know more about the team at The Paddock Chronicle? Find out more about us here…
[…] navigated adverse weather, penalties and power outages. While the track cleared up in time for the Formula 1 race to take place later on Sunday, the F2 Feature race was abandoned as torrential rain hit Albert […]