With the 2025 Formula 1 season fast approaching, the anticipation has reached fever pitch. After a thrilling 2024 season that crowned McLaren as Constructors’ champions for the first time since 1998, the grid is tighter than ever. New lineups, brewing rivalries, and the last hurrah for the current regulations promise an electrifying year of racing.
Here are three bold predictions as we gear up for what could be the most competitive season yet:
1. McLaren’s Dream of a Double: Norris vs. Piastri for the Title
After a stellar 2024 season, McLaren heads into 2025 with arguably the best driver pairing on the grid: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers delivered exceptional performances last year, with Norris finishing second in the championship and Piastri securing a breakthrough fourth-place finish.
- Norris’ Redemption Arc: Despite his consistency, Norris became the target of jokes due to his inability to convert poles into wins. That changed in the latter half of 2024, with dominant victories in Singapore, Zandvoort, and Abu Dhabi. With the momentum behind him, Norris is a serious contender for the 2025 title.
- Piastri’s Steady Rise: The Australian’s meteoric rise in his sophomore season included two GP wins and the historic feat of completing every lap of the season. If Norris wants to secure his maiden title, he’ll need to fend off a relentless Piastri who’s hungry for more success.
Prediction: McLaren will retain the Constructors’ Championship, but the Norris-Piastri rivalry could mirror Hamilton-Rosberg in its intensity. Expect fireworks as they battle for the Drivers’ title.
2. Liam Lawson’s Trial by Fire at Red Bull
Liam Lawson, Red Bull’s new recruit, steps into one of the most coveted yet pressure-filled seats in Formula 1. Partnering with Max Verstappen, Lawson has enormous shoes to fill as he replaces Sergio Perez.
- Lawson’s Grit: Lawson’s performances at Racing Bulls showcased his talent and aggression, most notably during a wheel-to-wheel duel with Perez at the Mexico City GP.
- The Verstappen Effect: History isn’t kind to Verstappen’s teammates. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon faltered under the weight of expectations, and Lawson must adapt quickly to avoid a similar fate.
Prediction: Lawson will impress early on with flashes of brilliance, but Verstappen’s relentless pace and experience will make it a steep learning curve. The Dutchman remains the dominant force at Red Bull.
3. Ferrari’s Resurgence with Lewis Hamilton
The sight of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red is already one of the most captivating storylines heading into 2025. After a challenging few years at Mercedes, Hamilton has joined Ferrari in pursuit of an unprecedented eighth Drivers’ Championship.
- Scuderia Momentum: Ferrari made significant strides in 2024, and with Hamilton’s racecraft paired with Charles Leclerc, they now have a potent lineup.
- Hamilton’s Motivation: The seven-time champion has little left to prove, but his hunger to deliver Ferrari its first Drivers’ title since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 could reignite his form.
Prediction: Hamilton and Ferrari will win multiple races, and while a title may be just out of reach, the team will be serious challengers for Red Bull and McLaren.
What to Watch For in 2025
- Red Bull’s Development Challenges: With Adrian Newey fully focused on their hypercar project, will Red Bull maintain their dominance as the regulations change in 2026?
- Mercedes’ Rebuild: George Russell takes on the mantle of team leader alongside rising star Kimi Antonelli. Can the Silver Arrows bounce back after a lackluster 2024?
- A Four-Team Title Fight: McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes all have reasons to believe they can challenge for victories, making this one of the most open seasons in years.
As the grid tightens and rivalries intensify, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be an unforgettable chapter in motorsport history. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride. Who’s your pick for the title?