F1 2025: A Season of Triumph and Turmoil – Who Rose and Who Fell?
The 2025 Formula 1 season has come to a thrilling conclusion, but not without its share of shocking revelations. As we sift through the dust of 24 intense races, the landscape of winners and losers has emerged, with some teams basking in glory while others are left to ponder where it all went wrong. With next season’s major rules overhaul looming, could this be the perfect opportunity for a fresh start?
The Champions of 2025
McLaren: Unstoppable Force McLaren has redefined excellence this season, dominating the track with a jaw-dropping 14 Grand Prix victories and three Sprint Race wins, reclaiming both championships in a spectacular fashion. The team’s resolute commitment to equal opportunity for its drivers nearly cost them the Drivers’ title, but Lando Norris emerged victorious, proving his mettle. Their only significant misstep? A disastrous double exclusion in Las Vegas that could have been avoided.
Max Verstappen: A Comeback for the Ages Max Verstappen’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster, characterized by a bumpy start but a sensational finish. With six wins in the last nine races, including a remarkable three in a row, he came tantalizingly close to snatching the title away from long-time leader Oscar Piastri. Despite his brilliance, Verstappen’s infamous meltdown in Spain will be remembered as a pivotal moment in his pursuit of glory.
Williams: Rising from the Ashes In a thrilling turn of events, Williams has made a stunning comeback to form, thanks to the strategic guidance of James Vowles. The team clinched its best seasonal ranking since 2017, finishing fifth overall. With Alex Albon and new teammate Carlos Sainz at the helm, they secured podium finishes and consistently strong performances, proving their resilience and ambition.
George Russell: A Season to Remember George Russell shone brightly in his role at Mercedes, marking his 2025 campaign as his finest yet. Despite the team’s struggle for championship pace, Russell maximized the car’s potential, securing victories in Canada and Singapore, alongside an impressive tally of seven podium finishes.
Nico Hulkenberg: The Veteran’s Revival Nico Hulkenberg’s selection by Audi proved to be a masterstroke as he emerged as a consistent scoring force. Following Sauber’s upgrades, he showcased his skills, culminating in a coveted podium finish at Silverstone, where his tactical prowess shone through amidst challenging conditions.
Racing Bulls: A Promising Future Racing Bulls built on their previous year’s promise, finishing sixth despite losing the talented Yuki Tsunoda early in the season. Rising star Isack Hadjar overcame a shaky debut to claim a podium at Zandvoort, while Liam Lawson’s strong performances laid a solid foundation for the team’s future.
Oliver Bearman: Rookie Sensation Oliver Bearman may have stumbled early in his rookie season, but he transformed his trajectory by becoming the first Haas driver to score points in five consecutive races, with a standout fourth place finish in Mexico. His impressive performance crowned him a remarkable talent in the making.
The Disappointments of 2025
Ferrari: A Season of Woe Unfortunately for Ferrari, the 2025 season was one to forget. The team failed to secure a single victory and finished outside the top three in the championship standings. Even as Charles Leclerc continued to shine amid the chaos of the SF-25, the team’s struggles deepened. Chairman John Elkann’s controversial advice for drivers to remain silent only added fuel to the fire of discontent. A glimmer of hope emerged, however, as Ferrari opted to pivot towards the 2025 regulations sooner than expected.
Aston Martin: A Lackluster Campaign While Aston Martin didn’t appear to suffer drastically on the surface, their seventh-place finish in the standings marks a significant step back from previous years. Their inability to replicate past podium successes left fans questioning their direction, with only two top-five finishes to show for a season that promised much more.
Yuki Tsunoda: A Season of Struggles Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to the senior Red Bull team turned out to be a mixed blessing. With a disappointing best finish of sixth and a mere 30 points, Tsunoda’s lackluster performance saw him land in 17th place in the Driver’s Championship. His future is now in jeopardy as he is set to be replaced by Isack Hadjar, leaving racing fans speculating about his next move.
Alpine: Bottom of the Barrel Alpine experienced a dismal season, finishing at the bottom of the team standings with a paltry 22 points. The end of their troubled Renault engine program signals a pivotal shift to Mercedes power for the future, but 2025 was marred by management upheaval and a controversial driver swap that failed to yield positive results.
As the dust settles from the 2025 season, the stage is set for an exhilarating 2026. With the potential for a rules overhaul, teams are eager to recalibrate and reclaim their rightful place in the F1 hierarchy. The question now remains: who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter once again?









