“It should be one of the greatest seasons in Formula 1 history.”
The excitement is palpable for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season, as fans eagerly await the debut of 10 new cars on the grid. The anticipation builds as the countdown to pre-season testing in Bahrain at the end of February and the first race in Australia on March 16 approaches. Williams is set to unveil their latest car in a unique one-off livery this Friday, while next Tuesday’s comprehensive all-team and driver event at London’s O2 promises to kick off the season in style.
Max Verstappen enters the new year with the aim of becoming only the second driver, after Michael Schumacher, to secure five consecutive drivers’ titles. However, he may face stiff competition as the reigning champion looks to navigate what could be his most challenging season since first winning the title in 2021.
Insights from the 2024 Season
The prospects of a fiercely contested championship arise after the second half of the 2024 season unfolded. Although Verstappen finished significantly ahead of Lando Norris in the standings, much of his success was supported by strong early-season performances. He secured victory in seven of the first ten races and built an impressive 84-point lead by mid-season.
The last 12 races of 2024, however, showcased a different narrative, with the top points scorers being:
- 1. Charles Leclerc – 206 points – 2 wins
- 2. Lando Norris – 203 points – 3 wins
- 3. Max Verstappen – 182 points – 2 wins
- 4. Oscar Piastri – 168 points – 2 wins
- 5. Carlos Sainz – 144 points – 1 win
- 6. George Russell – 134 points – 1 win
- 7. Lewis Hamilton – 113 points – 1 win
Leclerc emerged as the dominant force in the latter stages of 2024, suggesting that a tight competition awaits fans in the upcoming season. With Hamilton’s anticipated move to Ferrari, the dynamics at the top have shifted significantly.
The 2025 Season: What’s Next?
The 2025 Formula 1 season marks the final year of the current regulation cycle before a complete overhaul takes place in 2026. The anticipation for how teams will adapt to these regulations adds another layer of excitement to the season. Key figures in the sport, including team principals, believe that the level of competitiveness will be at an all-time high this year.
As we head towards pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26-28, the early hints of car performance will start to emerge, although the true competitive landscape may not be clear until the opening race in Australia on March 16. Team strategies and driver performances will be closely monitored, shaping what promises to be a thrilling championship battle.
As Brundle aptly put it, “Whoever wins it will win a great championship.” Fans around the world are eager to see how the 2025 season unfolds, with only time revealing who holds the edge as they race into the future of Formula 1.
