The Preview
Lights out and away we go…
The F1 2025 season has started off with a bang, with more eyeballs and anticipation than ever before. A new world order has formed on the grid, as the McLarens—led by their Papaya boys—have picked up right where they left off in the 2024 season. They've hit the ground running, with a championship swagger in their step and the iron fist of Zak Brown leading the charge. McLaren are the team to beat this season, and it's no secret they’ll be looking to restore this iconic brand to its former glory in 2025 and beyond.
This won't come without internal challenges, however, as there can only be one on the top step. Although Lando Norris has been the golden boy for McLaren over the last five years, there's a boy from Down Under ready to stake his claim as the new king of the sport. Oscar Piastri showed glimpses of his greatness in his rookie season but took a step back to support his teammate's rise to the top. But 2025 is a new year, and Piastri is already showing he’s nobody’s number two—staking his claim to become the new king of F1. McLaren will need to navigate their newfound power carefully, hoping tensions don’t escalate between their budding title contenders.
After consecutive seasons at the top of F1 , Red Bull Racing have lost their aura of dominance. Many are wondering what’s happening at the Milton Keynes outfit. As Red Bull’s stock falls, Max Verstappen continues to rise. The man who could sell ice to an Eskimo is seemingly working miracles in a car that’s become untameable, proving that the driver still makes the difference when it matters. Regardless of the machinery, Verstappen will not give up his throne without a fight. The subplot surrounding Red Bull’s second seat remains contentious. Many have tried to tame the Bull—and many have failed. Christian Horner continues his search for a driver to complement Verstappen in their pursuit of a seventh Constructors’ title. Their ruthless decision to demote Liam Lawson to the Racing Bulls after just two races, and promote Yuki Tsunoda into the infamous second seat, shows they will stop at nothing to return to the top. Time will tell if the Japanese rocket has what it takes to tame the Bull.
The two teams keeping the title protagonists in check are the Brackley-based Mercedes-AMG outfit and the Scuderia Ferrari team down in Maranello. In this new era of F1, these historically dominant teams have lowered expectations, but still carry the same dreams of returning to the top. Mercedes have flown under the radar since their period of dominance, but Toto Wolff and his team can never be counted out. With two cool, calm operators in Mr. Consistent George Russell and the mature-beyond-his-years rookie Kimi Antonelli, the Petronas team appears to be making the right moves heading into this new chapter of F1.
The Tifosi are daring to dream once more, with their beloved Charles Leclerc aiming to stay in the mix with the sport’s frontrunners. Alongside him, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton seeks to further cement his legendary status with the most iconic team in the sport, and make history in red. However, the prancing horse still seems to be a step behind the competition. The dreams of the Tifosi are tempered by reality, and what once seemed a match made in heaven hasn’t quite clicked as hoped. Nevertheless, with two drivers capable of magic happen, Ferrari will always capture the hearts of F1 fans. But the stars must align soon if they are to experience the euphoria of their past.
The midfield battle is more intriguing than ever, as the gap between the remaining teams continues to shrink. On any given day, any driver could snatch those all-important points that could define their season—and deliver those crucial millions in funding for development. Williams lead the midfield charge, with James Vowles and his team working to restore a legacy team that’s long been off the pace. With the experienced and hard-working duo of Carlos Sainz—the smooth operator—and Alex Albon, Project Williams is one to watch this season.
The Racing Bulls are in the mix too, with two young drivers eager to make their mark. Liam Lawson is out to prove he belongs, while Isack Hadjar flashes potential but still needs time to fully develop. Aston Martin, despite signing legendary car designer Adrian Newey, continue to fall short of the lofty goals set by Lawrence Stroll. Alpine remain in no-man’s land—never quite knowing where they sit in the pecking order—but are always capable of pulling off a surprise result or two, especially with Pierre Gasly at the helm. Haas and Kick Sauber appear to be at the back of the pack once again, as their development paths mirror last season. Yet the tightened field means even they have real chances to score points like never before.
A new generation of rookies has arrived in the paddock, injecting fresh excitement into the sport. While some have adapted quickly, only time will tell who will lead F1’s next era. The veterans won’t give up their status easily, especially with history still to be made and significant changes looming—including new regulations and a new team entering in 2026.
But for now, the 2025 season still has much to unfold—more on-track action, more paddock gossip, a wild silly season ahead, and most importantly, a crown awaiting the future 2025 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Champion.
