The 2025 F1 season is set to be an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, spanning 24 races as the sport marks its 75th anniversary since the inaugural championship in 1950. Max Verstappen faces a formidable challenge in his quest for a fifth consecutive title, with Lando Norris aiming to dethrone the Dutchman. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated switch from Mercedes to Ferrari adds another layer of excitement. As the season kicks off in Australia next Sunday, six rookies are set to make their mark on the grid. Here are five major storylines to follow as the season unfolds.
1. Can Verstappen Secure a Fifth Consecutive Title?
Seventy-five years after Giuseppe Farina clinched the first-ever F1 championship driving for Alfa Romeo, Max Verstappen embarks on his mission to claim a fifth straight title—something only Michael Schumacher has accomplished before.
While Verstappen started the 2024 season in dominant fashion, winning seven of the first ten races, a slump followed as McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari disrupted Red Bull’s dominance. However, Verstappen had the final say, winning in Brazil and sealing his fourth championship in Las Vegas with two rounds to spare.
McLaren wrestled the constructors’ championship away from Red Bull, signaling the Dutchman’s toughest season yet. Bookmakers now place Norris as the title favorite, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Hamilton leading the charge behind them.
2. The 2025 Rookie Class
This season welcomes six fresh faces, each eager to prove themselves at the pinnacle of motorsport. Among them is 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli, who only recently earned his driver’s license and now steps into Lewis Hamilton’s vacated seat at Mercedes alongside George Russell.
Liam Lawson, having already competed in 11 Grands Prix, gets his full-time Red Bull debut as Verstappen’s new teammate. Meanwhile, Ferrari academy driver Ollie Bearman impressed in 2024 when he substituted for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finishing seventh. Now, he joins Haas.
Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto brings his F2-winning pedigree to Sauber, while Australian Jack Doohan, son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, moves up to a full-time Alpine seat. Completing the lineup is French-Algerian talent Isack Hadjar, who narrowly missed the 2024 F2 title and now joins RB.
3. Tensions Between Drivers and the FIA
As always, the relationship between the drivers and F1’s governing body, the FIA, remains a hot topic. One of the biggest controversies heading into 2025 is the FIA’s crackdown on swearing in media interactions. Verstappen and Leclerc were penalized in 2024 for their language, prompting an outcry from drivers who criticized FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
In an open letter, the drivers pushed back, demanding fairer treatment and stating: “Our members are adults. They do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewelry or underpants.”
With tensions simmering, it’s likely that disputes between the drivers and the FIA will continue to make headlines throughout the season.
4. Can Hamilton Bring Glory Back to Ferrari?
Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari is one of the most exciting developments in years. The seven-time world champion believes he can bring Ferrari its first drivers’ title since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007.
At 40 years old, Hamilton remains as motivated as ever, embracing Ferrari’s legendary passion and confidence. “They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship. It’s just about putting all the pieces together,” he said.
The prospect of Hamilton battling Verstappen and Norris in Ferrari red adds an extra layer of drama to the season.
5. A Landmark Year for F1’s 75th Anniversary
The 2025 calendar features 24 races, starting in Australia and concluding in Abu Dhabi on December 7. Due to Ramadan, Bahrain has been shifted to April, while the FIA has introduced a mandatory two-pit stop rule at Monaco to address overtaking difficulties.
This year’s six sprint races will take place in Shanghai, Miami, Belgium, Austin, São Paulo, and Qatar, adding further unpredictability. Pre-season testing in Bahrain suggested a closely matched field, with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all showing strong pace alongside Red Bull.
As McLaren CEO Zak Brown put it, “I can see it being super competitive. Last year, four teams won multiple races. This year, I think it could be even more.”
With so many storylines converging, the 2025 season promises to be one for the ages. Buckle up—the lights are about to go out in Melbourne!
Related article: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Crash: A Setback or Stepping Stone to Success?
