The wait is over—Formula 1 is officially back! The 2025 season kicks off this weekend at the iconic Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia. With a thrilling 2024 season behind us, this year promises even more excitement, with major driver moves, rising challengers, and a championship battle that could go down to the wire.
Here are the biggest storylines to watch as the 2025 F1 season gets underway.
Can Max Verstappen Make it Five in a Row?
Reigning champion Max Verstappen is eyeing a historic fifth consecutive world title, a feat achieved only once before by the legendary Michael Schumacher. While Verstappen’s dominance in 2022 and 2023 was undisputed, McLaren’s Lando Norris put up a strong challenge last year. Despite a drop in Red Bull’s form during the latter half of 2024, Verstappen’s early-season lead secured him the championship.
The question is whether Norris—who outscored Verstappen in the last 12 races of 2024—can maintain his momentum or if Verstappen will reassert his supremacy. With Red Bull promoting young talent Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez, the Dutchman enters the season as the team’s undisputed No. 1 driver. Will he steamroll the competition again, or will his rivals finally catch up?
McLaren’s Strategy: Will ‘Papaya Rules’ Continue?
McLaren had a dream season in 2024, winning its first constructors’ title since 1998. However, their in-season strategy decisions raised eyebrows. Late in the year, McLaren implemented ‘papaya rules,’ prioritizing Norris over Oscar Piastri. Would the outcome have been different had they made that decision earlier?
With both Norris and Piastri returning for 2025, McLaren faces a crucial question: Will Norris continue to be the favored driver, or does Piastri—fresh off a multi-year contract extension—get a fair shot? With his home race up first, expect Piastri to make a statement right away.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: Boom or Bust?
The biggest off-season shake-up was Lewis Hamilton’s shocking switch to Ferrari. After 11 years with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion now dons the famous red suit, hoping to break his championship tie with Schumacher. But history has shown that Ferrari moves don’t always guarantee success—just ask Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton’s arrival raises another critical question: How will Charles Leclerc react? Leclerc, who recently extended his contract with Ferrari, is expected to fight for race wins, but will he play second fiddle to the 40-year-old Hamilton? If both drivers go head-to-head for victories, the internal battle at Ferrari could get heated.
Life After Hamilton: Can Mercedes Rebuild?
With Hamilton gone, George Russell assumes the role of Mercedes’ lead driver. However, the team also brings in 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rookie with immense potential. While expectations should be tempered, Antonelli’s rapid rise through the junior ranks suggests he could challenge Russell sooner than expected. Will 2025 be a rebuilding year for Mercedes, or can they still fight for wins?
Carlos Sainz’s New Chapter with Williams
Hamilton’s Ferrari move left Carlos Sainz searching for a new seat, and he found it at Williams. Once a powerhouse of the sport, Williams has struggled in recent decades. Sainz, coming off a strong season with two wins, brings much-needed experience and leadership to a team looking to climb the ranks.
With Alex Albon alongside him, Williams could emerge as the best of the midfield teams. While podiums may still be a stretch, Sainz’s presence could mark the beginning of a resurgence.
Adrian Newey’s Impact on Aston Martin
One of the biggest behind-the-scenes moves was Adrian Newey’s decision to join Aston Martin. Newey, the mastermind behind multiple championship-winning cars at Red Bull, McLaren, and Williams, now takes on the challenge of turning Aston Martin into a true contender.
Aston Martin’s performance dipped in 2024, but with Fernando Alonso still in the lineup and major regulation changes coming in 2026, Newey’s influence could lay the foundation for a future title push.
Is Rookie Jack Doohan Already Under Pressure?
Alpine made waves last season with a surprise double-podium in Brazil, but its driver lineup wasn’t working. Enter Jack Doohan, a promising young talent replacing Esteban Ocon. However, with Alpine also signing Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver, Doohan may already be racing under pressure. If his performances falter early, will Alpine consider a mid-season switch?
Which Rookie Will Shine the Brightest?
The 2025 grid features an exciting rookie class, including Liam Lawson (Red Bull), Antonelli (Mercedes), Doohan (Alpine), Ollie Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls).
Among them, Lawson enters with the best opportunity, stepping straight into a title-contending Red Bull. However, Antonelli’s potential at Mercedes is generating plenty of buzz. Will a new star emerge from this talented group?
