In March, the 2025 Formula 1 (F1) season begins, and it’s gearing up to be one of the greatest ones in the history of the sport. With shocking driver swaps and an unprecedented addition of six rookies on the grid at once, anything could happen. 

With this much going on, let’s break down what we might expect to see from the F1 teams in the following months.

McLaren

Being the current Constructors’ Champions, McLaren is one of the few teams to keep their driver lineup from last year. With two strong drivers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — will the team be divided?

In 2024, Norris won his first Grand Prix in his sixth season, and was a frontrunner for the drivers’ championship. However, he was only able to reach second place since McLaren hesitated to prioritize him. Will McLaren learn from their mistakes this year?

Although Piastri is only two seasons in, his driving ability is already on par with that of his senior, Norris. Per Papaya Rules — McLaren’s internal rules on how and when their drivers should race each other as opposed to holding position — will McLaren let their drivers battle it out on track? 

Ferrari

The Italian team are challenging McLaren to the wire for the Constructors’ Championship. How will Ferrari stack up this year, harbouring one of the GOATs on their team?

Charles Leclerc, “il Predestinato.” Can he be the predestined one for Ferrari, or will that title fall to his formidable new teammate?

Lewis Hamilton, the man who needs no introduction. The seven-time world champion — the joint highest of all time with Michael Schumacher — who left Mercedes after a performance slump is hoping to get his impressive eighth title with Ferrari. Will he finally become the undisputed GOAT of F1?

Red Bull

Will 2025 spell the downfall of Red Bull? With the end of their two-year reign as Constructors’ Champions; their loss of key personnel, such as sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and aerodynamics guru Adrian Newey; and a second seat cursed to remain as their number two, it isn’t looking too good for the team.

Despite a lacklustre car, Max Verstappen still managed to secure his fourth title. Can he secure his fifth despite the growing competition? 

Liam Lawson, on the other hand, is rookie #1ish — the driver enters his first full season as a driver. Can he hold onto his new Red Bull seat even after a long-time stint as a reserve driver and a seat on the sister/junior team, Racing Bulls?

Mercedes

Determined to restore their Hamilton-era glory, but hopelessly without the man himself: how will Mercedes perform without their superstar team lead?

The newly promoted first driver, George Russell, has been eagerly waiting in the wings for three long seasons for his chance to prove himself. But can he finally show that he isn’t the same crash-prone driver he always was?

Kimi Antonelli, rookie #2. The wunderkind who won all the junior series before Formula 3 then skipped to Formula 2. But the question remains: was he promoted too soon?

Aston Martin

After buying Red Bull’s miracle aerodynamicist, can Aston Martin buy glory too? Or are seats for nepo-babies the limit to how far their wallet can reach?

The two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, is the oldest and most experienced driver on the grid who is still hungry for a third title after a 19-year drought. But is it all just wishful thinking?

Lance Stroll’s daddy bought him the team and seat but couldn’t buy him results. Will the only active Canadian driver finally achieve something with his new aerodynamicist?

Alpine

The French team kicked out a driver before the last race and has shady management. Will Alpine’s 2025 team bring more scandal?

The #1 of last year’s chaotic French duo: was Pierre Gasly the problem, or can he make peace with his new teammate?

Rookie #3, Jack Doohan, was just alright in F2, but his father is five-time motorcycle champion Mick Doohan. Will he live up to his father’s legacy, or will he be replaced mid-season by the popular but seatless Franco Colapinto?

Haas

The only American team were the ‘best of the rest’ last season, but will that change with their brand-new driver lineup?

Esteban Ocon was #2 of last year’s chaotic French duo, with a tendency to crash into his teammates. Will he spare rookie #4ish Ollie Bearman?

Bearman had three stellar drives for Ferrari and Haas as a reserve driver. But how well will he fare when he’s driving for himself?

Racing Bulls 

Depending on the driver, Red Bull’s sister/junior team. Can they decide their purpose and come up with a less confusing name?

Despite being in Racing Bulls for three years and outperforming all his teammates, Yuki Tsunoda was still passed over for the open Red Bull seat. Will he finally leave the Red Bull family? 

Isack Hadjar, rookie #5 and the runner-up in the F2 championship. Will his previous results translate to F1 victory?

Williams

The English team of legends are determined to restore their ’90s glory. Is that a pipe dream?

The “Smooth Operator,” Carlos Sainz, had to leave Ferrari when Sir Lewis Hamilton came knocking. Are Sainz’s glory days truly over?

On the other hand, Alex Albon has beaten all his Williams teammates for the past three years. How will he stand next to an ex-Ferrari driver?

Kick Sauber

For Kick Sauber, this season is just filler until 2026 when Audi takes over, just in time for new regulations. Until then, let’s hope they stay away from coming dead last.

Nico Hülkenberg, the former Haas driver, brought that car to new heights. Can he do the same to a Sauber?

Gabriel Bortoleto is rookie #6. The F2 and F3 back-to-back champion is stuck at the back of the grid. Can he work his way back up to the top?

Key races and dates
  • Australian Grand Prix: March 16 — The season opener! Who will take the lead?
  • Monaco Grand Prix: May 25 — The classic F1 race along the Monégasque harbour. How will cars execute the 180-degree hairpin turn? 
  • Brazilian Grand Prix: November 9 — A difficult track and unpredictable weather is a recipe for chaos. What surprises await?
  • Las Vegas Grand Prix: November 22 — The modern F1 race with all the glitz and glamour. Who will cross the chequered flag first on the Vegas Strip? 
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: December 7 — The season closer. If championships go down to the wire, who will win?
  • FIA Awards Ceremony: End of December — Winning drivers and teams will receive championship trophies. Who will attend?