After the December holidays, it's time for the countdown for the drivers who will be officiating in 2025 in F1. 10 teams will head to their automobile complex for a season full of history. Explanations.
2025 is the start of a new F1 season. The drivers are enjoying this last season with the current regulations before moving on to a new version. This is also a new setting coming to the paddock. There will no longer be 10 but 11 teams with the arrival of Audi. This is why 2025 promises to be a turning point for the teams and drivers before the upheaval of 2026.
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Favorites stronger than ever to conquer the title
Never in the 21st century has D1 seemed so strong in terms of stakes and suspense. The 4 teams candidate for the title have two exceptional drivers. Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, these 4 paddocks will undoubtedly add flavor to F1 for this new season.
Also watch out for surprises at the start of the year. Aston Martin had brilliantly put its technical excellence into Alonso's performance in 2023. Except that this time, we would have to turn to Alpine or Williams. Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz will inevitably play their card to prevent hegemony from emerging straight away.
In any case, from Norris to Hamilton via Leclerc, Verstappen and Piastri, there are plenty of people for the trophies at stake this season. The favorites know that the start of the season will be the most important in their history. It is the one which will make the best difference which has every chance of protecting itself from certain random parameters of the race or the weather.
Hamilton-Leclerc, two princes for one place of King
Lewis Hamilton arrives with great fanfare at Ferrari. The Seven-time World Champion will accompany Charles Leclerc for a legendary duo at Ferrari. These are two princes who will fight for the chair of the king of the Scuderia or the Emperor for the Roman followers. Ferrari knew how to take advantage of its legend and its history to bring on board the Briton attached to Mercedes.
Frédéric Vasseur will have to deal with two strong faces to successfully complete his third season with the Scuderia. In any case, the first laps at Maranello and then on the F1 tracks will give the first clues.? Ferrari leaves with a lot of ambition and talent for its two drivers.
Piastri-Norris, the rookie wants to challenge royalty
Oscar Piastri is no longer attached to Lando Norris. Clearly the dolphin wants to become a leader in his stable. This is the aim of the end of 2025 where the Australian has clearly played the leading roles in this rise. From now on, he has all the cards to overtake Norris without compromising his team.
This is also what Piastri seeks to do with this meticulous balance that is his. The Australian brings a technical accuracy to his driving that McLaren wants to protect. A necessary choice if the British team hopes to fight to the end for the title this time as drivers' world champion.
Especially since Norris marked this end of the season with great mental weakness to overthrow Verstappen. The Australian's takeover is not far away, it is up to Norris to push it back.
Russell, Hamilton's legacy and the leadership role to carry
George Russell will be the undisputed leader of the Mercedes after Hamilton's departure. The Briton had prepared the ground by finishing in front of his teammate at the time. British tea will still smell of jasmine and fresh mint in the German paddock.
Russell being faced with a double dilemma. First, that of carrying Hamilton's legacy while consolidating it. The Briton was always very respectful towards his teammate and the legend that he was.
From now on, Russell knows that Mercedes' results come from him and only his talent. It remains to be seen how good the parameters of the German car are. Because Russell doesn't want to pretend to fight, he wants to race with the contenders for the final crown. If no one bets on him, we will have to be wary of his role as referee.
Versatppen alone in the world and free from Perez
Checo is no longer there and its catastrophic results in 2024 have not helped it. His unfortunate departure also precipitated the decline of the Mexican community at Red Bull. In fact, the Austrian team lost 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. No matter, there is now only one driver to fill, Verstappen.
The choice to stick Lawson to him looks more like an undivided takeover of power by the Dutchman who knows that his competitors will be determined. This is the paradox of this fifth crown to be sought. Verstappen will fight alone against 5 competitors who have only one desire, to beat him for good.
The quality of the Red Bull car will also depend on the performance of the driver. The navy blue team has a big problem with its budget cap. This forces the development of the car over the season to take Verstappen to the world champion title.
Numerous outsiders at Williams and Alpine
Williams and Alpine have two or three very talented drivers. Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon at Williams. Pierre Gasly at Alpine will be the sole leader of the French brand. Ocon's departure through the back door at Hass having been made official at the Abu Dhabi GP.
Williams and Alpine have the opportunity to compete for the constructors' championship with their drivers. This will be an opportunity to really test Gasly's skills as number one. Does the Frenchman have the shoulders to become the French driver of the French brand?
On the Williams side, we will seek to know the prowess of Carlos Sainz who arrives as a real leader. It will also be a pivotal season for the Spaniard who will have to position himself well to guarantee a consolidated budget for his team.
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