The 2024 F1 (Formula 1) season has concluded, and Red Bull and McLaren have been making headlines in equal measure. Red Bull continued their trend with Max Verstappen, who claimed the driver’s crown, while McLaren showed they meant business by collecting the Constructors’ Championship.
But what about 2025? With a massive shake-up of everything we know about the sport just around the corner, the next championship appears to be wide open, with certain teams ready to stake their claim to the crown. Here’s a look at the favorites and what will make the 2025 season exciting.
McLaren’s Rapid Rise
Last season, McLaren was on fire. Although they were a bit behind at the start of the 2024 campaign, by mid-season, they picked up steam. It was after Red Bull shot out of the gate like a roaring train that McLaren was able to overhaul them and ultimately streak ahead with consistent performance and vital upgrades. The trajectory of their progress to challenge Red Bull, who looked unbeatable from the start, highlights exactly how far they’ve come.
What’s worth noting about McLaren is that they adapt and change. They’ve quietly been closing the gap over the last few years, and 2024 was evidence that they can now compete at the very top. As the team continues to grow and improve, they could very well be one of the favorites for the title in 2025. Their car is fast, reliable, and they have a team that knows how to get the most out of it. That’s why so many are regarding them as the favorites heading into the new season.
If Hamilton’s Ferrari Appearance Is No Mirage
Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari: perhaps the most notable change for 2025. After years of building dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton has made the bold move to rival Ferrari, and it’s sure to shake up the championship battle. As Ferrari struggled through 2024, Hamilton’s arrival injects raw energy and invaluable experience into a team that has been starving for success for a decade.
Could Hamilton’s legendary, fire-in-the-belly talent and hunger for a new challenge be exactly what Ferrari needs to return to the summit? Throw in Charles Leclerc, who has proven more than once that he can scrap at the front of the pack, and Ferrari boasts one of the strongest driver lineups in the game. Such resourcefulness from Leclerc through speed and Hamilton through experience could propel Ferrari into a perfect storm to challenge McLaren and Red Bull by 2025. They have the team, the car, and the drivers to make a serious run at the title, so don’t write them off just yet.
Changing Dynamics at the Top: Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin
As McLaren and Ferrari make big moves, Red Bull faces its own challenges. Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s recent championship dynasty, is leaving to join Aston Martin. If true, this certainly ranks as a potentially huge game-changer, considering Newey is one of the best F1 designers of all time. Aston Martin, already rising under the leadership of Fernando Alonso, now has a real opportunity to shake things up. Given Alonso’s experience and Newey’s contributions, Aston Martin may emerge as a surprise contender in 2025.
Mercedes is also undergoing a transition. As Hamilton moves on, the team will welcome Andrea Antonelli, an up-and-coming talent. It’s a courageous decision, but it means Mercedes will have to deal with a new leader on the team. Mercedes is still a team to watch thanks to the experience of Toto Wolff and a past of bouncing back from difficult years, but their journey to the front could be even harder without Hamilton.
Red Bull will still be a formidable outfit, and it’s clear that, despite losing Newey, they’ll remain a major player. Max Verstappen is riding high, and the rest of the team’s overall package is strong. But with McLaren and Ferrari — and now Aston Martin — on the rise, Red Bull cannot afford to be complacent.
The 2025 Season: Wide Open and On Fire
So, who’s the odds-on favorite to claim the 2025 title? Hard to say, but McLaren has the momentum and the possibility to wear the crown. They’ve proven they can contend with the very top, and given further development, they are well set up to contest for the title.
That said, with Hamilton on its side, Ferrari is a team to watch, and with Verstappen leading the way, Red Bull won’t roll over. Aston Martin’s upward trajectory, aided by Newey, injects a thrilling new element into the battle.
The upcoming 2025 season looks set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with several teams in contention for the title. One thing’s for certain — this is going to be a season packed with drama, revelations, and rivalry. Let the battle begin!
