As the brand new yr begins, the main focus shifts totally to the upcoming F1 season, leaving 2024 behind. January is that point of yr when the primary automobiles return to the observe, when information concerning the groups’ automobile tasks begins circulating, and when predictions start. For a lot of, Leclerc and Ferrari are the frontrunners for the 2025 season.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season and McLaren’s “blowout,” the crew from Maranello is placing every part into the brand new yr, the final below the present rules. Crew Principal Frédéric Vasseur has introduced that the “677” will probably be a very new undertaking. As an alternative of specializing in the 2026 rules, Ferrari goals to maximise the potential of those automobiles, which have reached the bounds of growth.
2025: What a season awaits!
Ferrari will even profit from a brand new addition: seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This makes 2025 one of the crucial thrilling and fiercely contested F1 seasons lately. 4 groups—McLaren, Ferrari, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes—are vying for the 2 world titles.
McLaren will look to construct on and enhance its efficiency from final season, Ferrari goals to return to its rightful place, Crimson Bull gained’t settle for defeat, and Mercedes should get better after three disappointing years. Nonetheless, not all groups may have a powerful and skilled lineup.
On this entrance, McLaren and Ferrari are the very best positioned. Each Crimson Bull and Mercedes, barring surprises, will depend on just one skilled driver: Max Verstappen and George Russell. Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli, being rookies, will want their first yr to adapt to the brand new groups and the quickest automobiles on the planet.
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari the favorites?
Among the many 4 drivers from the 2 quickest groups, many see a two-way battle: Lando Norris versus Charles Leclerc. Talking at F1 Talks, Kristensen, Hakkinen, and Coulthard shared their opinions on who between the 2 is perhaps the favourite to win the 2025 drivers’ and constructors’ world titles.
“I’d say Leclerc would be the drivers’ world champion, whereas McLaren will win the constructors’ title once more,” stated Tom Kristensen. “After all, the obvious reply could be Max Verstappen, but when he doesn’t win, then I say Charles Leclerc.”
Former McLaren driver David Coulthard agreed. “Max remains to be the very best driver on the grid, no less than proper now. If he has a aggressive automobile, he’ll undoubtedly be within the battle. But when we set him apart, I additionally select Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. There’s little question about his pace, which suggests Fred Vasseur may have stabilized the crew and given Ferrari an opportunity.”
Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen had a distinct view. “In the event you have a look at McLaren, at how they’ve all of the little particulars in place proper now, I really feel that Lando Norris is certainly a really robust candidate to be world champion. I additionally assume McLaren might win the constructors’ title once more.” – the previous Method 1 driver concluded.