As the brand new 12 months begins, the main focus shifts absolutely to the upcoming F1 season, leaving 2024 behind. January is that point of 12 months when the primary vehicles return to the monitor, when information concerning the groups’ automobile initiatives 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 staff from Maranello is placing every little thing into the brand new 12 months, the final beneath the present laws. Staff Principal Frédéric Vasseur has introduced that the “677” will probably be a totally new undertaking. As a substitute of specializing in the 2026 laws, Ferrari goals to maximise the potential of those vehicles, which have reached the boundaries of growth.
2025: What a season awaits!
Ferrari may also 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, Pink 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, Pink Bull received’t settle for defeat, and Mercedes should get better after three disappointing years. Nevertheless, not all groups could have a robust and skilled lineup.
On this entrance, McLaren and Ferrari are the most effective positioned. Each Pink 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 12 months to adapt to the brand new groups and the quickest vehicles on this 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 could be 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,” mentioned Tom Kristensen. “In fact, the obvious reply can be Max Verstappen, but when he doesn’t win, then I say Charles Leclerc.”
Former McLaren driver David Coulthard agreed. “Max continues to be the most effective driver on the grid, no less than proper now. If he has a aggressive automobile, he’ll undoubtedly be within the combat. But when we set him apart, I additionally select Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. There’s little doubt about his pace, which suggests Fred Vasseur could have stabilized the staff and given Ferrari an opportunity.”
Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen had a distinct view. “When you take a look at McLaren, at how they’ve all of the little particulars in place proper now, I really feel that Lando Norris is unquestionably a really robust candidate to be world champion. I additionally assume McLaren might win the constructors’ title once more.” – the previous Components 1 driver concluded.