Title - F1 REPORT

2025 Season Predictions: Championship Contenders, Star Rookies & Surprises

The 2025 Formula 1 season is finally here. After the spectacular F1 75 Live event and three days of intense testing in Bahrain, the action kicks off this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix leading a record-breaking 24-race calendar. With anticipation at its peak, our expert panel—Lawrence Barretto, James Hinchcliffe, Chris Medland, and David Tremayne—share their bold predictions for the season ahead. Who will dominate the championship? Which teams will rise to the top? And what surprises await? Let’s dive in.

Who Will Be the Top Three Drivers in 2025?

Lawrence Barretto (F1 Correspondent & Presenter):

This will be Lando Norris’ year. The McLaren driver will hold off fierce competition from Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen to claim his maiden Formula 1 title. Expect the final standings to read: Norris, Leclerc,

Verstappen.

James Hinchcliffe (IndyCar Race Winner and Analyst):

The battle for the top three will be fierce, but I predict Verstappen will successfully defend his crown. While McLaren looks strong, the internal rivalry between Norris and Oscar Piastri will see them taking points off each other. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s teammate Liam Lawson may not challenge him as much. That’s why my top three are Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri.

Chris Medland (Special Contributor):

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and George Russell. Norris and Verstappen are safe bets given their form and the strength of their teams. However, Mercedes made strong progress last year, and Russell showed he’s ready to fight at the front. I believe he’ll be a surprise title contender.

David Tremayne (Hall of Fame F1 Journalist):

Lewis Hamilton will remind everyone why he’s a seven-time world champion. He’ll win his eighth title, with Piastri and Norris rounding out the top three in that order.

Which Teams Will Lead the Way in 2025?

Lawrence Barretto:

McLaren will continue their resurgence, successfully defending their Teams’ Championship. Ferrari will push them hard but fall short, while Red Bull will round out the top three.

James Hinchcliffe:

McLaren’s momentum from last season makes them the favorites for the title. Piastri’s continued development will further strengthen their chances. Red Bull, despite Verstappen’s brilliance, may struggle slightly with Lawson’s inexperience, leading to Ferrari finishing second ahead of them.

Chris Medland:

McLaren is the obvious front-runner, but predicting the rest is tough. While Red Bull will remain competitive, I see Mercedes making significant early gains, putting them ahead of Ferrari. My top three: McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

David Tremayne:

McLaren, Ferrari, and a tie between Red Bull and Mercedes. The competition will be incredibly close, making it difficult to separate the top four.

What Will Be the Biggest Surprise of the Season?

Lawrence Barretto:

Williams will emerge as a serious midfield contender. After finishing ninth last year, they’ll start the season strong. However, their shift in focus toward the 2026 regulations may see them struggle to maintain that momentum.

James Hinchcliffe:

Aston Martin’s decline will be the biggest shock of 2025. After two seasons stuck between the top four and the midfield, they’ll face significant challenges from Haas, Williams, and Alpine. If they don’t get their act together, they could drop as low as eighth by season’s end.

Chris Medland:

We’ll see more teams on the podium than ever before. I predict at least six, possibly seven, different teams will finish in the top three at some point this season. The grid is tighter than ever, and surprise podiums are inevitable.

David Tremayne:

Carlos Sainz’s pace in a Williams will surprise many. He was always quick in Ferrari colors, and now he has something to prove. Underestimate him at your peril.

Which Rookie Will Impress the Most?

Lawrence Barretto:

Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman are the two standout rookies. While both will show flashes of brilliance, I believe Antonelli will have the edge.

James Hinchcliffe:

Ollie Bearman is the one to watch. His performances against Nico Hülkenberg last year were outstanding, and Haas’ newfound backing from Toyota will help him showcase his potential.

Chris Medland:

While I’d love to say Gabriel Bortoleto, I don’t think his car will allow him to shine. Instead, Ollie Bearman will be the standout rookie. Haas will find their footing, and Bearman’s previous F1 experience will give him an advantage over his fellow newcomers.

David Tremayne:

Kimi Antonelli. While Lawson will be solid against Verstappen and Bearman will impress at Haas, Antonelli’s raw speed and competitiveness will set him apart.

One Bold Prediction for 2025

Lawrence Barretto:

At least two full-time rookies will stand on the podium in 2025. This year’s rookie class is one of the strongest in years, and they’ll seize the opportunities when they come.

James Hinchcliffe:

Kimi Antonelli will take home silverware. While he’ll make mistakes due to inexperience, his raw talent will shine through. If Mercedes gives him the right machinery, he’ll stand on the podium at least once.

Chris Medland:

Carlos Sainz will bring home a trophy for Williams. It might be in a Sprint or a chaotic race, but he’ll have one standout weekend where he delivers something special.

David Tremayne:

If Mercedes delivers a competitive car, Kimi Antonelli could win a race before the season ends. If it rains, his chances increase even more—his wet-weather prowess is exceptional, as we saw in last year’s F2 British Grand Prix.

Final Thoughts

With a record-breaking 24-race calendar, an ultra-competitive field, and a mix of young talent and seasoned champions, the 2025 F1 season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet. Will Norris finally claim his first title? Can Hamilton reclaim his throne? Will rookies like Antonelli and Bearman shake up the grid? One thing is certain—expect the unexpected.