Brundle’s Big F1 2025 Prediction: “In-Fighting”...

Brundle’s Big F1 2025 Prediction: “In-Fighting”…read more

With the 2025 Formula 1 season fast approaching, the stage is set for what could be an all-time classic championship battle. After years of Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominance, the 2024 season saw McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all emerge as race-winning forces. Now, with all four teams looking competitive, veteran F1 commentator Martin Brundle has shared his predictions for the title fight ahead, highlighting a potential key factor that could shape the outcome: in-team rivalries.

Brundle has divided the title contenders into two camps: McLaren and Ferrari on one side, with Red Bull and Mercedes on the other. His reasoning? The internal dynamics of the driver pairings. He expects that McLaren and Ferrari, both fielding two highly competitive drivers, could face internal conflicts, while Red Bull and Mercedes might enjoy a more straightforward approach with a clear number-one driver in Verstappen and George Russell, respectively.

McLaren, fresh off a strong 2024 campaign, was the first team to launch their new car, the MCL39, with a surprise Silverstone shakedown. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri enter the season with championship aspirations, having each proven their race-winning potential. While this gives McLaren a formidable shot at the Constructors’ Championship, Brundle questions whether the team can manage two title-hungry drivers without tensions flaring.

Similarly, Ferrari boasts a powerhouse line-up in Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who has been putting in extensive pre-season mileage after his high-profile switch from Mercedes. The seven-time World Champion is in pursuit of that elusive eighth title, while Leclerc is determined to prove he was always Ferrari’s best bet for a return to glory. The dynamic between these two could define Ferrari’s season, with the risk of team orders or internal competition potentially hindering their overall championship bid.

Brundle emphasized this point in an interview with Sky Sports News, where he was asked about McLaren’s ability to manage two championship contenders. “That’s a really interesting point,” he responded. “Yes, the Constructors’ Championship, I think McLaren probably start favourite in that. Ferrari have got a great line-up, of course, with Hamilton and Leclerc.”

The contrast between McLaren and Ferrari versus Red Bull and Mercedes is stark. At Red Bull, Verstappen remains the undisputed number-one driver, with his new teammate—whether it be Sergio Perez or someone else—likely playing a support role rather than challenging for the title. This dynamic has worked well for Red Bull in previous seasons, allowing them to fully back Verstappen’s championship charge.

Meanwhile, at Mercedes, George Russell steps into his third season as the team’s leading driver following Hamilton’s departure. While his teammate’s role remains to be seen, Brundle suggests that Mercedes could benefit from a clearer hierarchy compared to Ferrari and McLaren. This could allow Russell to mount a more focused title challenge without intra-team rivalry disrupting their progress.

Ultimately, Brundle’s prediction sets up an intriguing narrative for the 2025 season. If McLaren and Ferrari can successfully manage their driver dynamics, they could be major threats in both championships. However, if tensions arise, Red Bull and Mercedes could capitalize on the stability within their ranks. With so many factors at play, F1 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.