Hamilton, Ferrari, and the Key Storylines Destined to Shape F1 in 2025
As dawn breaks on the 2025 Formula 1 season, even though the annual preseason test in Bahrain is still seven weeks away, the excitement is palpable. There's much to discuss long before the first car hits the track in anger. Lewis Hamilton in new colors, a wide-open title fight, a team on the brink of implosion, and a youth revolution are just some of the themes that promise to make this season one of the most captivating yet. Let's dive into the storylines that will define F1 in 2025.
Hamilton at Ferrari
One of the biggest moves in recent F1 history is Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari. The sport's most accomplished driver is now part of its most storied team, with fans eagerly anticipating how this partnership will unfold. The narratives here are compelling.
Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari offers him the chance to secure his eighth world championship—an achievement that would break his tie with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher. This partnership aims to end Ferrari's title drought, with their last drivers' championship dating back to Kimi Räikkönen in 2007 and their last constructors' title in 2008.
Joining Hamilton at Ferrari is Charles Leclerc, who has carried the hope of the Italian team since 2019. Leclerc's 2024 season was remarkable, with memorable wins at Monza and Austin. Now, with Hamilton as a teammate, Leclerc has the perfect benchmark to measure himself against. How these two drivers will coexist is anyone's guess, but the potential for fireworks is high.
The Youth Revolution
The 2025 season will see an influx of young talent. Mercedes has replaced Hamilton with prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Sauber has enlisted Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. Other rookies include Haas' Oliver Bearman, Alpine's Jack Doohan, and Red Bull's new addition Isack Hadjar.
A Wide-Open Title Fight
The 2024 season was one of the most unpredictable in recent history, with multiple winners from the top teams adding to the excitement. McLaren and Ferrari kept the constructors' championship down to the wire, thanks to Red Bull's midseason slump.
With a major rule change looming in 2026, developments and upgrades are likely to be minimal this year, making the competition even tighter. Max Verstappen remains the man to beat, but several drivers, including McLaren's Lando Norris and Ferrari's Leclerc, are poised to challenge him. Mercedes' George Russell has proven he can go toe-to-toe with Verstappen and will be another driver to watch.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloRed Bull: A Team at Breaking Point?
Red Bull experienced a tumultuous 2024, culminating in a season filled with off-track drama and internal strife. With team principal Christian Horner's misconduct investigation and the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, the team seemed to be in disarray.
The driver situation at Red Bull also remains uncertain. Sergio Pérez and Daniel Ricciardo underperformed last year, leading to Liam Lawson being promoted to partner Verstappen. If Lawson struggles, Red Bull may run out of viable candidates for the second seat, a situation that could further exacerbate internal tensions.
Preparing for Cadillac
The news that General Motors will join the F1 grid as Cadillac in 2026 has created significant buzz. With a new facility in the UK and potential multiple bases in the US, the team is expected to bring fresh energy and competition. Speculation around who will drive for Cadillac is rife, with names like Sergio Pérez being floated due to his marketability.
