As the new year begins, the focus shifts fully to the upcoming F1 season, leaving 2024 behind. January is that time of year when the first cars return to the track, when news about the teams’ car projects starts circulating, and when predictions begin. For many, Leclerc and Ferrari are the frontrunners for the 2025 season.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season and McLaren’s “blowout,” the team from Maranello is putting everything into the new year, the last under the current regulations. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur has announced that the “677” will be a completely new project. Instead of focusing on the 2026 regulations, Ferrari aims to maximize the potential of these cars, which have reached the limits of development.
2025: What a season awaits!
Ferrari will also benefit from a new addition: seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This makes 2025 one of the most exciting and fiercely contested F1 seasons in recent years. Four teams—McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes—are vying for the two world titles.
McLaren will look to build on and improve its performance from last season, Ferrari aims to return to its rightful place, Red Bull won’t accept defeat, and Mercedes must recover after three disappointing years. However, not all teams will have a strong and experienced lineup.
On this front, McLaren and Ferrari are the best positioned. Both Red Bull and Mercedes, barring surprises, will rely on only one experienced driver: Max Verstappen and George Russell. Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli, being rookies, will need their first year to adapt to the new teams and the fastest cars in the world.
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari the favorites?
Among the four drivers from the two fastest teams, many see a two-way battle: Lando Norris versus Charles Leclerc. Speaking at F1 Talks, Kristensen, Hakkinen, and Coulthard shared their opinions on who between the two might be the favorite to win the 2025 drivers’ and constructors’ world titles.
“I’d say Leclerc will be the drivers’ world champion, while McLaren will win the constructors’ title again,” said Tom Kristensen. “Of course, the most obvious answer would be Max Verstappen, but if he doesn’t win, then I say Charles Leclerc.”
Former McLaren driver David Coulthard agreed. “Max is still the best driver on the grid, at least right now. If he has a competitive car, he’ll undoubtedly be in the fight. But if we set him aside, I also choose Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. There’s no doubt about his speed, which means Fred Vasseur will have stabilized the team and given Ferrari a chance.”
Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen had a different view. “If you look at McLaren, at how they have all the little details in place right now, I feel that Lando Norris is definitely a very strong candidate to be world champion. I also think McLaren could win the constructors’ title again.” – the former Formula 1 driver concluded.
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