After 98 days, the pinnacle of motorsport is set to return as Formula 1 opens the 2025 season in Melbourne, Australia on March 16.
In yet another hectic 24-race season, we are greeted with changes in the line-ups as six drivers are rookies on the grid. Along with drivers switching teams, 2025 is set to be an exciting season.
Lewis Hamilton was the biggest shock for the 2025 season before the 2024 season even started. On Feb. 1, 2024, it was announced that he would be leaving Mercedes after 11 years despite a contract renewal. Hamilton decided to make his childhood dream of driving for the prancing horse of Ferrari come true.
The news sent shockwaves across the world, most importantly to Carlos Sainz who discovered he was racing his last season in red. From red to blue, Sainz joined with Atlassian Williams Racing. The hopes are high for Williams with the addition of Sainz after turbulent seasons.
The six rookies will aim to prove themselves this season. Mercedes filled Hamilton’s empty seat with the young promise of Kimi Antonelli.
The American team, Haas, signed the sought-out Oliver Bearman. Bearman is notable for filling in for Ferrari and Haas last season in races.
Gabriel Bortoleto is living his dreams and carrying the pride of his home country Brazil. After emerging as the champion in his rookie season in Formula 2, Bortoleto is set to race with Kick Sauber this season.
Melbourne will be a homecoming for Australian driver Jack Doohan, who will compete in his first full season with Alpine, although there is much speculation about how long he will be with the team. Alpine signed Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver and continuous rumors surround Doohan being replaced by the Argentine.
Red Bull Racing announced during the offseason that Sergio Perez would depart the team despite a contract through the 2026 season. Red Bull was quick to sign Liam Lawson. This choice was met with backlash as veteran driver Yuki Tsunoda, who may have expected to move up to partner team leader and world champion Max Verstappen, will race another season with Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls.
Lawson previously raced with Racing Bulls as he replaced Daniel Ricciardo midway through last season. His move allowed for another rookie on the grid, as Isack Hadjar is the newest Racing Bull driver, adding to the complicated Red Bull dynamic.
In the past, championships have often been decided by just a few points. This season’s battle may come down to the wire as F1 gears up for changes in point distributions. This season will be the first since 2019 in which a point is not awarded to the driver who finishes with the fastest lap in a race.
Tensions are high as the battle for the championship starts. Will Verstappen win his fifth consecutive championship? Will Mclaren’s Lando Norris pose a challenge again for Verstappen? Or will Lewis Hamilton win his sought-out eighth championship?
F1 has a long season ahead as the final race is not until Dec. 7. Let’s hope the race for the title comes down to the last day — or lap.
F1 streams on F1TV and ESPN throughout the season. The opening race in Melbourne will air live at 11 p.m. CST, March 15 allowing for the time difference.