On February 18, Formula 1 kicked off the 2025 season with a spectacular launch event at London’s O2 Arena, unveiling the 10 teams and 20 drivers set to battle for glory in the 75th F1 World Championship. The season opens on March 16 in Melbourne, followed by Shanghai on March 23, which will also host the year’s first sprint race. Across 24 races in 21 countries, rivalries will ignite, and new champions may rise.
Before the real action begins, preseason testing in Bahrain (February 26-28) will give fans a first glimpse of the new contenders. And what a season it promises to be!
Looking Back: Verstappen’s Dominance & McLaren’s Triumph
The 2024 season saw Max Verstappen claim his fourth consecutive world title with Red Bull, fending off fierce competition from Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who completed the championship podium. But the biggest story wasn’t just Verstappen’s dominance it was McLaren’s return to glory. After years of struggle, the Woking-based team secured its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, proving that their resurgence was no fluke.
The Biggest Transfer in F1 History
The shock move of the decade? Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari. After 12 years and six world titles with Mercedes, the seven-time champion embarks on a new chapter, donning the legendary red of Scuderia Ferrari. His move sends ripples across the grid: he replaces Carlos Sainz, who joins Williams, while Mercedes entrusts Andrea Kimi Antonelli to fill Hamilton’s vacant seat.
2025’s Game-Changing Driver Market
Beyond Hamilton’s bombshell transfer, the grid sees major shake-ups:
- Haas introduces an all-new lineup with rookie Oliver Bearman, while Kevin Magnussen departs.
- Alpine promotes Jack Doohan, replacing Esteban Ocon.
- Sauber undergoes a complete transformation, signing F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Nico Hülkenberg.
- Red Bull Racing replaces Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson, while Racing Bulls promotes Isack Hadjar.
With rookie sensations and veteran legends set to collide, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable season.
Now, test your F1 knowledge with our quiz and see if you’re ready for the new era of racing!
