In 2025, the focus in Formula One (F1) shifts to Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, and emerging talents.

In 2025, the focus in Formula One (F1) shifts to Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, and emerging talents.

It's only been about three weeks since one of the most thrilling Formula 1 seasons in recent history concluded, yet the attention has already shifted towards the upcoming year.

Max Verstappen had an arduous time defending his title against Lando Norris, battling not only his opponent but also a capricious Red Bull vehicle. Regardless, he secured a fourth consecutive championship.

On the other hand, McLaren concluded a 26-year drought by claiming the constructors' title. Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri made the most of having the best car on the track throughout the season.

Will the duo of Norris and Papaya be able to improve their performance next season?

What about Lewis Hamilton, who is transferring to Ferrari following 12 prestigious years at Mercedes? Could he at last bring an end to Ferrari's wait for a drivers' title and surpass Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles?

Hamilton is only one of the numerous intriguing shifts in the driver lineup. Liam Lawson takes over from Sergio Perez at Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz switches to Williams following his departure from Ferrari.

If this year's performance is an indicator, the upcoming season is likely to be equally exciting. Here are a few aspects worth keeping an eye on in 2025.

Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari

After 12 seasons and six world titles, Lewis Hamilton is gearing up to swap Mercedes silver for Ferrari red with the aim of signing off his illustrious career with a glorious finale.

News of Hamilton's move to the Scuderia has been in the public domain since February, despite his inconsistent form this season which saw him obtain just two victories.

Hamilton ended the season 22 points behind teammate George Russell in the standings and struggled in qualifying, being outperformed by Russell 19-5 in Grands Prix and 5-1 in sprint races.

However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur does not share these concerns.

"I am completely convinced and I don't wish to blame Lewis or Mercedes, that this situation is not easy to manage, and I can understand if it is not going well you can suffer in this relationship.

"He was not well in his mind and he was clear about this in Brazil, but he also did very well in the last couple of events, and I am not worried at all."

Hamilton, who turns 40 in January, will make his Ferrari debut at pre-season testing in Bahrain between February 26 and 28, before the season opener in Australia on March 16.

It has been 17 long years since a Ferrari driver won the world championship. If he manages to achieve this, Hamilton would surpass Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles and etch himself into Ferrari's folklore from the word go.

Can Lando Norris usurp Max Verstappen?

McLaren clinched its first constructor's title since 1998, but Lando Norris fell short in his quest for a maiden world title.

Norris boasted the best car on the track and claimed his maiden Formula 1 win in Miami in May, followed by three more victories.

Norris demonstrated the consistency required to challenge for a title - he qualified outside the top-10 only once in 24 races - and proved to be as formidable an opponent as Max Verstappen has faced since his epic rivalry with Lewis Hamilton in 2021.

However, Norris himself admitted that his season was not flawless. Norris started on pole position in Spain, Hungary, and Italy but conceded the lead at Turn 1 in all three cases, something he needs to rectify in 2025.

Additionally, while McLaren had an outstanding season, certain strategic decisions, such as the timing of pit-stops during the Canadian and British Grands Prix, ultimately cost Norris the win.

Norris acknowledged that he was not yet prepared to win the title this year, but expect him to give Verstappen a run for his money next year. He could very well be the favourite to take away Verstappen's title.

Changes to the Formula 1 calendar for 2025

The new Formula 1 season will once again cover 24 rounds, but there are several significant modifications to the calendar.

Australia returns to its traditional spot as the season opener, but Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are shifted from March to April due to the timeline of the holy month of Ramadan.

As in 2024, there will again be six sprint races in the calendar, to be held in Shanghai, Miami, Austin, Sao Paulo, and Qatar.

These will be joined by the Belgium Grand Prix, which will organize its first sprint race since 2023.

Meanwhile, Zandvoort will host its penultimate Grand Prix, with the Dutch track scheduled to drop out of the calendar at the end of the 2026 season.

A new face at Red Bull

Liam Lawson replaces Sergio Perez at Red Bull, following the Mexican's early departure from the team 12 months ahead of schedule.

Perez endured a barren 2024 campaign, seeing his form dwindle after he agreed to a two-year contract extension in May.

The 34-year-old finished eighth in the championship, his worst performance since joining Red Bull in 2021, and will not be participating in the grid from March onwards.

The responsibility of being Max Verstappen's new teammate falls to Lawson, who scored points in two of his six appearances in 2024, following Ricciardo's departure from Red Bull's sister team RB.

Red Bull has high expectations for the 22-year-old, but the learning curve may be steep.

The rookie class of 2025

A number of newcomers will be a part of the grid in the 2025 season.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli steps in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, who was initially slated for Ferrari. On the other hand, fresh recruit John Doogan sidelines Esteban Ocon at Alpine. Meanwhile, Brazilian Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto joins Sauber.

Isack Hadjar, who finished second in Formula 2 last season, replaces Liam Lawson at RB. Lawson transitions to Red Bull, filling in the vacancy.

On a different note, Oliver Bearman has secured a permanent position at Haas following his deputization for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as well as for Kevin Magnussen in Azerbaijan and Brazil.

1. Ferrari, with the addition of Lewis Hamilton, aims to break their 17-year drought in the drivers' championship, with Hamilton aiming to surpass Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles.
2. Lando Norris will be looking to challenge Max Verstappen for the title next season, having shown consistent form and defeating Verstappen in several races during the previous season.
3. Red Bull will have a new driver in Liam Lawson, who will be Max Verstappen's teammate, replacing Sergio Perez who left the team early.

Read also: