Formula 1 returns for another exciting season in 2025, which promises to be a memorable one. There are plenty of driver swapping and team strategy changes for the teams and a lot of fast action, as well as intriguing battles and unpredictability. The winter break has already yielded us enough news, ranging from startling team announcements to regulation changes that have the potential to restart the competitive balance. Below is our preseason preview featuring all 10 teams, driver lineups, and most expected storylines for the new season.
Driver Movements and New Line-Ups
Lewis Hamilton Joins Ferrari
The biggest headline-maker of the off-season was inevitably Lewis Hamilton’s sensational switch to Ferrari. Spent more than a decade driving for Mercedes, Hamilton has transferred to the Scuderia to pursue an eighth world title. Teammate for Charles Leclerc, the pairing promises to be one of the best the modern F1 era has ever seen. The chemistry – or potential friction – between them will be a key factor in Ferrari’s title push, as they aim to finish at the top of the constructors championship.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Steps Up at Mercedes
On Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes has rested its hopes on 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is a talent from their junior academy. Antonelli will be paired with George Russell, who has taken the senior role in the team. Mercedes would closely observe the performance of the young Italian as they sought to bounce back from a disastrous 2024 season.
Carlos Sainz Shifts to Williams
Replaced by Hamilton, Carlos Sainz has taken a brave gamble by moving to Williams. The once troubled team has, in fact, developed incredible strides over the last few years, and Sainz’s experience could prove to be the magic formula for them to move to the midfield of the grid. Alongside Alex Albon, Williams have a robust and stable line-up.
Other Key Driver Changes:
- Nico Hülkenberg to Sauber – The experienced German returns to Haas, in their pursuit to employ his services to help them transition into Audi’s 2026 F1 entry.
- Esteban Ocon to Haas – Haas signed Esteban Ocon due to his track record, leadership abilities, established rapport with team management and shared vision for success in the future.
Apart from Antonelli, this season has 5 other drivers with their first full time F1 seat:
- Oliver Bearman to Haas
- Jack Doohan to Alpine
- Gabriel Bortoleto to Sauber
- Liam Lawson to Red Bull
- Isack Hadjar to Racing Bulls
Team-by-Team Breakdown
McLaren (Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri)
McLaren remains the team to beat, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri forming one of the most exciting young pairings. Their pre-season performance has been excellent, and they might be genuine podium material.
Ferrari (Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton)
With Hamilton on the roster, Ferrari arguably has the most paper-thin best team on paper. Their SF-25 car for 2025 is reported to have been putting up promising numbers through simulations. But most significantly, the question on everyone’s lips is: Can Leclerc and Hamilton coexist without the specter of in-house team politics?
Red Bull Racing (Max Verstappen & Liam Lawson)
Red Bull aims to continue its steady rise with Max Verstappen aiming for a fifth-consecutive title. The introduction of Liam Lawson adds an intriguing element, however. Can he handle the huge pressure of sharing a seat with Verstappen, or will he become the latest failed teammate victim?
Mercedes (George Russell & Andrea Kimi Antonelli)
Mercedes are rebuilding, courtesy of Hamilton’s exit, and their fortunes will depend heavily on Antonelli’s ability to adapt. Russell, now the de facto team leader, will be looking to push Mercedes back to winning ways.
Aston Martin (Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll)
Having endured a wild 2024, Aston Martin is counting on experience to change its luck. Alonso is still to show his characteristic ferocity, but can Stroll match the pace?
Williams (Carlos Sainz & Alex Albon)
With Sainz joining, Williams has a strong combination of experience and technical know-how. Their 2025 car is reported to have undergone significant aerodynamic upgrades.
Alpine (Pierre Gasly & Jack Doohan)
Alpine is in flux following Ocon’s departure. Gasly now takes on a leadership role, while rookie Jack Doohan faces a steep learning curve.
Sauber (Gabriel Bortoleto & Nico Hülkenberg)
With an eye on Audi’s 2026 entry, Sauber is preparing for long-term success. Bortoleto is one of the most intriguing rookies to watch this year, paired along with the experienced Hülkenberg.
Haas (Esteban Ocon & Oliver Bearman)
Haas revamped their driver line-up with the signing of Ocon and Bearman. Ocon brings a much-needed splash of experience, with Bearman hoping to make his mark in his debut season.
Racing Bulls (Yuki Tsunoda & Isack Hadjar)
The revamped AlphaTauri team, rebranded as Racing Bulls, retains Tsunoda and brings in Hadjar. The duo is hoping to leave a mark with their Racing Bulls campaign.
Stories to Watch
Would Hamilton hand Ferrari their first title since 2007?
Hamilton joining Ferrari was beneficial for both parties. Hamilton looks ahead to win his 8th WDC, Ferrari aims to win their first constructor’s championship since 2007. While Hamilton’s driving ability is proven on track, it all boils down to Ferrari’s build and mechanics, which would be crucial in achieving both the goals.
Will Red Bull rule supreme?
Red Bull’s dominance in 2025 will be put to the test when they operate without the experience of Adrian Newey’s brains. Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are waiting in the wings, and how well they innovate with the RB21 will be the clincher. Verstappen’s reliability and the team’s performance will be what sustains them.
How Will Andrea Kimi Antonelli Perform at Mercedes?
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s debut run in F1 2025 will be scrutinised heavily as he sits with Mercedes, replacing Hamilton. How he adapts to F1 cars, racecraft, and pressure handling will determine his inaugural season. If he delivers, he surely could make himself a future F1 star.
Is McLaren Prepared to Challenge for the Title?
Title defences by McLaren have taken giant strides with a top-driving team and continuous improvement. If their 2025 car continues on the same path, then they will be genuine title challengers. But consistency and staying in Red Bull’s footsteps on the track will be the biggest challenges.
Can Williams Recover Its Past Glory?
Following decades of rebuilding since being in an era of drought, veteran F1 giant Williams has been restocking. New bosses, great drivers at the helm, and added investment, Williams slowly inches towards the pinnacle again. But in order to return to its glory days, Williams must catch up to the leaders and fight for podium finishes on a regular basis, something they are banking on Sainz to achieve.
Conclusion
The F1 2025 season is set to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent years. 2026 would feature 11 teams in the paddock, with Cadillac joining the grid, making this season the last one yet with 10 teams. Not just that, we’ve already had big driver signings, new technology rules, and some teams have fresh dreams of claiming the championship, so F1 enthusiasts have much to anticipate. The campaign begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14th this year, but one thing is certain: F1 2025 will be dramatic, action-packed, and hungrier than ever.