As the 2024 Formula One season races towards its climax, the paddock is already abuzz with anticipation for 2025. The driver market has been in full swing, with teams scrambling to secure their lineups for the upcoming season. While some familiar faces will remain in their current seats, others are set to embark on new adventures with different teams. The fight between drivers trying to renew contracts and teams securing the best drivers is heating up, and the 2025 grid is shaping up to be one of the best Formula One has ever seen.
Red Bull Racing:
Red Bull will keep its top driver Max, who has shown promise by winning seven races so far this year. Being one of the best drivers on the grid, he was an obvious candidate for keeping his seat. However, the question arises with his partner Sergio Perez who will continue to drive for Red Bull even after his questionable driving this year. After facing pressure by being next to the great Verstappen, he is hoping to have better performances in the upcoming season.
Mercedes:
Having lost the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes hopes to replace him with an up and coming talented driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. With his amazing record in Formula Three, he was personally scouted to replace the great Hamilton. However, it is still a gamble for Mercedes to choose a rookie for this competitive season. Luckily, George Russell will continue to stay at Mercedes and hopefully be able to help ease Antonelli into his first-ever Formula One season.
Ferrari:
The flashing red team will continue to keep its grasp on the Monaco Prince Charles Leclerc who has had an impressive race record this year by winning both in his hometown Monaco and the Italian Grand Prix. Another great member will be added: Lewis Hamilton. With over 200 races under his belt, Sir Lewis Hamilton will be a veteran and a contender against Verstappen for the 2025 Drivers Championship. Ferrari will be a team to be reckoned with in the upcoming season. Its current driver, Carlos Sainz, will sadly be moving to Williams for the next season.
McLaren:
The papaya team will continue to have its two improving drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With both drivers getting a maiden win this year, it is no surprise that McLaren decided to hold onto these new, talented drivers. With the team currently on track to win the Constructors Championship and a possible Driver’s Championship fight for Norris, this team seems already on track to becoming a dominant contender next year.
Aston Martin:
A team that has been doing poorly this season, Aston Martin may have some huge improvements coming its way next season. Keeping their seats, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will continue to drive in Formula One. The big contender joining is not a driver but the legendary Adrian Newey. He has personally been the reason of designing cars that have won twelve World Contractors titles, and he is not planning on stopping there. With his efforts of designing the best cars, it is expected that the new cars for Aston Martin will change the current tractor into a rocketship that could possibly help Fernando Alonso win a third World Driver Champion title.
Rookies to look out for:
Oliver Bearman, a driver who has already driven this year in Formula One as a reserved driver for Ferrari in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and for Haas in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, will continue driving next year. Although he came in with low expectations, he currently sits 16th place in F1 with eight points collected in just two races. He will now officially be part of the 2025 grid, driving for Haas with high expectations and confirmed potential.
Jack Doohan will be taking the Alpine spot after being promoted from Formula Two and is expected to be an excellent driver due to his great record so far. His impressive performances in F2, including race wins and podium finishes, have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid.
Continuing Drivers:
Within Visa Cash App Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda will continue to drive as the solo Japanese Driver in the grid with an undeclared partner. Alpine will continue to drive with Pierre Gasly, Stake F1 is signing ex-Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, and Haas has signed ex-Alpine driver Esteban Ocon.
The upcoming 2025 season brings in the excitement of new and old drivers with each one eager to prove their worth. Fans can expect more rivalries and unpredictable outcomes in hopes that this season will bring glory to their favorite team.
