With a competitive grid, the 2025 Formula One season promises intense battles. McLaren aims to defend its constructors’ title, Ferrari is resurgent, and Red Bull faces its toughest fight yet. Here’s how the teams and drivers stack up.
McLaren
- Car: MCL39 | Engine: Mercedes | Principal: Andrea Stella
- Last Season: 1st in Constructors’ Championship
McLaren enters 2025 as the reigning champion, ready to capitalize on last year’s success. The car was a standout in testing, and confidence is high. Managing their talented driver lineup will be crucial.
Drivers:
- Lando Norris (GB, 25) – After finishing runner-up last year, Norris is aiming for his first title. He believes he has addressed weaknesses that cost him in key battles.
- Oscar Piastri (AUS, 23) – Rapid and aggressive, Piastri has the potential to challenge Norris but needs to improve in qualifying to mount a serious title bid.
Ferrari
- Car: SF-25 | Engine: Ferrari | Principal: Frédéric Vasseur
- Last Season: 2nd
Ferrari is back as a top contender. Stability and improved car development suggest regular wins are expected.
Drivers:
- Charles Leclerc (MNC, 27) – Consistent last season, Leclerc now faces the ultimate test: competing alongside a seven-time champion.
- Lewis Hamilton (GB, 40) – Energized by a fresh challenge, Hamilton looks to add an eighth title. The SF-25 suits his style, setting the stage for a thrilling season.
Red Bull
- Car: RB21 | Engine: Honda RBPT | Principal: Christian Horner
- Last Season: 3rd
After a misstep in car development last year, Red Bull remains uncertain about its performance. Verstappen faces his toughest title defense yet.
Drivers:
- Max Verstappen (NED, 27) – A four-time champion, he remains relentless but may struggle without a dominant car.
- Liam Lawson (NZ, 23) – A tough challenge awaits him alongside Verstappen, but he has shown resilience and potential.
Mercedes
- Car: W16 | Engine: Mercedes | Principal: Toto Wolff
- Last Season: 4th
Mercedes believes it has solved the issues plaguing its recent cars. If testing wasn’t misleading, they could be genuine contenders.
Drivers:
- George Russell (GB, 27) – Now the team leader, Russell is eager to prove himself in a competitive car.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (IT, 18) – A highly-rated rookie, but replacing Hamilton is an immense challenge.
Aston Martin
- Car: AMR25 | Engine: Mercedes | Principal: Andy Cowell
- Last Season: 5th
The team remains in transition, awaiting the impact of Adrian Newey’s arrival in 2026.
Drivers:
- Fernando Alonso (ESP, 43) – Still a force, but podiums may be hard to come by.
- Lance Stroll (CAN, 26) – Needs to prove he can keep up and contribute more consistently.
Alpine
- Car: A525 | Engine: Renault | Principal: Oliver Oakes
- Last Season: 6th
Steady improvements hint at a stronger campaign.
Drivers:
- Pierre Gasly (FRA, 29) – A reliable leader for Alpine’s push forward.
- Jack Doohan (AUS, 22) – Under pressure to perform with reserve driver Franco Colapinto waiting in the wings.
Haas
- Car: VF-25 | Engine: Ferrari | Principal: Ayao Komatsu
- Last Season: 7th
A focus on race pace has helped Haas improve.
Drivers:
- Esteban Ocon (FRA, 28) – Needs a strong season after his Alpine exit.
- Oliver Bearman (GB, 19) – A promising talent, expected to impress.
Racing Bulls
- Car: VCARB 02 | Engine: Red Bull RBPT | Principal: Laurent Mekies
- Last Season: 8th
A stronger season is expected, but the car remains difficult to handle.
Drivers:
- Yuki Tsunoda (JPN, 24) – Needs another strong season to secure his future in F1.
- Isack Hadjar (FRA, 20) – A Red Bull junior with speed but must prove his composure.
Williams
- Car: FW47 | Engine: Mercedes | Principal: James Vowles
- Last Season: 9th
An impressive testing performance suggests Williams could lead the midfield.
Drivers:
- Alexander Albon (THA, 28) – Needs a comeback season after underperforming in 2024.
- Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP, 30) – A strong asset, determined to lead Williams forward.
Sauber
- Car: C45 | Engine: Ferrari | Principal: Mattia Binotto (Interim), Jonathan Wheatley (from April)
- Last Season: 10th
With the transition to Audi in 2026, the focus is already shifting ahead.
Drivers:
- Nico Hülkenberg (GER, 37) – Experienced but faces an uphill battle.
- Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA, 20) – A promising young talent but set for a tough debut season.
With multiple teams in contention, the 2025 season could be one of the most competitive in years.
