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Sportscasting’s F1 2025 Predictions: Drivers’ and Constructors Champions, Best Rookie, Ferrari Battle & More

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By
Sushan Chakraborty
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Sushan Chakraborty Sports Editor

Sushan Chakraborty has been writing professionally since debuting with 90min in 2017. He has since typed out thousands of articles, learning the trade from some of the smartest minds in the business. Now at Sportscasting, he is striving to whip up his best articles yet.

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Published12 Mar 2025

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After what seemed like a never-ending hiatus, Formula 1 (F1) is back, featuring 20 of the best drivers in the world and 10 cash-rich constructors partaking in the most extravagant science experiment known to mankind. 

Before the F1 2025 season begins in Melbourne, we want to put down some bold predictions, covering everything from Drivers’ and Constructors Championships to the Ferrari battle between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Let’s dive in!

Sportscasting’s F1 2025 Predictions

Who Will be the F1 Drivers’ Champion in 2025?

Kieran: Max Verstappen might not have the quickest car, but I believe the Dutchman will tie Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive Drivers’ Championships.

This boils down to Verstappen’s superiority within the Red Bull team compared to the McLaren and Ferrari drivers who will take points off each other throughout the season. Lando Norris will miss out but it will be a close battle.

Sushan: Max Verstappen deservedly won the Drivers’ Championship last year, and is the best driver on the grid. However, I do not think Red Bull has given him a car good enough to beat the likes of McLaren and Ferrari on more occasions than not.

After getting a taste of a real championship battle last year, Lando Norris will be keen to get a good start. If he secures a couple of wins right out of the gate, his confidence could carry him to the F1 Drivers’ Championship in 2025.

Which Team Will be F1 Constructors’ Champion in 2025?

Kieran: McLaren‘s duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will do well enough to win the constructors’ title for the second year running.

Liam Lawson will struggle to match Verstappen and his inexperience will hurt Red Bull in their pursuit of the constructors’ title.

Sushan: Blame the hopeful Ferrari fan in me, but I feel the Italian team can finally win the F1 Constructors’ Championship this year.

Sure, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will take points off one another and crash out of the Drivers’ Championship, but they can combine to grant the Tifosi the greatest gift later this year.

Who Will be the Best Rookie in F1 2025?

Kieran: Andrea Kimi Antonelli will get stronger as the season goes on and could win a race in his first season with Mercedes.
Gabriel Bortoleto is someone to watch in the future but it could be a quiet year for the Brazilian. Sauber are likely to put all their eggs in the 2026 basket when they become Audi.

Sushan: Mercedes teen Andrea Kimi Antonelli has the most competitive car out of all the rookies. But I am not sure he will be able to keep pace with George Russel. The 18-year-old, who famously crashed at the 2024 Italian GP, could pay the price for pushing too hard too soon.

Gabriel Bortoleto, meanwhile, is a considerably collected operator. The 2024 F2 Drivers’ Champion may not have the machinery to be in the top half more often, but I see him getting some crucial points for Sauber.

Who Will Have the Most Crashes in the 2025 F1 Season?

Kieran: Isack Hadjar is a fast but aggressive driver and it would not be a surprise to see this rookie end up with the most crashes this season. Another contender would be Jack Doohan in the Alpine. However, how long he will be at Alpine is yet to be seen given there are already rumours he could be replaced by Franco Colapinto.

Sushan: Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll made his F1 debut in 2017, but he is nowhere close to being competitive. He still makes too many mistakes and is quick to deflect blame. I expect him to be involved in quite a few unfortunate incidents during the 2025 F1 season.

Which Team Will Be the Surprise Package of the Year?

Kieran: Williams could have a productive season with their best driver line-up in years in Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. It would not be a surprise to see Sainz end their podium drought at some stage during the 2025 season.

Sushan: Williams has one of the finest driver pairings on the grid in F1 2025, and I am excited to see how they fare. Carlos Sainz’s vast experience, both with McLaren and Ferrari, will greatly benefit James Vowles’ team.

Which Team Will Be the Disappointment of the Year?

Kieran: Aston Martin was regularly challenging for podiums two years ago but struggled last year. Pre-season testing was not promising and they could drop down the grid even further this year as they focus on 2026 with Adrian Newey now in the fold.

Sushan: I feel Mercedes will be on the back foot this year after losing Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. George Russel is a fine driver, but I am not sure he has the leadership skills to pull the Silver Arrows.

Who Will Win the Ferrari Battle Between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc?

Kieran: Charles Leclerc will get the better of his seven-time world-champion teammate this season. The Monegasque has perhaps the best qualifying pace out of any driver on the grid and is already well-embedded in the Ferrari team, though Hamilton will push him hard.

Sushan: Charles Leclerc will comfortably outperform Lewis Hamilton in the first seven/eight races. However, after Hamilton gets to grip with his spanking-new Ferrari, the battle will be very close. Overall, I am backing Leclerc to finish ahead this season.

What Will Be the Best Race in the 2025 F1 Season?

Kieran: The Brazilian Grand Prix always delivers a classic as shown last year with Max Verstappen’s incredible performance to victory. The Japanese Grand Prix in April and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix are also strong contenders.

Sushan: The Brazilian Grand Prix was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch in F1 2024. I am expecting another classic this year. I am also excited to see how Monza pans out for the new Ferrari couple.