In 2025, precisely half of the drivers on the Components 1 grid might be beginning contemporary with new groups, marking a season of great change. Whereas some drivers are anticipated to search out new vitality and motivation from their strikes, others may rapidly second-guess their selections.
Crimson Bull, the final crew to finalize their driver line-up, has parted methods with Sergio Perez, reaching a mutual settlement. The crew has promoted Liam Lawson from Racing Bulls to companion Max Verstappen, whereas Isack Hadjar takes the seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri.
McLaren stands out as the one crew within the prime 4 to keep up their present driver pairing for 2025. Nevertheless, Ferrari stirred up the motive force market by signing the legendary Lewis Hamilton, a transfer that created important buzz, whereas Mercedes responded by selling rookie Kimi Antonelli to interchange him.
Within the midfield, Aston Martin has been an anomaly, sticking with their present pairing. In the meantime, Alpine’s Jack Doohan will step into the sneakers of Esteban Ocon, who leaves to affix Oliver Bearman on the revamped Haas crew.
Williams made a notable splash out there, securing Carlos Sainz after his surprising availability, whereas Sauber opted for a significant overhaul following a disappointing season, bringing in seasoned veteran Nico Hulkenberg alongside F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
This yr’s market is a stark distinction to 2023, when each driver retained their seat, and for the primary time in Components 1 historical past, no rookies joined the grid.
On Viaplay’s F1 Talks 2024 end-of-season overview present, former F1 driver David Coulthard weighed in on the scenario surrounding Ferrari, particularly in relation to Lewis Hamilton. Regardless of being essentially the most profitable driver within the sport’s historical past, Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari raises some questions, particularly after a less-than-ideal 2024 season. David Coulthard identified that whereas Ferrari “must be somewhat bit anxious” about Hamilton’s type, the 39-year-old’s previous accomplishments can’t be ignored.
Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 marketing campaign noticed him end 22 factors behind his Mercedes teammate, George Russell—a disappointing but not catastrophic hole. Nevertheless, it was his struggles in qualifying that raised essentially the most issues, as he misplaced to Russell in 19 out of 24 classes. Whereas Lewis Hamilton usually managed to get better some floor through the races, Ferrari will want him to be at his very best in all elements of his efficiency if they’re to finish their lengthy drought in securing the Constructors’ Championship, a title they haven’t claimed since 2008.
George Russell himself has said that Lewis Hamilton may benefit from a contemporary begin, and David Coulthard appears to agree. He steered that it’s simple to check Hamilton returning to type and searching like “Superman” as soon as he dons the Ferrari purple for the 2025 season.
David Coulthard talked about that the stopwatch doesn’t lie and that, presently, the lap instances aren’t reflecting the specified outcomes. He added that Ferrari may need some issues, but in addition identified that change can generally be useful. David Coulthard steered that Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, and donning the purple swimsuit, might have a transformative impact, evaluating it to how Superman turns into empowered when he wears his swimsuit. The previous McLaren and Crimson Bull driver concluded by stating that, whatever the end result, it will likely be an thrilling time forward.
Lewis Hamilton has made his first official assertion as a Ferrari driver, marking the start of a brand new chapter in his illustrious profession. The seven-time world champion shared with Fred Vasseur the explanations behind his struggles in qualifying final season, which can assist ease any personal issues the French crew principal had. It seems that a few of Hamilton’s points might have been attributed to the difficult and sometimes unpredictable dealing with of the Mercedes automobile.
Frederic Vasseur, who managed Hamilton within the junior classes, brings a wealth of data about get the perfect out of the British driver. This present relationship between the 2 might show essential in serving to Hamilton adapt rapidly and successfully to his new surroundings at Ferrari.
Although the Brit solely formally grew to become a Ferrari driver prior to now few days, he spent the ultimate weeks of 2024 wrapping up his lengthy and profitable tenure with Mercedes. Throughout this time, he didn’t take part within the post-season take a look at with Ferrari.
Nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton took to social media within the begin of 2025 to ship a message to Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, formally signaling the beginning of his journey with the enduring Italian crew. The Briton is anticipated to make his first public look as a Ferrari driver on the launch occasion of the F1 75 in London, scheduled for February 18.