The wait is almost over, with the 75th season of Formula 1 kicking off in less than a week. As the lights go green at Albert Park in Melbourne, the Formula 1 paddock is abuzz with excitement, each team having its own set of challenges and expectations. For reigning champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, the goal is clear: defend the title and make history by becoming only the second team, after Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, to win five consecutive championships.
However, this year might be the toughest for Verstappen yet. Despite having a better car than its predecessor, the RB21, the team needs to take another step forward. Meanwhile, newcomer Liam Lawson will be under the spotlight, and any mistake will put him in the hot seat. The pressure is on, and it’s not going to be easy.
Another team to watch is McLaren, which showed promising performance during the Bahrain tests. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri behind the wheel, they have a good shot at making a strong start to the season. However, they need to improve on their poor start to the 2024 season, where they only managed to win two races out of the last seven.
Ferrari is also making headlines, with Lewis Hamilton joining the team and partnering with Charles Leclerc. The duo is confident, with Hamilton declaring that they are the strongest pair in F1 history. The pressure is on them to deliver, especially since Ferrari hasn’t won a championship since 2007. The SF-25 car has shown promise, and with normal weather conditions, their chances of winning look good.
Mercedes, on the other hand, is facing a new challenge with Hamilton’s departure. The team needs to manage the expectations of their new duo, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. While Russell claims to have taken a step forward, the team’s performance is still uncertain. The Italian rookie Antonelli is also under pressure to deliver, especially since Italy hasn’t had a champion since the 1950s.
Aston Martin is another team that has kept a low profile during the preseason. While they have made significant changes to their car, few can gauge their actual performance. The team’s best news is the presence of Fernando Alonso, who always raises the bar. However, the question remains whether they can translate their potential into actual results.
Williams has also shown a positive attitude change during the preseason, completing marathon testing sessions and showcasing a solid car. However, they are playing it calm, not wanting to get ahead of themselves. The question is, do they have more up their sleeve, or was it just a show for the winter?
Alpine has had a quiet preseason, but they have completed their programs without any major issues. With Esteban Ocon’s departure to Haas, the team is looking to improve on their poor start to the 2024 season. They have a good chance of progressing, and with a calm approach, they might just surprise everyone.
Ocon’s move to Haas is also a significant development, as he needs to prove himself as a leader. The Frenchman has to demonstrate that he can take the team forward, and if he succeeds, Haas’s ceiling will rise significantly.
Yuki Tsunoda is another driver under pressure, as he needs to take a step forward in results and quality. With Honda’s departure, the question is whether he can improve or if he will be left behind. The Japanese driver has the talent, but the F1 wait for no one, and he needs to deliver.
Sauber is also facing a challenging season, with their car being the most uncomfortable on the grid. With Hulkenberg and Bortoleto behind the wheel, they need to improve significantly, especially since they will be joining forces with Audi in 2026. The rules may change, but dynamics are crucial for a brand that wants to win as quickly as possible.
In less than a week, the lights will go out at Albert Park, and the reality of the season will sink in. The battles are set, and it’s time for the drivers and teams to put their money where their mouth is. The 2025 Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and it promises to be an exciting ride.