In 2025, precisely half of the drivers on the System 1 grid will likely 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 would possibly rapidly second-guess their selections.
Purple Bull, the final workforce to finalize their driver line-up, has parted methods with Sergio Perez, reaching a mutual settlement. The workforce 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 workforce within the prime 4 to keep up their current driver pairing for 2025. Nonetheless, Ferrari stirred up the driving 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 footwear of Esteban Ocon, who leaves to affix Oliver Bearman on the revamped Haas workforce.
Williams made a notable splash available in the market, 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 System 1 historical past, no rookies joined the grid.
On Viaplay’s F1 Talks 2024 end-of-season assessment present, former F1 driver David Coulthard weighed in on the scenario surrounding Ferrari, particularly in relation to Lewis Hamilton. Regardless of being probably 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 “needs to be a bit of bit apprehensive” about Hamilton’s kind, 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. Nonetheless, it was his struggles in qualifying that raised probably the most considerations, as he misplaced to Russell in 19 out of 24 periods. Whereas Lewis Hamilton usually managed to get well some floor in the course of the races, Ferrari will want him to be at his best possible in all facets 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 acknowledged that Lewis Hamilton may benefit from a contemporary begin, and David Coulthard appears to agree. He urged that it’s straightforward to check Hamilton returning to kind 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 occasions are usually not reflecting the specified outcomes. He added that Ferrari might need some considerations, but additionally identified that change can generally be helpful. David Coulthard urged that Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, and donning the purple go well with, might have a transformative impact, evaluating it to how Superman turns into empowered when he wears his go well with. The previous McLaren and Purple Bull driver concluded by stating that, whatever the consequence, it is going to 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 non-public considerations the French workforce 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 automotive.
Frederic Vasseur, who managed Hamilton within the junior classes, brings a wealth of data about tips on how to get one of the best out of the British driver. This current 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 previously 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.
However, 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 workforce. The Briton is predicted to make his first public look as a Ferrari driver on the launch occasion of the F1 75 in London, scheduled for February 18.