F1 Season 2025 let’s get started [Infographic]

With the 2024 F1 season wrapping up, the driver market for 2025 has been taking shape, and some big moves have already been announced. The sport is making some important tweaks to its regulations before the big 2026 overhaul. While the changes might not seem as dramatic as the upcoming changes, they still have a significant impact on how teams and drivers approach the season. Here are the main changes for the 2025 season that I find worth noting:

1. Removal of the Fastest Lap Point

Since 2019, a driver finishing in the top 10 could earn an additional point for setting the fastest lap of the race. This rule often led to drivers pushing late in the race to claim the bonus point or making pit stops for fresh tires to secure it. However, this system created opportunities for cars outside the top 10 to interfere by setting a fast lap after making pit stops. Due to these issues and the controversy surrounding the bonus, the decision has been made to remove the fastest lap point from the scoring system for 2025. The points system for the top 10 finishers in a Grand Prix and the top 8 in a Sprint will remain unchanged.

2. Driver Cooling Systems

In response to high temperatures, particularly in races or sprints where the weather forecast predicts temperatures above 31°C, a “Heat Hazard” can be declared. In these cases, teams will be required to install a mandatory driver cooling system, which will increase the car’s weight. The cooling system will consist of a fireproof shirt with fluid tubes that circulate cooling fluid around the driver’s body, with the system featuring a pump, plumbing, and a thermal store. The weight limit will increase by 2kg for practice, qualifying, and sprint qualifying sessions and 5kg for sprints and Grand Prix races. This rule is designed to reduce driver fatigue and ensure safety in extreme conditions.

3. Limits on Race Drivers Testing Old Cars

Changes have been made to the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations, particularly with regards to race drivers. While teams can conduct up to 20 days of TPC testing each year, their race drivers can only participate in 4 of those days. Additionally, the total distance for these tests cannot exceed 1000km. These limitations only apply to tests using cars that are at least two seasons old. This does not apply to tire testing or promotional runs with current machinery. Furthermore, teams are only allowed to run one TPC car at any given time during testing.

4. More Running for Rookies

For 2025, the mandatory first practice session (FP1) running for rookie drivers has been expanded. Teams will be required to run rookie drivers—those who have participated in no more than two F1 races—at least twice per car during a race weekend. Previously, teams had to run a rookie once per car during a season, but this number will double, meaning four total FP1 sessions will feature rookies. This change is designed to give less experienced drivers more seat time and allow teams to evaluate emerging talent.

5. Tighter Restrictions on DRS Designs and Wing Deflections

The FIA has introduced stricter technical regulations on the rear wing and Drag Reduction System (DRS). These changes mainly target the state of deployment of the DRS, limiting it to two positions: closed and open. The goal is to prevent “mini-DRS” designs, where elements of the rear wing tilt backward to reduce drag at speed. Additionally, the rear wing slot gap will now undergo more stringent testing, with the deflection limit being raised from 10 newtons to 30 newtons. There are also pending approval discussions for tighter deflection limits on both the rear and front wings to prevent excessive movement that could affect performance.

6. Changes to Qualifying Classifications

The regulations surrounding qualifying have been updated, particularly when weather or other issues prevent a session from taking place. In such cases, if qualifying cannot be completed, the grid will be based on the Drivers’ Championship standings, provided the stewards agree that the session cannot go ahead. If the Championship order can’t be used, as might be the case at the start of the season, the grid will be decided at the stewards’ discretion. Additionally, if drivers fail to set a time in Q2 or Q3, the order will be based on the results from the previous segment, as was the case in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last year.

7. Mule Car Tire Test

The end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi will take on a new format in 2025. While the Young Driver Test will remain unchanged (allowing a driver who has started no more than two races to participate), there will be a mule car used for testing the 2026 tires. These tires, which will be a different specification and dimension from the 2025 Pirelli tires, will be tested with modified cars that adhere to the 2026 regulations. Teams will use either their 2025 cars or any car from the previous four seasons that has been suitably adapted to test these new tires.

Mule car testing by Charles Leclerc Ferrari SF90 testing Pirelli tyres

These adjustments to the rules and regulations for 2025 may seem like small changes, but they will have a big impact on how teams and drivers prepare for the upcoming season. With these new restrictions, drivers will need to adapt their strategies, teams will have to optimize their setups, and fans can expect a more competitive and fair playing field.

Let me drive you through who the teammates will be. With a more in-depth look at each of the drivers for the 2025 season, we get started into an exciting adventure:

Red Bull

• Max Verstappen – #1
  Max Verstappen remains one of the most dominant forces in Formula 1, having secured multiple World Championships with Red Bull. With his deal running through to 2028, Max is committed to staying with Red Bull for the foreseeable future. Despite rumors linking him to Mercedes, Verstappen has made it clear that he’s not considering a move, continuing to build his legacy with Red Bull. His focus is on helping the team continue to dominate, especially with the ongoing development of the car and his partnership with Liam Lawson, who will join him as his teammate in 2025.
• Liam Lawson – #30
  Liam Lawson impressed during his substitute stints with AlphaTauri in 2023 and 2024, showcasing his speed and adaptability. His performances earned him a promotion to Red Bull’s main team for 2025, where he will replace Sergio Perez. Known for his calmness under pressure and solid consistency, Lawson has the potential to develop into a strong driver alongside Verstappen.

 

Ferrari

• Charles Leclerc – #16
  Charles Leclerc has been a key part of Ferrari since 2019, and his loyalty to the team is clear with the extension he signed for the upcoming years. Leclerc remains one of the most talented drivers on the grid, with a natural speed that has earned him multiple pole positions and race wins. Despite the challenges Ferrari has faced in recent years, Leclerc continues to trust in the team’s future and their ability to deliver a championship-winning car. His partnership with Lewis Hamilton will be a fascinating dynamic in 2025.
• Lewis Hamilton – #44
  The biggest move of the driver market for 2025 is Lewis Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. After spending more than a decade with Mercedes, where he won seven World Championships, Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new challenge. His experience, racecraft, and leadership will bring a wealth of knowledge to Ferrari, where he will look to help the team return to the front after a few years of struggling with car development.

 

McLaren

• Lando Norris – #4
  Lando Norris has been a standout driver for McLaren since making his debut in 2019, and he has quickly emerged as one of the most consistent and fastest drivers on the grid. His strong performances in recent seasons, particularly during McLaren’s resurgence in 2023, have earned him a long-term commitment with the team. His new multi-year contract guarantees that he will be with McLaren for the foreseeable future, as the team continues to push for podiums and race wins.
• Oscar Piastri – #81
  Oscar Piastri impressed with his smooth transition to Formula 1 in 2023, delivering solid performances with McLaren. His ability to extract maximum performance from the car has earned him a well-deserved multi-year contract extension. Piastri, paired with Norris, forms one of the most exciting young driver pairings on the grid. With McLaren’s growing competitiveness, both drivers will be aiming for consistent podium finishes.

 

Mercedes

• George Russell – #63
  George Russell will enter his fourth season with Mercedes in 2025, following a new contract that keeps him at the team through 2026. Russell has shown tremendous growth since joining Mercedes in 2022, quickly adapting to the pressure of being Lewis Hamilton’s teammate. His methodical approach and consistency make him one of the most reliable drivers on the grid. With Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, Russell will assume a more prominent leadership role at Mercedes.
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli – #12
  The highly-rated Kimi Antonelli will step up from Mercedes’ junior program to take the seat left vacant by Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Antonelli has a strong reputation in the junior categories, and Mercedes is clearly hoping he’ll bring the same level of excellence to F1. With his impressive junior record, he’s expected to be a driver to watch, potentially becoming a future championship contender if he adapts quickly to the senior team.

Aston Martin

• Fernando Alonso – #14
  Fernando Alonso has been a revelation at Aston Martin since his return to the team in 2023. Despite the team’s struggles to maintain their early-season form, Alonso has been a fierce competitor and has signed a new deal to stay with Aston Martin through at least 2026. His wealth of experience and exceptional racecraft will continue to help Aston Martin improve their car and their overall standing on the grid.
• Lance Stroll – #18
  Lance Stroll remains with Aston Martin in 2025, providing some much-needed continuity. While his performances have often been overshadowed by Alonso’s success, Stroll has shown that he has the pace to compete with the best. Having been with the team since its Racing Point days in 2019, Stroll will continue to develop alongside Alonso and contribute to the team’s growth.

 

RB (AlphaTauri)

• Yuki Tsunoda – #22
  Yuki Tsunoda will continue to race for AlphaTauri in 2025, having been with the team since 2021. Tsunoda’s feisty nature and impressive driving skills have earned him a spot for a fifth season, where he’ll look to further develop his abilities in a car that is often on the backfoot compared to the top teams. His partnership with Isack Hadjar will provide a strong, balanced lineup for AlphaTauri.
• Isack Hadjar – #6
  Isack Hadjar, who finished as the runner-up in F2, will make his F1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2025. The young French driver has impressed in his junior career, and Red Bull is hoping he’ll follow in the footsteps of Max Verstappen and become one of their future stars. Hadjar’s drive and ambition make him one of the most exciting young prospects to watch in 2025.

Haas

• Oliver Bearman – #87
  Oliver Bearman impressed at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2023, and he’s earned a seat with Haas for 2025. The British driver’s strong performances in his junior career and the confidence shown in him by Haas will be key as he looks to prove himself in F1. He will be joined by Esteban Ocon, creating an exciting pairing at the American team.
• Esteban Ocon – #31
  Esteban Ocon will make the switch from Alpine to Haas for 2025, filling one of the team’s two seats. Ocon brings a wealth of experience, having raced in F1 since 2016. Known for his tenacity and resilience, he will be an important asset to Haas as they look to develop their car further and compete for points.

 

Alpine

• Pierre Gasly – #10
  Pierre Gasly will remain with Alpine for 2025, having signed a multi-year extension. Gasly has shown his potential since joining the team in 2023, and he’ll continue to lead the charge alongside Jack Doohan. His experience in F1 will be crucial as Alpine looks to close the gap to the front-runners.
• Jack Doohan – #7
  Jack Doohan, Alpine’s reserve driver, will make his full-time F1 debut in 2025. Doohan has impressed in the junior ranks, and Alpine is confident he will adapt well to the top level of motorsport. He’ll be expected to help develop the car alongside Gasly while continuing to build his experience.

 

Williams

• Alex Albon – #23
  Alex Albon will enter his fourth season with Williams in 2025. After a strong few years with the team, he has signed a contract extension that will keep him with Williams until 2026. Albon has been a steady performer, and with the team’s ongoing development, he’s poised to help push Williams further up the grid.
• Carlos Sainz – #55
  Carlos Sainz has been confirmed as Alex Albon’s teammate for 2025. After months of speculation, Sainz chose to join Williams, seeing the team’s vision for the future. Known for his strong racecraft and consistency, Sainz will bring a wealth of experience to Williams as they look to continue their progress.

 

Kick Sauber

• Nico Hulkenberg – #27
  Nico Hulkenberg will join Kick Sauber for 2025, marking a new chapter in his F1 career. After a return to the grid with Haas, Hulkenberg will now look to be part of Sauber’s transformation into Audi’s factory team. His experience and leadership will be invaluable for the team as they embark on a new journey in F1.
• Gabriel Bortoleto – #5
  Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie, will make his F1 debut with Kick Sauber in 2025. After a successful junior career, Bortoleto has earned his spot on the grid. His development will be crucial as the team looks to make a name for itself under Audi’s banner.

These drivers bring a mix of youth, experience, and talent to the grid in 2025, and the season promises to be an exciting one!  Share you tip with us. who will make it, share your tip in our commenting section below.