Review of the 2025 F1 Season

What Defined the 2025 Formula 1 Season? 

The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered one of the most thrilling championship battles in recent history, culminating in Lando Norris claiming his maiden world title by just two points. The McLaren driver secured the crown with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ending Max Verstappen's four-year reign as champion in a dramatic finale.

Key takeaway: This season proved that consistency and team strength ultimately triumph over individual brilliance, as Norris held his nerve through 24 races to become Britain's 11th World Champion.

The 2025 campaign began with McLaren as defending constructors' champions, and they delivered on expectations by securing their second consecutive team title. However, the drivers' championship remained uncertain until the final lap at Yas Marina Circuit, with Norris finishing on 423 points, Verstappen on 421, and Oscar Piastri on 410.

This represented the closest three-way title fight since 2010, showcasing the competitive nature of modern Formula 1. The season featured six rookies, significant driver movements, and a mid-season resurgence from Red Bull that nearly snatched victory from McLaren's grasp.

Why Does the 2025 Season Matter for Formula 1's Future?

The 2025 season demonstrated Formula 1's growing global appeal and commercial success, whilst highlighting crucial lessons about talent acquisition and team dynamics. The championship battle captivated audiences worldwide, contributing to the sport's continued expansion.

Key takeaway: This season's dramatic conclusion proves that competitive racing drives fan engagement, with implications for recruitment strategies, team development, and long-term planning across the paddock.

Formula 1's boom year was amplified by the Brad Pitt film 'F1 The Movie', which grossed over $600 million at the box office. Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer, demonstrating how drivers can expand their influence beyond the track. The Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' continued attracting new fans, particularly younger demographics.

The season also showcased successful talent acquisition strategies. McLaren's decision to retain both Norris and Piastri proved crucial, whilst Mercedes' gamble on 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli yielded impressive results. Antonelli became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history at the Miami Sprint, aged just 18 years and 251 days.

Red Bull's mid-season personnel changes, including replacing team principal Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies in July, demonstrated how organisational restructuring can revitalise performance. Verstappen won just two of the first 12 races but claimed eight victories overall, showcasing the impact of effective leadership transitions.

How Did the Championship Battle Unfold Throughout 2025?

Understanding the season's progression requires examining key turning points and strategic decisions that shaped the final outcome. The championship swung between multiple contenders across 24 races, creating unprecedented drama.

Key takeaway: Oscar Piastri led the championship for 15 races (longer than any other driver), but Norris's seven race victories and superior consistency ultimately secured the title.

1. Opening Phase (Races 1-8): McLaren dominated early proceedings with Piastri establishing a comfortable championship lead. The Australian won three of the first eight races, whilst Norris secured two victories. Mercedes struggled initially, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli failing to challenge consistently.
2. Mid-Season Shift (Races 9-16): Verstappen began his remarkable comeback despite Red Bull's car being inferior to McLaren's. He won four races during this period, closing a 100-plus point deficit. Ferrari's campaign faltered dramatically, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton failing to secure a single victory.
3. Summer Break Transformation: Red Bull's organisational changes took effect, with new team principal Laurent Mekies bringing fresh perspective. Verstappen's performance improved dramatically, whilst McLaren faced increasing pressure managing their two-driver strategy.
4. Final Sprint (Races 17-24): Verstappen won 10 consecutive podium finishes, including four victories. Norris responded with three wins, maintaining his slender advantage. Piastri remained mathematically in contention until Abu Dhabi, adding complexity to McLaren's team orders discussions.
5. Abu Dhabi Showdown: Norris entered the finale with a 12-point lead over Verstappen, with Piastri 16 points behind. Verstappen won the race from pole position (the 11th consecutive Abu Dhabi GP won from pole), but Norris's third-place finish secured the championship by two points.
6. Final Calculations: The two-point margin represented the closest championship finish under the current points format (adopted in 2010), making this the tightest title race in 15 years.

What Were the Best Performances and Practices of 2025?

Several drivers and teams demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, establishing benchmarks for future campaigns. These achievements offer valuable lessons for talent development and operational excellence.

Outstanding individual performances included:

• Lando Norris (McLaren): Seven race victories and 423 points secured his maiden championship. Norris waited 152 races before claiming the title, the fourth-longest career before becoming champion behind Jenson Button (160), Nigel Mansell (176), and Nico Rosberg (206).
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Despite losing the championship, Verstappen won eight races (more than any other driver) and scored 421 points. His 10 consecutive podium finishes to end the season demonstrated remarkable consistency under pressure.
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren): Finished third with 410 points, leading the championship for 15 races. The Australian's maturity in his second full season impressed observers, particularly his willingness to support team strategies when required.
• George Russell (Mercedes): Scored 319 points and finished fourth overall, completing every race in 2025. Russell's consistency provided stability for Mercedes during a transitional season.
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): The rookie sensation finished seventh with 150 points, becoming the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history. His performances justified Mercedes' bold recruitment decision.

Team excellence was demonstrated through:

• McLaren's constructors' dominance: Secured their second consecutive constructors' championship with multiple rounds remaining, demonstrating superior car development and operational execution.
• Red Bull's strategic recovery: Mid-season organisational changes transformed their campaign, with Verstappen nearly overturning a massive points deficit.
• Williams' talent optimisation: Alex Albon (73 points) and Carlos Sainz (64 points) maximised a midfield car's potential, with Albon particularly impressive in race situations.

What Challenges and Controversies Shaped the Season?

The 2025 campaign featured significant obstacles for several competitors, alongside contentious decisions that sparked debate throughout the paddock. Understanding these difficulties provides insight into the complexities of modern Formula 1 operations.

Ferrari's disappointing campaign proved the season's biggest letdown. Despite recruiting seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, the Scuderia finished fourth in the constructors' standings without a single victory or second-place finish. Hamilton failed to reach the podium for the first time in his career, finishing sixth overall with 156 points.

Charles Leclerc dominated their internal battle (19-5 in qualifying, 18-3 in races) but could only manage fifth in the championship with 242 points. Ferrari chairman John Elkann's radio message telling Hamilton to "talk less, drive more" highlighted the team's frustration and communication issues.

Red Bull's personnel turmoil began with allegations against Christian Horner (which he denied) carrying over from 2024. After 20 years as team principal, Horner departed in July with a reported £75 million pay-out. The revolving door at Verstappen's teammate position created instability.

Liam Lawson started as Verstappen's partner but lasted just two races before demotion to Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda replaced him but struggled, posting only seven top-10 finishes and never threatening the podium. This constant change undermined Red Bull's constructors' challenge, with Verstappen's 421 points dwarfing Tsunoda's 33.

Team orders debates intensified as the championship battle tightened. McLaren faced scrutiny over whether Oscar Piastri should assist Norris's title bid. George Russell publicly stated that asking Piastri to help Norris in the title decider would "not be acceptable," whilst McLaren chief Zak Brown defended the team's approach against criticism from Australian politicians.

Alpine's driver carousel saw three different partners for Pierre Gasly across the season. Jack Doohan started the year but was replaced after six events by Franco Colapinto, who himself gave way to other arrangements. This instability hindered Alpine's development, with Gasly finishing 18th on just 22 points.

Rookie integration challenges varied significantly. Whilst Antonelli thrived at Mercedes and Isack Hadjar impressed at Racing Bulls (earning promotion to Red Bull for 2026), others struggled. Gabriel Bortoleto at Kick Sauber managed only 19 points compared to teammate Nico Hulkenberg's 51, highlighting the difficulties young drivers face adapting to F1's demands.

How Can Teams Apply 2025's Lessons to Future Seasons?

The 2025 season offers valuable insights for team management, driver development, and strategic planning. Organisations seeking to improve their competitive position should analyse this campaign's successes and failures.

Talent acquisition strategies proved crucial throughout the season. Mercedes' decision to promote 18-year-old Antonelli directly to their senior team demonstrated that youth development programmes can deliver immediate results when properly structured. His seventh-place championship finish and sprint pole position validated their recruitment philosophy.

Conversely, Red Bull's struggles finding a suitable teammate for Verstappen highlighted the importance of thorough candidate assessment. The team cycled through three drivers (Lawson, Tsunoda, and briefly Lawson again) before promoting Hadjar for 2026. This disruption cost valuable constructors' points and demonstrated that rushing hiring decisions creates long-term problems.

Organisational stability matters immensely. Red Bull's mid-season leadership change initially appeared risky but ultimately revitalised their campaign. However, the timing was crucial—making such changes during the season requires careful planning and strong interim arrangements. McLaren's stable leadership structure under team principal Andrea Stella contributed significantly to their constructors' success.

Driver management requires delicate balance. McLaren successfully navigated the challenge of managing two competitive teammates without destroying team harmony. Their approach allowed both Norris and Piastri to race whilst maintaining overall strategic focus. This contrasts with Ferrari's difficulties integrating Hamilton, where communication breakdowns undermined performance.

Long-term planning trumps short-term fixes. McLaren's 2025 dominance resulted from development work begun in previous seasons. Their consistent investment in car development, aerodynamics, and operational excellence created sustainable competitive advantage. Teams seeking similar success must commit to multi-year strategies rather than reactive changes.

Youth development programmes deliver competitive advantage. Five of the top seven finishers in the championship were aged 27 or younger, demonstrating how investing in young talent creates long-term success. Organisations should establish clear pathways from junior categories to senior teams, with appropriate support structures.

What Does the 2025 Season Mean for Formula 1's Evolution?

The 2025 campaign provided a compelling advertisement for Formula 1's entertainment value whilst raising questions about the sport's future direction. The season's dramatic conclusion attracted significant media attention and demonstrated the format's ability to produce genuine uncertainty.

Key takeaway: Close championship battles drive commercial success and fan engagement, validating Formula 1's regulatory approach and creating momentum for continued growth.

The season's commercial performance exceeded expectations. The Brad Pitt film generated over $600 million, whilst attendance figures at races reached record levels. The Abu Dhabi finale attracted massive global television audiences, demonstrating Formula 1's mainstream appeal.

However, competitive balance remains challenging. McLaren's constructors' dominance (winning with multiple rounds remaining) contrasted with the tight drivers' championship, highlighting how car performance ultimately determines success. The sport must continue developing regulations that promote closer competition across the grid.

Rookie integration proved successful in 2025, with six new drivers entering the championship. Antonelli's immediate impact at Mercedes and Hadjar's promotion from Racing Bulls to Red Bull demonstrated that talent pathways function effectively. Formula 1's feeder series are producing race-ready drivers capable of competing immediately.

Driver longevity featured prominently, with Fernando Alonso (finishing 10th with 56 points) demonstrating that experience remains valuable. Lewis Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari showed that even seven-time champions face challenges adapting to new environments, emphasising the importance of team-driver compatibility.

Technical regulations scheduled for 2026 promise significant changes, with new power units and aerodynamic rules. Teams have just 91 days between the Abu Dhabi finale and the 2026 Australian Grand Prix to prepare, creating intense pressure on development programmes. How teams navigate this transition will likely determine the next championship cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship?

Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship with 423 points, finishing just two points ahead of Max Verstappen (421 points) and 13 points ahead of Oscar Piastri (410 points). Norris secured the title with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming McLaren's first champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and Britain's 11th World Champion overall.

How many races did Max Verstappen win in 2025?

Max Verstappen won eight races during the 2025 season, more than any other driver. Despite winning the most races, he finished second in the championship by just two points. Verstappen's victories included the season finale in Abu Dhabi, and he finished the year with 10 consecutive podium finishes, demonstrating remarkable late-season form.

What happened to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025?

Lewis Hamilton endured his most difficult season in Formula 1, finishing sixth in the championship with 156 points and failing to reach the podium for the first time in his career. Ferrari struggled throughout the campaign, finishing fourth in the constructors' standings without a single victory. Hamilton's sole highlight was a sprint race win in China, but he was comprehensively outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who beat him 19-5 in qualifying and 18-3 in races.

Which rookies impressed most in the 2025 F1 season?

Kimi Antonelli delivered the standout rookie performance, finishing seventh in the championship with 150 points for Mercedes. At just 18 years and 251 days old, he became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history with his sprint pole in Miami. Isack Hadjar also impressed at Racing Bulls, scoring 51 points and earning promotion to Red Bull for 2026 after finishing 12th overall with 10 top-10 finishes including a podium in the Netherlands.

Why did McLaren win the constructors' championship so easily?

McLaren secured their second consecutive constructors' championship with multiple rounds remaining due to superior car development and consistent point-scoring from both drivers. Lando Norris (423 points) and Oscar Piastri (410 points) combined for 833 points, far exceeding any rival pairing. Their nearest competitors, Red Bull, suffered from instability at the second driver position, with Max Verstappen's 421 points offset by Yuki Tsunoda's mere 33 points, highlighting McLaren's advantage in fielding two competitive drivers.

If I want to get into F1 as a career what should I do?

The best thing to do is contact a recruitment specialist like Mane Contract Services. They have a number of live job roles across engineering, technical, mechanical design and composites, and amazing relationships with the manufacturers and race teams.  They will also be able to advise you of routes in. 

TL;DR Summary

• Lando Norris won his maiden F1 World Championship by just two points over Max Verstappen in the closest title fight in 15 years, securing the crown with third place at Abu Dhabi whilst Verstappen won the race.
• McLaren dominated the constructors' championship with 833 combined points from Norris and Piastri, winning their second consecutive team title with multiple rounds remaining despite a late-season Red Bull resurgence.
• Six rookies entered F1 in 2025, with Kimi Antonelli (seventh, 150 points) and Isack Hadjar (12th, 51 points) delivering standout performances, whilst Lewis Hamilton endured his worst season ever at Ferrari, finishing sixth without a single podium.
• The season demonstrated that organisational stability and effective talent acquisition strategies determine long-term success, with McLaren's consistent leadership contrasting sharply with Red Bull's mid-season changes and Ferrari's communication problems undermining Hamilton's campaign.