The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with major driver moves, rising rookies, and calendar shifts. As the sport celebrates its 75th anniversary, here’s what fans should keep an eye on throughout the upcoming season.
Liam Lawson Replaces Sergio Pérez at Red Bull
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Despite signing a contract extension in 2024, Sergio Pérez and Red Bull mutually agreed to part ways early, making way for Liam Lawson. The 22-year-old New Zealander, who previously impressed in stand-in appearances, now steps into one of the most competitive seats in F1. He will partner Max Verstappen, meaning the pressure is on for Lawson to deliver immediately. With Red Bull’s history of developing young talent, this will be his ultimate test.
Oliver Bearman Joins Haas
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British driver Oliver Bearman secures a full-time F1 seat at Haas after impressing as a substitute in 2024. The 19-year-old stepped in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia and twice for Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, scoring seven points in just three appearances. Now, he joins the American team on a permanent basis, becoming the fourth British driver on the 2025 grid alongside Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris. Expectations are high for this rising talent.
Mercedes has opted for a bold move by selecting 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace the outgoing Hamilton. The Italian prodigy is skipping Formula 2 after just one season in the junior ranks, demonstrating the team’s confidence in his abilities. With the enormous shoes of Hamilton to fill, Antonelli will be closely watched as he begins his F1 career. If he adapts quickly, Mercedes may have found its next superstar.
Jack Doohan, son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, is another rookie making his full-time F1 debut in 2025. The 21-year-old Australian made his first Grand Prix appearance with Alpine at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Now, he steps into a full-time role, hoping to prove himself in a competitive midfield battle. His raw speed and aggressive racing style will make him an exciting driver to watch.
Gabriel Bortoleto Joins Sauber
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Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto will be another exciting addition to the F1 grid as he joins Sauber for their final season before becoming Audi in 2026. The 20-year-old F2 champion has impressed with his consistency and racecraft, earning him a chance to showcase his skills at the highest level. With Sauber undergoing significant transformation ahead of Audi’s arrival, Bortoleto will aim to make a strong impression.
Carlos Sainz Moves to Williams
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After four seasons and four race wins with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz finds himself at Williams in 2025. With Ferrari securing Hamilton alongside Leclerc and Mercedes prioritizing Antonelli, Sainz had limited options at top-tier teams. Williams team boss James Vowles played a key role in convincing him to join, marking a new challenge for the Spaniard. The team has been making steady progress, and Sainz will be expected to lead them forward.
Australia Returns as the Season Opener & Ramadan Calendar Adjustments
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The 2025 season will see Australia reclaim its traditional position as the first race of the season, kicking off the championship at Melbourne’s Albert Park from March 14-16. This marks a return to a long-standing tradition that was altered in recent years. Meanwhile, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been moved to April to accommodate the timing of Ramadan, ensuring that the logistical and scheduling needs align with the religious observance.
The sprint format remains an important part of the F1 calendar in 2025, with six races hosting sprint weekends. Belgium’s iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit returns as a sprint venue for the first time since 2023, joining Shanghai, Miami, Austin, São Paulo, and Qatar. These shorter, high-intensity races continue to add excitement and unpredictability to the season.
F1’s New Season Launch Event
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For the first time, all 10 F1 teams will unveil their 2025 cars together in a special season launch event on February 18 at the O2 Arena in London. Traditionally, teams have presented their cars individually, but this new format allows fans to see the entire grid in one go. While full technical details of the cars may remain under wraps, the event is expected to be a major spectacle ahead of pre-season testing.
Lewis Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari
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One of the biggest stories in F1 history is finally happening: Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes after 12 years to join Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, who turned 40 this year, will partner Charles Leclerc in the legendary red car. After winning six of his titles with Mercedes, Hamilton now faces a new challenge—bringing Ferrari back to championship contention. His first official test with the team takes place in Bahrain from February 26-28, with the season kicking off in Australia on March 14-16.
