Formula One 2025: Three Drivers to Watch Next Season
There will be different look to the drivers’ line-up when the 2025 Formula One (F1) season kicks off in Australia next March.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes to Ferrari is undoubtedly the standout change and could have a major bearing on the title race next term.
Lewis Hamilton Could Thrive at Ferrari
Hamilton called time on his successful spell with Mercedes after two difficult years and will be pairing up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Hamilton will turn 40 when he joins the iconic Italian team, but his ability and desire to fight for titles remains as strong as ever.
The move is a gamble, but it could also be a masterstroke for both Hamilton and Ferrari. After nearly two decades with Mercedes, it is hard to imagine him driving for anyone else.
However, joining the most successful team in F1 history could come with its perks, although Ferrari has not won the constructors’ title since 2008 or produced a world champion since 2007.
Hamilton’s arrival sets up a mouth-watering challenge with Leclerc, who is considered a future champion. The dynamic between the pair will be intriguing to watch.
While Leclerc will be desperate to demonstrate that he is the team’s number one driver, Hamilton could be Ferrari’s best hope of ending their title drought.
Oscar Piastri Could Challenge for the World Title
McLaren’s decision to bypass the annual driver merry-go-round speaks volumes about their faith in Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
McLaren have tied Norris down to a new long-term deal which will keep the British driver in the team until 2026, and there is an option to extend the contract even further.
The possibility of both parties triggering that extension clause is looking more likely, especially after his outstanding performances this season.
Norris is on course to secure a podium finish in the title race after going toe-to-toe with reigning champion Max Verstappen for much of the season.
However, much of the attention is on his teammate Piastri, who has been a major talking point since his exceptional rookie campaign.
The Australian also signed a long-term deal with McLaren after his breakthrough season in 2023, which triggered an extension midway through his debut campaign.
The 23-year-old was undoubtedly the rookie of the year last term, and victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan have showcased his potential this season.
He has also secured a podium finish five times and is strongly considered a top contender on betting sites to go head-to-head with Verstappen for the world title in 2025.
According to Bettingtop10.com.au Topsport review, punters would be well advised to visit their platform for wagering on the F1 title race next season.
Their F1 odds are extremely competitive and bettors will no doubt view the sportsbook as the ideal place to bet on the promising Australian.
His enormous potential suggests his chances of defying the odds are exceptionally high, and he could be a decent betting option for adventurous Aussie punters.
Kimi Antonelli is a Huge Gamble for Mercedes
Mercedes looked set for a stable driver line-up for next season after tying both George Russell and Hamilton to new contracts in 2023.
However, they were handed a massive blow when Hamilton activated a break clause that allowed him to switch allegiances to Ferrari.
Mercedes moved swiftly to replace him with rising star Kimi Antonelli, who is considered one of the finest talents on the grid.
The 18-year-old has risen through the ranks in record time. He only joined F2 from F4 this season but has already racked up enough points to make the jump to the top level.
Team boss Toto Wolff called Antonelli the ‘future’ of Mercedes, but it remains to be seen if he is ready to compete with the elite drivers in 2025.
Antonelli took part in a practice session at the Italian Grand Prix, and he showed promising speed despite suffering a minor crash on his second flying lap.
His talent and progress convinced Wolff he’s ready, and he is set to line up alongside Russell. The move is undoubtedly a huge gamble, and it could come back to bite Mercedes.
