Lando Norris is already eyeing the 2025 Formula One championship.
Even earlier than he’d parked his automotive after ending the 2024 season as runner-up, the McLaren driver declared to his workforce over the radio, “Next year is going to be my year, too.”
After an exhilarating 2024 season that noticed 4 groups declare victories, the battle for the title in 2025 guarantees to be even fiercer.
Max Verstappen stands out as the reigning champion, however Lewis Hamilton, aiming for his eighth title, is switching to Ferrari, and a brand new era of bold drivers is about to affix the grid.
Major rule adjustments usually shake up the established order in F1, however with fewer adjustments for 2025, groups may very well be extra evenly matched.
The fierce 2021 title battle between Verstappen and Hamilton preceded the foremost shake-up that arrived with the 2022 guidelines overhaul.
Norris, who fought arduous in opposition to Verstappen this season, is assured heading into subsequent 12 months.
“The one thing I’ve learned this year is probably to believe in myself a bit more,” he mentioned. “I’ve certainly not come out on top as often as I would have liked in certain moments, especially in my fights against Max. But as much as it hurts, I’m happy that I’m going into next season knowing I can fight.”
Despite Norris’ optimism, some drivers are already focusing past 2025.
Carlos Sainz Jr. revealed that Williams is making ready for a significant push in 2026, with different groups like Aston Martin, Audi and General Motors aiming to capitalize on the long-term future.
“The earlier start, the bigger advantage you have,” mentioned Red Bull workforce principal Christian Horner. “But if the 2025 season is tight and goes down to the wire, that’s going to be a tough balancing act.”
Hamilton’s swap to Ferrari is likely one of the most anticipated strikes for 2025.
The seven-time world champion joins the workforce hoping to deliver Ferrari again to glory – no driver has gained a title with the Scuderia since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
“Lewis has achieved so much in the sport, and it will be a big motivation for us,” mentioned Charles Leclerc, his new teammate.
Hamilton, the one Black driver in F1, has additionally spoken about persevering with his push for range throughout the sport.
The 2025 season may even mark the arrival of probably the most hyped rookie class in years.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, simply 18, strikes up from Formula 2 to switch Hamilton at Mercedes.
Oliver Bearman joins Haas after impressing in stand-in drives, and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto strikes to Sauber.
Alpine’s Jack Doohan, the son of bike racing legend Mick Doohan, bought a style of F1 in the course of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
As the brand new drivers be part of the grid, a number of skilled racers face an unsure future.
Ten-time GP winner Valtteri Bottas is about to return to Mercedes as a reserve, whereas Kevin Magnussen, Zhou Guanyu, and Franco Colapinto are out of race seats for 2025.
Sergio Perez, who completed second to Verstappen in 2023 however struggled to match his Red Bull teammate this season, stays below intense scrutiny regardless of a contract extension in June.
Source: www.dailysabah.com