The 2025 Formula One season has delivered one of the most intriguing and unpredictable title fights to the last race. Ending years of dominance by Max Verstappen, Lando Norris was crowned the 35^th champion. Marking the first Driver’s Champion for McLaren since 2008, a significant win for the team.

McLaren had dominated the first half of the season, and managed to secure the constructor’s title in Singapore. What seemed to be a really tight battle for Driver’s Championship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, until after the summer break where Max Verstappen entered as a potential contender. Causing fans to be divided. The McLaren double disqualification in Las Vegas was shocking, but triggered more excitement for the title fight. Many would argue the season improved, but it became more hectic too. Although, it definitely brought back excitement to the season along with unpredictability.

Beyond the title fight, the rookies played a huge factor in restoring excitement to the 2025 season. Kimi Antonelli is a name that stands out, making his debut at just 18 stepping into Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes. The pressure must have been vast, yet he managed to deliver two podium finishes in Canada and Las Vegas. Issac Hadjar is another name that stands out, claiming his maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix in his fifteenth race. Most likely the moment that helped him earn his seat at Oracle Red Bull Racing. Ollie Bearman made a good impressive in Haas, finishing in fourth place in Mexico. Lastly, Gabriel Bortoleto in Kick Sauber had a strong European season and securing sixth place in Budapest, showing his potential. Together, these performances transformed this year into an exciting season.

Ferrari emerged with a peculiar outcome this season. Hamilton with seven titles under his name joined the team with high expectations, bringing in lots of excitement from fans and yet it has been a tricky start. Often he struggled to establish his place on the track and was constantly attempting to catch up to his teammate, Charles Leclerc, who was able secure spots on the podium. However, Leclerc fought the same issues with the car falling short. The pace never came to Hamilton in Baku nor Azerbaijan, causing any hopes to fall apart. Constantly dealing with difficult qualifying results, especially in Las Vegas and Qatar. For the first time, Hamilton ended a season without a podium.

Whilst Ferrari had difficulties, Carlos Sainz had a remarkable first season with Williams. His two podium finishes in Azerbaijan and Qatar were huge statements, celebrating each achievement with the team. This bought back excitement to those that supported Sainz after he left Ferrari. It is clear that the team values both him and Alex Albon massively, they want to build foundations and push for long term success.

George Russell has quietly been one of the most consistent drivers of this year, often delivering strong results without the same level of attention given to the title contenders. His victories in Montreal in the first half of the season and Singapore in the late season were key turning points. Although once hotter temperatures hit, for instance in Austria and Barcelona, they limited him from performing well. In a season defined by chaos and huge shifts, Russell’s reliability led him to finish fourth, making it his best season yet. He was the consistent force Mercedes needed during a transitional year, he proved himself after Hamilton’s departure. It’s exciting to see a new team be created in the Silver Arrows.

2025 was an unpredictable season, chaotic at times, but ultimately full of excitement. Every race weekend it had seemed as though something unexpected had happened, especially in the second half of the season. The rookies, McLaren domination, Williams return, and more caused such enjoyment. The fact that the title fight remained until the very last race is enough to show that excitement has been bought back to Formula One. Every result mattered.

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