F1 IS BACK. AND IT’S ALL TO DRIVE FOR.

THE CHAMPION RETURNS

Four world titles, 63 Grand Prix wins, 112 podiums – Max Verstappen’s F1 career has been nothing short of exceptional. Let’s not forget, he’s still only 27. Having entered the sport in 2015 as a 17-year-old, and F1’s youngest ever competitor, the Dutchman has cemented his status as a generational talent. Can he clinch a record-equalling fifth consecutive title in 2025?

THE CHALLENGERS

2025 looks set to serve up some mouth-wateringly close battles between drivers and teams across the grid. McLaren took their first team title in 26 years last season as the Constructors’ Championship went down to the wire. It could be even closer this year, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and new partner Lewis Hamilton hunting down an increasingly confident Lando Norris and talented team mate Oscar Piastri. Red Bull and Mercedes want to return to glory, while Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams and Kick Sauber are in the mix and pushing hard. It's closer than ever.

A NEW DAWN

It's the beginning of a new era for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. His switch to Ferrari from Mercedes – a team he joined back in 2013 – brought to a close the longest and most successful partnership in the sport’s history. How will Hamilton adapt to the Scuderia alongside Charles Leclerc? Can either of them claim the crown this year, and give Ferrari a first Drivers’ title since 2007? How will the Silver Arrows fare this year with George Russell and hotly tipped newcomer Kimi Antonelli? Certainly some of the key talking points in 2025.

ROOKIES STEP UP

A host of rapid rookies join the F1 grid in 2025. Brazil's reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto arrives at Kick Sauber, while Frenchman Isack Hadjar – F2 runner-up last season – joins Racing Bulls with Liam Lawson stepping up to a Red Bull drive. Kimi Antonelli’s stunning raw speed and wet weather prowess have impressed Mercedes enough to hand the 18-year-old Italian a race seat. At Haas, Oliver Bearman prepares for his first full-time season following his F1 super-sub appearances last year, while Alpine's Australian academy racer Jack Doohan becomes Pierre Gasly’s new team mate as all but two teams shake-up their driver pairing this year.

ANYONE CAN TAKE IT

It's all to drive for in 2025. The promise of two tight championship chases, rivals risking all in close competition, dramatic new driver line-ups, the rise of rapid rookies and the beginning of a new era – the new F1 season looks set to be a truly tantalising one.

THE AUSTRALIAN OPENER

It's not long before the 2025 Formula 1 season starts. Each fraction of a second counts. Every point is vital. Make sure you never miss a moment – wherever you are. The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne gets things underway on Sunday, March 16.