New season, new rules
A new season is always bound to bring at least a few new rule changes, and this year is no different. While there are a few new changes that pertain to cooling systems, testing old cars and DRS designs, there are three main changes that are bound to affect the sport the most going forward.
1. Clarification regarding different qualification scenarios
In the wake of the possibility of qualifying being rained out at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has implemented new written regulations that state if the stewards agree that a standard or sprint qualification session is unable to take place, the grid will be determined based on the Driver’s Championship ranking at the time. While unlikely that a qualifying session will be unable to occur altogether, the new rule adds another layer of advantage in staying ahead of the pack when it comes to championship points, as it guarantees a driver a better place on the grid if outstanding circumstances do occur.
2. Increased rookie opportunities
Since 2022, every Formula 1 team has been required to have a rookie partake in Free Practice 1 in each of their cars at least once during the season. This season, that requirement has been doubled—meaning there are now four chances for rookie drivers to gain experience in an F1 car. This is good news for rookie drivers, as it allows them more opportunity to practice in an F1 car before potentially becoming a full-time F1 driver.
3. The removal of the fastest lap point
The bonus point up for grabs if a driver finishes in the Top 10 with the fastest lap set in a Grand Prix has officially been taken off the table. Since its introduction in 2019, the bonus point has been worked into a variety of strategies, whether it be a late tire change for a Top 10 contender to bag an extra point or a way for another driver outside of the Top 10 to take the point away from higher finishers. While the fastest lap point has yet to seriously sway the championship race, the eradication of the point closes one potential pathway for points that for some come few and far between.
Rookies, rookies, and more rookies
Over a fourth of the grid will consist of drivers who have never been named an official F1 driver nor driven a single full F1 season before this year. The six rookie drivers looking for a successful start to their F1 career are 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes, 19-year-old Oliver Bearman for Haas, 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto for Sauber, 20-year-old Isack Hadjar for Racing Bulls, 22-year-old Jack Doohan for Alpine and 22-year-old Liam Lawson for Red Bull.
Three of the six — Bearman, Doohan and Lawson — have all driven a Grand Prix in the 2024 season. Bearman replaced Ferrari’s injured Carlos Sainz Jr. for the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finishing at an impressive seventh place and scoring points for the team. Doohan had been in and out of Alpine’s cars during practice, making his F1 debut during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the season, replacing Esteban Ocon. While Doohan has been waiting patiently for his turn in the big leagues, his future has already been called into question with Alpine signing Franco Colapinto, who impressed the F1 world in his nine races with Williams in 2024, as their reserve driver.
Lawson has had the most experience of the six, participating in a total of 11 Grand Prixs with Racing Bulls. Lawson’s debut during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix was well received, but his performance at Racing Bulls in 2024, replacing Daniel Ricciardo, left much to be desired. Many believe long-time Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda was more deserving of the promotion, while others are concerned with Red Bull’s legacy of ousting their second drivers when they are unable to perform at the same level as star Max Verstappen.
Antonelli has been given a vote of confidence by team principal Toto Wolff, who has reassured the media that Lewis Hamilton’s young replacement has a promising future ahead of him. Hadjar and Bortoleto were locked in a title showdown during the 2024 Formula 2 season, the title eventually going to 2023 Formula 3 championship winner Bortoleto. Both Hadjar and Bortoleto’s recent success in the junior leagues made them clear choices to fill empty seats left by veteran drivers with young talent.
Hamilton in Ferrari red
When news broke at the beginning of last season that 2024 would be the last time Hamilton would be driving for Mercedes after signing with Ferrari for 2025, the motorsports world was in shock. Given the last few years, the move made sense — it was clear that Mercedes had been performing significantly worse since Hamilton’s title run with Verstappen in 2021, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Sainz enjoyed more time on the podium and in the points.
But Hamilton had become part of Mercedes’ legacy, winning six of his titles and eight Constructors Championships with the team for 12 seasons, thus making it even more shocking to learn that Hamilton was allegedly refused when he asked Mercedes for an ambassador role if he were to resign with them.
The F1 community waits in anticipation to see what the driver’s first year in Ferrari red will bring. Will he get along with the well-loved Leclerc? Will he win a championship with Ferrari, after many legends, including Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, have been unable to do so? Will Ferrari bring Hamilton his record-breaking eighth title? Only time will tell.
Aston Martin’s new man: Adrian Newey
Last season, Adrian Newey pulled a nearly equally shocking departure from his longtime team, Red Bull, to move to work for Aston Martin. Martin, a team that has only been around under their current management and name since 2021, has been wildly inconsistent in results. Despite a promising start to the 2023 season, with veteran driver Alonso on the podium a few times, it has only been downhill for the team since then. On the other hand, Newey has had a long and illustrious career as an automotive designer, having a hand in 12 World Constructors’ Championship titles between 1991 and 2024, a majority of them with Red Bull.
It is no secret that Martin expects similar results from Newey, the designer feeling double the pressure with Alonso’s expectations from the team alongside his commitment to their vision. The Spaniard has already voiced that the car is a “step forward” from 2024, so perhaps Newey is already working his magic for the team.
The World Driver’s Champion title (and history) up for grabs
The race for the Driver’s Championship title is set to be both exciting and historic, with Hamilton chasing his record-breaking eighth title, Verstappen in pursuit of his record-breaking fifth title in a row and Norris looking like a serious contender after his performance last season and during pre-season testing.
The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to deliver what fans love the most about the sport — driver drama, fierce competition, fast cars and most importantly, the chance to witness history.
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Featured Image via Adobe Stock
