F1: Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship 2025 Pick- Verstappen’s Dominance to Come to an End?

An action-packed couple of weeks have been raising the excitement levels ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

Last week’s F1 75 Live was a major event, with pre-season testing set to offer a first glimpse at the cars for the forthcoming season between February 26 and 28.

But, which driver could be best placed to mount a title challenge in the final season of the current regulations?

Odds: Verstappen to Continue Dominance

Previous Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship Winners

Formula 1 2025 Schedule

Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship Contenders

There is a fascinating feel to the championship battle this season, with Max Verstappen having his sights set on immortality. The Dutchman’s win in 2024 would have been a highlight, as he reigned supreme despite not having the fastest car for much of the campaign.

Verstappen will face a fresh challenge in 2025, with Liam Lawson replacing Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull. But, their fading pace throughout last season does indicate that other teams have caught up.

McLaren arguably should have been closer to the pace in the Drivers’ battle, but strategic errors at key stages of the season saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri clashing.

The former is preferred in the betting this season, but the latter could prove to be the value play of the two based on the fact that he is cooler under pressure, and mentally, I still have questions whether Norris is ready for a sustained and serious championship battle.

Mercedes will be hoping that their 2025 car can turn around their fortunes, but there is no secret that their biggest wins in 2024 came in cooler conditions. George Russell will have increased pressure on his shoulders as the new team leader, while it is likely to be a bedding in season for teenager Kimi Antonelli.

Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship 2025 Pick

The dream team of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton looks set to be the talking points for the first rounds of races, and it will be fascinating to see how the seven-time world champion settles in at Ferrari.

I’m a big believer that Hamilton exceeded expectations in an uncompetitive car in 2024, and putting him in one of the faster cars on the grid in 2025 could unlock a much-needed Constructors’ Championship for the Italian team.

In doing so, an eighth world championship could also be on the horizon for the greatest driver in the history of F1.