In 2023 Red Bull were so dominant they would have won the constructors’ championship as a one-car team – providing the car was driven by Max Verstappen.
But last year their rivals were much closer and suddenly the gulf in performance between Red Bull’s two drivers cost them dearly. Verstappen clinched the drivers’ title again but the team fell to third in the standings as Sergio Perez contributed little more than a quarter of their total.For 2025 all bar two of the F1 teams have different line-ups – including Red Bull. Two of them have all-new pairings and no fewer than six drivers will start their first full seasons.
But amid all that change, which team now has the strongest line-up of driving talent? That’s for you to decide in this week’s poll.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson
Perez slumped to his worst result in four years at Red Bull last season, the team lost the constructors’ championship and showed him the door. In his place comes Lawson, who has just 11 grand prix appearances to his name. Verstappen will surely continue to set the standard by which other drivers are judged, but will his new team mate sink or swim?
Mercedes
George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes have lost their star driver as Lewis Hamilton defects to Ferrari. But Russell’s performances last year suggested he may now be just as quick. Then there’s the fascinating question of Antonelli’s potential: Mercedes have tried to keep a lid on the hype, but the haste with which they’ve pushed him through the junior ranks plus his immediate promotion to a front-running team made that impossible.
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Ferrari
Hamilton becomes the latest in a long line of multiple champions to pursue the dream of winning a title for Ferrari. In his case, of course, it would be a record-breaking eighth. But his final season at Mercedes was less than stellar, while Leclerc produced one of his best performances last year at Ferrari.
McLaren
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
McLaren’s drivers ran each other too close for comfort at times last year, causing strained moments at the Hungaroring and Monza. The team could be heading for a repeat in 2025 if their car remains as competitive as it was for much of last season and Piastri continues to close the gap to Norris.
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Alonso will turn 44 next season but has shown no sign of letting up either his relentless pace or his uncompromising racecraft. Stroll languished well off his pace again last year, however.
Alpine
Alpine made a belated effort to lure Carlos Sainz Jnr after Esteban Ocon decided to leave, but were unable to entice him. Doohan therefore becomes the first member of their junior team to make his F1 debut for them (Piastri and Zhou Guanyu having done so for other teams).
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Williams
Williams pulled off a coup by attracting Sainz to join them after Ferrari moved him aside to make way for Hamilton. He will undoubtedly prove the strongest competition Albon has faced since he partnered Verstappen at Red Bull.
Racing Bulls
Having been passed over for promotion to Red Bull, Tsunoda goes into his fifth season at Racing Bulls. Hadjar arrives in F1 without a junior series championship to his name, though he led the Formula 2 standings last year and suffered some poor luck on his way to the runner-up spot.
Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
The last two teams have completely reset their driver line-ups for 2025, taking one experienced hand and one newcomer. Hulkenberg’s F1 career was unexpectedly revived by his return to Haas last year, while former McLaren junior Bortoleto has done the Leclerc/Piastri/Russell trick of winning F1’s top two feeder series in consecutive seasons.
Haas
Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon
Haas will be Ocon’s fourth different team since he made his F1 debut in 2016, and his first time sharing a team with someone significantly less experienced than himself. Bearman seriously impressed Haas on his appearances for them in practice sessions and as a substitute.
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I say
While you can’t discount top talents like Verstappen and Alonso, they are one half of somewhat imbalanced driver pairings. Stroll increasingly looks like a drag on Aston Martin’s potential, and while Lawson has the potential to impress, he is still very much an unknown quantity.
McLaren’s pairing of Norris and Piastri undoubtedly served them well last year, and given their relative inexperience compared to many other drivers on the grid, they still have potential to improve. But one team has formed a truly impressive partnership.
Ferrari already had arguably one of the strongest line-ups in F1 with Leclerc and Sainz. But replacing the latter with the most successful driver in F1 history creates a formidable line-up. The days of this team not wanting ‘two roosters in the same hen house’ are long gone.
But one fascinating question in the upcoming season will be whether Mercedes’ faith in Antonelli is vindicated. If he’s really as good as they think he is, their squad could be a serious force.
You say
Which team has the strongest driver line-up for 2025? Cast your vote below and have your say in the comments.
Which Formula 1 team has the strongest driver line-up for 2025?
- Haas: Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon (0%)
- Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto (0%)
- Racing Bulls: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar (0%)
- Williams: Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz Jnr (2%)
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan (0%)
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll (0%)
- McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (29%)
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (68%)
- Mercedes: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (1%)
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson (1%)
Total Voters: 240

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Debates and polls
- How much F1 will you watch in another packed, 30-race season?
- Which F1 drivers will beat their team mates in 2025?
- Norris says 2024 showed he can win a championship. Are you convinced?
- Verstappen banned? Alpine sold? Which of these 2025 predictions will come true?
- Is F1 doing the right thing by overhauling car design rules again for 2026?
David BR (@david-br)
22nd December 2024, 10:28
One of my favourite poll questions each year. In descending order:
Ferrari
Mercedes
Red Bull
McLaren
Sauber
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
El Pollo Loco
22nd December 2024, 21:21
Ridiculous. It’s obviously whichever team Lance Stroll is on.
…but in all seriousness, even alone Alonso is stronger than many of the lineups you put above him. After all he single handedly put AM in 5th place by a comfortable margin despite the Haas being faster for nearly the entire season (basically, most rounds after Australia) and which had fallen behind the rest of the midfield by the end of the season. He was the only driver to score an even higher percentage of his team’s points than Max. So, putting Hulkenberg and a rookie 5th let alone three places ahead is highly dubious at best let alone RB (Yuki + a rookie).
Putting Russell + a rookie, even one as highly anticipated as KA, is also questionable. Oscar was disappointing this season and Lando showed major flaws in race game, but you’re going to seriously tell me that’s a stronger lineup than Lando and Oscar before the kid has turned even a single wheel and a Russell who has been just as been even more mistake prone than Norris for the majority of his career.
In general, I’d like to know how you determined some of these ratings.
El Pollo Loco
22nd December 2024, 21:26
What?! Whatever team Lance is on is a clear #1.
…but in all seriousness, even Alonso alone makes for a stronger lineup than many of the pairings you put above him. After all, he single handedly put AM in 5th place by a comfortable margin despite the Haas being faster for nearly the entire season (basically, most rounds after Australia) and which had fallen behind the rest of the midfield by the end of the season. He was the only driver to score an even higher percentage of his team’s points than Max. So, putting Hulkenberg and a rookie 5th let alone three places ahead is highly dubious at best let alone RB (Yuki + a rookie).
Putting Russell + a rookie, even one as highly anticipated as KA, is also questionable. Oscar was disappointing this season and Lando showed major flaws in race game, but you’re going to seriously tell me that’s a stronger lineup than Lando and Oscar before the kid has turned even a single wheel and a Russell who has been just as been even more mistake prone than Norris for the majority of his career.
In general, I’d like to know how you determined some of these ratings.
El Pollo Loco
22nd December 2024, 21:49
So, putting Hulkenberg and a rookie 5th three places ahead is highly dubious at best let alone RB (Yuki + a rookie).*
PS – With rookies in 6 out of 10 teams, this is shaping up to be the most unpredictable field in many years in terms of potential strength (or weakness). Some other mildly interesting things:
-Unless you consider Albon proven (I don’t) or Sainz a true, there will only be one two teams with two proven drivers on the entire grid (SF & McLaren).
-Unless you considered George a #1 worthy driver going into 2024, this will be the first time in many years we’ve had two true #1s in the same car (LH/CL).
-Alex and Carlos are the only pairing which started out as rookies at the same team, left and now will be driving on the same team.
David BR (@david-br)
23rd December 2024, 1:04
The fun of driver pairings is that the pairings actually matter! So OK Alonso may be phenomenal still but like I said, all his work, very little or no contribution from Stroll Jr.
I don’t think Leclerc and Hamilton at no. 1 is questionable in the least. No other team is close in terms of talent and experience. I rate Russell fairly highly and have a hunch (that’s all) Antonelli will be even better. It’s definitely the second most intriguing line-up (after LEC/HAM) so I’m happy with them in second. Red Bull third – why? Verstappen basically. Lawson looks promising-ish and aggressive, so I think they’ll outperform Norris and Piastri. Sauber: Hulkenberg had a strong 2024 season and Bortoleto looks like another rookie with a lot of potential. It was close with the Williams pairing, but I’m not so convinced by Albon (Sainz will be a great addition). The rest I think are fine in the order I gave, but I really wouldn’t argue much with swapping them around a bit.
El Pollo Loco
23rd December 2024, 17:50
I did not say Leclerc or Hamilton at no.1 are questionable. They are obviously the best pairing.
PS – sorry about the double post. I made a typo in the email. I’m surprised they approved a second identical post.
An Sionnach
22nd December 2024, 10:34
Yes, it has to be Lewis and Charles. If the trends in car performance from this year continue, they will be in the 2025 title fight with Lando. Even if Ferrari passes McLaren, this pair has the potential to be too evenly matched to keep up with Norris, who seems to have sorted out his starts. Lewis, Leclerc and Ferrari may have to work very well together to keep Lando from racing off in clean air, where he is at his best. They may get occasional help from Max and Russell, but they may cause them more trouble if they are qualifying relatively high before fighting tooth and nail for the highest possible positions. By season’s end Ferrari may collect the constructor’s championship and the Mansell-Piquet award for second and third in the driver’s table. I think McLaren will have the best car, but Piastri won’t be able to contribute enough to retain the title.
From his early performances last year and his spirited, combative, but clean racing this year, I would pick Lawson and his team mate next. Like my prediction above, I’m sticking my neck out. Red Bull might be lucky to mix it with Mercedes next year, let alone Ferrari and McLaren. I think Lawson will be solid, while Max will continue to be the best driver by a long way. It increasingly won’t matter unless it rains, and I expect more mistakes as two years of unsatisfactory cars start to add up.
McLaren has the makings of a great driver in there. Lando is lightning quick and Piastri has shown himself to be a great racer, but lacks speed. Each has a strength that is their team mate’s weakness. The one who can best learn the missing piece can be very successful in F1. I’m more confident about Lando because F1 already has two drivers whose skills are heavily skewed towards good qualifying and super race pace among its most decorated world champions…
Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
22nd December 2024, 10:39
Due to the amount of new drivers next season, this is almost impossible to call.
I will stick to the two most obvious picks.
McLaren has an awesome pairing I think.
Both Lando and Oscar are still young and keen with long bright futures ahead of them and the atmosphere at McLaren, with a view to its future, must be electric.
My worries are that Lando is still making some silly errors and Oscar seems to lack aggression sometimes.
But, as I said, they are both still young with years of learning and maturing ahead of them.
On paper the Lewis/Leclerc paring does look like the best.
I have every confidence that Charles will continue to develop and improve.
But I am not sure about Lewis.
If the Ferrari suits him and he is genuinely in contention for regular wins, then I predict we will see a new and revitalised Lewis that will want another WDC more than ever.
(Imagine standing on the top spot smiling down at Max and George on either side whilst wearing Ferrari red …. that’s pure Hollywood right there)
If the car doesn’t suit him however, I expect him to just tick the Ferrari driver box and plan his retirement.
Whatever. I think we are in for a cracking season folks. Buckle up ;)
SteveP
22nd December 2024, 17:42
Read the article, had a side conversation – and said almost exactly the same words.
No question about the strongest team when you’re looking at drivers, as everyone, except Ferrari, have a weak link.
The unasked question, is what about the team?
Are we looking at two strong drivers suffering a stream of strategy and general execution mistakes from the support?
Hoping for an error free season…
BLS (@brightlampshade)
22nd December 2024, 10:54
It’s a hard one to call, RBR and Mercedes are unknowns as it’s too hard to judge their two newbies yet.
McLaren have a good pairing but both drivers do have some recurring weaknesses.
Ferrari, well it depends what sort of Hamilton turns up next season, plus how much self sabotaging Leclerc fancies.
Outside the top 4 it becomes hard to say as the car becomes more of a limiting factor.
Based on past form Ferrari have the pieces to have the best pairing, but it’s down to whether those pieces all fit together.
David BR (@david-br)
22nd December 2024, 10:56
In order (first to last):
Ferrari – Hamilton may or may not be in slight decline (TBA) but still makes this the strongest pairing
Mercedes – Russell will be an excellent complement to the 2025 breakout star Antonelli (OK, a hunch)
Red Bull – Verstappen counterbalanced (downwards) by Lawson who will be a tamed no 2
McLaren – We’ve seen what Norris and Piastri can’t do
Sauber – Hulk’s experience and Bortoleto’s talent seems a strong combination
Williams – Sainz boost
Racing Bulls – Sound pairing, nothing spectacular
Aston Martin – All down to Alonso they’re this high
Haas + Alpine – Really can’t separate them at the bottom
David BR (@david-br)
22nd December 2024, 12:15
I’d add, though, that the strongest pairing of drivers doesn’t translate as the best (most compatible) pairings.
At three of the top 4 teams, there’s also the potential for serious disruption: Ferrari and Mercedes, very high; Red Bull, lower but not impossible that Lawson causes some (maybe temporary) local disturbance. McLaren too have unresolved business: a faster driver (Norris) and a better racer (Piastri). So a lot depends on how these dynamics play out.
faulty (@faulty)
25th December 2024, 2:22
Alpine worse than RB?
I’m sorry but half of those teams is a rookie, so no knowledge on how they’ll actually perform. And then Gasly v. Tsunoda… no contest, that’s an unanimous decision nine out of ten times.
El Pollo Loco
25th December 2024, 19:49
The rankings don’t make much sense to me either. He puts AM 9th despite having Alonso and says this about strength as a pair yet has RBR third. His rankings imply Hulkenberg is better than both Alonso and Sainz, which makes especially little sense in the latter example since Carlos has a decent driver alongside him.
Jere (@jerejj)
22nd December 2024, 11:07
I struggled to choose between McLaren & Ferrari, but ultimately went for McLaren due to question marks over Hamilton.
Antz (@antznz)
22nd December 2024, 11:29
This is fair. Looking forward to seeing if Lewis can tap into the magic of old next year. McLaren is really the only known quantity and it’s pretty solid.
Imre (@f1mre)
22nd December 2024, 12:05
My first thought was McLaren but I would trust the Ferrari pair more to deliver than the McLaren pair.
notagrumpyfan
22nd December 2024, 14:38
I’d expect Ferrari to be the strongest pairing at the start of the year, but McLaren passing them at some point in 2025.
Hamilton is starting to show his age. However if he is able to show the best Hamilton in 2025, then I expect Leclerc to falter (trying too hard to better his teammate).
At McLaren on the other hand, Norris is (slowly) learning from his mistakes (rather than just talking about them), and I expect Piastri to reignite his steep learning curve (was a bit stagnant in 2024).
Johan
22nd December 2024, 11:29
My first to last:
– McLaren – two strong drivers that’ll hit the ground running. If the don’t start fighting each others they’ll be strongest.
– Ferrari – I think it’ll take HAM a few races to find his feet. A few years back he seemed to be able to drive around issues with the car, these last couple of years he seems that he needs to be the car to his liking to get the most of it and it’s unlikely that Ferrari is going to be that instantly.
– Williams – ALB has been driving well for years and SAI as well. Two very strong drivers. Hopefully they can move Williams up the grid.
Red Bull – VER could get Red Bull in the top three in the constructors even if they didn’t have another driver. The only one that’s beaten VER in F1 was RIC the first couple of years. Since then no one has come close and no one’s been coping with it (like BOT or MAS did in their days). Will LAW be any better. Doubtful.
Mercedes – RUS is only getting better and is a true first class driver. Regardless how good Antonelli is, he’s a rookie and he’s going to make silly mistakes until he finds his feet.
Sauber – Hulkenberg is very often great at getting the car where it doesn’t belong. Too bad we’ll never seen him in a winning car, but then again he hasn’t shown he’s that spectacular either.
Alpine – I thing Gasly has been doing alright.
Aston Martin – amazing that ALO still got it. And he does. Stroll only seem to be getting slower from a not very fast starting point.
RB – surely Tsunoda must see the writing on the wall that it’s never gonna happen. His best bet is that Stroll or Alonso quits after 2025 and he can take his Honda endorsement there.
Haas – when Ocon got kicked out I was suprised he got another drive.
David BR (@david-br)
22nd December 2024, 12:33
Johan, I’d disagree most with McLaren since I don’t think either driver really performed well enough last season to challenge Verstappen, plus its virtually 100% certain that they will be racing each other if McLaren have a car at or towards the front of the pack. I’d put Mercedes higher, especially as you rate Russell as a first class driver (Norris level, I think, and a better racer). Antonelli is unknown but I’m a firm believer in the strongest drivers making a huge impact on the (full) rookie seasons, wherever they drive, and at Mercedes he should have a top 4 and maybe title-challenging car. So it’s a litmus test but if he is as good as Mercedes believe/hope, I expect great things already in 2025.
Johan
22nd December 2024, 20:00
Well, no one drove well enough to challenge Verstappen. Likely no one will drive well enough to challenge Verstappen in 2025 either (although I don’t think he’ll win the championship next year). After Verstappen it’s very even between Norris, Leclerc, Sainz and Russel and I rate Piastri just below them. Stroll is so bad it doesn’t matter where you rate Alonso and everyone else is an unknown quantity and/or rookies. Hamilton could be brilliant right off the bat or it could be like when Ricciardo left Red Bull. Again, what I’ve seen in recent years is that he seems to be more sensitive to that the car is to his liking vs in early years he was blistering fast whatever the car was doing. But I certainly think Piastri is going to be much, much better than Lawson, way offsetting whatever delta there is between Verstappen and Norris. So I stand by my assessment that the likely strongest pairing is McLaren and the potentially strongest pairing is Ferrari. And I agree that 2025 is going to be brilliant. I hope Mercedes will take another step so at least Russel can fight for wins on a regular basis. I think Red Bull will drop to forth in the constructors next year. My guess would be McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and my hope is that Williams gets up to fifth next year, although that’s a lot of wishful thinking.
David BR (@david-br)
23rd December 2024, 1:12
I guess I was hugely disappointed with Norris this season. And Piastri hasn’t convinced me he has the pace. I agree there are two sizeable unknowns, how good Hamilton will be at Ferrari and how good Antonelli will prove in his rookie season. Just now I’m positive about both so I’d shuffle the positions on that basis. I think you’ll be proven right if Norris really does readjust his mindset (and racing) for 2025. I’m sceptical but it’s not impossible. As for the teams, who knows? I suspect Red Bull may be stronger than we’re imagining right now with time to reorganize after Newey leaving and perhaps starting on 2025 earlier than other top teams.
Johan
23rd December 2024, 9:02
I think Norris did as well as expected in the first season he had a shot at either championship. Everyone seems to make some stupid mistakes first time they have a chance, Hamilton beaching his McLaren in China in 2007 springs to mind.
David BR (@david-br)
23rd December 2024, 10:49
For me it wasn’t the mistakes, where the McLaren team also messed up – it was the way his wheel-to-wheel racing was exposed by Verstappen and Piastri.
SteveP
23rd December 2024, 15:52
@Johan
The stupid mistake was not arguing with the pit wall, who were telling him to stay out on badly worn tyres, and finally called him in when they were down to the canvas.
Ever wondered where his obsession with the state of his tyres originates?
Ever wondered why they told him to stay out, as it was only benefiting the people behind him – like Alonso.
Jojo
22nd December 2024, 12:02
There are so many unknowns with the driver lineups this year. Looking at the top teams,
McLaren have a known quantity with Norris and Piastri, but it will be interesting to see whether Piastri can get closer to Norris on pace as this will be his third year in F1.
Ferrari have a strong line up on paper, but will Hamilton be back to his best or close to it or will he continue to struggle?
Red Bull have a newbie Lawson, who will almost certainly be a no. 2 driver but he could still be a very solid second driver and it has the potential to be a strong team.
Mercedes have the most inexperienced rookie Antonelli but it will be interesting to see how he gets on. I think he’ll have great potential in the long run but for this year my expectations are low, as he’ll still have much to learn!
Wer
22nd December 2024, 12:40
Wait WHAT?!? We’ve got as many as 5 Formula 2 drivers jumping over to F1?
Isn’t that a record, @Keith Collantine?
Now that’s an idea for an article in the winter time.
Finally FOR ONCE, we’ve got some proper influx of fresh young talent.
BLS (@brightlampshade)
22nd December 2024, 13:00
2019 was a good one for driver changes if I recall
Norris, Albon and Russel all fresh (and good) rookies
Giovinazzi arrived as a almost rookie
Then Kyvat returned after a couple of years out and Kubica returned after many years out
Was numerous driver changes between teams as well.
MacLeod (@macleod)
23rd December 2024, 7:53
The probleem will be for the ones in F2 after 2025 there will be no room for them or some of the drivers must fail somehow.
michael
23rd December 2024, 11:50
Not sure about that. Hulkenberg, Ocon, Stroll, Albon, Gasly, Tsunoda, Lawson are not exactly irreplaceable while Alonso could easily retire. With all the driver swaps it’s likely more drivers will unexpectedly look bad. 5 rookies may not all succeed plus a new team in 2026. So just the 15 seats up for grabs. It’s probably harder to get in when all the incumbent drivers are settled and on multi year delays. The problem is more likely to be a lack of supply of good young drivers so expect more rotation in 2026. The 2025 F2 field will look weaker with so many leaving putting pressure on rookies to win straight away.
Broderick Harper (@banbrorace)
22nd December 2024, 12:59
It’s the Ferrari team for me, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the next best strongest line up, McLaren do better.
I think Lewis has shown enough in the few races where he’s turned up, that he still has some fire in the belly. Frankly, his relationship with Mercedes was doomed from the moment he lost the 2021 title – nothing would feel the same for him again and so he proved.
David BR (@david-br)
22nd December 2024, 14:58
@banbrorace This. 2021, compounded by the terrible Mercedes porpoise design and difficulty adapting his racing style to a new ground effects. But has anyone really adapted well? It seems to me that the new aero simply has a levelling out effect on what drivers can do, less handling flexibility, more following the driving protocol. If age is a factor, I suspect it’s more down to the amount of hurt (bouncing, vibrations) Hamilton is now able or willing to take. A few times he and Alonso complained the most about poor track surfaces making the GP very painful. But as soon as he announced his move to Ferrari, any comparison with Russell was moot. Drivers on their way out to another rival don’t tend to do well in their final season for whatever reasons – and Hamilton’s was an especially lengthy farewell.
Johns
22nd December 2024, 14:41
Withmsxs ability to drivearound car problems gotta stay w redbull
Glennb
22nd December 2024, 14:56
Clearly Ferrari. Then maybe McLaren, then Williams.
Sonny Crockett (@sonnycrockett)
22nd December 2024, 19:41
I disagree. Lewis is an absolute legend but my gut tells me that he’s not the driver he once was. I expect him to start strongly but, without Bono, and with Ferrari being, well, Ferrari, I think he’ll struggle to finish better than third in the WDC.
Patrick (@anunaki)
22nd December 2024, 19:45
If we look at both drivers: Ferrari followed by Mc Laren, at least on paper. It’s hard not to go for Lewis + Charles. If that car is any good it’s going to be good fun for them.
Can’t wait for the 25 season
Neil (@neilosjames)
22nd December 2024, 20:09
Ferrari first, and assuming Piastri resurfaces after seeming to lose his motivation when he was No.2’d, McLaren second.
I think Verstappen and Russell are strong enough to make up for the relatively unknown quantities in the other seats at Red Bull and Mercedes. And Williams are the only other team with a fairly solid and known pairing, so they’re top five as well. Not sure what order for those three, though. Depends how quickly Antonelli and Lawson find their feet, and where their respective ceilings are (I suspect Kimi will be better than Liam, but you never know).
dot_com (@dot_com)
22nd December 2024, 20:19
Had to go with Ferrari, although McLaren are really strong too. Half the field is going with rookies this year (I’m still counting Lawson as such) so the most experienced line ups will probably have the advantage. Williams has a really good line up – I’m so curious to see how Albon does with some tougher competition. Sainz has been driving really well and really consistently for some time now and I think he’ll achieve some really surprising results at Williams. Of the rookies, Antonelli has been talked up so much, which could be to his detriment, but it should be an interesting year!
Moi
22nd December 2024, 20:51
Ferrari, no contest.
Leclerc will be strong as always, Hamilton may be a little past his prime but still easily top 5.
Jim from US (@jimfromus)
22nd December 2024, 20:52
McLaren – 2 great drivers staying at the same team.
Ferrari – close but HAM is new to the team and there could be a learning curve.
GmP (@gmp)
22nd December 2024, 21:32
On paper
Ferrari, with close second McLaren. Lando and Charles I rank very similar, with Lewis a little ahead of Oscar.
RedBull ahead of Mercedes. Max is better then George, and Lawson has more experience them Kimi.
Also these four teams will have front running cars.
After that I find it hard to predict as e.g. an Albon/Saintz pairing looks strong but if the car is not good they won’t be mid pack runners. Same for Sauber and Haas. VCARB, AM and Alpine have interesting lineups and I assume cars that belong in the midfield, but each has one driver that is an unknown or known bad quantity.
In real life a lot will depend on the cars, how good that are at the start of the season and then chemistry between the driver pairs. There my concern is most mostly with McLaren, less with RB and Mercedes. Lewis I don’t know. I would think he is professional enough to be a team player. That is why I ranked Ferrari above McLaren.
Mayrton
23rd December 2024, 7:16
I agree Ferrari and McLaren have the strongest driver pairing. I just wonder whether that is a positive for those teams or directly diminishes their chances on the WDC. WCC wise they should be fine though.
Janith
23rd December 2024, 7:21
The correct answer is Williams actually. Hamilton is done. Piastri-not impressed.
Todfod (@todfod)
23rd December 2024, 8:44
The way I see it –
1) Ferrari – Leclerc’s 2024 season puts him just below Max in terms of performance + Lewis rejuvenated in a Ferrari. Hands down the strongest driver line up on the grid. Best qualifier (Leclerc) and top 3 Sunday driver (Lewis)
2) Red Bull – Lawson is an unknown, but Max is a league above every other driver on the grid.
3) Mclaren – Personally, I feel both Mclaren drivers are a little overrated, however, its a very well balanced driver line up with a Saturday star in Norris and a great wheel to wheel racer in Piastri. I’ve kept them at #3 after assuming both drivers step it up in 2025.
4) Williams – Albon didn’t have the strongest 2024 season, but he’s still a person I’d put money on for punching above the car’s weight. Sainz will be rock solid as well.
5) Mercedes – Kimi is a bit of an unknown, so its hard to rank their line up over tried and tested quantities such as the Mclaren and Williams lineup
6) Aston Martin – Alonso pulling all the weight here. Stroll is likely to be the worst driver on the grid (probably alongside Doohan) for the whole 2025 season.
7) Sauber – Hulkenberg with the most promising talent in the 2025 rookie batch
8) Haas – Bearman has shown enough promise already, so he should pair up well against Ocon
9) Alpine – Gasly is solid, but I don’t see Doohan performing up to F1 standards
10) VCarb – Tsonuda and Hadjar. None of them seem very promising.
Tommy C (@tommy-c)
23rd December 2024, 10:08
Hard to choose between McLaren and Ferrari. Went with Ferrari based purely on experience. I reckon all 4 drivers are pretty evenly matched on outright speed on their day.
Martin (@f1hornet)
23rd December 2024, 12:34
If Hamilton rediscovers his form in the Ferrari, there’s a possibility their line up is actually too strong. I can see a challenge to manage two number one drivers, which may help their rivals in the drivers’ championship standings.
PJ Gaudie (@moogleslam)
23rd December 2024, 20:59
1. Ferrari
2. McLaren
3. Williams
Then everyone else has one unproven driver, or one terrible driver.
Pironi the Provocateur (@pironitheprovocateur)
24th December 2024, 22:44
1. McLaren
2. Ferrari
3. Red Bull
4. Mercedes
5. Williams
6. Aston Martin
7. Haas
8. Racing Bulls
9. Alpine
10. Sauber