The Formula 1 season 2025 is just around the corner! Is it enough for Max Verstappen to the fifth World Cup title in a row? Is Lewis Hamilton blooming again at Ferrari? And how bad is the year for Nico Hülkenberg? The Sport.de editors have a clear opinion.
The tension before the first race of the new Formula 1 season can be felt. The balance of power at the top seems as balanced as rare. It is also closely behind it. Before the start in Melbourne, the Sport.de editorial team sets up four theses – and delivers answers.
The Verstappen era ends
Chris Rohdenburg: When the World Cup title collection phase means “era”? Then: for now yes. If this means that Verstappen will also have a clear say in 2025 until the end, then no. Because Verstappen is simply the measure of all things as a driver.
Martin Armbruster: Verstappen may be the measure of things. But the Dutch can only win if he has the corresponding car. If he does not – see the second half of the pre -season – he still tickles the extracenhtel, but it is not enough to win. Red Bull is in a phase of sorting after the departure of numerous top people and will be too weak in 2025. Five title in series – this record remains in Schumacher’s hand.
Christian Schenzel: The era continues and he gets title number five. Point. Why? On the one hand because he is the best driver. On the other hand, because Red Bull is a team that learns from his own mistakes and who will not repeat from 2024. It would not be surprised if the RB21 is very quickly on the level of the Mclarens. And then Max cannot be beat.
Mats-Yannick Roth: An era in competitive sports does not only define itself from the big world championship titles; Because for this it will not be enough for Max Verstappen in his RB21 in 2025. The best driver in the 20s field will still be able to demonstrate his exceptional talent. The Max Verstappen era is not over without the fifth title in series.
Hamilton has no chance against Leclerc
Chris Rohdenburg: Hamilton will be world champion – find excuses! Well, perhaps a little exaggerated, but with all the euphoria that currently prevails around Formula 1 superstar, the old master against Leclerc in 2025 will have no chance. The Monegasse has been there too long so that you certainly do not have the olive butter from the Panini. And Hamilton will then have to explain why he is so difficult at Scuderia as a record champion.
Christian Schenzel: Leclerc was stronger than Carlos Sainz for three years. Is Hamilton a better driver than Sainz? I don’t think (more). Hamilton is still good, but Leclerc will clearly point him out and win the team’s duel with at least 50 points.
Martin Armbruster: Whether Lewis Hamilton is talking about the title with Ferrari right away. I don’t see that Leclerc is ironing him as he once ironed Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton is still too motivated – and just too good. Especially in Renntrimm, when it comes to tire management and racing, the old master will show the Ferrari prince where the Barthel gets the must.
Mats-Yannick Roth: The list of driving errors that Charles Leclerc has produced in promising racing situations in recent years has now been quite long. This is opposed to Lewis Hamilton, who has been one of the most constant pilots for almost two decades. Lewis Hamilton will set his tips for the long year with 24 races – and be anything but chance against his own teammate.
Mercedes shot an own goal with Antonelli
Christian Schenzel: The fact is that Mercedes takes an enormously high risk with him. That can pay off. However, Toto Wolff is welcome to inquire with Christian Horner how difficult newcomers in a top team usually have. The silver arrows, which Antonelli gave just a one -year contract and left the back door for Max Verstappen for reasons.
Mats-Yannick Roth: As a rookie, he will not have a chance against George Russell’s team, the Brit is now far too constant. It will be exciting how many driving errors Antonelli will be undermined in the first year, which could question the correctness of his promotion. My forecast: there will be many!
Chris Rohdenburg: Kimi is Anto-Schnelli, he has already indicated this in his F1 debut in the training of Monza, but the young Italian is also a hot spur and inexperienced. Accordingly, Mercedes, which it will not be easy to do in terms of sport, will have to spend more in 2025, one or the other crash euro.
Martin Armbruster: Finally a quick Italian in Formula 1. Yes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli will leave one or two scrap piles in the first half of the season. With Toto Wolff, however, he knows a caring team boss at his side who will get him on track. Antonelli will learn quickly and drive to Russell level at the end of the season.
Hülkenberg’s biggest opponent is your own team
Chris Rohdenburg: The “Hülk” can, he has repeatedly proven that in recent years. Alone: So far he has been missing the right pedestal. In this regard, Sauber is currently the most likely ungrateful station for the German, who should already be looking forward to 2026 and will hope that everything will get better with Audi and the new rules.
Martin Armbruster: Who wants to contradict?! Nico Hülkenberg pulled the A-card with a clean, the Swiss bolide rolls as leisurely as the sentences of a long-established Confederate from the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden (or outdid). The veteran will once again demonstrate its class with inferior material and put one or two exclamation marks in the event of corresponding conditions.
Mats-Yannick Roth: Yes, Hülkenberg will not drive in a podium and yes, again in the twelfth year, again, this is mainly due to the inferior car. The switch to clean or Audi will still pay for the German – but not yet in 2025. He will still create a good atmosphere within the team and will certainly not perceive it as an opponent.
Christian Schenzel: Unfortunately, that’s the case. But, I am with Martin: let it rain, storm or anything, and Hülkenberg will show for the umpteenth time that he can get more out of a inferior car than many other drivers. I stipulate myself: In any TOP 10 placement, he will stumble in 2025-and thus ensure the German highlight of the Formula 1 year.