Is Max Verstappen's era of dominance over? Five contenders to win F1 title

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In 2025, Max Verstappen is aiming to do something only the legendary Michael Schumacher has done – win five consecutive Formula 1 drivers’ championships.

But this season may be the trickiest one yet for the Dutchman, who must contend not only with a new teammate in Liam Lawson, but increased competition from around the grid.

Red Bull no longer have the pace advantage, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all looking to mount a serious title challenge.

As one of the most talented drivers in the sport’s history, Verstappen will still be well-fancied to be crowned champion again. His ability to drag a car beyond its limit yet keep it on the road is mightily impressive.

But even the 27-year-old has admitted his team are on the backfoot, not rating their chances ahead of this weekend’s season opening Australian Grand Prix.

‘I don’t think we can fight for the win already in Melbourne, [though] everything [on the RB21] can be set up a little bit better in Melbourne than in Bahrain.’

With that in mind, the Metro takes a look at five drivers who could stop Verstappen from winning championship No.5:

Lando Norris

The bookies favourite and it’s not hard to see why, Lando Norris emerged as a surprise title contender last season, making things a little nervy for Verstappen and helping McLaren win their first constructors’ title since 1998.

The Brit showed naivety at times but that experience has surely only helped his cause for this year and his car was the strongest in pre-season testing.

He has the backing of former F1 stars Jacques Villeneuve and Timo Glock, and if you’re still not convinced, this is what Verstappen had to say: ‘At the moment only one [team can compete for the title], and that team is orange!’

Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen isn’t the only driver chasing a record championship win, with Sir Lewis Hamilton determined to claim that elusive eighth title that would cement his status as the F1 G.O.A.T.

To achieve that, he’s jumped ship to Ferrari in a fairytale move that has dominated headlines throughout the winter break – even if their new car isn’t quite as quick as their rivals.

It may take a little time to adjust to his surroundings but if the 40-year-old can build up momentum, it’s hard to see anyone stopping him.

Charles Leclerc

Amid all the Hamilton chat, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that Ferrari already have a golden boy: Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque has always been quick but now seems to have shaken off the errors that cost him the title in 2022.

Beating Hamilton is no easy task but if Leclerc has the edge in the opening races, he can use that to his advantage for the remainder of the season.

Oscar Piastri

While Norris was McLaren’s leading man last season, Oscar Piastri was not far behind and will be allowed to race his teammate firmly but fairly under ‘papaya rules’.

If the young Aussie can outperform Norris in the opening races, Zak Brown and Andrea Stella will have a big call to make in terms of which driver to prioritise. The next big UK vs Australia rivalry?

George Russell

Could three Brits be in contention for the title? He’s an outside bet, but Mercedes have shown enough in testing to suggest George Russell has a shot at glory.

The 27-year-old has a notable advantage over his countrymen, as he is the undisputed No.1 driver in his team – unless 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli can cause a major upset.

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