Six drivers in search of recognition: 2025 F1 title race is wide open
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Unprecedented Balance in F1
Rarely in recent years has a Formula 1 season started with so few certainties and, at least on paper, such a high level of competition. Of course, we still need to see the cars in Bahrain testing, but with teams already focused on 2026, it would be surprising to see a major shake-up in the competitive order at the end of this regulatory cycle.
By the end of 2024, four teams were taking turns winning races: Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Last season even set multiple records that will be hard to beat in the future (seven drivers with at least two wins, four teams with at least four race victories). Now, many of these contenders aim to translate numerical balance into an actual on-track equilibrium, with a fiercely contested drivers' championship fought down to the wire. While two—Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton—are already familiar with these high-stakes battles, for the other six, a title fight from March to December would represent a status shift, proving they belong at the highest level.
Six drivers, in a way reminiscent of Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author, are looking for their moment of recognition: Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell—who have never consistently fought for a championship—and Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson, who have never had the opportunity at all. All of them want to prove they are “championship material” and join the exclusive group of winners that, for now, includes only Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso.
Half of this group belongs to a generation overshadowed by Max Verstappen so far. Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have tried to challenge him, but in 2022 and 2024, the Dutchman's and Red Bull's unmatched consistency prevailed. However, these two remain the biggest threats, especially with McLaren and Ferrari carrying strong momentum into 2025. A step behind them are Piastri and Russell—both have shown they can be dangerous and win races when given the right opportunity, but they lack consistency (especially Piastri, which is understandable for a 22-year-old). Then there are Antonelli and Lawson—expecting them to make an immediate impact in their debut season would be unfair, but flashes of potential could emerge. And perhaps, with a bit of luck, we might hear the Italian anthem play again—even if it's not for a Ferrari victory.
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