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By Newsroom
The anticipation for the 2025 Formula 1 season is at an all-time high, with major driver changes and the final season before significant regulation adjustments. Here’s all the key information you need ahead of lights out.
F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing
Pre-season testing took place at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 26-28. Each team was allowed to run one car per day, splitting time between their drivers. Carlos Sainz topped the timing sheets in his Williams, clocking a 1:29.348 lap time. However, testing times are historically unreliable indicators of actual race performance.
When Does the 2025 F1 Season Start?
The season officially begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 14-16. The first event of the F1 schedule, however, was the F1 75 live show in London, a special two-hour presentation featuring all ten teams to celebrate 75 years of Formula 1.
F1 2025 Calendar: Full Race Schedule
The 2025 season features 24 races across the globe:
- March 14-16 – Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne)
- March 21-23 – Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
- April 4-6 – Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
- April 11-13 – Bahrain Grand Prix (Sakhir)
- April 18-20 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah)
- May 2-4 – Miami Grand Prix (USA)
- May 16-18 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (Italy)
- May 23-25 – Monaco Grand Prix (Monaco)
- May 30-June 1 – Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)
- June 13-15 – Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal)
- June 27-29 – Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg)
- July 4-6 – British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
- July 25-27 – Belgian Grand Prix (Spa)
- August 1-3 – Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest)
- August 29-31 – Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
- September 5-7 – Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
- September 19-21 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku)
- October 3-5 – Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore)
- October 17-19 – United States Grand Prix (Austin)
- October 24-26 – Mexican Grand Prix (Mexico City)
- November 7-9 – Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Brazil)
- November 20-22 – Las Vegas Grand Prix (USA)
- November 28-30 – Qatar Grand Prix (Lusail)
- December 5-7 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)
F1 2025 Sprint Races
Six sprint races will take place at:
- March 22 – Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
- May 3 – Miami Grand Prix (USA)
- July 26 – Belgian Grand Prix (Spa)
- October 18 – United States Grand Prix (Austin)
- November 8 – Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Brazil)
- November 29 – Qatar Grand Prix (Lusail)
F1 2025 Driver Line-Up
The 2025 grid features significant changes, with only two teams retaining their previous lineup. The biggest headline is Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz, who joins Williams.
Full Grid:
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton
- Haas: Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon
- McLaren: Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris
- Mercedes: George Russell, Kimi Antonelli
- Racing Bulls: Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson
- Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
- Williams: Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz
Driver Numbers to Watch
Notable numbers include:
- 1 – Max Verstappen
- 44 – Lewis Hamilton
- 16 – Charles Leclerc
- 63 – George Russell
- 4 – Lando Norris
F1 2025 Title Contenders
As of March 10, Lando Norris is the early favorite for the title, closely followed by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri round out the top five.
F1 2025 Teams and Cars
2025 marks the final season before the 2026 regulation overhaul. Here’s how the teams line up, along with their expected car names:
- McLaren – MCL39
- Ferrari – SF-25
- Red Bull – RB21
- Mercedes – F1 W16
- Aston Martin – AMR25
- Alpine – A525
- Haas – VF-25
- Racing Bulls – VCARB 02
- Williams – FW47
- Stake (Sauber) – Kick C45
Key Rule Changes for 2025
Several rule tweaks will impact the season:
- No more fastest lap bonus point – Drivers will no longer receive a point for setting the fastest lap.
- More junior driver appearances – Teams must now field junior drivers in four practice sessions (up from two).
- Increased minimum weight – The driver’s weight allowance rises from 80kg to 82kg, and the car’s minimum weight (without fuel) increases to 800kg.
- Mandatory cooling kits – Teams must equip cars with cooling kits in extreme heat conditions (above 30.5°C).
- DRS slot gap reduction – The range is now 9.4–13mm (previously 10–15mm).
- Limited previous car testing – Testing time for old cars is capped at 20 days, with active drivers restricted to 1,000km over four days.
Is There an 11th F1 Team in 2025?
Not yet! Cadillac F1 has been officially approved as the 11th team, but they won’t join the grid until 2026.
With major driver changes, rule tweaks, and intense competition, the 2025 F1 season is set to be one of the most exciting yet. Buckle up for another year of high-speed action!