F1 2025: 20 Questions for the “Closest Fight Ever” Showdown

The anticipation for the 2025 Formula 1 season has reached a fever pitch, with just one week remaining until the lights go out for the first race. Following a captivating previous year that saw an impressive seven different drivers clinch victories, expectations are soaring for what promises to be an exceptionally competitive championship right from the outset. Pre-season testing in Bahrain offered tantalizing glimpses, suggesting minimal gaps between the top four teams. Yet, the question lingers: is one of these powerhouses poised to unleash a surprise, or could an underdog emerge to challenge the established order?

As the new season draws near, the burning questions multiply, prompting widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. What does the new Formula 1 season truly have in store for us? To fuel the discussion and prepare for the exhilarating journey ahead, we present our traditional 20 essential questions for the year ahead. Share your bold predictions, insights, and comprehensive views in the comments section below, as we collectively look forward to another unforgettable chapter in Formula 1 history.

The 20 Most Intriguing Questions for the 2025 F1 Season

1. How many different teams will win races over the course of the 2025 F1 season?
This question sets the tone for the entire championship. Last year’s diverse set of winners ignited hopes for a more open field, breaking the dominance often seen in F1. With pre-season testing indicating a tighter pack at the front, we could see McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, and potentially even a resurgent Red Bull (despite their internal challenges) all challenging for victories. The strategic shifts and driver changes for 2025 further complicate predictions, making a wide spread of race winners a distinct possibility, signaling a healthier competitive landscape for Formula 1 fans.

2. Who will be the first driver to retire from a race during 2025?
The opening Grand Prix often brings unexpected incidents and technical failures as teams push their new cars to the limit. Predicting the first retirement requires an eye for reliability issues, aggressive driving styles, or simply bad luck. Will it be a rookie under pressure, a driver in a less developed car, or even a championship contender caught out in the heat of battle? Early season reliability can often be a tell-tale sign for the rest of the year.

3. How many Grands Prix will McLaren win?
McLaren showed incredible resurgence in the latter half of the previous season, establishing themselves as consistent podium contenders. With a strong development curve and two highly talented drivers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren enters 2025 with genuine championship aspirations. The question is whether they can sustain that momentum and convert it into multiple victories against formidable rivals like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull.

4. How many Grands Prix will Lewis Hamilton win?
This is one of the most talked-about storylines of 2025. Lewis Hamilton, in his inaugural season with Ferrari, carries the hopes of the Tifosi and his millions of fans worldwide. His ability to adapt quickly to a new team and car, combined with Ferrari’s historical might and current competitive form, makes this a compelling prospect. Can the seven-time world champion add to his legendary win tally and potentially set up an improbable championship challenge?

5. What will Carlos Sainz Jnr’s best result be?
Carlos Sainz Jnr finds himself in a unique position, having moved to a new team for 2025 after his departure from Ferrari. Known for his consistent performances and opportunistic wins, Sainz will be eager to prove his worth. His best result will depend heavily on the competitiveness of his new machinery and his ability to quickly integrate into the team. A podium finish or even a shock victory could significantly boost his stock for future F1 opportunities.

6. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?
Driver changes can occur due to various reasons: injury, poor performance, or even contractual disputes. F1 is a ruthless environment, and teams are always seeking optimal performance. Identifying a driver under pressure or a team with strong reserve options could hint at a potential early substitution. Predicting the replacement also highlights the depth of talent waiting in the wings of junior series or as test drivers.

7. How many Grands Prix will be red-flagged this year?
Red flags typically signify significant incidents, bad weather, or major track blockages, interrupting the flow of a Grand Prix. The number of red flags can reflect the intensity of competition, the safety standards, or even unpredictable weather patterns across different circuits. A higher number might suggest more aggressive racing or less forgiving track designs, adding an element of unpredictability to the season.

8. Will all 10 teams score at least one point?
Scoring a point in Formula 1 is a significant achievement for any team, especially those in the midfield or at the back of the grid. It often requires a combination of reliability, strategic brilliance, and capitalising on others’ misfortunes. While the top teams are guaranteed points, the battle among the smaller outfits to break into the top ten is fierce. This question assesses the overall competitiveness and depth of the F1 grid for 2025.

9. Who will score more points: Andrea Kimi Antonelli or Liam Lawson?
This is a compelling rookie vs. sophomore battle. Antonelli, making his highly anticipated debut with Mercedes, carries immense pressure and expectation as a potential future star. Liam Lawson, now a full-time F1 driver for a top team, has already shown his raw speed and potential during his previous stand-in appearances. Their direct comparison will highlight which young talent adapts best and performs consistently under the intense F1 spotlight, influencing their long-term career trajectories.

10. Who will score more points: Alpine or Williams?
The midfield battle is always intense, and the fight between Alpine and Williams promises to be a highlight. Both teams have ambitions to climb the constructors’ championship standings, but have faced varying degrees of challenges. Their performance comparison will gauge which team has made greater strides in car development, operational efficiency, and driver performance. Points scored will be crucial for pride, prestige, and prize money.

11. Will all 20 drivers who start the Australian Grand Prix race in Abu Dhabi?
F1 seasons are long and demanding, both physically for drivers and technically for teams. Driver lineups can change due to injuries, performance issues, or mid-season transfers. A full, unchanged grid from start to finish would indicate a stable season, strong driver contracts, and fewer unforeseen circumstances. History shows that it’s rare for every single driver to complete an entire F1 season with their initial team.

12. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix?
The Monaco Grand Prix is the jewel in F1’s crown, a unique challenge demanding precision, bravery, and impeccable strategy. It often favors drivers with exceptional car control and teams with strong low-speed performance. Past winners include masters of the street circuit, and the 2025 edition will undoubtedly crown another driver who can tame the iconic streets of Monte Carlo amidst immense pressure. Could it be a shock winner, or one of the usual suspects?

13. Will F1 change its new Monaco Grand Prix two-pit-stop rule again for 2026?
Rule changes in Formula 1 are constant, aimed at improving racing spectacle and safety. The introduction of a specific two-pit-stop rule for Monaco would be designed to inject more strategic variation into a race often criticized for being processional. If the rule fails to deliver the desired excitement or proves problematic, F1’s governing bodies are often quick to re-evaluate and adapt for future seasons, potentially reversing or modifying it for 2026.

14. Who will set the most pole positions?
Pole position is the ultimate indicator of raw qualifying pace, demonstrating a driver’s ability to extract maximum performance from their car over a single lap. This metric often correlates with championship success, as starting from the front is a huge advantage. The battle for the most poles will likely be contested by the drivers in the fastest cars, showcasing their individual brilliance against their teammates and rivals.

15. Which team, if any, will Yuki Tsunoda drive for in 2026?
Yuki Tsunoda enters 2025 with an opportunity to solidify his place in Formula 1 and potentially move up the grid. His future will depend heavily on his performance this season, especially against his teammate and other aspiring talents. A strong year could see him secure a longer contract with his current team, attract interest from a bigger outfit, or even lead to opportunities outside the Red Bull family, making 2025 a pivotal year for his career.

16. What will be the biggest political story during 2025?
Formula 1 is as much a political arena as it is a sporting one. Disputes over regulations, team rivalries, power struggles within the sport’s governing bodies, or even driver market movements can dominate headlines. With new regulations looming and various stakeholders vying for influence, predicting the biggest political story highlights the underlying tensions and strategic maneuvering that always simmer beneath the surface of the F1 paddock.

17. Which drivers, if any, will collect enough penalty points to earn a race ban?
Penalty points are accumulated for various infringements, from dangerous driving to track limit violations. A driver reaching 12 penalty points within a 12-month period incurs a one-race ban. This question assesses driving standards, the strictness of stewarding, and which drivers might push the limits too far. It’s a testament to the fine line between aggressive, fast racing and exceeding acceptable boundaries, with potentially severe consequences.

18. At which round will the drivers’ championship be decided?
The timing of the championship decider offers insight into the competitiveness of the season. A championship that goes down to the wire in the final rounds indicates an incredibly close fight, whereas an early decision suggests a dominant performance by one driver or team. Predicting this requires an understanding of the potential championship contenders’ form, reliability, and the overall balance of power in the 2025 F1 field.

Fan Predictions: Early Favorites for the 2025 F1 Season

Over to you

This time last year, the predictions painted a very different picture. Almost none of our readers tipped McLaren as potential constructors’ champions, illustrating just how quickly the landscape of Formula 1 can shift. Red Bull were the overwhelming favourites, chosen by 83% of our readers, followed by Ferrari on 9% and Mercedes on 4%. Astoundingly, only 2% of voters picked the eventual champions, highlighting the thrilling unpredictability that defines our sport.

Now, it’s your turn to make your mark. Which of these 20 questions do you feel most confident in answering? Who do you believe will surprise the paddock, and which narratives will dominate the headlines in 2025? We eagerly await your informed opinions and passionate predictions!

Check back on your predictions from previous seasons below:

• The 2024 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2023 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2022 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2021 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2020 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2019 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2018 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2017 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2016 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2015 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2014 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2013 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2012 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2011 F1 season in 20 questions
• The 2010 F1 season in 20 questions

To participate in future polls and debates on RaceFans, an account is typically required. Register an account here to join our community and share your views.

More Debates and Polls

• What must Formula 1 fix with its new rules – and what should it leave unchanged?
• ADUO: Do F1 teams who fall behind deserve to get help to catch up?
• F1 is considering doubling its sprint races. Do you want more or fewer?
• Will this be a fight or a rout? 20 questions for the 2026 Formula 1 season
• Which Formula 1 team has the best-looking car – and the worst – for the 2026 season?

Browse all debates and polls