On Sunday, March 16, the Formula One 2025 season kicks off at Melbourne Park Circuit, but this time, things will be different. Lewis Hamilton is no longer behind the wheel for Mercedes, and Carlos Sainz won’t be chasing victory for Ferrari like he did last year, just days after appendix surgery. The landscape has shifted, and a new era begins. (More Motorsport News)
Hamilton's first proper day as a Ferrari driver had its ups and downs. The seven-time world champion, racing in something other than Mercedes for the first time in 12 years, finished 12th in FP1 before bouncing back to fifth in FP2. But he was still over four-tenths off teammate Charles Leclerc.
Even so, there's no sign of regret over his big move--especially with Mercedes still struggling. George Russell battled understeer, and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli couldn’t break into the top ten.
On the other hand, Carlos Sainz seems really serious this time. He made an impressive start to his Williams career by finishing second in the first practice session at the Albert Park, just 0.149s behind Lando Norris. Despite switching teams, the 2024 Australian GP winner proved he remains a strong contender, extracting the most from his new car.
The 2024 F1 Constructors' Championship winner, McLaren, seem to have lost none of its edge. They are rocking the grid once again. Lando Norris topped the timesheets in the first practice session, while Oscar Piastri secured fourth. In FP2, both McLaren drivers continued their strong form, finishing second and third respectively.
Formula 1 2025 Calender:
Australian Grand Prix – March 16, Albert Park Circuit
Chinese Grand Prix – March 23, Shanghai International Circuit
Japanese Grand Prix – April 6, Suzuka International Racing Course
Bahrain Grand Prix – April 13, Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – April 20, Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Miami Grand Prix – May 4, Miami International Autodrome
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – May 18, Imola Circuit
Monaco Grand Prix – May 25, Circuit de Monaco
Spanish Grand Prix – June 1, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Canadian Grand Prix – June 15, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Austrian Grand Prix – June 29, Red Bull Ring
British Grand Prix – July 6, Silverstone Circuit
Belgian Grand Prix – July 27, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Hungarian Grand Prix – August 3, Hungaroring
Dutch Grand Prix – August 31, Circuit Zandvoort
Italian Grand Prix – September 7, Monza Circuit
Azerbaijan Grand Prix – September 21, Baku City Circuit
Singapore Grand Prix – October 5, Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States Grand Prix – October 19, Circuit of the Americas
Mexico City Grand Prix – October 26, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Sao Paulo Grand Prix – November 9, Interlagos Circuit
Las Vegas Grand Prix – November 22, Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Qatar Grand Prix – November 30, Lusail International Circuit
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – December 7, Yas Marina Circuit
Formula 1 2025 Drivers Lineup:
McLaren
Lando Norris (#4)
Oscar Piastri (#81)
Scuderia Ferrari HP
Charles Leclerc (#16)
Lewis Hamilton (#44)
Oracle Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen (#1)
Liam Lawson (#30)
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (#12)
George Russell (#63)
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso (#14)
Lance Stroll (#18)
BWT Alpine
Jack Doohan (#7)
Pierre Gasly (#10)
Haas
Esteban Ocon (#31)
Oliver Bearman (#87)
Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar (#6)
Yuki Tsunoda (#22)
Williams Racing
Alexander Albon (#23)
Carlos Sainz Jr. (#55)
Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto (#5)
Nico Hulkenberg (#27)
Formula 1 Season 2025 Rules And Regulations:
Keeping in mind, the safety of drivers while keeping the challenges alive the Formula One 2025 season brings some new rules and regulations.
Minimum Weight:
Now, the minimum driver weight has been increased from 80kg to 82kg, this includes their helmet, racing suit and shoes.
Meanwhile, he car's minimum weight without fuel has risen from 798kg to 800kg.
Driver Cooling Systems:
There have been several overheating incidents in the past,to avoid it in future, a driver cooling kit is now mandatory in high-temperature conditions.
If temperatures exceed 30.5°C, teams must equip these systems, with the car's minimum weight increasing by 5kg to accommodate the equipment.
Drag Reduction System:
The DRS slot gap has been reduced from 10mm to 9.4mm, aiming to balance overtaking opportunities.
Fastest Lap Point:
This time, there is no bonus point for the fastest lap, which was previously awarded to drivers finishing in the top ten. This has been eliminated in the F1 2025 season to simplify the scoring system.
Young Driver Practice Sessions:
In order to enhance emerging talent with more exposure to F1 racing all the teams are now expected to field young drivers in two free practice sessions per car each season, doubling the previous mandate.
Qualifying Contingencies:
This one is really important! If a qualifying session is canceled due to weather or any reasons, starting grids for sprints and Grands Prix races will be determined based on current championship standings.
Formula 1 Season 2025 Live Streaming:
All the races of Formula 1 2025 season will be available for live streaming on the FanCode app and website in India.
