2025 Formula 1 Season Review: A Competitive Landscape Shift
The 2025 Formula 1 season culminated in a fierce battle for supremacy, highlighting a three-driver duel between Lando Norris of McLaren, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen. Initially dominated by McLaren, the season introduced nuanced complexities as Verstappen surged towards the end, positioning him as a formidable contender.
As a point of reference, Ferrari’s unexpected absence from the title fight this year contrasts sharply with their strong finish in 2024, where they fell short of the Constructors’ Championship by just 14 points. Charles Leclerc, who completed 2024 only 18 points adrift of then-champion Norris, experienced a disheartening 2025 season, finishing 181 points behind and failing to secure a victory.
“It’s not been easy for sure, because you start the year with expectations,” Leclerc remarked to RACER. He noted his improvement in the second half of the season, which yielded more points than his rivals but lamented the inconsistency of his team compared to McLaren and Red Bull. Leclerc acknowledged the winter development by McLaren as a pivotal factor, indicating, “McLaren did an incredible job… and came back with a big advantage.”
After a disappointing Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where both he and Hamilton retired, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann advised the drivers to focus on performance rather than complaints. Despite this, Leclerc expressed his commitment to improve and adapt, reflecting on his learning since joining Ferrari. He stated, “It’s been a tough season… but I think it’s been a very strong season on my side.”
With the upcoming regulations anticipated to alter the competitive landscape, Leclerc tempered his expectations. “It’s a very difficult one because we are all starting from scratch,” he said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the sport.
The 2026 season holds the potential for pivotal change as teams work to integrate new regulations. “If one of the teams puts everything together, it can create a massive difference,” Leclerc concluded, expressing his hope that Ferrari could seize the opportunity.
As the season closes, Ferrari and Leclerc remain poised for a comeback, fueled by lessons learned and the promise of change. The motorsport community watches closely as Ferrari looks to navigate these challenges and reclaim its competitive edge.
