McLaren CEO Zak Brown has expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton will be a strong contender for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, as he anticipates one of the most competitive seasons in recent history. Brown, speaking about the upcoming season, expects a closely fought battle between multiple teams, making for an “epic” spectacle for F1 fans worldwide.
Hamilton’s New Chapter with Ferrari
After his move from Mercedes, Hamilton made his first public appearance as a Ferrari driver at the F1 75 Live event in London. The seven-time world champion spoke of feeling “full of life” and “invigorated” by his transition to the Scuderia. Brown believes that Ferrari’s strong performance in 2024, finishing just behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, positions Hamilton well for a serious title bid in 2025.
“I’m definitely anticipating Lewis being a championship contender,” Brown stated. “We and Ferrari ended last year with nothing between us, and I think that will continue.”
A Battle Amongst the Best: Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari & McLaren
Brown emphasized that Ferrari is not the only team McLaren expects fierce competition from, pointing out the continued strength of Red Bull and Mercedes. While Mercedes will be fielding a relatively inexperienced driver lineup with rookie Kimi Antonelli and F1 super-sub Liam Lawson, Brown still considers them a formidable force.
“Mercedes were very close [in 2024] and still won four races, so I put them in there,” Brown noted. “And, of course, Red Bull, [who had] a super strong first half of the year, a little bit less strong middle of the year, then ended very strong.”
Newcomers Kimi Antonelli & Liam Lawson Expected to Make an Impact
The 2025 season also brings fresh talent to the grid with teenage debutant Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson, who replaces Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Brown acknowledged that their inexperience could pose a challenge over the 24-race calendar but is optimistic about their potential.
“They’ll inevitably have some rookie weekends, if you like, but I think they’re both extremely quick drivers and I anticipate both of them winning races.”
McLaren’s 2025 Ambitions: Aiming for Both Championships
Fresh off their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, McLaren has clear goals for the upcoming season. Brown confirmed that the team aims to secure both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the charge.
“We’d like to go for the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ World Championship,” he stated. “Why not be greedy and have that be 1-2 and let Lando and Oscar decide who’s one and who’s two? So, that’s our collective goal.”
A Season of Surprises: Eight Different Winners Expected
As the competitive landscape of F1 continues to evolve, Brown believes that the 2025 season will witness multiple teams stepping up to claim race victories. He predicts that the battle for wins will be more unpredictable than ever.
“I think this season should be epic and even closer than last year. I’m anticipating eight different winners. I wouldn’t be surprised with how competitive it is.”
With McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes all pushing for the top spot, Formula 1 in 2025 promises high-intensity racing, unpredictable outcomes, and potentially a historic title fight featuring Lewis Hamilton in his Ferrari debut season. Will the Scuderia’s newest addition reclaim his former dominance, or will McLaren and Red Bull rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
