Last updated Feb 25, 9:39am EST

An action-packed couple of weeks have been raising the excitement levels ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

Last week’s F1 75 Live was a major event, with pre-season testing set to offer a first glimpse at the cars for the forthcoming season between February 26 and 28.

But, which driver could be best placed to mount a title challenge in the final season of the current regulations?

Odds: Verstappen to Continue Dominance

Driver Odds
Max Verstappen +250
Lando Norris +275
Charles Leclerc +350
Lewis Hamilton +650
Oscar Piastri +850
George Russell +1600
Liam Lawson +3300
Other Selections +4000 & Bigger

Previous Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship Winners

Year Winning Driver
2024 Max Verstappen
2023 Max Verstappen
2022 Max Verstappen
2021 Max Verstappen
2020 Lewis Hamilton
2019 Lewis Hamilton
2018 Lewis Hamilton
2017 Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 2025 Schedule

Round Race Date
1 Australian Grand Prix March 16, 2025
2 Chinese Grand Prix March 23, 2025
3 Japanese Grand Prix April 6, 2025
4 Bahrain Grand Prix April 13, 2025
5 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix April 20, 2025
6 Miami Grand Prix May 4, 2025
7 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix May 18, 2025
8 Monaco Grand Prix May 25, 2025
9 Spanish Grand Prix June 1, 2025
10 Canadian Grand Prix June 15, 2025
11 Austrian Grand Prix June 29, 2025
12 British Grand Prix July 6, 2025
13 Belgian Grand Prix July 27, 2025
14 Hungarian Grand Prix August 3, 2025
15 Dutch Grand Prix August 31, 2025
16 Italian Grand Prix September 7, 2025
17 Azerbaijan Grand Prix September 21, 2025
18 Singapore Grand Prix October 5, 2025
19 United States Grand Prix October 19, 2025
20 Mexico City Grand Prix October 26, 2025
21 Sao Paulo Grand Prix November 9, 2025
22 Las Vegas Grand Prix November 22, 2025
23 Qatar Grand Prix November 30, 2025
24 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix December 7, 2025

Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship Contenders

There is a fascinating feel to the championship battle this season, with Max Verstappen having his sights set on immortality. The Dutchman’s win in 2024 would have been a highlight, as he reigned supreme despite not having the fastest car for much of the campaign.

Verstappen will face a fresh challenge in 2025, with Liam Lawson replacing Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull. But, their fading pace throughout last season does indicate that other teams have caught up.

McLaren arguably should have been closer to the pace in the Drivers’ battle, but strategic errors at key stages of the season saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri clashing.

The former is preferred in the betting this season, but the latter could prove to be the value play of the two based on the fact that he is cooler under pressure, and mentally, I still have questions whether Norris is ready for a sustained and serious championship battle.

Mercedes will be hoping that their 2025 car can turn around their fortunes, but there is no secret that their biggest wins in 2024 came in cooler conditions. George Russell will have increased pressure on his shoulders as the new team leader, while it is likely to be a bedding in season for teenager Kimi Antonelli.

Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship 2025 Pick

The dream team of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton looks set to be the talking points for the first rounds of races, and it will be fascinating to see how the seven-time world champion settles in at Ferrari.

I’m a big believer that Hamilton exceeded expectations in an uncompetitive car in 2024, and putting him in one of the faster cars on the grid in 2025 could unlock a much-needed Constructors’ Championship for the Italian team.

In doing so, an eighth world championship could also be on the horizon for the greatest driver in the history of F1.

Pick
Lewis Hamilton (+650)
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Alex Dudley
Alex Dudley

Sports Analyst and Betting Expert

Alex has over 15 years of experience in sports betting, specializing in soccer and horse racing. He uses his deep knowledge of markets and strategies to guide readers through disciplined and informed betting.

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