As we gear up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, excitement is building among fans and analysts alike. With former F1 driver and current Viaplay analyst Giedo van der Garde, we delve into what to expect this season. From rookies to seasoned champions, the grid is packed with talent, and the competition promises to be fierce.

The 2025 season is right around the corner, and Van der Garde is eager to share his insights. He poses rapid-fire questions to himself, pondering who will be the biggest challenger to Max Verstappen and which rookies might stand out or disappoint. His predictions suggest Lewis Hamilton, now in Ferrari red, will be a significant contender, while Carlos Sainz at Williams could surprise many.

Reflecting on his own career, Van der Garde notes that he has moved on from racing, expressing relief at his decision to retire. He recalls the relentless schedule of traveling and racing, which ultimately took a toll on him. Now focused on entrepreneurship and analysis, he finds satisfaction in his current endeavors.

Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been a hot topic. Van der Garde believes this change will invigorate Hamilton and allow him to challenge for the championship once more. He acknowledges that Hamilton’s experience and skill set, particularly in race conditions, will be invaluable. The collaboration with Charles Leclerc, a formidable qualifier, adds a dynamic element to their team.

Van der Garde anticipates an exciting rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc, suggesting that each driver can learn from the other. While Hamilton has a wealth of racing experience, he may need time to adjust to Ferrari’s unique setup, including new engineering and team dynamics. However, he expresses confidence that Hamilton will adapt quickly and be competitive from the start.

When discussing Max Verstappen, Van der Garde emphasizes that the Dutch driver has not shown any signs of weakness in recent seasons. His consistency and ability to extract maximum performance from his car make him a formidable opponent. However, Van der Garde also believes that Ferrari has made significant strides and will be a serious contender this year.

He mentions that Ferrari has introduced a completely new front suspension, potentially enhancing their performance to rival Red Bull. With Hamilton’s arrival, the team’s chemistry and competitiveness are expected to improve, adding to the intensity of the championship battle.

The 2025 grid features several rookies, and Van der Garde is particularly interested in how they will perform. He highlights Liam Lawson at Red Bull, emphasizing that having Verstappen as a teammate will be both a challenge and an opportunity for Lawson to learn. He believes Lawson has the potential to impress but needs to manage expectations wisely.

Van der Garde also mentions other exciting talents, including Antonelli, who has shown promise during testing. He reflects on the mental challenges these young drivers face and notes that maintaining composure under pressure will be crucial for their success.

Turning the conversation to predictions, Van der Garde states that he expects the championship battle to be tightly contested. He envisages Hamilton contending for the title, with Verstappen and Leclerc also in the mix. He foresees a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, where the championship could be decided in the final laps.

His top three predictions for the season are Hamilton, Verstappen, and Leclerc, with Ferrari potentially securing the Constructors’ Championship. He believes that Hamilton’s experience and skill could allow him to regain the title, especially if he can capitalize on any mistakes made by his rivals.

As the conversation wraps up, Van der Garde expresses his excitement for the upcoming season. He acknowledges that while the rules have been largely frozen, the competition remains fierce, and teams are continually evolving. The budget cap and regulations are leveling the playing field, resulting in closer races and more unpredictable outcomes.

He emphasizes that the drivers’ experience and ability to minimize mistakes will be key factors in determining this year’s champion. With the talent on display in 2025, fans can expect an exhilarating season filled with dramatic races and intense rivalries.