Despite Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren likely to be battling it out for the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, the 2025 Formula One season is being heralded as one that could give plenty of opportunity to the smaller teams.

Seven drivers won races in the 2024 season, but there could be more at the top of the podium, with Aston Martin hiring Adrian Newey and Williams continuing to improve their car after a miserable few years.

ASTON MARTIN

Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the Formula One grid this season, still going strong at 43 and may be a title contender next year in Aston Martin’s Adrian Newey-designed car. This year may be more of a struggle with the 2025 version seemingly off the pace in testing. Lance Stroll’s position, as son of the team owner, is not in doubt but he needs to get much closer to Alonso’s pace to convince neutrals of his worth.

ALPINE

Pierre Gasly is the clear team leader at Alpine following the departure of Esteban Ocon to Haas. Rookie Jack Doohan stepped into Ocon’s seat in Abu Dhabi last December but could be on borrowed time already, with Argentine Franco Colapinto signed as reserve.

HAAS

America’s Team Haas are celebrating a 10th anniversary with an all-new lineup. Ocon joins from Alpine while Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman gets his chance to show what he can do over a season after last year’s stand-in outings.

RACING BULLS

Rookie Isack Hadjar replaces Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Undoubtedly quick and analytical, he will have to control his emotions over the radio. Yuki Tsunoda is also known for excitable exchanges, which keeps the television bleepers busy, and is fighting for his future with backers Honda leaving for Aston Martin at the end of the season.

WILLIAMS

Williams looked the most improved team in testing, with much-travelled Carlos Sainz joining from Ferrari and setting the fastest lap in a qualifying simulation. The partnership with experienced Alex Albon promises to deliver results and Williams could be pushing to be best of the midfield pack.

SAUBER

Sauber, the future Audi team, are more focused on 2026 than 2025 but will not want to start life as a works team from the back of the grid. In rookie Gabriel Bortoleto they have a driver with plenty of potential, a champion in both F2 and F3 at the first attempt. Nico Hulkenberg is a safe pair of hands but his record of most starts without ever standing on the podium looks unlikely to end.