This year is going to be absolutely wild in Formula 1. So much is happening—Hamilton to Ferrari, six rookie drivers, and an all-out battle for the title between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc.
But beyond the obvious headlines, there are a few drivers flying under the radar who could shake things up in a big way.
Esteban Ocon: The Underrated Contender
Nobody talks about Esteban Ocon, but somehow, he lands podiums in cars that shouldn’t be there. Now that he’s with HAAS, people are sleeping on him. But here’s the thing—HAAS is better than you think.
A few seasons ago, they were dead last. Last year? 7th place. That might not seem like a huge jump, but everything in F1 starts small and grows. If Ocon delivers, he could be one of the surprises of the season.
Alexander Albon: Williams’ Secret Weapon
Albon is another driver to watch. Williams is looking strong this year, and their pre-season testing results were way better than last year. They could be the dark horse that catches everyone off guard.
My Biggest Hot Take: Hamilton Won’t Meet Expectations
I know this won’t sit well with a lot of fans, but… Hamilton’s time at the top is over. If this is his final season, I don’t think it’ll be the legendary sendoff people are hoping for.
Honestly, he might even finish 10th in the championship. F1 is literally and figuratively too fast, and maybe, just maybe, it’s gotten too fast for him.
Max Will Win Again (Yeah, I Said It)
Okay, I admit it—I’m a Max fan. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s too good. Norris will challenge him, but I don’t think the title fight will be as close as last year.
Piastri’s Moment Is Coming… But Will Fans Turn on Him?
Oscar Piastri has been incredible, and this season will be his breakout year. But here’s the thing—F1 fans love an underdog… until they’re not one anymore.
If Piastri starts winning consistently, expect the same cycle we’ve seen before: fans hype him up, then get tired of him. It happens every single time.
Final Thoughts: It’s Gonna Be a Crazy Year
Everything I’ve said here might sound crazy now, but trust me—it’ll all make sense soon.
Who’s your dark horse for 2025? Let’s talk in the comments!