In 2025, Formula 1 is primed to feature more competition, passion and innovation than in recent years, making this season the perfect opportunity for new fans to tune in.
F1 has recently taken off in the United States, with drivers splashed across advertisements and speeding down the Las Vegas strip. But because the sport has only recently entered American culture, new fans may feel overwhelmed by its complexity. The fan culture of F1 involves history and context.
Drivers are passionately loved or hated, and long-lasting rivalries are used to analyze team dynamics. Even the quality of a team’s car can be predicted from previous seasons. Without such context, new followers can have a difficult time understanding commentary and enjoy conversations with veteran fans.
Luckily for new enthusiasts, F1 is about to undergo a reset. As new drivers enter the grid, long-term teams get shaken up and competitive advantages even out. New fans should take the opportunity to learn more alongside longtime followers.
This year, over half of F1’s teams are recruiting drivers who have never completed a full season in the league. Ollie Bearman is one of the most highly-anticipated rookies. As a reserve driver, Bearman became the youngest racer in history for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, as well as the youngest driver to score points in their debut race. When he joined Haas F1 Team in March, new and old fans were equally excited to analyze his performance.
Other rookies – Jack Doohan and Liam Lawson – have also been reserve drivers in the past. Gabriel Bortoleto was last year’s F2 champion, but neither he nor Isack Hadjar have ever raced in F1. As the newest generation of drivers test out their cars and compete with their icons, new F1 fans have the unique opportunity to root for drivers before their legacies are cemented.
In addition to new racers, new team dynamics will be appearing as current drivers move to new franchises. On several teams, respected veterans of the sport will be competing with younger drivers. Each week, no matter their knowledge of previous seasons, fans can watch new friendships and rivalries emerge.
Ferrari became one of the most highly-anticipated teams after confirming Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as their 2025 drivers. Hamilton has won seven world championships, a tie for the most in history. Leclerc has yet to win a title but is one of the most popular and competitive young drivers. Leclerc and Hamilton’s dynamic is bound to be exciting, and new fans have the opportunity to watch it develop in real time.
Another intriguing pairing is Max Verstappen and Lawson’s. Both will be driving for Red Bull, one of the fastest teams in recent seasons. Verstappen has won the World Driver’s Championship for four consecutive years, while Lawson has never completed a season in F1. Red Bull drivers are known for their competitive edge, and new fans interested in fierce battles should follow the pairing closely.
Other new driver pairings are equally interesting. Kimi Antonelli is one of F1’s best known rookies, and he is teammates with the notoriously competitive George Russell. The two will drive for Mercedes, a midfield team with the potential to rise or fall in rankings. It is unclear how Mercedes will perform this season, increasing interesting competition in the sport.
Mercedes is not the only team with uncertain prospects after last season. Red Bull dominated the first half of 2024 but fell behind later on. Mclaren F1 Team pulled ahead in closing races but struggled to prioritize a driver for the sake of team stability. Ferrari, while inconsistent, claimed second place in the World Constructors’ Championship. The competitive end to 2024 seems as though it will carry over into the new season.
After four Verstappen championships in a row, the intrigue of the 2025 season is promising. Between off-season car development and new driver pairings, old and new fans alike can tune in with equal curiosity and excitement.
For new fans, this year presents a wonderful chance to learn about new drivers and team dynamics alongside current fans. While the sport shifts and settles into place, those who are curious can enjoy the complex beauty of F1 without feeling out of the loop.
Lindsay • Mar 15, 2025 at 4:56 pm
Let’s go, Lewis!!