The Lewis Hamilton era begins at Ferrari but can it be a Formula 1 title-winning year for the Maranello outfit?

We're a week into 2025, and with preseason testing still seven weeks away, ESPN unpacks the storylines that will define Formula 1 this year.

It can also suit the promoters. Zandvoort’s decision to stop hosting F1 after 2026 points to the pressures — and costs — involved in staging a race. Spa looked in serious doubt just a few years ago, and while the interest from the local stakeholders has certainly taken an uplift since then, a couple of off years may actually suit the track.

Lewis Hamilton will make his competitive Ferrari debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March, but the Italians have an extensive testing plan in place for before then

Hamilton’s first Ferrari outings will come under the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars), which enables teams to run a used car that is at least two years old to complete a maximum of 1000km over four days.

Fred Vasseur has urged his Ferrari team to keep their feet on the ground despite the “excitement” of Lewis Hamilton officially joining the Italian oufit. After 12 years with Mercedes, seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton officially joined the Scuderia on 1 January ahead of the 2025 season.