The 2024 Formula One season concluded with Max Verstappen securing his second consecutive drivers’ championship title and McLaren clinching the constructors’ championship. While Verstappen dominated the points tally, the accolade for the fastest speed achieved during the season belonged to Williams’ reserve driver, Franco Colapinto. Reaching a blistering 356.4 km/h (221.5 mph) at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Colapinto outpaced seasoned veterans and championship contenders. Ironically, despite this impressive feat, the 21-year-old failed to secure a permanent seat for the upcoming 2025 season, highlighting the complexities of Formula One where raw speed isn’t the sole determinant of success.
Colapinto’s record-breaking speed in Las Vegas was followed by Fernando Alonso, clocking 353.5 km/h (219.7 mph) at the Italian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Monza circuit. Daniel Ricciardo, another driver without a 2025 seat, also achieved a top speed of 353.2 km/h (219.5 mph) at Monza, further emphasizing the circuit’s reputation for fostering high speeds. While these speeds are impressive, they remain dwarfed by Valtteri Bottas’s qualifying record of 378 km/h (234.878 mph) set at the 2016 European Grand Prix, demonstrating the evolution of car performance and track characteristics over time. Colapinto’s Vegas speed, while topping the 2024 charts, ultimately proved inconsequential as he crashed out later in the race.
The 2024 season witnessed a dynamic field with seven different race winners and ten drivers reaching the podium. The season also saw unexpected debuts from three rookie drivers: Ollie Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and Jack Doohan. Bearman’s performances earned him a permanent spot on the 2025 grid, while Doohan also secured a seat. Colapinto, despite his speed record, was unable to secure a permanent position among the six rookies joining the grid in 2025. These rookies, including Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Liam Lawson, represent the next generation of Formula One talent, bringing with them a mix of experience and potential to shake up the established order.
The competition for pole positions throughout the season was largely dominated by Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, each securing eight throughout the year. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, despite not securing a single pole position, managed to achieve the fastest lap in two races. However, Norris outshone him in this metric, clocking the fastest lap in six races, showcasing his consistent pace and ability to extract maximum performance from his McLaren. This dynamic highlights the multiple facets of Formula One racing, where qualifying prowess, race pace, and strategic execution all contribute to overall success.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the grid sees a mix of familiar faces and exciting new talent. Red Bull retains Max Verstappen, partnered with rising star Liam Lawson. Ferrari pairs Charles Leclerc with seasoned veteran Lewis Hamilton, creating a potentially formidable duo. Mercedes combines George Russell’s consistency with the raw talent of rookie Kimi Antonelli. McLaren retains the proven pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Aston Martin maintains its lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Williams welcomes Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon, while Sauber fields Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Alpine pairs Pierre Gasly with Jack Doohan, and the rebranded RB team features Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar. Finally, Haas combines the experience of Esteban Ocon with the promise of rookie Ollie Bearman.
The 2025 grid promises an exciting season with established champions, consistent performers, and a wave of new talent vying for podium finishes and championship points. The combination of veteran experience and rookie ambition will create intriguing dynamics within teams and across the grid, setting the stage for a season filled with unpredictable races and closely fought battles. The shuffling of driver lineups, combined with the continuous development of car technology, ensures that the 2025 Formula One season will be a captivating spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
