As the season gets closer and the drivers get back into work schedules, it’s the perfect time to look at the new driver pairings for 2025. The grid is finally set and it has been a whirlwind of musical chairs. With big moves like Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, Carlos Sainz to Williams, and Esteban Ocon to Haas, here’s a list of some of the most exciting driver pairings, and some we are interested in seeing how they play out.
Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton
These two dog dads are by far the most anticipated duo of the season. Everyone is excited to see Lewis drive in red, but how will the seven-time World Champion and the Prince of Ferrari get along? Between the two drivers, they have a lot of experience behind the wheel of some of the best Formula 1 cars in recent years. They are both accustomed to being the number one driver for their team, baring the question, will the two butt heads? Over the course of the 2024 season we saw a lot of the two chatting and getting to know each other better, which hopefully bodes well for their partnership in the 2025 season. All that I am really looking forward to though is more Roscoe Hamilton and Leo Leclerc content.
Esteban Ocon & Ollie Bearman
The Haas duo coined as “Bearcon” is giving the older-younger brother energy that we all so desperately need. The selfie above was posted by a very happy Esteban Ocon, who seems excited to work with the rookie driver Ollie Bearman. With his extensive experience in Formula 1, there is a lot that the nineteen-year-old can learn from the Frenchman. Pairing a rookie with an experienced driver like this should only lead to more success for Haas. We are looking forward to seeing Esteban take on a leadership role with the American team, and take Ollie under his wing.
Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri
The papaya boys are looking forward to another year where they can fight for the driver’s championship, but could this lead to some tensions between the two? The two have proven that they will help each other out and do what is best for the team. Their teamwork was seen in Brazil when Oscar let Lando by to win the Sprint race to help with his championship battle with Max Verstapenn, and again in Qatar when Lando returned the favour after Max had secured the title. Being close in age and experience, Lando and Oscar appear to have become good friends and make for a good pairing on the track. Both drivers are capable of competing and even winning the title. The two push each other to be better drivers and it is clear they highly respect one another. Only time will tell if the boys will be competing more as teammates or as rivals.
“As much as you hate it, you also like and welcome it…when you have a driver and teammate that can push you that little bit more it’s only going to make you even more ready”
- Lando Norris on having Oscar Piastri as a teammate
Carlos Sainz & Alex Albon
The Appendix-less driver pairing of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon hope to bring Williams back into the midfield and fight for points more frequently. With smooth operator Carlos Sainz, Alex is going to have some real competition as his teammate. We hope that this will challenge him and he will rise to the occasion. Carlos’ experience at Ferrari will bring great knowledge to the British team. The two drivers are known for being great team players and driving clean races. Now having one of the most experienced driver pairing on the grid, I believe that these two will get along well and do great things for Williams Racing.
“He (Alex) was the one encouraging us to get Carlos into the building because he's not worried about a challenge, he wants us to be successful”
- James Vowles, Williams Racing Team Principal
Max Verstappen & Liam Lawson
Over the past few years we have seen Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Pérez all take on the coveted second seat at Red Bull, and they were all unfortunately unable to keep up with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. Will Lawson be able to break the curse and keep up with the flying dutchman? Team Principal Christian Horner seems to think so. Over last season, the Kiwi driver has proved that he is ready for the big leagues and a permanent seat at the top team. There is a lot of pressure on Lawson going into this season, and he knows that if he does not perform well, there is a list of people who want his seat, including former teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson is known for his mental toughness, risk taking, and willingness to fight with the top drivers. He is not afraid of the challenge and appears excited to learn from one of the greatest drivers of this generation. When asked about his move to Red Bull, Lawson said "It's been an incredible journey so far. I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can't wait to get going."
"There's no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I'm sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year."
- Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
George Russell & Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes new driver pairing Kimi Antonelli and George Russell is one to watch. George has the opportunity to be a mentor to the youngest driver on the grid. It will be a different dynamic for George, being the mentor instead of the mentee. There is a lot of pressure on Kimi to perform well as the youngest driver on the grid and the replacement of Sir Lewis Hamilton. In order for him and the team to succeed, George and Team Principal Toto Wolff will have their work cut out for them guiding Kimi through his first season on the grid.
“I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1. I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his teammate. I’ve learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role to Kimi.”
- George Russell
We are excited to see how these pairs of drivers work together or perhaps how they don’t.
Edited by Neha Grewal
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