Lando Norris believes the 2025 Formula 1 season won’t be limited to the usual top four teams winning races, expecting even more competition and unpredictability.
While it may not match the record 11 different winners from 1982, McLaren boss Zak Brown anticipates an “epic” campaign with multiple teams reaching the top step of the podium.
A Changing Landscape in F1
Last season saw Max Verstappen secure his fourth consecutive title, but unlike his dominant 2023 campaign, Red Bull faced stiffer competition. McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all claimed multiple victories, with McLaren ultimately securing the Constructors’ Championship, relegating Red Bull to third place behind Ferrari.
In total, seven drivers won races, and 10 enjoyed podium champagne celebrations. Alpine also joined the party with a double podium in Brazil, showcasing the tightening competition. The gap between teams was evident in qualifying as well, with the deficit from Q1 in Bahrain shrinking from nearly a second to just half a second by Abu Dhabi.
Tighter Competition Expected in 2025
With these trends in mind, Norris expects the final season under the current regulations to be even more competitive.
“I think it’s everyone’s expectation from probably within Formula 1,” he said at the F1 75 livery launch. “Every year rules don’t change, every time regulations don’t change, it gets closer and closer.”
He highlighted how the midfield was already catching up towards the end of last season, predicting that even teams outside the traditional top four could secure victories. “It’s good for Formula 1, it’s good for the fans, it’s good for the whole sport,” Norris added.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Despite the optimism for 2025, Norris acknowledged that the new regulations in 2026 could shake up the competitive order once again. “It’s a shame that it all changes in 2026 because I’m expecting it to be a good season and tough for all of us.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown echoed Norris’ sentiments, believing more than four teams could win races this year. “I think this season should be epic and even closer than last year. So I’m anticipating eight different winners,” he said.
With the grid closer than ever, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history. Whether McLaren can defend their Constructors’ title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Formula 1 fans are in for an exhilarating ride.