New Year, New Grid: Analyzing the Transfers and Rookies for the 2025 Formula One Season

2025 brings endless change to the Formula One lineup, with five significant transfers, five drivers leaving the sport, and five new rookies on the grid. Seeing as only two teams, Mclaren and Aston Martin, are keeping their same lineup as last year, expectations are high for the 2025 season. As contracts end, teams urgently signed racers and rookies in hopes of a successful 2025 season. While new signings are necessary for a team’s success, some were shocking, while some were slightly underwhelming. 

Lewis Hamilton to Scuderia Ferrari – 10 out of 10

Lewis Hamilton’s signing with Ferrari shocked everyone, especially after racing with Mercedes, one of Ferrari’s biggest rivals, since 2013. The seven-time World Champion needed a new challenge to bring out his eighth championship, and that challenge was Ferrari. With his incredible skills and long-time knowledge of the sport, combined with Ferrari’s speed in their car and pitstops, Hamilton will be a force to be reckoned with this season. Alongside Charles Leclerc, Hamilton can take Ferrari to the next level, with a high chance for either of these drivers to win a World Champion and the team to take home the Constructor’s Cup.

Carlos Sainz to Williams Racing – Six out of 10

For Williams Racing, signing Carlos Sainz feels like a dream come true, seeing as he’s been a consistent race winner these last few seasons. However, for Carlos Sainz, Williams Racing is a personal downgrade from his seat at Ferrari. With Williams known on the grid for having a slower car, Sainz will no longer be at the same level as he previously was. However, despite all the factors against him, Sainz remains optimistic about his future at Williams. With a new season and a strong driver, Williams Racing could make some changes to their team to become serious competition; however, the chances are unlikely, especially after last season.

Nico Hülkenberg to Kick Sauber – Seven out of 10

A consistent racer, Nico Hülkenberg never necessarily stood out over the crowd, but he also didn’t disappoint. Finishing just shy of the top 10 last season, Hülkenberg had a consistent year of racking in points. Hülkenberg impresses with his ability to climb the leaderboard and move up from his starting position in numerous races. Following last season, where Sauber finished with only four points, the team needs someone who can consistently place in the top 10. 

Esteban Ocon to Haas – Eight out of 10

Although Esteban Ocon only has one race win to his name, a transfer to Haas was needed. Alpine wasn’t cutting it for the driver, and it was slowly becoming a toxic place for him. The mistreatment of Ocon was incredibly disappointing since he won Alpine’s only ever win. His conclusion at Alpine especially highlighted the disrespect he faced from the team when they decided to let go of him before the season’s final race, not even giving him a proper farewell. With Haas, Esteban Ocon has the potential to shine and make some podiums, seeing as they’ll likely prioritize his success.

Liam Lawson to Red Bull Racing – Six out of 10

Liam Lawson’s new seat is easily the most challenging in the entire Formula One grid, leaving the driver with rugged shoes to fill. Driving alongside a four-time World Champion like Max Verstappen is difficult; even seasoned driver Sergio Perez couldn’t do it for more than three seasons. Lawson joined the grid to replace Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB in September of last season before moving up to replace Perez at Red Bull. Although he drove faster than VCARB teammate Yuki Tsunoda when practicing in the Red Bull car, Lawson hasn’t proven himself entirely on the grid. This has left fans to wonder if the seat should’ve gone to more experienced drivers like Carlos Sainz.

Gabriel Bortoleto to Kick Sauber – 10 out of 10

For Gabriel Bortoleto, the only place to go was up, moving up into Formula One from Formula Two. After winning the Formula Two Championship last year and the Formula Three Championship the year before, the Brazilian driver deserved his seat on the grid. After being awarded the FIA Rookie of the Year award, previously won by drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, Bortoleto consistently proved he could be a future World Champion. As long as Kick Sauber focuses on winning, the team could be an unstoppable force with new effective strategies and quick pit stops, which held them back next year. 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli to Mercedes-AMG – Seven out of 10

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is another driver with rugged shoes to fill, being expected to replace seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton as a rookie. However, as a member of the Mercedes Junior Team, Antonelli was expected to move up to Formula One after Hamilton announced his departure. As the youngest driver of the 2025 grid, Antonelli’s experience doesn’t compare to many other drivers, but that doesn’t make him less of a threat. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff defended the young driver, claiming he has proven himself in practice races in the F1 car.

Oliver ‘Ollie’ Bearman to Haas – Nine out of 10

Ollie Bearman shocked everyone when he placed sixth in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and raced for Ferrari, following Carlos Sainz, who needed emergency surgery. Bearman’s Formula One debut ended with beating some of the best drivers of the season, like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. From that day on, Bearman was expected to be offered a seat for the 2025 season. As a reserve driver for both Haas and Ferrari, Bearman raced three times during the 2024 season, proving that he had the potential to shine.

Jack Doohan to Alpine – Five out of 10

With Jack Doohan’s track record in Formula Two, he doesn’t seem like the best driver to move up into Formula One right now. Previously, Doohan was driving for Formula Two, and his highest finish for a season was fourth place over his three-year run, making him not the most standout rookie. Of course, all drivers can surprise everyone by becoming a future race winner, but Doohan hasn’t yet proven himself ready for this challenge. As a member of the Alpine Academy and a reserve driver for Alpine, picking him to move up is a logical and easy solution to needing a new driver. Doohan’s loyalty to the team made his move up logical, but it’s worrisome if he’s not entirely ready for the change. 

Isack Hadjar at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls – Six out of 10 

Although Isack Hadjar drove well in Formula Two, placing second behind Bortoleto, his signing to Visa Cash App RB was expected as soon as Sergio Perez left Red Bull and Lawson moved to replace him. An optimistic driver with a pleasant personality, Hadjar will surely bring in some fans. With room to grow and succeed, Hadjar could bring in some points. However, he’s not the ideal personality next to his new teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who is known for his aggression in races. The two are vastly different drivers and people, so seeing how they work together will be interesting.