McLaren’s remarkable achievement in the 2024 season, where they secured the constructors’ championship, has put them in the spotlight as a serious contender for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season. While their success in 2024 was a monumental moment for the team, McLaren is not content with just one victory. The team is determined to build on their momentum and aims to secure both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in 2025.
Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, shared his thoughts on the upcoming season in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. Brown revealed his favourites for the 2025 season, making it clear that there are several names to watch out for. From McLaren’s own drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, to rising stars and seasoned veterans, Zak Brown’s list of favourites is filled with potential champions.
In this article, we delve deeper into Zak Brown’s predictions for the 2025 season and what these names could mean for the championship battle. We will explore the impact of McLaren’s success in 2024, the rise of new talent, and the veterans who continue to dominate the grid.
Zak Brown’s 2025 Favourites: The Key Names to Watch
Zak Brown, who has overseen McLaren’s resurgence in recent years, was keen to share his insights on who could challenge for the championship in 2025. In his interview, he emphasized that there would be many surprises throughout the season, and several drivers would be in the mix for the top spots. Among these names, McLaren’s own Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are high on Brown’s list of favourites.
Lando Norris: McLaren’s Flagbearer for 2025
Lando Norris has been a standout driver for McLaren in recent seasons, and his performances in 2024 were pivotal in the team’s success. The British driver has shown incredible consistency and skill, making him a serious contender for the 2025 championship. Brown mentioned Norris as one of his favourites, recognizing his potential to fight for the title.
Norris has already proven that he has the ability to challenge the best in Formula 1, and with McLaren’s continued development, 2025 could be the year that he finally captures the championship. Zak Brown’s confidence in Norris is evident, as he believes that the young driver will be among the front-runners throughout the season.
Oscar Piastri: The Rising Star of McLaren
Another name on Zak Brown’s list of 2025 favourites is Oscar Piastri. The Australian rookie had an impressive debut season in 2024 and has quickly proven that he belongs at the top level of Formula 1. Piastri’s calm demeanor, combined with his exceptional driving skills, makes him a formidable contender for the 2025 season.
Brown is particularly optimistic about Piastri’s potential, adding that the Australian driver will have every opportunity to showcase his talents in 2025. With McLaren’s growing strength, Piastri could be in a position to challenge for race wins and, ultimately, the championship. His ability to learn quickly and adapt to different conditions makes him a dangerous driver on any given weekend.
Max Verstappen: The Reigning Champion Still the Favourite
Zak Brown was quick to acknowledge that Max Verstappen, the two-time reigning world champion, will undoubtedly be one of the favourites for the 2025 title. Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, and his consistency, coupled with his undeniable talent, makes him a formidable opponent for anyone on the grid.
Although McLaren’s success in 2024 marked a major achievement for the team, Brown understands that Verstappen and Red Bull will continue to be the benchmark for success in Formula 1. Verstappen’s ability to extract the maximum from any situation and his dominance on the track make him the driver to beat in 2025.
Charles Leclerc: A Ferrari Threat
Charles Leclerc, one of the most talented and charismatic drivers on the grid, is also among Zak Brown’s favourites for the 2025 season. Leclerc has consistently been one of the fastest drivers in Formula 1, and with Ferrari continuing to develop their car, the Monegasque driver could be in a position to fight for the championship.
Brown recognizes the potential of Leclerc to challenge for the title, especially with Ferrari improving their performance. If the team can give Leclerc a competitive car, he will undoubtedly be a serious threat to anyone on the grid, including McLaren. Leclerc’s natural speed and racecraft make him a dangerous contender, and Zak Brown is not overlooking his chances.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell: Mercedes’ Dynamic Duo
Another key duo that Zak Brown mentioned as potential championship contenders for 2025 is Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Mercedes has had a mixed bag of performances in recent seasons, but both Hamilton and Russell remain among the most talented drivers in Formula 1.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has not yet shown signs of slowing down, and Brown believes that he could still challenge for his eighth title in 2025. Russell, who has impressed since joining Mercedes, is also seen as a rising star and a future champion. With Mercedes continuing to develop their car, both Hamilton and Russell will be formidable opponents for McLaren and the rest of the field.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: The Rookie Who Will Surprise
Zak Brown also included Andrea Kimi Antonelli in his list of 2025 favourites, despite the fact that the young driver will be a rookie in the upcoming season. Antonelli has impressed many with his performances in junior categories, and Brown believes he could be in contention for race wins in 2025.
The Italian driver is known for his raw talent and speed, and while he may not have the experience of some of the other drivers on the grid, Brown thinks that Antonelli will be one to watch in 2025. The 24-race season will give the rookie ample opportunity to showcase his skills, and Brown is confident that Antonelli will seize those opportunities and make an impact in his debut season.
Liam Lawson: A Dark Horse for 2025
Liam Lawson, another young talent, was also mentioned by Zak Brown as a driver to watch in 2025. Lawson, who has had limited opportunities in Formula 1, could find himself in a more prominent role in the upcoming season. With his natural talent and potential, Lawson could surprise many and become a dark horse for the title.
Brown believes that Lawson will be strong in 2025, and while he may not be an obvious contender for the championship, he could still make waves and challenge for podiums and wins. The dynamic nature of Formula 1 means that any driver can emerge as a potential title contender, and Lawson’s name will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
Fernando Alonso: The Veteran Who Never Underestimates
Lastly, Zak Brown emphasized that Fernando Alonso should never be underestimated. The two-time world champion, now in the twilight of his career, remains one of the most skilled and experienced drivers on the grid. Alonso’s ability to extract performance from any car and his racecraft make him a constant threat, even in his 40s.
Brown believes that Alonso will be incredible in 2025, and despite his age, the Spaniard still has the fire and determination to compete at the highest level. If Alonso is given the right car, he could be in contention for wins and podiums, and McLaren will certainly need to keep a close eye on the veteran driver.
Conclusion: Zak Brown’s Vision for 2025
Zak Brown’s predictions for the 2025 Formula 1 season highlight the wide range of talent that will be fighting for the title. From McLaren’s own Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to established stars like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso, the upcoming season promises to be filled with excitement and surprises. With new talent like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson emerging, the 2025 championship could be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
As McLaren enters the season as one of the favourites after their success in 2024, Zak Brown’s belief in his drivers and the team’s potential is clear. The 2025 season will be a defining one for McLaren, as they seek to build on their success and challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. With a deep pool of talented drivers, it’s clear that McLaren and Zak Brown are ready to make their mark on the 2025 Formula 1 season.
