Max Verstappen heads into the 2025 Formula 1 season with his crown under real threat, after a challenging season with Red Bull.
Their great start enabled Verstappen to build up enough of a gap midway through the season to hold on to his title lead, while the Dutchman’s consistency throughout the year meant Lando Norris was only ever as close as 44 points.
Red Bull has a lot of work to do over the winter break to identify the problems they faced with the RB20 and attempt to rectify them for their 2025 challenger, as a lack of competitiveness could result in Verstappen leaving the team in the future.
With the majority of cars set to be evolutions of their 2024 counterparts, this season is expected to be one of the most competitive yet as F1 comes to the end of its current regulation cycle. With that in mind, former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has given his predictions for who he thinks will be the season favourite.
Karun Chandhok backs Lando Norris for 2025 title
James Hinchcliffe has backed Verstappen for taking a fifth title with Red Bull, which would put him in the territory for some of the greatest drivers of all time including Juan Manuel Fangio.
Red Bull secured 12.5% more victories than any other Constructor last season, so even though they had the third best car last year they are still in contention for a title.
Speaking on the red carpet to F1Oversteer at the Autosport Awards, Chandhok revealed his favourite for the season.
“McLaren, we think will start as a favorite. Lando, therefore starts as the favorite for the first time in his career. Big, big opportunity and year ahead for him,” said Chandhok.
Will Lando Norris learn from his mistakes in 2025?
Norris’ 2024 season was characterized by the amount of mistakes he made, which ultimately caused him to lose out to Verstappen.
He showed flashes of brilliance at the Dutch, Singapore and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix where he dominated the field like Verstappen.
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It is the first time the Briton has found himself in contention for a title in his six years racing in F1, much like Verstappen was during the 2021 season.
Verstappen believes he handles pressure better than Norris, which will be put to the test during the upcoming season.
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