Martin Brundle sees Max Verstappen as the favourite for the 2025 F1 world championship. Until he’s beaten in this era, perhaps he commands that respect.
Brundle picked Verstappen over Lando Norris in his title prediction, but he acknowledges that there are a number of credible threats to his crown this year. The paddock consensus is that McLaren clearly have the fastest car, having won the constructors’ championship in 2024.
Norris is widely considered the favourite on the back of his runner-up finish. If teammate Oscar Piastri takes another step in his third season – he was already a match for anyone on the grid at his best – then he should be a firm contender too.
Ferrari may also have their best chance since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 triumph. Charles Leclerc scored the most points in the second half of 2024, which may effectively be a preview of this year in terms of the competitive landscape.
The Scuderia have also signed the sport’s most successful driver in Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton feels reinvigorated at Ferrari and can’t be counted out despite the adaptation process and his poor showing last term.
And finally, there’s the ‘wildcard’ in the race – George Russell. If 18-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli is still too young to contend, Russell should carry the hopes of the Mercedes team.
Martin Brundle in awe of George Russell’s ‘self-belief’ at Mercedes
In a column for Sky Sports F1, Brundle previewed the 2025 season. He was asked about Russell’s prospects as ‘Mercedes’ new era begins’ following the departure of Hamilton.
| CATEGORY | BRU | RUS |
| Race starts | 158 | 128 |
| Poles | 0 | 5 |
| Wins | 0 | 3 |
| Podiums | 9 | 15 |
| Best championship position | 6th (1992) | 4th (2022) |
He praised Russell’s self-confidence, admitting he was somewhat jealous, and predicted that he’d thrive as the potential no. 1 driver at Brackley. While he finished ahead of Hamilton in last year’s championship, he couldn’t compete in terms of publicity.
Brundle believes Russell is ‘fully in the championship mix’, especially with what should be a more competitive W16. Mercedes put themselves third in the pecking order after the Bahrain test.
“George carries a confidence; the kind of confidence I wish I had when I was driving,” he said. “A self-belief that’s not uncomfortable, and I think he will relish his leading role at Mercedes this year, finally out of Lewis’s shadow even if he has outperformed him on many occasions.
“Unless McLaren and Ferrari really have got a performance advantage over Red Bull and Mercedes, then I think George is another one fully in the championship mix.”
George Russell talks up his performance against Lewis Hamilton – but makes a mistake
There’s a unique dynamic between Russell and Verstappen heading into 2025. All the other frontrunners have maintained an ostensibly respectful relationship with the Dutchman.
But at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, Russell and Verstappen were involved in a remarkable spat. There could be an added edge to any on-track battles this season.
Verstappen allegedly threatened to crash into Russell at the Qatar Grand Prix after a dispute over a qualifying penalty. The Mercedes driver said he wouldn’t be bullied.
In a reflection of his aforementioned confidence, Russell boasted about beating Hamilton in a recent interview. However, he incorrectly claimed he won the race-day battle, when they in fact finished level over three seasons.
