GP drivers and their predictions for 2025 – Before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, the sport asked its 20 drivers to make a few personal predictions. Each driver wrote their thoughts down, sealed them in an envelope and promptly forgot about them as the season began. Almost nine months later, at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, those envelopes were opened again — and the results ranged from uncannily accurate to wildly optimistic.

From world title dreams to oddly specific race outcomes, the drivers were confronted with their own words at the Yas Marina Circuit. Some laughed, some winced and some quietly reflected on just how unpredictable Formula 1 can be.

 

 

 

 

Championship Dreams and Reality Checks

Oscar Piastri set the bar high before the season even began. “I want to improve on 2024, and that means I want to become world champion,” wrote the Australian. Looking back, he smiled: ‘At least the first part worked out.’ Although the title eluded him, his continued success confirmed that his ambition was not misguided.

Lance Stroll, on the other hand, was far less fortunate. His prediction was simple: ‘World Champion 2025.’ Confronted with the note, the Canadian could only grimace. Stroll ended the season in 16th place, making his prediction one of the most ambitious — and least accurate — of all.

George Russell was equally direct. ‘Becoming world champion,’ he wrote, before adding in Abu Dhabi: ‘Unfortunately, I failed in this endeavour.’ This was a succinct summary of a season that had promised much but ultimately fallen short of its ultimate goal.

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Personal Goals Over Silverware

Not all predictions focused on trophies. Esteban Ocon took a more philosophical approach: “I want to realise my dreams and enjoy every moment.” With enough flexibility built in, the Frenchman could hardly be proven wrong.

Lando Norris also leaned towards the personal side of success. ‘Stay true to myself, enjoy life and do more for other people,’ he wrote — words that visibly moved him when read aloud. However, the McLaren driver also allowed himself a competitive edge, predicting a challenge for the Drivers’ Championship and a title for McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. “I was pretty close to that,” concluded Norris, not without justification.

Fernando Alonso kept it minimal, writing just two words: ‘Be happy.’ When asked if he had achieved that, the two-time world champion answered simply, “Yes.” Alonso had also predicted ten different Grand Prix winners — a forecast that proved wide of the mark, with only four drivers standing on the top step of the podium during the season.

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Specific Calls and Near Misses

Some drivers opted for bold specificity. Oliver Bearman seemed surprised by his own prediction: ‘Finishing fourth in Mexico.’ After a dramatic pause, the Haas driver admitted the truth: ‘No, actually I wrote “finishing in the top five in a race”. And I actually did that.” It was close enough to earn a smile.

Carlos Sainz struck a far more accurate tone. ‘I want to help Williams make progress and enjoy this drive,’ he wrote. The Spaniard nodded in approval. ‘Completely achieved.’ A podium finish was also on his list, and he achieved that too.

Alex Albon’s hopes were less fulfilled. ‘First podium for Williams,’ his note read, followed by ‘Podium for Yuki Tsunoda.’ Neither prediction came true, highlighting just how difficult it is to predict the outcome of the midfield battle.

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Weather, youth and wildcards

Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto kept things light. ‘Have fun, make progress, be fast,’ he wrote, before venturing into meteorology: rain in Bahrain, but none in Interlagos. The forecast was wrong — though he noted with amusement that the rain in Las Vegas was ‘even crazier’.

Isack Hadjar enjoyed one of the cleanest hits. “I want a podium finish,” the Parisian had scribbled. He achieved exactly that in Zandvoort, making his prediction one of the most accurate of the season.

Kimi Antonelli was less fortunate. His goal of finishing in the top five of the championship ended with him finishing seventh, respectable, but not quite what he had envisioned.

Pierre Gasly offered an apology upon revealing his plans. ‘I also predicted that Ferrari would win the Constructors’ Championship,’ he said, much to the amusement of the Tifosi.

Nico Hülkenberg rounded things off with one of the more memorable lines. His prediction for the world champion? ‘Charles for president.’ In 2025, however, that vision remained firmly in the realm of fiction.

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NEXT ARTICLE: Contract bombshell for Lewis Hamilton, new details leaked in the German press

Fresh revelations surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari have rocked Formula 1, with new reports suggesting his contract with the Scuderia is significantly longer than initially assumed. According to Bild, the seven-time world champion is secured not only for the upcoming regulatory era, but also for a period well beyond 2026.

The German publication claims that Hamilton’s Ferrari deal runs until at least the end of the 2027 Formula 1 season. Even more intriguingly, the contract reportedly includes a unilateral option that would allow Hamilton to extend his stay by a further year, potentially keeping him at Ferrari until the end of 2028.

 

Hamilton’s clause

If he activates this clause, he will be 43 years old when the agreement expires. This information from BILD contrasts sharply with the widespread belief that Hamilton’s commitment to Ferrari would end in 2026, when the new engine regulations come into effect.

Neither Hamilton nor Ferrari has publicly confirmed the precise duration of the contract. When the blockbuster move was officially announced in February 2024, both parties described it only as a ‘multi-year’ agreement, leaving room…READ MORE