Qualifying was the weakest aspect of Hamilton’s driving in 2024, losing the head-to-head 19–5 to George Russell. Hamilton is expected to get a chance to drive the 2025 Ferrari F1 car on 19 February following the team’s launch.

We're a week into 2025, and with preseason testing still seven weeks away, ESPN unpacks the storylines that will define Formula 1 this year.

The Lewis Hamilton era begins at Ferrari but can it be a Formula 1 title-winning year for the Maranello outfit?

It can also suit the promoters. Zandvoort’s decision to stop hosting F1 after 2026 points to the pressures — and costs — involved in staging a race. Spa looked in serious doubt just a few years ago, and while the interest from the local stakeholders has certainly taken an uplift since then, a couple of off years may actually suit the track.

Hamilton’s first Ferrari outings will come under the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars), which enables teams to run a used car that is at least two years old to complete a maximum of 1000km over four days.