As Formula 1 returns for what promises to be a thrilling finale to the 2025 season, the Sky Sports digital team shares their predictions for the final 10 races.
Why it matters
The F1 season resumes with many plots still to play out, most notably a tight Drivers' Championship battle, Lewis Hamilton's challenging start at Ferrari, and questions surrounding Max Verstappen's future amid Red Bull's struggles.
The big picture
Oscar Piastri leads Lando Norris by just nine points in a dominant McLaren intra-team rivalry. The season restarts with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, live on Sky Sports F1.
The predictions
Who will win the Drivers' Championship?
- Lando Norris (Nigel Chiu, Sam Johnston): Norris is seen as having an edge in outright speed and strong qualifying performance, especially after McLaren's new front suspension. His confidence grew with three wins before the break.
- Oscar Piastri (James Galloway): Piastri's consistency, having qualified outside the top three only once, and his ability to contend for wins will see him narrowly secure the title.
Who will be the next non-McLaren driver to win a race?
- Charles Leclerc (Nigel Chiu, James Galloway): The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is highlighted as a prime opportunity, with potential McLaren grid penalties and Ferrari's strong performance at the circuit. Leclerc has been consistently next in line.
- George Russell (Sam Johnston): Mercedes' occasional bursts of pace, particularly in circuits like Las Vegas, and Russell's knack for seizing opportunities make him a dark horse.
Will Lewis Hamilton get a Grand Prix podium in 2025?
- Yes (James Galloway, Sam Johnston): Hamilton's record of a podium in every F1 season is expected to continue, potentially at an emotional venue like Monza. Despite recent struggles, flashes of speed and determination could yield a result.
- No (Nigel Chiu): Hamilton's struggles with the ground effect cars and inability to consistently match his teammate suggest a podium will be difficult without a significant upturn in form.
Will there be any more seat changes during the 2025 season?
- Yes (Sam Johnston): Franco Colapinto's frequent crashes at Alpine could lead to Paul Aron taking his seat.
- 50-50 (James Galloway): Colapinto needs to show improved form, and his fate depends on Alpine's 2026 driver pairing decisions.
- No (Nigel Chiu): Alpine is expected to stick with Colapinto, and Red Bull with Yuki Tsunoda, barring unforeseen circumstances.
At which track will the 2025 title race be decided?
- Abu Dhabi (James Galloway, Sam Johnston): Given the tight points margin, the championship is likely to go down to the wire in the final race.
- Qatar (Nigel Chiu): Predictions include misfortune or driver errors, or even contact between the McLarens, leading to an earlier title decider.
Will there be a driver market surprise as the 2026 grid is set?
- Kind of (Nigel Chiu): Arvid Lindblad is tipped to take a Racing Bulls seat, becoming Britain's youngest F1 driver.
- Depends (James Galloway): Red Bull's second seat for 2026 remains a key point of speculation, potentially involving Isack Hadjar and influenced by recent team changes.
- No, but... (Sam Johnston): While the immediate 2026 grid might be predictable, Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes in 2027 is seen as the next major shake-up.
What's next
The Formula 1 season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend.
