Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in Volume III of B.H. Magazine. For access to future issues, subscribe here.
As Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary, and welcomes a new official timekeeper in TAG Heuer, the 2025 season feels like a defining moment for the sport. Between Sir Lewis Hamilton’s monumental move to Ferrari, Max Verstappen’s hunt for his fifth consecutive title, McLaren’s renewed engineering prowess, and a wave of fearless young talent joining the grid, the stage is set for high drama — and what could be one of F1’s most captivating seasons to date.
The Clock Strikes TAG
TAG Heuer makes a triumphant return as the official timekeeper; having inked its place within history as the first luxury brand to sponsor a Formula 1 team in 1971. Over the course of more than seven decades, TAG Heuer has been part of 239 race wins, 613 podium finishes, as well as 15 Drivers’ Championships, cementing its status as one of the most successful names ever associated with the elite motorsport. While TAG Heuer returns to its position of official timekeeper for the 2025 Formula 1 season, it never left the sport.
“The dimension of Formula 1 is absolutely unbelievable today. It’s absolutely universal,” TAG Heuer’s CEO Antoine Pin says to Boss Hunting. “It’s much bigger than it was in the past and I think the other dimension that’s changed – which is very interesting because of how much it connects with TAG – is its emotional aspect.”
“Somebody said to me recently, ‘TAG Heuer expresses emotion beyond technology,’ and I love this comment because it’s very true. There is always emotion and passion behind the technology of TAG Heuer and while we’re an engineering brand, we provide a platform to highlight the intensity of the emotions that can live in the world of sports.”
“There are some hints on our social media platforms about how we will celebrate our long-lasting connection with Formula 1 in a way that other brands cannot do. How do we maintain this extraordinary legacy? How we express the merging of philosophies between these two worlds is something I’d love to be able to share with the public. When the time is right, we’ll show it,” continues Pin.
“Next year we’ll focus on taking over the responsibility of official timekeeper in the proper way, so we won’t immediately be bringing anything new. We’ve got a 10-year contract, so we’ve got time to be creative.”
As far as TAG Heuer’s plans for the 2025 Formula 1 season, understandably Pin didn’t reveal much but promised the brand would reestablish itself as the most important watchmaker associated with the sport.
Super Max’s Five Peat
Max Verstappen looks to extend his dynastic run with Red Bull Racing by logging a fifth consecutive season as King of the Grid – an achievement that would not only overtake Sebastian Vettel’s four years of dominance with Red Bull, but further cement the generational Dutch talent’s growing legacy as an all-time great. With a hungry and motivated Liam Lawson tapped to be his new teammate, replacing languishing sponsorship magnet Sergio “Checo” Pérez, Verstappen will need to keep that iron sight trained on the top prize, with both Ferrari and McLaren breathing down his neck. Especially if Red Bull’s engineering suffers like it did throughout the latter half of 2024.
Melbourne In Pole Position
The Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s iconic Albert Park reclaims its rightful place as the season opener on March 16, after playing second fiddle to Bahrain for the past three years. This dynamic street circuit, famed for its blistering straights and unforgiving corners, promises high drama and nail-biting action. With 24 races ahead, Melbourne is poised to set the stage for what could be the most electrifying season in years.
Fastest Lap – Pointless?
In 2025, Formula 1 bids farewell to the fastest lap bonus point – a tactical footnote that’s reshaped many a race. Now, it’s all about pure racing. The move forces drivers to abandon last-ditch gambits and focus on relentless consistency.
McLaren’s Title Defence
After clinching their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, McLaren face a pivotal season. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be determined to retain the crown (and dethrone Verstappen). Can their 2024 season innovations translate into sustained success?
Beyond The Horizon
The 2026 regulation overhaul looms like a storm on the horizon, threatening to shuffle the deck once again. Add GM/Cadillac’s entry to the mix, and the stakes for 2025 become even higher – how much will teams spend this year versus banking resources for the next revolution? The ghosts of 2022 linger, a year that dismantled Mercedes’ dominance. Could 2026 do the same for today’s powerhouses? History tells us no dynasty lasts forever.
A Dream Ferrari Duo
Lewis Hamilton in Rosso Corsa – it’s the stuff tifosi dreams are made of. Partnering Charles Leclerc, the seven-time champion is chasing an unprecedented eighth title, while Leclerc eyes his maiden crown. But Ferrari must answer an age-old question: When the stakes are sky-high, will they back their future or their marquee star? Garage tensions are inevitable, echoing the days of Hamilton vs. Rosberg. The Scuderia’s 2025 campaign could either be its finest hour or a masterclass in chaos. Either way, you can bet it’s going to be bloody entertaining.
Rookies & Rising Stars
The 2025 season sees an influx of fresh talent ready to challenge the status quo.
Liam Lawson, New Zealand – Red Bull Racing
After stepping in for Australia’s own Daniel Ricciardo at RB twice, Liam Lawson has been called up to replace an underperforming Sergio Pérez at Red Bull Racing. The pressure’s on to not only adequately partner reigning four-time champion Max Verstappen, but also defend the team’s position in the constructor standings. Or face a swift dismissal.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Italy – Mercedes
Hailed as Mercedes’ new hope and the face of Formula 1’snext generation, Andrea Kimi Antonelli brings raw speed and an eyebrow-raising junior record to the table. Already, the assumption is that this teen sensation is being styled as the fresh-faced Seb Vettel to George Russell’s Mark Webber. If you know, you know…
Oliver Bearman, United Kingdom – HAAS
It was only a matter of time for Oliver Bearman – the youngest-ever driver to compete for Ferrari and to score points on their Formula 1 debut. On the two occasions he’s stepped up for Carlos Sainz and Nico Hülkenberg, the Brit has dazzled with points finishes. You really get the sense we’re witnessing greatness in the making.
Jack Doohan, Australia – Alpine
Continuing Australia’s rich history of producing Formula 1 drivers – and his own family’s legacy of elite motorsport talent – Jack Doohan properly enters the scene after a last-minute debut during the 2024 season’s finale. He looks to make a name for himself alongside the proven Pierre Gasly.
Isack Hadjar, France – Racing Bulls
Much like Bortoleto, due to sheer comparison, Isack Hadjar’s confirmation has been treated like something of an afterthought. An unfortunate consequence of the bombshell revelations of the 2024seat shuffle. But make no mistake, “Le Petit Prost” has just as much potential to become a future world champ as everyone else in this cutthroat cohort.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Brazil, Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto’s signing may have flown under the radar thanks to more pressing driver-related reportage, though that could soon be a quaint detail about his rise. The young Brazilian arrives in the wake of back-to-back F3 and F2 championships à la Oscar Piastri. Small wonder why Sauber (soon to be Audi)was so keen to nab him.
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