Lewis Hamilton A “Definite” Title Contender In 2025, Says McLaren’s Zak Brown

McLaren boss Zak Brown has expressed his firm belief that Lewis Hamilton will be a strong contender for the Formula 1 World Championship title in the 2025 season.

“I’m definitely anticipating Lewis being a championship contender,” Brown stated confidently. “We and Ferrari ended last year with nothing between us, and I think that will continue.”

The McLaren CEO’s comments come on the heels of Hamilton’s high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari, a transition that has generated significant buzz within the F1 community. Hamilton himself appeared energized by the change, declaring at the recent F1 75 Live event in London that he feels “full of life” and “invigorated” in his new environment.

Brown also touched upon the overall competitiveness of the field, suggesting that the 2025 season could be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. “I think this season should be epic and even closer than last year. I’m anticipating eight different winners. I wouldn’t be surprised with how competitive it is.”

In addition to Ferrari and McLaren, Brown expects strong performances from Red Bull and Mercedes, despite the latter fielding two relatively inexperienced drivers in Liam Lawson and rookie Kimi Antonelli.

“Mercedes were very close [in 2024] and still won four races, so I put them in there,” Brown noted. “And, of course, Red Bull, [who had] a super strong first half of the year, a little bit less strong middle of the year, then ended very strong.”

However, Brown acknowledged that the youth and inexperience of Lawson and Antonelli could present challenges for Red Bull and Mercedes over the course of the 24-race season. “Obviously Kimi and Liam being… Kimi being a rookie and Liam being let’s call it inexperienced, as opposed to a rookie, I think from a constructors’ point of view that will probably present a bit more of a challenge over 24 races.”

Despite the potential hurdles, Brown remains optimistic about the young drivers’ abilities. “They’ll inevitably have some rookie weekends, if you like, but I think they’re both extremely quick drivers and I anticipate both of them winning races.”

As for McLaren’s own ambitions, the team has set its sights on defending their constructors’ title and securing the drivers’ championship as well. “We’d like to go for the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ World Championship,” Brown declared. “Why not be greedy and have that be 1-2 and let Lando and Oscar decide who’s one and who’s two? So, that’s our collective goal.”