Ferrari and Mercedes could be the next threat to Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Red Bull might face a three-way challenge for the Formula 1 world championship next season.

Ferrari and Mercedes could be the next threat to Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (images via IMAGO), Ferrari logo (via Ferrari)

Max Verstappen and Red Bull faced its biggest threat in the form of Lando Norris since the 2021 title fight against Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen managed to sustain his lead and win the championship at the Las Vegas GP. However, 2025 might be an even more difficult year for the reigning world champion.

Ferrari and Mercedes were consistently matching Red Bull and McLaren on multiple occasions. As a matter of fact, the Scuderia is ahead of Milton Keynes in the Constructors’ championship. Moreover, Mercedes also won three races, making the 2024 season one of the most competitive in recent times.

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Red Bull was the only team in the top four to not have two drivers win at least one race. Sergio Perez failed to achieve a single victory despite Max Verstappen’s successful title defense. Now, Milton Keynes might need to face two more rivals for the title next season.

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Ferrari and Mercedes to push to the limit in 2025

Scuderia Ferrari will be the most likely team challenging Verstappen’s dominance. The Italian team will witness the arrival of a rejuvenated Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc form the one of the strongest driver pairings on the grid.

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc (via Formula 1)
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc (via Formula 1)

Moreover, Maranello has shown the most promising pace in the last few rounds, even better than McLaren. The Scuderia will be working to carry this advantage over the winter break. This would put Hamilton and Leclerc in prime position to challenge Max Verstappen.

On the other hand, Mercedes’ impressive rise in performance has made the team confident about next year. George Russell will step up to the role of team leader, while 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli will make his F1 debut. Antonelli will undoubtedly be ready to make his mark on the sport if the Silver Arrows can provide a quick car.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull thus could face challenges from three fronts next season. However, the Austrian giant would be focusing on resolidifying itself as the dominant force in F1. As such, fans should not be surprised if Milton Keynes manages to pull off from the rest of the grid yet again.