As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, the grid is now set, with the first event kicking off on February 26.
Drivers will reunite for pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, gearing up for the season opener in Melbourne just two weeks later.
From driver moves to regulation updates and team changes, here's everything you need to know about what's new on the 2025 F1 grid.
Six new drivers
This season introduces six new drivers to the grid, with most making the leap from Formula 2.
Among them, Andrea Kimi Antonelli joins Mercedes, while Oliver Bearman steps up for Haas. Isack Hadjar secures a seat with Racing Bulls, and Gabriel Bortoleto makes his Formula 1 debut with Sauber.
Meanwhile, New Zealander Liam Lawson and Australian Jack Doohan officially claim their spots at Red Bull and Alpine, after previously serving as reserve drivers.
Driver changes
The 2025 F1 season will see some familiar faces sporting new team colours, marking a major shift in the grid.
The biggest headline from last year - Lewis Hamilton's shocking departure from Mercedes to Ferrari - now becomes reality, as he takes to the track in Ferrari red for the first time next week.
With Hamilton's move, Carlos Sainz has found a new home at Williams, while Nico Hรผlkenberg joins Sauber, and Esteban Ocon heads to Haas.
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu step away from full-time racing but remain in the paddock as reserve drivers, while Kevin Magnussen will be absent from the grid for the first time since 2014 as he transitions to sports car racing.
Rule changes
Several long-discussed rule and regulation changes will finally take effect with the 2025 F1 season.
The most notable shift is the removal of the fastest lap point, a move designed to simplify race strategy. Previously, drivers finishing in the top 10 could earn a bonus point for setting the fastest lap, but that incentive is now gone.
To enhance driver safety, cooling systems will now be mandatory for races where temperatures exceed 31ยฐC, ensuring better protection against extreme heat.
Additionally, the minimum driver weight has been raised from 80kg to 82kg, a change is particularly beneficial for taller drivers, such as Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon. Consequently, the minimum car weight has been increased from 798kg to 800kg.
Team rebrands
The Williams Racing team enters the new season with a fresh identity, thanks to a major partnership with Australian tech company Atlassian. Now known as Atlassian Williams Racing, the team will benefit not only from financial backing but also from Atlassian's AI-powered collaboration software.
Meanwhile, Red Bull's sister team, which has long served as a development platform for rising talent, is undergoing yet another rebrand. Previously known as AlphaTauri and RB, the team will now compete under the name Racing Bulls.
In the paddock's leadership shuffle, Aston Martin has appointed Andy Cowell as its new team principal, while Jonathan Wheatley will step into the top role at Sauber as the team prepares for its transition to Audi in 2026.
