Norris and Verstappen joint-favourites for 2025 F1 Drivers title

Following the enthralling battle for the 2024 F1 title between Verstappen and Norris, the McLaren and Red Bull drivers are expected to remain at the forefront of the competition. The latest odds for the 2025 F1 season showcase a ultra-close field, with drivers from three different teams leading the predictions.

Charles Leclerc, who will be partnered by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, is the third favourite at 4/1. Meanwhile, Hamilton himself has been priced at 9/1 as he embarks on his first season with the Scuderia, facing the challenge of adapting to a new car and team environment.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom commented on the tight competition: “The 2024 F1 season was the most unpredictable in recent times, and more of the same is expected in 2025, with drivers from three different teams topping the list of favourites for next season. It will be tough to separate this season’s leading contenders next year, with both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris the joint-favourites at 2/1.”

Norris’s ascent to joint-favourite status reflects McLaren’s resurgence in recent seasons, as the British driver narrowly missed out on his maiden championship in 2024. Verstappen, a four-time World Champion, remains a constant threat at Red Bull despite uncertainties surrounding his future teammate. With Sergio Perez widely expected to depart the team during the winter break, potential replacements include Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, both priced at 70/1 for the 2025 championship.

Ferrari enters the 2025 season with a fascinating lineup of Leclerc and Hamilton, both of whom boast significant experience and titles between them. Leclerc, already established as a title contender, will aim to build on his consistent performances, while Hamilton faces the challenge of integrating into a new team after spending over a decade at Mercedes. Despite these hurdles, Ferrari’s improved pace in 2024 suggests they could mount a credible challenge for both drivers’ and constructors’ honours.

George Russell, who delivered a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, finds himself at 20/1 to claim the title. The Briton will lead Mercedes in what is shaping up to be a transitional period for the team. His new teammate, Kimi Antonelli, a rising star promoted from Formula 2, has been given long odds of 70/1, highlighting the steep learning curve expected in his rookie season.

Outside the leading contenders, Oscar Piastri (8/1) represents a strong outside bet after his breakthrough performances at McLaren alongside Norris. Further down the list, Lawson and Tsunoda’s odds of 70/1 reflect the challenge of competing against more experienced rivals at the sharp end of the grid.

As the 2025 season approaches, the odds suggest a closely contested battle, with multiple teams and drivers capable of challenging for the championship. Fans and pundits alike will eagerly anticipate how the dynamics evolve over winter testing and into the opening races.