Parc Ferme: Formula 1’s 2025 best and worst performers Pt 2.

Starting with an easy one, the Mercedes engine stood head and shoulders above all others. Granted, the field is narrow, but considering it powered the Constructors Championship winner, runner-up and fifth-place Williams teams, there is little to dispute. Much in the same way that there is little to dispute about the worst: The Alpine PU limped out of F1 with an Asthmatic wheeze…

Bit of a Formula 1 grey area here. First prize should go to Christian Horner. Unceremoniously pushed out the Milton Keynes door, he did leave with an alleged golden goodbye of around 158 million dollars to help soften the landing. However, we should also consider Adrian Newey’s arrival (after his Red Bull departure) at Aston Martin.

A reported healthy “golden hello” of circa 200 million dollars is worthy competition. However, there is no doubt over who suffered the most ignominious departure: Jack Doohan. The young Aussie had barely got his foot in the door before it was slammed shut by an Argentine bearing a bag load of cash. Such is the cruel world of F1 and Flavio Briatore’s management.

There has been a lot of criticism over Ferrari’s performance this year. However, there is one area they did excel in: Pit stops. The Maranello pit crew were consistently the fastest wielders of the wheel guns. Who said the prancing horses can’t work as a team? Meanwhile, Alpine can this time breathe a sigh of relief as Haas won the slow crown for swapping rubber.

Difficult one this, but to make it easier, Parc Ferme considered the Formula 1 team and drivers combined. On this basis, Carlos Sainz and Williams stand out as the winners. As the Spaniard eventually came to terms with the car, so the car seemed to also step up to the plate, delivering at circuits where it was expected to struggle.

The net result enabled Williams to usurp Racing Bulls in the Constructors Championship, achieving a credible fifth. In terms of drivers, both Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman upped their personal game. However, at the other end of the spectrum, the French team from Enstone dominated once more.

Alpine successfully converted initial mid-field competitiveness into a solitary point over the last eleven races. The excuse was that resources were focused on 2026, but then they would say that, wouldn’t they?

It’s difficult to remember the last time so many noobs arrived on the Formula 1 grid. What’s more pleasing, though, is the quality. Apart from Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, they all proved to be worth their salt and presence in F1. However, few would argue that Isack Hadjar delivered the standout performance, peaking at Zandvoort to achieve his first F1 podium.

As his reward, he will now partner Max Verstappen in the senior team. Hadjar’s strength proved to be his mental resilience in 2025, especially after his debut disaster in Australia. However, this new role may prove the most challenging test yet! Bon Chance in 2026 to Isack.

The FIA are in a competition of one. However, they should be congratulated in their efforts to make track limits discussion a thing of the past. The addition of gravel at the edge of the track has certainly helped to alleviate many of the problems that beset the Stewards in arbitrating advantage gained. Maybe they can sort out the corner ownership problem for overtaking next. Happy New Year, Everyone!