• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

F1’s New Landscape: Parity Near Top, Hamilton’s 10th-Place Debut

Formula 1 began its 2025 season on Sunday, with McLaren making a case that it can again derail Red Bull’s dominance.

Erich Schlegel-Imagn Images

A new era of Formula 1 began Sunday in Melbourne, and it reinforced the biggest shift from last year: Red Bull’s hold on monolithic F1 dominance is slipping.

Lando Norris and McLaren beat Max Verstappen and Red Bull by less than a second to win the Australian Grand Prix, marking the first time three-time defending drivers’ champion Verstappen hasn’t won the season-opening race since 2022.

Lewis Hamilton, who shocked the sport last year with his bombshell decision to move from Mercedes to Ferrari, finished in 10th place while debuting for his team, two spots behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s annual earnings with Ferrari are reportedly projected to end up around $100 million.

McLaren, which ended Red Bull’s dominant run in the constructors’ championship last season, could have plenty of competition this season, as F1 may have the most parity it’s seen in years. Third- and fourth-place finishes for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli on Sunday earned Mercedes a total of 27 points, which ties them with McClaren in the team standings. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished ninth.

Big Season Ahead

The 2025 F1 season will have a record-tying 24 races across the world, including another three in the U.S.: in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

In the U.S., F1’s media rights deal with ESPN is expiring, and a new broadcast contract for 2026 and beyond could be struck before the season’s end. Netflix is among the media companies exploring F1’s live rights.

Last month, F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said that discussions with ESPN were still happening, even though the exclusive negotiation period between the two parties had passed.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

F1’s McLaren Valued at More Than $5B After Recent Stake Sale

MSP Capital purchased its stake in McLaren in 2020.
Michael Jordan

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.

Bristol Rain Pushes MLB’s Ambitious Speedway Game to Sunday

MLB will look to replay the postponed game on Sunday afternoon.
Bristol Motor Speedway

MLB’s Long Road to Its Most Unusual Game Yet

The special-event game features a unique blending of baseball and racing.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.