A NEW Formula 1 season is here and the battle for contending drivers to claim the sought-after World Championship is excepted to deliver once more.
Many are gunning for an elusive first title with a record SIX rookies on the grid – but there are a handful of experienced vets looking to add to their trophy cabinets.
One of the two Formula 1 world championships that are contested is the Drivers' Championship.
The world champion is the Formula One driver who finishes the season with the most championship points.
Although Grand Prix racing has been around since the invention of the vehicle, the championship has been contested annually since 1950.
There have been 34 different drivers to have been crowned world drivers’ champion – and three of them will race this year.
How many current or former World Champions are on the grid in 2025?
Of course, reigning champion Max Verstappen will look to add to his streak of four consecutive championships.
The Red Bull superstar has won every title since 2021, and a triumph this year would put him on par with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
They would be the only drivers to have won FIVE consecutive championship.
As for Verstappen's dominant predecessor, Lewis Hamilton will look to overtake Schumacher's total of seven titles.
Hamilton, level on seven, has closed off his illustrious chapter at Mercedes and switched the Brackley-base team for the red of Ferrari.
The Brit has been striving for his eight since his last in 2020 – also winning in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Lastly, 43-year old Fernando Alonso is still going.
The Spainard's championship-winning years are probably behind him – champion in 2005 and 2006 – but the wily race craft can still snatch the odd race podium even in the Aston Martin AMR.
