Jason: The new season of Formula 1 kicks off this Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix. BBC F1 correspondent Jennie Gow explains to us why 2025 could be an all-time great. 

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Jennie: Well, it’s got everything, hasn’t it? Everything is set up. Last year we went into the season so flat. Testing was rubbish, liveries were rubbish, no one changed teams, no new drivers. It was just ugh.  

And this year, we were all thinking this could be amazing. Ten driver changes, five rookies, Lewis in a Ferrari, Kimi Antonelli – what can he actually do? Can we see the likes of, let’s just say, wildcard Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, someone else breaking through? I think that’s why it’s so exciting. 

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Jason: One of the most interesting aspects of this season is, ironically, 2026. Every few years the design philosophy of the cars completely changes. This is set to happen next season. The cars we currently have, have been around for a few years. They’ve peaked in evolution and now they are equally matched. This means close, exciting racing. But will the emphasis on next year overshadow this season? 

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Jennie: I have a feeling that some teams have already pulled out of this year. When do Mercedes pull out? How long can they keep challenging? And I think that race to see who can keep their car challenging going for that length of time will be another element of the season.  

And I hope, I’m excited by the season, but I really hope that the 2026 challenge doesn’t put away from this season being the best.  

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Jason: A very unpredictable season to come. Nonetheless, here are some predictions: 

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Jennie: Kimi Antonelli win his first race, I think, in that Mercedes. I think Carlos Sainz will finish on the podium at some point. I think Fernando Alonso could win a race. I think Ferrari will win the world title, and I’m just going to go with it. I think Lewis. Lewis for his eighth.  

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Jason: It is set to be a season like no other, and all of the questions will be answered this Sunday.