McLaren boss Brown ‘definitely’ views Hamilton as title contender in 2025

McLaren’s Zak Brown has said he is “definitely anticipating” a title bid from Lewis Hamilton this year, while predicting an “epic” season in general given F1’s competitive state.

Hamilton made his first public appearance for the Scuderia at this week’s F1 75 Live event in London, declaring that he feels “full of life” and “invigorated” after moving over from long-time employers Mercedes.

With Ferrari finishing a close runner-up to McLaren in last season’s Constructors’ Championship, and the regulations remaining stable, Brown sees no reason why Hamilton cannot be in the mix for overall glory this time out.

“I’m definitely anticipating Lewis being a championship contender,” said McLaren CEO Brown, when asked how seriously he is considering a Hamilton challenge. “We and Ferrari ended last year with nothing between us, and I think that will continue.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on during — Hamilton made his first public appearance with Ferrari at F1 75 Live

In addition to Ferrari, Brown is expecting similarly strong efforts from Red Bull and Mercedes, even if they will be fielding two inexperienced drivers in recent F1 super-sub Liam Lawson and teenage debutant Kimi Antonelli.

“Mercedes were very close [in 2024] and still won four races, so I put them in there,” he commented. “And, of course, Red Bull, [who had] a super strong first half of the year, a little bit less strong middle of the year, then ended very strong.

“Obviously Kimi and Liam being… Kimi being a rookie and Liam being let’s call it inexperienced, as opposed to a rookie, I think from a constructors’ point of view that will probably present a bit more of a challenge over 24 races.

“They’ll inevitably have some rookie weekends, if you like, but I think they’re both extremely quick drivers and I anticipate both of them winning races.”

Why you should be excited for the 2025 season

Brown added: “I think this season should be epic and even closer than last year. I’m anticipating eight different winners. I wouldn’t be surprised with how competitive it is.

“Every weekend last year, while the top four teams were always at the front, there seemed to be someone that was able to kind of disrupt. I expect that to be happening again. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more than four teams that won.”

That being said, McLaren’s targets for 2025 are clear, fresh from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri combining to earn the team their first constructors’ title since 1998.

“We’d like to go for the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ World Championship,” he stated. “Why not be greedy and have that be 1-2 and let Lando and Oscar decide who’s one and who’s two? So, that’s our collective goal.”