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

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.

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“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.”