The 2025 Formula 1 season has been rich with variety on the podium. While McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have dominated, other names—Max Verstappen, George Russell, Isack Hadjar, Charles Leclerc, Nico Hülkenberg, and rookie Kimi Antonelli—have all already had their moment in the spotlight. Even Hülkenberg’s emotional Silverstone podium and Hadjar’s breakthrough at Zandvoort have added freshness to the year’s storylines.
But that leaves the big question: who could be next? With nine races still to go, the fight for that elusive podium finish is heating up for drivers still chasing glory.
The Drivers Still Chasing Their First Podium of 2025
1. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
It feels strange to be writing this. The seven-time world champion has more podiums than anyone in F1 history—but none this season. His switch to Ferrari has been rocky, with a combination of retirements, setup frustrations, and now a five-place grid penalty for Monza hampering his progress.
Yet Hamilton’s pedigree can’t be dismissed. If Ferrari deliver a clean weekend—especially at Monza or Singapore—Hamilton could break his drought and give the tifosi the result they crave.
2. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
Sainz has quietly been one of the most consistent performers in the midfield. Williams’ leap forward in 2025 has kept them in the fight for fifth in the Constructors’, and Sainz’s experience has been key to that push. He’s regularly finishing in the points, but hasn’t yet broken into the top three.
All it may take is a chaotic race with a well-timed Safety Car, and Sainz could find himself back on the rostrum—this time in blue rather than red.
3. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
Ocon has had an up-and-down season with Haas, but the car’s improved package has kept them competitive in the midfield fight. With rookie teammate Oliver Bearman already impressing with consistency, Ocon knows he must deliver a standout result soon. He has the experience—remember his shock win in Hungary 2021—and if conditions turn tricky, he could easily climb higher than the car’s raw pace suggests.
4. Alexander Albon (Williams)
Albon has been on the brink multiple times this year. He’s shown excellent race craft, particularly in recovering from poor qualifying sessions, and has carried Williams into the points on several occasions. If a front-runner falters, Albon is exactly the type of driver to capitalise. His cool head and ability to nurse tyres could make him a dark horse for a podium before the season ends.
5. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Aston Martin’s year has been disappointing compared to their 2023 highs, but Stroll has chipped away with steady points. A podium might seem unlikely given the car’s lack of raw pace, but we’ve seen him spring surprises before—like his pole at Turkey 2020. A wet race or strategic gamble could hand Stroll an unexpected chance to stand on the steps.
6. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
The rookie has impressed with composure and solid points finishes, including a brilliant recovery drive at Zandvoort. While Haas may lack outright podium pace, Bearman has already shown he can maximise chaotic conditions. If luck falls his way, his first podium could come earlier than anyone expected.
7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
Alonso remains one of the most dangerous drivers in unpredictable conditions. The double world champion has struggled with Aston Martin’s inconsistency this year, but when opportunity knocks, he’s still capable of delivering. His aggressive starts, racecraft, and uncanny ability to read a race could put him back on the podium if the right mix of chaos and strategy comes together.
A track like Singapore or Brazil—where experience pays dividends—could see Alonso spring another surprise.
Why These Drivers Are in Contention
Three key factors could bring one of these drivers onto the podium in 2025:
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Unpredictable Conditions: Wet-weather races (Singapore, Japan, Brazil) are prime opportunities for surprises.
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Safety Cars and Strategy: As seen in Zandvoort, timing pit stops perfectly can be the difference between seventh and third.
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Reliability & Pressure on the Leaders: McLaren’s dominance is clear, but even they aren’t immune to retirements—Lando Norris’ Dutch GP heartbreak proved that.
The Smart Money Pick
If you had to back one, Hamilton remains the most likely. His history, skill in changeable conditions, and Ferrari’s determination to shine at Monza make him the obvious candidate. But don’t sleep on Sainz or Albon, who have both been circling the podium places all season.
For a fairytale story, a rookie podium from Bearman would light up the paddock, echoing Hadjar’s breakthrough moment and cementing Haas’ progress.
Final Thoughts
Eight drivers have already stood on the podium in 2025—but there’s still plenty of room for new names. Hamilton seeks redemption, Sainz and Albon eye opportunity, and rookies like Bearman dream of their first champagne spray.
In a season dominated by McLaren, the midfield fight for that next podium might just provide some of the most dramatic and emotional moments of all.
