F1 2025's craziest predictions: FIA to fine fans for booing?

The 2024 F1 season had more blockbuster story lines than the Oscars: Lewis Hamilton switching to Ferrari; Christian Horner finding himself entangled in a vicious (and sometimes bizarre) Red Bull power struggle amidst since disproved misconduct allegations; the never-ending pain of Sergio Perez’s abominable grand prix performances.

This is before you throw in the Andretti-Cadillac saga; Esteban Ocon being forced into quitting Alpine a race early; and every single FIA gaffe – particularly from its President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Here are our craziest predictions for the upcoming 2025 F1 season (take them with a pinch of salt). Speaking of the governing body…

FIA to fine fans for booing

Must be Balestre on Steroids, or as he likes to be known, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has introduced draconian rules for any driver caught swearing in a public forum.

After boos rained down on world-renowned good guys Max Verstappen and Christian Horner at the F1 75 launch, the governing body then extends the punishment to fans too during 2025 – those FIA lunch funds won’t top up themselves.

F1 76 announced at Saudi Arabia

There might not be any booing to worry about in the future seasons though, because the much-vaunted F1 76 season launch will be held at the new F1 site in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya from 2026. There’ll be so few ‘fans’ there, AI-generated crowd reaction will have to be piped in through the PA speakers instead.

Hamilton makes questionable pizza choices

Lewis loses them at “pineapple”. They could take the veganism, but this is too far. He also thinks the colour of the new Ferrari is wrong, and had to stop himself saying as much at F1 75.

Sauber gets even more questionable sponsor

Gambling company Stake is under investigation for advertising violations. Laissez-faire streaming site Kick has become a platform for extremist professional ranters. Both of these things are true.

Could snot-green Sauber go for an even more dastardly sponsor later this season – Russian state energy company Gazprom GP team next anyone?

Williams to have even more crashes than in 2024 (which was 17)

It’s all about achievable goals.

Colapinto replaced after five races

Jack Doohan only lasts two races after his pleasant and unassuming demeanour angers all-powerful boss Flavio Briatore. Poor Jack just isn’t ‘Alonso’ enough.

His replacement Franco Colapinto tries to flash his way into the top 10 with that cheeky smile and winning personality of his, but he’s even worse on track than Doohan.

Other reserve driver Paul Aron steps in to replace the Argentinian after five GPs. Now that is crazy.

Yuki’s revenge

Still seething after being passed over for the Red Bull top team, Racing Bulls veteran Yuki Tsunoda proves that the best livery on the grid has in fact been slapped on the fastest car, and the young Japanese driver ends up carrying all energy drink grand prix hopes in 2025 with podiums galore.

Darwin’s theory of F1 calendar evolution

After returning to Melbourne for a one-off season opener in 2025, the F1 fraternity enjoys itself so much that it announces not one but two more Oz GPs for 2026 – one at a revived Adelaide and the other at, wait for it, Darwin in the Northern Territories.

Stefano Domenicali says F1 passed over Bathurst because, in his words, “it simply isn’t bogan enough”.