Choosing the top event from an eventful 2025 Formula 1 season presents a challenge.
With a 24-event F1 schedule, this decision becomes even more complex; however, our contributors have made a diligent effort. Below are their selections for the most memorable F1 race of 2025.
Grand Prix of Great Britain – Filip Cleeren
The British Grand Prix was a complete spectacle. Variable weather conditions are an excellent beginning. This was followed by a chaotic starting lineup, numerous passes, Oscar Piastri receiving a controversial penalty for a safety car rule breach, a local hero in Lando Norris claiming victory, and finally – a particularly significant moment – Nico Hulkenberg’s much-anticipated first-ever podium finish.
Hulkenberg’s determined effort to maintain his third position stood out among multiple crucial on-track contests, which also featured an internal team clash when Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman made contact.
Grand Prix of Brazil – Jake Boxall-Legge
Considering it was likely the most captivating event I witnessed this season, my choice for the top race is the Brazilian Grand Prix, primarily because the entire weekend offered a thrilling succession of ups and downs.
Anticipated severe weather hinted that Saturday’s on-track activity would be limited, but the most intense conditions passed during the night, leaving only minor drizzles and breezes by daybreak. Nevertheless, the event hardly required any precipitation; a dynamic grand prix was dominated by Max Verstappen’s audacious charge through the competitors, though his progress was ultimately thwarted by Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s valiant effort to secure second place. Furthermore, Sao Paulo consistently offers a vibrant atmosphere – while the customary visit to Fogo de Chao was missed this year, plenty of picanha and pao de queijo were thoroughly enjoyed.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
My flight back with Lufthansa also provided a small, memorable experience – following our departure on Monday evening, I was pleasantly startled past midnight when the flight attendants roused me with presents, announcing, “Mr. Boxall-Legge, we recognize it’s your birthday today…”
While I wasn’t particularly keen on celebrating my 32nd birthday during a flight lasting over twelve hours, the flight staff managed to make the journey considerably more pleasant!
Grand Prix of the Netherlands – Owen Bellwood
The 2025 F1 championship presented a varied picture – certain events delivered thrilling competition and excitement, whereas others resembled processions, altered solely by the firm decisions of race officials.
In my opinion, the stand-out race of the season was Zandvoort, offering elements of both excitement and official intervention. This year’s Dutch Grand Prix, the second-to-last running of the event, featured moments of despair, a driver’s first-ever podium, intermittent safety car periods, and a completely unexpected top ten finish. While the circuit’s narrow configuration naturally limited direct on-track passing, a combination of diverse strategies, car failures for both Ferrari and McLaren, and a disrupted qualifying session ensured continuous intrigue throughout the 72-lap event.
Ultimately, the major news stories revolved around Lando Norris’ unexpected withdrawal and Isack Hadjar’s surprising podium finish. Additionally, Alex Albon delivered a robust performance by carving his way through the field, Fernando Alonso engaged in numerous duels, and the sight of Charles Leclerc observing the race on a marshal’s mobile device after his retirement will be remembered as an iconic image of the season.
Moreover, this marked my sole opportunity to experience a race as an attendee this year, and the overall experience was fantastic. The ambiance at the circuit was vibrant, the spectators in the stands were clearly enjoying themselves, and the unique pleasure of cycling along the coastline to reach an F1 event remains perpetually charming. Zandvoort, you delivered an outstanding show this year – let’s hope the Dutch race concludes memorably in 2026.
The race starts
Photo by: Gabriele Lanzo / Alessio Morgese / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Grand Prix of Great Britain – Ed Hardy
Selections were quite limited, as reflecting on it, the 2025 Formula 1 season offered many narratives but few truly exceptional races. In essence, if an event provided even a moderate amount of excitement, it made the contenders list, but fortunately, the British Grand Prix stands apart as a truly outstanding weekend.
The excitement commenced with Max Verstappen delivering a remarkable qualifying lap, unexpectedly surpassing both McLaren drivers by a mere tenth of a second. Subsequently, as is often the case at Silverstone, Sunday’s weather intervened. With intermittent rain, competitors constantly switched between intermediate and slick tires, making consistency and avoiding errors crucial for success.
Remarkably, Verstappen did not maintain this advantage; Oscar Piastri overtook him for the lead early, and by lap 11, the four-time world champion veered off track, yielding second place to Lando Norris. Although Verstappen recovered his position in the pitlane, he subsequently fell significantly in the standings after spinning during the lap 21 restart.
This turn of events presented McLaren with a one-two finish, with Piastri initially ahead. However, a ten-second penalty for a safety car rule violation, where he notably reduced speed, then awarded the win to his teammate. Yet, drama unfolded across the entire field, with Isack Hadjar crashing into the barrier, the Haas team members colliding, and the unforgettable moment of Nico Hulkenberg finally achieving an F1 podium. The British Grand Prix was exceptional and truly the highlight of 2025.
