Toto Wolff’s prediction ahead of Australian GP: Ferrari fourth force behind Mercedes. McLaren ahead of everyone and Ferrari the fourth force in race pace?.

With just days to go until the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, McLaren appears to be the benchmark on the grid, while Ferrari could lag behind, possibly as the fourth force. Pre-season testing performances have confirmed the strength shown last year, when the Woking-based team claimed the constructors’ title. Now, according to many experts, they start as the team to beat.

Toto Wolff: “In race pace, McLaren is clearly ahead, Ferrari is chasing”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also acknowledged the competitiveness of the British team, pointing to Lando Norris as the driver in the best shape: “After testing, the four top teams seemed evenly matched over a single lap, perhaps with a slight advantage for Lando Norris. In race pace, however, the two McLarens are clearly ahead, followed by max Verstappen, then us and Ferrari chasing.”

Toto Wolff emphasized that the season looks set to be tight, with four teams potentially capable of fighting for the title: “Our ambition is to fight for the championship, and it will be a close battle between four teams that can win. You could be first or eighth.”

The main challenge will be managing the development of the current car without losing sight of the one for 2026, when the new regulations come into effect: “The biggest difficulty will be developing the current car while also focusing on the 2026 one. A lot of flexibility will be needed.” – he pointed out.

Kimi Antonelli: between talent and managing expectations
Mercedes is preparing for its first season without Lewis Hamilton, betting on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has been promoted directly from Formula 2.

Toto Wolff spoke about the young Italian driver’s growth, warning of the need to manage his F1 debut carefully: “We’ve been with Andrea since he was 11 years old, and since then he has won everything in every single category. He has covered 11,000 kilometers in our old F1 cars. However, when you get thrown into Formula 1 at 18, you have to be careful not to lose your way, which is why we are trying to temper expectations at the start of his journey.”

Toto Wolff’s words confirm the general feeling in the paddock: McLaren could be the team to beat in 2025. With a competitive car in race pace and a Lando Norris in great form, the Woking team has everything it takes to replicate last season’s success.

But with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes ready to fight for the title, the battle is only just beginning.