Dear readers -
My beard growing experience in January ended with a predictable outcome. Off with his beard! As much as I want to like beards, I just can’t. 1) I kind of look like someone that stormed the Capitol (I didn’t), 2) the itch is overwhelming, 3) as I hang on to youth with my brittle fingertips, the ovewhelming cluster of silver whiskers betray the illusion. I think I’m good with shaving a few times a week.
But I digress. Let’s get on with it. Welcome to a special edition of this newsletter!
2025 Formula 1 Season Predictions: Buckle Up, This One’s Gonna Be Wild
The 2025 Season begins in less than a month in Melbourne, Australia.
We are on the verge of what could be the most unpredictable, drama-fueled, all-out thrilling F1 season in years. Four teams have a genuine shot at the championship. Which means 5-6 drivers could be in the title fight. Which means we might just get the kind of season that keeps us pacing around the room on race day.
We haven’t seen this level of potential chaos and competition since 2021—and that was a year that broke all of us, emotionally and spiritually. Certainly me, anyway.
So what’s driving this madness? Let’s break it down.
🔥 Sir Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari Red
The moment we never thought would happen. Lewis in Scuderia red. Ferrari strategists might need to start strategizing, because Hamilton is not here for P4s and last-minute pit lane confusion. And can he get his 8th (really 9) World Championship?
🏎️ Lando vs. Oscar
McLaren’s driver lineup is too good, too young, and too competitive for things to stay peaceful forever. Will we see team orders? Will one driver step up as the clear leader? Or will they do that awkward “I thought you were my friend” thing on the podium? We saw cracks in 2024.
🔄 Alpine’s Endless Game of Musical Chairs
At this point, Alpine’s driver lineup changes more than a playlist on shuffle. Who’s in? Who’s out? And more importantly—do they actually have a car that can finish in the points consistently? Big year for this team and Pierre Gasly deserves better.
🇺🇸 The Cadillac F1 Project Coming in 2026
The newest potential American powerhouse is making moves. But can they actually get on the grid? And if so, will they be more Haas 2.0 or a legitimate midfield threat? Expect lots of updates throughout the season. And will Colton Herta get a shot in F1?
👀 Yuki Tsunoda’s Last Season at Red Bull?
Yuki is fun, Yuki is chaos, Yuki is fast—but is that enough to keep him at Red Bull? With so many junior drivers waiting in the wings, 2025 could be his make-or-break year. I expect to see him elsewhere in 2026. And when are we gonna get the Yuki-Gasly sitcom we have all been asking for!?
😎 Carlos Sainz: The Handsomest Man in the Paddock (and Maybe on Earth?)
There are a lot of serious topics here, but let’s be real: Carlos Sainz is an F1 driver who looks like a Hollywood star. And everyone is rooting for him at Williams.
🥇 Max is Happy When Winning and a Child When Not…
This is not exactly new information, but it’s always relevant. If Red Bull keeps dominating, we’ll get gracious Max. If they start struggling, we’ll get angry-ranting-on-the-radio / I-will-drive-you-into-a-wall Max. Either way, it’s entertainment.
🌍 An African Grand Prix on the Horizon?
F1 is long overdue for a return to Africa. Could 2025 be the year we finally get an announcement?
🧑🎓 F1’s Rookie Revolution: Who Will Rise?
Six rookies. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson. The future of F1 is here, and it’s unpredictable. Expect brilliant drives, brutal mistakes, and fearless battles against seasoned veterans. Some will thrive, some will struggle—because F1 is ruthless. Who will seize their moment? Who will crack under pressure? Buckle up. The rookie class of 2025 will redefine the grid.
🫧 What Will Happen with DEI Under External Pressures?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives are facing increased external pressures—how will teams and the sport as a whole navigate this? Will there be real commitments to progress, or will it all quietly fade into the background to appease?
🎬 And Then, There’s the Blockbuster ‘F1’ Movie
Brad Pitt, a fake F1 team, real cars on real race weekends—it’s either going to be cinematic perfection or absolute madness. Either way, we’ll all be watching. And I am willing to bet it will be superior to Driven.
🚀⬆️📉Has F1 Hit Its Peak? 💰🏁
Formula 1 has been on a meteoric rise—record-breaking revenue, skyrocketing fan engagement, and global expansion. But how much higher can it go? At some point, even the fastest sport on earth hits a plateau. My bet? 2026 is the tipping point. New regulations, shifting audience dynamics, and potential market saturation could slow the explosive growth. But hey, that’s just this old marketer’s take. What do you think?
Oh, and One More Thing…
We’re working on a Podium Life site redesign. It’s gonna be chef’s kiss perfection. Stay tuned.
Unless I’ve just jinxed it for all of us, this season is shaping up to be one for the ages. So grab your race-day snacks, prepare for wild online takes, and get ready for a season that could redefine modern F1.
Let’s go. 🚀🏁
Consumption
All the things going inside of this head of mine.
Reading:
Here is what I’ve read this year. Special shoutout to Million Dollar Consulting (my fave business book of all time) and Kangaroo Notebook, a wonderfully surreal and bizarre journey that you never want to end and would love to turn into a movie.
And here is what I am working on. Interestingly, The Future of Motorsports is the most academic book I’ve read since college. Ah, the days of Michel Foucault.
What are you reading?
Watching:
I’m going through a massive Opera kick at the moment, listening to all kinds of stuff. I’ve also been watching performances on YouTube. This artistic interpretation of Maria Callas in Habanera from Bizet's Carmen is beautiful and super creative.
You’re Cordially Invited (Prime). I liked this a lot more than I should have.
The Wild Robot (Peacock). Perhaps the best animated film since Wall-E?
Alone in Tasmania (Netflix). The producers shit the bed on this one. Terrible location for obtaining food, one of the most boring Alone’s I’ve watched - and you should I know I’ve watched a lot of this reality show.
Ultraman: Rising (Netflix). SO GOOD.
Gladiator 2 (Paramount+). It was better than I thought it would be.
A Haunting in Venice (Prime). A spooky Hercule Poirot whodunnit. And you get to see the beauty of Venice.
Aftermatch (Netflix): Awful. Imagine having a massive action movie budget and deciding to cut corners on the writing, acting and special effects.
Links:
The Wild True Story Behind Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
How ‘The Wild Robot’ Got Its Heart
Imagery, Symbolism and Backstory You Missed From Kendrick Lamar's Epic Super Bowl Halftime Show
We Basically Know When GTA 6 Is Coming Out Now
Raffi’s Guide to Fighting Fascism
The Paddington movies lost their beating heart when they lost Sally Hawkins
Spring is right around the corner subscribers! Hang in there.
Much love,
Daniel