Lions, Lionesses and a finely poised Ashes - stories to track in 2025

From the Old Trafford soap opera to the Women's Rugby World Cup, our writers pick some of the events to follow

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Hamilton's new challenge

Next season one narrative will surely dominate Formula One when Lewis Hamilton dons his new scarlet race suit and climbs into a Ferrari for the first competitive session at the opening race, in Australia. His move from Mercedes after 12 seasons and six titles was a huge shock. How will he fare in a new team at the age of 40, a new culture at Maranello, a team with a history of making and breaking drivers? Better still the prospect of him ending Ferrari's drivers' title drought that stretches back to 2007 and claiming a record eighth world championship across three different teams. Or will it be a turbulent opening year, far from his comfort zone? Hamilton and Ferrari will be impossible to ignore. Giles Richards

Everton's move to stunning new home

Everton's successful achievements under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri can be counted on one finger but that digit can point to a genuine and potentially transformative legacy in the form of a magnificent new stadium at Bramley Moore dock. Costs have risen from £500m to £800m and several burdensome loans have been taken to get this far, but there is no disputing the end result is a spectacular addition to the Liverpool waterfront. If only other developments in the city were of the same standard. Bramley Moore will open at the start of the 2025-26 season and more than compensates for the closure of Goodison Park. Andy Hunter

Lions ready to roar down under