Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari warning triggers bo…read more
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, anticipation is building for a potential championship showdown reminiscent of the dramatic 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi. Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel has boldly predicted that Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, will challenge Max Verstappen for the title, setting the stage for another thrilling climax.
In 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen engaged in a fierce battle that culminated in a controversial final lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton was leading until a contentious decision by then-race director Michael Masi led to a one-lap shootout, where Verstappen, on fresher tires, overtook Hamilton to claim his first World Championship. Since then, Verstappen has dominated the sport, securing four consecutive titles.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season has been a significant development in the F1 world. The seven-time world champion departed Mercedes after an 11-year tenure, seeking to rejuvenate his career and pursue a record-breaking eighth championship. Hamilton expressed that driving for Ferrari had always been a “childhood dream” and acknowledged the “huge challenge” of bringing championship glory to a team that has not secured a title in nearly two decades.
His transition to Ferrari has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone predicted that Hamilton wouldn’t last two years with the Italian team, suggesting that the 40-year-old driver may have “lost motivation.” In contrast, fellow driver Lando Norris supported Hamilton’s decision, stating that he would have made the same choice and expressing eagerness to compete against him in the upcoming season.
Hamilton has been proactive in integrating into Ferrari’s culture. He impressed his new team by delivering a speech in Italian, demonstrating his commitment to embracing the team’s heritage. Team Principal Fred Vasseur and former Ferrari chief Stefano Domenicali praised Hamilton’s efforts, highlighting the importance of such gestures in building rapport with the Tifosi, Ferrari’s passionate fan base.
On the technical front, Hamilton has already commenced private testing with Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, the SF-25, at the Fiorano circuit. This early involvement underscores his dedication to adapting to the new machinery and collaborating with his teammate, Charles Leclerc, to develop a competitive car.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams and drivers poised to contend for the championship. McLaren, having secured the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, aims to defend its title against a deep field of rivals. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are expected to be strong contenders, with some predictions even suggesting that Norris could clinch his first world title this year.
Red Bull Racing, despite internal challenges, remains a formidable force. Tensions between team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko have led to speculation about the team’s future dynamics. Gerhard Berger, a former F1 driver, has expressed concerns that these ongoing feuds could lead to the team’s decline.
As the season opener in Melbourne’s Albert Park approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these narratives unfold. Will Hamilton’s move to Ferrari pay off with an eighth championship? Can Verstappen maintain his dominance amidst internal team strife? And how will emerging talents like Norris and Piastri influence the championship battle? The 2025 season promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory, potentially culminating in a dramatic finale reminiscent of the unforgettable 2021 showdown in Abu Dhabi.
