Lewis Hamilton has been given a “backfire” warning as McLaren’s Lando Norris holds an advantage in the 2025 Formula 1 title race. Despite a rejuvenated Hamilton’s potential, former world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Norris, alongside other competitors, still has the upper hand going into the new season.
The 2025 F1 season marks a pivotal moment for both British drivers. Norris, 25, had an impressive campaign in 2024, finishing as a runner-up to Max Verstappen, and now has his sights set on clinching his first championship. Meanwhile, Hamilton, who is 40, is embarking on a new chapter of his career, joining Ferrari after years of dominating with Mercedes. Despite their contrasting circumstances, Villeneuve is clear that both Hamilton and Norris will be the drivers to beat, especially after Verstappen’s four years of domination.
Villeneuve is particularly impressed by Hamilton’s recent performances and energy, noting that the seven-time world champion appears reinvigorated as he takes on this fresh challenge. According to Villeneuve, Hamilton’s “lethal” nature, akin to what fans witnessed when he dominated the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last year, makes him a serious threat for the 2025 season. He added that Hamilton’s return to form has been bolstered by the energy he brings to his new team, Ferrari. This positive momentum could help Hamilton build confidence throughout the season, as he garners support from his new team and fans alike.
However, Villeneuve also acknowledged the unknowns surrounding Hamilton’s new partnership with Ferrari, especially after the intense media attention Hamilton’s move has attracted. The Canadian legend pointed out that while there has been a great deal of excitement and expectation surrounding the move, it can also lead to challenges. He cautioned that the hype surrounding Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari could backfire, creating immense pressure that might affect the team’s performance. The high expectations may lead to unforeseen struggles if things do not go according to plan, especially if the car’s performance doesn’t meet the media’s lofty predictions.
In the meantime, Norris’ chances to challenge for the title in 2025 have only been strengthened by McLaren’s progress. The young British driver’s continued development in the sport has made him one of the most promising talents on the grid. With McLaren improving its car performance over the last few years, Norris is seen as one of the key contenders for the championship. His runner-up finish last season demonstrated that he is capable of competing at the highest level, and with the McLaren team continuing to develop, Norris will be aiming to go one step further in 2025.
Hamilton’s pre-season preparations have also been noteworthy. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ferrari’s competitiveness compared to other teams, Hamilton seemed at ease during three days of testing in Bahrain. The early signs have shown that the Ferrari package is competitive, but how it compares to the likes of McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull remains to be seen. Villeneuve emphasized that it is difficult to assess Hamilton’s true standing in the pecking order just from testing results, especially considering the immense media hype surrounding his move.
It remains unclear just how competitive Ferrari will be in 2025. While Hamilton’s energy and experience will undoubtedly benefit the team, the team’s ability to match the pace of rivals like McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull is still in question. Villeneuve acknowledged that the initial hype surrounding Hamilton’s arrival could create challenges for the team if results don’t match expectations. If Ferrari struggles to meet the high expectations, it could create further pressure on Hamilton, who is used to being in a winning environment. That said, Villeneuve believes that if Hamilton and Ferrari can get things right, the partnership could yield success.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. While Verstappen’s dominance has defined the last few years, the presence of strong challengers like Hamilton and Norris makes the upcoming season feel like a fresh start for the sport. As the new campaign begins, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can deliver a title-winning performance with Ferrari and whether Norris can take the next step toward his first-ever championship.
