Hamilton's Shock as Verstappen's Qatar Win Reshapes F1 Title Battle

Lewis Hamilton was genuinely surprised to learn that Max Verstappen had won the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, admitting he "had no idea" about the result during a post-race interview. His reaction highlights a dramatic shift in the F1 title fight, now a tight three-way contest heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters:

This unexpected revelation from Hamilton, following a challenging weekend where he finished outside the points, underscores the intense, unpredictable nature of the 2025 F1 season. With the championship battle tightening significantly, every point and every race outcome is now critical, promising a thrilling conclusion to what has been an eventful year.

The details:

• Hamilton endured a difficult weekend at the Losail circuit, frequently voicing concerns about his Ferrari machinery and ultimately finishing outside the points in Sunday's Grand Prix.
• During a post-race interview focusing on the title fight, Hamilton was informed that Lando Norris (McLaren) was only 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull), and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) was just four points behind Norris.
• Surprise Reaction: Hamilton's confusion was evident when he asked, "How's Max 12 behind now? Max won? Oh, shoot, I didn't know, I had no idea. Wow, holy sh*t. No, no, I thought Piastri won, I don't know."
• He further inquired about Norris's and Piastri's finishing positions, expressing disbelief that Norris finished fourth and Piastri second, leading him to realize Oscar was now effectively third in the standings.
• Despite their fierce rivalry in 2021, Hamilton praised Verstappen's performance and Red Bull's consistency, stating, "We all know Max does a great job. I think he's got a phenomenal team behind him, which there's no denying they've had the best car over the last four years."

What's next:

The 2025 F1 title fight is now poised for a nail-biting conclusion in Abu Dhabi, with three drivers in contention. Beyond this season, Hamilton anticipates significant changes in 2026, driven by new regulations.

• Hamilton expects "more variation between teams" and potentially "more overtaking" due to substantial regulatory changes planned for 2026.
• These changes could lead to significantly different car designs and strategies, potentially shaking up the competitive order and offering more exciting racing for fans.

The big picture:

Hamilton's candid reaction not only offers a peek into the isolated world of a driver during a race weekend but also highlights the sheer competitiveness of the current F1 season. The 2025 championship, now a three-way fight, is a testament to the evolving dynamics of the sport, promising an intense finale and hinting at a future where new regulations could bring even more unpredictability and excitement to the grid.