Mourinho Hails Hamilton's Greatness, Piastri Gets Playful World Champ Jab
Lewis Hamilton received high praise from José Mourinho, who likened the F1 star's struggles to a symbol of greatness. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri was the subject of a light-hearted joke at a cricket event, reminding everyone he's not the world champion like teammate Lando Norris.
Lewis Hamilton's challenging debut season with Ferrari hasn't diminished his status as a sporting icon, earning praise from football legend José Mourinho. Off the track, Oscar Piastri became the subject of a light-hearted jab at a cricket event, a playful reminder of his teammate Lando Norris's championship victory. These moments highlight how F1's biggest stars are making headlines far beyond the racetrack, their stories resonating across the sporting world.
Why it matters:
The cross-sport recognition and friendly banter underscore the growing mainstream appeal of Formula 1 and its drivers. Hamilton's legacy transcends his recent results, cementing his place as a global sporting figure whose struggles are seen through the lens of a larger narrative. Meanwhile, the Piastri-Norris rivalry has become a key storyline, so much so that it's now part of casual sporting conversation, showing how deeply the 2025 season's drama resonated with fans.
The details:
- Mourinho's Parallel: José Mourinho, now managing the historic but struggling Benfica, drew a comparison to Hamilton. He highlighted the seven-time champion's 'greatness' despite a winless first year at Ferrari, mirroring his own attempt to restore a fallen giant to its former glory.
- A Playful Dig: At The Ashes cricket series in Melbourne, former England cricketer Graeme Swann took a shot at Piastri. During a podcast appearance, Swann quipped that Piastri was 'not the world champion like Norris,' referencing the Australian's title defeat to his McLaren teammate in Abu Dhabi.
The big picture:
These incidents offer a glimpse into the human side of F1's elite. It's a world where a legendary coach sees a kindred spirit in a driver fighting for a comeback, and where a season-long rivalry spills over into good-natured fun at another major sporting event. The 2025 season's narratives are so compelling that they continue to follow the drivers, shaping their public perception even during the off-season.