Verstappen's Comeback, Hamilton's Struggles Define 2025 F1 Season

The 2025 Formula 1 season was a tale of two contrasting narratives: Lewis Hamilton's difficult adaptation to life at Ferrari and Max Verstappen's miraculous championship comeback. While the seven-time world champion struggled to find his footing at Maranello, Verstappen clawed back a massive deficit to nearly snatch the title from McLaren's Lando Norris in a thrilling finale.

Why it matters:

These storylines underscore the immense pressure and fine margins at the pinnacle of motorsport. Hamilton's blockbuster move to Ferrari was meant to shake up the grid, but his struggles highlight the monumental challenge of dethroning top teams, even for a legend. Meanwhile, Verstappen's relentless charge, despite Red Bull's early-season shortcomings, reaffirmed his status as a generational talent and sets up a fierce multi-team battle heading into the 2026 regulatory reset.

The big picture:

The season was defined by several key events that shaped the championship fight and the driver market.

• Hamilton's Ferrari Frustration: The highly anticipated move delivered a highlight-reel Sprint win in China but was largely defined by a lack of Grand Prix podiums. The season's low point came in Hungary, where a frustrated Hamilton labeled himself "useless" after a Q2 elimination.
• McLaren's "Papaya Rules": The team's internal policy became a major controversy when they swapped Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri back to their original positions after a botched pit stop. The decision, which disadvantaged Piastri, created constant tension amid Norris's title fight with Verstappen.
• Verstappen's Mercedes Speculation: Persistent rumors about Verstappen leaving for Mercedes in 2026 loomed over the season until he finally confirmed his stay with Red Bull. The driver market ultimately settled with Isack Hadjar joining Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli stepping up at Mercedes alongside George Russell.
• A Historic Comeback: After trailing by 104 points, Verstappen mounted a stunning charge, winning multiple races and putting immense pressure on Norris. He ultimately fell just two points short, creating one of the closest finishes in F1 history.

What's next:

The dramatic 2025 season has set the stage for a blockbuster 2026.

• Ferrari's Mission: Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be under immense pressure to solve the car's issues and challenge for wins in the final year of the current regulations.
• Red Bull's Revenge: Verstappen and his team will be fueled by the narrow title loss, aiming to reclaim their dominance with a reinvigorated lineup including rookie Isack Hadjar.
• McLaren's Defense: As newly crowned constructors' champions, McLaren must manage their driver dynamic and navigate the significant rule changes to defend their titles and deliver Norris his first drivers' championship.