Verstappen's Near-Miss, Hamilton's Ferrari Woe Define 2025 F1 Season

The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered a dramatic championship fight, with Max Verstappen mounting a stunning comeback to nearly catch Lando Norris. The year was also marked by Lewis Hamilton's difficult debut at Ferrari and McLaren's controversial "papaya rules," which became a central talking point throughout the grid. These storylines, combined with persistent driver market rumors, made for a thrilling and unpredictable season.

Why it matters:

• Hamilton's blockbuster move to Ferrari was one of the biggest in F1 history, and his immediate struggles highlight the immense challenge of adapting to a new team, even for a seven-time world champion.
• Verstappen's ability to close a 104-point deficit underscores the incredible competitiveness at the top of F1 and Red Bull's capacity to fight back under pressure.
• The "papaya rules" controversy reignited the debate over team orders versus driver equality, especially when a championship is on the line, testing team dynamics and fan loyalty.

The details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari Struggle: After a dream start with a Sprint pole and win in China, Hamilton's season unravelled. He failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium, with his lowest point coming in Hungary where he called himself "useless" after a Q2 elimination.
• Verstappen's Title Charge: The Dutchman erased a 104-point deficit to finish just two points shy of Norris. His relentless pace prompted McLaren CEO Zak Brown to call him a "guy from a horror movie," a nickname Verstappen cheekily embraced.
• The Mercedes Rumor Mill: Until the Hungarian Grand Prix, the paddock was rife with speculation that Verstappen would replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for 2026. He ultimately quashed the rumors, confirming his stay with Red Bull.
• Papaya Rules Fallout: McLaren's decision to swap Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri back to their original running order after a botched pit stop became a season-long controversy. The move, which cost Norris valuable track position, was a constant source of questions for the team amid the tight title battle.

Looking Ahead:

With Verstappen confirmed at Red Bull and Mercedes retaining its lineup of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, the driver market for 2026 is now largely settled. The intense 2025 battle between Verstappen and Norris sets the stage for a fierce rivalry to continue. For Ferrari, the focus will be on turning Hamilton's struggles into a genuine challenge for wins, while McLaren must manage the aftermath of their controversial team order strategy heading into the next season.