Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s Rivalry Reignites Ahead of 2025 F1 Season

As the Formula 1 2025 season approaches, speculation is heating up regarding a potential renewed rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. With Hamilton making a blockbuster move to Ferrari, many believe the seven-time world champion could be on the verge of one last title push before his career winds down. Meanwhile, Verstappen remains the dominant force in F1, chasing his fifth world championship.

Is the Hamilton-Verstappen Rivalry Back On?

F1 veteran Jeroen Bleekemolen believes that while Hamilton and Verstappen have left behind the fiery tensions of 2021, a fresh championship battle could rekindle the intensity between them.

“Somehow, I hope that the Hamilton-Verstappen fight is coming again,” Bleekemolen told RacingNews365. “Of course, we had that season when they fought against each other, and that ended a bit difficult, with a lot of incidents. But that is long behind them. They have a lot of respect for each other. That is all forgiven and forgotten.”

However, he also acknowledged that things could get heated again if the two find themselves fighting for the title.

Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: A Game-Changer?

Hamilton’s switch to Scuderia Ferrari is one of the biggest moves in recent F1 history. With the Maranello-based team showing impressive pace in 2024, closing the gap to Red Bull, many experts predict that Hamilton could finally secure his eighth world title—a feat that slipped through his fingers in controversial fashion in 2021.

His former teammate, Valtteri Bottas, has said that the change of scenery could be exactly what Hamilton needs to reignite his motivation.

“It will be a good trigger for him,” Bottas said. “Ferrari showed great improvements last year, and if they’ve taken another step forward, he could be in for a real title fight.”

Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, winning five races. They even managed to put up a strong fight against McLaren while closing in on Red Bull’s dominance. If their progress continues, Hamilton could find himself battling Verstappen wheel-to-wheel once again.

Is Verstappen Still the Favorite for 2025?

Despite the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s move, Max Verstappen remains the man to beat. The Dutchman claimed his fourth consecutive title last season, showing remarkable consistency even when Red Bull didn’t have the outright fastest car.

Bleekemolen believes Verstappen’s mentality and racecraft give him an edge over the competition.

“If Verstappen makes a mistake… He has always done so well that you can almost say: he just walks through it. He always takes his points, takes the victories—if you think it’s almost impossible, he does it anyway.”

However, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes are all expected to mount stronger challenges in 2025. The addition of Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and George Russell to the title fight means Verstappen may not have such an easy ride this time around.

The Lingering Shadow of Abu Dhabi 2021

One of the biggest talking points of the Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry is Abu Dhabi 2021—the controversial finale that saw Verstappen clinch his first world title under highly debated circumstances.

Hamilton has since spoken about the pain of losing that championship, admitting that the memory will never fully fade.

“Ultimately, that feeling never really truly leaves you,” he told ESPN in 2023. “It’s like when you think about your first love—it will always be that first love and first heartbreak. Abu Dhabi, the scar is there, and there will always be that memory.”

Despite that, Hamilton claims he has made peace with it, telling GQ Magazine:

“Was I robbed? Obviously. I mean, you know the story. But I think what was really beautiful in that moment was my dad was with me. We’d gone through this huge roller coaster of life together, ups and downs. And the day that it hurt the most, he was there.”

Who Else Could Challenge in 2025?

While much of the attention is on Hamilton vs. Verstappen, there are other serious contenders heading into 2025.

• Charles Leclerc: With Ferrari’s improved pace and Hamilton as his teammate, Leclerc could be in his strongest position yet to fight for the title.

• Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri (McLaren): McLaren made huge strides in 2024, winning multiple races. If their development continues, they could be a major force in 2025.

• George Russell (Mercedes): Though Mercedes struggled in 2024, they remain one of the most resourceful teams. If they can develop a competitive car, Russell could be a dark horse contender.

  

Will 2025 Be Hamilton’s Last Shot at Glory?

At 40 years old, Hamilton knows that time is running out for another championship. He has already broken nearly every record in F1 history, but an eighth title would make him the undisputed greatest of all time.

Bleekemolen believes this could be Hamilton’s final opportunity.

“Hamilton is really not going to drive at the top for another five, six years, so it’s his last chance at glory. So I actually hope he still has a chance.”

What to Expect in the 2025 F1 Season?

With multiple teams now in the mix for the 2025 championship, the upcoming season could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

• Red Bull’s dominance – Can they maintain their winning streak, or will Ferrari and McLaren challenge them?

• Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble – Will this move revitalize his career or prove to be a missed opportunity?

• Rising competition – With Leclerc, Russell, and Norris all aiming for their first championship, the battle at the top will be more intense than ever.

• New regulations impact – Will the evolving F1 technical regulations shake up the grid order?

Conclusion: A 2025 Season to Remember?

With so many exciting storylines, the 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent history. Whether it’s Hamilton’s quest for redemption, Verstappen’s push for a fifth title, or new challengers emerging, fans are in for a spectacular season. 

As the 2025 F1 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Hamilton-Verstappen dynamic. While both drivers have immense mutual respect, a hard-fought title battle could easily reignite old tensions.

One thing is certain: if Hamilton and Verstappen go head-to-head again, it will be a battle for the ages.