The fight has resumed, Max Verstappen is ready to take on Lewis Hamilton. Who has the advantage this time

The Formula 1 world is once again buzzing with anticipation as the battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton reignites. Over the past few years, this rivalry has delivered some of the most thrilling moments in modern F1 history, and as we head into the 2025 season, the stakes are higher than ever.

With Verstappen continuing his dominance and Hamilton determined to reclaim his throne, the big question remains: Who has the advantage this time? Let’s break down the key factors that could determine the outcome of this legendary fight.

A Rivalry for the Ages

The 2021 Title Clash: A Preview of What’s to Come

The Verstappen-Hamilton rivalry truly exploded in 2021 when the two drivers engaged in a season-long duel that ended in one of the most controversial finales in F1 history. Verstappen clinched his first world championship in Abu Dhabi, while Hamilton was left fuming at the FIA’s handling of the race.

Since then, Verstappen has established himself as the dominant force in Formula 1, winning multiple championships with Red Bull, while Hamilton and Mercedes struggled to adapt to new regulations. However, 2025 offers a fresh chapter in this ongoing battle.

Where They Stand Heading Into 2025

• Max Verstappen: The reigning champion, leading Red Bull with relentless pace and precision. He’s the driver to beat.
• Lewis Hamilton: The seven-time world champion, eager to prove he’s still at the top of his game and push Mercedes back to winning ways.

Let’s analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and what could give either driver the edge in 2025.

Car Performance: Red Bull vs. Mercedes

Red Bull: Can They Maintain Their Dominance?

Under Adrian Newey’s design genius, Red Bull has produced some of the most dominant cars in recent history. The RB18 and RB19 were technical masterpieces, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency under ground-effect regulations. If Red Bull continues its superior development, Verstappen will remain the favorite.

Key Strengths of Red Bull in 2025:

• Superior straight-line speed and cornering balance
• Consistently strong race pace and tire management
• A well-oiled team with a strong strategy department

However, Red Bull’s advantage could be threatened if Mercedes manages to unlock a new level of performance.

Mercedes: The Resurgence of the Silver Arrows?

Mercedes’ struggle in the early years of the ground-effect era has been well documented. However, towards the end of 2024, they began to show signs of resurgence. With a potential redesign for the W16 car in 2025, Mercedes could close the gap to Red Bull.

Why Mercedes Could Challenge Red Bull:

• Lessons learned from past struggles could lead to a breakthrough
• An experienced team that has dominated for years before
• Hamilton’s ability to extract every ounce of performance from his car

If Mercedes delivers a car that is competitive from the start of the season, Hamilton will have a real shot at dethroning Verstappen.

Driving Styles and Mentality

Max Verstappen: The Aggressor

Verstappen’s driving style is well-known: aggressive, fearless, and relentless. He thrives under pressure, isn’t afraid of wheel-to-wheel combat, and has perfected the art of late braking and car positioning.

His biggest strengths:

• Raw speed: Verstappen is arguably the fastest driver over one lap.
• Racecraft: knows when to push and when to manage his tires.
• Mental toughness: Doesn’t crack under pressure.

However, his aggressive approach sometimes leads to risky moves, which could be exploited by a wily veteran like Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton: The Master Strategist

Hamilton, on the other hand, combines raw speed with strategic brilliance. He’s one of the most intelligent drivers on the grid, capable of adjusting his approach mid-race to suit different conditions.

His biggest strengths:

• Experience: Over 300 races and countless battles mean Hamilton knows every trick in the book.
• Tire management: A master at preserving tires for crucial moments.
• Composure: Stays cool under pressure, making fewer mistakes.

Hamilton’s ability to think long-term in a race might give him an edge over Verstappen in closely fought battles.

Team Support and Strategy

Red Bull: A Well-Oiled Machine

Red Bull has been a dominant force in race strategy, with Christian Horner and his team executing near-perfect calls in critical races. Verstappen benefits from a squad that is entirely built around him.

• Strong leadership from Horner and Helmut Marko
• A dominant number-one driver philosophy
• Quick and effective pit stops

However, as Ferrari and Mercedes get stronger, Red Bull will need to stay ahead in the strategy game.

Mercedes: Tactical Geniuses

Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, has historically been one of the most well-prepared teams. Their ability to execute under pressure has been their trademark, and Hamilton is known for giving excellent feedback to his strategists.

• Toto Wolff’s leadership remains a key advantage
• Hamilton’s strategic input during races is invaluable
• Capable of making bold strategy calls when needed

If Mercedes refines its approach in 2025, Hamilton will have a strong chance to counter Red Bull’s tactical dominance.

The Wildcards: External Factors That Could Influence the Battle

Beyond just car performance and driving skill, other factors will play a role in determining who has the edge in 2025.

Regulation Changes and FIA Decisions

F1’s regulations are constantly evolving, and any technical directive or rule change could shift the balance of power. If the FIA introduces changes that affect aerodynamics or tire degradation, it could impact which team holds the advantage.

Teammates’ Influence

• Sergio Perez (Red Bull): Can he support Verstappen, or will he struggle against stronger competition?
• George Russell (Mercedes): If Russell continues to improve, could he take points off Verstappen in crucial races?

A strong second driver can make a difference in a tight title battle by disrupting the rival’s strategy.

Reliability Issues

Technical failures and DNFs can make or break a championship fight. If one team suffers unexpected reliability issues, it could turn the tide in favor of the other.

Who Has the Edge in 2025?

At this point, it’s hard to predict definitively who will come out on top. However, based on the key factors we’ve analyzed:

• If Red Bull maintains its dominance, Verstappen remains the favorite, as he’s in peak form with a team fully backing him.
• If Mercedes closes the gap, Hamilton’s experience and strategic mastery could tilt the fight in his favor.

The battle between these two titans is set to be another thrilling spectacle. Whether Verstappen continues his reign or Hamilton pulls off a historic comeback, F1 fans are in for a season to remember.