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Hamilton and Verstappen Struggle in 2025 but remain F1’s defining rivalry

Originally posted on HITC | By Shay Rogers | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 6:37 AM ET

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have shared one of the most intense Formula 1 rivalries of the 21st century.

These days, there’s a bigger gap between them in the drivers’ standings, so when they do meet on track, there isn’t as much on the line as there used to be.

Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari hasn’t gone to plan either. He’s yet to finish on the podium for them in a Grand Prix.

Over at Red Bull, Verstappen’s run of four straight titles looks set to end this season after issues with car development left him short of pace. Both drivers are navigating through challenging stretches in their careers.

This comes after he admitted feeling ‘useless’ during the Hungarian Grand Prix before the break, raising questions about his current mindset.

During practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen made an uncharacteristic error by going off track. Fans told him to ‘relax’ afterwards, perhaps sensing some frustration from him this season.

Max Verstappen admits Lewis Hamilton was right about F1 direction

Lately, Verstappen has echoed similar concerns about how race weekends are structured under current regulations and has suggested that changes might be necessary soon. “I feel like we need a bit more freedom back and not all these rules,” he said ahead of his home event in Zandvoort (quotes via RaceFans). “There are too many rules.”

Photo by Jay Hirano/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The rise of sprint races and media obligations has only added to that workload over time.

No matter how long it takes for them to regain their form, their impact on modern F1 remains clear. Hamilton is already assured his place among the sport’s legends with eight world titles, while Verstappen isn’t far behind with four championships in a row under his belt from 2021-24.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen ‘don’t care’ about finishing third in F1 – Karun Chandhok

Even though this season has been tough, F1 insiders have told Hamilton that his car for 2026 could bring better results.

And if Verstappen’s Red Bull doesn’t make real progress next year, there’s a chance he might start looking at other options. That could put Mercedes back in the conversation for him.

Karun Chandhok spoke about the two on Sky Sports F1, saying he thinks neither is particularly bothered about where they finish as long as it’s not first.

Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images

“I think his [Verstappen’s] motivation is going to be individual race wins. I think he’s chasing individual results. I don’t question his commitment on a week-in, week-out basis,” Chandhok said.

“What I question is whether he’s actually looking at the points to see whether he finishes third, fourth, [or] fifth. People like Lewis and Max, given the level of success they’ve had in the past.”

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen free to enjoy themselves in what’s left of 2025

Hamilton does need to help Ferrari chase second place in the constructors’ standings, but over at Red Bull, there isn’t much left on the line.

If Mercedes doesn’t step up, both Verstappen and Hamilton could find themselves without much to play for by the final stretch of races.

That gives them a bit more freedom to just enjoy racing. One area Verstappen will need to focus on is improving his working relationship with Laurent Mekies if Red Bull want to turn things around.

For Hamilton, the priority is staying competitive with Charles Leclerc. Falling too far behind could see him slip into a clear number two role within the team.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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