Lewis Hamilton Urges McLaren Drivers to Be “Cut-Throat” Against Max Verstappen in 2025 F1 Title Race
Mexico City, Oct 24 (TheTrendingPeople.com): With the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship heating up, Lewis Hamilton has issued a stark warning to McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris: they must be cut-throat if they are to defeat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Hamilton, the seven-time world champion now racing for Ferrari, stressed that Verstappen’s current form makes him a formidable rival who will “take this from them” if the McLaren duo does not match his ruthlessness on track.
Three-Way Championship Battle Intensifies
With five races remaining, the title race has become a close three-way contest. Verstappen’s recent surge, claiming three wins in four races, has narrowed the gap to just 40 points behind the leader. Meanwhile, Norris trails team-mate Piastri by 14 points heading into the Mexican Grand Prix.
Reflecting on his own intense 2021 battle with Verstappen, Hamilton emphasized the mental and competitive edge needed to prevail.
“You really have to put your blinkers up, block absolutely everything from the outside,” Hamilton said. “Also, you really have to be cut-throat. That’s what Max is — he’s going to take this from them if they don’t do the same. Consistency is key, and we’ve seen that from Max in the last few races.”
Advice from a F1 Veteran
Hamilton acknowledged the pressure of racing within a team while competing for the championship.
“The pressure is high. They have won other championships in other categories, but being in the team and battling at this level is challenging. You’ve got to dig deep to hold off someone like Max.”
He also highlighted the excitement a multi-team, multi-driver championship battle brings to Formula 1.
“Having a team that was just out front, winning the constructors’, then adding another team and driver into the mix makes it even more exciting. That’s what this sport should be like,” Hamilton said.
Piastri Under Pressure
Hamilton noted that Piastri, who has led the championship since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April, now faces a unique psychological challenge. Being the defender adds pressure compared to being the chaser, as Hamilton explained:
“Being in the lead when someone is chopping away at your advantage plays on you more than if you’re chasing. If you’re chasing, you have nothing to lose. When you’re in the lead, you have everything to lose.”
Hamilton predicted the remaining races would test the mental fortitude of all three drivers.
“We have three incredibly talented drivers. I can’t predict how they’ll behave, but it’ll be interesting to see. Whatever the case, it’s going to be exciting.”
Looking Ahead to Mexico and Beyond
The Mexican Grand Prix marks a critical point in the championship, with only five races left to determine the winner. Norris and Verstappen’s recent form has added pressure on Piastri, making team dynamics, consistency, and mental resilience crucial factors in the final stages of the season.
Fans can expect high-stakes battles, strategic overtakes, and thrilling on-track duels as the 2025 F1 season heads toward a dramatic conclusion.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
As the championship intensifies, Hamilton’s advice underscores the importance of ruthlessness, strategy, and psychological toughness in Formula 1. The Mexican Grand Prix and the remaining races will be a true test for McLaren’s title contenders and Verstappen, promising edge-of-the-seat action for motorsport fans worldwide.