Formula 1 is entering its 76th year in motorsports, bringing a wave of excitement and intrigue for the upcoming season. With driver changes, management shifts, and new talent emerging, 2025 promises to be a thrilling year. Here’s what to watch for in the upcoming season:

1. Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Last February, a major driver change announcement sent shockwaves through the F1 community: seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari starting in the 2025 season. The prospect of the sport’s current biggest star partnering with its most prestigious team is incredibly exciting. After spending 11 years at Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles, Hamilton is poised to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career.

However, this transition presents a different challenge for him, as he will not be the team leader at Ferrari. The team has been cultivating Charles Leclerc since 2019, and he poses a significant challenge for Hamilton. It will also be intriguing to see if Hamilton can achieve optimum pace right away with his new car, especially considering his qualifying performance has declined in 2024.

He will be eager to improve his qualifying results against a teammate regarded as one of the best one-lap drivers in F1 today. Hamilton has high aspirations for his time with Scuderia Ferrari, and it will be exciting to see how he performs in red.

2. Lando Norris’s driver’s championship bid

Last season, Lando Norris fell short in his title challenge against Max Verstappen, ultimately finishing 63 points behind the Dutchman. However, he still played a crucial role in helping McLaren secure the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren had a strong car and was competitive for nearly three-quarters of the season.

Norris delivered some outstanding performances, though he also made critical mistakes that hindered his battle with Verstappen. Additionally, there were some races where McLaren’s strategies did not work out, costing their drivers valuable points.

With many experts predicting that McLaren will be the strongest team in 2025, it will be fascinating to see how Norris performs this time around. His competition will be fierce, as he will face drivers like his teammate Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and, car performance permitting, George Russell, all of whom will be in the hunt for wins and the championship title.

Both Norris and McLaren needs to perform at their best to secure both championships this season.

3. Ferrari ‘s potential title challenge

Ferrari began the new regulations era in 2022 with an impressive performance, winning races and demonstrating genuine title-winning potential. However, this strong start quickly faded as both the team and driver Charles Leclerc made critical mistakes, leading to a decline in performance compared to Red Bull.

With the appointment of Fred Vasseur as team principal, Ferrari experienced a strong 2024 season, finishing second in the constructors’ standings and winning five races. Leclerc showcased his talent throughout the season, achieving memorable victories in Monaco, Monza, and Austin. Notably, the team avoided the major strategic blunders that had plagued them in previous seasons.

Looking ahead, Ferrari is set to be bolstered by the addition of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. This new driver pairing is arguably the strongest across all teams, providing a solid foundation to build upon for 2024. The time for excuses has passed for Ferrari; they must deliver and aim to make the Tifosi happy by winning a title after nearly 17 years. All eyes will be on Ferrari to see how they perform this season.

4. Mclaren and Ferrari’s exciting team battles

Intra-team battles add excitement and thrill to the racing season. This year, McLaren and Ferrari boast two of the strongest driver pairings: Norris-Piastri and Leclerc-Hamilton, respectively. With both teams vying for the championship, the rivalries between teammates are bound to intensify.

Last season, tensions were high at McLaren, especially during the order-swap incident in Hungary. Meanwhile, Hamilton will be eager to take the fight to Leclerc in his first season with Ferrari, as he aims to secure victories and championships. The talent within these two teams is impressive, and Hamilton’s history of high-energy rivalries with drivers like Alonso and Rosberg suggests that sparks may fly with Leclerc as well.

Piastri proved to be a strong competitor against Norris last season; however, his qualifying performance raised some concerns, and he will be looking to eliminate mistakes from the previous year. Fans can expect intense teammate battles this season that promise to deliver plenty of action and drama.

5. Can Max Verstappen go 5 in a row?

Many people are not considering Max Verstappen a favorite for the title this season, which is surprising given that he has won the last four championships. However, it’s also not unexpected, as Red Bull struggled with race pace last season, finishing third in the Constructors’ Championship. Nonetheless, you should never count Verstappen out.

Even when he didn’t have the fastest car for more than half of the season, he still managed to secure the title with a 63-point lead. At times, he even had the third-fastest car but still achieved podium finishes. His drive in Brazil last season was one of the greatest in Formula 1 history, showcasing his mindset and determination to succeed.

If Red Bull can build a competitive car compared to McLaren and Ferrari, expect Verstappen to extract maximum performance from it and contend for the title.

6. Rookies in plenty

The 2025 Formula One (F1) season will feature six full-time rookies, the highest number since 2010. The new drivers are Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Liam Lawson (Red Bull), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Jack Doohan (Alpine), and Isack Hadjar (VCARB). Each of these young talents is eager to make an impression and start their F1 careers on a strong note.

Eighteen-year-old Antonelli will need to showcase his abilities at a prestigious team like Mercedes. Liam Lawson, who impressed last season during his brief stint at VCARB, faces a significant challenge this time around as he competes alongside Max Verstappen, arguably the strongest driver on the grid.

Oliver Bearman had a standout season last year with his performances at Ferrari and Haas, and he aims to build on that success this season. Gabriel Bortoleto enters as the reigning F2 champion, having won both the F2 and F3 titles in consecutive seasons. There are high expectations for him, with many predicting he could become a future world champion.

Jack Doohan is already under pressure at Alpine, as Franco Colapinto is waiting in the wings to replace him if he does not perform well. Doohan will be eager to prove his doubters wrong. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar will be looking to impress both the F1 community and major teams with strong performances throughout the season.

7. Multiple teams competing for wins

Last season proved to be an exhilarating spectacle in motorsport, with a remarkable seven different race winners emerging from four distinct teams. This competitive diversity suggests that we are likely to witness a similar trend unfold in the upcoming season, enhancing the level of excitement and anticipation amongst fans worldwide.

With the introduction of talented rookies such as Antonelli and Lawson, who are both eager to secure their inaugural victories, the racing dynamics could shift significantly. These drivers have joined well-established teams that have a strong legacy in the sport, providing them with both the resources and experience to make an impactful debut.

As the championship battle looms, the intensity is expected to heighten, potentially leading to a season filled with closely contested races and a wider array of winners. The competitive landscape is not limited to the front-runners; we should also keep a keen eye on midfield teams like Aston Martin and Alpine. These teams have the potential to create surprises and could very well snatch victories from the more dominant squads, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the championship race.

Overall, fans can look forward to an action-packed season that promises thrilling, edge-of-your-seat moments, with each race presenting the possibility of remarkable, unexpected outcomes.

Formula 1 has never been so unpredictable, and fans can expect a thrilling season in 2025. I hope this year will be one for the ages, filled with incredible races and unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars: the season starts in Melbourne on March 14, and before that, we have the pre-season testing in Bahrain. Until then, goodbye!

Formula One Forever

Eyes on 2025: What to Watch for in this F1 Season! was originally published in Formula One Forever on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

10. Lando Norris, Miami Grand Prix

After 110 races, Lando Norris finally shed his unfortunate nickname ‘Lando NoWins’ by claiming his first victory in Formula 1. Following the disappointment of the 2021 Russian Grand Prix and several podium finishes without a win, Norris successfully broke the curse and joined the ranks of F1 race winners. He started the race from fifth position and demonstrated impressive pace, even though his teammate, Oscar Piastri, appeared to be a more significant threat to win during the middle stages of the race.

However, a safety car deployed on lap 29 allowed Norris to take the lead after pitting, positioning him ahead of Max Verstappen. The three-time world champion Verstappen had won four of the first five races of the season, making it clear that it would be a formidable task to keep him at bay for the remainder of the race. Nevertheless, Norris rose to the occasion, pulling away from Verstappen by consistently setting fast lap times, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory.

9. Carlos Sainz, Australian Grand Prix

Ahead of the 2024 season, it was announced that Carlos Sainz would leave Ferrari at the end of the year, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton set to replace him. Sainz had to miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to an appendix operation. However, nothing seemed to stop the Spaniard from fighting for his F1 future, as he achieved a stunning victory in Australia. He took the lead from Verstappen on Lap 2 and never looked back. Ferrari had shown strong pace throughout the weekend, but to come back from a serious medical issue to claim the top step of the podium was truly remarkable. In Melbourne, Ferrari secured a 1–2 finish, while Verstappen and Red Bull revealed some vulnerabilities after their dominant start to the season.

8. Oscar Piastri, Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri won his first-ever race in Hungary before the mid-season break; however, that victory was overshadowed by a team order controversy involving his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. In Baku, Piastri showcased why he is considered the “next big thing” in Formula 1. Starting in second place, he kept a close distance behind the leader, Charles Leclerc. On lap 20, Piastri made a late lunge that caught Leclerc off guard and allowed him to take the lead. He withstood relentless pressure from the Ferrari driver, demonstrating exceptional defensive racing skills. Lap after lap, Leclerc remained in Piastri’s mirrors, but ultimately, Piastri clinched an exhilarating victory.

7. Lewis Hamilton, Las Vegas Grand Prix

Mercedes was the team to beat in Sin City, having suddenly found significant pace as they topped every session that weekend. Lewis Hamilton had a strong chance to secure pole position or at least start from the front row, but issues during the final part of qualifying meant he began the race in 10th position. However, during the race, he showcased incredible speed, overtaking multiple drivers to climb into 2nd place. At one point, it seemed possible that he might win the race, as he continuously set fastest laps and achieved purple sectors. In the end, though, his tires wore out, and his teammate George Russell took victory, with Hamilton finishing in 2nd place. It was one of those classic Hamilton performances as he prepares for his Ferrari adventure next season.

6. Charles Leclerc, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Heading into the final race of the season, Ferrari trailed McLaren by 21 points in the Constructors’ Championship, with everything still to play for. However, Leclerc and the Scuderia faced a significant setback when he was handed a 10-place grid penalty for a battery change. To make matters worse, his lap in Q2 was deleted, resulting in a disappointing 14th place in qualifying. After the penalty, he was relegated to 19th place for the race.

Despite this adversity, Leclerc demonstrated exceptional pace and racecraft. He had a fantastic start, advancing from 19th to 8th position in just one lap! He continued to make impressive overtakes throughout the race, ultimately finishing in a commendable 3rd place. This performance marked his largest gain in positions from the start of a race and capped off an outstanding season for him with a well-deserved podium finish.

5. Pierre Gasly, Brazilian Grand Prix

Pierre Gasly was on a mission in the final races of the season, beginning with a memorable performance in São Paulo. On a wet day when the rain kept everyone guessing, Gasly delivered an outstanding race. Although his qualifying was hindered by an unfortunate red flag, starting him in 13th place, he showcased exceptional skills in the challenging conditions. He made the strategic decision to stay out rather than pit early as the rain intensified. As a result, he finished in 3rd place, while his teammate Esteban Ocon secured 2nd place. This marked Team Enstone’s first double podium finish since the 2013 Korean Grand Prix. This race was crucial for Gasly, helping him end the season in the top 10 of the driver standings.

4. Charles Leclerc, Italian Grand Prix

There is no greater joy in Formula 1 than when a Ferrari driver wins at Monza, and this year, Charles Leclerc ignited the ‘Tifosi’ once again with his second victory at the Italian Grand Prix. After securing a win in his home race in Monaco, Leclerc’s season continued to shine as he climbed from 4th place at the start to achieve an unexpected victory.

Many had doubts about Ferrari’s chances that weekend, especially with McLaren’s impressive pace and their front-row lockout. Oscar Piastri led the race for a significant part of the event. However, McLaren’s strategy required a two-stop pit plan due to tire degradation, which forced them to play catch-up in the later stages.In contrast, Leclerc executed a superb one-stop strategy, managing his tires expertly, which ultimately led to his second win of the season.

3. Oliver Bearman, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

When Carlos Sainz was ruled out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, 19-year-old F2 driver and rookie Oliver Bearman stepped in for Ferrari. Expectations were low for the young Brit, as it was his first race in F1 and he received the call-up on short notice. However, Bearman surprised everyone by qualifying in a remarkable 11th place and finishing 7th, earning points in his debut. During the race, he successfully held off McLaren’s Lando Norris and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This performance solidified Bearman’s reputation as an exciting prospect for the future. He was ultimately rewarded for his outstanding showing with a contract for 2025 with the Haas team. It’s fair to say that Bearman took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase his immense talent.

2. George Russell, Belgian Grand Prix

The racing records will state that George Russell was disqualified, but he undoubtedly delivered the best performance of his Formula 1 career at this year’s Belgian Grand Prix. Starting from seventh on the grid, Russell made his first pit stop on Lap 10 and then didn’t stop again! While everyone else around him made two pit stops, the ‘Tyre Whisperer’ made a bold strategic decision that surprisingly paid off. He successfully defended his position against his charging teammate, Lewis Hamilton, and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, crossing the finish line in first place to achieve an unexpected victory. Unfortunately, post-race drama unfolded when Russell’s car was found to be underweight, leading to his disqualification from the race results and handing the victory to his teammate. Nevertheless, Russell showcased his impressive tire management and defensive skills, thrilling F1 fans in the process.

1.Max Verstappen, Brazilian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is a multiple-time world champion for a reason. True champions perform their best when they have their backs against the wall. Verstappen faced a challenging situation this time, as he was set for a five-place grid drop due to a power unit change. There were questions surrounding his title defense, especially considering the decline in Red Bull’s pace and McLaren’s Lando Norris closing in on him. To add to the pressure, Verstappen could only manage to qualify in 12th place, with a red flag disrupting his final lap in Q2, which meant he would start the race in 17th. In contrast, his rival Norris secured pole position.

This could have been a pivotal moment in the championship, potentially leading to a significant swing in points in favor of Norris. However, in today’s Formula 1, no one can match Verstappen’s performance in wet conditions. On a gloomy race day with intermittent rain showers, the Flying Dutchman dominated the competition, moving from 17th to first place in impressive fashion. During the latter part of the race, he was consistently setting the fastest laps while his rivals faltered. Ultimately, he finished an astonishing 19 seconds ahead of second-place Esteban Ocon.This race was certainly Verstappen’s greatest drive ever, surpassing even his remarkable performance in 2016 on the same track under similar conditions.

Looking forward to witnessing even more exceptional performances in 2025. Goodbye for now!

On a damp afternoon, November 2, 2008,in São Paulo, Brazil, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion to the championship battle between Britain’s Lewis Hamilton and Brazil’s Felipe Massa.

The season had been a rollercoaster for both drivers, leading up to this fascinating decider in the final race. Lewis Hamilton, the dynamic rookie of 2007, was leading the championship by 7 points. After nearly winning the title the previous year, only to lose it by a single point due to the last two races, he had the chance to rectify that disappointment.

On the other hand, Felipe Massa was mounting his first-ever title challenge and sought to win the championship in front of his home fans. Massa could secure the title if Hamilton finished in sixth place or lower. Otherwise, Hamilton would be crowned champion.

For Massa, the equation was simple: do your best and hope for some luck. For Hamilton, it was even easier — just drive a clean race and finish in the top five. However, things are not always straightforward in sports, especially in a complex arena like Formula 1, where many factors are at play. The race ended up giving us one of the biggest “What Ifs” in F1 history.

Massa stated before the race that he was focused on winning, and he delivered on that promise. He secured pole position while Hamilton qualified in fourth place. During the race, Massa was outstanding, driving flawlessly and remaining composed despite rain hitting the track late in the event. He crossed the finish line in first place, having done everything he needed to.

At this point, Hamilton was in sixth place and still had not finished the race. For a few brief moments, São Paulo was euphoric. The Ferrari garage erupted in celebration, and Massa was, for those moments, the world champion! But what unfolded next could only be described as a movie script.“Is that Glock? Is that Glock going slowly?” asked commentator Martin Brundle.

Hamilton was running in sixth place, seemingly out of contention for the championship until he passed Toyota’s Timo Glock on the last corner, on the final lap of the season! The mood in São Paulo shifted dramatically.

The Ferrari garage was left in shock. A hundred thousand local hearts sank in the grandstand.

Earlier in the race, Hamilton had been in fourth place, but the rain changed everything. Glock had opted to stay out on dry tyres, benefiting from others pitting and running in fourth. Although Hamilton pitted for intermediate tyres, a wide moment allowed Sebastian Vettel to pass him, relegating him to sixth position — a disastrous turn of events for him for the second consecutive year.

However, Glock’s gamble on dry tyres eventually failed, and Hamilton passed him on the very last corner of the track. Hamilton crossed the finish line in fifth place and became the youngest F1 world champion at that time.

Massa was seen crying in his car after the race, as the championship slipped away from him in a heartbreaking manner. In contrast, there was jubilation in the Hamilton camp, as he had won the championship by a mere single point — the same margin by which he had lost the title the previous year.

On that day, the quote “Won the battle but lost the war” aptly summed up Massa’s situation. He struggled to hold back tears on the podium. Both drivers had given their all, but in sports, only one can emerge as the champion.

This raises an important question: What if Felipe Massa had won the championship that day?

Massa suffered a severe crash the following year at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. After that incident, he was never quite the same and was consistently outperformed by his teammate Fernando Alonso at Ferrari in the subsequent years.

However, this race marks a pivotal moment in Lewis Hamilton’s career. Hamilton is now a seven-time world champion and is considered one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. It’s worth noting that after 2008, Hamilton didn’t win another championship until 2014 with Mercedes, where he went on to secure five more titles.

Would Niki Lauda have been able to convince Hamilton to join Mercedes in 2013 if he hadn’t been a world champion at that time? Furthermore, how might Hamilton’s mentality have been affected if he had lost two championships in a row in the final race of the season?

If Massa had become a world champion, would he have performed better at Ferrari against Alonso, bolstered by the confidence that comes with holding a world title? These questions may never be definitively answered. One event leads to another, and everything is interconnected like a chain. Nonetheless, this race holds critical significance in the career trajectories of both drivers.

One of the amusing aspects of sports is that, despite all the rules, regulations, and global broadcasts, there are still many mysteries that remain unexplained. This is exactly why we love Formula 1; it keeps us captivated and on the edge of our seats. Until next time, goodbye!

Formula One Forever

When São Paulo Crowned a Champion and Broke Hearts was originally published in Formula One Forever on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1. 2022 British GP

Carlos Sainz Jr. marked a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career by clinching his first-ever victory at the 2022 British Grand Prix, an event that turned out to be both thrilling and unpredictable. The race began with a chaotic qualifying session, as Sainz took his first-ever pole in treacherous wet conditions. A major incident shortly after the race commenced involved multiple cars crashing, including a horrific crash for Zhou Guanyu. Max Verstappen surged ahead and assumed the lead. However, his chances were thwarted when car issues forced him to slow down, allowing Sainz to seize the opportunity. As the race progressed, Sainz was closely pursued by his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc overtook Sainz midway through the race. But the tension heightened when a safety car was deployed, a critical moment that offered Sainz a strategic advantage. He opted to switch to fresher tires, which gave him a major advantage over his teammate, who had stayed out during the safety car period. As the safety car period concluded, Sainz took control of the race, managing to maintain his lead against a competitive field. Ultimately, Perez crossed the finish line in a strong 2nd place, while Hamilton, cheered on by his home crowd, finished in third. The 2022 British Grand Prix delivered an exhilarating spectacle for fans.

2. 2022 Singapore GP

The race was delayed for over an hour due to a thunderstorm. It began on a wet track, but as the race progressed, the track dried out, allowing teams to switch to dry tires. There were multiple safety car periods throughout the event, keeping the pit wall on their toes as they tried to determine the right strategy. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez took the lead from polesitter Charles Leclerc at the start and held off pressure from the Ferrari drivers in 2nd and 3rd for the entire race. The presence of three world champions — Verstappen, Vettel, and Hamilton — added to the thrilling competition toward the end, especially as Verstappen fought back from a poor start. In the end, Sergio Perez secured an impressive victory, despite receiving a five-second penalty for straying too far behind the Safety Car. This was one of the best drives of Perez’s career, with Leclerc and Sainz finishing in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. The slippery conditions made this race an exciting spectacle on the streets of Marina Bay.

3. 2023 Singapore GP

The weekend began with a major surprise in qualifying as the seemingly unbeatable defending champion, Max Verstappen, was eliminated in Q2. Polesitter Carlos Sainz led from the start, while his teammate Charles Leclerc lost positions during a safety car-induced pit stop. The race took a dramatic turn near the end when both Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who were running in 2nd and 4th place respectively, made the bold decision to pit for fresher tires under a Virtual Safety Car. After that, George Russell was on a mission to secure his second career victory. For the last five laps, the top four — Sainz, Lando Norris, Russell, and Hamilton — were literally glued together, separated by just over one second. Carlos Sainz drove an incredible race, leading every lap, and strategically provided DRS to his good friend Lando Norris towards the end, helping him fend off the charging Mercedes drivers. However, Russell’s pursuit ended in disappointment as he crashed out on the last lap while trying to overtake Norris. In the end, Sainz’s tactical brilliance earned him his second career victory in Formula 1 and marked the first and only non-Red Bull win of the 2023 season. The race was a captivating contest as Marina Bay delivered thrilling action for the second consecutive year.

4. 2024 Canadian GP

The 2024 Canadian GP provided one of the closest qualifying sessions for pole position in F1 history, as Russell and Verstappen set the exact same time in Q3, but Russell took pole by virtue of setting the time earlier. It was only the second time in the history of F1 that this had happened. The race began on a very wet and slippery track, with drivers struggling to adapt to the challenging conditions at the start. The Haas drivers, who were starting outside the top 10, seized the opportunity to overtake multiple cars, as they were the only two on the track equipped with wet tires. Norris took the lead on Lap 21, pulling away from the chasing pack in his McLaren. On Lap 26, Verstappen capitalized on an early pit stop under the safety car, reclaiming the lead as Norris ended up in 3rd position after pitting a lap later. As the sun came out, drivers began switching to medium tires, with race leader Verstappen pitting before Norris. Norris nearly succeeded in overcutting Verstappen after his stop, coming close to taking the lead, but his colder tires ultimately cost him the advantage. In the end, Verstappen secured the victory, with Norris finishing in 2nd and Russell in 3rd, as F1 fans were treated to a chaotic race on the streets of Montreal.

5. 2024 British GP

It was an all-British affair for the top three places in qualifying, with George Russell taking pole position, followed by Lewis Hamilton in second and Lando Norris starting in third. After a good start for the Mercedes drivers, changeable weather conditions caught both of them off guard, causing them to run off track, which allowed Norris to take the lead in the race. Soon after, Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, also overtook both Mercedes, giving McLaren a 1–2 position midway through the race. However, McLaren paid the price for leaving Piastri on a wet track too long, resulting in him losing positions to both of the Mercedes drivers, Verstappen, and Sainz. As the track dried out, McLaren again made a strategic error by keeping Norris out for one lap too long. He pitted later than Hamilton but had a slow pit stop, exiting the pit lane behind him. By this time, George Russell, who started from pole, had retired due to a technical issue. Verstappen looked particularly quick on the dry tires and managed to overtake Norris for 2nd place, then set his sights on Hamilton. However, Hamilton used his years of experience to hold on to a famous victory in his home race. This win marked Hamilton’s 104th career victory and his first since Saudi Arabia in 2021. Verstappen finished in second, while Norris ended up third. It was a Silverstone classic, with the home hero emerging victorious to the delight of the British fans.

Following the 2022 regulations, Formula 1 has produced some of the most thrilling and unpredictable races in recent memory. As the sport continues to evolve, these events highlight why F1 remains the pinnacle of motorsport — where anything can happen and every lap matters. We hope to see more of these exciting spectacles in the future. Until then, farewell and goodbye!

· It starts in the Principality -

“We are not friends,” was the statement made by Lewis Hamilton during the post-race interview at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix when asked about his teammate and childhood friend Nico Rosberg.

This came after a tense qualifying session for Mercedes on Saturday. Rosberg, who was on provisional pole, made a mistake at Mirabeau and drove into the slip road, causing yellow flags and forcing Hamilton to abort his final qualifying lap in Q3.

Hamilton clearly expressed his belief that Rosberg had intentionally ruined his lap. After starting and finishing the race in second place, Hamilton announced that he and Rosberg were no longer friends. This was the first chink in the armour in this highly tense rivalry that was about to unfold in F1.

Whether it was a genuine error or a clever ploy by Rosberg, his Mirabeau mishap left a crack in their relationship that would never be repaired. Only he will know for definite what the truth was.

Refusal To Follow Team Orders

Tensions between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton again flared up at the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix. Rosberg had a 14-point lead over Hamilton in the championship, and he took pole position while Hamilton had to start from the pitlane due to an engine failure in qualifying.

Despite this setback, Hamilton fought his way up during the race, and a mid-race safety car gave him the lead over Rosberg, who had a different pit strategy. When Rosberg closed the gap, Mercedes asked Hamilton to let his teammate pass as Rosberg was due for fresher tyres.

Hamilton refused to comply with the team’s orders, stating that he would not let Rosberg pass, and that if Rosberg was faster, he would overtake him. This led to Rosberg feeling unjustly treated and frustrated by Hamilton’s refusal to cooperate as a team player heading into the summer break.

The Spa Collision

Four weeks later at Spa, the rivalry between Rosberg and Hamilton took a volatile turn when Rosberg collided with Hamilton while trying to overtake him outside of the Les Combes chicane. This contact caused Hamilton to get a puncture, knocking him out of contention for the race.

Despite this incident, Hamilton went on to win six of the remaining seven races in the season, securing his second driver’s title. However, the relationship between Rosberg and Hamilton had deteriorated, and they had transitioned from being friends to foes.

Tussle In Austin

In the 2015 season, there wasn’t much controversy except for in the US Grand Prix. During the race, Hamilton aggressively forced Rosberg wide at Turn 1 to take the lead. This led to a thrilling race between the two drivers, with the advantage continuously shifting from one side to the other.

Ultimately, Hamilton secured the victory after a mistake by Rosberg at Turn 12 later in the race. Rosberg was furious after the race about Hamilton’s move at Turn 1, believing it was overly aggressive. This led to the infamous moment when Rosberg threw his second-place cap at Hamilton in the cooldown room, a moment that went viral after the race.

This season lacked the competitiveness of the 2014 season, as Hamilton claimed his third driver’s championship, beating Rosberg by 59 points.

The 2016 Season

Then came the 2016 season, one of the most iconic seasons in F1 history.

Meltdown in Catalunya

Nico Rosberg had a strong start to the 2016 season, winning the first 4 races while Lewis Hamilton faced reliability issues and on-track collisions. However, the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix led to a major conflict at Mercedes.

During the race, Rosberg overtook Hamilton, but after turn 3, Hamilton attempted to pass Rosberg, resulting in a collision that took both drivers out of the race. Both drivers blamed each other for the incident, with team Chairman Niki Lauda attributing blame to Hamilton, calling his move too aggressive. Meanwhile, the race became iconic as 18-year-old Max Verstappen, who had recently joined Red Bull, won the Grand Prix, becoming the youngest race winner in Formula 1 history.

It Happens Again

At the Austrian Grand Prix, tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg reached a boiling point as they made contact during a dramatic final lap. Hamilton attempted to overtake Rosberg, resulting in a collision that caused Rosberg to break his front wing. Due to this setback, Rosberg finished in 4th place, while Hamilton emerged victorious, claiming the race win.

After that, the championship lead swung from one driver to another with Hamilton taking the lead after Hungary and Rosberg taking it back at Singapore.

Hamilton’s Sepang Debacle

In a pivotal twist of events during the championship battle, the Malaysian Grand Prix showcased a defining moment. Lewis Hamilton had surged ahead early on, while Nico Rosberg fought to close the gap.

However, with just 16 laps remaining, Hamilton’s engine succumbed to failure, compounding his season-long struggle with mechanical and reliability issues. This turn of events allowed Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo to claim victory, with Rosberg securing a third-place finish, thereby extending his championship lead to a commanding 23 points.

Drama in the desert and the final showdown

After the Asia round, Hamilton gradually started closing in on Rosberg’s lead. By the time they got to the final round at Abu Dhabi, Rosberg was ahead of Hamilton by 12 points.

The championship was still up for grabs, as Hamilton needed to win the race and Rosberg had to finish third to secure the championship. In an attempt to help other drivers catch and pass Rosberg, Hamilton slowed down during the race, despite Mercedes’ instructions not to risk losing to Sebastian Vettel, who was quickly catching up due to pit strategy.

In the end, Hamilton won the race, but Rosberg’s second-place finish earned him his first Driver’s championship title, 34 years after his father Keke Rosberg had won the title in 1982. It was a case of “like father, like son.” Rosberg had finally triumphed over Hamilton after their 3-year battle at Mercedes.

Just 5 days after winning the championship, Rosberg announced his immediate retirement from the sport.

We were deprived of witnessing the epic showdown between Hamilton and Rosberg 4.0, but their rivalry was truly unparalleled. During the years of Mercedes’ dominance, when many anticipated dull races, these two injected much-needed excitement on the track, delivering unforgettable moments.

The two pushed each other to their limits, elevating the sport to new heights. We eagerly await another intense battle within a team for the championship.

Could it be Norris against Piastri in 2025? The prospect is undeniably thrilling, but only time will unveil the answer. Until then, farewell!

Formula One Forever

The Silver War: The Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry Unleashed was originally published in Formula One Forever on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It has been 4 years since Germany hosted an F1 race, and 5 years since F1 raced at the Hockenheim Circuit. The last time F1 visited Germany was at the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix held at the Nürburgring Circuit. However, let’s focus on the race that has been voted as the ‘Race of the Decade’ for the 2010s — The 2019 German Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton started on pole alongside his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas on the front row, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen starting third. This followed a disastrous qualifying session for Ferrari, with home hero Sebastian Vettel failing to set a lap time in Q1 and Charles Leclerc not completing a lap in Q3. As a result, Leclerc started 10th on the grid and Vettel started from the back of the grid.

The race began in wet conditions after 3 formation laps behind the Safety Car. Both Mercedes had a good start, while Verstappen fell behind due to severe wheel spin. For the next few laps, drivers struggled with cold tyres and the slippery track. The first round of pit stops was triggered after 4 laps, when Sergio Perez crashed out, bringing out the safety car. This was just the start of the pit stop chaos that was about to unfold as the race continued. The rain stopped and the track started to dry. On lap 15, Daniel Ricciardo suffered an engine failure, leading to a Virtual Safety Car. Charles Leclerc took advantage of this opportunity for a quick pit stop. Suddenly, Leclerc was the fastest man on the track, quickly closing the gap to the front three: Hamilton, Bottas, and Verstappen.

Kevin Magnussen and Sebastian Vettel took a gamble by pitting for dry tyres, and it paid off as they began setting the fastest sectors. Soon, the other drivers also pitted for dry tyres. Verstappen was put on the medium tyres. He spun but managed to recover after doing a 360. On lap 28, another Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed, this time due to an engine blowup for McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Leclerc pitted for soft tyres and moved ahead of Bottas into 2nd place. Hamilton, who was in 1st place, also pitted for softs. However, Leclerc’s hopes of winning the race were dashed when he ran wide on the wet drag strip outside the final corner and crashed into the barriers. The slippery drag strip proved to be a challenge for the drivers. Meanwhile, behind the Safety Car, Hamilton also hit the barriers on the drag strip but managed to stay in the race. He did lose his front wing and had to pit, marking the beginning of Mercedes’ troubles in their 200th F1 race and their celebration of 125 years in motorsport.

First, Hamilton went to the wrong side of the bollard during pit entry, incurring a time penalty. To make matters worse, his team was not ready for his unexpected pit stop. This led to a 50-second pit stop as his crew scrambled to replace the nose and fit the tyres. Hamilton eventually rejoined, and the new top 5 were Verstappen, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Albon, and Hamilton.

When everyone thought this was Hülkenberg’s chance to finally get a podium, he went down the same way Leclerc and Hamilton did and slid off the drag strip into the gravel, forcing him to retire from the race. Ouch! This brought out yet another Safety Car — yes, yet another Safety Car! Bernd Mayländer was having a hectic day! Three laps after the restart, all drivers pitted for dry tyres except for Lance Stroll. Racing Point’s gamble to fit dry tyres on Stroll paid off, as out of nowhere he was leading the race! Verstappen reclaimed the lead from Stroll, making the new top 3 Verstappen, Stroll, and Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat. Then, on Lap 54, Hamilton spun at turn 1, narrowly avoiding the barriers but was forced to pit for new tyres. Things went from bad to worse for Mercedes when Bottas, while chasing Stroll, also spun at turn 1 and hit the barriers, forcing him out of the race. Toto Wolff slammed his hand on the desk in frustration. To add to the drama, the Safety Car made its 5th appearance of the race.

During Lap 59, the Safety Car returned to the pits, setting the stage for a 5-lap sprint. Unfortunately, Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly retired from the race after colliding with Albon. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel made an impressive comeback from the back of the grid. He thrilled the home fans by overtaking Stroll and Kvyat to secure an unexpected 2nd place. Verstappen emerged victorious in the race, delivering an outstanding performance in challenging conditions. Vettel, who started from 20th position, finished 2nd, marking a redemption after a painful crash at the same circuit the previous year while leading the race. Kvyat secured 3rd place, achieving a remarkable and surprising podium finish for Toro Rosso.

What a race it was! These kinds of races make you a fan of this sport. Races like this are the reason why we love F1. The 2019 German GP was truly deserving of the title “Race of The Decade” for the 2010s. If you are an F1 fan and haven’t watched this race, you’ve got to watch it.

Hopefully, we’ll have F1 back at Hockenheim. It’s always an exciting experience here. Until then, Tschüss!