F1 Today: 'Driver Better Than Verstappen' Crowned, Hamilton-Adami Chemistry Questioned

This Monday, November 3, 2025, the F1 paddock is buzzing with two major stories: Kyle Larson’s dramatic second NASCAR Cup Series title win, which some are touting as a testament to a driver better than Verstappen, and critical questions being raised about the chemistry between Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

Why it matters:

F1 is a sport where every detail counts, from driver-engineer synergy to the strategic brilliance seen in other top-tier motorsport categories. While Larson's win highlights a driver's ability to overcome adversity and clinch a championship without leading a single lap, the scrutiny on Hamilton's radio communication underscores the delicate balance required for success at the pinnacle of motorsport. Both stories, in different ways, reveal the intense pressure and the fine margins that define competitive racing.

The Details:

• Kyle Larson's Second NASCAR Cup Series Title:

  • Larson clinched his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in a tense finale at Phoenix Raceway, beating Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron.
  • Despite suffering a puncture with 100 laps remaining, Larson's strategic driving and resilience were key.
  • The final laps saw chaos, with Hamlin briefly regaining the lead before Byron’s puncture forced an overtime finish.
  • On fresher tires, Larson navigated through the field to secure third place and the title, becoming the first driver in the current format to win the Cup without leading a single lap in the final race.

• Hamilton-Adami Chemistry Under Scrutiny:

  • Dutch F1 pundit Robert Doornbos has raised concerns about the working relationship between Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari race engineer, Riccardo Adami, following Hamilton's penalty for his clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico.
  • Doornbos described their communication as “disconnected,” suggesting a lack of synergy critical for top-level performance.
  • He noted Hamilton’s defensive explanations during radio exchanges and Adami’s subdued responses as indicators of deeper coordination issues.
  • Doornbos stressed that such misalignment could cost Ferrari crucial points and podium finishes, emphasizing the need for sharp, instinctive, and unified communication between driver and engineer for a team aiming for championship contention.

The big picture:

In a sport as intensely competitive as F1, the smallest cracks in team dynamics can have significant repercussions. Doornbos's comments on Hamilton and Adami point to a potential Achilles' heel for Ferrari as they push to compete at the very front. Meanwhile, Larson's NASCAR victory serves as a reminder that championship wins often come down to more than just raw speed – strategic acumen, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure are equally vital. These narratives, though from different racing series, highlight universal truths about what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.

What's next:

The focus will undoubtedly intensify on Ferrari’s internal workings, particularly the Hamilton-Adami dynamic, as the F1 season progresses. Any further missteps in communication or on-track performance will only fuel speculation about their synergy. For Larson, his second NASCAR title solidifies his status as one of racing's elite, setting the stage for future dominance. These events will certainly provide plenty of talking points and analysis in the weeks to come across the broader motorsport world.