Hamilton Defends Ferrari's 2026 Focus, Mekies Warns of Red Bull's 'Titanic' Task, Norris Celebrates Title with Lavish Party

Lewis Hamilton has publicly backed Ferrari's controversial decision to halt 2025 car development early, while Red Bull's Laurent Mekies warns of a "titanic" challenge ahead for 2026. Meanwhile, newly crowned champion Lando Norris celebrated his title with a lavish party in Abu Dhabi, reportedly spending over €100,000.

Why it matters:

These developments highlight the strategic crossroads facing top F1 teams as they balance current performance with the monumental task of preparing for the 2026 regulation overhaul. Hamilton's defense of Ferrari's long-term gamble, contrasted with Mekies' candid admission about Red Bull's delayed focus, reveals the high-stakes decisions shaping next season's competitive order.

The details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari Defense: The seven-time champion stated it was "the right decision" for Ferrari to stop aerodynamic development on its SF-25 car as early as April to focus entirely on the 2026 machine, acknowledging it made the 2025 season harder but was necessary given they weren't fighting for the title.
• Red Bull's 2026 Reality Check: Team principal Laurent Mekies admitted Red Bull "wasted time" on 2026 development during its intense 2025 title fight with McLaren. He called the upcoming challenge "titanic," warning the team will likely "struggle at the start" of next season as a consequence.
• Norris's Championship Celebration: Following his maiden title win by two points over Max Verstappen, Lando Norris was seen in viral social media videos partying across several Abu Dhabi hotspots. Reports indicate he and his group racked up a bill of approximately €114,000 (roughly £100,000) for the evening.

The big picture:

The 2025 season's closing chapters are dominated by preparations for F1's next major regulatory shift in 2026. Ferrari's aggressive early pivot, defended by its future star driver, and Red Bull's admitted catch-up game set the stage for a potentially volatile start to the new era. Off-track, Norris's extravagant celebration underscores the immense personal and financial rewards that come with securing the sport's ultimate prize.

What's next:

All eyes now turn to winter development and pre-season testing. The success of Ferrari's all-in 2026 gamble and Red Bull's ability to mitigate its delayed start will be critical in determining the early pecking order. For Norris, the challenge shifts from celebrating a first title to defending it against a hungry field, including a Red Bull team acutely aware of the work ahead.