Hamilton Urges McLaren Duo: 'Be Cutthroat or Verstappen Will Take It'

Lewis Hamilton has issued a stark warning to McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, urging them to adopt a 'cutthroat' mentality in their fight for the 2025 Formula 1 title. Hamilton's caution comes as Max Verstappen rapidly closes the gap, demonstrating his ruthless approach in recent races.

Why it matters:

• With five rounds remaining and only 40 points separating Piastri from Verstappen, and Norris 14 points behind his teammate, the championship battle is intensifying. Hamilton, a veteran of fierce title fights against Verstappen, emphasizes that McLaren's duo must match the Red Bull driver's intensity and consistency to secure the crown.
• The outcome of this championship could define the careers of Piastri and Norris and mark a significant turning point for McLaren, which has not seen a driver's title since 2008.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Warning: Speaking to F1 TV, Hamilton stated, "You really have to be cutthroat. That's what Max is. He's going to take this from them if they don't do the same." He stressed the need for Piastri and Norris to "dig deep" to both fend off Verstappen and outperform each other.
• Verstappen's Resurgence: After a strong run of three wins in the past four races, plus a sprint victory in Austin, Verstappen has dramatically re-entered title contention, highlighting his relentless pursuit of points.
• McLaren's Even-Handed Approach: McLaren's strategy of treating both drivers equally, while fostering internal competition, has also meant that Piastri and Norris have occasionally taken points from each other. This dynamic allows Verstappen, as Red Bull's clear number one, to consolidate his position.
• Consistency is Key: Hamilton underlined that consistency is paramount in a title fight, a quality he notes Verstappen has demonstrated in recent races.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's advice stems from his own experience, particularly his grueling 2021 title loss to Verstappen in Abu Dhabi. He understands the psychological toll and strategic demands of competing at the absolute pinnacle of F1, where every point and every move is critical. His call for a 'cutthroat' approach is a recognition of Verstappen's aggressive and unyielding racing style, which leaves no room for hesitation.

What's next:

• The championship battle continues this weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, a circuit where Ferrari, Hamilton's current team, performed strongly last year. Hamilton hopes to carry momentum from his fourth-place finish in Austin.
• The McLaren drivers must now internalize Hamilton's message, blocking out external pressures and focusing solely on maximizing their performance while navigating the delicate balance of team dynamics and individual championship aspirations. The remaining five rounds will test their resolve and tactical acumen against one of F1's most formidable competitors.