Hamilton Urges McLaren Duo: Be 'Cutthroat' to Stop Verstappen's Title Charge

Lewis Hamilton has a clear message for McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris: they must become "cutthroat" to fend off Max Verstappen in the 2025 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship. After Verstappen's recent surge, winning three of the last four Grands Prix and an Austin sprint, the title fight is no longer just between the McLaren teammates, who currently lead the standings.

Why it matters:

Ferrari driver and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's advice comes from a place of direct experience, having lost the dramatic 2021 title fight to Verstappen. His warning highlights the intense pressure and strategic mindset required to compete against a driver like Verstappen, who is known for his relentless pursuit of victory. For McLaren, this isn't just about winning a title; it's about navigating the psychological warfare of a championship battle and preventing a resurgent Red Bull from stealing their thunder.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: Verstappen's recent victories have closed the gap, placing him 40 points behind leader Piastri, who holds a 14-point lead over Norris. This surge began after Red Bull introduced upgrades at Monza, significantly improving their car's competitiveness.
• McLaren's Internal Battle: McLaren's policy of keeping its drivers level has led to Piastri and Norris taking points off each other, a situation Verstappen has capitalized on with Red Bull's full backing.
• Hamilton's Advice: Hamilton emphasizes the need for a "cutthroat" approach, similar to Verstappen's, to prevent the Dutchman from seizing the title. He stresses that both Piastri and Norris must dig deep for consistency, a quality Verstappen has demonstrated in recent races.
• External Pressure: Hamilton acknowledges the immense external pressure on the McLaren drivers, urging them to "block absolutely everything from the outside"—both positive and negative feedback—to maintain focus on their maiden championship bid.
• Hamilton's Own Season: Despite his advice, Hamilton is enduring a challenging season with Ferrari, currently sixth in the championship, 50 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, and yet to secure a Grand Prix podium. However, he equaled his best Sunday result of 2025 with a fourth-place finish in Austin.

The Big Picture:

The 2025 F1 season has evolved into a thrilling three-way battle. What initially appeared to be an internal McLaren contest has been disrupted by Verstappen and Red Bull's mid-season resurgence. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of F1, where car development and driver mentality are equally critical. McLaren's strategy of maintaining driver parity, while fostering healthy competition, now faces its ultimate test against a unified and highly effective Red Bull effort. Hamilton's comments serve as a timely reminder that championships are often won as much by psychological strength as by raw pace.

What's next:

As the season heads into its final five rounds, the pressure intensifies. The upcoming Mexican Grand Prix will be a crucial test for all three contenders. Hamilton hopes Ferrari's past success at this track will provide a springboard for his own performance, despite having to adapt to a new car and missing P1 practice this weekend. For Piastri and Norris, the challenge is clear: adopt a more aggressive, self-preserving mindset—as advised by a champion—or risk seeing Verstappen claim his fifth consecutive title.