F1 season predicted as Hamilton decision made, Verstappen humbled by rival  and driver axed | F1 | Sport | Express.co.uk

The 2025 Formula 1 season has reached a fever pitch. With only ten races remaining, the drama is thicker than ever. Champions are on the edge, rivals are scheming, and the paddock is buzzing with speculation about who will triumph—and who will crash spectacularly. As the summer break fades, the spotlight shifts back to the circuit, and fans across the world are bracing themselves for what promises to be a breathtaking conclusion.

F1 Grand Prix of Canada

A First-Time Champion in the Making

After Max Verstappen’s recent stumble, now sitting 97 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, it appears almost certain that Formula 1 will crown a first-time world champion in 2025. The Australian prodigy has been quietly, methodically building his case for glory. Piastri boasts six wins to his teammate Lando Norris’ five, has a formidable qualifying record, and consistently keeps mistakes to a minimum. Meanwhile, Norris’ surge through July and August demonstrated that he isn’t willing to be a mere footnote in this season’s story.

The McLaren duo have become a mesmerizing double-act, rarely surrendering more than seven points at a time, and have delivered four consecutive one-two finishes. It’s this blend of consistency, calm under pressure, and surgical damage limitation that makes Piastri the safest bet to seize the crown. But with every Grand Prix, the tension ratchets higher, leaving fans wondering: can anyone derail this Australian marvel before Abu Dhabi calls time on the season?

The Battle Behind McLaren

F1 Grand Prix of Belgium - Sprint & Qualifying

While the focus rests on the top spot, intrigue simmers just behind. Lewis Hamilton, ever the comeback king, will not abandon the championship midway through the season—or at its conclusion. Expect the seven-time world champion to claw his way back to a podium before the final checkered flag. Hamilton’s experience and ruthlessness under pressure make him an unstoppable force when the stakes are high.

However, the most compelling narrative is unfolding around third place in the Drivers’ Championship. Verstappen’s recent form has been uncharacteristically shaky, with just one podium in his last seven races. George Russell, on the other hand, has been quietly asserting himself, claiming a win and a podium in that same stretch. With only 15 points separating the two, every race is a battle of nerves and strategy. Mercedes’ upward trajectory suggests Russell may eclipse Verstappen before the curtain falls, leaving the Dutchman humbled in a season that promised so much.

Driver Moves and Paddock Politics

The story isn’t just about points and podiums. The driver market outside the top four teams is brimming with suspense. Two names dominate the gossip mills: Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda. Both drivers have assurances to finish the 2025 season, but the winds of change are unpredictable. Colapinto, in particular, faces the looming shadow of Flavio Briatore’s return. Could he be the next casualty? Paul Aron waits patiently, ready to step in, while established veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas sit on the sidelines, eager for any opportunity. Every decision, every whisper in the paddock could redefine careers overnight.

Teams on Edge

The constructors’ championship is no less dramatic. McLaren’s domination has disrupted the traditional order, forcing Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari to adapt on the fly. The engineering arms race continues, with upgrades, strategy calls, and tire gambles becoming the difference between glory and heartbreak. Behind the glittering surface of podium celebrations lies a pressure cooker of politics, rivalries, and calculated risks that could explode at any moment.

Fans are also keeping an eye on the rookies. Rising stars have the potential to upset the established order, with unexpected performances capable of tipping the scales in crucial races. The paddock buzz isn’t just speculation; it’s a harbinger of surprises that could reshape the championship standings at any race weekend.

The Countdown to Abu Dhabi

Every lap in the remaining ten races will be scrutinized, every pitstop dissected, and every strategic call debated endlessly on social media. Will Piastri maintain his calm under pressure? Can Norris finally overcome his teammate? Will Verstappen find redemption or crumble under the weight of expectation? And how will Russell, Hamilton, and other contenders navigate the treacherous waters behind McLaren?

The final stretch of the 2025 F1 season promises chaos, heartbreak, and possibly historic triumphs. In the high-octane world of Formula 1, nothing is certain until the checkered flag waves in Abu Dhabi. One thing is clear: the stage is set for unforgettable drama, and every fan, driver, and team knows that the next ten races will define the legacy of this extraordinary season.

As engines roar and tires screech, F1 2025 proves once again that it’s not just a sport—it’s a theatre of suspense, skill, and unrelenting ambition. Buckle up. The ride is far from over.