Max Verstappen told to expect ‘very intense’ 2025 F1 title battle with 32-DNF driver

Max Verstappen is looking to become only the second F1 driver to win five championships in a row in 2025.

The Dutchman has been almost unstoppable since he dramatically won the 2021 title at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In the ground effect era, Red Bull and Verstappen have dominated the field.

The 27-year-old won 15 out of 22 races in 2022 and 19 out of 22 in 2023 on his way to the title He was not as dominant in 2024 but still managed to fend off a late charge from Lando Norris.

The Dutchman went on a 10-race winless streak after Barcelona before putting the championship out of sight with his stunning win from P17 in Sao Paulo. Verstappen wrapped up the title in Las Vegas, beating Norris by 63 points.

Verstappen is now looking for his fifth title but 2025 will not be easy. Red Bull no longer have the dominant car they once had as McLaren and Ferrari have caught up in development.

Norris is seen as the favourite for the title as the Brit boasts the fastest package on the grid. But Tom Coronel sees a ‘very intense’ battle for Verstappen with another driver.

Tom Coronel predicts Max Verstappen to have another ‘very intense’ battle with Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen’s rivalry with Lewis Hamilton dates back to the infamous 2021 season and the latter’s controversial defeat on the final lap in Abu Dhabi. In 2025, the two will lock horns with Hamilton in the red of Ferrari.

The seven-time champion has not been in the championship picture in the last three years having struggled with inconsistent machinery at Mercedes. Hamilton was dominated by teammate George Russell in 2024 as he recorded the lowest finish of his career.

Expectations are high for the 40-year-old – who has only had 32 DNFs in his F1 career – to perform at the Maranello outfit. Ferrari fans are already demanding the world championship from Hamilton this season.

For Coronel, Verstappen and Hamilton will battle again this season, even stating he is already looking to attend the season finale in anticipation of another intense showdown like 2021.

“Yes it is going to be the battle between these two because if you just talk about the two best fastest drivers then it is Lewis and Max”, he said via Motorsport.com Nederland.

“We know that, let’s say the chemistry that they don’t have with each other, let me put it this way! Then yes that is very intense and that really goes with: ‘No I am stronger and smarter, no that is me. But I am bolder and better and so on’.

“I mean it is not for nothing that they were on top of each other in Monza. It is not for nothing that they flew off in Silverstone. These two are so evenly matched and then in a different style, in a different way that I certainly believe that in 2025 those two will meet.

“Because the Ferrari is still in my opinion the car that we really have to keep an eye on and then especially in combination with Leclerc and Lewis. It is a team that is growing.

“So, these two are just going to do it again. I have booked another ticket to Abu Dhabi, the last race!”

Can Lewis Hamilton fight for an eighth title with Ferrari?

Hamilton is just over a month away from his first race in Ferrari colours. Ferrari expects Hamilton to be ‘super competitive’ in Australia as he looks to get off to a bright start with his new team.

The Brit has been preparing extensively during the winter for 2025. Although Hamilton crashed in testing in Barcelona, he did experience the 2023 and 2024 Ferrari, which will give him a small indication of what the 2025 car will be like.

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Hamilton’s recent woes with Mercedes will be a concern in 2025, particularly his performances in qualifying. The 40-year-old started on the front row of the grid only once last season.

The seven-time champion will also face strong competition from Charles Leclerc who is one of the fastest drivers over one lap. But a fresh start with Ferrari could be just what he needs to get back on form.

Coronel has told Hamilton to ‘disappear’ if he wins an eighth title with Ferrari, not wanting him to tarnish his reputation afterwards. If the Brit can find the groove in Maranello, it could prove to be an unstoppable combination.