The 2025 F1 season has exploded into one of the most unpredictable title fights in modern motorsport. What began as a fierce but straightforward McLaren duel between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri dramatically shifted gears after the Las Vegas Grand Prix — when both drivers were shockingly disqualified for technical violations. Suddenly, what looked like a two-horse race became something much more chaotic and compelling.
And this is where it gets controversial: Max Verstappen, who had seemed out of the picture midway through the season, roared back with a blistering streak of seven straight podium finishes. His resurgence injected fresh adrenaline into a championship that now sees three elite drivers — each representing different storylines and fan loyalties — charging head-to-head toward the Abu Dhabi finale.
In this episode of In Focus, the hosts break down how the 2025 Formula One campaign spiraled into this dramatic three-way showdown. The discussion dives into McLaren’s team dynamics and the subtle tensions that shaped their back-to-back Constructors’ Championship, while also examining the sobering reality of Lewis Hamilton’s underwhelming first season behind the wheel for Ferrari.
Guest speaker Rishikesh Ramachandran — a former racer turned journalist — joins host Reuben Joe Joseph to analyze what this title fight reveals about the next era of Formula One dominance. The episode is edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
But here’s the question everyone’s debating: Has Verstappen’s late-season brilliance been the mark of a true champion, or do the McLaren penalties cast a shadow over how the 2025 title will ultimately be decided? Tune in, and then share your take — who genuinely deserves to lift the trophy this year?
Published — December 02, 2025, 05:10 pm IST
