The latest insights into the Lewis Hamilton F1 2025 verdict have left fans stunned, as the seven-time world champion was absent from the official driver rankings revealed by Formula 1 team principals. This unexpected omission comes after a turbulent season and highlights dramatic shifts in the sport ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Norris Claims Championship While Verstappen Tops Principal Rankings
The conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season saw Lando Norris secure his first championship title, narrowly besting Max Verstappen by just two points. Despite Norris’s thrilling victory on the track, when team principals, including Andrea Stella of McLaren, Toto Wolff of Mercedes, and James Vowles of Williams, released their end-of-season rankings, Max Verstappen once again led the list—his fifth consecutive year at the top according to this poll of F1 leaders. Norris followed closely in second position, marking another chapter in the ongoing rivalry within the sport.
Big Movers and Surprises in the Team Principals’ Rankings
Several drivers experienced notable shifts in this season’s principal verdicts. Oscar Piastri climbed one spot from his previous year’s mark to secure third place, while George Russell advanced two positions to take the fourth spot. The rankings also showed Fernando Alonso making a remarkable leap, rising four places to claim the fifth position, signaling a return to form for the veteran driver.
Carlos Sainz, despite achieving two podium finishes during his first year with Williams, found himself slipping to sixth, one lower than his last standing. Charles Leclerc faced considerable struggles throughout the year and ended up seventh. Among the newcomers, rookies Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar followed in eighth and ninth, respectively, with Nico Hulkenberg rounding out the top ten after earning his career-first podium finish during the season.
Lewis Hamilton’s Omission Raises Eyebrows
The most talked-about absence was that of Lewis Hamilton, who was left out of the rankings after enduring a challenging debut year with Ferrari. Fans and analysts alike were taken aback by this exclusion, considering Hamilton’s reputation and achievements. His “nightmare of a session,” as some have described it, has clearly altered perceptions among the decision-makers within the sport, prompting intense discussion within the F1 community about the changing guard among elite drivers.
Verstappen’s Off-Season Activities Spotlight His Athletic Edge
While speculation surrounds the driver standings, Max Verstappen has been making headlines for his leisure activities during the off-season, opting for athletic pursuits instead of rest or travel to exotic destinations. Verstappen was recently seen playing volleyball with friends and relatives, enjoying the beaches of Brazil. Social media captured these moments, with Kelly Piquet’s brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., sharing footage of the relaxed champion. According to the posts, Verstappen is enjoying his time away from racing, proving his commitment to sport both on and off the track.
max playing volleyball in brazil!!! ☺️[🎥 piquetjr] pic.twitter.com/wNO2JsmOkz— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) December 30, 2025
Looking Ahead: 2026 Season Brings Uncertainty and Opportunity
With the 2026 season fast approaching and sweeping regulation changes on the horizon, Formula 1 finds itself without a clear pre-season favorite. The unpredictable nature of the upcoming campaign adds to the anticipation, especially given Verstappen’s track record of overcoming setbacks to remain at the top. For now, drivers and their teams are gearing up for what many expect to be another fiercely competitive season, as new faces emerge and established stars like Lewis Hamilton face questions about their future impact in the sport.
https://twitter.com/SCUDERIAFEMBOY/status/2006099306529411136
