As the Formula 1 season heads into its final stretch, tension is ramping up both on and off the track. McLaren find themselves leading the way after a season of remarkable resurgence, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the heart of a title fight few would have predicted at the start of 2025. Yet their lead is under serious threat — not from within, but from the ever-relentless Max Verstappen, who has rediscovered his championship-winning form. With Red Bull mounting a comeback, one man who knows exactly what it takes to fend off Verstappen — Lewis Hamilton — has issued a warning to McLaren’s young stars: they need to be “cut-throat” if they want to hang onto their advantage.
Hamilton’s Message: “You Have to Be Cut-Throat”
Speaking ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton offered some pointed advice for Norris and Piastri as they face increasing pressure from Verstappen and Red Bull. The seven-time world champion, speaking to F1 TV, said bluntly:
“You really have to be cut-throat. That’s what Max is … He’s going to take this from them if they don’t do the same.”
Hamilton also reminded them that holding off Verstappen isn’t just about speed — it’s about mentality.
“You have to put your blinkers up. Block absolutely everything from the outside … Dig deep to hold off someone like Max and the car that he’s in. Consistency is key.”
Hamilton’s comments are a mix of encouragement and hard truth — a recognition that McLaren have done brilliantly to reach this position, but that Verstappen’s resurgence will punish even the slightest weakness.
Why Hamilton’s Advice Matters
Few in Formula 1 understand Max Verstappen’s intensity better than Lewis Hamilton. Their 2021 championship duel remains one of the most dramatic in the sport’s history, and Hamilton’s insights are born of that experience.
His warning carries weight for three key reasons:
Experience vs. Youth – Hamilton has been in these knife-edge title battles before. Norris and Piastri haven’t — at least not at this scale. His “cut-throat” reference isn’t about aggression, but mental resilience.
Momentum Shift – After dominating much of the season, McLaren’s cushion has shrunk. Verstappen’s run of victories in Italy, Baku and Austin cut the championship lead from 104 points to just 40. Hamilton knows momentum changes fast — and staying calm under pressure is vital.
Team Dynamics – McLaren’s biggest advantage could also become a weakness: two drivers chasing the same prize. Hamilton’s remarks hint at the danger of internal tension, reminding both that unity may be the key to surviving Verstappen’s charge.
What McLaren Must Do Next
Hamilton’s comments don’t just highlight the threat — they point to the formula McLaren must follow to keep their lead alive.
Be ruthlessly consistent
Hamilton’s mantra of “consistency is key” is timeless. Winning championships isn’t just about peak performances; it’s about scoring solid points every weekend. McLaren must ensure both drivers maximise results even on off-weekends.
Adopt a cut-throat mindset
Being “cut-throat” doesn’t necessarily mean reckless aggression — it means refusing to yield. Verstappen has mastered the art of psychological warfare: controlling races from the front, taking no prisoners in battles, and exploiting every rival’s hesitation. McLaren’s drivers must mirror that approach if they want to match him mentally.
Protect the team balance
The internal rivalry between Norris and Piastri will intensify as the title nears its climax. Hamilton’s advice implicitly warns them not to trip over each other. Both are capable of winning races — but if they cost each other points, Verstappen won’t hesitate to pounce.
Verstappen’s Revival Is the Real Test
Hamilton’s comments come as Verstappen’s comeback gains momentum. The Dutchman has looked back to his dominant best, winning three of the last four races and cutting Piastri’s championship lead dramatically.
As Hamilton put it:
“Max is going to take this from them if they don’t do the same.”
The statement reflects not just Verstappen’s speed but his mentality. When he smells blood, he attacks relentlessly — and his partnership with Red Bull’s precision strategy makes him almost unstoppable. McLaren must now prove they can handle sustained pressure without losing rhythm.
The Bigger Picture
Hamilton’s advice also raises a broader question about F1’s new generation. Norris and Piastri represent the future — quick, composed and media-savvy — but do they yet possess the ruthlessness that separates champions from contenders?
Hamilton’s own career trajectory suggests they can learn. Early in his career, he faced similar questions about temperament. Over time, he developed the mental fortitude that turned him from a prodigy into a seven-time world champion. For McLaren’s pair, 2025 could be that same learning curve.
Final Thoughts
Lewis Hamilton’s message to McLaren’s drivers is part warning, part wisdom. Formula 1 isn’t just about who has the fastest car — it’s about who’s willing to fight hardest under pressure. With Verstappen closing fast, McLaren’s young stars will need to show a level of grit and psychological strength they’ve never had to summon before.
McLaren have built the machinery to challenge Red Bull; now it’s up to Norris and Piastri to prove they have the mindset. Because as Hamilton reminded them — in F1, talent alone isn’t enough. To beat Max Verstappen, you have to be cut-throat.
