Melbourne, March 09, 2025 – As the Formula 1 paddock gears up for the 2025 season opener in Australia, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has offered a rare glimpse into a private dinner among drivers held earlier this week. The dinner, a casual gathering to kick off the new season, included reigning champion Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s former rival from their intense 2021 title battle. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton shared details of their conversation, shedding light on the dynamic between two of F1’s biggest stars.
Hamilton, now in his debut season with Ferrari, described the encounter as surprisingly amicable. “Max and I sat across from each other, and it was actually a good chat,” Hamilton revealed. “I asked him how he’s feeling about defending the title this year with so many strong teams in the mix. He just smiled and said, ‘It’s going to be chaos, but I love it.’ I told him, ‘Mate, I’m coming for you this time,’ and we both laughed. It’s respect, you know? We’ve been through a lot.”
The dinner, attended by several other drivers including Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and George Russell, took place at a low-key restaurant in Melbourne, away from the media spotlight. Sources say the mood was light, with drivers swapping stories from the off-season and playfully sizing up the competition. However, Hamilton’s comments hint at the underlying tension and excitement as he prepares to challenge Verstappen, who has dominated the sport with four consecutive titles.
Now 40, Hamilton is determined to reclaim his throne and secure a record-breaking eighth championship. His move to Ferrari has been the talk of the paddock, and his renewed energy was evident as he spoke. “I said to Max, ‘This year feels different for me. I’ve got a new fire, a new team, and I’m not here to mess around.’ He just nodded and said, ‘Good, bring it on.’ It’s game on from here,” Hamilton recounted with a grin.
Verstappen, meanwhile, remained tight-lipped when asked about the exchange, only offering a brief, “It was a nice dinner. Lewis is always fun to talk to.” The Red Bull driver, who sealed his 2024 title in Las Vegas, faces a tougher fight this year with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all showing promising pace in pre-season testing.
As the lights go out this weekend at Albert Park, the stage is set for another chapter in the Hamilton-Verstappen saga. Fans will be watching closely to see if their dinner-table banter translates into another epic on-track rivalry.
