Ferrari, Hamilton’s final challenge is with Kimi Antonelli: the scenario heading into Abu Dhabi
Lewis Hamilton versus Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Ferrari is preparing for its last major battle of the season in the grand finale at Abu Dhabi. The two drivers, the British star and the young Italian talent, are separated by only two points in the standings as they fight for sixth place. The Mercedes rookie is experiencing an extremely positive moment in his debut Formula 1 campaign, while the seven-time world champion is reaching the end of a difficult season. At Yas Marina, fans will witness a generational duel between the past and the future of Formula 1.
The season is drawing to a close, and so are the struggles of a Lewis Hamilton who now appears increasingly resigned. In the Lusail paddock, slipping away from photographers and giving only a few tired smiles to journalists trying to understand the reasons behind his problems, the British driver showed just how tough the year has been. In Qatar, the SF-25 reached one of its lowest points of the entire campaign: the car simply did not work, it felt almost undriveable, and both the Briton and Charles Leclerc struggled to even keep it on the track.
But the issues faced by the champion from Stevenage go much deeper. They are not only linked to the limits of the current Ferrari, but also to the foundations of the technical regulations introduced in 2022. Everything will change in just a few weeks — the 2026 era will begin with the post-season Pirelli tests on Tuesday, 9 December — yet before that moment arrives, one more challenge still awaits.
Hamilton versus Antonelli: Abu Dhabi will decide the drivers’ standings
While Yas Marina will host the final showdown between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the front, the Abu Dhabi circuit will also be the stage for the much-anticipated duel between Lewis Hamilton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. At stake is sixth place in the drivers’ standings, but also a significant amount of pride. The young Bologna-born driver has replaced the seven-time world champion at Mercedes, and beating him on points would strengthen his credentials for the years ahead.
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 230 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 152 points
7. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 150 points
8. Alexander Albon (Williams) – 73 points
“Antonelli is only two points behind Hamilton in the championship, the man he replaced at Mercedes. That would really sum up Lewis’ season if the Italian teenager managed to beat him for sixth place,” wrote Martin Brundle on Sky Sports.
For Lewis Hamilton, holding off the driver who took his old seat would offer a small but symbolic consolation at the end of a tough first year in red. For Kimi Antonelli, leaping ahead of a living legend on pure 2025 points would be the ultimate statement from Formula 1’s brightest rising star.
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