The 2025 Australian Grand Prix was nothing short of spectacular, with Lando Norris securing a thrilling victory ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell. It was a chaotic race, marked by unpredictable weather, strategic tire changes, and multiple incidents that saw six drivers retire. However, one of the biggest talking points of the weekend was Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in his Ferrari debut, finishing a disappointing 10th after an error-filled race.
After the race, the top three finishers—Norris, Verstappen, and Russell—gathered in the cool-down room, a place where drivers often reflect on key moments, celebrate their performances, and sometimes even make candid remarks about their rivals. Given Hamilton’s difficult race, fans were eager to know if the seven-time world champion was a topic of discussion.
Cool-Down Room Conversations: What Was Said?
As Norris, Verstappen, and Russell reviewed the race, their conversation centered on the challenging conditions, tire choices, and key race moments. Norris, who managed his tires well and capitalized on his team’s strategy, was congratulated by Verstappen for his performance. The Dutch driver, who finished second, acknowledged the tricky conditions and how difficult it was to keep up with Norris in the latter stages of the race.
When the discussion shifted to the race incidents, Hamilton’s struggles were indirectly referenced. Verstappen noted how difficult it was to manage the car in the rain, which could be interpreted as a subtle nod to Hamilton’s struggles, as the Ferrari driver notably spun twice during the race. Norris also mentioned how the wet conditions made it “so easy to make mistakes,” again possibly hinting at the challenges Hamilton faced.
Hamilton’s Reaction to a Difficult Race
While the cool-down room conversation didn’t directly focus on Hamilton, the Ferrari driver himself was vocal about his frustrations post-race. Speaking to the media, Hamilton admitted that the race was “one of the toughest” he had endured in a long time. He highlighted how Ferrari struggled in the changing conditions and how he was unable to extract the pace needed to compete with the frontrunners.
“It was just a really tough day. The car felt good in the dry, but once the rain came, we struggled to keep the tires in the right window. A couple of mistakes didn’t help, and I just couldn’t find the rhythm,” Hamilton explained.
A New Era in F1?
With Norris taking his maiden Australian GP victory and Verstappen continuing to be a dominant force, the race signaled a potential shift in the competitive landscape of Formula 1. Hamilton’s struggles in his first race with Ferrari only added to the speculation about whether he could return to his championship-winning form.
While the cool-down room may not have provided any controversial statements about Hamilton, it was clear that the next generation—led by Norris and Verstappen—is continuing to set the pace in Formula 1. Whether Hamilton can fight back and challenge for wins in the coming races remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting battle.
