The points battle in the final stages of the 2025 F1 season has yielded an unexpected narrative that has captured the attention of the entire racing community.

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok highlighted the “big boost” in morale that Mercedes would receive if their young protégé, Kimi Antonelli, manages to finish ahead of the legendary Lewis Hamilton in the final Drivers’ Standings.

Following Antonelli’s impressive second-place finish in São Paulo and a challenging retirement for Hamilton, the gap between the young Italian and the seven-time champion has narrowed to a mere 26 points, with three high-stakes rounds remaining.

Kimi Antonelli, who has been carefully groomed by Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff for several years and was swiftly chosen as Hamilton’s successor, has experienced a rollercoaster debut season. While making a strong initial impression during the early flyaway races, the teenager subsequently endured a difficult period through the European rounds, collecting a disappointing three points across nine events.

However, since F1 left Europe for the final flyaway races, Antonelli’s performance has remarkably flourished. He has demonstrated significant maturity, securing three top-five finishes across the past five events. This tangible progress not only bodes well for his future but also places him in a direct, highly symbolic rivalry with his predecessor.

Hamilton’s Struggle in the Scuderia

While Antonelli makes major strides, Lewis Hamilton continues to struggle to score significant points for Ferrari. The 40-year-old’s maiden season with the Scuderia is increasingly being described as “painful,” characterized by inconsistency and frustrating results. This difficulty has granted Antonelli a genuine opportunity to overtake Hamilton for sixth place in the standings—an achievement that would represent a truly exceptional rookie season campaign.

This unexpected duel is more than just a battle for points; it is a symbolic contest between the two giant teams. Discussing the major talking points ahead of the final rounds, Chandhok enthusiastically shared his intrigue on Sky F1:

“I’ll tell you, can I throw in a little left-field championship battle I’m intrigued by? Kimi Antonelli versus Lewis Hamilton is only, I think, now, 26 points between them. That would be a big boost for Mercedes. Can you imagine if they managed to get the rookie to beat the guy who’s left them and gone to Ferrari.”

Should Antonelli succeed in this goal, it would be a substantial moral victory for Mercedes, validating their commitment to their young driver and softening the blow of losing their greatest champion. Conversely, for Hamilton and Ferrari, failing to hold off the rookie would serve as a concerning sign that the high-profile switch has not gone as smoothly as anticipated. This fight for P6 is shaping up to be a deeply emotional focal point in the final chapter of the 2025 F1 season.