Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes may have to deal with engine-related penalties before the end of the Formula 1 season, while also praising Ferrari’s growing competitiveness as the championship battle continues to intensify.
Speaking after recent race weekends, the Ferrari driver suggested that Mercedes could eventually be forced into taking power unit penalties as the campaign progresses. With teams pushing their engines to the limit under the current regulations, Hamilton believes reliability could become a deciding factor during the second half of the season.
Hamilton also highlighted Ferrari’s recent improvements, pointing to the team’s increasing pace and consistency. After several strong performances, Ferrari has established itself as a genuine contender at the front of the grid, putting pressure on rivals including Mercedes and Red Bull.
The seven-time world champion said that maintaining reliability while extracting maximum performance will be crucial over the remaining races. Any grid penalties for engine changes could significantly impact the championship fight, making every race weekend increasingly important.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has revealed that he remains in frequent contact with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner despite Horner’s departure from the team last year.
Verstappen disclosed that the pair still speak on a weekly basis, underlining the close relationship they built during Red Bull’s years of success together. Horner played a major role in overseeing Verstappen’s rise to multiple world championships, and their connection has continued even after his exit from the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Although Horner is no longer involved in Red Bull’s day-to-day Formula 1 operations, Verstappen explained that their conversations cover a range of topics and reflect the strong bond they developed over many seasons.
The Dutch driver made it clear that maintaining contact with Horner is entirely natural given everything they achieved together. Their relationship extends beyond the racetrack, with mutual respect remaining firmly intact despite the changes within Red Bull’s leadership structure.
As the Formula 1 season moves into a critical phase, attention remains fixed on both the championship battle and the developments taking place behind the scenes. Hamilton will be hoping Ferrari can continue building on its recent momentum, while Mercedes faces questions over reliability and potential future penalties.
At the same time, Verstappen’s comments provide fresh insight into his enduring relationship with Horner, showing that even after significant changes within Red Bull, some of the sport’s strongest partnerships continue well beyond the pit wall.
