Verstappen chimes in on Hamilton’s Ferrari prospects
Max Verstappen has expressed his belief that Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari offers the seven-time World Champion an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that he is still at the peak of his powers in Formula 1. Verstappen, who has dominated the sport in recent years, sees no signs of decline in Hamilton’s performance and believes the British driver will bring his trademark determination to the Scuderia, provided he is given the right tools to succeed.
Hamilton’s potential switch to Ferrari has become one of the most significant talking points in F1 history. In a surprising move, Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes and his decision to join Ferrari just before the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This announcement came after Hamilton activated a release clause in his contract with Mercedes, signaling his desire for a fresh challenge with one of F1’s most iconic teams.
A Final Season to Forget with Mercedes
Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes in 2024 was a mixed bag. While he secured victories at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone and the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa, his season was overshadowed by a number of struggles, particularly in qualifying. Hamilton lost out to his teammate George Russell in qualifying by a significant margin, with a 19-5 head-to-head defeat. At one point during the season, especially after the race in Qatar, Hamilton openly questioned whether he had “definitely lost his speed” and whether he was no longer fast enough to compete at the highest level. These moments of self-doubt came during a campaign marked by inconsistency and waning motivation.
Despite these challenges, Verstappen remains confident that Hamilton has the ability to bounce back and return to his best. “I don’t think he will ever lose it,” Verstappen said, reflecting on Hamilton’s incredible achievements over the years. “He has already achieved so much in the sport. Next year will be a new challenge for him. I think he’ll be very motivated to show everyone that he is still a seven-time World Champion.”
A New Challenge with Ferrari
Verstappen also acknowledges that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could spark a new chapter in his career, especially as the Scuderia aims to return to title contention. The Italian team has made significant strides in recent years, finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024. However, Verstappen was quick to point out that Hamilton’s success with Ferrari will depend largely on whether the team can provide him with a car capable of challenging for the title. “It will depend on the material he has got,” Verstappen said, referencing the importance of a competitive car in securing titles in modern Formula 1.
Ferrari’s ability to consistently produce a race-winning car has been questioned in recent seasons. While they have shown promise, particularly in 2024, they have often struggled to match the dominance of Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. With Hamilton now set to join Ferrari, the pressure will be on the team to provide him with the machinery necessary to fight for an eighth World Championship, a record that would make him the most successful driver in F1 history.
Verstappen’s Respect for Hamilton
While Verstappen prepares for the 2025 season with Red Bull, where he will team up with new teammate Liam Lawson, his comments on Hamilton underscore the respect he has for the veteran driver. Verstappen recognizes that Hamilton is determined to leave his mark on F1, even as he faces the challenge of switching teams late in his career.
For Hamilton, Ferrari represents both a fresh start and a chance to prove his doubters wrong. After years of success with Mercedes, including dominating the turbo-hybrid era, Hamilton’s next challenge is to revive Ferrari’s fortunes and attempt to lead the team to a title. His decision to join the Scuderia will certainly be a defining moment in his career, as he seeks to achieve that elusive eighth World Championship and further cement his legacy in the sport.
However, whether Ferrari can provide Hamilton with a championship-winning car remains an open question. As Verstappen has pointed out, Hamilton’s intent to “step up” in Ferrari’s red colors is clear, but it is ultimately up to the team to deliver the necessary equipment for him to succeed.
In the years to come, Hamilton’s time with Ferrari will likely become one of the most talked-about chapters in F1 history. The combination of a seasoned champion and a team in need of a resurgence promises an intriguing new phase in both Hamilton’s career and Ferrari’s pursuit of the ultimate prize in Formula 1.
