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Verstappen Highlights Shared Drive with Hamilton in Revealing Miami G… read more
Max Verstappen has drawn attention to the unwavering dedication he shares with Lewis Hamilton—two of Formula One’s most successful drivers—suggesting this relentless work ethic is a key factor behind their combined haul of 11 world championship titles. In a telling moment captured ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen made a pointed observation about his and Hamilton’s early arrival at the track, using it as a subtle yet powerful reflection of their mindset and commitment.
The Dutch driver, who has already amassed four world titles and sits third on the all-time wins list with 64 victories, has long been considered the face of the new generation in F1. Yet in spite of the rivalry that came to a head in 2021—when Verstappen controversially clinched his first championship in a nail-biting season finale—he continues to show appreciation for the standards Hamilton has set in the sport.
In a short video posted by Red Bull Racing on Instagram, Verstappen is heard saying, “You see that by the way? Seven-time world champion, four-time world champion, the first in,” as he and Hamilton were spotted arriving earlier than the rest of the grid. The moment subtly reinforced the idea that excellence in F1 is about more than raw talent—it’s also about preparation, mindset, and dedication off the track.
Their mutual respect, though often obscured by intense on-track rivalry, is grounded in an understanding of what it takes to compete and win at the very highest level. Hamilton, who holds the record for most career wins with 105, and Verstappen, who is chasing a fifth consecutive championship, are emblematic of different eras—but united by elite performance and a shared hunger for success.
Though both drivers have encountered early struggles in the 2025 season, their reputations as all-time greats remain intact. Verstappen has not been as dominant this year as in previous campaigns, largely due to a drop in Red Bull’s overall performance. Nevertheless, he remains firmly in title contention, currently sitting third in the standings behind championship leader Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. His pole position for Sunday’s main race in Miami is a testament to his skill and resilience, even if his Saturday sprint race ended in disappointment due to a 10-second penalty that saw him finish last of the classified runners.
Hamilton, meanwhile, is adjusting to life at Ferrari after more than a decade with Mercedes. While his start with the Scuderia hasn’t been without its difficulties—he currently lies seventh in the drivers’ standings—there have been moments of promise. He secured a podium in the Miami sprint race, offering a glimmer of hope that Ferrari can still deliver competitive performances as the season unfolds.
Verstappen’s reference to Hamilton in the Red Bull clip serves as more than just a casual remark. It is a reflection of the level of competitiveness and professionalism that separates the greats from the rest. Their early presence at the track wasn’t a coincidence—it was a deliberate choice, an illustration of their commitment to extracting every possible advantage.
Despite being fierce rivals—especially during their dramatic 2021 title battle that culminated in one of the most controversial conclusions in F1 history—there is a growing sense that both drivers appreciate each other’s contributions to the sport. Hamilton was denied a record-breaking eighth title that year under contentious circumstances, but he remains an icon and a benchmark for any driver, including Verstappen.
As the Miami Grand Prix weekend progresses, all eyes are on whether Verstappen can convert his pole position into another crucial victory in what is shaping up to be a far more competitive season than many had anticipated. With new challengers like Piastri and Norris stepping up, Verstappen’s bid for a fifth straight championship is far from guaranteed. Yet his approach—mirroring Hamilton’s in many ways—shows he is ready for the long battle ahead.
For Hamilton, the focus remains on adapting to his new team and maximizing every opportunity. While a title push seems unlikely in 2025, his podium finish in the sprint suggests he still has the speed and racecraft to fight at the front when conditions allow.
In a season where the balance of power may be shifting, the early-morning dedication of two of the sport’s most decorated drivers stands out as a timeless reminder: true greatness is built long before the lights go out.
