Max Verstappen Breaks Silence: The Pain of Watching Lewis Hamilton Struggle at Ferrari
In a shocking revelation, Max Verstappen has openly expressed his deep sympathy for rival Lewis Hamilton, who has faced an agonizingly challenging season with Ferrari. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion made a high-profile switch to the Scuderia at the start of the 2025 season, but instead of basking in glory, Hamilton has found himself grappling with unprecedented difficulties, including a complete lack of podium finishes for the first time in his illustrious career.
Finishing the season a staggering 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton has become a shadow of his former self, often appearing visibly dejected during post-race media engagements. Speculation is rife that he may contemplate retirement, even though he has a contract that extends until the end of the next season. While Hamilton remains adamant about his desire to continue racing beyond his current deal, the mounting pressure for him to step aside is undeniable, especially following a series of performances that have raised eyebrows across the F1 community.
The underwhelming performance of Ferrari has only added fuel to the fire. Despite their struggles, the gap in results between Hamilton and Leclerc has been glaringly apparent, raising questions about Hamilton’s ability to adapt to the new car. His struggles were particularly evident in qualifying, where he suffered three consecutive Q1 eliminations—his worst streak since 2009. This alarming downturn has fueled rampant speculation about his future in the sport.
Verstappen, who has emerged as one of Hamilton’s fiercest competitors, weighed in on the situation during a candid end-of-season interview with Viaplay. “It has obviously not been a nice season for him at Ferrari,” Verstappen lamented, showcasing an unexpected camaraderie with his longtime rival. When queried about whether he would consider quitting if he were in Hamilton’s shoes, the Dutch driver sidestepped the question but made it clear he believes Hamilton will persist in the sport. “I have to tell you, it really hurts to see him like that,” Verstappen confessed, cutting through the competitive façade that often defines their rivalry.
Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel echoed Verstappen’s sentiments, stating, “For me, too, to be honest. I don’t like seeing that.” The mutual respect between competitors is a rarity in the high-octane world of F1, but it underscores the gravity of Hamilton’s situation. While whispers of retirement swirl around him, both Verstappen and Vettel firmly believe that Hamilton’s competitive spirit will keep him in the game.
As the dust settles on a tumultuous season, the question looms: is this the beginning of the end for one of F1’s most legendary figures? Only time will tell if Hamilton can reclaim his once-unassailable position in the sport or if he will face the stark reality of leaving behind a legacy tarnished by struggles.
