Verstappen on Hamilton's Struggles: 'I Don't Like Seeing That'
Max Verstappen has voiced his sympathy for Lewis Hamilton's tough 2025 season with Ferrari, stating he takes no joy in seeing his rival struggle. Verstappen believes Hamilton's competitive spirit is still strong and expects him to return to form.
Max Verstappen has expressed genuine sympathy for Lewis Hamilton's difficult 2025 season at Ferrari, admitting he finds no pleasure in seeing his great rival struggle. In a candid interview, the four-time world champion shared his belief that Hamilton's competitive fire is far from extinguished.
Why it matters:
In the high-stakes, often cutthroat world of Formula 1, public displays of empathy between arch-rivals are rare. Verstappen's comments cut through the typical competitive narrative, revealing a layer of profound respect that underpins one of the sport's defining modern rivalries. It highlights that the drivers themselves view each other's challenges through a lens of shared experience, beyond the points battles and on-track controversies.
The details:
- Hamilton's first season with Ferrari was described as a "nightmare," marking the first time in his 19-year career he failed to secure a single podium finish.
- He ended the year 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and suffered a bruising run of three consecutive Q1 eliminations.
- Verstappen, speaking to Viaplay, was direct in his assessment: "It has obviously not been a nice season for him at Ferrari."
- He noted Hamilton's dejection was palpable, visible "in everything, including the on-board radio." When an interviewer said it hurt to see Hamilton like that, Verstappen agreed: "For me, too, to be honest. I don't like seeing that."
The big picture:
Despite a season where Hamilton frequently sounded lost and spoke of "unplugging from the matrix," Verstappen is convinced the seven-time champion is not done. While external calls for retirement have grown, Verstappen believes the core competitive drive remains. "Stopping, I don't know, because I don't think he's giving up," Verstappen concluded. "Lewis will definitely be there." This moment of solidarity serves as a powerful reminder that the fiercest competition in F1 is built on a foundation of mutual recognition and respect between its greatest champions.