Max Verstappen has made his feelings clear regarding Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and the ongoing speculation about the seven-time World Champion’s potential decline. As Hamilton gears up for his F1 2025 season with Ferrari, Verstappen remains confident that his former title rival is far from losing his edge, despite a challenging final year with Mercedes in 2024.
Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: A New Challenge Ahead
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari after activating a release clause in his Mercedes contract has been one of the biggest stories in the Formula 1 world. With the start of the new year, Hamilton is officially set to make the switch to Ferrari in F1 2025, bringing his illustrious career to a new team in an attempt to prove that his championship-winning days are far from over. This move follows a difficult final year with Mercedes, where the veteran driver struggled to maintain his usual level of performance against teammate George Russell.
Verstappen’s View on Hamilton’s Motivation and Future
While Hamilton’s performance in 2024 was mixed, with strong performances at Silverstone and Spa, he experienced a significant defeat in qualifying head-to-heads, finishing 19-5 in favor of Russell. At times, Hamilton himself even questioned his speed, particularly after his struggles in Qatar. However, Verstappen believes that the root cause of Hamilton’s struggles lies not in his ability but in his motivation.
Verstappen suggested that Hamilton’s lack of motivation in 2024 was a result of knowing that his time at Mercedes was coming to an end. “It has been tough for him to get motivated fully this year because he knows he is leaving the team,” Verstappen explained. However, Verstappen also emphasized that when Hamilton had a competitive car and a chance to win, he showcased his true potential.
Hamilton’s Mission to Prove Himself
Despite the doubts surrounding his performance in 2024, Hamilton is now heading into a new chapter with Ferrari, a team that has its own championship aspirations. At 39, and with his 40th birthday approaching, Hamilton is set on proving that he is still capable of winning and competing at the highest level. Verstappen, however, believes that the idea of Hamilton “losing it” is unlikely. “I don’t think he will ever lose it,” Verstappen said. “He has achieved so much.”
A New Challenge with Ferrari
While Verstappen is confident in Hamilton’s ability, he acknowledged that the true test for Hamilton will come with the Ferrari car. The challenge of competing alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, a highly motivated driver, and in a team that has yet to regain the championship momentum, will push Hamilton to prove that he is still at the top of his game. Verstappen’s perspective on the situation is clear: “But it will depend on the material he has got.”
Verstappen’s Own Future with F1 2025
As for Verstappen, he will also face new challenges in F1 2025, with Liam Lawson stepping up from Racing Bulls after the departure of Sergio Perez. With both Hamilton and Verstappen making significant moves and changes in their careers, the 2025 season is set to be a thrilling one for F1 fans worldwide.
In conclusion, while many have speculated about Lewis Hamilton’s potential decline, Verstappen remains confident in his ability to remain competitive. His upcoming move to Ferrari could prove to be the fresh start that Hamilton needs to continue his pursuit of an eighth World Championship. Whether Hamilton’s challenge is met with success will largely depend on the car he has under him, but Verstappen’s belief in his talent is unwavering.