Max Verstappen has opened up about Lewis Hamilton’s difficult start with Ferrari, providing insight into the challenges the seven-time World Champion is facing during his debut season with the Scuderia. Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles have drawn widespread attention due to his inability to settle into the SF-25 car and achieve consistent results.
Verstappen Highlights the Difficult Transition for Hamilton at Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been far from seamless, with just one notable achievement—a Sprint Race win in Shanghai—against a backdrop of frustration and inconsistency. While his teammate Charles Leclerc has secured four top-three finishes and a pole position, Hamilton has struggled to unlock the potential of the car, even describing himself as useless during the Hungarian Grand Prix and hinting at a possible need for a driver change within the team.
Verstappen, preparing for his third win this season, expressed understanding of the situation Hamilton faces. He acknowledged the complexities of Ferrari’s car and the pressure involved in joining a team already dominated by a well-established leader like Leclerc. Verstappen stated,
I cannot look into how he was operating at Mercedes, how he feels personally, what is going on also in the team right now,
highlighting the unseen challenges Hamilton might be dealing with. He added,
It’s never going to be easy to immediately go in there and start beating your teammate,
referring to the difficulty of stepping into Leclerc’s role.
Signs of Improvement and Fan Support Amid Ongoing Challenges
Despite the struggles, Hamilton showed signs of progress at the Monza Grand Prix, where he climbed from a tenth-place start, penalized on the grid, to finish sixth. The Italian fans, known as tifosi, warmly welcomed him, demonstrating their passion for Ferrari remains strong. His performance at Monza offered a hopeful glimpse that he might soon find better form.
Verstappen’s Perspective on Ferrari’s Emotional Appeal Versus Winning Opportunities
While Verstappen recognized the prestigious allure of Ferrari, he expressed caution about being swayed by its reputation alone. He remarked, Ferrari is a massive brand, a dream destination for many drivers, yet stressed the importance of realistic ambitions over sentiment. As he put it,
If I would ever want to go there, I don’t go there just to drive for Ferrari; I go there because I see the opportunity to win.
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and the Ferrari Team
As the Formula 1 season advances, the question remains whether Lewis Hamilton can overcome his current difficulties with Ferrari and reclaim his status among the sport’s elite drivers. Verstappen’s comments reveal that Hamilton’s challenges go beyond the car itself, intertwining with team dynamics and the pressure of competing alongside a strong teammate like Leclerc. The unfolding season will continue to test Hamilton’s resilience, while fans eagerly anticipate how this high-stakes rivalry will evolve.
