Max Verstappen has expressed sympathy for Lewis Hamilton‘s difficult opening campaign at Ferrari, acknowledging the pain of watching a former rival endure what proved to be one of the most challenging seasons of the seven-time world champion’s illustrious career. Hamilton’s 2025 season, marked by a solitary sprint race victory in China and a conspicuous absence from the podium in grand prix racing, stood in stark contrast to the glittering expectations that accompanied his blockbuster move to Maranello.
The 40-year-old Briton frequently found himself trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc as he grappled with the characteristics of Ferrari’s tricky SF-25 challenger. By season’s end, Hamilton’s frustration had become palpable, both through team radio transmissions and post-session interviews, as he struggled to unlock the performance that had defined nearly two decades of dominance in Formula 1.
Verstappen reflects on Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari
The four-time world champion from the Netherlands, who built much of his reputation through intense battles against Hamilton during their championship duel in 2021, admitted that witnessing his former adversary’s difficulties has been uncomfortable viewing. Speaking candidly about the situation, Verstappen noted that Hamilton’s challenging year had been evident in every aspect, particularly through the frustration audible in his radio communications.
“It hasn’t been a good season for him, of course,” Verstappen acknowledged. “You can tell from everything, like the onboard radio.” When pressed on whether Hamilton’s struggles had been painful to witness, the Red Bull Racing driver didn’t hesitate: “To be honest, for me too. I don’t like seeing that.”
The Dutch driver’s comments came amid speculation about Hamilton’s future in the sport, rumours that the Mercedes legend swiftly dismissed. At 40 years old, Hamilton will become Formula 1’s fourth-oldest driver in the 21st century when the 2026 season begins, yet Verstappen remained confident that retirement isn’t on the cards. “He won’t give up, so he’ll definitely be there. But it’s not nice to see,” he added.
The physical toll of longevity in modern Formula 1
Verstappen’s perspective on age in Formula 1 extends beyond Hamilton’s situation, touching on the broader challenges facing drivers who compete into their forties. Fernando Alonso, the 44-year-old Aston Martin driver who made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, currently holds the distinction of being the oldest competitor on the grid since Graham Hill in 1975. The two-time world champion continues to lead Aston Martin’s championship challenge, consistently outperforming team-mate Lance Stroll despite the physical demands of current-generation machinery.
The Dutchman pointed to the cumulative physical strain as perhaps the most significant obstacle for veteran drivers. “I think what you miss most is more the physical discomforts. You suffer more from things,” Verstappen explained. “These cars aren’t the most comfortable to drive anyway. And when you’re older, you naturally suffer more. Your shoulder, your back, your neck.”
The increased effort required to maintain peak physical condition becomes progressively more demanding with age, according to Verstappen’s assessment of longevity in the sport. He emphasised that older drivers must dedicate considerably more attention to conditioning and recovery to remain competitive against younger rivals who face less physical degradation.
Motivation and machinery: the twin pillars of late-career success
Beyond the physical challenges, Verstappen highlighted motivation as a critical factor determining whether drivers can sustain performance levels into their forties. The Red Bull driver made clear that his own future in Formula 1 won’t extend to the ages currently reached by Hamilton and Alonso. “Personally, I think that when I’m 40, 44, I won’t be the same as I am now. But maybe not in terms of motivation either,” he stated.
The quality of machinery becomes increasingly important for veteran drivers, Verstappen suggested, citing Alonso’s strong 2023 campaign when Aston Martin emerged as a genuine podium contender early in the season. That competitive window reignited the Spaniard’s fighting spirit, demonstrating that former world champions retain their edge when provided with equipment capable of challenging for silverware.
However, Verstappen questioned whether that same fire burns as brightly when circumstances limit a multiple world champion to midfield battles. “When you’ve been world champion twice, and you’ve already won a lot, and you’re driving for P10, yes, then you think [why am I doing this?],” he observed, touching on the psychological challenge of competing for minor points after years spent at the sharp end of the grid.
What this means for Hamilton’s Ferrari future
Hamilton’s determination to continue, despite his torrid first season at Ferrari, suggests the British driver believes better days lie ahead. The Scuderia will hope that technical regulations changes for 2026, coupled with lessons learned from the SF-25’s shortcomings, will provide Hamilton with machinery more suited to his driving style. For Verstappen, the hope remains that his former rival can rediscover competitive form, restoring one of Formula 1’s most compelling head-to-head rivalries. The 2026 season will reveal whether Ferrari’s gamble on Hamilton’s experience under new technical regulations can deliver the results both parties anticipated when the unprecedented partnership was first announced.
