Max Verstappen genuinely feels that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has still got what it takes to do well in F1.
Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, has come to the defense of his F1 rival Lewis Hamilton.
The latter has had a tough time behind the wheel of the Mercedes challengers since 2022, and seeing his woes in the ongoing campaign, Verstappen has asserted that the Brit will ‘never lose it’ in F1.
Lewis Hamilton is a record seven-time world champion at the pinnacle of motor racing. Mercedes’ 2024 challenger has proved difficult to handle and this is one of the reasons why he is behind his teammate George Russell (17-5) in the qualifying head-to-head.
However, despite the struggles Hamilton has faced, Verstappen firmly believes that the former is still a great driver.
It has been tough for him (Hamilton) to get motivated fully this year because he knows he is leaving the team. I felt like as soon as he had that competitive car, and there was a chance of winning, you could see that he really stepped up. Then there were some races where the car was difficult and he was like whatever. I don’t think he will ever lose it. He has achieved so much.
Max Verstappen via GPBlog
Hamilton, to the surprise of many, has managed to amass two Grand Prix wins this year. He is set to leave the Brackley-based outfit at the end of the season in order to move to the Maranello-based Ferrari F1 team. One of the main reasons behind this move is Hamilton’s willingness to amass an eighth-world title.
Lewis Hamilton’ Ferrari stint will depend on the ‘material he has got’
While Max Verstappen has defended Lewis Hamilton over his W15 woes this year, he has also given his opinion on the latter’s Ferrari chances. Verstappen feels that much of Hamilton’s Ferrari performances will depend on the challenger he is provided with.
It is a new challenge for him next year. He will be very, very motivated to show he is a seven-time world champion. But it will depend on the material he has got.
Max Verstappen via the same interview
The 39-year-old will partner with the prolific Charles Leclerc at Ferrari from 2025 onwards. He is one of the best drivers on the modern F1 grid and, for sure, will give the Brit a tough time on track in the same challenger.
The 2025 campaign is going to be extremely fascinating for varied reasons. On the one hand, the Tifosi will be backing Hamilton to do well, and on the other, the seven-time world champion will have to deal with an extremely new environment while making his trade with Ferrari. Expectations will be high from the Brit in his first-ever campaign with the Italian team.
