Max Verstappen made a SHOCKING STATEMENT aimed directly at Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton shortly after his home win at the British GP: “They just don’t have the level needed”!

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has sparked controversy with a bold statement aimed at Ferrari and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton following his stunning pole position-to-win performance at Silverstone.

The Red Bull driver, who took pole position in a thrilling qualifying session and dominated the race, did not hold back in his post-race comments, declaring that Ferrari “simply doesn’t have the level” to compete at the front of the grid.

The comment, peppered with characteristic Verstappen candor, sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, reigniting debates about Ferrari’s performance and Hamilton’s challenging transition to the Italian team.

The weekend at Silverstone was a testament to Verstappen’s resilience and skill. Despite struggling with single-lap pace in practice, the four-time World Champion produced a masterful final lap in Q3, edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to secure pole position by just one-tenth of a second. On race day, Verstappen capitalised on his starting position, navigating tricky conditions and maintaining a relentless pace to take victory. The win further solidified his position in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, where he holds a narrow lead over McLaren’s Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell. However, it was Verstappen’s comments after the race that stole the headlines, overshadowing his on-track heroics.

Speaking to reporters, Verstappen was tight-lipped when asked about Ferrari’s performance. The Italian team, which has shown flashes of promise with recent upgrades, struggled to keep up with the pace of Red Bull and McLaren at Silverstone. Hamilton, in his first British Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver, finished fifth, just ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc, who completed the top six. While Hamilton’s result was respectable considering Ferrari’s mid-season struggles, Verstappen’s assessment was scathing. “They can make improvements, they can talk about progress, but the reality is they’re not there,” he said. “They just don’t have the level to fight for wins right now. It’s not just about the car – it’s the whole package.”

The comments were particularly scathing given Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. The British driver, who left Mercedes after a 12-year career, has faced a steep learning curve with the SF-25, a car that has been plagued by inconsistencies and ride height issues. Hamilton’s best result this season remains a win in China, but his lack of podium finishes in major races has raised questions about his adaptation to Ferrari’s setup. Verstappen’s comments appeared to take aim at both the team’s technical shortcomings and Hamilton’s inability to match his teammate Leclerc, who has consistently outperformed him in qualifying and race pace.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was quick to respond, defending Hamilton and the team’s progress. “Max can say what he wants, but we are building something here,” Vasseur told reporters. “Lewis is a champion and we are overcoming the challenges together. We are closer than people think and Silverstone showed that we are in the fight.” Vasseur’s confidence was shared by Hamilton, who remained upbeat despite the gap to the leaders. “Silverstone is always special and we are not far away,” Hamilton said. “We are learning every weekend and I am confident that we will get there.” His comments reflected a determination to silence the critics, but Verstappen’s words added fuel to an already intense rivalry.

The Dutchman’s statement also comes amid his uncertain future. Speculation about a possible move to Mercedes has circulated throughout the season, with Verstappen being linked to the team as a replacement for Hamilton. His contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but performance-related release clauses could allow him to leave if the team’s competitiveness wanes. At Silverstone, Verstappen dismissed the rumours, reiterating his focus on improving the Red Bull package. “I know what I have here and I’m not chasing headlines,” he said. “My job is to win races and that’s what I did today.”

The British Grand Prix highlighted the tight race at the top of the 2025 season, with McLaren and Ferrari emerging as Red Bull’s closest challengers. Lando Norris, who finished third, expressed frustration at missing out on victory on home soil but acknowledged Verstappen’s brilliance. “He’s a tough guy to beat when he’s on form,” said Norris. For Hamilton, the race was a bittersweet homecoming. The passionate Silverstone crowd, which included more than 10,000 fans in the “Landostand” cheering for Norris, also gave Hamilton a hero’s welcome as he donned Ferrari red. However, his fifth-place finish underscored the challenges he faces in turning Ferrari’s potential into results.

Verstappen’s provocative comments set the stage for a tight second half of the season. With three races remaining before the summer break, including Spa and the Hungaroring, Ferrari will be under pressure to prove they can close the gap. For Hamilton, the quest for Ferrari’s first podium – and perhaps a record-extending 10th victory at Silverstone in the future – remains a driving force. As the F1 circus unfolds, Verstappen’s words will linger, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable championship race.