Verstappen expresses empathy for Hamilton's difficult first Ferrari season

Max Verstappen has shown surprising empathy for his long-time rival Lewis Hamilton, whose first season with Ferrari has been a significant struggle. The Red Bull star openly acknowledged the emotional and professional difficulty of Hamilton's 2025 campaign, which saw him finish sixth in the drivers' standings without a single podium finish for the first time in his career.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's candid and compassionate reaction highlights the profound impact Hamilton's challenging season has had on the F1 community. It underscores the human element behind the intense competition and the respect between two of the sport's greatest champions, even after years of fierce rivalry. The situation also brings into sharp focus the immense pressure and difficulty of a high-profile team switch late in a driver's career.

The details:

• Hamilton's 2025 season was statistically his worst, finishing nearly 100 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and contributing to Ferrari's slide to fourth in the constructors' championship.
• A series of three consecutive Q1 eliminations to end the season fueled widespread speculation about a potential retirement for the 40-year-old.
• Verstappen attributed the struggle to multiple factors, stating that leaving Mercedes—a "second family" where Hamilton built his career—to start a completely new path is "extremely difficult."
• The Dutchman pointed to the challenge of not feeling settled or comfortable within a new team, which directly impacts performance and prevents a driver from being their true self.
• Compounding the issue is the direct comparison with an established teammate like Leclerc and the reality of age, with Verstappen noting, "You don't get faster—maybe not necessarily slower, but certainly not faster."

The big picture:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most seismic driver transfers in F1 history, laden with expectation. Its rocky start serves as a stark reminder of how complex team integration is, transcending mere driving skill. It involves technical adaptation, building new relationships, and overcoming the psychological hurdle of leaving a long-term successful environment. While Hamilton has dismissed retirement talk and reaffirmed his commitment to his Ferrari dream, his 2025 season has become a case study in the challenges of a late-career transition.

What's next:

Hamilton has stated he will completely switch off and gain distance during the winter break, aiming for a reset in 2026. All eyes will be on whether he can overcome the initial hurdles, rebuild confidence, and mount a more competitive challenge alongside Leclerc. Verstappen's belief that Hamilton "doesn't give up" and will "definitely be there next year" sets the stage for a critical comeback season for the seven-time champion.