Max Verstappen Reveals Pain Watching Hamilton Struggle at Ferrari 2025

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The 2025 racing season has concluded as a tumultuous chapter for one of the sport's most decorated athletes. Lewis Hamilton, following his high-profile switch to the Maranello squad at the start of the year, has endured a campaign devoid of podium finishes for the first time in his illustrious career. This distinct lack of performance has not only fueled retirement rumors but has also drawn empathetic remarks from his fierce competitor, Max Verstappen.

Transitioning to Scuderia Ferrari was intended to be a revitalizing move for the seven-time world champion. However, the statistical reality paints a grim picture. Hamilton finished the season a staggering 86 points adrift of his teammate, Charles Leclerc. While data suggests their race pace was often closely aligned, the execution on race weekends and qualifying sessions created a massive divide in their contributions to the constructors' championship.

A significant portion of these struggles can be attributed to handling issues with the SF-25, particularly over a single lap. Consequently, Hamilton suffered three successive Q1 eliminations in qualifying to close out the year. This represents his poorest run of qualifying form since mid-2009, highlighting the severity of the adaptation issues he faces with the current machinery provided by the team led by Fred Vasseur.

Despite their historic and often volatile rivalry, the reigning champion from Red Bull Racing expressed genuine concern. Speaking during his end-of-season interview with Viaplay, Verstappen steered clear of suggesting Hamilton should retire but was candid about his feelings regarding the Briton's plight.

"I have to tell you, it really hurts to see him like that," Verstappen stated, referencing Hamilton's dejected demeanor and frustrated on-board radio messages. The Dutchman, now a four-time world champion, firmly believes that his rival possesses the resilience to continue, dismissing the notion that Hamilton is ready to walk away from Formula 1 solely due to this performance dip.

Furthermore, the pressure is mounting on Ferrari to resolve the design philosophies that have alienated their star signing. While Hamilton has insisted on honoring his contract and racing beyond its current terms, the calls for his retirement from external critics have grown louder. Nevertheless, the mutual respect shown by Verstappen underscores that the paddock still recognizes the talent within the struggling veteran.