Max Verstappen has cruised to another dominant F1 season, but even he admits there’s something unsettling about watching Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari.
The Red Bull star says it “hurts his heart” to see his former rival battling in the midfield instead of fighting for wins.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was supposed to be the start of a bold new chapter, but the reality has been far from it.
Lewis Hamilton’s struggles ‘hurt’ Max Verstappen
The seven-time champion is outside the top five in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, and Ferrari are well behind Red Bull and McLaren in the Constructors’ standings.
For Verstappen, who spent years in heated battles with Hamilton, seeing him struggle hasn’t been easy. Their rivalry defined an era, but beneath the headline clashes, there’s always been a level of respect between the two.
Verstappen admitted, per Viaplay: “It hasn’t been a nice season for him at Ferrari, you notice that with everything. I have to say, it hurts my heart.
“To be honest, it hurts mine as well, it’s not nice to see,” he added.
It was a rare moment of openness from Verstappen, who’s built a reputation for staying emotionally detached from the noise around him.
But his words reflected the respect that’s grown over the years, even if it wasn’t always obvious in the heat of battle.
Lewis Hamilton won’t walk away, Max Verstappen backs him to fight on
Despite the tough season, Verstappen doesn’t see Hamilton giving up, stating: “So quitting? I don’t know, he doesn’t give up so he’ll definitely be there next year, but it’s not nice to see.”
Hamilton has dealt with poor reliability, questionable strategy calls, and a car that’s rarely looked competitive.
Still, there have been flashes of the old pace, reminders of what he’s still capable of. Verstappen, more than most, understands the drive that keeps him going.
In a sport built on speed and ego, Verstappen’s comments offered a glimpse of humanity. Rivals or not, both know what it takes to fight at the edge, and both understand the pain when that level suddenly slips away.
Hamilton may be enduring his worst season, but even the man who dethroned him knows what that feels like.
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