Hamilton swapped for Verstappen: 'That was the moment my preference changed'

When asked who his favorite driver was growing up, Fittipaldi Jr. said he admired Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as a child. At the time, the Brit and his team were dominating the sport, with Hamilton winning six world titles in seven years and Mercedes claiming eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.

Eventually, young Fittipaldi's preference changed. He said: "I've liked Max from the start, but he was never in the run for the championship. In 2021, when he had a very competitive car to win, it was cool to watch the fight between the two [Verstappen and Hamilton]. And in Abu Dhabi, I was hoping Max would win. That was the moment my preference changed."

Fittipaldi Jr. went on to say that he appreciated Verstappen’s win after years of Mercedes’ dominance. The eighteen-year-old Brazilian also considers the Red Bull Racing driver to be the best in the sport right now.

Fittipaldi Jr. is also building his motorsport career. Next season, he will be on the grid in Formula 2, racing for AIX Racing.

After the announcement, he said at the time: “I am very much looking forward to this opportunity. Racing in the FIA Formula 2 is going to be a big learning curve for me.''