Lewis Hamilton endured a challenging debut season with Ferrari in Formula 1, and Max Verstappen admits it’s tough to watch the seven-time world champion struggle. GPblog analysed Hamilton’s 2025 campaign, noting that while there were moments of promise, the year was marked by more lows than highs. The Ferrari driver recently hinted at retirement, stressing his desire for time off aftera turbulent campaign.
Nonetheless, in his end-of-year interview with Viaplay, Verstappen expressed sympathy, admitting it pains him to see Hamilton’s difficulties with the Italian team.
Max Verstappen with Lewis Hamilton - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen on Hamilton’s disastrous year in Formula 1
During the interview, Max Verstappen was asked to respond to a series of statements, including one suggesting that “Hamilton should retire from Formula 1.” The Red Bull driver’s reaction was measured.
“It hasn’t been a pleasant season for him at Ferrari; you can tell from everything,” Verstappen said in the year-end interview.
Mike Hezemans, who posed the question to Verstappen, admitted that it was painful to watch Hamilton struggle at Ferrari.
Verstappen agreed wholeheartedly, adding, “To be honest, it pains me too. It’s not nice to see. Retire? I don’t know—he doesn’t give up, so he’ll definitely be there next year, but it’s not pleasant to watch.”
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