Max Verstappen: “It Hurts to See Hamilton Struggle at Ferrari”

Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen admitted: “It really hurts. I don’t like seeing that. It’s not nice to see him like this.” His comments come as Hamilton endures his first podium-less season in a career spanning nearly two decades.

“It’s Not Nice to See”

Verstappen’s empathy stems from observing Hamilton’s visible frustration—both in his radio messages and his body language. “You can hear it in his radio, you can see it everywhere,” Verstappen noted. The Dutchman acknowledged that the physical and mental toll on the 40-year-old driver is evident.

The Aging Factor

Verstappen, now 28, revealed a conversation with Fernando Alonso about the increasing toll of age on drivers. “I asked him—at 44, how do you handle it? The physical discomforts just get worse. These cars aren’t easy to drive.”

For Hamilton, the combination of Ferrari’s uncompetitive car, physical strain, and mental fatigue has created what Verstappen calls a “toxic cocktail.”

A Rivalry Softened by Time

Verstappen and Hamilton’s relationship has evolved since their controversial 2021 title battle. While on-track tension remains, Verstappen’s off-track respect is clear. “He’s a seven-time world champion. No one wants to see him like this,” Verstappen admitted.

“Ferrari is a team that needs everything to align perfectly. If the car isn’t right, it’s brutal—no matter who you are.”
— Max Verstappen

What’s Next?

Despite rumors of retirement, Verstappen doesn’t believe Hamilton will quit. “He won’t give up. He’ll be there in 2026. But it’s up to Ferrari to give him a car he can fight with.”

For now, the F1 world watches to see if 2026 brings redemption—or if Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble becomes a permanent stain on an otherwise unmatched career.