Max Verstappen has spoken candidly about Lewis Hamilton’s difficult first season with Ferrari, admitting that watching his long-time rival struggle was emotionally tough. The Red Bull driver said the situation “hurts my heart,” reflecting the respect built between the two after years of intense competition.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about storylines in Formula One, but the on-track results failed to match expectations. The seven-time world champion endured a frustrating campaign, finishing only sixth in the drivers’ standings.
The gap to teammate Charles Leclerc underlined the scale of Hamilton’s challenges, with the Briton ending the season almost 100 points behind the Monegasque. Setup issues, adaptation problems and missed opportunities all contributed to a disappointing debut year in red.
Verstappen, who famously went head-to-head with Hamilton in their fierce 2021 title battle, acknowledged how difficult such a transition can be late in a career. He suggested that even the greatest drivers are not immune to struggles when joining a new team.
Despite the setbacks, questions remain over Hamilton’s future in Formula One and whether retirement could be on the horizon. Verstappen stopped short of predicting an exit, instead expressing hope that Hamilton can rediscover his form and finish his career on a stronger note.
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