Max Verstappen breaks silence on Lewis Hamilton future after difficult season

December 18, 2025 Oliver Obel

Max Verstappen has voiced an unexpectedly sympathetic view of Lewis Hamilton’s future after a Formula 1 season that left the seven-time world champion confronting unfamiliar doubts.

Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari was meant to reignite a title charge. Instead, it became a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift at the top of the sport.

A season without precedent

Hamilton finished the 2025 campaign sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc. According to reporting by SportBible, he failed to secure a single podium finish throughout the year.

That outcome stands alone in Hamilton’s career. Across his previous 18 Formula 1 seasons, he had never ended a campaign with fewer than five top-three finishes.

By the time the paddock reached Las Vegas, Hamilton was already candid about the toll the season had taken. He described it as the worst of his career and admitted he was not looking ahead to 2026 with much enthusiasm.

Frustration in public view

The tone of Hamilton’s comments remained subdued through the closing races. After the finale in Abu Dhabi, he spoke about wanting to “unplug from the matrix,” a remark that quickly reignited speculation about whether retirement might be approaching.

Despite that, the expectation within Formula 1 is that Hamilton will remain with Ferrari next season. He joined the team at the start of 2025 aiming to secure a record-breaking eighth world title, but both driver and team struggled to find momentum.

Ferrari ended the year without a Grand Prix victory, while Verstappen closed the season by winning in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen’s reaction

Asked about Hamilton’s situation, Verstappen — his fiercest rival during the controversial 2021 title fight — struck a notably empathetic tone in an interview with Viaplay.

“It hasn't been a nice season for him at Ferrari, you notice that with everything,” Verstappen said.

“I have to say, it hurts my heart.”

He added: “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.”

Pressure inside Ferrari

Ferrari opted to shift its focus early toward its 2026 car, hoping sweeping regulation changes to power units, chassis and aerodynamics will reshape the competitive order.

Even with that long-term approach, the internal challenge remains clear. Leclerc recorded seven podium finishes during the season, setting a demanding benchmark for Hamilton as he looks to rebound.

Hamilton has pushed back against any suggestion that he is considering stepping away. Speaking to RacingNews365, he dismissed outside speculation.

“I wouldn't say anything to them,” he said. “None of them has done what I've done, so they don't know anything more than I do.”

He also reaffirmed what continues to drive him.

“It's a love for what you do, it's love for racing,” Hamilton said. “I've got amazing support from people around me, my fans. I still have a dream that I hold hope in my heart for, and that's what I work towards.”

One difficult season has raised questions that once seemed unthinkable. For now, Hamilton appears intent on answering them on track rather than away from it.

Sources: SportBible, Viaplay, RacingNews365