Max Verstappen provided his initial response to Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Verstappen expressed his contentment with staying at Red Bull and stated that he doesn’t feel the allure of Ferrari, despite their unveiling of the RB20 following their successful 2023 campaign. Christian Horner and Sergio Perez were surprised by Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, but Verstappen understood the reasoning behind the decision and wished his former rival the best for his debut with the team.
When asked if he would consider a similar change in the future, Verstappen was uncertain. He expressed his respect for the Ferrari brand but emphasized his current happiness and comfort in his current environment. Verstappen also mentioned his interests beyond F1, including his work in the virtual realm and his plans for the future. He acknowledged that in life, one should never say never to things.
Sebastian Vettel’s move from Red Bull to Ferrari in 2015 was the most recent example of a driver making a similar switch. Vettel had the added incentive of idolizing Michael Schumacher, who won five consecutive drivers’ championships with Ferrari. Hamilton, on the other hand, is completing a step that his hero Ayrton Senna never took. It was reported that Hamilton was offered a contract by Ferrari in 1995, but the opportunity was cut short due to Schumacher’s tragic accident at Imola.
In contrast, Verstappen was too young to remember the dominance of the previous generation of drivers. He wasn’t even born in 1994 and was only 11 years old when Ferrari won their last title in 2008. Therefore, he doesn’t have the same connection to the history of Ferrari’s success.
Verstappen concluded by saying that if someone like Hamilton wants to drive for Ferrari and pursue his dream, then he should go for it. Verstappen acknowledged that he doesn’t have all the information about the talks between Hamilton, Mercedes, and Ferrari, so he can’t provide a comprehensive assessment. However, he believes it will be a cool move and hopes for success for Hamilton and Ferrari.
According to the Source total-motorsport.com