Max Verstappen has admitted it was painful to watch Lewis Hamilton struggle during his debut Formula 1 season with Ferrari.
Hamilton joined Ferrari for 2025 after more than a decade with Mercedes. The move has so far failed to deliver results.
For the first time in his career, the seven-time World Champion ended a season without a podium finish in a Grand Prix.
Hamilton finished 86 points behind team-mate Charles Leclerc in the SF-25. Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness played a role, but the gap in results between the two drivers stood out.
Hamilton also endured a tough qualifying campaign, ending the year with three consecutive Q1 eliminations. It marked his worst run in qualifying since 2009.
The Briton often appeared downbeat in media appearances, which sparked speculation about retirement.
Hamilton has dismissed those suggestions and insists he plans to continue racing, despite growing external calls for him to step away from F1.
Verstappen, however, said the situation brings him no satisfaction.
Speaking to Viaplay, the Red Bull driver said: “Well, nice and direct! It has obviously not been a nice season for him at Ferrari.
“You notice that in everything, including the onboard radio. I have to tell you, it really hurts to see him like that.”
Verstappen expanded on that view, adding: “For me, too, to be honest. I don’t like seeing that.
“Stopping, I don’t know, because I don’t think he’s giving up. Lewis will definitely be there.”
Verstappen highlights obstacles impeding Hamilton at Ferrari
The Dutchman also highlighted how difficult the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has been for Hamilton.
“If you don’t feel secure or comfortable within the team dynamic you cannot be yourself and that has an impact,” Verstappen explained.
“You leave a team that has been your second family in Mercedes and you have built up such a career with them.
“Everyone benefited off that, Mercedes and Lewis and then going in a completely different route is not easy, plus you are going up against a guy (Charles Leclerc) that has been there for a while. It is very tough.”
Verstappen added that age is another factor working against Hamilton.
“And age is not on your side. You are not going to become faster at that age, not necessarily slower, but definitely not faster, whereas Charles is still getting better, so that is also not helping him.”
Hamilton turns 41 in January and remains under contract with Ferrari for the next two seasons.
Verstappen believes walking away would not be easy for a driver so deeply invested in the sport.
“If this is your life, then it is very hard to step away from,” he concluded.
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