Source:REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
[Saba Sports News] Max Verstappen has completed another successful season, but he is now looking at his old rival, Lewis Hamilton. Reflecting on the 2025 season, Verstappen admitted that he felt sympathy for Hamilton’s difficult situation at Ferrari, confessing that it was not pleasant to see what he was going through. Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari in 2025, viewing it as an important step to restart his career, but the reality fell far short of expectations. He failed to secure a podium finish all season, setting an embarrassing record in his F1 career. In the direct comparison with teammate Charles Leclerc, he was clearly at a disadvantage, ultimately losing in the points standings with 156 points compared to Leclerc’s 242. The frequent expressions of frustration over the radio further highlighted the pressure the seven-time champion was under. As his poor performance continued, speculation arose about whether Hamilton would choose to retire before the 2026 season. In response, Verstappen made a very clear judgment: “I don’t think he will give up; he will definitely continue racing. Hamilton will not make a rash exit because of one difficult season.” In the editor’s view, Verstappen’s comments lack the sharpness of competition and instead reflect a sense of mutual respect.