Max Verstappen says Lewis Hamilton will be at his best and more motivated again in a Ferrari next year.
The Mercedes F1 driver won two Grands Prix in 2024 at Silverstone then at Spa-Francorchamps (after the disqualification of George Russell), and will join Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton hoped for better to finish his collaboration with Mercedes F1, an 8th title in particular, but he is still struggling with the W15… and even much more than George Russell, who is doing much better in recent weeks. In Qatar, he really proclaimed his desire to move on (read here).
“It has been difficult for Lewis to fully motivate himself this year because he knows he is leaving the team,” estimates Max Verstappen, asked about the moods of his 2021 rival.
“I felt like as soon as he had a competitive Mercedes in the summer, and there was a chance to win, you could see that he had really progressed. Then there was races where the car was difficult and he said, in my opinion, 'whatever now'.”
The Dutchman also does not rule out fighting against Hamilton next season.
“I don't think he will ever give up on his desire for an 8th title. He has accomplished so much. It's a new challenge for him next year. He will be very, very motivated to show that he is not a seven-time world champion by chance, but it will depend on the equipment he has.”
Unusual good words from him…
“Some people don't have the right mentality, they see everyone as an enemy on and off the track. I'm definitely not like that. I know how to separate things. I don't need to play games of mind. I don't need to put myself in a state where I have to hate everyone. Honestly, I don't care. I just live my life.
