F1 fans now think Max Verstappen has ultimate respect for Lewis Hamilton after 2025 comments

Follow us on Google Discover

Formula 1 fans have been denied a repeat of the iconic battles between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton since their 2021 duels.

Max Verstappen has dominated the latest ground-effect era of Formula 1 after defeating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Since Hamilton lost the championship four years ago, Verstappen has won more titles than the 40-year-old has won races, highlighting the struggles he’s faced at both Mercedes and Ferrari.

Even when Red Bull lost their way over the past 18 months, Verstappen comfortably clung on to win a fourth championship in 2024 and came agonisingly close to one of Formula 1’s greatest comebacks this season.

Rank these six Lewis Hamilton teammates

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Speaking to Viaplay at the end of his 11th campaign on the grid, Verstappen said when asked about Hamilton: “It hasn’t been a nice season for him at Ferrari, you notice that with everything.

“To be honest, it hurts my heart as well. It’s not nice to see.

“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.’’

F1 fans have now responded to the Dutchman’s comments and think that, despite their rivalry, an immense respect now exists between the two legendary drivers.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

F1 fans react to Max Verstappen stating Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari season ‘hurts my heart’

On Reddit, plenty of fans had something to say about Verstappen’s take on Hamilton’s season.

One response suggested: “It’s been clear, for years, that the hate between fangroups is exactly that.

“The drivers themselves have demonstrated a certain level of friendliness towards each other for multiple years. Not like they hang out, but zero issue with each other. ‘21 was heated.

“Of course, there was a lot on the line. But…..beyond that, I doubt there was much recognition of it between the drivers themselves.”

Another response said: “It’ll never happen, but one day I’d love to see these two just sit in a room with two chairs and a screen and talk about F1.”

Change our minds: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will never battle against each other for an F1 championship again

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“I think we deserve one more season where Lewis can fight for wins,” claimed another fan.

One comment read: “These guys grew up watching him race. Of course, it hurts to see his struggles this year. Lewis, in the earlier years, was an absolute machine when it came to qualifying and racing. Hopefully, if he turns it around next year, but I would rather him leave on his own terms and be booted.”

“He wants to fight with the best, and Lewis, without a shadow of doubt, is one of the best,” suggested another response. “So he definitely misses having an opportunity to execute each other every weekend like it was 2021.”

One final comment read: “I maintain that the regulations change came at the worst possible time because it robbed us of Max vs Lewis II, III, etc. due to Mercedes tumbling down the time sheets.

“Now we’ll probably never see these two go to war with one another in a meaningful way on track like in 21, and that does hurt.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Lewis Hamilton told to listen to Max Verstappen to improve his chances at Ferrari in 2026

Ferrari’s lack of performance was one of the biggest talking points during Hamilton’s first season with the team.

Much has been made of Hamilton failing to secure a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his F1 career, particularly because Charles Leclerc finished in the top three on seven occasions.

Hamilton has been told to listen to Verstappen’s radio messages to try and inspire change and a more positive outlook within the Scuderia.

The question on everybody’s lips going into 2026 is whether Hamilton’s disadvantage to Leclerc last season was down to the car or his own ability.

If it’s the former, and F1 moving on from ground-effect cars gives Hamilton a much-needed boost, then Verstappen might be in wheel-to-wheel combat with his old rival again.

If Hamilton has lost his edge, then that could create another seismic shift in the F1 driver market if Ferrari decide they need to pursue another option.