Verstappen feels sorry for Hamilton after dismal 2025 F1 season: 'It really hurts'

Max Verstappen says Lewis Hamilton’s tough 2025 Formula 1 season was “not nice to see”.

Despite a sprint victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton most often struggled to match team-mate Charles Leclerc and failed to record a single podium finish in his maiden campaign at Ferrari.

By the end of the year, the seven-time world champion was visibly distraught and perplexed by his inability to wring the most out of a tricky SF-25.

This was by almost every metric Hamilton’s worst season over his 19-year career in F1, and four-time world champion Verstappen, who earned some of his greatest successes against the Briton, has been saddened by the situation.

“It hasn't been a good season for him, of course,” the Dutchman told Viaplay. “You can tell from everything, like the onboard radio.”

“It really hurts,” the interviewer suggested, to which Verstappen replied: “To be honest, for me too. I don't like seeing that. I don't know about quitting. He won't give up, so he'll definitely be there. But it's not nice to see.”

“Quitting” refers to rumours about Hamilton retiring early, which were swiftly shut down by the 40-year-old, who will become F1’s fourth-oldest driver in the 21st century next year.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is unrivalled in that category; the two-time world champion, who made his F1 debut back in 2001, will turn 45 during the 2026 season. He already is the oldest F1 driver since Graham Hill in 1975, and still leads Aston Martin’s effort in the world championship, with clear dominance over team-mate Lance Stroll.

But Verstappen warns that it does get harder with age, and he definitely isn’t planning on sticking around that long: “I think what you miss most... is more the physical discomforts. You suffer more from things. These cars aren't the most comfortable to drive anyway.

“And when you're older, you naturally suffer more. Your shoulder, your back, your neck. I think it takes a bit more effort to keep everything in shape. So that's something you have to focus on a lot more.

“Personally, I think that when I'm 40, 44... I won't be the same as I am now. But maybe not in terms of motivation either. And if you're not in a top car, then definitely not.

“I think if Fernando were in a top car then... Like in 2023, you know, then he could compete for a podium. Then you see the fighter come out again. But when you've been world champion twice... and you've already won a lot... and you're driving for P10... Yes, then you think [why am I doing this?].”

Additional reporting by Filip Cleeren