BREAKING: Max Verstappen Pays Tribute to Hamilton in Revealing M…read more
Four-time champion nods to seven-time title rival as both arrive early ahead of key Miami Grand Prix session
Max Verstappen has made a pointed reference to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, praising the Briton’s professionalism and hinting that their unmatched dedication might be what sets them apart from the rest of the grid.
In a behind-the-scenes moment captured by Red Bull and shared on Instagram, Verstappen noted that both he and Hamilton were the first to arrive at the Miami Grand Prix paddock ahead of Saturday’s crucial track action, using it to underline their continued hunger and work ethic.
“You see that by the way? Seven-time world champion, four-time world champion, the first in,” Verstappen remarked in the video a statement that subtly highlighted the elite mentality shared between the pair.
Though both drivers have faced their own challenges this season, Verstappen remains firmly in the title hunt as he eyes a fifth consecutive championship. Despite a disappointing sprint race in Miami where he finished last after a 10-second penalty the Dutchman bounced back by claiming pole position for Sunday’s main Grand Prix.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has endured a mixed start to his first season with Ferrari and currently sits seventh in the standings. However, the 39-year-old showed flashes of form with a podium finish in the Miami sprint, reminding fans and rivals alike that he remains a formidable force.
The pair’s intense rivalry reached its peak during the infamous 2021 championship battle, which ended in dramatic fashion in Abu Dhabi denying Hamilton a record-breaking eighth title and crowning Verstappen champion for the first time. Since then, Verstappen has secured three more titles and now ranks third on the all-time wins list with 64 victories, behind Hamilton’s record 105.
Heading into the Miami Grand Prix, it’s McLaren’s Oscar Piastri who leads the 2025 standings, followed by teammate Lando Norris and Verstappen in third.
Despite the changing landscape, Verstappen’s admiration for Hamilton and their shared commitment to excellence serves as a reminder of what it takes to stay at the top in Formula 1.
