“Verstappen Unfazed by Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: ‘I Don’t Care, I Want to Beat Every Driver'”
“Verstappen Unfazed by Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: ‘I Don’t Care, I Want to Beat Every Driver'”
Max Verstappen recently made it clear that Lewis Hamilton’s decision to race for Ferrari next season doesn’t concern him, as he’s focused on beating every driver regardless of the team they represent. The Red Bull driver, who claimed his first F1 World Championship over Hamilton in 2021 and has since dominated the sport, is heavily favored to secure his fourth title this season. Verstappen’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship only strengthens his position as he looks to defend his title.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has struggled to regain his previous dominance, winning only two Grands Prix since his close title battle with Verstappen. Looking to turn a new page, the seven-time World Champion announced before the season began that he’d be leaving Mercedes after twelve years to join Ferrari, fulfilling a long-held ambition of racing in the iconic red colors.
However, Verstappen remains unfazed by Hamilton’s high-profile move. When asked by Sport Bild whether Hamilton joining Ferrari would affect him in any way, he responded bluntly, “I don’t care.” He elaborated, saying, “I want to beat every driver from every car. It doesn’t matter to me whether Lewis is in the red or silver car.” Yet Verstappen did acknowledge the buzz surrounding the move, noting that it’s “a good thing for Formula 1” and would make the dynamics within Ferrari—especially with Charles Leclerc as Hamilton’s teammate—interesting to watch.
When pressed on his reaction to the news of Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, Verstappen admitted that he was indifferent, saying it didn’t affect him emotionally at all. Hamilton, on the other hand, expressed that joining Ferrari was a lifelong dream, tracing back to his childhood. Reflecting on his boyhood admiration for Ferrari’s legacy, Hamilton spoke of watching legends like Michael Schumacher race for the team. He described how many drivers, himself included, had imagined what it would feel like to sit in Ferrari’s cockpit, surrounded by the iconic red color.
Verstappen’s perspective is different. He has no particular attachment to the Ferrari name or legacy; his focus is purely on winning. “I see it pragmatically,” he said. “I want to drive where I have the best opportunity to win, and right now, that’s at Red Bull.” Verstappen acknowledged that Hamilton’s decision made sense for him, noting that it was a chance to pursue a dream.
As for his own career, Verstappen has also been the subject of recent speculation, with rumors suggesting that Mercedes might have been interested in signing him as Hamilton’s replacement. However, Verstappen dispelled any notion of him leaving Red Bull, stating that he’s content with his current situation. “I’m happy with what I’m doing now, and I want to keep doing it,” he explained, adding that he doesn’t spend much time thinking about his future or planning for a change. While acknowledging that contract details are crucial, Verstappen made it clear that he prefers not to discuss his contract publicly.
In summary, Verstappen is firmly focused on defending his title and isn’t dwelling on the moves of other drivers, including Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari. He’s aware of the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s decision, but it doesn’t alter his own approach to racing. For Verstappen, as long as Red Bull provides the best opportunity to win, that’s where he plans to stay, regardless of how the rest of the F1 grid may shift around him.
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