Max Verstappen Still Wary of Lewis Hamilton's Potential at Ferrari
Max Verstappen expresses doubt that Lewis Hamilton will improve further at Ferrari, citing age as a factor. Verstappen contrasts Hamilton with rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose potential he believes is still being realized.
Max Verstappen has expressed his belief that while Andrea Kimi Antonelli will continue to improve, Lewis Hamilton's best days may be behind him, especially as he races for Ferrari. Verstappen, who knows a thing or two about becoming a world champion, shared his thoughts with the German publication Sport Bild, suggesting that Antonelli, with his youthful exuberance, will only get better with time. The young Mercedes driver has been on the edge this season, often flirting with track limits, but Verstappen believes that winning the championship would give Antonelli a more relaxed approach in 2027.
In contrast, Verstappen seems less optimistic about Hamilton's future progress. Despite Hamilton's resurgence this year, after a lackluster 2025 season, Verstappen feels that the seven-time world champion, who turns 42 soon, might not find further gains in speed. Verstappen noted, "Age shouldn’t matter these days, but he probably won’t get any faster. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying Lewis will get slower, just that he won’t get any faster. It’s different with Kimi. There’s still more to come from him."
This isn't the first time Verstappen has pointed out age as a potential barrier for Hamilton. Last year, he commented on the age gap between Hamilton and his 29-year-old teammate at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc. Despite Hamilton's improved performance in 2026, Verstappen maintains that Hamilton's climb back to the top might be hindered by the inevitable march of time.
Hamilton, however, is not one to be easily written off. He aims to become the fourth driver in history to clinch a world title in his 40s, a feat last achieved in 1966. Earlier this season, Hamilton became the seventh-oldest race winner in F1 history with his victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, proving that age might just be a number for the determined.
As the F1 season progresses, the question remains whether Hamilton can defy the odds and continue to challenge the younger generation, or if Verstappen's predictions about Antonelli's rise and Hamilton's plateau will ring true.