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Lewis Hamilton, one of the most decorated Formula 1 drivers in history, boasts an unmatched career with seven World Championships, 105 race victories, and 104 pole positions. As he transitions to Ferrari in pursuit of a record-breaking eighth title, the racing world is abuzz with anticipation. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has established himself as the reigning king of F1, dominating with four consecutive World Championships.
Despite Hamilton’s legendary status, a bold claim from Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko casts doubt on his chances of dethroning Verstappen, even if the Dutchman’s car underperforms.
Red Bull adviser backs Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton
Helmut Marko, known for his unfiltered insights, firmly believes that Verstappen’s unparalleled skill set gives him an edge over Hamilton, regardless of car performance.
Marko stated, "Even if he [Hamilton] has a good Ferrari and we build a mediocre Red Bull for Max, I would put my money on Max."
The Austrian credited Verstappen as the most complete driver in modern Formula 1, emphasizing his ability to extract every ounce of performance from his car.
"Max is not only the fastest, but the best in Formula 1 from the overall package. He gets 0.1 to 0.2 seconds out of the car per lap that no other driver finds," Marko explained.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes at a critical point in his career. At 40 years old, the Brit hopes to reignite his championship-winning form after enduring three seasons with only two race victories. While Ferrari and McLaren showcased competitive cars last season, Marko dismissed both teams’ drivers as potential threats to Verstappen.
He also criticized Hamilton’s endurance over a full season and noted Charles Leclerc’s inconsistency, saying, "Leclerc is good in qualifying but makes a lot of mistakes in the races."
Despite Verstappen’s longest winless streak in four years during 2024, the 27-year-old still clinched his fourth consecutive title, solidifying his dominance. Marko’s confidence in Verstappen’s ability and Red Bull’s engineering prowess leaves little room for competitors, making the challenge for Hamilton’s eighth title steeper than ever.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry promises high drama, but Marko’s prediction firmly places Verstappen in the driver’s seat.
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