It has been four years since Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen last went head-to-head in one of the greatest title rivalries in Formula 1 history. The Briton was on the verge of making history with a record 8th world championship title, only for the young and fierce Dutchman to snatch the trophy in a dramatic final act.
While the world anticipated a Hamilton comeback in 2022, reality painted a different picture as Mercedes struggled with frequent development setbacks and gradually slipped down the pecking order. However, senior Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes that 2025 could be the year for the seven-time world champion amidst his morale-boosting move to Ferrari.
The Austrian also pointed out that both Hamilton and Ferrari need to improve to challenge the “best driver” on the grid, Verstappen.
Marko continues to praise Verstappen over Hamilton
Ahead of the F1 75 launch event, Marko was asked if Hamilton could still be considered a serious competitor for Verstappen. “We’ll know that after the tests when we see how good the Ferrari is. Max is definitely the best driver,” he told OE24.
However, that wasn’t it! Marko also opined that Hamilton’s performance in 2025 could depend entirely on his level of motivation, following a struggle-filled end to his Mercedes tenure.
Is Lewis Hamilton past his prime?
Many continue to wonder if Ferrari’s costly gamble on Hamilton could come back to haunt them in the future. However, Marko remains certain that Ferrari could turn things around if Hamilton could improve his qualifying performances.
“I would be cautious about that. If Hamilton is motivated, he can continue where he left off in 2021,” Marko said. “The comeback he delivered back then was impressive. The Ferrari has to be competitive, though.
🚨 | Ferrari’s 2025 livery is here!
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“And Hamilton has to get qualifying right, that was never his strength. If he loses two or three-tenths to Leclerc, he always has to work his way up a few starting positions. That puts a strain on the tires,” he concluded.
Both Red Bull and Ferrari have opted against making significant changes to their 2025 liveries. But the question remains: can their on-track performances replicate those of 2024, or will Ferrari rise to the challenge and end its decade-long championship drought?
