Max Verstappen made a SHOCKING STATEMENT aimed directly at Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton right after his victory at home at the British GP “They simply don’t have the level” !!
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen ignited controversy with a bold statement aimed at Ferrari and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton following his stunning pole-to-victory performance at Silverstone. The Red Bull driver, who clinched pole position in a thrilling qualifying session and dominated the race, didn’t hold back in his post-race remarks, declaring that Ferrari “simply don’t have the level” to compete at the front of the grid. The comment, laced with Verstappen’s characteristic bluntness, has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, reigniting debates about Ferrari’s form and Hamilton’s challenging transition to the Italian team.
The Silverstone weekend was a showcase of Verstappen’s resilience and skill. Despite struggling with single-lap pace in practice, the reigning four-time world champion delivered a masterful final lap in Q3, edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to secure pole by a mere tenth of a second. On race day, Verstappen capitalized on his starting position, navigating tricky conditions and maintaining a relentless pace to claim victory. The win further solidified his position in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, where he holds a slender lead over McLaren’s Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell. However, it was Verstappen’s post-race comments that stole the headlines, overshadowing his on-track heroics.
Speaking to the media, Verstappen didn’t mince words when asked about Ferrari’s performance. The Italian team, which has shown flashes of promise with recent upgrades, struggled to match the pace of Red Bull and McLaren at Silverstone. Hamilton, in his first British Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver, finished fifth, just ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, who rounded out the top six. While Hamilton’s result was respectable given Ferrari’s mid-season struggles, Verstappen’s assessment was scathing. “They can bring upgrades, they can talk about progress, but the reality is they’re not there,” he said. “They simply don’t have the level to fight for wins right now. It’s not just about the car—it’s the whole package.”
The remarks were particularly pointed given Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. The British driver, who left Mercedes after a storied 12-year tenure, has faced a steep learning curve with the SF-25, a car that has been plagued by inconsistency and ride height issues. Hamilton’s best result this season remains a sprint race win in China, but his lack of a podium in the main races has raised questions about his adaptation to Ferrari’s setup. Verstappen’s comments appeared to take aim at both the team’s technical shortcomings and Hamilton’s inability to match teammate Leclerc, who has consistently outperformed him in qualifying and race pace.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was quick to respond, defending Hamilton and the team’s progress. “Max can say what he wants, but we’re building something here,” Vasseur told reporters. “Lewis is a champion, and we’re working through challenges together. We’re closer than people think, and Silverstone showed we’re in the mix.” Vasseur’s confidence was echoed by Hamilton, who remained optimistic despite the gap to the leaders. “Silverstone is always special, and we’re not far off,” Hamilton said. “We’re learning every weekend, and I’m confident we’ll get there.” His remarks reflected a determination to silence critics, but Verstappen’s words have added fuel to an already intense rivalry.
The Dutchman’s statement also comes against the backdrop his own uncertain future. Speculation about a potential move to Mercedes has swirled throughout the season, with Verstappen linked to the team as a replacement for Hamilton. His contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but performance-related exit clauses could allow him to leave if the team’s competitiveness falters. At Silverstone, Verstappen dismissed the rumors, reiterating his focus on improving Red Bull’s package. “I know what I have here, and I’m not chasing headlines,” he said. “My job is to win races, and that’s what I did today.”
The British Grand Prix highlighted the tight battle at the top of the 2025 season, with McLaren and Ferrari emerging as Red Bull’s closest challengers. Lando Norris, who finished third, expressed frustration at missing out on a home win but acknowledged Verstappen’s brilliance. “He’s a tough guy to beat when he’s on form,” Norris said. For Hamilton, the race was a bittersweet homecoming. The passionate Silverstone crowd, which included over 10,000 fans in the “Landostand” cheering for Norris, also gave Hamilton a hero’s welcome as he donned Ferrari red. Yet, his fifth-place finish underscored the challenges he faces in turning Ferrari’s potential into results.
Verstappen’s provocative comments have set the stage for a heated second half of the season. With three races remaining before the summer break, including Spa and the Hungaroring, Ferrari will be under pressure to prove they can close the gap. For Hamilton, the quest for a first Ferrari podium—and perhaps a record-extending 10th Silverstone win in the future—remains a driving force. As the F1 circus moves on, Verstappen’s words will linger, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable championship fight.
