Max Verstappen made a shocking statement directly targeting Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton shortly after his home victory at the GP of Great Britain: “They simply do not have the necessary level” !!
During the Grand Prix of Great Britain 2025, Max Verstappen aroused controversy by a daring declaration targeting Ferrari and the seventeenth world champion Lewis Hamilton, following his breathtaking performance, from pole position to victory, in Silverstone. Pilot Red Bull, author of the pole position during a thrilling qualifying session and dominating the race, did not hesitate in his post-race comments, declaring that Ferrari “simply did not have the level” to compete at the top of the grid. This commentary, tinged with the characteristic franchise of Verstappen, created a shock wave in the Paddock of Formula 1, reviving the debates on the performances of Ferrari and the difficult transition of Hamilton to the Italian stable.
The weekend in Silverstone testified to the resilience and talent of Verstappen. Despite difficulties in managing the pace on a tour during free tests, the quadruple world champion carried out a last masterful round in Q3, ahead of Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Lando Norris to ensure pole position with only a tenth of a second. On the day of the race, Verstappen capitalized on its starting position, sailing in difficult conditions and now a sustained pace to win. This victory consolidated his position in the 2025 pilot championship, where he has a short advance on Piastri (McLaren) and George Russell (Mercedes). However, it was Verstappen’s comments after the race that made the headlines, overshadowing its exploits on track.
Questioned by journalists about Ferrari’s performance, Verstappen remained silent. The Italian stable, which has displayed promising signs thanks to recent improvements, has struggled to keep the pace of Red Bull and McLaren in Silverstone. Hamilton, for his first Grand Prix in Great Britain as a Ferrari driver, finished fifth, just ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who completed the Top Six. If Hamilton’s result was honorable given the difficulties encountered by Ferrari in mid-season, the Verstappen’s assessment was scathing. “They can progress, they can talk about progress, but the reality is that they are not there,” he said. “They just don’t have the level to fight for the victory right now. It’s not just a car question, it’s the whole. »»
The comments were particularly scathing given the passage of Hamilton at Ferrari for the 2025 season. The British pilot, who left Mercedes after 12 years of career, had to learn to pilot the SF-25, a car plagued by inconsistencies and ground clearing problems. Its best result this season remains a victory in China, but its absence of podiums during major races has raised questions about its adaptation to Ferrari settings. Verstappen’s comments seemed to aim for both the team’s technical shortcomings and Hamilton’s inability to compete with his Leclerc teammate, who constantly surpassed him in qualifying and race.
The director of the Ferrari team, Fred Vasseur, was quick to react, defending Hamilton and the progress of the team. “Max can say what he wants, but we build something here,” Vasseur told journalists. “Lewis is a champion and we overcome the challenges together. We are closer than we think and Silverstone showed that we were in the race. Vasseur’s confidence was shared by Hamilton, who remained optimistic despite the gap with the leaders. “Silverstone is still a special event and we are not far from it,” said Hamilton. “We learn every weekend and I am convinced that we will succeed. His comments reflected a determination to silence the criticisms, but the words of Verstappen fueled an already intense rivalry.
The Dutch statement also comes in a context of uncertainty about its future. Speculations on a possible transfer to Mercedes circulated throughout the season, Verstappen being expected to replace Hamilton. His contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but liberating clauses linked to his performances could allow him to leave if the competitiveness of the team is weakening. In Silverstone, Verstappen denied these rumors, reiterating its desire to improve the Red Bull package. “I know what I have and I don’t run after the headlines,” he said. “My job is to win races, and that’s what I did today. »»
The Grand Prix of Great Britain marked the end of the 2025 season, with a tight race, McLaren and Ferrari establishing themselves as the closest opponents of Red Bull. Lando Norris, third, expressed his frustration of not having won the victory at home, but praised the talent of Verstappen. “He’s a driver difficult to beat when he’s fit,” said Norris. For Hamilton, the race was a return to the Sweet-Amer sources. The public passionate about Silverstone, including more than 10,000 spectators in the “Landostand” acclaiming Norris, also welcomed Hamilton as a hero, dressed in Ferrari Red. However, his fifth place highlighted the challenges he must take up to materialize Ferrari’s potential.
Verstappen’s provocative remarks suggest a second half of the tight season. Three races from the end of the summer break, including SPA and Hungarring, Ferrari will have to prove his ability to reduce the gap. For Hamilton, the quest for Ferrari’s first podium-and perhaps a tenth record victory in Silverstone in the future-remains an engine. While the F1 circus takes place, Verstappen’s words will remain engraved in the memory, adding an additional dose of suspense to an already unpredictable championship.
