Lewis Hamilton Commends Max Verstappen’s Dominance and Offers Advice for 2024 Season

In a recent interview with Formule 1.nl Magazine, Lewis Hamilton praised Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for his impressive performance and dominant run in Formula 1. Hamilton, who battled Verstappen for the 2021 world championship, acknowledged the Dutch driver’s achievements, including winning three consecutive titles and setting records for most wins and points in the 2023 season.

“Max is doing great. I would say, ‘keep doing what you’re doing’. He’s doing great,” Hamilton remarked when asked for advice for Verstappen after securing his third world title.

Reflecting on the intense competition between them in 2021, culminating in a controversial finale, Hamilton expressed admiration for Verstappen’s subsequent period of domination. Red Bull won 19 out of 22 races in 2023, with Verstappen finishing the season with a record-breaking 575 points.

While Hamilton acknowledged the challenges faced by Mercedes in recent seasons, he holds the all-time record for race victories with 103 wins. However, he hasn’t secured a victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a streak spanning 45 races.

Hamilton drops hint over future plans

Looking ahead to the future, Hamilton hinted that an eighth title might not be the endpoint of his Formula 1 career. “I never said that an eighth title would be the end point. And I don’t know what follows after driving in Formula 1,” he stated. “I don’t necessarily feel the desire to remain active in Formula 1 any longer, but as I said before: never say ‘never’.”

Hamilton acknowledged the competitive spirit shared by drivers in Formula 1 and noted commonalities with Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. While recognizing their shared determination, he admitted to not socializing with fellow drivers outside the racing world.

“I think Max and Fernando have one thing in common with me: we are all extremely competitive. We go to great lengths to achieve what we want. I can’t say much about what they are like as a person. I only know them from the Formula 1 world, it is not the case that I visit them.”

As Hamilton awaits the upcoming season, the prospect of an eighth title remains open, and his comments suggest a willingness to continue racing beyond this milestone, keeping fans intrigued about his future in the sport.