The Formula 1 world is abuzz as news breaks that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, will be joining Ferrari for the 2025 season, with the Scuderia unveiling a groundbreaking car project, dubbed “Project 677.” However, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has offered a candid reaction to what many are calling a potential “advantage” for Hamilton before the new season.
Ferrari has confirmed that their 2025 car will feature a design overhaul, with team principal Fred Vasseur revealing, “The car will be completely new; I think we’ll have less than one percent of the parts in common with the 2024 car.” The team is banking on this innovation to secure its first Constructors’ Championship since 2008 and position Hamilton as a favorite for his record-breaking eighth title.
When asked about Hamilton’s upcoming venture, Verstappen didn’t hold back. “It’s interesting,” said the Dutchman. “Ferrari clearly wants to give Lewis the best possible chance, but whether it’s enough to compete with us at Red Bull remains to be seen. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the car—it’s also about the team and how they execute over the season.”
Verstappen’s comments come with the backdrop of his dominance in the sport, having secured three consecutive World Championships and consistently outperforming rivals, including Hamilton.
Ferrari’s Bold Innovations
Project 677 is set to include major technical advancements, such as a new pullrod front suspension, influenced directly by Hamilton’s driving style. This marks a shift in Ferrari’s design philosophy, aligning more closely with successful strategies employed by Red Bull and McLaren.
Fred Vasseur’s confidence in the new car is evident: “We can’t say now if 2025 will be our year, but I trust the project we’re working on.”
Despite the optimism, Verstappen was quick to downplay the significance of Ferrari’s updates. “We’ve seen bold claims before, but championships are won on consistency, not just innovation,” he stated.
A Rivalry Rekindled
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has reignited his fierce rivalry with Verstappen. Their infamous clash at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains a focal point of their relationship, with both drivers pushing boundaries on and off the track.
For now, Verstappen remains focused on maintaining Red Bull’s supremacy. “I respect Lewis for what he’s achieved, but I’m here to race and to win. Ferrari has a lot to prove if they think they can challenge us with a new car design,” Verstappen added.
As Hamilton prepares to begin his Ferrari journey, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most anticipated in recent F1 history, with the Verstappen-Hamilton rivalry entering a new and potentially explosive chapter.
