Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has shed light on Max Verstappen’s reaction to the surprising news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year.
The 39-year-old will depart Mercedes to drive for the Italian team in 2025 under a multi-year deal.
The announcement of Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari caught many off guard, including Toto Wolff, who admitted being informed just a day before the public announcement.
Marko, too, expressed his astonishment at Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes.
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However, Verstappen’s response to learning about his rival’s switch was rather different.
Marko provided insight into the Dutch driver’s reaction during an interview with OE24, stating, “He was simply amused.”
Hamilton had previously stated that fulfilling a ‘childhood dream’ was a primary motivation for joining Ferrari, with hopes of clinching an eighth world title in the iconic red car.
Marko further speculated that Mercedes’ decline in recent years might have influenced Hamilton’s decision to end his longstanding partnership with the team.
“That completely surprised me as well,” Marko remarked when asked about his own reaction to the news.
“A sporting sensation, particularly the timing.
One wonders how this transpired.
“Mercedes was surpassed by Ferrari in the latter half of 2023, and McLaren also showed superior pace.
Perhaps Hamilton observed something that the outside world is yet to grasp.
This changes nothing for us, except that I perceive it as a weakening of Mercedes.
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“Typically, in such a scenario, one’s focus shifts towards the new team.
“The current team cannot involve him in any significant developments, as he would likely carry them over.
“Overall, this development is fantastic for the sport, even better than Netflix.”